USA > California > History of California, Volume III > Part 46
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15 Aug. 1, 1835, J. A. Carrillo wrote to his brother Carlos from Mex. that Figueroa's course was disapproved, and a successor-name not given-would sail on the Leonor. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iii. 185. The date of appoint- ment may have been Dee. 15th, as an order of minister Tornel to deliver the command to him seems to bear that date. Sup. Gort St. Pap., MS., xi. 2- 3. The date is given as Dee. 16th in Dept. St. Pap., S. José, MS., iv. 109; and Id., Ben. Mil., Ixxxi. 16. The permission of congress had to be asked for his appointment on account of his being a congressman. Dec. 24th, $400 had been advanced 'for account of secret expenditures,' and $2,000 on account of his salary. Id., xxxi. 11-12, 16. I have no date for the arrival of the Leonor, except that she anchored at S. F. on May 19th. Pinto, Doc., MS., i. 30-1. Several writers mention the fact that Chico landed at Sta Bárbara.
16 Osio, Hist, Cal., MIS., 249-51; Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 47; Fa- llejo, Ilist. Cal., MS., iii. 78-80.
17 Mrs Ord, Ocurrencias, MS., 90, says that she-then Mrs Jimeno-was ill of a fever when Chico called at the house of her father, Capt. Guerra. He insisted on seeing the sick woman, and she was told later that in her delirium she had made some rather queer remarks to the governor. Hitte !! , Ilist. S. F., 81, on the authority of Leese, mentions Chico's stay at Carrillo's house and his consultations with Guerra.
422
RULE OF GUTIERREZ AND CHICO.
Ist, and was received by Gutierrez and the citizens with the usual ceremonial welcome.19 On the 2d and 3d the offices of comandante general and gefe político were formally turned over by Gutierrez to Chico, which event-celebrated at night by a grand fiesta and ball -was duly communicated to local authorities the same days,19 when he also issued a printed address an- nouncing his appointment, arrival, and patriotic inten- tions, together with the death of President Barragan, learned while en route.20
He issued another proclamation on the 20th, lauding centralism extravagantly, denouncing federalism, and congratulating the Californians with flattering words on their glorious future under the new régime. "The constitution of 1824," wrote Don Mariano, "child of inexperience and haste, was an abortion of blunders fruitful in disorders, which you endured for eleven years; it was your idol while worthy; but the oracle once proven false, and your forbearance wearied, you decided with your brethren of the interior to melt that false idol, though respecting still its relics until the substitution of the new image which is being pre- pared to serve you as a deity."" "The olive of peace
18 Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 50-2, and Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 80-3, tell us that officers and citizens marched out to meet the gov., all ex- cept the presidio officers wearing federal badges expressive of their political sentiments; and that when Chico made the remark that he was glad to meet so many good people, Alvarado replied that they had not come out to wel- come him, but Domingo Carrillo, whom he had arrested at Sta Bárbara for his political opinions and had brought along as a prisoner. I have no reason to believe that Carrillo had been arrested at all, that any such badges were worn, or that any such insult was offered by Alvarado to the new governor. The exact date of Chico's arrival is given in Gomez, Diario de Cosas Votables en Monterey, 1836, MS. A brief but important original narrative by D. Rafael Gomez.
19 The comandancia was transferred on May 2d, a day before the gefatura, as appears from a communication of Chico to the com. at Sonoma. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iii. 199; and Gomez, Diario, MS. May 3, 1836, Chico and Gutierrez to different ayunt. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 108; Id., Mont., vi. 37; Id., S. José, v. S; Id., Angeles, xi. 53; S. Diego, Arch., MS., 102; Id., Index, 25. Chico recognized at Los Angeles May 10th. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., iv. 193-4. At S. Diego May 12th, being congratulated on the 14th by Alcalde Arguello. S. Diego, Arch., MS., 99. May 2Sthi, congratulated by J. M. Estudillo at S. Francisco. Arch. Arzob., MS., v. pt ii. 15.
20 The only copy of this original print that I know of is preserved in the Mercantile Library of S. F., in Taylor's Specimens of the Press, no. 5.
423
THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.
sprouts in this far north; let our fraternity fertilize its root, let our concord water it until it rises in ma- jesty to touch the heavens." "California was ever the centre of discretion, an example of docility, a model of subordination and obedience to supreme authority. She has preserved intact her customs, healthful and free from the poison of revolution, and is ready to climb the hill of fortune as a state; she may be the nursery to produce for the country citizens best fitted to advance its greatness."21 Something more of dec- lamation than of argument is to be noted in this paper, the contents of which were delivered as an address on the day of taking the oath of adherence to the bases of the new constitution. The governor took imme- diate steps to have the oath taken in all parts of the territory, as was done at some places-probably at all- before the end of July, without opposition apparently.22
Chico had sent an order to Comandante Vallejo the 4th of May, at Sonoma, to come to Monterey for consultation on important matters, and to bring with him such forces as could be spared from the northern frontier, an order which was repeated on the 17th.23 On the 6th he had sent a similar order through the alcalde of San Diego for Juan Bandini to come at
21 Printed original in Earliest Printing. Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MS., x. 19. Literally copied by Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 105-8, who quotes as follows from a letter of Pablo de la Guerra on the subject. 'The "bear," to deceive the Californians and prevent their detection of his falsehood, has spoken in mystic language; I would rather undertake to decipher the responses of the Delphic oracle.'
22 May 29, 1836, swearing of the bases at S. Diego with great rejoicings, firing of guns, shouts, and ringing of bells, 'un acto tan grato como lisonjero á todo Mexicano,' as described by Capt. Portilla in a communication to his com. gen. Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., Ixxxi. 36; S. Diego, Arch., MS., 110, 115. June Ist. swearing of the bases by the military of the south at S. Gabriel, as reported by Gutierrez. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 109-11; Id., Ben. Mil., xxxi. 18. On or about June 11th, the oath was taken at Sta Bárbara, P. Duran refusing to say mass. St. Pap., Miss, and Colon., MS., ii. 373-4. June 19th, the oath administered at Los Angeles by Chico himself, who made a speech on the beauties of centralism. 'This people heard the discussion with pleasure.' Los Angeles, Arch., MS., iv. 195-6. July 11th, Chico fin Is it strange that Vallejo has not reported the swearing of the bases by his troops. Vallejo, Doc., MIS., iii. 219.
24 Vallejo, Doc., MS., iii. 200, 201, 203-6.
421
RULE OF GUTIERREZ AND CHICO.
once to the capital for a conference.24 On the 11th Chico had issued another printed proclamation, or bando, this time on commercial topics, prohibiting the retail trade on board of foreign vessels which had so long been practised on this coast, requiring a landing of all cargoes at Monterey, and imposing other re- strictions more in accordance with Mexican laws than with Californian usages. 25 On the 16th he had issued an order that Abel Stearns must come to Monterey or leave the country; 26 and finally he delivered on the 27th an address at the opening of the sessions of the diputacion-a document also circulated in print.
In his discourse Chico spoke first of the general difficulties that had beset his path, and which he had hitherto been obliged to meet alone without the wise counsels of the vocales now fortunately assembled. Next he referred at considerable length to the troubles at Los Angeles, but his views on this topic will be noticed later. Thirdly he noticed the measure of May 11th on the regulation of commerce, expressing his belief that if not perfect it could not fail to prevent many existing abuses. The constant ravages of thieves among the herds of horses and cattle were alluded to as one of California's greatest evils, which, however, he had taken steps to check by the aid of the newly arrived law of December 29th, which brought such malefactors within the ordinary military jurisdiction. Fifthly and chiefly, the subject of missions received attention; and in this respect the situation seemed to the governor most critical. He declared himself at a loss, and in his perplexity "awaited the counsel of your excellency to lead the government like Ariad- ne's thread from so strange a labyrinth." What with an imperfect system of secularization partially carried
24 San Diego, Arch., MS., 104. The order reached Bandini June Sth or 10th.
23 May 11, 1836, Chico to the people. Earliest Printing. Also May 11th, he issued an order for the formation of local cuerpos de seguridad y policía. S. Diego, Arch., MIS., 106.
26 Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MIS., xi. 52.
425
JUNTA DEPARTAMENTAL.
out by incompetent men, the destruction of property by the padres, the insubordination of the neophytes, and the new complications introduced by the national decree of November 7th, he saw no way of advance or retreat by which to save the missions from total ruin, but would do his best, and would thankfully receive suggestions. Finally he asked indulgence for his er- rors, in consideration of his zeal for the country's well- being. This discourse, if it displays no extraordinary wisdom on the part of the speaker, shows nothing of weakness, petulance, arrogance, or strong political prejudice, nor does it contain anything specially apt to displease the Californians.27
According to the new bases, the republic was to be divided into departments, each ruled by a governor and a junta departamental; and though additional legislation was required to create the departments, and though in reality no change had as yet been legally made in the old names so far as California was concerned, yet the old diputacion was now called a junta departamental, and Chico, in his discourse, even spoke of California as a department. At an election held at Monterey on the 25th-for what reason or by what authority I do not know-four new members were chosen to complete the junta, and one of them tried to avoid serving on the plea that according to a Mexican law the body should have but five members; but Chico decided that there was no new law affecting the number or attributes of the vocales in a territory, and that only the name could properly be considered as changed. The sessions opened, as I have stated, on May 28th with a speech from Chico. He made another speech on June Ist, in advocacy of his proposition to send an agent to represent the in- terests of California in Mexico, in addition to the diputado in congress.23 The plan was favorably con-
27 Chico, Discurso pronunciado por el Sr Gefe Politico de la Alta California .. . al abrir sus sesiones la Ecama Junta Departamental el 27 de Mayo de 1836, in Earliest Printing; also in Bandini, Dor., MIS., 40.
28 Chico, Atocucion & la Junta Departamental 1 de Junio, 1836, MS.
426
RULE OF GUTIERREZ AND CHICO.
sidered, and a trio of candidates was proposed for the position; but nothing came of it. There is nothing else in the proceedings of the junta at this session demanding further notice than is given in the appended record.29
Early in June Chico started for the south, and was absent from the capital a month. This brings me to the troubles encountered by this ruler, which were destined to overwhelm him. It is not easy to fathom these troubles entirely, or to determine with exacti- tude what manner of man Don Mariano was. The Californians in their recollections of olden times are
29 Leg. Rec., MS., iii. 1-3, 13-31. May 25th, election of 4 members, J. Gomez, Spence, R. Gomez, and Crespo. May 28th, opening of the session. Rafael Gomez desired to be excused, on the grounds that he had not been 7 years a resident and that the junta should legally have but 5 members-both overruled later. The vocales in order of seniority seem to have been as fol- lows: Ist, José Castro; 2d, J. B. Alvarado; 3d, José Ant. de la Guerra; 4th, Rafael Gomez; 5th, David Spence; 6th, Manuel Crespo; 7th, Joaquin Gomez. Alvarado presided-though it is not apparent why he rather than Castro took that position-and J. M. Maldonado was secretary. The committees were, proprios y arbitrios, J. Gomez and Spence; colonization and vacant lands, J. Gomez and Guerra; missions, Spence and R. Gomez; government and police, Crespo and Castro; reglamento and municipal orders, Alvarado and Castro; public works and industries, Spence and Guerra; instruction and sta- tistics, Alvarado and Castro.
May 31st, June 2d, representation of P. Mercado against José Ramirez. No details. June Ist, Chico's prop. to send an agent to Mex. Chico reported that he had forbidden the appointment of an alcalde by the ayunt. of S. Fran- cisco for the region north of the bay. June 4th, Chico's recommendation on supervision of mission accounts, disapproved on Sept. 5th. June 16th, meetings to be on two days of the weck, as determined by the president, in- stead of on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. June 21st, prop. for an agent in Mex. approved. Trio named: Alvarado, F. J. Castillo Negrete, and Ra- fael Gomez. Com. appointed to form instructions. June 23d, sec. and his salary. June 30th, secularization of Sta Ines and S. Buenaventura. Inven- tories of Sta Clara, S. José, and S. Miguel. July Ist-4th, various minor mat- ters; and more about the agency for Mex. July 6th, Joaquin Gomez refused leave of absence. July 7th, Gomez proposed to revoke the license granted by Figueroa to Kostromitinof to build a warehouse at S. Fran., and to have the building destroyed after the next shipment; no such permission to be given in future. Chico's order forbidding the appointment of an alcalde for the northern frontier approved. July 19th, Chico says it is customary for the oldest vocal to preside in the absence of the gefe. July 18th-26th, land grants, petition of Jas Burke, etc. July 29th, more about instructions to the agent. Complaints of Alvarado against Chico (addressed to minister of relations and not really a part of the legislative record). Aug. 30th, approved that no per- mission be given foreigners to erect warehouses at the ports; but it was said that Kostromitinof had not yet built any. The records are brief, vague, confused, and probably very incomplete for the whole session.
427
THE GOVERNOR'S CHARACTER.
unanimous in denouncing him as a tyrant, a rascal, and a fool. He was the object not only of hatred as Victoria had been, but of ridicule.30 As in Vic- toria's case, the popular feeling was, to some extent at least, unfounded; and it has doubtless been exagger- ated in the telling, largely through the influence in later years of men who had political reasons for mag- nifying the governor's faults. His public acts, as re- corded in contemporary documents, could not have been specially offensive to any class of Californians, and many of the acts imputed to him by later narra- tives are so absurdly improbable as to cast serious doubt on the accuracy of the rest. It is clear enough that Chico was neither despot, villain, nor insane, but
30 Choleric, respecting nothing when suffering from bile; revengeful; came to Cal. in the hope of bettering his fortunes. Osio, Hist. Cal., MS., 249- SS. Militarate de mala ley, stubborn as a school-boy, destitute of all good breeding, with no idea of the advantages to be gained by a conciliatory policy, pompously ostentatious, believing himself a general, a statesman, and an apothecary, insolent as Nero, religious and profane at the same time, cow- ardly, mad, and a corrupter of public minds.' Alvarado, Ilist. Cal., MS., iii. 45-140. This writer tells many stories of Chico, some of thein too absurd for notice. 'Scandalously avaricious.' Bandini, Ilist. Cal., MS., 80-3. Mrs Ord, Ocurrencias, MS., 82-98, says he was very unpopular; and relates that the Indian Juan Cristóbal at Sta Bárbara pronounced him a rascal at first sight, running away in great fear, especially on account of his goggles; and when the padre explained that lie was a good man, etc., the Indian still insisted- ' wait a little and thou wilt see how he acts, and then tell me if he is good or bad; let us see who wins, thou or I.' Chico nicknamed 'Oso Chico' because of his crazy and lewd disposition; 'loco y impudico.' Hartnell, Narr .; MS., 11. Had all the viecs and no virtues-all the attributes necessary to make a man worthy of hatred. Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 82-153. Haughty and domineering. Fernandez, Cosas de Cal., MS., 97-9. A man fitted to strengthen the provincial prejudice, of disagreeable manners, one with whom no one could be on friendly terms. Botello, Anales, MS., 19-22. Despotic and ar- bitrary, the very opposite of Figueroa. Castro, Rel., MS., 37-S. Ill-tem- pered and quarrelsome; insolent and immoral. Pinto, Apunt., MS., 16-19. Violent, despotie, and hated by all. Piro, Acont., MS., 18-19, 28-31. No common sense; spent his time in inventing remedies and studying flowers. Vallejo (J. J.), Remin., MS., 118-21. Impetuous and lacking in tact. Coronel, Costs, MS., 18. Irascible, imprudent, and capricious. Serrano, Apuntes, MS., 31-6. Devoid of sense, quarrelling with everybody. Arce, Mem., MS., 7-8. l'eevish and perhaps mad. Torre, Remin., MS., 57-61. Insolent and slovenly. Galindo, Apuntes, MS., 33-4. Treated with deserved contempt. Larios, Convulsiones, MS., 16. The worst ruler that could have been sent to Cal. Valdés, Mem., MS., 23-5. As 'quijote' as a Spaniard. Amador, Mem., MS., 144. Soon lost every friend he chaneed to make. Avila, Notas, MS., 18-19; and more to similar effect, in Janssens, Vida, MIS., 63-72; Gonzalez, Exper., MS., 32; Gonzalez, Revoluciones, MS., 9-10; Sanchez, Notas, MS., 11-12. The above references are made to include all that the writers say of Chico's rule, and many of them will not require further mention.
428
RULE OF GUTIERREZ AND CHICO.
being unpopular, he might as well have been all three, so far as results are concerned.
On his arrival in California he had to encounter the ordinary inherent difficulties of his position, which were by no means trifling, as had been discov- ered by all his predecessors.
As a Mexican he had to meet a strong prejudice, and as a centralist a still stronger opposition, there being a party of young men in the country who claimed to be ardent feder- alists, and for whom revolution, as a word, had no terrors. 4 Chico succeeded Figueroa, a man distin- guished for his arts of flattery and conciliation; hav- ing himself none of those arts, and no extraordinary ability with which to overcome difficulties. He was perhaps personally petulant and disagreeable; at any rate, he made enemies and no friends, and the current was started against him. His pretty 'niece,' Doña Cruz, turned out to be his mistress; and the respec- tability of Monterey was easily persuaded to consider itself shocked by such immorality in high places. 31 The restrictive bando of May 11th on commerce may have displeased a powerful element among the for- eigners, and his persecution of Abel Stearns, of which and its motives little is really known, tended in the same direction, though there is very little in support of the charge that he was specially hostile to for- eigners.32
31 Stories are told going to show that Doña Cruz was not altogether faith- ful to her lover, and gave the governor no end of trouble by her freaks of inconstancy.
32 Chico's orders against Stearns are dated May 16th, June 26th, and July 30th. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 120; Id., Ben. Pref. y Juzg., vi. 5-6; Id., Angeles, xi. 52. No motive is given; but by Stearns and others it is implied that the canse was his connection with the movement against Victoria. From the haste of bothi Victoria and Chico to proceed against Stearns on their arrival, it is not unlikely that each had some secret instructions on the sub- ject from Mexico. Stearns came to Monterey, and was allowed to go back, under bonds, to settle his business in a month and leave the country. July Sth, Stearns writes to Chico complaining of the injury done him, and threat- ening to hold the govt responsible. Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Pref. y Juzg., MS., vi. 2-3. Eulogio Célis, a Spaniard, who seems to have been supercargo of the vessel on which Chico came, was also forbidden to re-enter Cal. S. Diego, Arch., MS., 114, 120.
Osio, Ilist. Cal., MS., 254-6, narrates that Stearns, hurrying to obey the order, came to Monterey and was at first politely received with others, not
429
BEGINNINGS OF TROUBLE.
It should be remembered, however, that on account of Texan complications in 1835-6, the Mexican gov- ernment and its representatives had no reason for friendly feelings toward Anglo-American foreigners at least. I find no contemporary evidence of contro- versy before Chico's departure for the south; but it is not unlikely that the storm was raging in certain circles not represented, naturally, in public records. Alvarado and Vallejo state that at this time, or possibly during Chico's absence, they with Castro and Gabriel de la Torre planned a revolution at the house of Captain Cooper; but that Chico, by subsequently revolting against himself, rendered the carrying-out of their plans unnecessary. 33
being known to the gov .; but on hearing his name, Chico sprung up, and pointing his finger at him, cried ont, 'Are you the rascal Abel Stearns whom I sent for to punish as his criminal acts deserve ? Are you the American scoundrel who rose against Gen. Victoria, and whom I shall hang to-morrow at the flagstaff? Are you the audacious foreigner, without honor, who has dared to enter this room among honorable men? Be off, and await to-morrow the result of your rascality!' Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 71-6, asserts that at a secret meeting to consider Chico's opposition to foreigners he (A.) was sent to interview the gov., whom he warned that if he persisted in his measures all foreign capital and vessels would be withdrawn, greatly to the injury of Cal. Chico said the foreigners would not be allowed to withdraw their capital; and when A. said there was no law to prevent it, burst out laughing, and remarked that his visitor had evidently not acquainted himself with the modern Mexican system of politics and forced loans. A. explained that the Californians would side with the foreigners if any such outrage were attempted; and Chico, after storming a while, became more reasonable, said he would postpone violent measures for a time, and finally asked the young diputado to take a cup of chocolate with himself and Doña Cruz. He was, however, sadly disappointed when he learned that A. could tell him nothing about the medical properties of California plants.
Of the foreigners who have given their opinions about Chico, Spence, Hist. Noies, MS., speaks of ' the despot general who was a fitter subject for the lunatic asylum than for governor. He respected neither law nor justice, but acted solely according to his own caprice and whims.' Dr Marsh, Let- ter, MS., p. 7, says 'he was the friend of Victoria, pursued the same out- rageous course of conduct, and shared the same fate. He arrived fully de- termined to take vengeance on those who had been instrumental in expelling Victoria.' Alfred Robinson, Life in California, 173: ' Prejudiced against many C'alifornians, and violently incensed at the foreign residents, Chico commenced a tyranny that soon brought him into disgrace; and finally ended in his expul- sion from the territory.' Petit-Thouars, Voyage, ii. 92, and Wilkes, Narra- tire, v. 174-5, attribute his downfall to his arbitrary conduct and a quarrel with the judge of the district. Tuthill, Hist. Cal., 141, follows Robinson's version.
33 Alvarado, HIist. Cal., MS., iii. 126, 140, 43-9; Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MIS., iii. 82-92, 100. Vallejo relates that on receipt, May 13th, of Chico's order of May 4th ( Vallejo, Doc., MS., iii. 200-1), he started for Monterey. At S. José he met Celis and Becher, who warned him against the 'cold-blooded,
430
RULE OF GUTIERREZ AND CHICO.
The doings of the junta defensora, or vigilance committee, at Los Angeles in April, were the current topic of public attention when Chico landed at Santa Bárbara. These "scandalous events-a tumultuous meeting of citizens who allowed themselves to be se- duced by four malicious and wayward men, putting themselves above authority and law in despite of sound morals"-seemed to the new ruler matters of the greatest moment and fraught with terrible peril to California. He saw a political significance in the movement, believing that the alleged cause was not the real one, but that "a resolution meditated by occult anarchical spirits to overthrow the government inspired in the incautious Angelinos the fatal idea of revolt under a pretext apparently sound, in order that
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