USA > California > History of California, Volume III > Part 57
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529
THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.
ing emanated from the mind as well as pen of the versatile and eloquent Frenchman, Victor Prudon. 24 This proclamation was first delivered as a speech by the governor on the occasion of swearing allegiance to the Mexican constitution, an event celebrated at Santa Bárbara on the date named, July 9th, with all possible ceremony and enthusiasm. From this date, barring certain mysterious indications of irregularity in the composition of the diputacion, which, as they excited no comment either in Mexico or among Alva- rado's enemies in California, need not greatly trouble either historian or reader, Alvarado may be regarded
24 Alvarado, [Proclama del] Gobernador Interino del Departamento de la Alta California ú sus habitantes, 9 de Julio, 1837, MS. Issued at Sta Bárbara. 'Compatriots! Liberty, peace, and union form the trinal intelligence that should rule our destinies. Our arms gave us the first; a wise congress assures to us the second; and upon ourselves depends the last, without which we have neither liberty nor peace. Let us then preserve inviolate that union, sacred ark which holds the custody of our political redemption. War against the tyrant only! Peace among ourselves! The solidity of an edifice consists in the union of its parts; a single stone torn out from an arch causes the colunins to totter, bringing ruin to a structure that would mark the age of time did its component materials remain united. Not otherwise disunion brings ruin to the moral edifice of a society. The territory of Alta California is immense; its coasts are bathed by the Pacific Sea, which, placing us in contact with the nations, develops our industries and commerce, fountains of abundance.' (Sce newspapers of later years!) 'The benignity of our climate, the fertility of our soil, and-I say it in your behalf-the suavity of your customs and ex- cellence of your character are so many privileges with which the Omnipotent has favored us in the distribution of his gifts. What country ean count so many advantages as ours? Let us then strive to give it in history a place as distinguished as that which it occupies on the map. The constitutional laws of 1836 guarantee to us our rights, and even extend them beyond our moderate desires. The august chamber of national representatives is ready to consider a bill to be presented by us for our greater welfare and prosperity; our votes may be cast in favor of the citizen whom we deem worthy to occupy the su- preme magistracy of the nation-and what more do you wish? The very laws assure us that we are not again to fall a prey to the despotism and ambition of a tyrant like D. Mariano Chico. The department of Alta California can henceforth be governed only by a native or a citizen. . Yes, friends; the en- thusiasm and pleasure which you feel on receiving such news is well founded. I share your pleasure, and I close in order that you may no longer have to restrain your joy. Give it free course, and shout with me-Viva la Nacion! Viva la Constitucion del año de '36! Viva el Congreso que la sancionó! Viva la Libertad! Viva la Union!'
Also in Hlayes, Doc., MS., 75; forwarded by Alvarado to ayunt., and re- ceived at S. Diego on July 31st. S. Diego, Arch., MS., 183. July 24th, the proclamation had been read at Monterey, causing great enthusiasm. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxii. 103. Sent to Sonoma to be sworn July 12th. Id., iv. 280. And it would seem that the people of Sta Cruz went to Monterey on July 17th to take the new oath. Sta Cruz, Arch., MS., 20. The fact that the oath was taken at Sta Bárbara on July 9th is mentioned by Alvarado in a letter of July 12th to Vallejo. Vallejo, Doc., iv. 282.
HIST. CAL., VOL. III. 34
53
SAN DIEGO PLAN-ALVARADO AND CARRILLO.
as legally the governor ad interim of California, his revolutionary term ending with his new oath.
In his letters sent northward, though unfortunately the most important of them describing the negotia- tions with Castillero is missing, the governor described the state of affairs as on the whole satisfactory, his enemies being filled with confusion.25 The southern friars, represented by Padre Duran, now consented to take the long-delayed oath of allegiance, on the ground that Spain had recognized the independence of Mex- ico, while the Zacatecanos of course made no objec- tion, having already sworn to the bases.26 The dipu- tacion assembled as early as July 16th at Santa Bár- bara; but we have no record of its acts, except that on the 21st it resolved, Ist, that in consequence of certain doubts arising in relation to the election laws, a com- mission of two persons should be sent to the national capital to treat with the supreme government; and 2d, that the senior vocal, on whom by law devolved the office of gefe político, should notify the ayuntamientos and other authorities that the diputacion was assem- bled in extra session. He was also authorized to carry out the first resolution.27
It is probable that the diputacion took no other action, and that the governor had no other use for its services at this time, after securing its indorsement of his title, with authority to send a commission to Mexico. It had been determined from the first by Alvarado and Castillero that the latter should go to
25 July 9th, 12th, 17th, Alvarado to Vallejo, in Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 269, 282-3. Pio Pico still disposed to favor the vagabonds at S. Gabriel, and Por- tilla for gefe político, being instigated by Zamorano. Bandini gone home, convinced that it is no use to struggle longer.
26 July Sth, Duran to Alvarado, in Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxii. 96. July 12th, P. Moreno to A. Arch. Arzob., MS., v. pt ii. 18.
27 These resolutions were published at Sta Bárbara on Aug. 2d, and at Monterey on Aug. 13th. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 289; xxxii. 105, 107. Sent to Los Angeles July 29th. Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MS., xi. 90-1. The first meeting of July 16th is mentioned by Alvarado on July 17th. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 283. There is also a short address of Alvarado to the dip. in Id., xxxii. 121, undated, but probably delivered at this time. It contains congratulations on 'California Libre,' and states that only a few points re- quire action at this time.
531
CASTILLERO SENT TO MEXICO.
Mexico in the former's behalf, and the doubts on elec- tion laws were simply a pretext. Early in July the governor began to speak of the project in his letters, expressing his belief that Don Andrés, with the aid of his brother, could exert in Mexico a greater influ- ence in favor of himself and Vallejo than any other man; meanwhile Castillero made a trip to the south- ern frontier to restore order among the men of his command.28 He returned in August, and sailed after the middle of that month on the schooner California, reaching Acapulco the 15th of September. His mnis- sion was to prevent the sending of a Mexican force to California, to defend Alvarado's acts and policy before the government, and to obtain if possible a confirma- tion of his title as governor together with that of Va- llejo as general. It is not very unlikely that he car- ried with him a moderate sum of money to be placed "where it would do most good"-else, knowing much of Mexican methods, he would hardly have been so confident of success.
The California was a schooner called originally the Clarion, and at the Sandwich Islands the Kaniu; brought this year from Honolulu by Henry Paty; and by him sold to Alvarado for the state govern- ment. She was paid for in mission produce, and was commanded during this year and the next by Thomas M. Robbins of Santa Bárbara. The governor had at first intended to purchase two vessels with mission funds; and had hoped to use them profitably, not only in commercial enterprises and to protect the revenues,
28 Alvarado to Vallejo. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 282-3, 306. Osio, Ilist. Cal., MS., 373-5, tells us that A. first appointed on this commission Carlos Carrillo and 'another' (Osio himself I suppose), who were summoned to Sta B. to receive their instructions. But it was suggested that one of them, the 'other' probably, had the defect of telling the truth on all points, which would be inconvenient; and therefore A. announced that to his great regret the scheme would have to be abandoned. Finally Castillero accepted the place (probably as a man of some wealth), from a desire to give himself importance by appearing in person before the president. The Cal. records name no com- panion of Castillero, though the commission was to consist of two; but Busta- mante, Gabinete, Mex., i. 36, mentions the arrival at Acapulco en Sept. 15th of Castillero and Nicolás Estrada as comisionados. I know of no such Califor- nian, but it may have been Capt. Nicanor Estrada.
532
SAN DIEGO PLAN-ALVARADO AND CARRILLO.
but also for purposes of defence against Mexico, and even as the nucleus of a west-coast navy with which to enforce federalism in the nation! Circumstances changed, however; funds were not too plentiful; and one vessel was deemed sufficient.29
Alvarado's position as governor was now tempora- rily secure. On September 4th he circulated for publication the Mexican decree of December 30, 1836-nine days after the news of Alvarado's revolt reached the capital-making California a department, authorizing the national government to designate provisionally the capital and the authorities to act until the regular elections could be held; and empow- ering the junta departamental to divide the depart- ment into districts and partidos. Not even yet, though published in the usual form, had this decree been received 'officially,' and for the present nothing was done in consequence of it. Alvarado in later times claimed that he had not before known of the fact that California had been made a department.30 About the middle of September he returned once more to Monterey.
If Alvarado's position was for a time comparative- ly secure, that of Vallejo had no longer any founda- tion to stand upon. He had no claim to the military command, which now belonged to the ranking officer in the territory. The governor recognized this fact in his letters of July; stated that both Portilla and
29 March 9th, Alvarado to Vallejo, about his projected purchase of 2 vessels. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 212. There is no record of the actual pur- chase, which is however spoken of by several Californians. The movements of the Kaniu at the islands, and her sailing for Cal. in May 1837, are re- corded in the Honolulu, S. I., Gazette, 1836-7. The pay of the crew began Aug. 14th. There were 16 men and a boy, only 5 being of Spanish Ameri- can blood. G. Robinson (William ?) was Ist pilot, and later W. Reed 2d pilot. Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Cust .- H., MS., v. 13-14.
30 Sept. 4th, A.'s order for publication of decree. Published at S. Diego before Dec. 16th. S. Diego, Arch., MS., 183-4, 190. Alvarado, Ilist. Cal., MS., iv. 15, says he had heard rumors from Castillo Negrete through Zamo- rano, which were not believed. I have not much doubt that he knew all about it at the time of his arrangement with Castillero. The news of Alva- rado's revolt was announced to congress by minister Tornel on Dec. 21st ac- cording to Bustamante, Voz de la Patria, MS., xi. 60-1.
533
THE MILITARY COMMAND.
Zamorano desired the position; but desired Vallejo to aid him in giving it to Captain José de la Guerra, on the ground that it was better that it should be held by a friend than a foe.31 Vallejo replied in a printed letter of July 20th, the meaning of which is not quite clear, but in which he declared the separa- tion of the civil and military commands to be im- practicable, and thus apparently showed a desire to sec Alvarado share in his own fall.32 He, however, saw the necessity of resigning his position, and based his resignation on the alleged ground of his unwill- ingness to swear allegiance to the central constitution, "such oaths having become bywords in the whole country." At the same time all military officers were ordered to meet at Monterey to choose a co- mandante general.33 The San Francisco company, on receipt of orders from Alvarado to take the oath, addressed a protest to Vallejo, in which they de- clared that they had once sworn to die in defence of federalism, and asked to be discharged from the ser- vice rather than change their political faith.34 I sup- pose that Vallejo and other officers and soldiers in the north were subsequently induced to take the oath in support of centralism; but I find no definite record of the fact. The council of war for the election of a comandante had not been held as late as October, and probably was not held at all, the aim of Vallejo and Alvarado being perhaps to postpone definite ac- tion until the result of Castillero's efforts could be learned. Portilla insisted that the choice must fall on the senior officer, meaning himself. Some officers
31 July 12th, 17th, A. to V., in Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 282-3.
32 Vallejo, Carta impresa al Gobernador, 20 de Julio, 1837, in Earliest Printing. There is a possibility of error, as the date was printed 1838 and changed in ink-apparently by Vallejo's direction-to 1837.
33 No date, probably early in August, Vallejo to dip. and to Alvarado. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 202.
31 Ang. 16th, Com. Sanchez to V., in Vallejo, Doc., MIS., iv. 294. Aug. 31st, protest of the company, Id., iv. 305. This is probably what Alvarado, Ilist. C'al., MS., iii. 181-3, ridicules as Berreyesa's revolt at the instigation of southern agents.
534
SAN DIEGO PLAN-ALVARADO AND CARRILLO.
in their letters expressed a preference for Vallejo.33 There seems to have been no final decision in the matter. It does not appear that Vallejo's resigna- tion was accepted by the diputacion, or that any other officer attempted to exercise the command. All waited for news from Mexico.
And this news came sooner than looked for, and in an unexpected form. It was an announcement that Carlos Carrillo had been appointed provisional gov- ernor of the department of Californias. It reached Monterey October 30th, and Los Angeles ten days earlier, in letters from Luis del Castillo Negrete and José Antonio Carrillo at La Paz, enclosing certified copies of the appointment to Alvarado and the ayunta- miento, and the original probably to Don Carlos him- self at San Buenaventura. There is not much to be said of the circumstances in Mexico which had led to this appointment. I have no copy of the report which Gutierrez rendered on his arrival in exile, though it is not difficult to conjecture its purport. The Mexi- can government was too busy with troubles at home to devote much attention to a distant territory, but finally it did go so far as to make preparations for sending 1,000 men under General Iniestra to restore the wayward California to her allegiance.36 Money and arms, however, were scarce. The fitting-out of the expedition progressed slowly, and before it was completed the Californian congressman, José Antonio Carrillo, devised a method of suspending it altogether,
35 Sept. Ist, Alvarado expresses a high opinion of V.'s services, and hopes the Mexicans will not succeed in breaking the friendship of the two. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 306-7. Sept. 20th, Portilla to 'Lieut M. G. Vallejo,' saying that ill health may prevent his attendance at the council. Id., iv. 313. Oct. Ist, Alf. Salazar to Vallejo. Cannot come in time, but votes for V. Id., iv. 315.
36 I have no official record of these preparations, but there is no reason to doubt the reports current in California at the time, founded on articles in the newspapers and the statements of J. A. Carrillo, Castillero, and others. Osio and several others name Gen. Iniestra. Greenhow, who names Gen. Urrea as in charge of the movement, Mofras, Forbes, Marsh, and others tell us that on hearing of the rebellion Mexico 'fulminated furious proclamations,' etc., but I have seen no such papers.
535
CÁRLOS CARRILLO'S APPOINTMENT.
at the same time advancing the interests of his own family and sparing his country the threatened inflic- tion of cholo soldiers. He persuaded the government that California was not really disloyal or hostile to Mexico; but had been driven to her present rebellious attitude by the arbitrary acts of Mexican rulers. In- stead of sending an army at great expense, it would be sufficient merely to appoint a native ruler-his brother Don Carlos for example, well known in Mex- ico and popular at home-whom California would gladly recognize and thus return to her allegiance. The administration was glad to be persuaded, and willing to try the experiment. The appointment was issued in a hurry by the minister of state on June 6th; Don José Antonio left Mexico two days later, and from La Paz en route sent the papers ahead in August. 37
Los Angeles of course was delighted with Carrillo's appointment. True, Don Cárlos was not in sympathy with the abajeños, and had been a partisan of the other side throughout the late controversies, but "any- thing to beat Alvarado and the pronunciados del norte" was the Angelinos' motto, and they made such haste that Carrillo to the letter announcing his ap- pointment had to attach his thanks for their acknowl- edgment, their congratulations, and for a grand illu-
37 June 6, 1837, Minister Peña y Peña to Cárlos Carrillo, announcing his appointment by the president, with power to fix the capital provisionally wherever circumstances might require. Copy from the original in the pos- session of the Carrillo family, in Carrillo, Doc., MS., i. Also in Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MS., xi. 92-3; and translation in Hopkins' Translations, 6. July 21st, Antonio M. Ercilla announces the news from Tepic, where J. A. Car- rillo then was, to Guerra, Guerra, Doc., MS., vi. 145; but it does not appear when this was received-possibly a little earlier than by the other route. Aug. 20th, J. A. Carrillo at La Paz to Alvarado, with certified copies. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 165-6. Oct. 20th, Castillo Negrete's despatch from Baja California with similar copies read before ayunt. of Los Angeles. Carlos Car- rillo's letter of Oct. 24th received on Nov. 4th. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., iv. 326-30. Oct. 25th, Carlos Carrillo to Alvarado, with news. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 169-70. Oct. 25th, same to Vallejo. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 337. Oct. 31st, Alvarado's proclamation of the news, which camo 'by yesterday's mail.' Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MIS., x. 20-1; S. José, Arch., MS., vi. 5; Ilop- kins' Translations, 6-7. Petit-Thouars, Voyage, ii. 100, who was at Monterey at the time, says the news canie on Nov. Ist ..
536
SAN DIEGO PLAN-ALVARADO AND CARILLLO.
mination of the city in his honor. He also pledged his word to make Los Angeles the capital on assuming the government, a very impolitic promise to be made so early, but Don Cárlos, an easy-going, kind-hearted man, was all at sea in matters of political manage- ment.
Alvarado's submission to the national authorities and his acceptance of the constitutional laws were not known in Mexico at the time of Carrillo's appoint- ment. José A. Carrillo, writing from La Paz to Al- varado, presented a strong argument in favor of such submission, showing the impracticability of resisting Mexican power, alluding to the difficulty he had had in preventing the sending of one thousand soldiers, and claiming that the most essential object of the rev- olutionists had been secured with a native ruler. He urged Alvarado to submit to the new governor, and promised in such case to go in person to Mexico, and obtain all necessary guaranties of pardon and protec- tion for the revolutionary leaders, that is, to under- take the very mission in which Castillero was now employed. Don Carlos announced his appointment to Alvarado and Vallejo in friendly modest letters, expressing much diffidence in respect to his own capa- bilities, but hoping to succeed by earnest effort with the aid of his good friends. He made no formal de- mand for a transfer of the office, but left Alvarado to take such action as might seem proper in consequence of his announcement.
Don Juan Bautista now found himself in a very peculiar situation. Of course he had hoped to retain the command, and was disappointed at the prospect of losing it, especially when any day might bring news from Castillero which would secure him in its possession. With this feeling, however, neither the writer nor reader of history is called upon to feel any special sympathy. His personal disappointment fur- nished no justification for refusing or delaying compli- ance with the orders of the government which he had
537
ALVARADO'S POSITION.
sworn to obey. There were, however, other and more serious complications. Alvarado had placed himself at the head of a revolution, and while he had sur- rendered in a sense and acknowledged the supremacy of the national laws, yet the government had not ac- cepted his surrender, Castillero having had no author- ity whatever in the matter. In the eyes of the gov- ernment at the time of this last appointment he was simply a rebel chief, ordered virtually, not to trans- fer the governorship, but to obey the governor. Was he under obligation to come down from the vantage- ground of success and high position, to place himself without guaranties as a private citizen at the mercy of a power that might legally shoot him as a traitor? Could he disregard the fate of his associates whose position was like his own? Surely no successful rebel was ever known to give such excessive proofs of devotion to his country. Again, Alvarado looked upon himself at this time as the legitimate ruler of California. He was so considered by the people, even by Carlos Carrillo, and there was not much reason to fear that President Bustamante would not so recog- nize him, knowing the circumstances, even if he should insist upon naming a successor. An order to the in- cumbent to deliver the office was, by custom if not by law, as necessary to a change of rulers as was the appointee's order to receive it, and the recognition implied in such an order was of vital importance to Don Juan. Thus a way seemed open to the delay so urgently demanded by the safety of the former rebels as well as by Alvarado's ambitious hopes.
In his proclamation of October 31st, the governor made known to the people the news which he had unofficially received, and of which he hoped to receive confirmation by the next mail, adding, "All the de- partment may be sure that I shall deliver the com- mand to the nominee on receiving the slightest intimation from the supreme government." Within a few days he notified the ayuntamientos in due form,
538
SAN DIEGO PLAN-ALVARADO AND CARRILLO.
speaking of "the nearness of the time when I shall deliver the command to Carrillo."58 Don Carlos unwisely yielded to the counsel of his advisers, and chose to regard Alvarado's position and his request in a private letter for a conference as insulting to him- self and threatening to the peace of the country, speaking of 'frivolous pretexts' for delaying obedience, and hinting vaguely by a negative assertion at fears that "you aspire to the place I occupy."39 Mean- while the ayuntamiento of Los Angeles on receipt of the governor's communications refused to recognize any other authority than that of Carrillo, who was invited to come and establish his government in that city before replying to Alvarado.40
Could Alvarado have obtained an interview with Don Cárlos-his so-called 'uncle,' that is, cousin to the lady whom a real uncle had married-he would prob- ably have succeeded in making him understand the full force of the reasons for delay, and of his right to insist at least on the guaranty implied in recognition of his title; and thus further disagreement might perhaps have been avoided. But Carrillo's new southern friends knew better than to trust their easily influenced protégé within the reach of Juan Bautista's eloquence; and if there was any uncertainty about results, it was removed by the arrival of José Antonio Carrillo at the beginning of December. This gentle- man feared the influence of Castillero in Mexico, knowing how little the administration cared who was governor of California so long as there was no rebel-
38 Nov. 3d, 7th, Alvarado to ayunt. Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MS., xi. 98; Sta Cruz, Arch., MS., 57-8; Hopkins' Translations, 7. A private letter of Alvarado to Carrillo of Nov. 4th is not extant, nor the official note of the 3d.
39 Nov. 14th, Carrillo to Alvarado, in reply to letters of Nov. 3d, 4th, private letter in Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 345; official note in Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 167-8. On Nov. 18th, before receiving C.'s reply, A. wrote to Vallejo a private letter, expressing the same views as in his communications to C .- that is, his willingness to give up the rule on receipt of an order from Mexico. Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 346.
40 Nov. 18th, session. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., iv. 329-30. Carrillo's letter of Nov. 14th to Alvarado had also been forwarded to this body. Dept. Si. Pap., Angeles, MS., xi. 96-8.
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