An illustrated history of Southern California : embracing the counties of San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange, and the peninsula of Lower California, from the earliest period of occupancy to the present time; together with glimpses of their prospects; also, full-page portraits of some of their eminent men, and biographical mention of many of their pioneers and of prominent citizens of to-day, Part 114

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1038

USA > California > Los Angeles County > An illustrated history of Southern California : embracing the counties of San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange, and the peninsula of Lower California, from the earliest period of occupancy to the present time; together with glimpses of their prospects; also, full-page portraits of some of their eminent men, and biographical mention of many of their pioneers and of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 114
USA > California > San Diego County > An illustrated history of Southern California : embracing the counties of San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange, and the peninsula of Lower California, from the earliest period of occupancy to the present time; together with glimpses of their prospects; also, full-page portraits of some of their eminent men, and biographical mention of many of their pioneers and of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 114
USA > California > Orange County > An illustrated history of Southern California : embracing the counties of San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange, and the peninsula of Lower California, from the earliest period of occupancy to the present time; together with glimpses of their prospects; also, full-page portraits of some of their eminent men, and biographical mention of many of their pioneers and of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 114
USA > California > San Bernardino County > An illustrated history of Southern California : embracing the counties of San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange, and the peninsula of Lower California, from the earliest period of occupancy to the present time; together with glimpses of their prospects; also, full-page portraits of some of their eminent men, and biographical mention of many of their pioneers and of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 114

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

In 1842 gold was discovered on the San Fran- cisquito Rancho, thirty-five miles west of Los Angeles. Investigation showed that it was placer gold, and a number of people, mostly Sonorans used to mining, remained at these mines, which they worked with fair success un- til the party returned to Sonora in 1846. While work was continued they took ont $6,000 or $8,000 per year.

In 1845 the town council appointed a com- mittee to name the streets and nniuber the houses. The population was now 1,250.

The annals of Los Angeles prior to the Mex- ican war close in 1846 with the meeting in that city of the provincial legislature, to which Pio Pico communicated that the Mexican Pres- ident had appointed him constitutional Gov- ernor of the Californias. Before that body and a large concourse of citizens and officials, on April 18, he took the oath and delivered his in- angural address.

THE WAR WITH MEXICO, 1846-'47.

The beginning of the Mexican war in Cali- fornia found John C. Frémont in charge of an exploring expedition in the Upper Sacramento valley, en route to Oregon, whence he was hastily recalled by Lieutenant A. H. Gillespie, a special messenger from Washington. In June, 1846, the American settlers captured the town of Sonoma, and raised the famous " Bear Flag." On July 7, Commodore Sloat, of the United States Navy, raised the flag of the United States at Monterey, proclaiming that California thenceforthi would be a portion of the United States. On July 15, Commodore Stock- ton arrived from Honolulu, on the ship Con- gress, and on the 23d assumed command of all the United States forces on land. On the same day he perfected an arrangement with Frémont by which 160 members of the Bear-Flag revo- Intion were received as a battalion of volunteers, and Frémont made Major. On the 26th thie

734

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

ship Cyane, commanded by Captain Dupont, was sent to San Diego, with the Frémont bat- talion on board.

On July 16, Governor Pico convened the Legislature in special session at Los Angeles, where little was done save initiating the forma- tion of an army, encampment being made near. On August 6, Stockton reached San Pedro, landed a force, raised the flag, and prepared to inarchi inland. After some attempt at negotia- tions, Governor Pico and General Castro, com- manding the Los Angeles force, decided that as a successful defense was impossible with the elements available, it was better to abandon the field. The legislature, approving Pico's proposi- tions, adjourned sine die on August 10, and that night both Pico and Castro left the country, though not together. Pico, after some tiine spent in concealment, escaped into Mexico, re- jecting Frémont's proposition to convoke the legislature and go through the form of turning the country over to the United States, on as- surance ot security. Pico did not return to California until about the middle of July, 1848.

Stockton commenced his march to Los An- geles August 11. His cannon were drawn by the sailors and by oxen. Just outside the town he was joined by Frémont, from San Diego, and at four o'clock on the 13th the army entered California's capital, with band playing, and raised the flag of its country with all due cere- monies. The people appeared to feel more curiosity than hostility. Stockton mounted a few guns on the hill, and issued to the people a proclamation announcing that the country now belonged to the United States, and that it would be governed for a time by military law. He assured them of the safety of their lives and their property, and invited them to choose their ( wn civil officers, ordering an election of local officers to be held in the several towns and dis- tricts on September 15. Then organizing a garrison under command of Lieutenant Gilles- pie, and forwarding to Washington by the famous scont, Kit Carson, a full report of his doings, he embarked at San Pedro for Monterey,

while Frémont marched overland to the Sacra- mento valley.

Gillespie may have been a good soldier, but he was not fitted for a ruler. As soon as he was left in charge, he began to issue decrees which interfered needlessly with the old customs of this conservative people; he also made arbi- trary and unwarranted arrests, and otherwise offended by arrogant and high handed behavior. The citizens, originally well-disposed, developed under such treatment a natural resentment and irritation. Shortly after the Mexican Indepen- dence day, September 16, a party of celebrators, in a drunken frolic, made an attack, which was easily dispersed, on the barracks of the Ameri- cans. Gillespie, bent on finding objects for punishment, caused the arrest of a number of Californians who were on parole, and who, moreover, were at home and asleep when the disorder mentioned took place, although he was warned that he would stir up to rebellion the whole population. Among the men thus un- warrantably put under restraint were General Andres Pico, one of the most popular men in the country; Don José Carrillo, ex-deputy to the Mexican Congress, and ex-Captain José Maria Flores. As had been predicted, the whole Mexican population at once arose in arıns and seized such Americans as had not been able to enter the barracks. Gillespie, be- coming alarıned, released his prisoners, when the Californians freed theirs also. But those Californians whose liberty had been outraged were naturally furious at their seizure and the attempt to hold them responsible for the acts of a few drunken vagabonds; and as Gillespie had violated the promise of personal liberty made them when they gave their parole, they refused to be bound by it longer.

Within a day some 400 men had collected; they went into camp near the river, choosing Flores for commander. They were badly off for fire-arıns and ammunition, but every man liad his lance and his sword. On the day after the outbreak, a proclamation was issued, reciting the wrongs which had been inflicted, appealing

735

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

to Mexican patriotism and threatening ven- geance.

Benito D. Wilson, who had been put in com- mand of twenty Americans to protect the San Bernardino frontier, heard at the Jnrupa Ran- cho of the revolt at Los Angeles, and, going to the Chino Rancho of Isaac Williams, where they were disappointed by finding no powder, they were there besieged by some fifty Cali- fornians nnder Barelas, who had excited the original uprising at Los Angeles; he was joined here by about twenty other Mexicans from around San Bernardino. The Americans took refuge in a large adobe ranch house, having few openings, and fairly well protected by an as- phaltum roof, a ditch, and an adobe fence. At daylight on September 27, the Californians mnade a rush for the house, this being accompanied by a discharge of fire-arms from either party. Many of the riders were thrown at the ditch, and one was killed by a rifle-ball. Several Americans were seriously wounded. The as- sailants reached the wall and fired the roof, de- manding the surrender of the Americans, under promise of protection as prisoners of war. The terms were accepted, the fire was extin- gnished, and the victors, with their captives, moved toward Los Angeles. Tlie commander kept faith with his prisoners, in spite of in- cendiary urging from violent partisans, and they were turned over to General Flores, who subsequently exchanged them.

Meanwhile, Gillespie and his men were posted on Fort Hill, having there some guns, the his- tory of whose mnounting is not a little stirring. J. W. Marshall, of gold-discovery fame, had been transferred to Los Angeles from the com -. pany left at San Diego. He early discovered the trouble impending from the arbitrary con- duct of Gillespie, and he also fonnd that the Californians had in reserve a brass six-pound cannon which had not been unearthed when Stock- ton made requisition for all the arms and weapons in the vicinity. Gillespie ridiculed these sug- gestions, yet Marshall's foresight in strength-

ening the gates of the American quarters undoubtedly saved the Americans from a gen- eral massacre, when the Californians tried to storm them. Repulsed here, the Mexicans, having gathered a force of 500 men, prepared for a siege.

A hill in front of the American quarters com- manded a view of the court-yard and buildings, so that by mounting a gun on the hill, the en- emy would have the Americans at their mercy. And with a gun the Mexicans were presently seen to be moving up the hill, and the gun was the brass six-pounder, at whose existence Gilles- pie had scouted. Marshall, whose office as chief carpenter, seems to have by no means exhausted his resources, at once hastened to make avail- able two or three old cannon lying spiked and useless in the court-yard. Others quickly fash- ioned cartridges for these guns, and then the Americans sallied from their citadel and made a run for the top of the hill, hoping to distance the Californians, who, ignorant of the move- ment against them, were climbing more leis- urely from another direction. If the Californians should reach the top first, the Americans would be just in position to be mowed down by the six-pounder. Neither party could see the other, and the Americans could only strain every nerve to be first at the suminit; which they did to such good purpose that when they at last stag- gered to the very top, they saw the Mexicans still at some distance. Planting the gun, they trained it upon the enemy, who were forced to a specdy retreat by its discharge. To guard against further attack, the position on the hill was held, a guard placed over the guns, and sentries were posted about the eminence. After the return of Barelas with the captured Ameri- cans, Flores sent B. D. Wilson to Gillespie to say that the Americans night retire to San Pedro unmolested, if they would abandon the city. Gillespie accepted the offer, and on Sep- tember 29 marched out with all the honors of war, drums beating and colors flying, and tak- ing with him the four cannon.

736

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

THE BATTLE OF DOMINGUEZ RANCHO. On October 6, Captain Mervin reached San Pedro, immediately landing 350 men, who, joined by Gillespie's mnen, began the march to Los Angeles, taking neither cannon from the ship, nor horses. In the afternoon they ex- changed a few shots with a body of some fifty mounted Californians under José Antonio Car- rillo. At night the Americans occupied the buildings of the Dominguez Rancho. Before midnight Carrillo was joined by Flores, who bronght the brass six-pounder and sixty more inen; he returned the next morning to Los An- geles, leaving the gun and forty of his men with Carrillo, whom he instructed to harass the Americans as much as possible, without risking a general engagement. Carrillo divided his men into three bodies, about forty on either flank, and ten with the gun in the center. The American force also, which was composed of mnarines and seamen, was in three divisions, a solid square in the center, with Gillespie's men in skirmishing parties on the right and the left. As the Americans advanced, the cannon was discharged upon them, and then dragged rap- idly away after the Mexicans, by ropes attached to the riders' saddles; when at a safe distance, a halt was made to reload. At first the gun did no harm, but as the Mexicans became more expert at loading, they killed six Americans, and wounded as many. No one was hurt of the Californians. The Americans behaved brave ly, but Mervin, realizing that foot-soldiers could never overtake cavalry and flying artillery, re- treated, and re-embarked at San Pedro. Do- tachments of Mexicans were stationed at ranchos in the vicinity, to keep watch upon the Amer- icans.

Summoned by Flores, the Legislature met and re-organized at Los Angeles, October 26, appointing Flores to the united offices of Gov- ernor and Commander-in-Chief, made vacant by the flight of Pico and Castro.

Stockton, being informed of the state of af- fairs in the South, sailed in the Congress for San Pedro, where he arrived October 23, to

learn of Mervin's defeat the day before. The horses had all been driven away from this sec- tion, rendering it impossible for Stockton to convey his provisions to Los Angeles by march. Moreover, Carrillo so maneuvred his 400 mnen as to make them appear to be more than 2,000. Hence, Stockton decided to attack Los Angeles by way of San Diego, for which port he sailed the first of November. While engaged in prepar- ing for the impending struggle he. was advised of the overland approach of General Kearny, of the United States arıny, with an armed force, to meet whom he sent Lieutenant Gillespie with a detachment.

On December 6 was fonght the battle of San Pasqual, between Kearny's force and that of General Andres Pico. Kearny had eighteen men killed, three mortally wounded, sixteen badly wounded, and one missing. On hearing of the battle Stockton sent a force to the assist- ance of Kearny, who reached San Diego De- cember 12. On December 29 Stockton left San Diego for Los Angeles, he being Com- inander-in-Chief, with Kearny in command of the division.

Progressing by slow stages, the army was met on the way by emissaries from Flores, pro- posing a truce, pending confirmation of a report that peace had been declared between the United States and Mexico. At first refusing to hear of aught but an unconditional surrender, Stockton at last consented to issue a proclamation offering amnesty to all but Flores, on condition that he should be given up as a prisoner. Moving from Los Coyotes Rancho on January 8, 1847, Stockton turned aside from the most direct route to Los Angeles, owing to information given bini, and went to the upper ford, Paso de Bartolo. 'The Mexicans, finding that the Amer- icans knew of their presence at the lower ford, hastily marched to the upper, where Flores posted his men, nearly 500 strong, shortly be- fore the appearance of the Americans. His men were so placed as to command most ad- vantageonsly the situation, and the ford was dominated by two nine-pound cannon. The

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

Americans approached the ford in broken files. They drove before them the detachments of the enemy sent across to harass them, and the Mexicans took up a position several hundred yards back from the river, opening fire from their two guns without effect, probably owing to the poor quality of the powder of the Mexi- cans, which was home- made. In a few moments the passage of the whole force was effected, with only one man killed and one wounded.

Taking tactical position upon the bank, the American artillery opened upon the Mexicans, and with such precision that in an hour and twenty minutes from the start across the river, the Mexican guns were silenced. The Mexi- cans now retreated, now charged, and now at- tempted flank movements; but the Americans checked them at every turn; and at last, owing mainly to the superior artillery skill of the Americans, the Mexicans retreated and retired from the field, thus ending the second battle of the Mexican war in Los Angeles County. The engagement had lasted something less than two hours. The Americans had two men killed and eight wounded, of whom one died the next day. The Mexicans had the same number killed.

The Americans now went into camp, while the Mexicans returned to Canada de los Ali-os, near the main road to Los Angeles, where they posted themselves favorably to await the ap- proach of the American army.

At nine o'clock the next morning, January 9, 1847, the Americans resumed the inarch for Los Angeles, turning from the main road to the open plains as soon as they learned the position of the Mexicans, who at noon ap- proached, firing their cannon, to which the Americans replied. By four o'clock this long range artillery duel, together with two charges by the Mexicans, had resulted in the killing of one, and the wounding of several Mexicans, and the wounding of five Americans. Then the Mexicans, realizing that they were unable to cope with the Americans, retired, and the bat- tle of the Mesa was ended. The next morning, the 10th, Stockton's army entered Los Angeles,

the city having sent a flag of truce to ask for kind treatment, promising submission.

A strong detachment, with artillery, was posted on the hill, and the American flag was raised over the old quarters. The next day Stockton issued a proclamation congratulating his officers and men on their triumphs, and on once more taking possession of the city of Los Angeles.

THE CAPITULATION OF CAHUENGA.

Commander Commodore Stockton, by virtne of his rank and his position as conqueror of the country, was now Governor of California and Commander-in-Chief. Between him and Fré- mont there had been made an agreement that the latter should become Governor of California, on the subjugation of the Mexicans. Mean- while, Kearny had been sent from Santa Fé to conquer California, and establish a civil gov- ernment; but, after his disaster at San Pasqual, from which he was virtually rescued by Stock- ton, he could hardly make, at least at once, pretensions to the commandership. These canses had led to a feeling of rivalry, if not a stronger sentiment, from both men toward Stockton.

Frémont, on his way south, arrived in San Fernando on the night of January 11, there receiving a letter from Kearny, informing him of the occupation of Los Angeles, and the de- feat of the Mexicans. He at once sent Jesns Pico, his firin adherent and a man of influence among the Mexicans, to a camp of the Mexican armny at the Verdugo Rancho; Pico urged his countrymen to treat with his friend Frémont, instead of with Stockton, the conqueror of the the country. The Mexicans were convened to a final council, wherein it was decided to follow Pico's advice. Flores was present at this coun- cil, and the same night, resolving to go to Mex- ico, he turned ever the command to Andres Pico. Two representatives were sent to Fré- mont, who received them, and then marched his main battalion to the Cahuenga Rancho, whither the Mexican camp was removed also ; and where,

738

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

on January 13, 1847, General John C. Frémont signed a treaty with a pretended army, of whose utter defeat he had knowledge for almost forty- eight hours. The document signed on this occasion was by Frémont forwarded to Kearny at Los Angeles. On January 14, Frémont marched with his battalion to the city. Not knowing the true circumstances, Stockton wrote in his report to the government, on January 15: " Not being able to negotiate with me, and having lost the battles of the 8th and 9th, the Californians met Frémont on the 12th instant, on his way here, who, not knowing what had occurred, entered into the capitulation with them which I now send you; and although I refused to do it myself, I thought best to approve it."

OTHER PROCEEDINGS.

On Jannary 14, Stockton tendered to Frémont and Major Russell their respective commissions as Governor and Secretary of State. By this time Kearny was disputing Stockton's right to organize a civil government, and on the 16th he ordered Stockton to show his authority from the Government, or else take no further action in the matter of a civil organization. Stockton .declined to obey this order, on the ground that the conquest had been completed, and the civil government put in operation before his arrival. He also suspended Kearny from the command of troops conferred on him at San Diego, as he had a right to do, so far as concerned sailors and marines. Kearny then ordered Frémont to make no changes in his battalion, but Fré- mont declined to obey this order, stating that he had received his appointment from Stockton, and that on his arrival at Los Angeles, Kearny had recognized Stockton as the commander. Kearny privately offered to make Frémont Gov- ernor if he would espouse Kearny's cause, but Frémont declined; and Kearny, finding his au- thority ignored on all sides, and having no troops with which to enforce his orders, started on the 18th with his dragoons for San Diego.

On January 22, Commodore W. B. Shubrick arrived to succeed Stockton as commander of the

Pacific squadron; and in consequence of orders received on February 12 from Washington, he issned on March 1, a circular in which Kearny was announced to be Governor, and Lieutenant- Colonel Cook Military Commandant of the Southern District; the headquarters was fixed at Los Angeles, and Monterey was named as the capital. Frémont was ordered to deliver in per- son at Monterey all documents appertaining to the government of California; and it was on this occasion that he made his famous ride. Arcom- panied by his faithful friend Jesus Pico, and a servant, he rode from Los Angeles to Monterey, a distance of about 400 miles, March 22-25, and back again by the 29th, traveling over 800 miles in eight and a half days, and keeping the saddle continuously for about 100 hours.

Colonel R. B. Mason arrived at Los Angeles from Monterey on April 7, as inspector of troops, and to settle any accounts against the Govern- ment. The great friction between him and Frémont led to preparations for a duel, whichi was prevented only by Kearny's positive orders.

On May 9, 1847, Kearny returned to Los Angeles, accompanied by two companies of the New York Volunteers, with their organizer and commander, Colonel Jonathan D. Stevenson, who succeeded to the commandership of the Southern District, on Cook's resignation. Kearny returned to Monterey, whence he went East, taking Frémont with him under military orders, when followed the court martial which is a detail of national history.

Lieutenant-Colonel Cook arrived from San Luis Rey March 23, 1847, with the dragoons and four companies of the Mormon battalion, the latter of whom were at once set to building a fort on the hill which had already seen so many notable occurrences.

On July 4, 1847, the Mexicans heard for the first time the Declaration of Independence, which Stephen C. Foster translated into Spanish.

In July, 1848, Pio Pico returned to San Gabriel; as he had no passport, he was, after certain deliberations, imprisoned for a short time at Los Angeles, but was released August

739

HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

8, on receipt of the news of the treaty of Guada- lupe Hidalgo, which put an end to the war with Mexico, and gave California to the United States.

It was the policy of the American Govern- ment, after obtaining possession of California, to make as few changes as possible in the meth- ods of ruling the people, to which they had been accustomed for generations. Thus, after the treaty of peace had become operative, the laws of Mexico were retained in full force, and under them were appointed civil officers, having exactly the same titles and the same functions as formerly. The natural good temper of the people favored a speedy and complete reconcilia- tion, the American officers were pleased with their material surroundings, and they soon found themselves welcome and happy among the Span- ish element. Social and sporting diversions of mutual interest were organized, and the affilia- tion was complete.

The first year the city was ruled by the re- stored Ayuntamiento (town council), which had closed its sessions at the notes of war; and in December, 1847, the people elected a new ay- untamiento, to take office the following Jannary. But the gentlemen elected to the offices of first and second alcalde ceded their rights, on the expression of the wish of Colonel Mason, then military governor of California, that the civil offices throughout the territory should thence- forth be filled, at least in part, by Americans. Accordingly, Stephen C. Foster and José Vi- cente Guerrero were appointed respectively first and second alcalde of Los Angeles, the other offices being filled by the parties elected by the people.

The newly-elected alcaldes were instructed to make no grants of land, but to attend only to criminal and civil business and current munici- pal affairs. The new corps displayed superior skill in the business of the office, which was of a various and often difficult nature. The ir- rigation systemn had long been a source of per- plexity to the officers, and inconvenience and losses to the people. Foster's administration put it in a condition that was not disturbed until

the great freshet of 1861-'62. This civic-mil- itary rule lasted from January, 1848, to May 21, 1849; on the 17th of that month, under an order of Major Graham, Los Angeles ceased to be a military station of the United States. In December, 1848, by order of Governor Mason, Mr. Foster had called an election under Mexican law, for an ayuntamiento to replace that then in office; but as no attention was paid to the notice the officers were instructed to hold over until snch time as the people should be willing to hold an election; and in May, 1849, a new ayuntamiento was elected and inaugurated ac- cordingly.

The discovery of the gold mines in 1848 carried away many of the native population; created a new demand for the horses and cattle which the rancheros conld so abundantly supply ; brought a multitude of immigrants from Sonora, as well as from the United States; and kept, those who did not leave Los Angeles in a state of · continual exaltation and excitement. During the summer of 1849 and the winter and spring of 1850, Los Angeles was a thoroughfare of travel. No one could be induced to stop long, as every one was bent on reaching, as soon as possible, the northern El Dorado. Many of the immigrants reached this point almost desti- tute, but such were generously aided by the Lugo family at San Bernardino, by Isaac Will- iams at Cliino, by Rowland and by Workman at La Puente,-in fact, by Californian liberality everywhere.

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Author: Lewis Publishing Company Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : The Lewis Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1038

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1038