USA > California > History of California, Volume I > Part 51
USA > California > History of California, Volume I > Part 51
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19 The royal cédula was dated June (July ?) 2, 1785; the viceroy's letter an- nouncing Basadre's coming to Fages, Jan. 23, 1786; viceroy's letter to Lasuen on same subject March 1, 1786; Fages' proclamation Aug. 29, 1786, including regulations for the collection of skins. Prov. St. Pap., MS., vi. 38-9, 52, 140- 5, 204-6; Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., i. 283-4, x. 8-10. Curiously the earliest document in the archives relating to the otter is dated Oct. 24, 1785, after the king's order was issued but before it could have reached California. It is an order from Fages to Ignacio Vallejo at San José that if any one goes out to trade with the Indians for otter-skins he is to be punished. Dept. St. Pap. S. José, MS., i. 6, 7.
20 March 8, 1787, the audiencia complained that the prices were too high, since skins could formerly be bought for from one real to $1 each; besides otter, other skins should be collected. Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., x. 1, 2. Sept. 24th, Lasuen replies that the former cheapness resulted from great abundance and no demand; competition (!) reduced the otters and raised prices; if the missions were allowed to trade with China the prices would he still higher; he intimates that the missions should have a monopoly of the catch; and states that there are no beavers or martens. Id., x. 3-7, 13-16. Sept. 15th and 20th,
440
FOREIGN RELATIONS AND COMMERCE.
We have seen that La Pérouse had been instructed by the French government, prompted like the Spanish by Cook's narrative, to make a special investigation of the fur-trade and its possibilities. When he ar- rived at Monterey he found Basadre already there and the country considerably interested in the subject of his commission. Don Vicente is spoken of as "a young man of intelligence and merit, who is to depart soon for China for the purpose of making there a treaty of commerce in otter-skins." La Pérouse be- lieved that the new branch of trade might prove to the Spaniards more profitable than the richest gold- mine of Mexico. Fages told him he could furnish 20,000 skins each year, or by means of new establish- ments north of San Francisco many more.21 Yet notwithstanding the temporary enthusiasm of all con- cerned, this attempt of Spain to build up a profitable peltry trade in California was a failure.
Basadre, though complaining of obstacles thrown in his way by Fages, obtained 1,600 otter-skins, with
Fages issued a decree prohibiting gente de razon from acquiring otter-skins, giving the right exclusively to the Indians and missions. Id., xii. 3; Prov. Rec., MS., i. 33-6. July 30, 1788, Lasuen complains to the viceroy that prices are too low, and on Sept. 7th Fages seems to have issued a new tariff. Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., i. 289-92, ii. I. March 18 (or possibly May IS), 1790, a new price-list with regulations in detail was issued in Mexico. The prices were to range from $2 to $7; and neither soldiers nor settlers were pro- hibited from gathering skins provided they dispose of them properly; but these regulations probably had no effect in California. Id., ii. 4-S; Dept. St. Pap. S. José, MS., i. 31-5.
21 ' We cannot fail to be astonished that the Spaniards, having so close and frequent intercourse with China through Manila, should have been igno- rant until now of the value of this precious fur. Before this year an otter-skin was worth no more than two rabbit-skins; the Spaniards did not suspect their value; they had never sent any to Europe; and Mexico was so hot a country it was supposed that there could be no market there. I think there will be in a few years a great revolution in the Russian trade at Kiatcha from the difficulty they will have to bear this competition. The skins in the south are a little inferior in quality, but the difference is .. . not more than teu per cent in the sale price. It is almost certain that the new Manila Company will try to get possession of this trade, which will be a lucky thing for the Russians, because it is the nature of exclusive privileges to carry death or sluggishness into all branches of commerce and industry.' La Perouse, Voy., ii. 309-11. The Spaniards ' do not cease to keep their eyes open to this im- portant branch, in which the king has reserved to himself the right of pur- chase in the presidios of California. The most northern Spanish establishment furnishes each year 10,000 otter-skins(?); and if they continue to be sold advantageously to China, it will be easy for Spain to obtain even 50,000, and thus to destroy the commerce of the Russians at Canton.' Id., iv. 177-8.
441
THE SPANISH FUR-TRADE.
which he returned to Mexico at the end of the year and proceeded to Manila early in 1787. Before 1790 the whole number of otter-skins from both Californias sent to Manila on account of the royal treasury under Basadre's system was 9,729, the total cost at Manila, including Basadre's salary, being $87,699.22 In 1786 the Philippine Company had applied through the house of Cosío for an exclusive privilege of the fur- trade; and the government had been willing to grant it on condition of past expenditures being reimbursed; but the company did not accept the terms. Basadre returned to Spain, and the government finally de- cided in 1790 to drop the project and pay money for quicksilver, leaving the fur-trade to private enter- prise.23
22 Fonseca and Urrutia, Hist. Gen. The records of the skins collected are meagre and incomplete. Oct. 7, 1786, Lieut. Zúñiga of San Diego speaks of having some time in the past shipped $2,000 worth to José María Arce. Prov. Stat. Pap., MS., vi. 38. Sept. 15, 1787, José Soberanes charged $55 for dress- ing 93 otter-skins. Prov. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., ix. 6. Oct. 6, 1787, there were shipped on the San Carlos and Favorita 267, of which 97 belonged to presidio of Monterey, 62 to Lieut. Ortega, 56 to San Carlos, and 52 to San Antonio. Id., ix. 14. July 30, 1788, Lasuen says to viceroy that Basadre col- lected from the mission 64 otter-skins worth $405. Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., i. 289. Nov. 9, 1789, commandant of Santa Bárbara to governor. He has col- lected and delivered to Cañizares of the Aranzazu 74 otter-skins from Purísima, 79 from Santa Bárbara, 81 from San Buenaventura, besides 32 fox-skins .. Prov. St. Pap., MS., ix. 146. Aug. 10, 1790, the Procurador Sampelayo has collected for otter-skins remitted 1786-9, $1,472 on 169 skins to king; $132 on 18 skins to Basadre. Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., xii. 4, 5.
23 Date March 20th, Prov. St. Pap., MS., ix. 144. The following notes from the archives are all I have found for the period of 1790-1800, and some of them indicate that notwithstanding the royal order of 1790 some skins were still bought on government account. Aug. 3, 1791, Sal to Romeu asking for $823 for 97 skins in Mexico. Prov. St. Pap., MS., x. 21. 1792, treasury paid $439 for 59 skins from Santa Bárbara Company. Id., xxi. 86. Dec. 30, 1793, viceroy to court of Spain says some otter and seal skins are sold to vessels visiting the ports. St. Pap., Miss. and Colon., MS., i. 17. Feb. 1794, by order of viceroy otter-skins may be exported free of duty. Prov. Rec., MS., viii. 141; Prov. St. Pap., MS., xi., 159. June 8, 1795, governor to comman- dant. King allows Nicolás Manzaneli of San Blas to take otter-skins to China from California and trade for goods. Prov. Rec., MS., iv. 134. Feb. 23, 1795, the governor explains that the privilege of taking otter along the coast amounts to nothing since they cannot buy China goods at Canton, a privilege monopolized by the Philippine Company; yet that company might advantageously take up the fur-trade. It is known that the English are intriguing for it. By the treaty of Oct. 28, 1790, between Spain and England, the latter power was prohibited from taking otter within ten leagues of any part of the coast occupied by the former-that is, all of California below San Francisco-and from engaging in illicit trade with the Spanish establish- ments. Caloo, Recueil complet des Traités, iii. 356-9.
442
FOREIGN RELATIONS AND COMMERCE.
The causes of failure, without going into petty dc- tails, were mainly as follows : the furs obtained in Cali- fornia were less numerous than had been expected, the natives lacking both skill and implements for otter- hunting; the quality was not equal to that of the furs brought to China from the Northwest Coast; the tariff of prices fixed by Basadre at first was thought too high; the royal fur-traders were not content with a fair profit; the Spaniards had no experience or skill in preparing, assorting, and selling the furs; and there were some diplomatic obstacles to be overcome in China. No private company ventured to engage in the trade thus abandoned by the crown; but skins in small quantities continued for many years to be collected by natives for the friars, who sent them by the transports to San Blas, whence they found their way to the Philippines. Later the American smug- glers afforded the California traders a better market.
In other branches of commerce there was no develop- ment whatever. The Philippine galleon was required to touch at Monterey on each eastward trip, and was furnished with needed supplies on account of the royal treasury; but the commanders often did not stop, preferring to pay the fine imposed;24 but all trade with this vessel by the missions or by private persons was strictly forbidden and, except in the form of occasional smuggling, prevented.25 Governor Neve when he left California had in mind a project for trade with the galleons, which was further agitated by his successors; but after unfavorable reports had
24 ' Dans la vue, sans doute, de favoriser le préside de Monterey, on oblige depuis plusieurs années, le galion revenant de Manille à Acapulco, de relâcher dans ce port; mais cette relâche et cet atterrage ne sont pas si nécessaires, que, même en temps de paix, ce vaisseau ne préfère quelquefois de continuer sa route, et de payer une certaine somme, par forme de dédommagement du bien qu'il aurait fait en y relâchant.' Monneron, in La Pérouse, J'oy., iv. 122.
23 For orders against trade with the galleon in 1777, 1782, 1783, and 1787, sce Prov. Rec., MIS., i. 64-5; Prov. St. Pap., MS., iii. 154-6; iv. 99-100; vii. 38-9. Nov. 15, 1784, the governor asks for information on the charge that a padre and other persons went on board the galleon and brought off four bales of goods. Prov. Rec., MS., i. 182. In December 1785 P. Noriega denies that there has been any trading between missions and galleon. Mon- terey, Parroquia, MS., 23.
443
PRICES CURRENT.
been received from both Soler and Fages, the general decided to continue the prohibition.26 I annex in the form of a note a list of the prices current in Cali- fornia at this epoch.27
26 Soler, Parecer sobre comercio con el Buque de China, 14 de Enero 1787, MS. Fages, Informe sobre Comercio con Buques de China, 18 de Febrero 1787, MS. The reasons urged against free trade were, that so far as the soldiers were concerned better goods were received with greater regularity and at more uniform prices by the present system; as the galleon could not touch at all the presidios, a monopoly and inequality would be caused; the soldiers becoming traders would be distracted from their regular duties; avarice and pride would be engendered in California; China goods were not fitted for the California trade; and there was no money to pay for them. Yet Soler favored the trade if the barter of peltries could be included; and Fages was disposed to favor taking no notice of the barter of trifling articles by indi- viduals. July 14, 1786, Gen Ugarte asks Fages for his views on the matter. Prov. St. Pap., MS., vi. 134-5. June 23, 1787, having received the reports, he renews the old prohibition. Id., vii. 38-9.
27 Jan. 1, 1781, Gov. Neve formed a new arancel in accordance with royal order of March 21, 1775, and decree of audiencia of Jan. 11, 1776. Prov. St. Pap., MS., vi. 14, 15; announced to Gen. Croix March 4th. Prov. Rec., MS., ii. 41-2; approved by Croix July 27, 1781, and by king Feb. 22, 1782, and royal approval published by Fages Jan. 12, 1784. Prov. St. Pap., MS., iv. 156-8. This arancel given in full under date of Aug. 12, 1782, in Arancel de Precios, 1782, MS. January 2, 1788, Gov. Fages issued a new arancel which, however, only included live-stock and agricultural products, or articles likely to be purchased by the government. Arancel de Precios, 1788, MS. Manu- script copy certified by Gov. Borica, in Estudillo, Doc. Hist. Cal., i. 7; Savage, Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., 2; Prov. St. Pap., MS., viii. 36-8. In the following list the prices of 1788 are given in parentheses-reales expressed in 'cents': Horses, $9 ($3-$9); asses ($6-$7); calves ($1.50); bulls ($4); sheep (75c .- $2); swine ($1-$4); cocks (12c .- 25c.); quail, per doz. (25c.); hares (12c.); mules, $16-$20 ($14-$20); horses (unbroken, colts, mares, $3); cows ($4); oxen ($5); goats (75c .- $1); hens (25c .- 37c.)'; pigeons, per pair (25c.); rabbits (12c.) Beef, jerked, per 25 1bs .! (75c.); beef, fresh, per 25 1bs. (25c.); eggs, per doz. 24c .; hides, untanned (37c.); hides, tanned, $2.75 ($2.25); wool, per 25 1bs. ($1.25- $2); tallow, per 25 1bs. ($1.25-$2.50); candles, per 25 lbs., $3 ($2.50); lard, per 25 lbs. $3 ($3); sheep-skin, 50c .; deer-skin (25c.); dog-skin, 75c .; buck- skin, or antelope, tanned ($1.25-$1.50); cheese, per Ib., 6}c. Wheat, per fancga ($2); barley, per fan. ($1); lentils, per fan., $2.50; maize, per fan., $1.50; beans, per fan. ($2.50); peas, per fan. ($1.50-$3); flour, per 25 1bs. (81.25-$2); $2 per 25 Ibs. to $6 per fanega. Sugar, Ib., 25c .; panocha, Ib., -; brandy, pt., 75c .; saffron, oz., 50c .; olive-oil, jar, $4.37; figs, Ib., 12c .; gun- powder, 1b., $1; soap, 1b., 18c .; chocolate, ft., 37c .- 56c .; cloves, oz., 62c .; cinnamon, oz., 62c .; cumin, oz., 3c .; red pepper, Ib., 18c .; pepper, oz., 6c .; tobacco, 1b., $1.25. Anquera, $1.50; awl, 12c .; shield, $2; kettles (calde- reta), $1 ; stirrups, wooden, $1; gun-case, $1.50; saddle-irons, $1; lance, 87c .; penknife, 25c .; earthen pot., 12c .- 18c .; plates, 4c .- 18c .; comb, 6c .- 50c .; rosary, 3c .; ear-rings, pr., 75c .; saddle, $12-$16; punch, 25c .; cup, 18c .; dagger, 22c .; anquera trappings, $2.50; earthen pan, 18c .; wooden spoon, 6c .; spurs, pr., $1 ; sword, $4.50; gun, $4.50-$16; bridle, $1; horseshoes, set, $1; pocket-knife, 50c .; razor, 62c .; copper pot, $3.50; paper, quire, 45c .; needles, paper, $1.28; needles, per 24, 12c .; bridle-lines, 50c .; Holy Christ, $1.75; chisel, 12c .; scissors, 37c .- 62c .; screw of gun, 25c .; jug, 12c. Baize, yd., 50c .; coarse linen (Cotense), yd., 37c .- 75c .; gold-lace, oz., $1.62; silver- lace, oz., $1.62; ribbon, yd., 12c .- 75c .; cotton cloth, yd., 25c .- 37c .; pita twist, 10c .; linen (Platilla), yd., 62c .; Britannia (linen), yd., 82c .- $1.25; Bramant
4.14
FOREIGN RELATIONS AND COMMERCE.
Each year two of the four transports arrived from San Blas with supplies for presidios and missions, one usually visiting San Diego and Santa Bárbara, and the other San Francisco and Monterey. The Favor- ita from 1783 to 1790 made five trips; the Princesa and San Carlos, or Filipino, each four trips; and the Aranzazu three. The commanders were Martinez, Aguirre, Camacho, Tobar, and Cañizares. These an- nual voyages present nothing requiring attention, save that in 1784 after the Favorita had sailed from San Francisco rumors were current of a wreck and four or five men killed at the mouth of the Pájaro River, rumors which proved unfounded. The Manila galleon touched at Monterey in 1784 and 1785; and in 1784 the Princesa arrived from the Philippines under Capt. Maurelle.28
In 1788 Martinez with the Princesa and the San Cárlos made a voyage to the Alaska coast and on his return touched at Monterey, where he remained with one vessel from September 17th to October 14th, the San Carlos having gone back to San Blas without stopping.29 In his northern voyage to Nootka the next year, in which he captured several English vessels and very nearly provoked a Euro- pean war, Martinez did not touch on the California coasts; but in 1790 the San Carlos and Princesa, under Fidalgo and Quimper, touched at Monterey on their return from Nootka in September, and perhaps brought the Californian memorias by this
(linen), yd., 82c .; Frieze (jerga), yd., 37c .; silver-thread, oz., $2.25; linen, domestic, yd., 62c .; linen (glazed), yd., 37c .; cloth (ordinary woollen), yd., $1.25; silk twist, 82c .; sackcloth, yd., 25c. Shirt (crea), $3.75; shirt (linen), $6.00; blankets (pastoras), §1; blankets (cameras), $2; medals, oz., 12c .; silk shawl, $6; hat, $1.12; handkerchiefs, silk, $1.50; stockings (thread), $1.50; stockings (woollen), 75c .; stockings (silk), $4-$4.50; shoes, 75c.
28 For records of arrival and departure of the vessels each year see Prov. St. Pap., MS., iv. 69, 133-4; v. 104-5, 161, 166; vi. 50, 53; vii. 4, 70; viii. 68, 89, 91-100; ix. 100, 243-4; Prov. Rec., MS., i. 177-8; ii. 95; iii. 124, 200; Prov. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., iv. 21; St. Pap. Sac., MS., i. 52, ii. 16, 17 ; S. Buenaventura, Lib. Mision, MS., 4; Gaceta de Mex., i, ii .; Palou, Not., ii. 393-6.
29 See list. Northwest Coast, i .; and Hist. Alaska. See also references of preceding note.
445
WARNING AGAINST THE 'COLUMBIA.'
somewhat roundabout course.30 The Nootka voyages will demand our attention in a subsequent volume of north-western annals.
As a continuation of Californian maritime history for this period the following order issued by Governor Fages to Commandant José Argüello of San Fran- cisco May 13, 1789, explains itself, chronicles Cali- fornia's first knowledge of the United States, alludes to what might have been, but was not, a conflict be- tween the Pacific province and the infant republic of the Atlantic, and indicates the foreign policy of Spain. " Should there arrive at the port of San Francisco a ship named Columbia, which they say belongs to Gen- eral Washington of the American states, and which under the command of John Kendrick sailed from Boston in September 1787 with the design of making discoveries and inspecting the establishments which the Russians have on the northern coasts of this pen- insula ;- you will take measures to secure this vessel and all the people on board, with discretion, tact, cleverness, and caution, doing the same with a small craft which she has with her as a tender, and with every other suspicious foreign vessel, giving me prompt notice in such cases in order that I may take such action as shall be expedient." 31
But Kendrick, in the Columbia, had sought a more northern port than San Francisco, and no narrative of a naval conflict has place in this chapter. Kendrick's associate, Gray, in the Lady Washington, however, had sighted California in latitude 41° 28' in August 1788,
30 Hist. Northwest Coast, i. 239, etc .; Fidalgo, Viage, 1790, MS .; Id., Tabla, MS .; Quimper, Segundo Recon., MS .; Navarrete, in Sutil y Mex., Viage, Introd., cxii.
31 Copy certified by Argüello July 14, 1789, in St. Pap., Miss. and Colon., MS., i. 53-4. Also printed translations in Randolph's Oration; Hutchings' Mag., v. 310; Elliot, in Overland Monthly, iv. 337; S. F. Evening Post, July 21, 1877. A translation in the Library of the California Pioneers seems to have been followed by all writers, who have copied the error by which the Columbia's tender is taken for the boat of the presidio by the aid of which Argüello was to effect the capture! Several writers, including Randolph, Tuthill, Hist. Cal., 117, and Frignet, Californie, 52, have also softened the governor's stern decree into an order merely to 'examine delicately' or 're- ceive with great reserve' the suspicious craft.
446
FOREIGN RELATIONS AND COMMERCE.
and passing northward had strangely identified a cape in 43° with Mendocino. 32
Similarly ineffective though well meant was an or- der that came all the way from the court of Spain in 1787, to be published in all parts of California, pre- scribing an application of cool olive-oil as a remedy for niguas, or chigoes, sometimes less elegantly termed 'jiggers,' a troublesome insect of tropical America; but the chigoes, like the Yankees, avoided California, and the order of Carlos III. remained a nullity in this part of his possessions.33
A birth, marriage, or death in the royal family was usually announced with all due formality in this re- mote corner of the world; and on one occasion a de- serter at Monterey, whose descendants still live in California, took advantage of the general pardon ac- companying the news of the happy delivery of the princess. 34
The death of Carlos III. was announced in Febru- ary 1789, and orders were issued for the salva fúnebre and other rites at the presidios, with prayers by all the padres. 35
Felipe de Neve, ex-governor, went to Sonora in the autumn of 1782, as we have seen, to take the posi- tion of inspector general with the rank of brigadier. Early in 1783 he succeeded Don Teodoro de Croix as commandant general of the Provincias Internas, a position second only to that of viceroy among Spanish officials in America, though Neve, like his prede-
32 Haswell's Voyage, 1787-9, MS .; Hist. Northwest Coast, i. 187.
33 A royal order of Nov. 20, 1786, forwarded by commandant general, Apr. 22, 1787. St. Pap., Miss. and Colon., MS., i. 51-2.
34 Prov. Rec., MS., i. 159. In 1784 the Princesa was illuminated at news that royal twins had been born; and the president was ordered to an- nounce the birth and give thanks therefor. Prov. St. Pap., MS., v. 117; Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., xi. 385. Aug. Ist, Fages notifies commandants that congratulations may be sent in. Prov. St. Pap., MS., iv. 165. Oct. 14, 1785, the king orders thanksgiving everywhere for birth of Prince Fernando María. St. Pap., Sac., MS., xv. 26. Nov. 4, 1780, Santa Barbara ordered to fire 21 guns with 23 lbs. of powder on San Carlos day. Prov. St. Pap., MS., viii. 89. Oct. 15, 1785, general pardon published in California on account of birth of twins Don Carlos and Don Felipe. St. Pap., Sac., MS., iv. 5.
35 Arch. Sta. Bárbara, MS., xii. 306.
447
DEATH OF EX-GOVERNOR NEVE.
cessor, was independent of viceregal authority.36 The choice was a merited recognition of Neve's abilities, but his rule was cut short by death at the end of 1784.37 All that is known of Neve's life has been told in the pre- ceding chapters, and the reader is already aware of what manner of man he was, able, patriotic, and dig- nified. Devoted to the royal service and to the true interests of California, he formed and followed a well defined policy, rising above the petty obstacles thrown in his way by the friars. The dislike of the latter was caused almost wholly by Neve's great influence in Mexico and Spain, and by his opposition to their far-reaching schemes of unlimited control. Personally he was courteous and agreeable, more so than many other officials; but while others followed more or less faithfully the policy laid down in superior instruc- tions, he largely dictated that policy. Finding that the friars would not submit to amicable recognition of the secular authorities he proposed to restrict their control of the mission temporalities and of the natives in the interests of colonization, of real civilization, and the rights of man. Whether his system or any
$6 On appointment as inspector see chap. xviii. Made commandant general Feb. 15, 1783. Acknowledges Fages' congratulations Feb. 6, 1784. April 5, 1784, Fages learns that Neve has been granted $8,000 salary as commandant inspector. July 12, 1783, royal cédula confirming Neve's appointment dated July 12, 1783. See Prov. Rec., MS., i. 166, 188; iii. 182; St. Pap., Sac., MS., xv. 18; Prov. St. Pap., MS., iv. 62-4; v. 25, 88.
37 He died probably on November 3d, and bis death was announced to Gov. Fages on Nov. 30th. Prov. St. Pap., MS., v. 63-4. Fages speaks of his death on Feb. 1, and April 22, 1785. Prov. Rec., MS., i. 201, ii. 93. Don Felipe de Neve was a major of the Querétaro regiment of provincial cavalry from its organization in 1766 until September 1774, when he was selected by Viceroy Bucareli to succeed Gov. Barri in the Californias. He assumed the office at Loreto on March 4, 1775. When the capital was changed he came to Monterey, arriving on Feb. 3, 1777. He made a beginning of colonization in 1777; offered his resignation, and was made colonel in 1778; prepared in 1779 his new reglamento; and had his quarrel with Serra in 1780. Subse- quently he spent most of his time at San Gabriel superintending the founda- tion of Los Angeles and making preparations for the Channel missions. On Aug. 21, 1782, he started for the Colorado River on a campaign against the murderers of Rivera, but on the way, unexpectedly as it would seem, he re- ceived notice of his promotion dated July 12th to be inspector general. In September he received the cross of the order of San Carlos and at the same time or a little later the rank of brigadier general. He was made command- ant general Feb. 15, 1783, probably; was confirmed July 12, 1783; and died Nov. 3d of the next year.
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