 He participated in the session of the territorial assembly that convened on 25 August, but informed that body on 27 August that he needed to take a leave of absence for health reasons, appointing José Castro as interim governor.Beginning 6 September, he was confined to his bed and on 22 September, he resigned, appointing José Castro as his successor.On 27 September, he wrote his last will, asking that his body be preserved and buried at Mission Santa Barbara.