Civil-Govt troubles with the Alcaldes & satisfactory results (the full LA Alcalde-Foster reinstatement…

Civil-Govt troubles with the Alcaldes & satisfactory results (the full LA Alcalde-Foster reinstatement narrative, cf. docs 104b/228): acknowledges receipt of Gov's communication of Dec 10 enclosing commission of Stephen C. Foster as Alcalde of the dist., together with a letter to the Alcalde directing him to turn over books & papers & other property to his successor Mr. Foster; the Foster commission enclosed in one from Mr. Stearns, expressing fully the reasons the Alcalde [Palomares] declined the Sept appt of Mr. Foster; on 1 Sept the old town Ayuntamiento assembled, ready to receive communication; Stevenson immediately presented himself with Mr. Foster, introduced him as the Alcalde appointed by the Gov. for the year 1848; stated Foster should be at once put to exercise his office, & subsequently (if this don't necessary) they only administer to him the oath of office in usual form of the country; requiring the [old] Alcalde to deliver over the archives; one of the Ayuntamiento inquiring if this election of alcaldes was to be disregarded, or whether their alcaldes would be permitted to act, & Mr. Foster assume the duties of Juez de 1ª Instancia which would give him control of all their actions without violation of the ancient privileges of the town; Stevenson replied he had no power to change it, & if they, individually or collectively, felt aggrieved, would with great pleasure take charge of memorial/protest they chose to prepare, but his duty required he should see Gov's order executed; then required to swear in Foster & required all present to obey; Ml. Requena[?], Alcalde of 1847, permitted to turn over the pub. records & property to the elected successor de Palomares, provided he close to be sworn into office; a committee from the Ayuntamiento waited on Stevenson with the respectful reports of the Corporation that seconded permit their Alcaldes to be sworn into office & enter on their duties, agreeing that Foster as Juez de 1ª Instancia should supervise; the pub. interest would be better served by the proposed arrangement & Foster relieved of the trifling business incumbent on an Alcalde's office & better able to devote his time to more important public matters; Stevenson consented, provided the Ayuntamiento make the request in writing; on Monday at 10 o'clock the committee returned, all officers sworn in & a committee appointed to make the written communication; regarded as a formal resignation of the entire Ayuntamiento, leaving Foster Alcalde without any person to aid him in the civil govt of the town, distinctly stated the Ayuntamiento would not accept any office under him; the first business in order was to feed the prisoners & pay a guard for the prison; result satisfactory

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