History of California, Volume III, Part 55

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe
Publication date: 1885-1890
Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers
Number of Pages: 824

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Alvarado now regarded the triumph of his cause as complete, and on May 10th issued a long and grandil- oquent manifiesto of congratulation to the people of California. In this document he declared that, in accordance with his promise, he had been indefatiga- ble and successful in making his countrymen free

50 Alvarado to ayunt. of Los Angeles, April 28, 1837. Dopt. St. Pap., MS., xi. 75-8. The ayunt. on April 29th ratified its action of the 22d, though it was said there was danger of some members being carried north for their op- position to Alvarado. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., iv. 295.

51 Sessions of May Ist, 20. Los Angeles, Arch .. MS., iv. 296-301. Alva- rado writes also May Ist to clear up the doubts at S. Diego suggested in the action of April 27th, proving that the federal system was undoubtedly the one intended, and pleading, with much flattery, that though he had arrested their sindico and sec., their escape proved that they had not been very harshly treated. S. Diego, Arch., MIS., 176, with a seal in ink and pencil.

510

ALVARADO'S RULE-TROUBLES IN THE SOUTH.

men; that despite the few backward steps he had been obliged to take in order to 'economize blood,' all had been regained by the action of the Santa Bar- bara congress, as approved now throughout the south; that there was now but one opinion in California, and nothing to fear except from abroad-to meet which latter danger the people were exhorted to stand firm and united, worthy of their grand achievements and destinies.52 The governor now despatched a messenger by land to Mexico to communicate to the government the final action at Santa Barbara, bearing also de- spatches in which Sonora was urged to join California and make a stand for federalism.53 Castro, perhaps without Alvarado's orders, withdrew his force from San Gabriel to Santa Bárbara. Flattery and some more substantial rewards in the shape of office or lands were distributed among southern friends of the cause. For instance, Alcalde Sepúlveda was made a captain of the civic militia. Thanks were publicly rendered to Padre Duran, and the cattle of the pre- sidial rancho of San Julian were distributed among the soldiers, the rancho itself being given to José de la Guerra.54 Finally, Alvarado and Castro started for

52 Alvarado [Manifiesto del] Gobernador Interino del Estado Libre y Sobera- no de la Alta California, á sus habitantes. Monterrey, Mayo 10 de 1837. Im- prenta del Supremo Gobierno a Cargo del C. Santiago Aguilar. Folio, 2 leaves, in Earliest Printing; Estudillo, Doc., MS., i. 248; Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxii. 85; Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MS., x. 19-20; and with French translation in Petit-Thouars, Voyage, iv. 21-33. Despite the imprint, it was issued at Sta Bárbara on May 10th, and printed at Monterey later. With all its vapid and high-sounding Mexicanisms, the document contains also many eloquent ex- pressions of patriotic good sense. A peculiar freak of the printer is to be noted in the printing of the word aristocrata wrong side up-evidently not an accident, since the same thing occurs in the proclamation of Nov. 6, 1836. May 9th, Alvarado tells Vallejo that all troubles are at an end. The oppo- ments from Angeles and S. Diego came to Sta Bárbara to promise solemnly not to disturb the peace. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 237. May 10th, he thanks und congratulates the ayunt. of Los Angeles. Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MS., xi. S6.

53 _Alvarado, Manifiesto. He offers all California's resources to aid Sonora in overthrowing the central system in the republic. Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 209, thinks this was a somewhat rash offer under the circumstances.

5) Jan. 4, 1837, order for distribution of the movable property. Guerra, Doc., MS., vi. 28. Vallejo, Ilist. Cal., MS., iii. 260-1, thinks the grant of the rancho was an unwise and illegal act, being also an interference with his own rights as general.

511

AFFAIRS IN THE NORTH.

Monterey, where they arrived the 30th of May. Castro was called back in a hurry by the news of new troubles in the south, to be described later.55

Affairs in the north from January to May 1837 may be very briefly recorded. After Castro's depart- ure on January 17th, Ramon Estrada was left in com- mand at Monterey with about a dozen men. The cap- ital was abandoned for the most part to women and foreigners, and the only excitement was in the receipt of news from Don Juan Bautista in the south. Gen- eral Vallejo at Sonoma, besides watching over Indian tribes on the northern frontier, busied himself in en- listing and drilling recruits, with a view of restoring the presidial companies to something like their old strength, and of more thoroughly organizing the civic militia in preparation for possible emergency. Some success was achieved, especially at San José de Alva- rado and San Juan de Castro, towns which, since the revolution of November, had been honored with ad- ditions to their original names. Some of the new recruits were sent to Sonoma to learn military disci- pline.56 One other matter occupied the general's atten-

55 June 1, 1837, Alvarado to Vallejo. Vallejo, Doc. Hist. Cal., MIS., iv. 242. Felipe Garcia, in Taylor's Discor. and Founders, ii. no. 25, testifies that the people of Sta Bárbara used to express their sentiments respecting the 'big captains' of the north as follows:

Quien del país encendió el pasto-Castro. Quien roba hasta hacer viejo-Vallejo. Quien la aduana ha destrozado-Alvarado. I para vivir sosegados Deben de ser fusilados Alvarado, Castro, y Vallejos.

56 Jan. 6, 1837. Vallejo sends 50 eans of powder to Monterey. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 52. Jan. 7th, V. to com. of San Francisco, on recruiting young men for the presidial companies, in Vallejo, Ordenes de la Comandancia Gen., a col- lection of printed orders of 1837-9, on paper of uniform size, bound in a vol- ume, but not paged; one of the earliest books printed in California. Similar orders were sent to all comandantes. In his fist. Cal., MS., iii. 243-5, Va- llejo says that about 60 young men came to Sonoma and were drilled by Lient Sabas Fernandez, while Salvador Vallejo was sent to Ross for arms and cloth- ing. Jan. 12th, V. to Alvarado. 3 companies of SO men each organized at S. F. and Alvarado, and one of 30 at Sonoma. All enthusiastic in 'the cause.' Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 55. Jan. 20th, same to same, on available forces un- der captains J. J. Vallejo at S. José, Francisco Sanchez at S. Francisco, and Salv. Vallejo at Sonoma. Id., iv. 57. Jan. 24th, V. to alcalde of S. Joss, asking for 30 men, to recruit whom Alf. Prado Mesa is sent. Vallejo, Ordenes.

512

ALVARADO'S RULE-TROUBLES IN THE SOUTH.

tion; namely, the conduct of Becher, supercargo of the Mexican vessels Catalina and Leonor, which was thought to be sufficiently suspicious to justify a seiz- ure of his property and credits at San Francisco, to the amount of $11,000. It was believed that the gov- ernment might justly use this property for its defence, should it prove that Becher had promoted hostile acts.57

At the end of January Vallejo put his brother Sal- vador in command at Sonoma, and early in February marched with fifty men to Monterey.53 His avowed purpose was to watch the progress of affairs in the south, and to protect the government from certain persons whose conduct had given rise to suspicions of active infidelity, especially at San Juan. It was dur- ing this visit that he wrote to Alvarado to have quar- ters prepared for one hundred men whom he had ready to send down by sea. I do not suppose he had any real intention of going to the south, but it was thought the statement, supported by the known de- parture from Sonoma, would help Alvarado.59 The nature of the plots at San Juan is not very clearly re- vealed; but before Vallejo's arrival a number of con- victs had been disarmed by William R. Garner, Quin- tin Ortega, and Mariano Castro; and arms had also been seized at various ranchos. Vallejo caused the

57 Jan. 12th, 20th, V. to Alvarado, in Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 56-7. March 17th, A. to V. Fears much from Becher's hostility, since he has discovered our plans to buy two vessels with which to operate against the centralists. IIc pretends to clear for Callao, but it is feared he will touch at a Mexican port with bad reports. Castro will watch him at S. Diego. Id., iv. 216. Oct. 27th, Richardson, Becher's agent, has received order to cancel attachment of $5,000. Id., iv. 341.

58 Jan. 30th, instr. to Capt. Salvador Vallejo. Should any Mex. force appear, he was to assure the foc that the northern Californians would maintain their rights if they had to destroy all the property they possessed. Vallejo, Doc., NS., iv. 17. On Jan. 24th, the general had announced his purpose to go to Monterey. Id., iv. 59.

59 Feb. 21st, V. to A., in Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 66; S. Diego, Arch., MS., 170. Feb. 20th, the gen. had addressed the gov. on the importance of re- organizing the presidial companies. Vallejo, Ordenes. Glad to hear of suc- ce s, but warns A. to beware of Los Angeles. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 65. Feb. 25th, urges the necessity of looking out for the northern towns as of much greater importance than those of the south. Id., iv. 73.

513

VALLEJO'S MOVEMENTS.

arrest of Rafael Gonzalez, Francisco Pacheco, and Juan Quintero, the first of whom and eight convicts were sent to Sonoma.6 At Monterey there were found some symptoms of approaching trouble, foment- ed by Angel Ramirez, Captain Figueroa, and other Mexicans, who circulated rumors of intended perse- cution and exile of their countrymen. A proclama- tion of the general seems to have quieted the popular excitement. "We do not confound the vices of gov- ernments with those of individuals," writes Vallejo. "We repel the aggressions of the one and punish the faults of the others. Virtue, honesty, and good he- havior will be respected in all. Live in peace and union, and I will protect your lives and property."61

The general was back at Sonoma by the middle of March; but late in that month was roused to renewed activity by the report of an impending attack from Sonora. He issued orders for all troops to concen- trate at Monterey; while with fifty men he hastened to Santa Clara. The report, as we have seen, proved without foundation.62 Another affair which created some local excitement was the arrest of Lieutenant Antonio M. Pico, who had been sent by the governor to negotiate a loan at Ross, but who on the way was accused of attempting to incite revolt among the

60 Feb. 14th, Garner to com. of Monterey. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxii. 72. Feb. 16th, Vallejo to D. A. Rodriguez. Id., iv. 64. Feb. 21st, same to Al- varado. Id., iv. 66. Feb. 27th, Mota, one of the prisoners, offered to re- veal the names of the leaders if set free. Id., iv. 86.

Gl Vallejo, Proclama del Comandante Gen., 24 de Feb. 1837. Original print, 1 leaf, in Earliest Printing; Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 40; xxxii. 73; and with French translation, in Petit- Thouars, Voyage, iv. 22-3. In his Hist. Cal., MIS., iii. 262-S, Vallejo claims, however, to have arrested Angel Ramirez, who tried to bribe his Indians to seize the general. He was released after 2 days. March Cth, Alvarado thanks the gen. for his activity. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 208. March 9th, A. says his govt owes only $5,000, of which half will be paid from the Bolivar's duties. Id., iv. 212. March 14th, Santiago Estrada put in command of Monterey. Id., iv. 81. March ISth, no person unless well known to enter S. Francisco without a passport from the gov. Id., iv. 84.

62 March 27, 1837, orders to different officers, Capts J. J. Vallejo, Francisco Sanchez, Salvio Pacheco, and J. M. Alviso. 'Good Californians must rush to the defence of their country, threatened with invasion.' Also letter to Alvarado. Vidlejo, Doc., MS., iv. 85-9. April 4th, 26th, false alarm, forces may retire. Id., iv. 92-3, 234.

HIST. CAL., VOL. 1I1. 33

514

ALVARADO'S RULE-TROUBLES IN THE SOUTH.

militia at San José and San Francisco, perhaps at the instigation of the southern Picos. He was sent to Sonoma, much to the displeasure of the alcalde of San José, who deemed his authority interfered with.63 Fi- nally, Alvarado arrived from the south at the capital on October 30th, but was obliged to announce, in the same letter that made known his arrival, the occur- rence of new troubles at Los Angeles which had caused Castro with sixty men to be sent back in haste, and which necessitated an interview with the general at the earliest moment.

63 Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 95, 221, 231; Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 46- 7. A. says he escaped by breaking his parole. The arrest was on April 21st or 22d. April 24th, Vallejo writes to deny some rumors that he is hostile to the present govt. May 16th, complains that his letters are not answered. l'a- llejo, Doc., MS., iv. 233, 9S. A., writing from S. Antonio on his way north, wrote very bitterly of the disgraceful acts of the citizens of San José, who were said to have threatened to overthrow him because he was a relative of Vallejo. 'Perhaps they don't know that I have just conquered hundreds of brave citizens who opposed me.' He speaks also vaguely of some prisoners coming by sea from the south, whom it would be necessary to shoot at Mon- terey. Id., iv. 233.

CHAPTER XVIII.

SAN DIEGO PLAN-ALVARADO AND CARRILLO. 1837.

BANDINI'S MOVEMENTS-PLOTS ON THE FRONTIER-ZAMORANO, PORTILLA, AND ESTRADA-PLAN OF MAY-SEIZURE OF LOS ANGELES-DON JUAN AT SAN DIEGO-THE ARMY AT ANGELES AND SAN FERNANDO-CASTILLE- RO'S COMMISSION-OATH OF CENTRALISM IN THE SOUTH-ALVARADO AT MONTEREY AND SANTA CLARA-RUMORS FROM MEXICO-RAMIREZ RE- VOLT-MONTEREY TAKEN AND RETAKEN-ALVARADO RETURNS TO THE SOUTHI-TREATY WITHI CASTILLERO-ALVARADO SWEARS TO TIIE CON- STITUTIONAL LAWS-HIS MOTIVES-DIPUTACION AT SANTA BÁRBARA- CASTILLERO SENT TO MEXICO-THE 'CALIFORNIA '-VALLEJO REFUSES TO ACCEPT CENTRALISM-CARLOS CARRILLO'S APPOINTMENT-ALVARADO'S POSITION-CARRILLO ASSUMES OFFICE AT ANGELES-SAN DIEGO OBEDI- ENT-NOT SO STA BÁRBARA-LETTERS OF VALLEJO AND ALVARADO.

JUAN BANDINI had followed the advice of Osio to "go home and keep quiet," so far at least that the records are silent about him from December 1836 to May 1837. During this period he lived on his fron- tier rancho, and spent all the time which troublesome Indians left at his disposal in plotting against Alva- rado's government, or rather in devising schemes by virtue of which, when Mexican supremacy should be fully restored, his own agency in bringing about that result might be so apparent as to obtain proper recog- nition and reward. He had an understanding with Captain Portilla and other prominent men at San Diego; while across the line, in full sympathy with Don Juan, was Captain Zamorano, who after his vol- untary exile at the fall of Gutierrez, had found his way back to La Frontera. Zamorano, like Bandini (515)

516

SAN DIE O PLAN-ALVARADO AND CARRILLO.

and Portilla, was very quiet and careful in his move- ments; but Captain Nicanor Estrada, who had been exiled with Gutierrez but had also returned from Cape San Lúcas, was more active in enlisting men, prepar- ing arms, and arousing enthusiasm for the cause, being assisted by a party of refugees from the north, who had fled from Los Angeles at Alvarado's approach in January. Not much is known in detail of the prep- arations; but fifty or seventy-five men were enlisted, including, I suppose, remnants of the old compañía de fronteras, and were armed as well as circumstances would permit. Indian hostilities, to be mentioned later, interfered somewhat with the progress of these patriotic efforts.1 Osio and Pico were secret supporters of this movement, and their plan already noticed was doubtless a part of it, those gentlemen having changed their mind about the policy of being "devoured by wild beasts" rather than obey a Mexican mandarin. Strangely, in their narratives they say little or noth- ing of events in these months, though the former has described so minutely the preceding occurrences.

It will be remembered that late in April, San Diego had approved the new system as expressed in the Santa Bárbara plan of April 11th, though postponing on a frivolous pretext the formal swearing of allegiance. If the ayuntamiento took any action later on receipt of Alvarado's explanation, it is not recorded. On

1 These preparations are briefly related, and subsequent events more fully, in Bandini, Ilist. Cal., MS., 86-97. The author regards the treaty of Jan. 26th at Los Angeles as merely a trick of Alvarado to disarm the south, and the action of the dip. at Sta Bárbara on April 11th as a flagrant violation of that treaty. The subsequent 'persecution' of S. Diego by Alvarado in send- ing Castro to take away the cannon, and in arresting members of the ayunt., rendered the Dieguinos desperate. They went to the frontier, and in a few days raised 70 men, but had to suspend operations for a time to fight Indians. The same version in much more grandiloquent language is given in Bandini, Sucesos del Sur, Mayo y Agosto, 1837, MS., a report to the minister of hacien- da, dated Aug. 4th, in which, of course after a new tirade against Angel Ramirez, Don Juan tells how 'S. Diego never faltered in her heroic devotion to Mexico,' and how, 'resolved to sacrifice our existence in favor of the na- tional government, we planned for victory or an honorable death.' He does not name Zamorano. Janssens, Vida, MS .. 90-121, was one of the refugees from Angeles, and, if we may credit his story, which there is no one to con- tradict, took a very prominent part in all this campaign.

517

JUAN BANDINI'S PROJECT.

May 21st, Bandini and his associates, with a part of their armed force, came to San Diego and openly pro- claimed their purposes. Zamorano, styling himself comandante general and governor ad interim, addressed the ayuntamiento, enclosing the plan which the sol- diers and citizens had already approved, and asked that body to cooperate for the 'national decorum,' which of course it did at once. Bandini and S. E. Arguello were named as comisionados to present the plan at Angeles, carrying also a letter from Zamorano, similar to that already mentioned .? The plan of this pro- nouncement contained, as a matter of course, since Bandini was concerned in its production, more words and more articles than any that had preceded it. I append some particulars in a note;3 but the general

2 May 21, 1837, Zamorano to ayunt. S. Diego, Arch., MS., 178; Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MS., xi. 83-5. There is no formal record of the session at S. Diego. Janssens says that he and J. M. Alvarado were also members of the commission. Zamorano must have assumed the command by consent of Por- tilla, who was his senior.

3 Plan de San Diego que proclamaron Zamorano, Bandini, y otros en 21 de Mayo 1837, MS. Art. 1. Alta California is restored to order and obedience to the sup. govt under the system adopted by decree of Oct. 23, 1835. 2. The civil and military command is to be vested in the officer of senior rank as per superior order of Jan. 21, 1835. 3. The dip. having taken an active part in the revolution of the north, its authority is ignored until the campaign be over, order restored, and new elections held. 4. All acts of the dip. since Nov. 7, 1836, declared null and void. Such of its resolutions as have proved beneficial may be sanctioned by the new dip. later. 5. The person alluded to in art. 2 will take the oath before the ayunt. of Los Angeles, capital of the territory. 6. Volunteer forces supporting the sup. govt are to be dis- banded by the comandante when peace is restored. 7. The gefe will recom- mend to the sup. govt as highly meritorious the services of soldiers and vol- unteers who may aid in re-organizing the territory. S. The leaders of the reb- els of Nov. 7th, and officers commissioned by the sup. govt, who may present themselves, acknowledging their error, and asking clemency, will be favorably recommended to the sup. govt, to which authority those not doing so will be given up for judgment. 9. Troops from sergeant down, on presenting them- selves, will be re-admitted to the service, the act being credited to them as a merit. 10. All the forces organized as civic militia by the northern rebels are hereby dissolved. 11. Persons of the latter class, on presenting them- selves, may retire to their homes, or serve as volunteers for the sup. govt. 12. Loans made in favor of the just cause will be reimbursed from the pub- lic treasury. 13. The new dip. is to make a respectful representation through the gefe político to the sup. govt of the strong desire of the people of C'al. for a separation of the civil and military commands. 14. Until the new dip. is installed, there is to be a junta of 5 members appointed by the gefe as eoun- sellors in cases of difficulty. 15. This junta will be presided over by one of its members, the pres. being changed each month. 16. The junta's duties: to resolve doubts of the gefe; to have charge of the public funds; and to appoint a treasurer. 17. The treasurer to be paid a salary fixed by the gefe.

518

SAN DIEGO PLAN-ALVARADO AND CARRILLO.

purport, as in the plan of Osio and Pico, was to undo all that had been done since November 5th of the past year, to recognize the full authority of Mexico under any system, to rule the country under southern and 'loyal' auspices until the national authority should be fully restored, and to treat the rank and file of those who had favored the Monterey rebellion as 'erring brethren' worthy of pity and forgiveness. The comi- sionados on arrival at Los Angeles seem to have acted secretly for a day or two, making known their mission only to a few trusted partisans like Ibarra, Requena, and Botello. It will be remembered that half the ayuntamiento had ratified the Santa Bárbara plan more from fear of arrest and exile to Sonoma than from any other motive, and the fear was still enter- tained.4 It was therefore deemed necessary to secure the garrison and guns before appealing to the people.

It was probably on the evening of May 26th that the seizure was effected by Bandini and his associates without resistance, and by an understanding with the comandante of the guard. The sentinel was surprised and disarmed. A few soldiers of the civic militia were disturbed in a game of cards to surrender the post and arms, including the gun brought by Castro from San Diego, while Captain Sepúlveda at his own house was brought to terms without any suspension of harmonious relations by his guest Pio Pico.5 Next

18. All insults, etc., to the pronunciados of Nov. 7th are to be severely pun- ished. 19. A copy of this plan to be sent to other ayunt. for adoption. 20. This plan to be sent immediately by extra mail to the Mexican government.

4 Janssens narrates at some length that, on account of this fear of arrest, the comisionados arrested Capt. Andres Pico at S. Luis Rey on the way north, and compelled him to make the most solemn pledges to keep quiet and not in- terfere.

5 Bandini says he executed this movement with 8 companions at 7 P. M., not giving the date. Janssens implies that it was done on the night of arrival by the 4 comisionados, including himself, aided by 4 others, including Ibarra and the Frenchiman Baric. He gives many details, makes Bandini a great strategist and hero, and implies that the inhabitants were made to believe for a day that Bandini had a strong garrison in possession, with a large military force approaching. Janssens was sent in a day or two to enlist Charlefoux and his 25 riflemen in the cause, which he did successfully. Botello, Anales, MS., 37-40, who was at the time sec. of the ayunt., thinks there had been some discussion in that body before the capture, which was effected by 12 or

519

BANDINI TRIUMPHANT.

day the ayuntamiento met to listen to Bandini's elo- quence and take his plan into consideration. Alcalde Sepúlveda took part in the debate and mildly opposed the San Diego plan, but the majority approved it; and while no formal vote of approval appears on the records, it was decided that the document should be published next day, together with a second address read by Bandini. Another session was held on the 30th to devise means to prevent conflict and blood- shed, and to this end three comisionados were ap- pointed to treat with Alvarado.6

Bandini remained at Los Angeles only a few days, "maintaining his position with great difficulty, but re- solved to die rather than yield." Then in consequence of alarming reports of Indian hostilities, the ayunta- miento in a secret session of May 31st voted at Ban- dini's request to suspend all politico-military move- ments and negotiations, in order to send a force to the southern frontier in obedience to the call of the 'governor and general,' Zamorano. Botello, a prom- inent southerner who accompanied the force, says that the movement was hastened by reports of Castro's approach from the north, but this may be an error. Bandini and his men carried with them the captured guns and entered San Diego in triumph. It was a proud day in the life of Don Juan when the Diegui- nos came out in procession to welcome with shouts the return of their conquering hero. Indian troubles

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History of California, Volume III, Part 55

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe Publication date: 1885-1890 Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers Number of Pages: 824

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe
Publication date: 1885-1890
Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers
Number of Pages: 824