USA > California > History of California, Volume I > Part 60
USA > California > History of California, Volume I > Part 60
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1 Revilla Gigedo, Informe de 12 de Abril 1793, 152-3.
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531
COMING OF THE GOVERNOR.
ernor, political and military, and commandant-inspector of the Californias. He took possession of his office at Loreto the 14th of May, having arrived two days before by sea from San Blas accompanied by his wife and daughter. On the same day he communicated his accession to officials in Alta California and sent Arri- llaga instructions to continue acting as governor until he should arrive at Monterey.2 Shortly after Borica assumed office his friend the viceroy, to whom proba- bly he owed the appointment, was replaced by the Conde de Branciforte, who on July 12th took posses- sion of the office. His succession was announced in California in November.3
Borica remained two months and more at Loreto, attending as may be supposed to affairs of state, but in the mean time by no means neglecting the friends left in Mexico, to whom he wrote long epistles narrating in a witty and jocose vein, for he was "a fellow of infinite jest," the details of his journey to California with its attendant sea-sickness, which had rendered the mere mention of the ocean a terror to the ladies. At Loreto, where the governor represented himself as." haciendo en esta Barataria mas alcaldadas que Sancho Panza en la suya," health was regained and all went well. The 1st of July he sent to the king a petition for a colonel's commission, which he received in the autumn of 1795.4 It was his intention as announced in several letters to complete the journey to Monterey by land, but as the ladies regained their health and
2 Letters of Borica in May 1794 to various persons in Prov. St. Pap., MS., xxi. 196, 198-205; xii. 174; Prov. Rec., MS., iv. 115-16; vi. 23. There seems to be little or no doubt about May 14th as the date of taking possession; but the day of arrival is given by Borica himself in different letters as May 11th, 12th, and 13th. May 31st, Lasuen from Santa Bárbara congratulates the new gov- ernor. Arch. Arzobispado, MS., i. 36. July 31st, Commandant of San Diego has received the announcement and proclaimed it in his district. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xii. 20. Arrillaga to same effect Aug. 4th. Id., xxi. 196. Vice- roy has received the news Aug. 5th. Id., xi. 190-1. Aug. 2d, Argüello orders Borica proclaimed as governor at San José. San José, Arch., MS., iii. 23.
3 July 5, 1794, Revilla Gigedo announces the arrival of his successor. He will be glad to keep up a private correspondence with Borica. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xi. 183. July 12th, Branciforte announces his accession. Id., xi. 189. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xi. 197; xiii. 55; xiv. 29; Prov. Rec., MS., v. 71; vi. 26; St. Pap., Sac., MS., xvii. 2.
532
RULE OF BORICA-FOREIGN RELATIONS.
courage, and were made acquainted with the prospec- tive difficulties of the peninsula route in time of drought, the plan was changed. All went on board the Saturnina July 20th, and four days later set sail for San Luis Bay far up the gulf. The winds and other circumstances seem to have been unfavorable, for on the 28th the governor decided to land at Santa Ana and make his way to San Fernando and across the frontier by land.5 With the exception of some correspondence about the furnishing of escorts and animals by the different commandants along the way we know nothing of the journey until he reached San Juan Capistrano in the middle of October.6
Here he met Arrillaga, who had left Monterey in September, and spent four days in consultation with that officer, starting northward the 17th of October.7 Here I suppose were delivered by Arrillaga the instructions left by each retiring governor for the guidance of his successor, though the document as preserved bears no date. It was intended to acquaint the new ruler with the condition of affairs in the province; but it is devoted almost entirely to local and minor details, containing nothing of general in- terest with which the reader is not already acquainted,
5 On embarkation and voyage, see Pron. St. Pap., MS., xii. 75; Prov. Rec., MS., vi. 134. July 10th, governor writes to viceroy on the difficulties of the land journey. Id., vi. 26. I think the name Santa Ana may be an error, or that there may have been a locality of that name north of Loreto; for it seems hardly probable that the vessel was driven far south, or that Borica visited Loreto again on his way north. Vancouver, Voyage, iii. 330-1, tells us that Borica had come all the way from Mexico on horseback.
6 July 28th, Borica to P. Calvo, asks for 24 mules and 24 natives, for his journey to San Fernando. Prov. Rec., MS., vi. 134. August 6th, Grajera to Borica, Has sent 29 mules, 35 horses with 8 soldiers under Corporal Olivera from San Diego. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xii. 19. Sept. 8th, 'N.' from San Fer- nando to commandant at Sta Bárbara, asks for 10 men and 54 animals to be sent at once; similar demand enclosed for commandant at Monterey for escort to be sent to San Luis. Prov. Rec., MS., iv. 1. Sept. 15th, Goycoechea wishes a pleasant journey and a safe arrival to Borica and his wife and daughter. 'C. P. B.' Prov. St. Pap., MS., xii. 102. Oct. Ist and 2d, Ar- güello to Borica and to Arrillaga, Has sent 60 animals with 10 men to San Luis. Id., xii. 147.
7 Arrillaga was at Monterey Sept. 16th, and left before Sept. 22d. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xii. 152-3. Oct. 16th, Borica to viceroy announcing conference with Arrillaga and intention to start next day. Prov. Rec., MS., vi. 28. Dec. 17th, viceroy's acknowledgment of above. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xi. 207.
533
A CONVIVIAL RULER.
therefore I do not deem it necessary to reproduce it here even en résumé.8 Arrillaga proceeded to Loreto to resume his duties as lieutenant-governor; while Borica continued his journey northward to the capital where he arrived the 9th of November.9 With Mon- terey the new ruler was delighted, deluging his friends and relatives with letters in praise of the country immediately on his arrival. "To vivir mucho and without care come to Monterey," he tells them. "This is a great country; climate healthful, between cold and temperate; good bread, excellent meat, tolerable fish; and bon humeur which is worth all the rest. Plenty to eat, but the most astounding is the general fecundity, both of rationals and irrationals. The climate is so good that all are getting to look like Englishmen. This is the most peaceful and quiet country in the world; one lives better here than in the most cultured court of Europe." He was busy with routine duties at first, but he found time for convivial pleasures with Vancouver, Puget, Álava, and Fidalgo, all jolly good fellows, and not one of whom was more than a match for Borica "before a dozen of Rhine wine, port, or Madeira."10
The Spanish authorities were now somewhat aroused to the importance of strengthening Californian coast defences, and this subject was therefore still more. prominent in Borica's term of office than it had been during Arrillaga's administration. To compensate the soldiers for labor begun on the presidio buildings in Fages' time an appropriation of $5,200 had been made from the royal treasury to be expended in sup- plies.11 In the middle of 1793 some guns and work-
8 Arrillaga, Papel de Puntos para conocimiento del Gobernador de la Peninsula, 1794. MS.
9 Iu three letters Borica says he arrived on Nov. 9th. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xxi. 207-8; but Vancouver, Voyage, iii. 330-1, affirms it was on the 11th. It is difficult to understand how either could mistake.
1" Borica's Letters in Nov .- Dec. 1794. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xxi. 207-12. 11 Oct. 26, 1791, viceroy to governor, Has ordered the $5,200 paid to the habilitado general; $1,600 for Monterey, and $1,200 for each of the other
534
RULE OF BORICA-FOREIGN RELATIONS.
men had been brought up from San Blas, and at Borica's arrival in the autumn of 1794 work had been going on for over a year on the San Francisco defences, besides some slight preparations at Monterey and San Diego. Details of progress at the different presidios may be more appropriately given in connection with local annals in another chapter, and it is only in a general way that I propose to treat the subject here.12 Viceroy Revilla Gigedo earnestly recommended the fortification of the coast in his instructions of 1794 to his successor Branciforte,13 who called upon Colonel Costansó, the same who had visited Califor- nia with the first expedition of 1769, for a report on the subject. Costansó's report was rendered Octo- ber 17th of the same year, and was to the effect that the difficulties in the way of adequate fortification were insuperable. The author had no faith in forts situated in a distant province without home resources. The only way to protect the country was to encourage settlement and commerce.14 In this report, however,
presidios. Jan. 15, 1792, V. R. to gov., Gen. Carcaba says that $5,200 is not enough, since Fages had estimated $12,000 for three presidios. The V. R., however, claims that Fages'estimate was on the basis of 150 per cent advance on goods, or $5,200 without that advanee; though Fages later raised the esti- mate to $12,000, but this had no approval of general and king. He therefore refuses to give more than the $5,200 with $400 for package and freight. St. Pap., Sac., MS., i. 46-7; Prov. St. Pap., MS., x. 112. Some details about the distribution of the amount among the presidios. Id., xi. 54, 57; xii. 57-9; Prov. Rec., iv. 3, 4.
12 Beginning of work at San Francisco announced in August 1793. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xxi. 113. March 18, 1793, commandant of San Blas writes that he has ordered fortification of Bodega and the presidios (except Sta Bár- bara, supposed to be already in good condition). The vessels will bring the needed aid and the work is to begin at San Francisco. July 8th, governor has heard of the viceroy's approval and order for vessels to carry material. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xxi. 106-7 Jan. 22, 1794, V. R. to gov., says the Junta Superior, after consulting the fiscal determined on Dec. 28, 1793, to conclude the presidio works, the cost to be paid from the tobacco revenue. The gov- ernor must form estimates and finish the work as solidly and economically as possible. Id., xii. 180-1. The document of Dec. 28th, in Nueva España, Acu- erdos, MS., 13, 14. June 9th, V. R. to gov., has ordered supply-vessels to transport timber from Monterey for the southern defences. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xi. 175-6. Arrillaga, Papel de Puntos, MS., 192, explained his plan that the workmen at San Francisco should come to Monterey to prepare timber for that place and for the south.
13 Revilla Gigedo, Instruccion, MS. i. 530.
14 Costansó, Informe sobre el Proyecto de fortificar los Presidios de la Nueva .California, 1794, MS. This officer seems to have been prominent in his pro-
535
COAST DEFENCES.
and in another of July 1795 made by a committee composed of Costansó, Fidalgo, and Sanchez, bat- teries of eight twelve-pounders were recommended with eighty gunners for the ports, with a view solely to protection against corsairs. Defence against a hos- tile squadron was pronounced impracticable, and in case of attack nothing was to be done but to withdraw the people and live-stock to the interior. Vessels should, however, be furnished for coasting service, for which purpose three very small ones were available at San Blas.15 As we shall see it was decided to send reën- forcements.
During 1795 while some slight progress was being made with the fortifications, the war in France was inciting the government in Spain and Mexico to still further measures of defence. Borica had asked carly in this year for armorers, guns, and munitions for the bat- teries being constructed; and on July 25th the viceroy replied, promising not only what had been asked but also a strong reenforcement of troops. He announced that a company of seventy-two Catalan volunteers under Lieutenant-colonel Pedro Alberni would soon embark from San Blas, picked men, robust, well behaved, and for the most part married, with the best arms and outfit obtainable. With this compañía franca there were to be sent seventeen or eighteen artillerymen and three armorers. The commandant general had orders to furnish needed aid from Sonora and the commandant of San Blas to send up the re- quired armament. Moreover two small vessels were to run up and down the coast to bring news every six months. The viceroy concluded by a repetition of the old orders respecting foreign vessels visiting the coast, English ships to be treated more hospitably than
fession. I have before me several original reports on government works in different parts of Mexico from 1788 to 1800. He is mentioned by Viceroy Azanza. Yastruccion, MS., 159. He reported on the fortifications of Vera Cruz as late as JS11. Mexico, Mem. Guerra, 1840, 26.
15 Sanchez, Fidalgo, and Costansó, Informe sobre auxilios que se propone enviar á la California, 13 Julio, 1795, MS.
536
RULE OF BORICA-FOREIGN RELATIONS.
others, but none to be permitted a long stay or any inspection of the country.16
The news that war had been declared between Spain and France came to California in October 1793, with a decree of the viceroy calling on faithful sub- jects of Cárlos IV. for a contribution. The decree being duly published the Californians responded with $740, as was announced by Borica in March 1794; but the amount was declined with thanks by the viceroy in June, and thereupon redistributed to the donors.17 In April 1795, however, things in Europe assuming a darker aspect for Spain, Branciforte again changed his mind and indicated his willingness to accept the Californian donation, and even urged in June a special effort on the governor's part to increase its amount. Borica published the appeal, and calling on officers, friars, soldiers, and neophytes to assist, headed the list himself with $1,000. The missionaries still professed their inability to give any but spiritual aid; but other classes responded generously, and con- tributions reached $3,881. In the early spring of 1797 the return of peace was made known in Cali- fornia.18
16 Branciforte á Borica sobre fortalecer las Baterías de San Francisco, Monte- rey, etc., 1795, MS. On same date, July 25th, viceroy to governor, of same pur- port, mentioning the sending of an engincer, and also declaring it impossible to fortify and defend the whole coast against superior forces. In emergen- cies aid must be sought from Sonora. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiii. 53-4. The actual force in California was 225 men; Arrillaga's plan called for 271; and Borica's, 335. Prov. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., xix. 3, 4. Sept. 22, 1795, the V. R. announces that the company of volunteers was inspected at Mexico on Sept. 11th by Col. Salcedo, and found in good condition. Prov. St. Pap., xiii. 83; Nov. 11th, he speaks of the artillerymen, and says the royal treasury at Vera Cruz pays the expense to the end of 1795. Id., xiii. 74; St. Pap., Sac., MS., vii. 44-5.
17 June 22, 1793, viceroy's decree. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xi. 129. Oct. 9tlı, Arrillaga to commandant of Monterey, mentioning decree of June 19th. St. Pap., Sac., MS., i. 113. Oct. 28th, Lasuen says the padres will contribute what they can -- that is their prayers. Arch. Arzobispado, MS., i. 36. Dec. 7th, decree has been published in Loreto. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xi. 149. March 4, 1794, Gov. to V. R. announces $740 as the amount. Id., xxi. 133; xii. 93; Prov. Rec., MS., vi. 31; Gaceta de Mex., vi. 578. June 26th, V. R. declines with thanks in the king's name. Id., xii. 35; xi. 180, 182; Prov. Rec., MS., viii. 144. Nov. 11th, Gov. announces the restitution. Prov. Rec., MS., iv. 120.
18 April 4, 1795, viceroy to governor, accepting the donation. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiii. 114-15. June 17th, V. R. to gov. and other later corre-
537
THE 'PHENIX,' CAPTAIN MOORE.
The orders respecting precautions against foreign vessels were duly promulgated;19 but opportunities for carrying them into execution were rare in 1795. The visit of the English merchant vessel Phenix, Cap- tain Moore -- if that may be taken as a satisfactory average from the Mor, Mayor, Moor, Murr, and Morr of the archives-was the only sensation of the year, and was indeed a mild one. She touched at Santa Bárbara in August from Bengal for supplies, affording the provincial authorities an excellent opportunity to repeat the old orders, and the local powers to carry out the hospitable but strict policy in such cases pre- scribed. They were fortified with the treaty of 1790 and other formidable material for a discussion ou inter- national obligations; but the Phoenix was content to receive a few needed supplies and sail away. Moore left with Goycoechea a Boston lad who desired to re- main in the country and 'become a Christian;' but he was sent to San Blas a few months later.20 Six letters
spondence on subject. St. Pap., Sac., MS., v. 99-105. July 19th, Oct. 12th, 16th, Gov. to commandants and padres. Prov. Rec., MS., iv. 30-1, 135, 137; vi. 151. Oct. 18th, Lasuen to gov. explaining the poverty of the padres, the great services they are rendering the king, and their inability, with the best wishes, to give anything but their prayers for the victory of Spanish arms. Arch. Sta Bárbara, MS., xii. 234; St. Pap. Sac., MS., ix. 88-93. Mareh 12, 1796, announcement of results, showing that San Francisco gave $707; Monterey and San José, $354; Santa Bárbara and Angeles, $930, and San Diego, $639. St. Pap., Sac., MS., v. 98; viii. 75; Prov. Rec., MS., iv. 153. Jan. 17, 1797, viceroy's thanks for aid, including the prayers. Arch. Sta Bárbara, MS., xii. 234; Prov. Rec., MS., vi. 181. Peace announced by V. R. Nov. 29, 1795, and solemn mass of thanksgiving ordered. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiii. 73. Published by gov. Feb. 29, 1796. Prov. Rec., MS., iv. 144. Original letter of Lasuen asking padres to say mass at each mission. Doc. ITist. Cal., MS., iv. 55-7. General amnesty and pardon ou account of peace, and of marriage of princesses. Prov. Rec., MS., vi. 82; Prov. St. Pap., MS., xv. 40.
19 Jan. 6, 1793, governor orders that even in the case of San Blas vessels, the first persons landing must be closely examined to be sure they are really Spaniards. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiii. 16-17. Nov. 2d, Sal to comisionado of S. José urging strict compliance with the V. R's orders of July 23. s. José Arch., MS., iv. 26. Nov. 14th, Goycoechea to Borica. No foreigners will be allowed to visit the country on horseback or to get breeding animals. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiv. 29-30.
20 Portrait of Thomas Murr sent to viceroy (?). Prov. Rec. MS., viii. 166. Sept. 5th, Goycoechea to Borica, Says the boy's name was Bostones and he was of good parentage, a pilot and carpenter. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiv. 69- 70. Capt. Matute is asked to carry the young Bostonian to San Blas. Id., xxi. 230. His name was Joseph O'Cain, an Irishman, and he went in the Aranzazu (perhaps in 1706). Pror. Rec., MS., iv. 22-3, 30-1. 'This Englishman is a native of Ireland and his parents live now in Boston.' Prov. St. Pap., Ben. Mil.,
538
RULE OF BORICA-FOREIGN RELATIONS.
with English addresses were taken from the mail this year and forwarded to the viceroy by Borica's order.21
Throughout the year 1796 precautionary orders against foreign vessels continued to be. issued, pre- senting no variation in matter or manner from those of former years, yet it may be well to notice an order of Borica to the effect that large war-ships, able to seize San Diego, were not to be permitted to enter the port, supplies being sent out in boats. Just how they were to be kept out does not clearly appear, since no such ship came to that harbor.22 In July a report reached Monterey, coming from an American captain at Nootka, who received it from an English captain at Botany Bay, that the Englishmen had orders to attack Spanish vessels; but the report did not receive much credit, and the viceroy's orders dated November 30th to make reprisals on all English craft entering the ports, did not reach California till the next year.23
Only two foreign vessels made their appearance on the coast this year. The first was the English man- of-war Providence, under Captain Broughton who had visited California before with Vancouver. She anch-
MS., xxi. 11. There is a José Burling also mentioned as an Irishman who arrived in or about this year. St. Pap., Sac., MS., xix. 8, 9. See also on the visit of the Phoenix. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiii. 17-68; xiv. 67; St. Pap., Sac., MS., xvii. 1; Prov. Rec., MS., iv. 22-3. Another English vessel, the Resolution, Capt. Lochi (Locke?), was reported by Grajera of San Diego as having touched at Todos Santos Bay in August. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiii. 66-70.
21 Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiii. 175. The only Spanish vessels of the year seem to have beeu the Concepcion, Melendez, and the Aranzazu, Matute, with the memorias.
22 Jan. 1796, viceroy to governor, no person from a foreign vessel to be admitted into California. Prov. Rec., MS., viii. 158; St. Pap., Sac., MS., xvii. 7. March 30th, Sal to Borica, for supplies furnished a receipt to be taken and sent to gov. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiv. 104. No goods to be taken in return for supplies. St. Pap., Sac., MS., iv. 69. April 7th, Borica to commandant of San Diego, war-vessels not to be admitted into the ports. Prov. R.cc., MS., v. 242. April 18th, Indians to he sent to Bodega to look out for foreign vessels. Prov. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., xxiv. 11. Nov. 2d, Borica to V. R. St. Pap. Sac., MS., iv. 61. June 18th, viceroy orders strict precautions. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiv. 151.
23 July 15, 1796, governor to commandant, private. Prov. Rec., MS., iv. 149. Aug. 25th, Grajera to gov. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xiv. 115. Nov. 30th, viceroy to gov. Id., xiv. 173. Oct. 19th, a courier arrived at Monterey from San Diego, announcing that 18 sail had been sighted. St. Pap., Sac., MS., vi. 89.
539
THE 'OTTER,' CAPTAIN DORR.
ored at Monterey, obtained some needed supplies, left some instruments which had been intended for Bodega y Cuadra, but which Borica received and paid for, and then sailed away. It is recorded not very clearly, that Broughton after raising his anchor attempted in boats some exploration of the Rio San Antonio, or Salinas, and that his boats were fired at.24 The other vessel, the first from the United States to anchor in a Californian port, was the Otter of Boston, commanded by Ebenezer Dorr.25 She carried six guns and twenty- six men, arriving at Monterey on October 29th, after having cruised in the vicinity for nearly a week. Having obtained wood and water, freely supplied by the Spaniards on sight of her passport from General Washington signed by the Spanish consul at Charles- ton, she sailed on the 6th of November. Dorr asked permission to land some English sailors who had secretly boarded his vessel at Port Saxon.26 His re- quest was refused, but he landed five men on the beach at night, and the next night five more and a woman on the Carmelo shore, forcing then from the boat, they said, by the use of a pistol. Dorr's conduct naturally seemed to the Spaniards ungrateful; but his position was doubtless a difficult one, and the nec- essity of getting rid of his convict passengers was urgent. Governor Borica regarded it as.a dishonor- able trick on the part of the Yankee; but he had to
21 Sept. 10, 1796, viceroy to Borica, approves of his having fired at the boats, suspecting that the aim was to explore the salinas, and he will send a vessel to prevent such attempts. St. Pap., Sac., MS., viii. 74. The Providence fired a salute of 11 guns on entering and the battery responded. According to Id., vi. 85-6, she sailed June 18th; but according to Prov. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., xxiii. 3, 5, it was July Sth. The instruments left were worth £250. According to Id., xxiv. 6, the vessel appears to have been at San Francisco on June 10th. Alberni is ordered not to let Broughten land. Orders were sent to other ports not to permit a landing or to furnish any more supplies. Prov. Rec., MS., iv. 67. Supplies furnished amounted to $308, the bill being sent to Mexico. Id., iv. 206. The instruments were sent to San Blas. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xxi. 242.
25 She is called by the Spaniards the Otter Boston, El otro Boston, and Loter Boston; and their captain, Dow, Dour, Dor, Daur, Door, and Dere.
2G Herbert C. Dorr, son of this captain, a well known littérateur residing in San Francisco, tells me that these men were convicts from Botany Bay, and that he has often heard his father tell the story of this voyage and of his
540
RULE OF BORICA-FOREIGN RELATIONS.
provide for the new-comers. They were set at work as carpenters and blacksmiths at nineteen cents per day, and they proved so industrious and well behaved that Borica would fain have retained them in the country; but in obedience to royal orders he was obliged to send them the next year to San Blas en route for Cádiz.27
On March 23d and April 1st the Valdés and Sun Cárlos arrived at Monterey and San Francisco re- spectively with most of the compañía franca, and of the artillerymen, the rest coming up the following spring, and the military force in California being thus increased by nearly one hundred men.28 Lieutenant-
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