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GENERAL LIBRARY -OF THE --
PARK CHURCH -IN-
ELMIRA, N. Y.
No. 1703
THE WORKS
OF
HUBERT HOWE BANCROFT.
THE WORKS
OF
HUBERT HOWE BANCROFT.
VOLUME XIX.
CALIFORNIA.
VOL. II. 1801-1824.
SAN FRANCISCO : A. L. BANCROFT & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. 1885.
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
Entered according to Act of Congress in the Year 1885, by HUBERT H. BANCROFT, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
All Rights Reserved.
CONTENTS OF THIS VOLUME.
- -
1216892
CHAPTER I.
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD OF EVENTS. 1801-1803.
PAGE
Opening of the Century-An Uneventful Year-The Enterprise, Cap- tain Hubbell-Spanish Vessels-President and Bishop-Proposed Route to New Mexico-Proposed Colony of Perez de Tagle-Death of Pedro de Alberni-Troubles of the Friars-No Change in Mission System-Chaplains-Mission Land Controversies-Death of Presi- dent Fermin Francisco de Lasuen-Life and Character of a Great Missionary-Estévan Tapis President-American Traders-The Le- lia Byrd, Captain Shaler-Cleveland's Narrative-A Battle at San Diego-The Fur-trade-Adventures of John Brown of the Alexan- der-The Hazard, James Rowan-Departure of the Catalan Volun- teers
1
CHAPTER II.
RECORD OF EVENTS-ARRILLAGA'S RULE.
1804-1806.
Nueva California a Separate Province-Arrillaga Political and Military Governor-The Lelia Byrd and Hazard on the Coast-The first Californian Narrative in the United States-Captain O'Cain-Rus- sian Contracts-Precautions against Foreigners-Arrillaga and Tapis on Missions-Founding of Santa Inés-Padre Romualdo Gutierrez- An Increase of Military Force-Militia Artillery Company-Fears of Anglo-Americans-Proposed Mission on Santa Bárbara Islands-In- dian Hostilities at San José Mission-Arrillaga on Provincial Needs -An Armed Cruiser - The Peacock and the Reisos - Captive Sailors-Winship's Voyage-Campbell's Voyage-The Guardian's Mission Regulations.
20
CHAPTER III. INLAND EXPLORATIONS. 1806-1810.
Preliminary Résumé of Inland Exploration-Fages, Crespí, Anza, Font, and Garcés-A Tierra Incógnita-Discoveries by Indian Hunters-
( vii )
viii
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Arrillaga's Efforts-Vague Allusions-The River San Joaquin Named -Expedition of Maitorena and Sanchez from San Diego-Ruiz and Zalvidea from Santa Bárbara-Tulares and Buenavista-Moraga and Muñoz from Monterey - Mariposa-Merced River - Tuolumne- Kings River-Sites for New Missions-Later Explorations-Diaries of Viader-Names of Rancherias.
43
CHAPTER IV.
RUSSIAN RELATIONS-VISIT OF REZANOF AND LANGSDORFF. 1806-1810.
Preliminary Résumé of Russian American Annals-Spanish Movements and Policy-English and American Intervention-Russo-American Contracts-O'Cain-Rezánof's Visit to San Francisco-Authorities on the Voyage-Russian Motives-A Starving Colony-The Juno and her Cargo-Diplomacy-An Honest Governor-Trading Friars- Deserters -- Rumors of War-Critical State of Affairs-Love and Ro- mance-Doña Concepcion Argüello-Rezánof's Departure and Death -Langsdorff's Observations-Swift and Ayres on the Coast-The Derby and the Mercury-Plans for Commerce and a Settlement -Kuskof at Bodega-Voyage of the Winships-Russian Schemes .. 58
CHAPTER V.
CHRONOLOGICAL NARRATIVE OF EVENTS.
1807-1810.
Precautions-A Spanish Cruiser-The Derby and the O'Cain, Cap- tains Swift and Winship-Holy Oil-A Strange Flag-Warnings against the French-The Dromo-The Mercury, Capt. Ayres- American Deserters-Troubles in Spain-Fernando VII. Recognized in California-Contribution for War against Napoleon-President Tapis Reelected-Drought of 1809-Neophyte Laborers-Indian Troubles in 1810-Moraga's Battle at Suisun-Revolt at San Gabriel -Otter-hunters-The Winship Brothers-The O'Cain, Albatross, Isabella, Mercury, Catherine, Amethyst, and Charon, on the Coast, 1810-12-Smith and Gale-A Transport Captured by Insurgents ... 83
CHAPTER VI.
LOCAL EVENTS AND PROGRESS-SOUTHERN DISTRICTS.
1801-1810.
San Diego Presidio-Officials-Jose Font-Manuel Rodriguez-Quarrel between Ruiz and Guerra-Raimundo Carrillo-Lujan-Population- Finances-Forts-Visits of American Traders-Pablo Grijalva-San Diego Mission-Irrigation Works-Earthquake-New Church-Sta- tistics-José Panella-San Luis Rey-New Church-José García- Domingo Carranza-San Juan Capistrano - Fire -Church-José
ix
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Faura-Los Angeles-Ranchos-Pueblo and Mission-San Gabriel -Pedro de San José Estévan-Antonio Cruzado-Isidoro Barcenilla -San Fernando-Nicolás Lázaro-José Antonio Uría-Martin Lan- daeta-Santa Bárbara Presidio-Captain Goycoechea-Population- Finances-Earthquake and Storm-Criminal Cases-Santa Bárbara Mission-Epidemic -- Padre Cortés-San Buenaventura-Santa Ma- ría-Purísima-Fernandez-Payeras' Report. 97
CHAPTER VII.
LOCAL EVENTS AND PROGRESS-NORTHERN DISTRICTS.
1801-1810.
San Francisco Presidio-Officials, Forces, and Population-Finances- Buildings-Langsdorff's Visit-Earthquake of 1808-Affairs at the Mission-Ministers-Statistics-Pueblo of San José-Jurisdiction- Population-Comisionado and Alcalde-Chapel-Boundary Troubles -Santa Clara-Mission San José-Pedro de la Cueva-New Church- Monterey-Statistics of Population and Finance-Bears-Silver- mines-San Carlos-Buenavista-Relic-Pujol-San Luis Obispo- San Miguel-Poisoned Padres-Fire-San Antonio-Sitjar and Me- relo-Soledad-San Juan Bautista-Santa Cruz-Branciforte. . . . 125
CHAPTER VIII.
MISSIONS, PUEBLOS, AND LANDS. 1801-1810.
Spanish Population - Statistics-Friars - Arrivals, Departures, and Deaths-Neophytes-Baptisms and Burials-Live-stock-Agricultu- ral Products-Franciscans versus Secular Government-Minor Con- troversies and Concessions-Missionaries Lose their Watches-Guar- dians of San Fernando-Procurador and Síndico-Ecclesiastical Matters-Pueblos-Settlers-Convicts-Land Grants and Private Ranchos 158
CHAPTER IX.
INSTITUTIONS AND INDUSTRIES.
1801-1810.
The Labor Question-Gentiles or Neophytes-Manufactures-Ortega's Silver-mine - Agriculture-Crops-Pests-Seasons-Regulations- Hemp and Flax-Joaquin Sanchez-Large Shipments of Fibre-A Flourishing Enterprise and Sudden Failure-Stock-raising-Cattle, Horses, and Sheep-Slaughter of Horses-Commerce-Smuggling- Trade of the Transports-Finance and Supplies-Habilitado General -Military - Political Government - Administration of Justice- Schools Wanted.
174
x
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER X.
THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD-HARD TIMES. 1811-1817. PAGE
The Revolution in New Spain-Effect in California-Firm Allegiance to the King-Arrival of the News-Non-arrival of the Supply-vessel- Capture of Guerra-Dependence on Foreign Vessels-The Earth- quakes of 1812-Beginning of the Lima Trade-A Windfall from the Mercury-Death of Arrillaga - Argüello Acting Governor-Sola's Appointment and Arrival-Foreign Policy-Surrender to the Inevi- table-Trade with the Colonel-The Insurgents Coming-The San Carlos with War-stores and Memorias of 1846-Sola's Report of 1817-Lima Ships and Tallow Trade-Trouble with the Friars about Supplies from the Missions. 194
CHAPTER XI.
BOUCHARD AND THE INSURGENTS.
1818.
El Año de los Insurgentes-The Revolution in South America-The Lima Ships-Gyzelaar's Warning-Sola's Instructions-Preparations for Defence-Bouchard's Arrival-The Argentina and Santa Rosa -- A Russian Story-Authorities-Attack on Monterey-Artillery Bat- tle-Vallejo and his Battery-Sola's Retreat to Rancho del Rey- The Presidio Burned-The Pirates at El Refngio-Prisoners Taken -- At Santa Bárbara-An Insurgent Trick-Aların at San Buenaven- tura-Bouchard Lands at San Juan Capistrano-Deserters-Friars and Santiago Argüello-The Tumult at Santa Cruz-Departure of the Pirates-Results and Conclusions. 220
CHAPTER XII.
LAST THREE YEARS OF THE DECADE. 1818-1820.
Sola's Report on Presidios and Missions-Destitution-Mission Aid-Re- · enforcements from Mexico-Navarrete's Company of San Blas Infan- try-Portilla's Company of Mazatlan Cavalry-The Cholos-Hard Times Continued-Sola Disgusted-Small Comfort from the Viceroy -Generosity of the Friars-No Foreign Cargoes-The Governor Tries in Vain to Resign-Captain José de la Guerra Sent to Mexico -His Aims and Efforts-His Return with Supplies-Revival of Foreign and Spanish Trade-Arrival of Artillery Detachment under Ramirez-Fear of Insurgents-Royalist Companies-The Spanish Constitution of 1812 in California.
250
xi
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII.
FOREIGN RELATIONS-MARITIME AFFAIRS-AND CONTRABAND TRADE.
IS11-1820. PAGE
Bidarka-fleets-Capture of the Mercury-Cannon at San Pedro-The Pedler Seized-The Isaac Todd and Raccoon-Gilroy-The War of 1812-Restrictions-The Columbia-Eliot de Castro and the Ilmen-The Lydia and Albatross-Thomas Doak-Kotzebue's Visit -Chamisso and Choris-A Supply-ship at Last-The Lima Traders -Tallow-Wilcox and the Caminante-The Capitan Colorado- Roquefeuil's Visits in the Bordelais-Fernandez and Suñol-Items of the Last Three Years-The Insurgents Coming-Fears of Ameri- cans-Chapman and Rose-Trading Fleet of 1820. 267
CHAPTER XIV.
RUSSIANS IN CALIFORNIA-FOUNDATION AND PROGRESS OF FORT ROSS. 1811-1820.
Proclamation of the Company-Kuskof's First Visit to Bodega-Second Visit-Founding of Ross-Moraga's Three Visits to Ross-Slobod- chikof's Traffic -Viceroy's Orders-Excuses-Moraga's Report- Capture of the Pedler-Argüello's Policy -- The Suwarof at San Fran cisco-Visit of Kuskof in the Chirikof-Sola's Policy-The Ilmen- Capture of Eliot de Castro, Tarakanof, and Aleuts-Kotzebue's Visit -Gervasio Argüello at Ross-Conference at the Presidio-Padushkin at Monterey-The Russians must Go-A Territorial Claim-Hage- meister's Visit-Visits of Golovnin and Khlébnikof-Rumors of . 294 Cession-Proposition to Abandon Ross.
CHAPTER XV.
EXPLORATIONS-INDIAN AFFAIRS-FOUNDING OF SAN RAFAEL.
1811-1820.
Abella Explores the Lower San Joaquin and Sacramento by Water- Original Names-Indians Troublesome at San Gabriel-Soto's Battle -Padre Cabot Explores the Tulares-Sola's Grand Expedition- Friars' Report on the Indian Tribes-An Important Document- Padre Martinez Visits the Tulareños-A Presidio and Missions Rec- ommended-The Native Islanders-Founding of San Rafael Asisten- cia-Tour of Padre Payeras-The Names Petaluma, Sacramento, and Sonoma-Disaster at San Buenaventura-Colorado Indians-Victory of Sanchez over the Moquelumnes-Estudillo's Campaign-Moraga's Unsuccessful Expedition against the Mojaves-Notes on Indian Af- fairs of the Decade.
321
xii
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVI.
LOCAL ANNALS OF THE SOUTH. 1811-1820. PAGE
San Diego Presidio-Officials-Troubles of Captain Ruiz-Population- Statistics-Proposed Removal-Petty Occurrences of a Decade- Mission San Diego-Padre Panto Poisoned-New Church-Chapel at Santa Isabel-San Luis Rey-A Prosperous Mission-Branch at Pala-San Juan Capistrano-Earthquake-Los Angeles-List of Cit- izens-Pueblo Chapel-Private Ranchos-San Gabriel-Francisco Dumetz-José de Miguel-Beginning at San Bernardino-Father's Muñoz and Urresti-San Fernando-Santa Bárbara Presidio-Biog- raphy of Captain José Argüello-Force and Population-Events- Mission-Padre Amestoy-New Church-San Buenaventura-Puri- sima-Removal-Santa Inés 340
CHAPTER XVII.
LOCAL ANNALS OF THE NORTH. 1811-1820.
San Francisco-Officials, Population, and Finances-Buildings-Litho- graphic Views-Foreign Visitors-The Mission-Father Saenz- Across the Bay-Mission San José-Santa Clara-Pueblo of San José-Officials-The Chapel-School - Road-Monterey Presidial District-Statistics-Presidio Buildings-Reconstruction-School- A Bear Story-Recapitulation of Foreign Vessels-Ranchos-San Cárlos-San Luis Obispo-San Miguel-San Antonio-Soledad-Flo- rencio Ibañez-San Juan Bautista-Santa Cruz-Padre Marquinez- Murder of Padre Andrés Quintana-Villa de Branciforte. . 370
CHAPTER XVIII.
MISSION AFFAIRS.
1811-1820.
Population-Missionaries-Neophytes, Baptisms, Deatlıs, Agriculture, and Live-stock-President-Comisario Prefecto-Guardian-Mission Documents-Decree of Secularization-Duties of Friars-Exhorta- tions of Supervisors-Extravagant Luxury-Autobiography of the Padres-Mission Management-Need of New Workers-Cession to College of Orizaba-Protest of Paycras and Southern Friars-Scñan to Write a History-Ecclesiastical Affairs-Inquisition. 392
CHAPTER XIX. INSTITUTIONS AND INDUSTRIES. IS11-1820.
Pueblos-No Colonists or Convicts-Ranchos and Lands-Spanish De- cree on Public Lands-Inoperative in California-Labor and Labor-
xiii
CONTENTS.
PAGE
ers-Natives Bear the Burden-Manufactures-Roads and Bridges -Primitive Mills-Mines-Traditions of Gold-Agriculture-Flood and Drought-Pests-Special Products-Live-stock-Commerce- Free-trade-Duties-Lima Ships-Export of Tallow-Furs-Retail Shops at Monterey-Prices-Finance-Habilitado General-Gervasio Argüello-Military-Force and Distribution-Provincial and Munic- ipal Government-Administration of Justice-Crimes and Penalties -Sola's Efforts for Education-School-boy Days at Monterey . .... 413
CHAPTER XX.
THE LAST YEAR OF SPANISH RULE. 1821.
Beginning of a New Decade -- Nothing Known of the Regency-Maro- meros-Secularization Decree-Padres Offer to Give up the Missions -Governor and Bishop Decline-Payeras versus Sola-Policy of the Friars, Real and Pretended-Destitution -Supplies-Politic Gener- osity of Franciscans-Duties on Exports and Imports-A Controversy -Movements of Vessels-American Smugglers-Vaccination-Sola's Discontent-Rumor of a New Governor-Indian Affairs-Colorado Tribes-Southern Rancherias-A Cold Season-An Imperial Docu- ment-Foreigners-Argüello's Expedition to the North 430
CHAPTER XXI.
A PROVINCE OF THE MEXICAN EMPIRE. 1822.
News of Independence and the Regency-Junta of April 9th at Monterey -Oath of Allegiance-First Provincial Election-Sola as Diputado to the Cortes-Events and Fears in Mexico-Iturbide Sends a Co- misionado-The Emperor Agustin I .- Arrival of the Canónigo Fer- nandez in September-Change of Flag-Junta of October-Ayunta- mientos-Diputacion-The Canónigo at Ross-Priestly Mishaps- Election of Governor-Wire-pulling -- Argüello Defeats Guerra- Loyalty of the Friars-Departure of Fernandez and Sola-Biographi- cal Notices-Character of Sola-Commerce and Finance-Vessels- Gale and the Boston Trade-McCulloch and Hartnell-Capture of the Eagle-Foreigners-Mission Supplies-Indian Affairs-The Sea- son.
450
CHAPTER XXII.
ARGÜELLO'S RULE-LAST OF THE EMPIRE-A NEW MISSION AT SONOMA. 1823.
Political Rumors-The Empire Proclaimed in April-Governor Tosta's Exploits-Downfall of Iturbide Announced in November-California Approves-Federation Proposed-Junta Summoned-Sessions of the
xiv
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Diputacion-A Ring and Lobby-Signs of Secularization-Violence to a Padre-Deatlı of Prefect Payeras and President Señan-Their Life and Character-Sarria as Prelate-Vessels on the Coast-Com- merce-Purchase of the Rover-Otter-hunting Contract-Foreign Residents-A Mission at Sonoma-Exploration by Altimira-New San Francisco-Trouble among the Friars-A Compromise-Name Changed to San Francisco Solano-Annals of 1824-30-Santiago Argüello in the North-Romero's Expedition from Sonora, 1823-6 .. 482
CHAPTER XXIII.
EVENTS OF ARGUELLO'S RULE-INDIAN REVOLT.
1824.
National Politics-Junta at Monterey-Plan de Gobierno-California's First Constitution-Sessions of the Diputacion -- Bandos against Crim- inals-Communications with Mexico-Miñon Appointed Governor- Colonization Law-The Missions and Padres-Question of Supplies -Stipends Paid-List of Vessels-Cooper's Voyage to China-Otter Contract-Commerce and Revenue-Kotzebue's Visit and Impres- sions-Foreign Residents, Old and New-Revolt of Neophytes in the South-Motives-Burning of Santa Inés-Purísima Taken-Fight and Flight at Santa Bárbara-Estrada's Campaign-Expeditions of Fabregat and Portilla to the Tulares-Capture and Execution of Pomponio. 510
CHAPTER XXIV.
LOCAL ANNALS-SAN DIEGO DISTRICT.
1821-1830.
San Diego Presidio-Ruiz and Estudillo-Biographical Sketches-Offi- cers, Military Force, and Population-Presidial Finance-The Port -- Rancho del Rey, or Rancho Nacional-Town and its Buildings- Private Ranchos-Visits of Morrell, Duhaut-Cilly, and Pattic-A School-Criminal Record-Indian Affairs-Residence of the Gov- ernor-Chronologie Record of Local Happenings-Floods, Politics, and Foreign Visitors-Mission San Diego-Ministers-Statistics- Chapel at Santa Isabel-Names of Rancherías and Mission Ranchos -San Luis Rey-Events and Statistics-Branch at Pala-Lands- San Juan Capistrano-A Period of Decline. 539
CHAPTER XXV.
LOCAL ANNALS-SANTA BÁRBARA DISTRICT.
1821-1830.
Pueblo of Los Angeles-Population-Ayuntmaiento, and Municipal Af- fairs-Chapel-Inundation-Port of San Pedro-Private Ranchos and Land Grants-Mission San Gabriel-Padre Nuez-Lands-San
XV
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Fernando-Statistics-Mission Ranchos-Ulibarri-Guerra versus Ibarra-Santa Bárbara Presidio-Lieutenant Gabriel Moraga-Offi- cers-Company Statistics-Criminal Record-Local Events-Santa Bárbara Mission-Fathers Jaime and Ripoll-San Buenaventura- Items of Decadence-Altimira-Purísima Mission-Death of Rodri- guez-Santa Inés 557
CHAPTER XXVI.
LOCAL ANNALS-SAN FRANCISCO DISTRICT. 1821-1830.
San Francisco Presidio-Officers-Pedro Amador and his Son José María -Military Force and Population-Buildings and Surroundings- Chart of the Bay-Yerba Buena Anchorage-Foreign Visitors --- Chronologie Summary of Events-Private Ranchos of the District- Mission San Francisco-Ministers-Statistics-Lands-Buildings- San Rafael-Aboriginal Names-Proposed Suppression-Marin and Quintin-The Tamales-Mission San José-Statistics of Progress- Petty Events-Santa Clara-Magin Catalá -- New Church-Pueblo of San José-Gain in Population-Descriptions by Visitors-School -Municipal Government and Criminal Record-Attached to San Francisco 583
CHAPTER XXVII.
LOCAL ANNALS-MONTEREY DISTRICT. 1821-1830.
Monterey Presidio-Military Officers-Force of the Garrison-Population -Statistics-Buildings - Municipal Affairs - Official List-Petty Events-Private Ranchos of the District-San Carlos Mission-Sta- tistical View-Mission Ranchos-San Luis Obispo-Padre Luis Mar- tinez-Bad Investments-Crops and Live-stock-Lands-San Miguel -Death of Father Martin-Statistics of Decline-San Antonio de Padua-Juan Bautista Sancho-Population and Industries-Soledad Mission-Changes in Ministers-A Neophyte Election-San Juan Bautista-Life of Estévan Tapis-Santa Cruz-Retirement of Olbés -Agricultural Prosperity-Villa de Branciforte
607
CHAPTER XXVIII. ROSS AND THE RUSSIANS. 1821-1830.
Description of Ross-Site and Buildings-Population and System-Es- tablishment at the Farallones-Otter-hunting-Statistics-Trade in Californian Ports - Exports - Agriculture-Stock-raising-Indus- tries-Ship-building-Bibliography of Ross-Chronologie Record, 1821-30-Russian Policy-Fears in Mexico-Schmidt Succeeds
xvi
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Kuskof-Vessels-The Canónigo Fernandez at Ross, and Results- Argüello's Otter Contract-Kotzebue's Visit-Solano-Zavalishin's Negotiations-Mexican Policy-Fears of the Junta-Echeandia ver- sus Russians-Shelikliof Succeeds Schmidt-Salt Contract-Fears in Sonora-Visit of Duhaut-Cilly-Pattie's Visit-Echeandia's Question -Kostromitinof Manager
628
CHAPTER XXIX.
INSTITUTIONARY AND STATISTICAL.
1821-1830.
Increase in Population-List of Foreigners-Gentiles-Mission Progress Padres-Statistics-Baptisms, Deaths, Herds, and Crops-President, Prefect, and Other Officials-Ecclesiastical Affairs-Succession of Popes-Bishop-Chaplain-Popular Religion-The Walcz-Church Asylum-Pueblos and Ranchos-Colonization and Land Grants- List of Grants-Manufactures-Labor and Wages-Mines -- Agricul- ture-Stock-raising - Regulations -Commerce-Prices-Finance -- Military-Government-Administration of Justice-Education ..... 653
PIONEER REGISTER AND INDEX. 'Abbott' to 'Ezquer'.
..... . 68
·
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
CHAPTER I.
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD OF EVENTS.
1801-1803.
OPENING OF THE CENTURY-AN UNEVENTFUL YEAR-THE 'ENTERPRISE,' CAPTAIN HUBBELL-SPANISH VESSELS-PRESIDENT AND BISHOP-PRO- POSED ROUTE TO NEW MEXICO-PROPOSED COLONY OF PEREZ DE TAGLE- DEATH OF PEDRO DE ALBERNI-TROUBLES OF THE FRIARS-NO CHANGE IN MISSION SYSTEM-CHAPLAINS-MISSION LAND CONTROVERSIES-DEATH OF PRESIDENT FERMIN FRANCISCO DE LASUEN-LIFE AND CHARACTER OF A GREAT MISSIONARY-ESTÉVAN TAPIS PRESIDENT-AMERICAN TRADERS- THE 'LELIA BYRD,' CAPTAIN SHALER-CLEVELAND'S NARRATIVE-A BATTLE AT SAN DIEGO-THE FUR-TRADE-ADVENTURES OF JOHN BROWN OF THE ' ALEXANDER'-THE ' HAZARD,' JAMES ROWAN-DEPARTURE OF THE CATALAN VOLUNTEERS.
IN the preceding volume the annals of California were brought down to the end of the last century. After a résumé of events in northern Mexico prior to 1769, a bibliographic view of authorities consulted, and a chapter on the earliest voyages to the coast from Cabrillo's discovery in 1542 to Vizcaino's explora- tion in 1602-3, was presented a minute record of the Spanish pacification and occupation of the shore-line from San Diego to San Francisco Bay, including the founding of missions, presidios, and pueblos. In this volume I complete the history of California as a province of Spain, note also the country's brief experi- ence as part of the Mexican empire, and bring the general record down to the beginning of republican rule in 1824. Local and institutionary annals are
VOL. II. 1
(1)
2
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD OF EVENTS.
continued beyond this limit to 1830. The rest of the volume is devoted to the first parts of a Pioneer Register and Index, containing biographic notices of all who came before 1849, a new feature in provincial annals, which it is hoped will merit approval.
The century opened quietly. Perhaps there were not in the whole course of provincial annals less event- ful years than those of 1801 and 1802. Arrillaga as temporary governor issued his routine orders from Loreto, and Alberni as commandant had a very easy time of it at Monterey. Orders came from Mexico to be on guard against hostile foreigners, to watch for British ships that had doubled 'Cabo de Hornos,' and to treat with great circumspection and prudence the Anglo-Americans "who were continually arriving on the coast." The orders were duly promulgated, but no foreign craft made its appearance with hostile intent, though in May two large vessels and a small one were sighted off the coast between Monterey and Santa Barbara,1 and in June the American ship Enterprise, carrying ten guns and a crew of twenty- one men, touched at San Diego for supplies. She was from New York, and was under the command of Ezekiel Hubbell.2
Local happenings of the year include the illness of four or five friars at San Miguel and San Antonio, and the death of one of the number, under circum- stances suggestive of poisoning by neophytes; a somewhat destructive epidemic among the Santa Bárbara Indians; a fight near Santa Clara in which five Indians were killed; a false alarm of a plot to
Prov. St. Pap., MS., xviii. 77, 88, 96, 98, 118, 133-4. Communications between viceroy and governor. March 2, 1802, strict vigilance ordered, owing to war with England. Id., Ben. Mil., MS., xxxii. 13.
2 Prov. Rec., MS., xii. 11, 12. The supply-ships of this year were the Princesa and Concepcion. They went up to Bodega, where they were separated in a fog, the former entering San Francisco Bay and the latter, after narrowly escaping grounding off the Salinas, reaching Monterey August 9th. They were at Santa Bárbara in November and at San Diego in December, probably not sailing until January or February. Estudillo, Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., i. 40, 42, 44, 47; Prov. Rec., MIS., x. 13; xi. 87, 161; xii. 8, 13, 14.
3
A VISITADOR EXPECTED.
kill the minister and burn the mission of San Carlos; and a fire at San Juan Capistrano which destroyed quite a large amount of grain.3
The president was alarmed at the rumored intention of the bishop to send a visitador to inspect the Cali- fornian establishments. Lasuen regarded it as an unheard of thing for the ecclesiastical authorities to interfere in Franciscan affairs; but he wrote to the guardian for instructions, suggesting the expediency of issuing a report to show the zeal of the friars together with new instructions on mission manage- ment, to the end that if the visitador should note any carelessness he might not deem it habitual or sanc- tioned by the Franciscan authorities. . The guardian, Gasol, replied that the bishop could not act without the pope's special authority or a commission from the king. Should he come with merely episcopal author- ity he was to be received kindly, but not allowed to make his visita until the matter could be reported to the college, unless indeed it was likely to cause disturb- ance, in which case the president might use his dis- cretion. The bishop attempted no interference, but the alarm not improbably roused the friars to new zeal and caution.4
In Mexico the project of opening land communica- tion between New Mexico and California was discussed anew in connection with the pending question of dividing the province. The reports of the fiscal Bor- bon and General Nava of Chihuahua were unfavorable to the scheme. From a commercial point of view the proposed road would not be profitable for many years
3 In a chapter on local annals for this decade I give more details of some of these events with references.
# Sept. 22, 1801, Lasuen to guardian. Dec. 30 and Aug. 11, 1802, Gasol to Lasuen. Arch. Sta B., MS., xii. 365-7. The president says the bishop has acted rather queerly on one or two occasions since the refusal to pay war contributions, omitting the title vicario foraneo from his addresses. Lasuen is glad of that, for he has not exercised the functions of the office and does not intend to unless in case of special need. A curious communication from the viceroy to the governor was that calling for a list of Jestits in the province, and requiring all of that order to be quietly arrested at 12 o'clock of Aug. 20th. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xviii. 97-8, 102-4.
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