USA > California > History of California, Volume I > Part 49
USA > California > History of California, Volume I > Part 49
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420
DEATH OF SERRA; MISSION PROGRESS.
tempted to entertain a selfish regret that Palou wrote, or that his writings were ever printed, yet all the same he must be regarded as the best original au- thority for the earliest period of mission history. I have copied his map of Upper California.9
The missions had a narrow escape from ruin or from what the friars believed would result in ruin, in the form of their erection into a custody. Sonora and the Californias had been formed into a bishopric in 1779, and Bishop Reyes came in 1783, with full authority
217 to 688, in 50 chapters, and covering the period from 1769 to 1773; Part III. is a collection of original documents on events of 1773-4, not arranged in chapters, and filling 211 pages of tom. ii .; and Part IV. continues the narra- tive in 41 chapters, pages 213-396, from 1773 to 1783. At the beginning of tom. i. the author gives the following prefatory notice: 'Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Summary (of the annals) of Old California during the time that those missions were administered by the missionaries of the Regular Observ- ance of Our Seraphic Father San Francisco of the Apostolic College of San Fernando in Mexico-and of the new missions which the said missionaries founded in the new establishments of San Diego and Monterey, written by the least (the most unworthy) of said missionaries, who worked in Old Cali- fornia from the time it was intrusted to said College down to its delivery to the reverend fathers of the sacred religion of Our "Cherubic" Father Santo Domingo, and who later with other missionaries of the same College of San Fernando went up to Monterey, having no other aim in this material work which I undertake than that allowed me by the apostolic ministry, which is to leave on record all that has happened and may happen while God gives me life and health to work in this new vineyard of the Lord, so that when the chronicler of our apostolic colleges may demand from that of San Fernando notes of its apostolic labors I may have them compiled in a volume, or more should there be enough to note, leaving it to the skill of the chronicler to put them in the style for publication, and to his prudence and "religiosity" to leave to the secrecy of the archives those which are written only because they may be needed to shut the mouth of those rivals in the apostolic ministry who arc never lacking in new conversions, so that if they should talk some day of missionary achievements there may be had in readiness all the events as they really occurred in California, both old and new, all of which with all sincerity and truth I will narrate in this summary, divided into four parts,' etc. This gives an idea of the author's purpose, but hardly of his style, which was tol- erably good. The book has many typographical defcets, but few or none which may not be corrected in substance from the archives. I have referred constantly to this original edition, using for convenience tom. i. and ii., instead the tom. vi .- vii. of the Collection. In 1874-5, Mr John T. Doyle issued in San Francisco a reprint of Palou's Noticias in four Svo volumes, one volume to each part, well printed on good paper, and with a few corrections of typo- graphical errors. The prefatory notice just quoted is omitted in the reprint; there is a transfer of a diary from one part to another; some photographs of mission buildings and other Californian scenes are added; and the whole is prefaced by a long and ably written note by Mr Doyle on Palou's life, the mis- sion system, the pious fund, etc.
9 Californias. Antiguay Nueva. . . Longitude reckoned from San Blas. Diego Francisco, sc., Mexico, 1787. Many strange inaccuracies will be noticed, especially in the location of Santa Clara, San Antonio, and the Colorado missions. For map see p. 408, this vol.
421
CUSTODIES PROPOSED.
from the king and the Franciscan commissary general to make the change, which though it was to leave the friars in control and give the bishop but little if any increased authority, was doubtless intended as a step toward secularization. By it the connection between missions and the colleges was to cease; the missions were to become hospices and pueblos de visita, the president would be replaced by a custodian, who with his council of definidores took the place also, in a cer- tain sense, of the college guardian and discretorio; and the system was to be supported largely by the beg- ging of alms. The colleges naturally protested against the change, claiming that new friars would have to be brought from Spain at great expense, since the old missionaries would not sever their connection with their colleges; that the new system made no provision for new conversions; that, in California particularly, there were none to give alms; and that there were many of the custody regulations which it would be absolutely impossible to enforce in these provinces. These pro- tests were of no avail so far as Sonora was con- cerned, where the custody of San Carlos was formed in October 1783; but the college of San Fernando succeeded in postponing action in the erection of San Gabriel de California until the practical result else- where could be known. As the system proved to work very badly in Sonora, California escaped the experi- ment which would almost certainly have proved de- structive of mission prosperity. I hear nothing of the scheme in California after 1787.10
10 For a full account of the experiment in Sonora see Arricivita, Cron. Seráf., 564-75. The royal order in favor of custodies was dated May 20, 1782. Aug. 17, 1792, after numerous petitions, the king, on advice of general, gov- ernor, bishop, and audiencia, issued an order which restored the old system. Jau. 8, 1783, the guardian sends to Serra the brief and laws for custodies with the remark that they contain many falsehoods and impossibilities, saying, 'we work here with all our might to overthrow these projects in the beginning, real- izing that merely to attempt them will cause great mischief.' The bishop will try the experiment in Sonora, and we shall be left in peace for a while at any rate. If you get orders from the bishop you must reply that your superior is to be consulted. Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., xii. 156-8. Feb. 3, 1783, the guardian of San Fernando and agents of Santa Cruz and Guadalupe colleges unite in a protest to the viceroy. Id., xii. 212-13. Jan. 14, 1784, Galvez informs the
422
DEATH OF SERRA; MISSION PROGRESS.
Not only did the missions escape separation from the control of San Fernando, but their number was increased by the founding of two new establishments, Santa Bárbara and Purísima, the long-talked of mis- sions of the Channel. In 1782 these establishments had been suspended as will be remembered because of a plan of the secular authorities to break up the old system and take from the friars the management of temporalities, and the consequent refusal of the friars to serve. The matter was referred to the king, but I find no record of definite action thereon. The guar- dian instructed President Serra and his successor Lasuen not to allow any new establishments except on the old basis;11 a good excuse was accordingly ready whenever any suggestion was made by governor or general; and finally by the tacit agreement of their opponents the friars were allowed to have their own way. In April 1786 the guardian informed the pres- ident that friars will come to California this year, and Santa Bárbara may be founded, if the old system be allowed, but not otherwise.12
viceroy that notwithstanding the opposition it is the king's will that the cus- todies be promoted. April 12, 1785, guardian informs Lasuen that there is nothing for it but to be silent and cautions. Id., 214-15. It seems that gen- eral Neve had favored the custody in California. Prov. St. Pap., MS., vii. 13-14. March 21, 1787, the king ordered that if there were not enough friars of San Fernando for the California missions, others might be taken from Michoa- can. Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., x. 287; Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 32.
11 April 1, 1784, the general wrote to Fages authorizing the founding of a mission at Montecito near the presidio of Santa Barbara. The governor notified Pres. Serra on July 27th from San Francisco. Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., vi. 194, xi. 5. No notice seems to have been taken of this. March 9, 1785, Gen. Rengel, presuming that the padres sent for have arrived, orders Fages to pro- cced at once to found a mission at Montecito. Instructions have been given to pay the $1,000 allowed each new mission. St. Pap., Sac., MS., iv. 34-3. Sept. 30th Fages notifies Lasuen that in company with P. Santa Maria he has explored the Montecito site three fourths of a league from the presidio and found it suitable for a mission. He has informed the general who orders an immediate foundation. Prov. Rec., MS., iii. 55. The same day Fages also writes to Lasuen that as the two padres (Noboa and Rioboo) have arrived, he hopes he will proceed at once to found the mission. Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., xi. 386-7. Lasuen replies that the padres are destined elsewhere and there can be no foundation yet. Id., 389-90. PP. Mariner and Giribet came in 1785, but still nothing was done.
12 Guardian to Lasuen April 1, 1786, in Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., viii. 133- 4; xi. 214. On the same date he forwarded instructions, not extant, and directs Lasucn to show them to the governor if necessary, but on no account to allow
423
FOUNDING OF SANTA BARBARA.
President Lasuen went down to the presidio at the end of October with two of the newly arrived friars, and superintended active preparations for the new mission which was to be formally dedicated the 4th of December.13 On that day the cross was raised and blessed, and that day, the festival of Santa Bárbara Virgen y Martyr,14 is regarded as the day of the mis- sion's regular foundation, though the ceremonies were not completed on account of the governor's absence and his order to suspend operations until his arrival. Possibly Fages had some thought of insisting on the innovations which had caused so much controversy, but if so he changed his mind, for after his arrival on December 14th the friars were allowed to go on in their own way. On the 16th the first mass was said by Father Paterna, a sermon was preached by La- suen, and thus the foundation was completed.15
Fathers Antonio Paterna from San Luis, and Cris- tóbal Orámas, one of the new-comers, were the minis- tros fundadores, the latter being replaced in 1790 by José de Miguel.16 The rainy season did not permit
any infringement on the old system, or any experiments like those on the Colorado River, which he fears are still intended. Id., xii. 24-5. April 9th he communicates the royal orders that older missions are to contribute stock and grain for Santa Bárbara. Id., xi. 6. The new padres, six in number, were Arenaza, Arroita, Orámas, Santiago, Sola, and Torrente.
13 Oct. 27, 1786, the commandant writes to Fages asking him to be present at the ceremony, and stating that the president and padres are about to arrive. Nov. 13th, he writes that timber has been cut and preparations have been made for sowing. Prov. St. Pap., MS., vi. 51, 58.
14 Santa Bárbara, the virgin and martyr, is a saint whose existence is tra- ditionary and very doubtfully authenticated. She was the daughter of one Dioscore who lived once upon a time in Asia Minor, a cruel idolater who gave his danghter to be tortured for her adherence to Christianity, and cut off her head with his own hand after she had borne unflinchingly the most cruel tor- ments. She was and still is the patron saint of artillerymen in the Spanish army, and the powder-magazine on men-of-war often bears her name.
15 Title-pages of mission-books signed by Lasuen in Sta. Bárbara, Lib. de Mision, MS., 43; Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., xii. 3, 4, 15-17. In the first annual report of the mission the date of the first mass is given as Dec. 15th, and the site is called Pedragoso, one fourth of a league from the presidio. Id., v. 3, 4. Dec. 11th Lasuen writes to the general about the governor's order suspending the foundation. Id., xi. 7. April 11th the general acknowledges receipt of news of founding, and in June of progress. Prov. St. Pap., MS., vii. 43, 58-9.
16 See lists of padres at Santa Bárbara from the beginning, compiled from the records by E. F. Murray, in Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., vii. 8-10, 25-9, 39-43, 68-70, 75-7.
424
DEATH OF SERRA; MISSION PROGRESS.
the erection of buildings at first, and the first bap- tism on December 31st was administered at the pre- sidio. On account of the proximity of the presidio only the ordinary guard of six men was allowed.17 By the end of 1787 there had been 188 baptisms, which number was increased to 520 in 1790, with 102 deaths, leaving 438 existing neophytes. At this time large stock numbered 296 and small stock 503 head, while products of the soil amounted to about 1,500 bushels. A church 18 by 90 feet was completed in 1789, and by the end of 1790 other mission buildings of adobes with tile roofs were sufficiently numerous and in good condition.18
Respecting the founding of the third Channel mis- sion little material is preserved in the archives. As early as 1779-80 it had been determined to locate the mission at the western extremity of the Santa Bár- bara channel in the region of Point Concepcion, and that, not improbably with some reference to the name of the cape, it should be dedicated to La Purísima Concepcion, that is, "to the singular and most pure mystery of the immaculate conception of the most holy virgin Mary, mother of God, queen of heaven, queen of angels, and Our Lady." The foundation was suspended like that of Santa Bárbara, and operations were resumed when certain restrictions obnoxious to the friars were removed. In June 1785 Governor Fages recommended a site on the Santa Rosa River, now called the Santa Inés; and in March 1786 General Rengel instructed the governor to proceed with the establishment.19 At last President Lasuen, doubtless
17 Fages, Informe de Misiones, MS., 135-6.
18 Full statistics of baptisms, deaths, etc., with inventories of mission prop- erty, and lists of buildings as completed from year to year in Paterna, In- formes de la Mision de Santa Bárbara, 1787-92, MS. Want of water a great drawback in agricultural operations. Fages, Informe de Misiones, 136-7. First sowing of wheat did not come up. Prov. St. Pap., MS., vii. 65. Owing to lack of means to support Indians only voluntary converts were admitted at first. Id., vii. 59.
19 Fages to Rengel June 2, 1785, in Prov. Rec., MS., i. 192-3. Rengel to Fages March 24, 1786, in Prov. St. Pap., MS., vi. 112-13. He calls the site
425
FOUNDING OF PURÍSIMA.
accompanied by a military guard, went up from the presidio of Santa Bárbara to the site selected, called by the natives Algsacupí, where on December 8, 1787, he blessed the spot, raised the cross, celebrated mass, and preached a sermon. Thus the mission was nomi- nally founded, and the day was afterward given in mission reports as the anniversary date; but there was in reality no beginning of the mission work proper at this time. The day was that of La Purísima Con- cepcion and was therefore selected for the ceremony; but the spot was subsequently abandoned for several months, all returning to the presidio on account of the rainy season, as had doubtless been the intention. In the middle of March 1788 the mission escort, probably under Sergeant Pablo Antonio Cota, with a band of laborers and servants, went up to prepare the necessary buildings, and early in April President Lasuen returned with the two ministros fundadores, Vicente Fuster from San Juan and José Arroita a new-comer of 1786.20 The former was succeeded late in 1789 by Cristóbal Orámas from Santa Bárbara. As early as August 1788 seventy-nine neophytes were enrolled. In September Corporal José M. Or- tega took command of the mission guard.21 The site as we shall see was changed in later years.22
selected Santa Rosa de la Gaviota, and says he will apply for the $1,000 allowed each new mission.
20 Title-page of baptismal register signed by Lasuen, in Purísima, Lib. de Mision, MS., 1-3. Fages' instruction to the sergeant in command are dated at San Gabriel on April 7th. They are very complete and carefully prepared, enjoining great caution, kind treatment to the natives, and harmonious relations with the missionaries, the conversion of gentiles being the chief aim of the conquest. Fages, Ordenes generales que debe observar el Sargento encar- gado de la Escolta de la Nueva Mision de la Purísima Concepcion, 1788, MS. The sergeant is ordered to explore for the shortest way and best road to the Laguna Larga.
21 Prov. St. Pap., MS., viii. 87, 110. By the end of 1790, 301 natives had been baptized, 23 had died, and the number existing was 234. Small stock had increased to 731 and large to 257 head. The mission crops in 1790 were 1,700 bushels.
22 List of over 50 rancherías in Purísima district, in Purísima, Lib. Mision, MS., 10.
CHAPTER XXI.
RULE OF FAGES; FOREIGN RELATIONS AND COMMERCE. 1783-1790.
No FEARS OF FOREIGNERS-ISOLATION OF CALIFORNIA-WAR CONTRIBUTIONS AGAINST ENGLAND-VISIT OF THE FRENCH VOYAGER LA PEROUSE-HIS INSTRUCTIONS-AN HOSPITABLE RECEPTION-THE STRANGERS AT SAN CARLOS-FATE OF THE EXPEDITION-OBSERVATIONS ON THE COUNTRY AND THE MISSION SYSTEM-COMMERCE-THE SALT-TRADE- THE FOR- TRADE-VASADRE'S PROJECT-A FAILURE-THE MANILA. GALLEON- CURRENT PRICES-ARRIVAL OF TRANSPORT VESSELS -- NORTHERN VOY- AGES OF MARTINEZ AND ELISA-GENERAL WASHINGTON'S SHIP THE 'COLUMBIA '-THE CHIGOES-EX-GOVERNOR NEVE AND THE PROVINCIAS INTERNAS.
ALTHOUGH fears of foreign encroachments had been a principal motive for the Spanish occupation of Cal- ifornia, and these fears were still entertained in Spain and Mexico respecting the far north, there was little anxiety on the subject in California. True, orders had been received occasionally from the king requir- ing precautions in view of special dangers real or imaginary,1 and such orders had been made public with
1 July 26, 1778, Croix to Neve, strict neutrality to be observed in the Anglo-French war by royal order of March 22. Prov. St. Pap., MS., ii. 28. Aug. 6, 1779, Gen. Croix forwards to Gov. Neve royal orders for defence and reprisals against the English with whom Spain was at war. Prov. St. Pap., MS., ii. 49. Feb. 11th and 18th, Croix to Neve forwarding orders for non- intercourse, reprisals, etc., Id., ii. 102, 108. Aug. 25, 1780, Croix to Neve warning him of Admiral Hughes' departure from England in March 1779 with a fleet to operate on west coast of America. Id., ii. 112-13. Sept. 22, 1780, Croix expresses to Neve the remarkable, not to say idiotic, opinion that to stop the breeding of horses in California and other frontier provinces would keep foreigners away 'pues dificilmente lo emprenderan (internarse) faltando los ausilios principales para transitar los desiertos que promedian.' Prov. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., iv. 14. March 22, 1781, Neve orders Carrillo to drive away the live-stock in case the English fleet should appear, in order to be free
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427
WARLIKE PRECAUTIONS.
all due formality, but always without producing the slightest ripple of excitement. There was not even the occasional appearance of a strange sail off the coast which produced such a tempest in a teapot at the south. No foreigner was seen in California dur- ing the first sixteen years of her history. Knowledgo of current events was limited apparently to the names of ruling king in Spain and pope at Rome. If they knew more the records do not show it, and there is no evidence that the great conflict on the Atlantic side of their own continent was heard of until long after it was over.
Yet in the war between Spain and England, lasting, so far as knowledge of it in this far north-west was concerned, from 1780 to 1784, the Californians were called upon to aid their sovereign with their money and their prayers, and they responded very freely to the call. In 1780 Carlos III. called upon his American subjects for a donation, fixing the contribution of each Spaniard at two dollars and of each Indian vassal at one dollar. A year later General Croix forwarded this order to California with instructions for its pub- lication and enforcement.2 Nominally the contribution was to be voluntary, but in reality was so managed as to leave no convenient method of escape. All persons under eighteen years of age were exempt. Neophytes might contribute produce which was to be sold at tariff prices; but it was of course a mission contribu- tion made by the friar in charge from the community property in proportion to the number of male neo- phytes. Places that had suffered from epidemic or other special disaster might be declared exempt; but
to defend Monterey. Prov. St. Pap., MS., iii. 305. March 17, 1784, treaty of peace between Spain and England sent to California. Prov. St. Pap., MS., v. 56. Nov. 15, 1784, Fages to commandant general, has learned that a for- eign power intends to send disguised emissaries to Mexico; will arrest any such who may come to California. Prov. Rec., MS., i. 182. Nov. 15th, Id. to id. understands that no foreigners must be allowed in the country, especially at the ports. There are none here now. Id., i. 181.
2 Royal order of Aug. 17, 1780. Forwarded by Gen. Croix Aug. 12, 1781. Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., xii. 223-9; vii. 147-53; Croix, Instruccion sobre Donativo en California pura la guerra con Inglaterra, 1781, MS.
428
FOREIGN RELATIONS AND COMMERCE.
full lists and records of the contributors in each estab- lishment were to be made and forwarded to Spain. It was the opinion of General Croix that the soldiers should not be required to aid in the donation, but might do so if they wished. The missions of San Diego and San Juan Capistrano pleaded poverty at first,3 but seem to have borne their part of the burden at last, since for any missionary to refuse was to put his mission in an unfavorable light for the future. The whole amount raised was over four thousand dollars, of which the governor personally contributed two thousand.4
The first intercourse of the Californians with sub- jects of a foreign power was with the French under Jean François Galaup de La Pérouse in the autumn of 1786. This distinguished navigator had sailed from Brest in August 1785 on the frigate Boussole with the Astrolabe under M. de Langle, on a scientific exploring expedition round the world, fitted out and despatched by the French government. A full corps of scientific specialists accompanied the expedition; minute and carefully prepared instructions were given, accompanied by reports and charts of all that had been accomplished by the explorers of different nations; the commanders were carefully selected for their ability and experience; and in fact every possible precaution was taken to make the trip a success. In the king's general instructions dated June 26, 1785, occurred
3 Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., i. 259-60; xii. 230-2. President Serra approved the plea of San Diego. According to Prov. Rec., MS., iii. 132-3, several mis- sions sought exemption.
" The sums paid by each establishment were as follows: San Francisco presidio and two missions, $373; Monterey, $833; San Carlos, $106; San Antonio, $122; San Luis, $107; Sta. Bárbara presidio, $249; Los Angeles, 815; San Gabriel, $134; San Juan and San Diego, $229; San Diego Pr., $515; total, $2,683, but there is some variation in the records. Dec. 7, 1782, Gen. Croix names the total amount as $4,216. Besides Gov. Neve, Ignacio Vallejo, · majordomo at San Carlos, is the only contributor named. He gave $10. San José would seem to have done nothing. See Prov. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., ii. 5, iii. 11, 27-9; viii. 4; Prov. St. Pap., MS., iv. 76; Prov. Rec., MS., ii. 70, 74-5. In accordance with a cédula of June 15, 1779, received in Cali- fornia June 13, 1780, prayers both public and private were ordered by the padre presidente on June 24th. Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., ix. 277-80; x. 273 ..
429
VISIT OF LA PÉROUSE.
some passages relating more or less directly to Cali- fornia.5
La Pérouse brought with him, besides the historical work of Venegas, a printed account of the Spanish expeditions of 1769-70,6 and other narratives in manu- script or print of subsequent Spanish voyages up the coast, several of which are translated and published with the journal of this expedition.
Having doubled Cape Horn, visited Easter Island and the Hawaiian group, the Boussole and Astrolabe crossed to the American coast, anchoring July 4, 1786, in the Port des Français in 58° 37'.7 The navigator's instructions had been to visit Monterey first and thence to explore the coast up to the Aleutian Isles; but a knowledge of the prevailing wind had led him to a higher latitude; delays at Port des Français left no time for a northern voyage; and it was decided to run down the coast without stopping, obtain supplies at Monterey, and hasten back to the China coast, where the expedition was due in the early spring. On the voyage southward no observations were made on the California coast on account of the dense fogs, save that one night there was seen what seemed to be a
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