History of California, Volume I, Part 21

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers
Number of Pages: 852

USA > California > History of California, Volume I > Part 21
USA > California > History of California, Volume I > Part 21

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Fortunately none of these obstacles was in this case interposed. The royal order was clear that San Diego and Monterey should be occupied; the movement was not a complicated or apparently difficult one; it was promptly and effectually executed. The cause of this unusual promptness was in the man who undertook to carry out the order. The whole matter was by the viceroy turned over to José de Galvez, who was, as we have seen, on his way to the Jalisco coast to embark for the peninsula. Galvez had come to Mexico in 1765 as visitador general of New Spain. He was a member of the Council of the Indies, and subsequently minis- ter of state, holding the latter position at the time of his death in 1789. He was invested by Carlos III. with well nigh absolute powers to investigate and reform the administration of the government in its different branches, particularly in matters pertaining to the royal finances. Independent of the viceroy in many respects by virtue of his position, only nominally subordinate in others, assuming probably some prerog- atives that did not belong to him, he was to all intents the highest authority in New Spain. The viceroy Cruillas was removed from office largely because of his opposition to the visitador, and was replaced by the more complaisant Marqués de Croix. If there were any viceregal attributes not originally possessed by Galvez, or arbitrarily assumed by him, they were especially delegated to him by Croix when he started

115

DON JOSE DE GALVEZ.

for the west. Thus powerful and independent, Galvez was also remarkable for his practical good sense, busi- ness ability, untiring energy, and disregard of all routine formalities that stood in his way. He is entitled to the first place among the pioneers of Cal- ifornia though he never set foot in the country.1

Galvez sailed from San Blas in May, but was driven to the Tres Marias and back to Mazatlan, not reach- ing the peninsula till the first week in July. At this time Captain Gaspar de Portolá, an easy-going, pop- ular man, but brave and honest withal, was ruling the country as civil and military governor, while Captain Fernando Javier Rivera y Moncada commanded the garrison of about forty soldiers at Loreto. Portolá was a new-comer of the preceding year; Rivera had been long in the country.2 The missions were in the

1Galvez was 'alcalde de casa y corte, ministro del consejo de Indias, mar- qués de Sonora, ministro de estado y del despacho universal de Indias.' Rivera, Gobernantes de Mex., 402-16. This is the only authority I have scen for the exact date of the departure from Mexico. In an edict dated Nov. 2, 1768, in Lower California, Galvez signs himself 'del consejo y cámara de Su Mages- tad en cl real y supremo de las Indias, yntendente de exército, visitador gen- eral de todos los tribunales de justicia, caxas, y demas ramos de real hacienda de cstos reynos, y comisionado con las amplisimas facultades del Ex. Sr. Mar- qués de Croix.' Prov. St. Pap., MS., i. 6. In his report to the viceroy dated June 10, 1760, he gives as the chief object of the northern expedition the establishment of a presidio to protect the peninsula from the danger always threatened by foreign nations 'y con especialidad las (tentativas) que última- mente han hecho los rusos pretendiendo familiarizarse con la navegacion del mar de Tartaria.' Palou, Not., i. 183. See also for notices concerning Galvez' coming to lower California. Id., i. 248-50. Fear of the Russians as the leading motive for the northern establishment is mentioned in Armonu, Carta, 1770, in Doc. Hist. Mex., 4th scr., tom. ii. 156-7; Revilla-Gigedo, Informe de 1793, according to Cavo, Tres Siglos, iii. 117; by Navarrete, introd. to Sutil y Mex. Viage, xci .- ii .; and by other writers. Greenhow, Or. and Cal., 105, tells us that Galvez was a man of the most violent and tyrannical disposition. If this be truc it is to be regretted that violence and tyranny were not more common qualities in Spanish officials. Hughes, California, 119, learns from Harper's Biog. Cyclopedia, that Galvez visited California in search of gold-mines dis- covered by the Jesuits; that his companion, Miguel José de Arenza, became discouraged after a few weeks, recommending the abandonment of the search and accusing Galvez of insanity for continuing it, for which he was cast into prison ! Galvez was ill in Sonora after leaving California, and is said to have imprisoned his secretary Azanza, afterward viceroy, for saying that his malady was mental. Such was the origin doubtless of the story. Venegas, Not. Cal., ii. 290, 543-4, iii. 4-14, has something to say on the proposals to settle Alta California and how the matter stood in the middle of the century.

2 Biographical sketches of these officers will be given later. As authority for the form of Portola's name I cite his signature in an original letter of 1779

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PREPARATIONS FOR SPANISH OCCUPATION.

hands of sixteen Franciscan friars from the college of San Fernando in Mexico, who had been in possession only about three months, and were under the direc- tion of Father Junipero Serra as president.3 There is nothing to show that either governor, or commandant, or president had come to the peninsula with any ex- pectation that their authority was to be soon extended to the northern coast. Yet all doubtless shared the prevalent impression, amounting to a hope in the minds of the padres, that sooner or later Monterey and San Diego were to be occupied and missionary work begun. Galvez set himself to work most zeal- ously to investigate the condition and supply the needs of the peninsula establishments. His policy and acts in this direction are fully set forth in connection with the annals of Lower California.4

But the visitador kept always in mind his project of northern conquest. Rapidly his busy brain ma- tured a plan of action, which had probably been con- ceived before he left San Blas, and which a few months after his arrival he was ready to carry into execution. Means and methods were fortunately under his exclu- sive control, and he had resolved on an expedition in four divisions, two by sea and two by land, to start separately, but all to meet at San Diego, and thence press on to Monterey. Thus a practical knowledge of both routes would be gained, transportation econo- mized, and risks of failure lessened. Available for the sea-going divisions were twosmall vessels, the paquebotes, or snows, San Carlos and San Antonio, under the com- mand of captains Vicente Vila and Juan Perez, expe- rienced pilotos of the royal navy. They had been built

among the MSS. of Molera; Portolá, Diario del Viage, 1769, MS., a contem- porary copy; Ortega in Santa Clara, Arch. Parr., MS., 48; Palou, Vida; and Montercy, Estracto de Noticias; though Serra wrote it Portala in San Diego, Lib. Mision, MS., 63; and in Palou, Noticias, it is printed Portola.

3 Father Serra was a native of Mallorca, 55 years of age, who had come to America in 1749, had served as a missionary in the Sierra Gorda district for nine years, and about the same time in the college, or travelling as comi- sario of the inquisition. Palou, Vida, 1-13, 43-6. See preceding note.

4See Ilist. North Mexican States, vol. i., this series.

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VISITADOR AND PRESIDENT.

for the transportation of troops to Sonora, and the co- mandante at San Blas had orders to fit them out and send them over to La Paz with the least possible delay. The land expeditions under Portolá and Rivera were to march from Santa María on the northern frontier. An additional military force would be required, to supply which Colonel Elizondo was instructed to send over twenty- five Catalan volunteers5 under Lieutenant Pedro Fages. The peninsular missions must assist at the birth of the new ones, by furnishing church orna- ments, live-stock, and other supplies to the full extent of their ability.

From his head-quarters at Santa Ana Galvez super- intended the collection at La Paz and Cape San Lucas of everything that was to be forwarded by sea. He sent north supplies for the land expedition, and ap- pointed Captain Rivera, a man practically acquainted with the country, as comisario with instructions to proceed northward from mission to mission, and take from each all the live-stock, provisions, and imple- ments that could be spared. Likewise he was to re- cruit some people for the new settlements, and bring everything to Santa María with all possible despatch. Rivera set out upon this work in August or Septem- ber 1768.6

The proposed occupation of the northern country, however, was to be spiritual as well as military. The natives were to be converted after their subjection, and not only presidios but missions were to be founded. Preparations having been effectually set on foot en lo secular, it was now time for the spiritual aspect of the scheme to receive attention. Accord- ingly the padre president was invited to come down to Santa Ana for a personal interview with the visita- dor, as he did, arriving at the end of October. Serra doubtless had before this time made himself pretty well acquainted with what Galvez was doing and pro-

5 The Catalonia company; Ist battalion, 2d regiment, light infantry, had left Cádiz May 27, 1767. Prov. Start. Pap., MS., i. 2.

6 Palou, Not. i. 252, says August; but in Fila, 65, September.

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PREPARATIONS FOR SPANISH OCCUPATION.

posed to do; but he listened patiently to the visita- dor's explanations, and then not only expressed his approval of the scheme, but announced his intention to join the land expedition in person. It was thought best to found, besides the missions at San Diego and Monterey, another at some intermediate point,7 and still another on the frontier of Lower California in order to facilitate communication between the old establishments and the new. Three priests were to go north by sea and three by land; and in order that so many might be spared three were drawn from the college of San Fernando. Serra agreed with Galvez that church furniture, ornaments, and vestments, must be supplied by the old missions. Surplus grain and other articles of food were to be taken as gifts, while live-stock and implements must be regarded as loans, and as such repaid in kind. This burden, al- though in accord with the past policy of both Jesuits and Franciscans that old missions must support the new, might have met with opposition had there been any to oppose.

The king's and viceroy's representative, the civil and military governor, and the president of the missions were in accord on the subject. The natives were not consulted, and the priests were new-comers, not very deeply interested in the country or in their respective missions.8 Galvez and Serra had only themselves to convince that the measure was right, and the task was not a hard one. The Francis- cans were bound by their vows, said the visitador, the president echoing approval, to spread the faith, not to accumulate wealth or build up grand establish- ments-a doctrine that subsequently lost something of its force in the land whither they were going. Serra took a list of the church property that Galvez had already collected, and promised to continue this sacred

" According to Palou, Vida, 57, this intermediate mission was to be called San Buenaventura.

8 Palou, Not., 1. 43-56, claims also that Galvez, the viceroy, and the king fully repaid the missions later for all that was taken.

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A PATRON SAINT.

though enforced loan in the north, as he did some months later.9

During the month of November, Father Junípero made a tour of the southern missions, completing arrangements for secularization which should release two more priests for duty in the north. A slaughter of wild cattle in the south furnished meat for the first sea expedition. Stores of all kinds were collected at La Paz. Galvez issued a proclamation naming St Joseph the patron saint of the adventure,10 and shortly after Lieutenant Fages arrived from Guaymas with twenty-five Catalan volunteers of the compañía franca, who were to go by sea as a first detachment of the invading army to overcome gentile battalions that might oppose the landing and progress of the Spaniards.

9 Palou gives long lists of all the church property taken from each mission, which I have thought it worth while to combine into the following, which is as nearly accurate as the author's occasional use of the terms 'several' and 'a few' will permit: 7 church bells, 11 small altar bells, 23 altar eloths, 5 choir copes, 3 surpliees, 4 carpets, 2 coverlets, 3 roquetes, 3 veils, 19 full sets sacred vestments, different colors, 6 old single vestments, 17 albas, alhs, or white tunics, 10 palios, palliums, or short eloaks, 10 amitos, amices, or pieces of linen, 10 chasubles, 12 girdles, 6 hopas, or cassocks, 18 altar-linens, or corporales, 21 purificadores, purificatories, or chalice eloths, 1 pall cloth, 11 pictures of the virgin, 12 silver or gilded chalices, 1 cibary, or silver goblet, 7 crismeras, or silver phials for chrism, or sacred oil, 1 custodia, or silver easket for holy wafers, 5 conchas, or silver conchs for baptism, 6 incensarios, or silver censers with ineense dish and spoon, 12 pairs of vinageras, silver and glass cructs for wine and water, 1 silver cross with pedestal, 1 box containing Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, 1 copper platter for baptismal font, 2 copper baptismal fonts, 29 brass, copper, and silver candlesticks, 1 copper dipper for holy water, 1 silver jar, 1 tin wafer box, 3 statues, 2 silver suns or dazzlers, 4 irons for making wafers, coins and rings for arras at marriages, 5 aras, or consecrated stoncs, 4 missals and a missal-stand, 1 Betancurt's Manual; also quantities of hand- kerchiefs, curtains, and tinsels; with laces, silks, and other stuffs to be made into altar upholstery, taken from the royal almacen at Loreto. This church property was for the most part sent by water to the new establishments. Many of the old vestments and church ornaments, some dating baek perhaps to this first invoice, are yet preserved in the missions. See Visit to Southern California, MS.

1º In his proclamation, dated Nov. 21st, and preserved in Arch. Santa Bár- bara, MS., i. 15, 16, Galvezrefers to the driving away of the locusts in 1767, at San José del Cabo by aid of St Joseph's image, as a reason why the Monterey expedition is to be under him as patron. He charges the priests to say mass on the 10th of every month, and the rogative litany while the expeditions con- tinue, imploring through the intercession of the saint divine protection, and this in addition to the regular salve to Maria, patron of all the Californian con- versions, and also in addition to the regular fiesta of San José. On the same day he calls the attention of Padre Lasuen to this matter. Letter in Id., xi. 369-70, with another letter of Nov. 23d, relating to supplies from the Loreto warehouse.

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PREPARATIONS FOR SPANISH OCCUPATION.

Early in December the San Carlos arrived at La Paz from San Blas. She had been hastily and, like all Pacific coast craft of the time, imperfectly constructed, had encountered stormy weather, and was in a leaky condition. She was already partially laden with effects for the north from the San Blas warehouses; but had to be unloaded, careened, and loaded again, all of which labor Galvez personally superintended, often lending a hand in the stowing of an unwieldy package, greatly to the encouragement of his men and to the admira- tion of the chroniclers.11 The 9th of January 1769 the San Carlos was ready. All who were going in her confessed, heard mass, partook of the communion, and then listened to a parting address from Galvez. The visitador reminded his hearers that theirs was a glorious mission, that they were going to plant the cross among the heathen, and charged them in the name of God, the king, and the viceroy to respect their priests and maintain peace and union among themselves. Finally Junipero Serra pronounced. a formal blessing on the pilgrims, their vessel, the flag, the crew, and on Father Parron, to whom was in- trusted the spiritual care of the company. The cere- mony over, the San Carlos put to sea. Galvez in the Concepcion accompanied her down the gulf from La Paz to Cape San Lúcas, watching her until she doubled the point and struck bravely northward before a fair wind.12

While the president returned to Loreto Galvez gave his attention to the San Antonio, which was to follow the San Carlos. Touching at La Paz the 15th of January, she arrived at Cape San Lucas the 25th.13

11 Palou, Vida, 60, notes that Galvez was particularly zealous in packing for San Buenaventura which he called his mission, and was delighted at having done his work quicker than Padre Junípero who packed for his mission of San Carlos.

12 Crespi, in Palou, Not., ii. 149, says the San Carlos sailed January 10tli. Leaving La Paz on the 9th, she may have been last seen by Galvez on the 10th, though Palou, Not., i. 216, says it was the 11th. For further details respecting the officers, men, cargo, instructions, and plans, see description of the voyage in the next chapter.

13 Galvez' letter in Prov. St. Pap., MS., i. 44. Palou, Vida, 61, tells us that the Sam Antonio had gone to San Lucas because prevented by the wind from reaching La Paz.

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PEREZ SAILS ON THE SAN ANTONIO.

Her condition being no better than that of the capitana, or flag-ship, she was unloaded and careened, and so was not ready for sea till the 15th of Feb- ruary. Then, after an exhortation by Galvez and the usual religious ceremonies, Perez shook out his sails and with a fair wind struck northward from San José del Cabo. "God seems to reward my only virtue, my faith," writes Galvez to Fages, "for all goes well."14

Meanwhile active preparations for the land expe- dition were being made in the north. Rivera had left Santa Ana in September, as we have seen. On his way northward he had visited each mission and had taken such live-stock and other needed supplies as he and the different friars thought could be spared. The 200 cattle, 140 horses, 46 mules, and two asses, with various implements and articles of food thus acquired,15 were collected at first at the frontier mis- sion of Santa María, but the pasturage there being insufficient for his animals, Rivera soon transferred his camp to Velicatá eight or ten leagues farther north.16 From this point he sent word to Galvez at Santa Ana and to Serra at Loreto that he would be ready to start for San Diego in March. The president had returned to Loreto at the end of January, and had since been busily engaged in his preparations, forward- ing such articles as he could get to La Paz or to Santa María according as they were to go by water or by land. On receipt of Rivera's message he at once noti- fied Fray Juan Crespí, who was to accompany the first land expedition, to join the force at Velicatá without delay. Crespí, an intimate personal friend as well as

14 Prov. St. Pap., MS., i. 46.

13 The articles, not including the Loreto contribution, were 54 aparejos, or pack-saddles, 28 leather bags, 1 case of bottles, 13 sides of leather, 28 arrobas of figs, 1 bale and 4 arrobas of sugar, 340 arrobas tasajo, or dried meat, 28 arrobas flour, 35 almudes pinole, 21 fancgas wheat, 23 arrobas raisins, 4 cargas biscuits, 10 arrobas lard, 2 jugs and 12 bottles wine. Eatables were gifts. Palou, Not., i. 43-5. Galvez sent some implements and seeds. Id. Vida, 60.

16 He reached Velicatá before Dec. 20th on which date he wrote to Galvez. Prov. St. Pap., MS., i. 45.

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PREPARATIONS FOR SPANISH OCCUPATION.

obedient subordinate of Serra,17 accordingly left his mission of Purísima the 26th of February and reached Rivera's camp on the 22d of March, having been joined at Santa María by Padre Lasuen who had journeyed from San Francisco de Borja in order to bestow the customary blessing on the departing pil- grims. Everything was in readiness, and two days after the coming of the friars Rivera's little army began its march into the land of gentiles.

Portolá with the second division of the land expe- dition was already on his way to the northern frontier, having left Loreto on the ninth of March;18 but he was obliged to await at Santa María the transporta- tion from San Luis Bay of supplies which had been sent up by water.19 Serra was unable to accompany the governor because his work of collecting church utensils and ornaments was not yet completed, and he was besides suffering from a sore foot, obtained long before on a walk from Vera Cruz to Mexico, which made it doubtful to every one but himself whether he would be able to go with the expedition at all. However, he promised to follow as soon as possible, and meanwhile sent Campa from San Ignacio in his place. At the end of March, though still very lame, he was ready to start, and after spending several days at San Javier with Francisco Palou,20 whom he appointed president of the old missions during his absence, he journeyed slowly and painfully northward, stopping at each mission except Mulegé, and finally

17 Crespí was like Serra a native of Mallorca, had come to America in the same vessel, and had served 16 ycars in the Sierra Gorda missions. He was at this time 48 years of age. Many old Californians say they were accustomed to hear his name pronounced by their fathers Crespí, and it is so written in Portola, Diario and other MSS.

18 Sergeant José F. Ortega, who was with Portolá on this march, says that he left Loreto March 14. Prov. St. Pap., MS., vi. 171. According to a frag- inent in Ortega's handwriting in Sta. Clara, Arch. Parroquia, MS., 48, the date was March 14th or 16th. Palou makes it the 9th.

19 They had been sent by the canoas San Ignacio and San Borja, which returned to San Lucas before Feb. 14th. Prov. St. Pap., MS., i. 45.

20 Palou was now 47 years of age. He had been a pupil of Serra in Spain, was perhaps also a native of Mallorca, had come with him to America, and

. had served with him in the Sierra Gorda.

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ALL EN ROUTE.

joining the governor's party at Santa María the 5th of May. The whole company left Santa María on the 11th, and arrived at Velicatá the 14th.21 The same day a mission was founded there under the name of San Fernando, Campa being left in charge; then on the 15th of May Portola with the second land expe- dition set out and followed the track of Rivera.

Thus within a period of four months Galvez had despatched the four divisions, and only an extraordi- nary series of misfortunes could prevent the successful occupation of San Diego and Monterey. He had not, however, quite reached the limit of his efforts in that direction, since he had caused to be built at San Blas a new vessel, especially intended for northern coast service, and named for the patron saint of the expedi- tion the San José. She arrived at Cape San Lucas on the 13th of February, two days before the departure of the San Antonio,22 but it was found necessary to overhaul her for repairs at the cape harbor, whence she was convoyed by Galvez in a sloop to Loreto in April. In May she bore the visitador across the gulf to the Rio Mayo, and brought back part of a cargo of supplies to Loreto, where she completed her lading and sailed for San Diego on the 16th of June.23 She was to have touched at San José del Cabo to take on board Father Murguía and some church ornaments; but nothing was seen of her there or elsewhere, until three months later she appeared at Loreto with a broken mast and otherwise disabled. Word was sent to Galvez in Sonora, and he ordered her to San Blas for repairs. The cargo was taken out and sent in boats to Cape San Lúcas, except a quantity of corn left on board. A trunk of vestments was sent to Velicatá by land, and the vessel sailed for San Blas

21 Portolá, Diario, MS., 1, 2. The leader and friars went in advance and reached Velicata on the 13th.

22 Galvez, in Prov. St. Pap., MS., i. 45.

23 Palou, Vida, 63, says the vessel was never heard of again, and it is only in his other work, Noticias, i. 54, 276-9, in which, however, he says nothing of her trip to Sonora, that he describes her subsequent movements.

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PREPARATIONS FOR SPANISH OCCUPATION.

in October. The unfortunate paquebot came back next year, and sailed from San José del Cabo in May with a cargo of supplies and a double crew to reën- force the other vessels, but without Murguía, who was detained by illness. Nothing was ever heard subsequently of either vessel or crew. The captain's name was Callegan.

The proceedings of Galvez and other events in the peninsula after the departure of the northern expedi- tions have been fully narrated elsewhere;24 and there is but little in connection with those annals for several years that has any bearing on the new establishments of San Diego and Monterey. As early as July 1769, the San Antonio returned to San Blas, and on the 7th of September a schooner brought up to Loreto news that all the expeditions had reached San Diego.25 The 25th of February 1770 Rivera returned to Velicatá for cattle and other supplies left there, with San Diego news to the 11th of February, and with reports for Galvez and the viceroy on the failure of the first attempt to find Monterey. A month later two natives arrived from San Diego with April letters to Palou and the viceroy which reached Loreto late in May.26 The 2d of August messengers arrived from Monterey at Todos Santos, bringing to Governor Armona and Father Palou news of the founding of San Carlos mission. The event was celebrated by a mass of . thanksgiving and by a discharge of fire-arms at Santa Ana. From Portolá who returned by sea the good news was received in Mexico about the same time.27 I have already noticed the despatching of the ill-fated San José in May 1770. Palou, the acting president,

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History of California, Volume I, Part 21

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe Publication date: 1885 Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers Number of Pages: 852

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers
Number of Pages: 852