As the native-born Californio population reached adulthood, many of them became impatient that the government of Mexico continued to choose non-native born governors.

Following the Californio Juan Bautista Alvarado, the central government in 1842 appointed the Oaxaca-born Manuel Micheltorena as governor, who proved very unpopular.

He had no money to feed his army, which then spread out to people’s homes and farms “like a plague of locusts, stripping the countryside bare.” This enraged the Californians and led to widespread hatred of Micheltorena.

Upon learning of the impending revolt, Micheltorena appointed John Sutter to lead troops in opposition.

Ignoring Sutter, Marsh seized an opportunity during the battle to signal the other side for a parley.