USA > California > A memorial and biographical history of northern California, illustrated. Containing a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its occupancy...and biographical mention of many of its most eminent pioneers and also of prominent citizens of today > Part 6
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Early in the ensuing negotiations between prisoners and filibusters, it became apparent that the latter had neither acknowledged leader nor regular plan of opera- tions beyond the seizure of government property and of the officers. Some were acting, as in the capture of Arce's horses, merely with a view to obtain arms, ani- mals, and hostage-to bring about hostilities, and at the same time to deprive the foe of his resources; others he- lieved themselves to have undertaken a revolution, in which the steps to be immediately taken were a formal declaration of independence and the election of officers, Merritt being regarded rather as a guide than captain. All seemed to agree, however, that they were acting under Fremont's orders, and this to the prisoners was the most assuring feature in the case. Vallejo had for some time favored the annexation of California to the United States. He had expected and often predicted a move- ment to that end. There is no foundation for the sus- picion that the taking of Sonoma and his own capture were planned by himself, in collusion with the filibuster chiefs, with a view to evade responsibility; yet it is cer. tain that he had little, if any, objection to an enforced arrest hy officers of the United States as a means of escaping from the delicacy of his position as a Mexican officer. Accordingly, heing assured that the insurgents
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were acting under Fremont, he submitted to arrest, gave up keys to public property, and entered upon negotia- tions with a view to obtain guarantees of protection for non-combatants.
The guarantees sought were then drawn up in writing and signed by the respective parties. The originals of those documents are in my possession, and are given in a note.
The following are the documents referred to by Mr. Bancroft:
SONOMA, June 14, 1846.
Be it known by these presents, that, having been sur- prised by a numerous armed force which took me prison- er, with the chief and officers belonging to the garrison of this place that the said force took possession of, having found it absolutely defenseless, myself as well as the un- dersigned officers pledge onr word of honor that, being under the guarantees of prisoners of war, we will not take up arms for or against the said armed forces, from which we have received the present intimation, and a signed writing which guarantees our lives, families, and property, and those of all the residents of this jurisdic- tion, so long as we make no opposition.
M. G. VALLEJO, VICTOR PRUDON, SALVADOR VALLEJO.
We, the undersigned, have resolved to establish a gov- erument upon republican principles, in connection with others of our fellow-citizens, and having taken up arms to support it, we have taken three Mexican officers as prisoners, General M. G. Vallejo, Lieutenant-Colonel Vic- tor Prudon, and Captain D. Salvador Vallejo, having formed and published to the world no regular plan of government, feel it our duty to say it is not our intention to take or injure any person who is not found in opposi- tion to the cause, nor will we take or destroy the proper- ty of private individuals further than is necessary for our support.
EZEKIEL MERRITT, R. SEMPLE, WILLIAM FALLON, SAMUEL KELSEY.
Mr. Bancroft. continuing, says :
It was naturally to be expected, under the circum- stances, that the arrested officers would be released on parole. Such was evidently the view taken on both sides at first. Ford says there were some who favored such a course. Leese, who had the best opportunities for under- standing the matter, and who gives a more detailed account than any other writer, tells us that such a decis- jou was reached; and finally, the documents which I have presented, Nos. 1 and 2, being to all intents and purposes regular parole papers, leave no doubt upon the subject. But now difficulties arose, respecting some phase of which there is contradictory testimony.
Thus far only a few of the insurgent leaders had en- tered, or at least remained in, the house ; and the negotia- tions had in reality been conducted by Semple and Leese very much in their own way. Ide testifies that Merritt, Semple and Wm. Knight, the latter accompanying the expedition merely as an interpreter, were the first to en- ter the house, while the rest waited outside ; that presently, hearing nothing, they became impatient, determined to
choose a captain, and elected John Grigsby, who there- upon went in ; and after waiting what appeared an age, the men again lost patience and called upon the writer, Ide, to go and investigate the causes of delay. Now the discrepancies in testimony begin. Ide describes the state of things which met his view as follows: "The General's generous spirits gave proof of his usual hospi- tality, as the richest wines and brandies sparkled in the glasses, and those who had .thus unceremoniously met soon became merry companions; more especially the merry visitors. There sat Dr. S., just modifying a long string of articles of capitulation. There sat Merritt, his head fallen ; there sat Knight, no longer able to interpret; and there sat the new-made captain, as mute as the seat he sat upon. The bottles had well-nigh vanquished the captors!" Leese also states that the brandy was a porent factor in that morning's event; but according to his ver- sion, it was on the company outside that its influence was exerted, rendering them noisy and unmanageable, though an effort had been made by his advice to put the liquor out of reach. I do not, however, deem it at all likely that the leaders drank more than it was customary to drink in a Californian's parlor, or more thau they could carry; but that some of the rough characters in the company became intoxicated we may well believe.
At any rate, disagreement ensued; the men refused en- tirely to ratify the capitulation made by the former leaders, insisting that the prisoners must be sent to the Sacramento; some of them were inclined to be insubordi- nate and eager for plunder; while the lawless spirits were restrained from committing outrages by the eloqueuce of Semple and the voice of the majority; yet the leaders could not agree. Captain Grigsby declined to retain the . leadership that had been conferred upon him. So William B Ide was chosen in his stead, and the revolutionists im- mediately took possession of all public property, as well as of such horses and other private property as they needed, at the same time locking up all citizens that could be found. It would seem that the second of the documents I have presented was torn, and the third drawn up and signed at an early stage of the disagreements, after it became apparent that it might be best to send the pris- oners to the Sacramento, the signatures showing that it could not have been later. Vallejo, though not encour- aged at seeing that the leaders were not permitted by their followers to keep their promises, was not very much displeased at being sent to New Helvetia. He was as. sured that the insurgents were acting by Fremont's orders; his own views were known to be favorable to the schemes of the United States; and he had no reason to doubt that on meeting Fremont he and his companions would at once be released on parole.
Before the departure of the prisoners and their escort a formal meeting of the revolutionists was held. That Semple, secretary, made a speech counselling united action and moderation in the treatment of the natives, and that William B. Ide was chosen captain, is all that is known of this meeting, except what we may learn from Ide's narrative. The leaders differed in their ideas, not
.
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HISTORY OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
only respecting the disposition to be made of the pris- oners, but about the chief object of the movement. Evi- dently there had been no definitely arranged plan of operations. Fremont had succeeded in bringing about a state of open hostility without committing him- self. Some of the men regarded their movement as merely intended to provoke Castro to make an attack on Fremont; or at least they dreaded the responsibility of engaging in a regular revolution, especially when it was learned that no one could produce any definite promise from Fremont in black and white to support such a movement. Others were in favor of an immediate dec- laration of independence. That such differences of opin- ion did exist as Ide states, is in itself by no means im- probable; and it is confirmed to some extent by the fact that Grigsby did resign his leadership, and hy the some- what strange circumstance that three such prominent men as Grigshy, Merritt and Semple should have lett Sonoma to accompany the prisoners. Ide writes that when Grigsby heard that no positive orders from Fre- mont could be produced, his fears of doing wrong over. came his patriotism, and he interrupted the speaker by saying: " Gentlemen, I have been deceived; I cannot go with you; I resign and hack out of the scrape. I can take my'family to the mountains as cheap as any of you ;" -and Dr. S. at that moment led him into the house. Disorder and confusion prevailed. One swore he would not stay and guard the prisoners; another swore we would all have our throats cut ; another called for fresh horses; and all were on the move, every man for himself, when the speaker [Ide] resumed his efforts, raising his voice louder and more loud, as the men receded from the place, saying : " We need no horses; saddle no horse for me; I can go to the Spaniards and make freemen of them. I will lay my hones here before I will take upon myself the ignominy of commencing an honorable work and then flee like cowards, like thieves, when no enemy is in sight. In vain will you say you had honorable motives. Who will believe it? Flee this day and the longest life cannot wear out your disgrace ! Choose ye this day what you will be! We are robbers or we must be conquerors!" and the speaker in despair turned his back on his receding companions. With new hope they rallied around the desponding speaker, made him their commander, their chief; and his next words commanded the taking of the fort. Subsequently the three leaders of the party of the primitive plan of " neutral conquest" left us alone in our glory.
I find no reason to doubt that this version, though somewhat highly colored, is in substance accurate; that Merritt, having captured horses and prisoners, was con- tent to rest on his laurels; that Grigsby was timid about assuming the responsibility of declaring independence without a positive assurance of Fremont's co-operation; that Semple, while in favor of independence, preferred that Sacramento should be the centre of operations, unless -what Vallejo and Leese also favored-Fremont could be induced to establish his headquarters at Sonoma; or finally, that Ide and his associate influenced the majority
to complete their revolutionary work and take no back- ward steps. I think, however, that Ide and all the rest counted confidently on Fremont's support; and that Semple and Grigsby were by no means regarded as aban- doning the cause when they left Sonoma.
It was about 11 A. M., on June 14th, when the three prisoners, accompanied by Leese as interpreter at their request and that of the captors-not himself a prisoner as has been generally stated-and guarded by Grigsby, Semple, Merritt, Hargrave, Knight and four or five others, started on horses from Vallejo's herds for the Sacramento. It will be most convenient to follow them before proceeding to narrate later developments at Sono- ma. Before starting, aud on the way, Vallejo was often questioned by Californians as to the situation of affairs; but could only counsel them to remain quiet, announcing that he would probably return within four or five days. His idea was that Fremont, after releasing him and his companions on parole, might he induced to establish his headquarters at Sonoma, an idea shared by Semple, Grigs- by and Leese. Relations between captives and captors were altogether friendly, except in the case of some hos- tile feeling among a few individuals against Don Sal- vador.
They encamped that night at Vaca's rancho. No spe- cial pains were taken to guard the prisoners, who, with Leese, slept on a pile of straw near the camp. Vallejo had desired to travel all night; but the men declined to do so, having had no sleep the night before. Before dawn on the morning of the 15th, a Californian succeeded in reaching the captives, and informed Vallejo that a com- pany of his countrymen had been organized to effect his rescue, and only awaited his orders. The Colonel refused to permit such an attempt to be made, both because he had no reason to fear any unpleasant results from his en- forced visit to the Sacramento, and because he feared retaliation at Sonoma in case an attempt to escape should bring harm to any of the guards. On the 15th the party reached Hardy's place on the Sacramento, Here Merritt left the others, intending to visit Fremont's camp and return next morning, but as he did not come hack Leese, with one companion, started in the forenoon of the 16th, also in quest of Fremont. Arriving at Allgeier's place, they learned that the Captain had moved his camp to the American River; and starting for that point, they re- joined their companions before arrival. Here Grigsby presented an order from Fremont for Leese's arrest, for which, so far as known, no explanation was given.
Late in the afternoon they reached the camp, and the prisoners were brought into the presence of Fremont. That officer's reception of them was very different from what had been anticipated. His words and manner were reserved and mysterious. He denied when Vallejo de- manded for what offenses and by what authority he had caused their arrest, that he was in any way responsible for what had been done; declared that they were prison- ers of the people, who had been driven to revolt for self- protection ; refused to accept their paroles, and sent them that same night, under a guard composed iu part if not
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HISTORY OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
wholly of his own men-Kit Carson and Merritt being sent in advance-to he locked up at Sutter's Fort.
THE BEAR FLAG-STARS AND STRIPES.
General Vallejo certainly had a right to be surprised at the foregoing treatment by Fre- mont. That he appreciated the real condition of affairs is made very plain by the following correspondenee, a careful perusal of which will show that General Vallejo, when taken prisoner at Sonoma, felt warranted in looking to United States authorities for protection. From John B. Montgomery, commanding United States ship Portsmouth, he certainly received more of consideration and cheer thian from General Fremont, and yet in both instances the action of the Bear Flag party seems to have been re- pndiated and ignored entirely. Viewed from this stand-point it is not a matter of wonder that Captain Grigsby and others of the Bear Flag party may have felt a tickling sensation around the neck when they ascertained that their taking of Sonoma was not backed by any positive anthority from Fremont or any body else clothed with United States anthority. The rank and file of the Bear Flag party evi- dently aeted upon the principle that a " wink was as good as a nod of assent;" and taking their lives in their hands they struck the blow, and took the chances. Like John Adams who, after affixing his name to the Declaration of Inde- pendence, remarked, " Well, if we hang we all hang together," they captured Sonoma, and left to the future what the outcome of the venture should be. The following is the correspondence referred to:
HISTORICAL CORRESPONDENCE.
General Vallejo's message to Captain Montgomery, the day of the capture of Sonoma-Montgomery's reply- Lieutenant Missroon's account of the revolutionists- Highly creditable conduct of the Bears-Ide's pledge to Missroon.
UNITED STATES SHIP PORTSMOUTH, SAN FRANCISCO, August 17, 1846.
MY DEAR GENERAL :- I am now about to sail for Monterey, and avail myself of this mode of expressing to you my regret that I shall thus most probably be deprived of seeing you oo your contemplated visit to Yerba Buena to-morrow, having anticipated much pleasure from this
event; but you well know how little we servan's of the public are left to the disposition of our own time.
I reached the Portsmouth from Sonoma very comforta- bly on Friday last about 6 o'clock in the afternoon, great- ly pleased with my visit, and gratified by the very kind and hospitable attentions of my esteemed friends there, the remembrance of which I shall long continue to cherish.
In compliance with your expressed wishes while I was at Sonoma, I herewith enclose you, my dear General, copies of the document forwarded to you by De la Rosa in the commencement of the late revolution, and those having reference to Lieutenant Missroon's visit to So- noma by my orders, with overtures to the insurgent chief in behalf of prisoners and the helpless inhabitants of that place, which you are at liberty to use as you shall think proper.
From Monterey it is most probable I shall make a cruise to the southward, and am not without hopes of soon returning with the pleasing intelligence of peace between the United States and Mexico, which I feel as- sured will be most welcome tidings for you and all who are interested in the prosperity of California.
Be pleased to present my most respectful regards to Madam Vallejo and all the members of your interesting family, and express to them my sense of their kind hos- pitality and attention to me and my little son during our recent visit; and believe me, my dear General, I am and shall ever be, with highest esteem and friendship, sin- cerely your obedient servant,
JOHN B. MONTGOMERY.
Gen. Guadalupe Vallejo, Sonoma.
Statement of the interview between Senor Don Jose de la Rosa and Commander John B. Montgomery, commanding United States ship Portsmouth, Lieutenant W. A. Bart- lett, United States Navy, interpreter. By order of the commander, John B. Montgomery.
Don Jose de la Rosa, on coming on board the ship, de- sired to inform Captain Montgomery that he brought in- formation from Don Guadalupe Vallejo, military com- mandante of Sonoma, which he desired to give the moment Captain Montgomery could receive him.
On being received by Captain Montgomery I was di- rected to act as interpreter, when Señor de la Rosa pro- ceeded to deliver his message, which I wrote, as follows:
Don Guadalupe Vallejo desires to inform Captain Montgomery of the proceedings which took place at So- noma yesterday morning at 5 o'clock. There arrived at Sonoma a party of abont eighty men, as they said, from the Sacramento. They at once took forcible possession of the place, and posted themselves on the " Cuartel." They then made prisoners of General Vallejo, Captain Don Salvador Vallejo, and Lieutenant-Colonel Don Vic- tor Prudhon, all of whom are officers of the Mexican army.
Then a Mr. Merritt, who appeared to have command or exercise the authority with the party, handed the General a convention demanding of him the surrender of all the arms and government property in Sonoma, which place they should not leave.
The General replied that he must surrender to the force in arms and did so surrender, when the party demanded further that all the above named officers should go with them to their camp on the Sacramento River.
General Vallejo then requested them to show their authorily or determination (ahajo que plano); and as they said they were Americans, he desired they should exhibit their authority from the Government of the United States. They replied that they did not come under the authority of the United States ; but having seen a proclamation of General Castro, threatening to drive all foreigners out of the country, they had taken up arms in self-defense.
They then made a prisoner of the Alcalde, and told him
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HISTORY OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
that if any person in the place or neighborhood attempted to notify other places of this act, or raise a force to oppose them, they would at once shoot the officers they then held prisoners. The Alcalde was then set at liberty, but told that if he did not prevent any opposition to them he would also be shot.
General Vallejo desires to inform Captain Montgomery of these facts, and to ask him to use his authority or exert his influence to prevent the commission of acts of violence by this party, inasmuch as they seemed to be without any effectual head or authority. To this end he hoped for an officer to be sent to the place, or a letter that would have the effect of saving the helpless inhabitants from violence and anarchy.
Señor Don José de la Rosa was directed by General Vallejo (at 11 A. M. yesterday) to come with this message, but could not leave until 3 P M. A few moments past 11 the party left a garrison of twenty-five men at Sonoma protected by seven pieces of cannon. The others, with the prisoners, left for the Sacramento.
Reply of Commander Montgomery to the message of General Vallejo.
SIR :- You will say to General Vallejo, on my part that I at once and entirely disavow this movement as having proceeded under any authority of the United States, or myself as the agent of my Government in this country, or on this coast. It is a movement entirely local, and with which I have nothing to do; nor can I in any way be induced to take part in the controversy which belongs entirely to the interna: politics of California.
If they are Americans, as they avow themselves, they are beyond the jurisdiction of the laws and officers of the United States, and must now take all the responsibilities of the position in which they have placed themselves, being answerable to the laws of Mexico and California.
I have now for the first time heard of this movement. and in making the most positive disavowal, for myself and for my Government, having in any wise instigated or aided this. I also disavow the same on the part of Captain Fremont, United States topographical engineer, now in the country for scientific purposes.
If my individual efforts can be at any time exercised to allay violence or prevent injury to innocent persons, it shall be exerted; but as an officer of the Government of the United States 1 cannot have anything to do with either party. They must take the responsibilies of their own acts. From what has already transpired I think it clear that no violence will be committed on any one who is not found with arms in their hands. You will assure General Don Guadalupe Vallejo of my sympathy in his difficulties ; but I cannot positively interfere in the local politics of California.
Señor de la Rosa then thanked Captain Montgomery for his sentiments and sympathy ; stated that all was dis- tinctly understood and translated, and that he would place his statement in the hands of Don Guadalupe Vallejo at the earliest moment.
I hereby certity that the preceding statement is a fair translation of the message and reply read to Captain Montgomery and Señor de la Rosa.
(Signed)
W. A. BARTLETT, Lieutenant United States Navy.
United States Ship Portsmouth, Sausalito, June 15, 1846.
(COPY OF ORDER TO LIEUTENANT MISSROON.) UNITED STATES SHIP PORTSMOUTH.
SAN FRANCISCO, June 15, 1846.
SIR :- By an especial messenger sent to me by Don Guadalupe Vallejo, I am notified of the forcible occupa- tion of the town of Sonoma by a party of insurgents
(foreign residents) of the country, among whom are said to be some persons from the United States, and that General Don Guadalupe Vallejo, with several other Mexican officers, have been sent prisoners to the Sacra- mento and threatened to be detained as hostages for the quiet submission of the surrounding country, leaving their families and other inoffensive persons in and about Sonoma in a painful state of agitation through apprehen- sions of violence and cruel treatment from the insurgent party in charge of the town. In consequence of this state of things, General Vallejo has appealed to mne, requesting the interposition of any authority or influence I may possess over the insurgents to prevent the per- petration of acts of violence on their part upon the defenseless people.
I have, in my reply to General Vallejo (by the mes- senger), stated my previous ignorance of the popular movement in question ; distinctly and emphatically disa- vowed all agei cy of the United States Government or myself as her representative in producing it, and dis- claimed all right or authority to interfere between the opposing parties or in any way to identify my movements with theirs. But, in compliance with the urgent calls of humanity, I deem it my duty to use my friendly en- deavors with the dominant party to secure (by the power of God) for the defenseless people of Sonoma that security of life, property and privilege to which all are entitled.
In pursuance of these views, sir, you are directed to proceed in one of the ship's boats to Sonoma, and, on your arrival there, you will wait on the officer or person commanding the party having possession of the town; and as it is possible he is not fully aware of the extent and nature of the feelings produced in the minds of the population by this recent movement you will inform him of the state of apprehension and terror into which it seems to have thrown them, and disclaiming all right or purpose on my part of interference between them and their actual opposers; and without touching upon the merits of their cause further than may not be avoided in course of conversation, be pleased (in such terms as your own sense of propriety will dictate) respectfully to request from me, that he will extend his protecting care over the defenseless families of their prisoners and other inoffensive persons of Sonoma, and exert his influence with others in order to secure to them the uninterrupted enjoyment of their domestic and social privileges.
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