History of California, Volume II, Part 48

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers
Number of Pages: 826

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467

ARGÜELLO ELECTED GOVERNOR.

already voted against them,36 and was forced to con- sult anew his instructions, which told him this time that the diputacion must also have a voice in the election. So of course it was decided. The dipu- tados voted solid against Guerra, and Captain Luis Argüello was elected by a majority of one or two, probably on the 9th or 10th of November. Don José was bitterly disappointed, and his friends were indig- nant. Argüello was not blamed, at least not by Guerra, who had always been and continued to be his warm personal friend; but charges of corruption were freely made, and the vote of the diputacion was said to have been bought. Some dwellers in the south were inclined to take a sectional view of the matter and regard the election of Argüello as a dangerous triumph of the north. The correspondence on this subject being altogether one-sided,37 it does not be- hoove me to enter deeply into the merits of the con- troversy, neither is it necessary. The canónigo deemed

36 The fact that Estudillo writes from San Diego on Nov. 11th, saying that he presumes the election is over, and that he voted for Guerra, shows that some of the votes were forwarded by letter. Guerra, Doc. Hist. Cal., MS. vi. 111. Estudillo admits that he would prefer the governor under present cir- cunstances not to be a European.

37 Nov. 21st, Estudillo to Guerra, says that he understands the number of votes, those of the diputados included, was equally divided, and Argüello was elected by Sola's declining to vote. He congratulates Guerra on escap- ing the burden. Guerra, Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., iii. vi. Juan Malarin writes to same effect; says that Estrada did vote, and Santiago was not allowed to; declares that there was trickery in the southern votes; and that the diputa- cion voted solid for Argüello. Id., vi. 113. These two letters are all the definite information we have about the voting. It would appear that only one or two officers could have voted for Arguello. Guerra himself says such was the case in a later communication to a Mexican newspaper in which he defended himself against charges by Petit Thouars. Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 1,376-7. Nov. 18th, Anastasio Carrillo writes from Los Angeles that 'those of the north have had their own way in electing Don Luis.' Guerra, Doc. Ilist. Cal., MS., vi. 91. Nov. 21st, Estudillo writes: 'It is best to obey; time will tell.' Id., vi. 111. Nov. 22d, Capt. Ruiz writes that the bomb has burst against them. 'Those provinciales (diputados) will work to render them- selves hateful to all.' Doc. Ilist. Cal., MS., iv. 613. Nov. 24th, Malarin writes that Narvaez had told him 'the votes of the diputados had been bought. Indeed may God help them, but the facts are before our eyes.' Guerra, Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., vi. 126. Jan. 2, 1823, Narvaez advises Guerra to abide by his fate, but yet lay a complaint before the supreme government of the gross slight inflicted on him. Thinks, however, he was lucky to escape the burden. Id., vi. 122. Nov. 22d, Torre says there are many discontented ones and he believes even the diputados repent of their action. Id., vi. 105. The Californians in their recollections add nothing on this subject to what is

468

A PROVINCE OF THE MEXICAN EMPIRE.

it best that a Mexican and not a Spaniard should rule California, and many in the province, though Guerra was very popular, shared this feeling, or were induced to share it. Just what wires were pulled, and how, in this election of governor as in all that have fol- lowed down to date, is not known. Acting-governor Argüello came down to the capital on a whaler and took formal possession of his office on the day that Sola departed, probably November 22d, but possibly a day later. His proper title, however, like that of Sola himself during this last year of his rule, was no longer governor but gefe político, or political chief, as appears from the usage in contemporary documents, though I find no definite order in the archives for such a change at this time. This being explained, I shall continue to use the more convenient title of gov- ernor as before.33

The comisionado was not quite satisfied with the padres, or at least he wished to carry back to Mexico more definite proofs of their loyalty to the cause of independence than he yet possessed; and he therefore, with the aid of Payeras, attempted to obtain from each friar a certificate of his views. Many had not

learned from the few original papers preserved, and they fall into very many errors. 'Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., i. 217-21; Castro, Relacion, MS., 11-12; Osio, Hist. Cal., MS., 56-7; Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., i. 295-9; Larios, Con- vulsiones, MS., 6-7; Ord, Ocurrencias, MS., 16; Pico, Acontecimientos, MS., 6-7; Avila, Cosas de Cal., MS., 22; Fernandez, Cosas de Cal., MS., 22-3.

38 There is no definite record either of Argüello's taking possession or of Sola's departure; but on Nov. 22d Torre writes that Argüello has arrived from San Francisco and has not yet received the badge of office. Guerra, Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., vi. 105; and on the same date Fernandez dates a letter from 'on board the San Carlos,' indicating that he had embarked, and that the vessel sailed that afternoon or next morning. S. José Arch., MS., i. 49. Nov. 13th, Payeras writes that the San Carlos must sail on the 22d. Arch. Sta B., MS., xi. 180-1. This is perhaps rather a weak foundation on which to base the date when Argüello's rule began; but it is all that is extant. The title given to Sola this year and to Argüello was generally 'gefe político y coman- dante militar;' but the word 'superior' was often added, and there were other verbal variations indicating that the change rested, so far as California was concerned, on no direct order from Mexico, but rather on a general under- standing that a change had been ordered. In Mexico, Mem. Guerra, 1823, p. 25, it is stated that the office of governor had been suppressed in various places; but that in California the matter was left to the discretion of the exec- utive. Mofras, Exploration, i. 292-3, erroneously states that Sola, faithful to his oaths, refused to serve the new government, and left Monterey with some of his royalist soldiers.

469

DEPARTURE OF THE CANON.

responded as late as November 13th, when the prefect issued a circular to hasten their response, and to show the importance of the Franciscans being square on the record before the sailing of the ship. Of the effect pro- duced by this document I know nothing, but I suppose that all the certificates were forthcoming, since after the oath previously taken there was no object in with- holding them. The 14th Payeras wrote in the name of the padres and neophytes a polite, humble, and flat- tering address to the emperor, praying for blessings on the imperial family, regretting that the Califor- nians were deprived of the privilege of seeing one whese august name had reached their ears, and hoping that Agustin I. would not lose sight of the pagans yet to be converted in the north.39

The canónigo thus accomplished his task in Califor- nia and was ready to depart. Besides being imperial comisionado he was the highest ecclesiastical dignitary who had ever visited the province; yet his qualities did not altogether accord with his holy office as viewed by the friars and by many others. He was a rosy- cheeked, jovial, gayly dressed priest, a bon-vivant, spending money freely and always ready to borrow from any one. His peculiarities as a politician and demagogue are sufficiently illustrated in the preceding narrative of his operations. That he left unpaid debts and that he was a gambler, is shown by the corre- spondence of the time, even if we hesitate to credit the unclerical fondness for wine and women, by which, according to old Californians, the friars were scandal- ized, and by reason of which they rejoiced at the canon's departure. Sola, at first his friend, afterward denounced him as a scoundrel. After the downfall of Iturbide, Fernandez was reported to be in prison, but in 1825 he appears again as vicar of Santa Fé, New Mexico.40

39 Nov. 13th, Payeras to padres. Arch. Sta B., MS., xi. 180-1. Nov. 14th, Payeras to emperor. Id., vi. 236-40.

40 On the canónigo's character, and especially his gambling propensities, see correspondence of various padres and officers in Guerra, Doc. Hist. Cal.,

470

A PROVINCE OF THE MEXICAN EMPIRE.

Sailing from Monterey November 22d the San Carlos touched at San Diego for a week or perhaps more at the end of December and beginning of Jan- uary. If Fernandez had any official business here beyond an attempt to retrieve his fortunes at the gaming-table its nature does not appear. He was not lucky at cards in the south if we may credit the state- ment of Santiago Argüello, one of whose letters and one from Captain Narvaez are the only records extant of the stay at San Diego. On the San Carlos besides the canon sailed Sola and Lieutenant Manuel Gomez, who left the artillery force of California to the con- mand of Ramirez.41

In connection with Sola's departure, though I shall have occasion to mention his name incidentally a little later, I present here a connected biographical notice.42

MS., v .- vii. passim. He quarrelled with Santiago Argüello and others about gambling debts at San Diego. P. Uría when he heard that the Canonicazo was coming thought it would be a good plan to present him with $2,000 and a dozen packs of cards. Sola accused him of intriguing to keep him out of congress, of committing scandalous acts both in California and Mexico, of leaving unpaid debts at the capital, and of abandoning in Mexico one of the Russians he had brought with him and from whom he had borrowed $497. Malarin had something to say about his debts and fondness for display. Va- llejo, Hist. Cal., MS., i. 323-7, says Magin was so horrified that he requested Fernandez to quit Sta Clara. He also alludes to the races and bull fights given in Monterey in honor of the comisionado. J. J. Vallejo, Reminis- cencias, MS., 79-81, speaks of his immoralities; as does also Alvarado, Ilist. Cal., MS., i. 216-17. August 2, 1823, Ruiz to Guerra, mentions report that Fernandez is a prisoner. Guerra, Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., v. 221. Appointed vicario of New Mexico. Mexico, Mem. Justicia, 1826, 18-19.

4] Manuel Gomez first appears in the California records in 1817 when he was sergeant, and brevet alférez in command of the artillery detachment of San Francisco. Prov. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., xliv. 20. When he came to the country is not known, his name not appearing among the 18 artillerymen who came in 1797. In 1818 he commanded the artillery at Monterey, and was aceused by some of the Californians of treachery in connection with the Bouchard affair. The charge was I think wholly without foundation-see chap. xi. of this volume-and for his gallantry at this time he was promoted to be lieutenant in 1819. March 22, 1819, viceroy to Sola. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xx. 72. July 6th, Sola to viceroy. Id., Ben. Mil., xlvi. 11; xlix. 32. He remained in chief command of the artillery force until his departure. He married a daughter of José María Estudillo. July 30, 1822, announces his approaching departure. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xx. 59-60; Guerra, Doc. . Hist. C'al., MS., vi. 155. I know nothing of his subsequent eareer.

42 Pablo Vieente de Sola was a native probably of Mondragon, Vizeaya, Spain, and of gentle birth. He had two brothers, Casimiro and Vicente, in Spain, with whom he corresponded, as also with a niece, Doña Brígida Sola. There was a sister who was a nun, and apparently another brother who was a priest, besides his brother Faustino, who served in California as a missionary

4,1

BIOGRAPHY OF SOLA.

The reader of the preceding seven years' annals of California is well acquainted with the man, his pecu- liarities, defects, and excellences of character. He was of an essentially different type from his predeces- sors. They had earned their military rank step by step in frontier presidial service, and were thorough soldiers. Sola sprung from a family of considerable wealth and position and had been carefully educated

before 1790, and died at San Fernando college in 1820, after being insane for 30 years. He had also a nephew, José Gabriel Sola, who was a lieutenant- colonel in Mexico in 1820. St. Pap., Sac., MS., vi. 23, 26, 35; Prov. St. Pap., MS., xx. 200-2; Arch. Sta B .. , MS., xi. 159-60. Don Pablo evidently received a good education, but of his early life and of his military service nothing is known, until he was appointed to act temporarily as habilitado general of the Californias in Mexico in 1805-7, being a captain at the time, and over 40 years of age.

Being lient .- colonel of provincial militia, he was appointed governor of California by the viceroy on Dec. 31, 1814, took the oath at Guadalajara March 31, 1815, and landed at Monterey Aug. 30th. To recount his difficulties in combating the insurgents and hard times would be to repeat a large por- tion of the nine preceding chapters. He was often discontented and asked to be relieved, but always joined to his complaints a petition for a better posi- tion. One of his last communications written in California was a complaint of overwork. Nov. 15, 1822, letter to Guerra in Prov. Rec., MS., xi. 81. This was only one of fifty complaints, many of which have been noticed in other chapters. March 22, 1819, the viceroy sent Sola a commission as col- onel of provincial militia, with thanks in the king's name for his services against Bouchard. Prov. St. Pap., xx. 70; Prov. Rec., MS., x. 55. In Octo- ber of the same year he was again thanked for his conduct when the Colorado Indians attacked San Buenaventura. Prov. St. Pap., MS., xx. 77.

Elected May 21st as diputado to the Mexican cortes, or congress, he sailed from Monterey Nov. 22d, and was at San Diego Dec. 18th and Jan. 2d. He arrived at Tepic Jan. 25th, was at Guadalajara in April, and at Mexico in June. Nothing is really known of him later, except that early in 1826 an order of the Mexican government separating him from the military service was published in California. Dept. Rec., MS., iv. 45. He was not admitted at first to the congress of 1823, a fact which he attributed to the influence of , the canónigo Fernandez; and though the Californians accredit him with some subsequent service as a diputado, I find no record on the subject. Taylor says he died in Mexico about 1824, Discov. and Founders, ii. 181, but I sup- pose without any authority.

Osio, Hist. Cal., MS., 2-5, 51, tells us that Sola had less prudence and knowledge than Arrillaga, was proud, and unpopular with his subordinates; sometimes showing traits of generosity, and again crnel and harsh even to the extent of striking those who displeased him; regarded by Payeras as not hard to manage. Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., i. 73-7, describes him as amiable, peaceful, and humane, with a better education and more polished manners than any of his predecessors; being also one of the most influential of Spanish liberals in Mexico. José de Jesus Vallejo, Reminiscencias, MS., 69-70, has nothing but praise for Sola's character, describing him as Christian, liberal, loyal, an 'Español rancio' yet loving the Californians as his countrymen (!). Amador, Memorias, MS., 128-34, tells a number of anecdotes illustrating his peculiarities from a favorable point of view; but relates that he on one occa- sion struck a soldier who applied to him for retirement from the service, because the application should have been made to a lower officer. Romero,

472

A PROVINCE OF THE MEXICAN EMPIRE.

in the schools of Spain. He had probably seen no military service, but had been advanced by the influence of friends to various staff positions in Mexi- can military bureaux. His associations and tenden- cies were aristocratic, but liberal and refined, and he had good natural abilities. He had had better advan- tages than any of his predecessors except Neve and Borica, but in strength and depth of character not one in the list was his inferior. He was a ruler for fair weather. His inclinations were to be a gentle- man, wise, public-spirited, liberal, brave, dignified but affable. There are traces of these inclinations through- out his experience in California. Under such favorable circumstances as could rarely or never occur in this world he might have made those qualities the promi- nent characteristics of his rule, but such was the inherent weakness of his nature that the first wave of adversity swept them away, leaving a peevishly despotic, egotistic, and ill-tempered old man, prone to attribute every trouble to the stupidity of the despised Californians, the culpable neglect of Spain, or a league of all the powers of heaven and earth against himself. Not only are his constant complaints and self-praise in the worst taste, but his acts and especially his correspondence at the time of the Bouchard affair savor strongly of cowardly braggadocio; while the manner of his sudden change from a royalist Spaniard to an enthusiastic Mexican independent reflects no glory on his name. He was fond of children, paid much attention to the school-boys in Monterey, and was occasionally very affable to a common soldier. It is to these characteristics chiefly that he owes the

Memorias, MS., 6-8, speaks of Sola as quick-tempered and despotic. Boronda, Notas, MS., 6-8, remembers him as a strict disciplinarian, but impartial and just. He also speaks of his fondness for children and of his great personal strength. All agree that he was of medium stature, thick-set, strongly built, and of rather florid complexion. Torre, Reminiscencias, MS., 2-4, adds that his head was large, that his teeth were mostly gone, hair and beard abundant, but not worn long, and nearly white. His voice was measured and somewhat rough; but his manners were affable. Galindo, Apuntes, MS. 3, speaks of him as despotic in his treatment of soldiers. M. G. Vallejo, like Alvarado, speaks highly of Sola's character and abilities.

473

COMMERCIAL TOPICS.

kind words spoken of him by some of the old Cali- fornians. Yet Sola's defects of character were like his excellences, shallow, and there must be placed to his credit a considerable degree of executive business ability shown in the management of provincial affairs for seven years. He was, moreover, kind-hearted and honorable.

Having thus presented the political annals of the province for 1822, I have now to glance at other cur- rent topics of the year. The most important are those connected with commerce. At the beginning of this year, or end of 1821, there was some legislation in Mexico removing restrictions on foreign trade; and although this action does not seem to have been offi- cially known in California, no restrictions were thought of, and every vessel, foreign or Spanish, was welcomed for the duties paid.43 In June the missions and other producers were called upon to advance in addition to all duties six or twelve per cent on all sales of pro- duce, as a kind of forced loan to be repaid when the 'usual' supplies or pay should come from Mexico. 44

There were twenty vessels on the coast this year, one being the government transport San Carlos, six

43 Monterey and San Diego opened to foreign trade by decree of the cortes and tariff of Dec. 15, 1821. Prieto, Rentas, 204. Jan. 14, 1822, the soberana junta gubernativa of Mexico decreed the opening of San Diego to foreign commerce. Mexico, Mem. Hacienda, 1838, pt. i. p. 6-7. June 11, 1822, gov- ernor to prefect, in reply to inquiry if laws prohibiting foreign trade are an- nulled, says the papers announce the entry of several foreign vessels trading in Mexican ports. St. Pap. Sac., MS., xviii. 13-14. June 12, Payeras says to the padres that according to advices from the governor they are to have free trade-a new thing for them. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxviii. 165; Arch. Mis- iones, MS., i. 516. The duties exacted were 25% on imports; 6% by seller and 6% by buyer on exports; 3.5%on coin exported; $10.50 each on whalers; and 25 cents per ton-in one instance at least-for tonnage. Vallejo, Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., i. 35, 37; xvii. 83, 99; xxviii. 166; Prov. Rec., MS., xi. 81-2. Amount of duties paid at Monterey this year, $9,089. Habilitado got 5% for collection. Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., lv. 11.

4 June 20th, governor to prefect and to Argüello. St. Pap. Sac., MS., xviii. 15; Vallejo, Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., i. 34, 36; Arch. Misiones, MS., i. 516. The records do not agree whether this tax was 6% or 12%. July 6th, governor to comisionado. Excuses the people of San José for one year, on account of failure of crops from drought, from paying one third of the fat from wild cat- tle and deer, which it would therefore appear they had paid before. St. Pap. Sac., MS., vi. 49.

474

A PROVINCE OF THE MEXICAN EMPIRE.

being whalers touching at San Francisco for supplies, and the rest engaged more or less exclusively in trading goods for Californian produce.45 We have not even tolerably complete statistics of either cargoes or duties; and respecting many of the vessels we know only the fact of their presence; yet there are a few items of interest to be noted in connection with some of these visits. The San Francisco Javier, which, as will be remembered, came with a cargo of mission goods in December 1821, seems to have been cap- tured by one of Cochrane's fleet at Cape San Lucas

45 The Colonel Young, English brig, from Lima, loaded by Juan Ignacio Mancisidor, who came as supercargo. At Monterey and S. F. in Jan. and Feb. At S. F. she paid $4,807 in duties.

Buldákof, Russian brig from Sitka. At San Francisco and Monterey in Feb., having probably remained since December 1821. Again in December she returned with a cargo to San Francisco.

Snipe, English brig; A. Haig, master; at Monterey from end of May until late in June, when she sailed down the coast after tallow.

Lady Blackwood, English ship; John Hall, master; at all the ports in June and July, for provisions and with goods for sale. See Hall's Remarks for a description of all the ports.

John Begg, English brig; John Lincoln, master; arrived at Monterey in June from Callao; at San Francisco July and August; consignment to Mc- Culloch, Hartnell & Co .; duties at San Francisco, $476.

Claudine, English ship; from Lima; at Monterey July 14th.

Panther, American ship; Austin, master; arrived Monterey from San Blas July 15th. Had a contract dated May 28th with Cubillas and Medina of Tepic to be loaded with 10,000 arrobas of tallow in California, for which Austin had deposited a bill of exchange for $18,750. (Guerra, Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 43.) Aug. 9th, loaded 3,000 fanegas of San Gabriel wheat at San Pedro.

Sachem, American ship from Boston; Gyzelaar, master; Gale, supercargo. Left Boston in Jan .; probably at Mont. in July.

Orion, English whaler; Barnes, master; at S. F. Aug. 3d.

San Francisco de Paula, or Dos Hermanos, formerly the Cossack; Rafael Larragoyti, master; Manuel García, owner; arrived at Santa Barbara Aug. 10th from San Blas; still there in Sept.

Eagle, Amer. schooner; at Monterey; seized at Sta Bárbara Sept. 13th.

San Carlos, Imperial Mexican man-of-war; Capt. José María Narvaez; at Mont. Sept. 26th to Nov. 22d; at S. Diego Dec .- Jan.

Ontario, Alex. Bunker; Almira, T. Daggett; Gideon, Obed Clark; Plow- boy, W. Chadwick; Alert, C. Roy-Nantucket whalers, at S. F. Oct. 15th. Hawaii, English brig; at S. F. in Nov.

Volga, Russian Brig; Capt. Prokop Tamanin; at S. F. Dec. 3d, from Ross; also at Mont.

Sir Francis Baring, English brig; at Monterey sometime during the year. On movements of vessels in 1822 see Vallejo, Doc. Ilist. Cal., MS., i. 35-8, 45; xvii. 83; xxviii. 166; St. Pap. Sac., MS., xii. 3, 5-6; xviii. 12, 18; Dept. St. Pap., MS., 1, 8; Id., Ben. Mil., liv. 22; lv. 11; Guerra, Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 43; iv. 94; v. 209; Prov. Rec., MS., xi. 70, 74; Prov. St. Pap., Presid., MS., ii. 44; Arch. Sta. B., MS., xi. 94; Hartnell, Narrativa, MS .; Spence's List of Vessels, MS.

475

VESSELS OF 1822.

on her return voyage in February.46 The Colonel Young brought in January some news of the insur- rection, the nature of which is not specified. The Panther in July brought news of the empire, and of the canónigo's coming. In her also came José Amesti, a Spaniard who spent the rest of his life in California and was a somewhat prominent citizen.

It was by the voyage of the Sachem that a direct trade between Boston and California was opened. William Alden Gale, whom we have seen on the coast in earlier years engaged in the fur-trade, by his favor- able reports of commercial prospects induced some Boston merchants-Bryant and Sturgis, Trot, Bum- stead and Sons, W. B. Swett, and perhaps others were interested-to despatch the ships with an assorted cargo in January of this year. Captain Henry Gyze- laar, whom the reader has met in California twice before, was in command, while Gale came as super- cargo and part owner. Circumstances were not at first favorable, for reasons to be noted in the follow- ing paragraph; yet a load of tallow, hides, and other produce was obtained, and the trade was successfully continued in later years, mainly by Bryant and Sturgis through the agency of Gale, who became virtually in later years a resident of California. 47

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History of California, Volume II, Part 48

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe Publication date: 1885 Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers Number of Pages: 826

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers
Number of Pages: 826