USA > California > History of California, Volume I > Part 59
USA > California > History of California, Volume I > Part 59
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81
the ocean joined the fleet. Mention of arrival and departure from San Franciseo in St. Pap., Sac., MS., ii. 90-1, iv. 9; Prov. St. Pup., MS., xi. 160; xxi. 121-2. A fourth vessel, the l'ucas, is mentioned. Supplies amounting to $737 were furnished. Sal says the vessels left on Oct. 29th.
36 These instructions or similar ones dated Jan. 12, 1793, and addressed to Argüello are in Prov. St. Pap., MS., xii. 163. The letter of the viceroy to Vancouver dated Feb. 18, 1793, in answer to Vancouver's letter of Jan. 13th is found in Id., xi. 112-13. In it the writer says : 'I am glad that as you say in your letter of Jan. 13th of this year all the subjects of His Majesty under my orders and residing in the regions of New Orleans (sic) of this America where you have been have treated you with the greatest hospitality and friendship.'
520
RULE OF ARRILLAGA.
erected near where the cargo was deposited. The naturalists might make their investigations and the men might take exercise on foot in the vicinity of the presidio. Water and wood might be procured without restriction save that the men must not pass the night on shore and the work must be completed with all possible despatch. In his official capacity this was, he said, as far as he could go; but to personal ser- vice he placed no limit, being desirous of proving his regard.37
The governor thus courteously tendered to Van- couver all the hospitalities that he had a right to offer, or the navigator to expect; but the contrast was so great between them and those previously tendered by Cuadra in the absence of any responsible author- ity, that Vancouver was offended. "Ou due con- sideration of all these circumstances," he says, "I declined any further correspondence with, or accept- ing the incommodious assistance proffered by Señor Arrillaga; and determined, after finishing our investi- gation of these shores, to retire to the Sandwich Islands, where I had little doubt that the uneducated inhabitants of Owyhee, or its neighboring isles, would cheerfully afford us that accommodation which had been unkindly denied us at San Francisco and Mon- terey." "> 33
He did, however, here as at San Francisco accept some live-stock and other supplies, payment for which, according to the records, he was obliged to defer until
37 Arrillaga, Borrador de Carta al Capitan Vancouver, Nov. 1793, MS. I have given the purport of this letter somewhat at length because Vancouver misrepresents it by stating that there was no choice offered of a spot to deposit the cargo, the place suggested being the slaughter-house in the midst of putrid offal and inconvenient ou account of high-running surf; by omitting to state that an English guard for the stores was permitted; and by other slight changes not favorable to the Spanish governor. Blotters of Arrillaga's and translations of Vancouver's other letters in Prov. St. Pap., MS., xi. 100-4.
38 Vancouver's Voyage, ii. 442. In other parts of his narrative the author treats Arrillaga very unjustly, accusing him of having misrepresented the viceroy's orders, and making him responsible for matters over which he had no control. In a letter of Feb. 28, 1794, the viceroy fully approves Arrillaga's policy and orders a continuance of it, though he desires harmonious relations with Vancouver. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xi. 162-3.
521
VANCOUVER AND THE GOVERNOR.
some more convenient occasion;3 and on the 5th of November he sailed southward to make further ex- plorations on the coast of this inhospitable province before he departed to take advantage of barbaric hos- pitality.
If Vancouver was offended at Arrillaga's actions, the governor had his suspicions aroused by those of his visitor in departing without water and leaving some supplies that had been prepared for him. It seemed to him that Vancouver's displeasure was ex- aggerated, and he feared that his object was not so much to obtain necessary supplies as to make obser- vations respecting the Spanish establishments. Ac- cordingly he despatched orders to the commandants of presidios forbidding the furnishing of aid or facili- ties for investigation.40 Vancouver continued his observations along the coast southward, naming Point Sal and Point Argüello in honor of his friends, re- ceived visits from the Channel aborigines, and anchored November 10th at Santa Bárbara. Here he found Goycoecha very friendly, for at first he had not re- ceived Arrillaga's strict orders and was inclined to construe preceding ones liberally. Hence as Van-
39 Nov. 5th, Vancouver to Arrillaga, regrets that he has to depart without paying for supplies obtained at Monterey and San Francisco. He may be able to get the money from some English vessel. Prov. Mt. Pap., MS., xi. 9S. Arrillaga to Vancouver, urges hin to feel no anxiety about leaving the debt unpaid; returns the draft in favor of Sal ; and asks him to accept some calves as a present. Id., xi. 99-100.
40 While the vessels were in port Arrillaga sent to the commandants an order in which he says : 'I have offered all the aid they need to undertake their voyage; therefore if they touch at any of the ports under the pretext of getting food or water thicir request is to be denied, and with politeness they are to be made acquainted with the orders that require them to retire.' Prov .. St. Pap., MS., xi. 97. Attached to this order is a document which seems to be secret-reservadísimas-instructions to the governor from tho viceroy requiring him in the most positive terms to allow no intercourse with any foreign vessel except to furnish, in case of urgent need, such relief as is demanded by the law of nations-and especially to prevent any knowledge of the country being acquired. There is little doubt therefore, though this paper is unsigned and undated, that Arrillaga acted under direct orders from his superiors. See also Id., xxi. 121. Jan. 15, 1794, Arrillaga says to the viceroy that Vancouver apparently did not want supplies but merely to explore, and he has warned the commandants accordingly. Id., xxi. 130. Nov. 14, 1793, Arrillaga to Goycoechea of Santa Bárbara, Vancouver is to be refused supplies since he has declined them at Monterey. Prov. Rec., MS., i. 207.
522
RULE OF ARRILLAGA.
couver's anticipations were less high than formerly the Englishman was in good-humor. True Goycoe- chea required the men to retire to their ships at night, and Vancouver himself ordered his men to keep al- ways in sight of the presidio in their recreations ; and though personal kindness from officials with permis- sion to obtain wood and water and meat and vegetables were the only hospitalities extended, yet the visitor was delighted with his reception, and it never occurred to him that it was not so very different from that in the north. Fathers Miguel and Tapis were very kind, though it does not quite appear that they entertained their guest at the mission ; and Santa María hastened up from San Buenaventura with a flock of sheep and as many vegetables as twenty mules could carry. After spending a most agreeable week the navigators set sail on the 18th.
Santa María returned to San Buenaventura in the Discovery, and Vancouver spent a day at that mission, where he had the good fortune to intercept a courier bound for Monterey with the latest European news. Naming on the way points Felipe, Vicente, Dumetz, Fermin, and Lasuen, he arrived at San Diego Novem- ber 27th and was kindly welcomed by Grajera and Zúñiga, who had, however, received from Arrillaga "many severe and inhospitable injunctions" which they were obliged against their inclinations to obey, though they received some packets to be forwarded to San Blas and Mexico. Lasuen arrived from San Juan Capistrano just before the departure of the ves- sels, too late to bring supplies from San Juan as he wished, but in time to receive a handsome barrel- organ as a gift for his San Carlos church. Vancouver left the port of San Diego December 9th to cross the Pacific. During this second visit to the coast he had learned nothing respecting the Nootka question; neither had he recovered his deserters, who had been sent to San Blas as already related.41 In March of
# On this voyage after leaving Monterey, see Vancouver's Voy., ii. 443-76.
523
MARITIME AFFAIRS.
this year Don Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Cuadra, commander at San Blas, and discoverer of the Cali- fornian bay that bears his name, died, and was suc- ceeded by General José Manuel de Álava.
Once more did Vancouver visit the coast, and be- sides his visit there is not much to be said of mari- time affairs or foreign relations during the year 1794. The viceroy approved Arrillaga's policy and acts toward foreign vessels.42 A report was received from Saavedra, now commanding at Nootka, that a forty- gun ship was coming from England to relieve Van- couver and settle the northern question; but Arrillaga replied that a treaty had been formed and no danger need be apprehended.43 The Concepcion, Menendez in command, brought up the supplies and five padres to San Francisco in June, and during the year visited all the Californian ports. Two Manila vessels, the Valdés under Bertodano, and Horcasitas, under Mon- dojia, touched at Monterey in July and August." The Aranzazu made two trips down from Nootka arriving in July and September. On the former voyage she was under an American commander, John Kendrick. He came for supplies and also for the men that had been destined for Bodega; but the latter had already been shipped on the Concepcion. Father Magin Catalá came down with Kendrick and refused to re- turn to Nootka, though the president had no author- ity to send another chaplain in his place and though the pious captain vowed he would hold the padres responsible before God and the king for the lack of spiritual rations on board his vessel. The difficulty seems to have been settled by Gili going on board the
42 June 11, 1794, viceroy to governor, approving the reception of Van- couver and orders given to commandants to prevent an examination of the country and the shipment of cattle to foreign establishments. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xi. 177-S; but the day before he had forwarded a royal order of March 25, 1793, granting shelter to English vessels in Spanish ports. Id., 176.
:3 Saavedra to Arrillaga, June 15, 1794, in Prov. St. Pap., MS., xii. 207. Arrillaga to Saavedra, July 15th. Id., 208.
44 On movements of vessels for 1794 see Prov. St. Pap., MS., xi. 160, 193- 6; xii. 12, 14, 106-7, 121, 150-1, 198, 201-2, 211; xxi. 146-7; Prov. Rec., MS., vi. 28, 30, 43; viii. 146.
524
RULE OF ARRILLAGA.
Concepcion, whose regular chaplain was transferred to the Aranzazu. Kendrick was unable to obtain all the supplies he desired, especially in hogs and medi- cine; neither were there men enough that could be spared as substitutes for the sick he brought down, though two or three were sent.45
About the Nootka settlement in connection with California I have only to say here that the reasons for its maintenance by Spain had ceased to exist, and by the terms of a treaty of January 11, 1794, it was abandoned by both powers in March, 1795, California obtaining apparently a few of the retiring soldiers.40
Vancouver came back across the Pacific and ar- rived at Nootka in September 1794. He found there Álava, the successor of Cuadra.47 Álava's instructions had not however arrived, and after waiting till the middle of October both commissioners went down to Monterey, in the Princesa, Discovery, and Chatham, arriving on the 2d, 6th, and 7th of November.48 The old slights were still weighing on the English com-
45 Kendrick, Correspondencia con el Gobernador Arrillaga sobre cosas de Nootka, 1794, MS; Catalú, Carta sobre Nootka, 1794, MS. See also Prov. St. Pap., MS., xãi. 198-9, 209-13; xxi. 195. There had been some minor corre- spondence that has not been mentioned about supplies, etc., for Nootka in 1791. Sta. Bárbara, MS., xi. I18 ; Prov. St. Pap., MS., x. 1, 2, 45-6, 140.
46 See Hist. N. W. Coast, i. 300-1, this series. Dec. 10, 1794, governor to viceroy asking that the unmarried soldiers from Nootka be retained to fill vacancies in California. Prov. Rec., MS., vi. 32. Granted March 14, 1795. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiii. 122-3. The Activa, Capt. Bertodano, arrived at Monterey, Feb. 13, 1795, and sailed March 12th, having on board Pierce and Álava, the English and Spanish commissioners for the 'disoccupation.' The Princesa under Fidalgo left Monterey for San Blas April 8th. The San Carlos under Saavedra arrived from Nootka May 12th,and sailed for San Blas in June. Saavedra brought down 21 natives from Nootka who were baptized at San Cárlos as 17 others had been in November 1791. Gaceta de Mex., vii. 206; Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiii. 80, 89; Prov. Rec., MS., vi. 37, 46; Taylor's Dis- coverers and Founders, No. 25, p. 141, No. 29, p. 177; Id., in Cal. Furmer, April 20, 1860. Taylor repeats a groundless story that the Nootka chief Maquinna came down with a son and daughter; Gregorio and José Tapia, living at Santa Cruz in IS34, being his grandsons.
4 May 10, 1794, viceroy to governor, Álava to sail in the Princesa and to receive all aid and attention in California. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xi. 171. Aug. 20, 1794, this order communicated by governor to commandants. Prov. Rec., MS., iv. 117.
48 Nov. 3d, Argüello to governor, announcing the Chatham's arrival on Nov. 2d and Nov. 7th, that of the Discovery on Nov. 5th; delivery of desert. ers; sending a courier to San Diego. Prov. St. Pap., Ms., xii. 144-7.
525
VANCOUVER'S THIRD VISIT.
mander's mind; but he was comforted by learning from Álava that the viceroy's "very humane and liberal intentions had no doubt been materially mis- understood by Señor Arrillaga;" and still more when he knew that, "Arrillaga having been ordered to some inferior establishment," Argüello was tempo- porarily in command until the governor should arrive. Argüello placed everything at his visitor's disposal, and as the latter had now learned not to construe Spanish expressions of courtesy too literally, all went well.4º No instructions for either Vancouver or Álava had arrived, and a courier was sent to San Diego. On November 11th Governor Borica arrived to con- firm and continue the courtesies offered by the com- mandant. The same day despatches came for Álava, who confided the information that the Nootka ques- tion had been amicably adjusted at court, and that a new commission had been issued relieving Vancouver. Borica received similar information from the new viceroy, Branciforte, with instructions to receive the new commissioner.50
Remaining at Monterey till December 2d Van- couver was chiefly engaged in preparing his reports and charts, a copy of which was sent to England through Mexico. In the mean time his deserters were recovered, the vessels were overhauled, and an excur-
49 Nov. 12th, the governor writes to the viceroy that while harmony was preserved, Vancouver was given to understand that his admission to the fort was a special favor, and adds that on account of Vanconver's past curiosity precautionary orders had been given to commandants and padres. Prov. Rec., MS., vi. 29. Dec. 20th, the governor says Vancouver was satisfied with his treatment, but was not allowed to make observations on those matters that were to be kept from him. Prov. St. Pap., MIS., xxi. 210-12. A circular order dated Nov. 12th was sent to the missions forbidding any intercourse with foreign vessels, or any furnishing of supplies, except in cases of urgent neces- sity, when the corporal of the guard may furnish what is absolutely necessary and demanded by the laws of hospitality. Vancouver has been supplied and minst receive nothing more. Arch. Arzobispado, MIS., i. 41, 43; Prov. Rec., MS., vi. 141-2. The padres promised obedience; at least all but those of Soledad, who said they would be glad to carry ont the governor's instructions 'should it ever please divine providence to favor their inland mission with a port!'
50 May 16, 1794, viceroy to governor, mentions appointment of a new commissioner. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xi. 171-2. Nov. 12th, gov. to viceroy, acknowledges receipt. Prov. Rec., MS., vi. 29.
526
RULE OF ARRILLAGA.
sion was made into what is now known as Salinas Valley. A large amount of supplies was obtained from Monterey and Santa Cruz.51 This done, and having left on the beach certain articles of iron-ware which the governor had refused to accept, the Eng- lish navigator bade adieu to California and sailed for England by way of Cape Horn, giving the comman- dants of presidios no occasion to exercise the precau- tions still ordered in case of trading at any other port. 52
Captain Vancouver was an intelligent and honest British sailor, a good representative of a good class of explorers and writers, plain of speech, and a reliable witness on matters which fell under his personal obser- vation, and in which his national pride and prejudices were not involved. His statements of the condition of the different establishments visited have a special value and will be utilized in my chapters on local prog- ress. His geographical and scientific researches, much
ől Vancouver says that Swaine was sent with three boats to Santa Cruz Nov. 27th for garden stuff, and was tolerably successful. The archives con- tain, however, several documents on the subject. Nov. 25, 1794, governor to padres, Vancouver having sent three boats instead of one the padres inust not visit them but send supplies by Indians and wagons. Prov. Rec., MS., vi. 142-3. Nov. 25th, gov. to corporal at Sta. Cruz, Three boats will come for supplies; don't let them land, for the padres will send Indians with the sup- plies. Id., v. 23. Nov. 29th, Corporal Sanchez to gov., he ordered the English commander not to let any sailors go to the mission and obedience was prom- ised. The natives brought the supplies and the English departed in peace. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xii. 43. Nov. 30th, Sal to gov., Nov. 26th, the cor- poral reported the English boats approaching, and Sal sent five men from San Francisco, who returned saying that the foreigners had retired Nov. 2Sth without disorder. The soldier who brought the news was put in irons for reporting incorrectly. Id., xii. 32-3.
52 Dec. 3, 1794, governor says that Vancouver left on the shore $505 worth of iron-ware. Prov. Rec., MS., vi. 32. He left well supplied and contented. Id., vi. 31. Dec. Ist, Argüello certifies a list of goods including 24 blankets left in spite of governor's excuses. Prov. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., xxi. 5. Dec. 1794 and Feb. 1795, some not very clear communications of the com- mandaut of Santa Bárbara about the gifts made. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xii. 87; xiii. 23. Dec. Ist, gov. to Sal, repeats the old orders forbidding intercourse with foreign vessels. Prov. Rer., MS., v. 26-7. Feb. 23, 1795, viceroy to gov., approving the restrictions imposed. Vancouver should regard his admission as a special favor. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiii. 11. April 11, 1795, viceroy for- wards royal decree commending the governor's acts in not allowing Vancouver to examine the country or to take breeding cattle for English colonies. Van- couver is alluded to as having visited Sauta Bárbara and San Diego 'under pretence' of wanting wood and water. Id., xiii. 103-4.
527
VANCOUVER'S OBSERVATIONS.
iess extensive in California than in the far north, need no further attention here.53 His persistence in ignoring the name California and extending New Albion down beyond San Diego by virtue of Drake's so-called 'dis- covery' is an amusing and harmless idiosyncrasy. His ignorance of the Spanish language and the peculiarly delicate position in which he was placed on account of international jealousies led him into many errors respecting matters with which he became acquainted by conversation with the Spaniards, his narrative in this respect presenting a marked contrast with that of La Pérouse; yet his errors are mostly confined to names and dates and minor details, and his general statements are more accurate and comprehensive than might have been expected. With the natural advan- tages of the country he was favorably impressed, and of them he left a fair record. Of the Spanish people with whom he came in contact, always excepting Arrillaga with whom he was unjustly but naturally offended, he speaks in kind and flattering terms, though criticising their inactivity and indisposition to take advantage of the possibilities by which they were surrounded. The natives, except some in the Santa Bárbara Channel, seemed to be a race of the most miserable beings ever seen possessing the faculty of human reason, and little if any advantages had attended their conversion. Yet he testified to their affectionate attachment to their missionary benefac- tors, whose aims and methods, without attempting a discussion of the mission system, he approves, look- ing for gradual success in laying foundations for civil society. For the friars personally he had nothing but enthusiastic praise.
What was needed to stimulate true progress in California was a friendly commercial intercourse with foreigners, to create new wants, introduce new com-
53 Vancouver's atlas contains a carefully prepared map on a large scale, better than any of earlier datc, of the whole California coast, which I repro- duce. There are charts of Trinidad Bay, San Diego, and the entrance to San Francisco, and seven views of points along the coast.
528
RULE OF ARRILLAGA.
123
122
121
120
119
118
117
12
-- 42
Pint St. George
Rocky Point Buy. de la Trinidad
11
-41
Cap. Mendocino
40
Pointe Barro de Arena
-
· Sta. Clara
Firstin Nato
37
sly Soledad
Presidio
PSn.Antonio
Mirlos del Monterrey
30
Sn. I uis
Mt.del Buchon
-3,5
Ride En. Dalardo
E.l=\'rm. Font
5ºSta. Barbara
· Su. Buenaventura
Pte. Dunie
n. Pedro
-31
Pte. Lasuen
OSIL. Juan
SD. 312P
11
11
VANCOUVER'S MAP, 1794.
IIL. Cu Fer-TO
-39
Ple.F'tue;
529
AN ENGLISH VIEW OF CALIFORNIA.
forts, give an impetus to industries and a value to lands and produce; this and a proper degree of atten- tion from the court of Madrid. For with California considered as a Spanish possession the English navi- gator was greatly disappointed. The actual condition of the people "ill accorded with the ideas we had con- ceived of the sumptuous manner in which the Spaniards live on this side of the globe." "Instead of finding a country tolerably well inhabited and far advanced in cultivation, if we except its natural pastures, flocks of sheep, and herds of cattle, there is not an object to indicate the most remote connection with any Euro- pean or other civilized nation." At the weakness of Californian defenses Vancouver was particularly sur- prised. "The Spanish monarchy retains this extent of country under its authority by a force that, had we not been eye-witnesses of its insignificance in many instances, we should hardly have given credit to the possibility of so small a body of men keeping in awe and under subjection the natives of this country, with- out resorting to harsh or unjustifiable measures." The soldiers "are totally incapable of making any resistance against a foreign invasion, an event which is by no means improbable." "Why such an extent of territory should have been thus subjugated, and after all the expense and labour that has been bestowed on its colonization turned to· no account whatever, is a mystery in the science of state policy not easily to be explained."" I shall chronicle in the succeeding chapters a series of efforts, not very brilliantly, or at least permanently, successful, to remedy the evils complained of by Vancouver.
54 For general remarks, in addition to those scattered through the narra- tive, see l'oyage, ii. 486-504.
HIST. CAL., VOL. 1. 34
CHAPTER XXV. RULE OF BORICA, FOREIGN RELATIONS, AND INDIAN AFFAIRS. 1794-1800.
DIEGO DE BORICA-ARRIVAL AT LORETO-BRANCIFORTE VICEROY-BORICA'S JOURNEY TO MONTEREY-ARRILLAGA'S INSTRUCTIONS- CHARMS OF CALI- FORNIA-RÉSUMÉ OF EVENTS IN BORICA'S TERM OF OFFICE-COAST DEFENCES-PROMISED REENFORCEMENTS-FRENCH WAR CONTRIBUTION -- FOREIGN VESSELS - PRECAUTIONS-THE 'PHOENIX' - BROUGHTON'S VISIT-THE 'OTTER' OF BOSTON-A YANKEE TRICK -ARRIVAL OF ALBERNI AND THE CATALAN VOLUNTEERS-ENGINEER CÓRDOBA'S SUR- VEYS-WAR WITH ENGLAND-COASTING VESSELS-WAR CONTRIBUTION- DISTRIBUTION OF FORCES-MAP OF CALIFORNIA-THE 'ELIZA'-THE 'BETSY'-WAR WITH RUSSIA-INDIAN AFFAIRS-MINOR HOSTILITIES- CAMPAIGNS OF AMADOR, CASTRO, AND MORAGA.
" THE new governor whom his Majesty is to ap- point in place of the deceased Lieutenant-colonel Don José Romeu must have the advantages of good talent, military skill, and experience, robust health for the greatest hardships, prudent conduct, disinterestedness, energy, and a true zeal for the service; since all these he needs in order to traverse frequently the broad ter- ritories of the peninsula, strengthen defences, regulate. the presidial troops, prevail by skill, or if that suffice not by force, over the ideas and aims and prejudicial introduction of the English, and contribute to the advancement of pueblos and missions." Such were the views of Viceroy Revilla Gigedo;1 such were the qual- ities sought in Romeu's successor, and believed with much reason to have been found in Lieutenant-colonel Don Diego de Borica, adjutant-inspector of presidios in Chihuahua, who early in 1794 was appointed gov-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.