The leaders on both sides were punished, the neophyte Domingo even being sentenced to work in chains.
In 1806 the venerable Santa Maria, one of the Mission founders, died.
His remains were ultimately placed in the new church.
In 1800 the largest population in its history was reached, with 1297 souls.

Cattle and horses prospered, and the crops were reported as among the best in California.
The earthquake of 1812-1813 did considerable damage at San Buenaventura.
Afraid lest the sea would swallow them up, the people fled to San Joaquin y Santa Ana for three months, where a temporary _jacal_ church was erected.

The tower and a part of the _fachada_ had to be torn down and rebuilt, and this was done by 1818, with a new chapel dedicated to San Miguel in addition.
That San Buenaventura was prosperous is shown by the fact that in June, 1820, the government owed it $27,385 for supplies, $6200 in stipends, and $1585 for a cargo of hemp,--a total of $35,170, which, says Bancroft, "there was not the slightest chance of it ever receiving." In 1823 the president and vice-prefect Senan, who had served as padre at this Mission for twenty-five years, died August 24, and was buried by the side of Santa Maria.

After his death San Buenaventura began rapidly to decline.
In 1822 a neophyte killed his wife for adultery.

It is interesting to note that in presenting his case the fiscal said that as the culprit had been a Christian only seven years, and was yet ignorant in matters of domestic discipline, he asked for the penalty of five years in the chain gang and then banishment.
The baptisms for the whole period of the Mission's history, viz., for 1782-1834, are 3876.