General José María Flores (1818–1866) was a captain in the Mexican Army and was a member of la otra banda.

Californios, upset by Gillespie's iron grip, assembled a force to retake Los Angeles.

Captain José María Flores, one of the officers, was chosen to act as comandante general.

Gillespie sent for Benjamin Wilson in the San Bernardino area to bring a force of American sympathizers to aid in securing Los Angeles.

Flores wanted to send the prisoners to Mexico City, but many people opposed the idea.

On October 6, 1846, 420 Americans, including 203 United States Marines, led by Captain William Mervine landed at San Pedro.

On October 7, 1846, the American forces advanced to the Spanish adobe buildings of the Dominguez Rancho.

On October 8 they defeated the marines in a one-hour battle, killing four while suffering zero casualties, and driving the Americans back to San Pedro Bay.

Flores decided not to send the Chino prisoners to Mexico City and no evidence was found in regards to the missing funds.

After the victorious battle, Flores requested that Pico return to Los Angeles, but to leave men in the south to watch the American movements.

Flores sent José del Carmen Lugo and his militia to Temecula to avenge the killings.

By January 4, 1847, Stockton and Kearny had joined forces (totalling 660 men) and were marching towards the Los Angeles area.

Flores sent messengers requesting a truce lasting until eventual word from Mexico City about an end to the war.

On January 8, 1847, Stockton's army encountered Flores's Californios at the Battle of Rio San Gabriel.

On January 9, 1847, Flores's troops encountered Stockton's forces one last time at the Battle of La Mesa.