The revolt, called Battle of Cahuenga Pass, against his governorship, led to his abbreviated twelve-month tenure, and subsequent exile.
From 1831 to 1835, Argüello was captain of the company and took part, with his brother-in-law Agustín V. Zamorano, in the 1831 revolt against Governor Manuel Victoria].
An army of 150 men raised in San Diego by Jose Antonio Carrillo and Pio Pico marched into the pueblo and released all prisoners.
Governor Manuel Victoria was severely wounded fighting rebellious locals at the Battle of Cahuenga Pass.
Then Agustín V. Zamorano in the north, and José María de Echeandía in the south, served as provisional governors from 1832 to 1833.