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GENERAL LIBRARY -OF THE-
PARK CHURCH -I.N- ELMIRA, N. Y. No. 17.06
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02303 5121
Gc 979. 4 B22H v.5 BANCROFT, HUBERT HOWE. HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
M. L. !
REFERENCE AMERICANA COLLECTION
١
.
THE WORKS
OF
HUBERT HOWE BANCROFT.
THE WORKS
OF
HUBERT HOWE BANCROFT.
VOLUME XXII.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. VOL. V. 1846-1848.
SAN FRANCISCO: THE HISTORY COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. 1886.
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
Emterol according to Act of Congress in the Year 1886, by HUBERT H. BANCROFT, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
All Rights Reserved.
Bautfill -$3 75 mm /391
CONTENTS OF THIS VOLUME.
1216695
CHAPTER I.
OPERATIONS OF FRÉMONT AND GILLESPIE. January-May, 1846. PAGE
Explorers in the Tulares-Fremont at New Helvetia, Yerba Buena, and San José-Visit to Larkin and Castro at Monterey-Explanations to the Prefect-Permission to Recruit his Men on the Frontier-The Walker-Talbot-Kern Party-In Camp at Fisher's Rancho-Frémont Breaks his Agreement-Insult to Alcalde Pacheco-Over the Santa Cruz Mountains-In Camp at Alisal-Ordered to Depart-Defiance- The Stars and Stripes on Gavilan Peak-Larkin's Efforts-Castro's Military Preparations-Falsity of Current Versions-Fremont Runs Away-His Blunder-Proclamations and Reports-In the Sacra- mento Valley-Letter to Clyman-To the Oregon Border-A Night Attack by Indians-Back to California-Gillespie's Arrival and In- structions-Up the River by Boat -- Sutter's Warning to Castro ... I
CHAPTER II.
POLITICAL AND MILITARY. January-June, 1846.
A Fruitless Controversy-Alvarado as Congressman-Castañares and Tellez-Covarrubias as Pico's Agent-Mission of Castillero-Affairs in Mexico-Iniestra's Expedition-Tellez and Morales-Cambuston and Castro-Valle and Treasury Troubles-Assembly-Guerra Sent to Monterey-Return of J. A. Carrillo-Pico as Constitutional Gov- ernor-Military Junta at Monterey-Adhesion to President Paredes -Measures for Defence-Pico's Protests-Vallejo's Position-Guerra Sent to Angeles-Consejo General de Pueblos Unidos at Santa Bár- bara-Castro's Protests-Martial Law-The Assembly Deposes Cas- tro-Pico and his Army March North against Castro-Warlike Preparations for Defence of Angeles-Cooperation of Foreigners- Bandini and Castro-Affairs in the North
( vii ) 30
viii
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER III.
FOREIGN RELATIONS-UNITED STATES AND ENGLAND January-June, 1846.
PAGE
Larkin as U. S. Confidential Agent-His Instructions-Correspondence- Fears of Invasion-Treatment of Foreigners-Fremont's Operations in March-Larkin's Efforts and Hopes-Monterey Junta-Imaginary Speeches for England, France, and the U. S .- Stearns, Leese, and Warner-Sutter's Policy-Consejo General at Santa Barbara, and its Bearing on Foreign Schemes-Views of Stearns and Larkin-Pico's Intrigues-Exaggerations on English Interference-Testimony of Gillespie and Minor-Position of Forbes and Spence-Stearns as Sub- agent of the U. S .- Condition of Affairs in June-General Conclu- sions.
54
CHAPTER IV.
CAUSES OF THE SETTLERS' REVOLT. June, 1846.
An Unexpected Outbreak-Its Alleged Motives-Self-defence and Re- sistance to Oppression-Mere Pretexts-Current Rumors-The In- surgents Classified-Adventurers-American Enthusiasts-Ambitious Politicians-Real Motives of the Leaders-Fremont's Policy-Gilles- pie's Mission-Ambition and Revenge-A Bold Resolution-Over- much Caution-Nature of Fremont's Cooperation-Ide's Theories and Statements-A Filibustering Scheme-Needless, Unjustifiable, Productive of No Good-Not a Part of the Conquest-Serious Re- sponsibilities of the Insurgent Leaders-A Fortunate Ending. ... 77
CHAPTER V.
BEAR FLAG REVOLT-TAKING OF SONOMA.
June, 1846.
Fremont's Return from Oregon-Hensley's Mission-A Summons to Re- volt-Fremont Cautious-All Ready-Camp Moved to Bear River- Castro at Santa Clara-His Visit to Sonoma-Arce's Caballada- Merritt Sent by Frémont to Begin Hostilities-Seizure of Horses on the Cosumnes-The Filibusters Reenforced in Napa Valley-Names -Occupation of Sonoma-Vallejo a Prisoner of War-Negotiations -Written Guaranties-Broken before the Ink was Dry-Incidents of the Morning-The Insurgents Unmanageable-Aguardiente-A Controversy-John Grigsby Declines the Command-William B. Ide Chosen-Journey of the Prisoners to Fremont's Camp-Locked up in Sutter's Fort. 101
ix
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VI.
BEAR FLAG REVOLT, CONTINUED-AFFAIRS AT SUTTER' FORT AND SOUTH OF THE BAY.
June-July, 1846. PAGE
Sutter's Position-The Prisoners-Their Treatment-Correspondence of the Captives-Events at New Helvetia-South of the Bay-Rosa Sent by Vallejo to Montgomery-Misroon's Mission-Official and Private Correspondence-Castro's Proclamations-Military Prepara- tions-Three Divisions to Retake Sonoma-Torre Sent across the Bay -- Manuel Castro's Mission-Insurgents at San Francisco- Weber's Arrest-Montgomery's Policy-Pico at Santa Barbara- The Angelinos not Warlike-Foreigners Offended-The Assembly- Pico and Larkin-Pico Marches North-Meets Castro-Embrace of Governor and General. 122
CHAPTER VII.
BEAR FLAG REVOLT-AFFAIRS AT SONOMA.
June-July, 1846.
Ide in Command-Banner for the New Republic-Star and Grizzly- Raising of the Bear Flag-The Flags as Relics-Ide's Proclamation -Falsehood and Bombast-Further Organization-Minor Happen- ings-Ide's Version-Treaty with Alcalde-Todd's Mission to Mont- gomery-Misroon at Sonoma-Mormonism-A New Proclamation- Killing of Cowie and Fowler by the Californians-Padilla and Car- rillo-Sortie by Ide-Other Captives-Gibson's Expedition to Santa Rosa - Insurgents Reinforced-Land Laws-Grigsby's Return -- Ford's Campaign-Padilla Joined by Torre-A Surprise-Fight at Olompali-Torre Defeated by the 'Bears.' 145
CHAPTER VIII.
BEAR FLAG REVOLT-FREMONT'S CAMPAIGN.
1846.
Complaints at Sonoma-Ford's Letter-Fremont on the Sacramento- Forced to Act-March to Sonoma-The San Rafael Campaign-Mur- der of Bcrreyesa and the Haro Brothers-A Dastardly Act by Fre- mont and his Men-Torre's Ruse-The Insurgents Sent to Sonoma- A False Aların-Spiking the Guns of San Francisco-Capture of Robert Ridley-Fourth of July at Sonoma-Military Reorganization -Change of Administration-Fremont Assumes the Chief Command -Ide's Version-The Battalion Organized-Fremont's Designs- News from Monterey-Bibliography of the Bear Flag Revolt .. ..... . 169
x
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX.
PRELIMINARIES OF THE CONQUEST. IS46. PAGE
The War with Mexico-Beginning of Hostilities-Feeling in the United States respecting California-Policy of President Polk's Administra- tion-Instructions to Commodore Sloat in 1845 and 1846-Plans for Permanent Occupation-The Pacific Squadron at Mazatlan-Rumors of War-Services of Dr Wood and Johu Parrott-The Portsmouth and Cyane Seut to Monterey-News from the Rio Grande-Sloat's Plans-His 'Unwarranted Inactivity'-Changes his Mind-Starts for California in the Savannah-English Designs-The Rival Fleets -A Race in American Imagination-A Protectorate-An Unfounded Conjecture-The McNamara Colonization Project-Ten Thousand Irishmen for San Joaquin. 191
CHAPTER X.
CONQUEST BY THE UNITED STATES-SLOAT'S RULE. July, 1846.
Arrival of Sloat in the Savannah - Events of a Week-More Hesita- tion-Frémont's Claim-Larkin's Influence-Despatches from Mont- gomery-Resolution - Occupation of Monterey-Sloat's Proclama- tion-The Stars and Stripes at San Francisco-Documentary Record -The Bear Flag Lowered at Sonoma-At Sutter's Fort-The Change at San José-Frémont and his Battalion March Southward-Occupa- tion of San Juan-The Bears at Monterey-Fremont and Sloat-The Commodore's Disappointment-The Filibuster's Dilemma-Comfort from a New Commodore-Stockton Arrives in the Congress-And Assumes Command - The Battalion Mustered in - And Sent to the South-Departure of Sloat.
224
CHAPTER XI.
THE CONQUEST-STOCKTON'S RULE-OCCUPATION OF THE SOUTH.
August, 1846.
Stockton's Proclamation-A Pronunciamiento Filibustero - Castro Re- treats Southward-Pico's Proclamation-Action of the Assembly- Vain Efforts of Governor and General for Defence-No Enthusiasm or Resources-Castro at the Mesa-Frémont at San Diego-Stockton at San Pedro-The Commodore Refuses to Negotiate for Fear his Terms may be Accepted-His Weak Excuses-Larkin's Efforts- Castro and Pico Resolve to Quit California-Flight and Farewell Addresses-Pico's Land Grants-Stockton Enters Angeles-Submis- sion of the People-Proclamations and Orders-News from Washing- ton-Election Ordered-Plans for a Civil Government-Garrisons at the Southern Towns-Stockton and Fremont Return to the North. . 255
xi
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XII.
THE CONQUEST-AFFAIRS IN THE NORTH-REVOLT OF FLORES IN THE SOUTH. August-October, 1846. PAGE At Monterey-Colton's Diaries- The First Newspaper-Fauntleroy and Snyder at San Juan-San José under Hyde, Watmough, and Weber -San Francisco Affairs-Reception to Stockton-Revere at Sonoma -Meeting of Bear Flag Men-Release of Prisoners - The Walla Walla Invasion-Stockton's Grand Plans-Juan Flaco's Ride-Prep- arations to Quell the Revolt-Gillespie at Angeles-Varela's Attack -José María Flores-Pronunciamiento-Fight at Chino Rancho -- Gillespie's Capitulation-Talbot Driven from Santa Bárbara-Mer- ritt from San Diego-Mervine's Defeat-Meeting of the Assembly- Stockton at San Pedro-San Diego Reoccupied. 288
CHAPTER XIII.
THE CONQUEST-THE FLORES REVOLUTION-FIGHT AT SAN PASCUAL. November-December, 1846. .
Stockton at San Diego-Petty Hostilities-Preparations Interrupted- U. S. Troops Coming from the East-Affairs at Angeles-Orders and Correspondence-Revolt against the Governor-Coronel's Ad- ventures-The Dalton Financial Scheme-The Chino Prisoners- Flores Imprisoned and Released-Alarming News-Kearny's Instruc- tions-His March from New Mexico-Meeting Kit Carson-Capture of Horses and a Courier on the Colorado-Across the Desert to Warner's and Santa María-Reinforced by Gillespie-Fight at San Pascual-Defeat of Kearny by the Californians under Pico-Thirty- seven Men Killed and Wounded-In Camp at San Bernardino-Re- enforcements under Gray-March to San Diego-Stockton and Kearny March on Angeles 326
CHAPTER XIV.
AFFAIRS IN THE NORTH-NATIVIDAD AND SANTA CLARA. November, 1846-January, 1847.
Fremont's California Battalion-Official Plunder of the Rancheros-Suc- cessful Recruiting-Indian Allies-Organization and List of Officers -Manuel Castro and Other Officers Break Paroles and Join Flores- From San Luis to the Salinas-Burroughs and Thompson at San Juan-Capture of Larkin-Americans at Los Verjeles-Approach of the Californians-Fight at Encinalito-Foster Killed-Battle of Na- tividad-Death of Burroughs-Losses-Castro's Retreat-March of Frémont's Battalion from San Juan to Santa Barbara-Condemna- tion and Pardon of Jesus Pico-Disastrons Crossing of the Cuesta de Santa Inés-More Forced Contributions-Sanchez's Revolt-Alarm at the Pueblo-Marston's Expedition-Campaign of Santa Clara- End of War in North-Loss of the Warren's Launch-Wreck or Murder
357
xii
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XV.
THE CONQUEST COMPLETED BY STOCKTON AND? REMONT. January, 1847. PAGE
Stockton's Army-The Advance from San Bernardo to Los Coyotes- Propositions from Flores-A Proclamation-Sand-storm-Forster's Services-Change of Route to Avoid Ambush-Preparations of the Californians-From La Jaboneria to Paso de Bartolo-The Battle of the San Gabriel-Stockton's Report-Defeat of the Californians- Fight of the Mesa-Entry into Los Angeles-Fremont's March from Santa Barbara to San Fernando-The Californians at Los Verdugos -Efforts of Jesus Pico-Flores Transfers Command to Andrés Pico- Armistice-Treaty of Cahuenga-The War at an End-Fremont at Angeles-Flight of Flores and Manuel Castro to Sonora. ... 385
CHAPTER XVI.
STOCKTON'S CONTROVERSY WITH KEARNY. January-February, 1847.
Policy of Sloat and Stockton-A Resume of the Conquest-Kearny's In- structions from Washington-Later Orders-State of Affairs on the General's Arrival-Discussion at San Diego-The Campaign-The Commodore as Commander-in-chief-At Los Angeles-Kearny and Fremont-The Controversy Begun-The General's Authority not Recognized-He Goes to San Diego and Monterey -- Arrival of Com- modore Shubrick-A Policy of Peace-Stockton's Last Acts as Gov- ernor-General Conclusions -- Kearny in the Right-Stockton in the Wrong-Fremont's Action Justitied-Rule of Fremont as Governor -Legislative Council-Proclamation-Financial Troubles 411
CHAPTER XVII.
FRÉMONT'S CONTROVERSY WITH KEARNY.
March-May, 1847.
New Instructions-Circular of Shubrick and Kearny-The Latter Assumes the Governorship-Proclamation and Report-Commodore Biddle- Orders to Frémont, Gillespie, and Cooke-Turner in the South- Frémont's Disobedience, Excuses, and his Famous Ride to Monterey -Quarrel with Kearny-Cooke at Los Angeles-Mason and Fre- mont-A Challenge-Rumors of Mexican Invasion-Kearny in the South-Stevenson Succeeds Cooke-Journey of Kearny, Fremont, and Cooke Overland to the States-Stockton Goes East-Petition on the Governorship-Fremont's Trial by Court-martial-Found Guilty and Pardoned-The Popular Verdict-Benton's Tirade in the Senate -The California Claims-Expenses of the Conquest. 436
xiii
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVIII. THE MORMON BATTALION. 1846-184S.
PAGE
Westward Migration of the Mormons by Sea and Land-The Plan to Occupy California-Elder Little Applies to the Government for Aid -Timely War-Polk's Promises-Kearny's Instructions-Colonel Allen's Call-Theory of the Saints-A Test of Loyalty and a Sacri- fice-Recruiting the Battalion-List of Officers-Tyler's History and Bigler's Diary-March to Santa Fe-Death of Colonel Allen-Smith in Command-Doctor Sanderson-Calomel and Arsenic-Cooke in Command-His Journal-March across the Continent-Fight with Wild Cattle-Arrival at San Diego-In Garrison at San Luis Rey and Los Angeles-Mustered out-Reenlistment of One Company- Homeward March to Salt Lake in Several Detachments and by Dif- ferent Routes-A Festival of 1855-A Ram in the Thicket 469
CHAPTER XIX.
NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS AND ARTILLERY COMPANY.
1846-1848.
Congress Calls for Volunteers-Letter to Stevenson-Policy of the Gov- ernment Revealed-Recruiting in New York-In Camp at Gover- . nor's Island -Clark's History and Murray's Narrative - First or Seventh-List of Officers-Character of the Men-Camp Life and Drill-Popular Ridicule-Discontent and Desertion-Habeas Corpus -Instructions-Stevenson's Troubles-Resisting Arrest-A Baffled Sheriff-Newspaper Comment-Voyage of the Perkins, Loo Choo, and Drew-Later Vessels and Recruits-The Colonel's Valor-At Rio-Arrival at San Francisco-Distribution of the Companies- Garrison Life-Disbandment-Company F, 3d U. S. Artillery-In Garrison at Monterey-Deserting for the Mines-Sherman's Memoirs -Burton's Company-The Dragoons. 499
CHAPTER XX.
PIONEERS-DONNER PARTY-THE MORMONS. 1846-184S.
Statistics of Population-Pioneers of 1846-Classification-Discontented Immigrants-The Oregon Company-Clyman and Hastings Bound for the States-Overland Westward-Bryant and Thornton-Many Parties - Tedious, Uneventful Journeys - Hastings' Cut-off-The Donner Party-List of Names-A New Cut-off-Fatal Delay-Dis- sensions-Starvation in the Sierra-Breen's Diary-Record of Deaths -Authorities-The Forlorn Hope-The Four Relief Parties-Gen- eral Remarks-The Mormon Immigrants-Plans of the Saints-List of Names-Brannan and his Contract-Voyage of the Brooklyn- Arrival at Honolulu and Yerba Buena-An Industrious People- Dissensions-New Hope on the San Joaquin-Change of Plans and a Disappointed Colony-Pioneers and Immigration of 1847-S ...... 524
xiv
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXI.
MISSIONS-INDIAN AFFAIRS-COMMERCE. 1846-1848. PAGE
Sale of Mission Estates-Act of the Assembly in April-The Montes- deoca Order-Pico's Sales from May to July-Purchasers and Terms -The Tornel Order-Evidences of Fraud-Action of Flores' Govern- ment-Decision of the Courts-Policy of Kearny and Mason, 1847-8 -Ecclesiastical Affairs-Bishop and Friars-Vicars-Indian Affairs -Sutter, Vallejo, and Hunter as Sub-Indian Agents-Local Items- Commerce and Maritime Affairs-Meagre Data for 1846-Statistics - Mason's Communications-Collectors-Removal of Burdens- Free-trade-New Tariff from Washington-War Contributions- Modifications by Mason and Shubrick-Gold-dust for Duties-U. S. Revenue Laws Introduced with the Treaty-The First Steamer in California Waters-List of Vessels, 1846-8. 558
CHAPTER XXII.
THE RULE OF GOVERNOR MASON.
1847-1848.
Mason's Proclamation and Reports-Fears of Revolt-Visits to the South and North-Return of José Castro-The Canon Perdido at Santa Bárbara-Return of Pio Pico-His Claims for the Governorship- Imprisonment and Release-Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo-Mason's Proclamation-California in Congress, 1846-9-Causes and Effects of the War-Slavery in the Territories-Opposition to the Acquisition of California-Debates on Territorial Government-Final Unsuccess- ful Efforts-Military Rule- Rights of Conquerors-Views of Con- gress and Administration-Policy of Sloat, Stockton, Frémont, and Kearny-Mason's Theory and Practice-Items-Alcalde Nash at Sonoma-Trial of Armijo-Barrus and Foxen-De Facto Govern- ment after the Treaty 582
CHAPTER XXIII. LOCAL ANNALS-SAN DIEGO TO MONTEREY. 1846-1848.
San Diego Events-Fremont, Stockton, and Kearny-Massacre at Pauma -Mormons and New York Volunteers-Municipal Affairs-Ranchos -Revenue-San Diego Mission-San Luis Rey-Padre Zalvidea-San Juan Capistrano-Los Angeles District-Index of Occurrences-Sub- prefect and Alcaldes-Mormons, Dragoons, and Volunteers-Ranchos -San Gabriel-Padre Esténega-San Fernando Mission-Santa Bár- bara-Pueblo Government-Laud Grants-Mission-Bishop Garcia Diego-President Duran-San Buenaventura-Santa Inés-Purísima -Monterey District-Summary-Town Affairs-San Carlos-San Luis Obispo-San Miguel -- Murder of Reed Family-San Antonio- San Juan Bautista-Soledad-Santa Cruz and Branciforte.
616
XV
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXIV. LOCAL ANNALS OF THE NORTH. 1846-1848.
PAGE
Population of California-San Francisco-Events-The Name Yerba Buena-Descriptions and Statistics-Plan, and Notes on Buildings -- Municipal Official List-Controversies of Alcalde and Council-Town Lots-Survey, Streets, and Improvements-School and Church- Newspapers -Military and Revenue-Ranchos and Ex-mission -- Annals of San José-Local Occurrences-Indian Troubles-Muni- cipal Affairs and Lands-The Contra Costa-Santa Clara-Mission San José-Sonoma and the Northern Frontier-San Rafael-Bodega -Napa-Benicia-Original Correspondence of Semple and Larkin- Stockton and New Hope-New Helvetia in 1846-7-Plan of San Francisco-Early Buildings. 643
PIONEER REGISTER AND INDEX. 'R-' to 'Zurita' ... 687
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
CHAPTER I.
OPERATIONS OF FRÉMONT AND GILLESPIE.
JANUARY-MAY, 1846.
EXPLORERS IN THE TULARES-FREMONT AT NEW HELVETIA, YERBA BUENA, AND SAN JOSE-VISIT TO LARKIN AND CASTRO AT MONTEREY-EXPLA- NATIONS TO THE PREFECT-PERMISSION TO RECRUIT HIS MEN ON THE FRONTIER-THE WALKER-TALBOT-KERN PARTY-IN CAMP AT FISHER'S RANCHO-FREMONT BREAKS HIS AGREEMENT-INSULT TO ALCALDE PACHECO-OVER THE SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS-IN CAMP AT ALISAL -- ORDERED TO DEPART-DEFIANCE-THE STARS AND STRIPES ON GAVILAN PEAK-LARKIN'S EFFORTS- CASTRO'S MILITARY PREPARATIONS-FALSITY OF CURRENT VERSIONS-FREMONT RUNS AWAY-HIS BLUNDER-PROC- LAMATIONS AND REPORTS-IN THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY-LETTER TO CLYMAN-TO THE OREGON BORDER-A NIGHT ATTACK BY INDIANS- BACK TO CALIFORNIA-GILLESPIE'S ARRIVAL AND INSTRUCTIONS-UP THE RIVER BY BOAT-SUTTER'S WARNING TO CASTRO.
THE present volume is devoted to the annals of 1846-7, including also 1848 in all matters not directly connected with the great event of that year, the dis- covery of gold. The period is by far the most event- ful in Californian history. The volume may be termed a History of the Conquest. It includes, however, besides developments pertaining to the change of flag and Mexican war, the earlier operations of American filibusters constituting what is known as the Bear Flag revolt, and the later interregnum of military rule. Here I record the last petty quarrels under Mexican auspices of north and south, of the military and civil authorities, of Castro and Pico. Here I VOL. V. 1
OPERATIONS OF FRÉMONT AND GILLESPIE.
chronicle the foolish interference of Fremont and his explorers, the diplomatic efforts of Larkin and Stearns to secure a change of sovereignty by pacific methods, the revolutionary blunders of Ide and his associate settlers, and the raising of the stars and stripes by Sloat and Montgomery of the navy. Next are presented the achievements of the California battalion, Stockton's rule, the commodore's unwise policy and energetic struggles to put down the result- ing revolt, the final efforts of the Californians under Flores and Andres Pico to shake off the foreign yoke, the coming of Kearny and his dragoons across the continent, their disaster at San Pascual, and the closing campaigns of the war ending in the occupa- tion of Los Angeles and the treaty of Cahuenga. Then follow politico-military controversies of Stock- ton, Kearny, and Frémont under the new régime, reinforcements by land and sea for garrison service, Cooke and his Mormon battalion, Tompkins, Sher- man, Ord, and Halleck with the artillery company, Stevenson and the New York volunteers, the peace- ful rule of Mason as military governor, and news of a national treaty making California a permanent pos- session of the United States. In this volume are given also institutional annals of 1846-8, a commer- cial and maritime record, mission and ecclesiastical affairs under new conditions, the immigration of three years, with the tragic experiences of the Donner party, and several chapters of local annals. Finally, I here complete the alphabetical Pioneer Register and Index of all who came to the country before 1849. All is brought down to the dawn of a new era, that of gold and 'flush times,' to be treated in the following volume.
At the beginning of 1846 Fremont's exploring expe- dition was encamped in the region now known as Fresno and Kern counties. Fremont with fifteen men had entered California by the Truckee route, and had
3
WAITING FOR WALKER.
hastened from Sutter's Fort southward with fresh supplies for the relief of his companions, whom he expected to find on Kings River. Meanwhile the main body of about fifty, under Talbot, Kern, and Walker, had entered the country by Owens River and Walker Pass, and were waiting for the captain on Kern River. The double error in locating the rendez- vous has been already explained.1 At this time the explorers had no intention of meddling with political or military affairs; nor did the Californian authorities know anything of their presence in the country, beyond the bare fact that the smaller party had arrived at New Helvetia in December.
His supplies being nearly exhausted, and Walker's men not making their appearance, Frémont left his camp January 7th and returned to Sutter's Fort, where he arrived on the 15th, after having had, per- haps, some trouble with Indians on the way.2 He was again warmly welcomed by Sutter, who gave a grand dinner for his entertainment and that of Vice-consul Leidesdorff and Captain Hinckley, who had lately come up the river; and after a stay of four days, with eight of his own men Fremont sailed on Sutter's launch for the bay.3 From Yerba Buena he sailed with Hinckley on a visit to San Jose and the newly discovered mine of Almaden;4 but he was back again before January 24th, on which date he wrote to his wife of past hardships and of the 'good time coming,' when his explorations would be completed and he
1 See ITist. Cal., vol. iv., chap. xxiv., this series. In a letter of Larkin -- that of March 27th, to be noted later-a 'second place of rendezvous' is mentioned, but it was probably New Helvetia.
2 Fremont's Geog. Mem., 19, 30; Jan. 20th, Larkin to Sutter. Would be glad to see Fremout at Monterey. Larkin's Off. Corresp., MS., i. 73. The Ind- ian troubles rest on Carson's statement in Peters' Life of Kit Carson, 250-1, not a good authority.
3 N. Helvetia Diary, MS., 30-1; Sutter's Diary, 6-7.
+ Lancey's Cruise of the 'Dule', 35-6. This author says that at S. José Fre- mont learned that Walker's party were encamped on the S. Joaquin, and sent Carson to guide them to S. José; but this, as we shall see, cannot have been so at this time, though he may have sent a man to search for them. In Peters' Life of Carson, 251-2, Carson is said to have goue out in search of the other party, whom he found and brought back-which is not true.
4
OPERATIONS OF FRÉMONT AND GILLESPIE.
might return.5 On the same day he set out with Leidesdorff by land for San Jose and Monterey, where they were received by Consul Larkin on the 27th.6
It is fair to suppose that Frémont's business with Larkin and Leidesdorff was not only to make arrange- ments for obtaining fresh supplies, but to talk over the political situation and prospects in their relation to the policy of the United States; but while we know nothing of the conferences in this respect, it is certain that no hostility or annoyance to the Californians was proposed, because Larkin, as we shall see later, was engaged, in accordance with instructions from Wash- ington, and with much hope of success, in efforts to conciliate the people and prepare the way for a peace- able annexation. At any rate, the explorer became acquainted with the exact state of affairs. On the 29th, Prefect Castro, as was his duty, addressed to Larkin a note, asking to be informed respecting the purpose for which United States troops had entered the department, and their leader had come to Monte- rey. Frémont's explanation, transmitted on the same day through the consul, was that he had come by order of his government to survey a practicable route to the Pacific; that he had left his company of fifty hired men, not soldiers, on the frontier of the depart- ment to rest themselves and their animals;7 that he had come to Monterey to obtain clothing, and funds for the purchase of animals and provisions; and that when his men were recruited, he intended to continue
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