The bishop responded that the decree had not been enforced elsewhere, and as for him the California padres might remain at their posts.

Governor Sola said he had received no official news of so important a change, but that when he did he "would act with the circumspection and prudence which so delicate a subject demands." With Iturbide's imperial regency came a new trouble to California, largely provoked by thoughts of the great wealth of the Missions.

The imperial decree creating the regency was not announced until the end of 1821, and practically all California acquiesced in it.

But in the meantime Agustin Fernandez de San Vicente had been sent as a special commissioner to "learn the feelings of the Californians, to foment a spirit of independence, to obtain an oath of allegiance, to raise the new national flag," and in general to superintend the change of government.

He arrived in Monterey September 26, but found nothing to alarm him, as nobody seemed to care much which way things went.