History of California, Volume III, Part 59

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

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Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

550

DON JUAN BAUTISTA AND DON CÁRLOS.

Castañeda, in obedience to his orders from Portilla, left San Buenaventura probably March 17th, and took a position with his force in sight of Santa Bár- bara, demanding the immediate surrender of the place. Comandante Villavicencio, though his force was small, had two or three small cannon so placed as to defend the approaches. He refused to surrender, and de- spatched a courier in all haste to the north for reën- forcements, while Captain Guerra and Padre Duran went out to parley with the besiegers. I have no means of knowing exactly what arguments these venerable diplomatists used, but such was their force that Cas- tañeda did none of the brilliant things expected of him by the Angelinos. The captain most assuredly dis- obeyed in a disgraceful manner the orders of his chiefs Carrillo and Portilla, which with his force of over one hundred men he might easily have executed. Whether his course was inspired by fear of Villavi- cencio's guns, or was the result of deliberate treach- ery to Carrillo, as Botello intimates, or of an agree- ment with Guerra afterward broken by Castro, as Pio Pico seems to think, I do not know; but after remain- ing three or four days, perhaps at the Cerro del Vol- untario, he retired to San Buenaventura.12

Purísima. The gov. will leave Angeles on Monday so as to enter Sta Bar- bara on Wednesday. Id., v. 50-2. It is noticeable that several letters of Carrillo, Portilla, and other prominent men at Angeles at this time bear the mysterious sign 'Fu .... n,' which evidently had some hidden significance. On March 20th Carrillo acknowledges the receipt of $1,000 from Pio Pieo as a loan to the treasury in aid of Castaneda's movement. On July 5, 1843, Gov. Micheltorena indorsed this by a marginal decree that it should be paid when convenient. Indorsed by Pio Pico to Andres Pico, and by the latter to Pablo de la Guerra. Guerra, Doc., MS., i. 232-3.

12 Botello, Anales del Sur, MS., 50-2, who as sec. went with the alcalde of Angeles to Castañeda's camp, says that he pretended not to have men enough, though his officers urged an attack, and friends in Sta Bárbara sent word how easily it could be taken. Castañeda was said to have had some differences with Carrillo before starting. Pico, Ilist. Cal., MS., 63, says that the agree- ment was that Castañeda should retire to S. Buenventura and no troops on the other side should pass Carpintería, that is, until Alvarado and Carrillo could hold a conference. Lugo, Vida, MS., 18-19, tells us the comisionados persuaded them to retire, promising mediation with the northerners. Pinto, Apuntaciones, MS., 29-34, claims to have been present at the interview be- tween Villaviciencio and Andres Pico, after the negotiations with Guerra and Duran, when an arrangement was made to stop hostilities until Alvarado should come. Valle, Lo Pasado, MS., 21, merely says that Castañeda re-

551

CASTRO SENT TO THE SOUTH.

In the north, during the first half of March, they were content to wait as before, news from the south being unexciting, and the governor also suffering for a time from illness.13 Then came the information that Don Carlos had sent a force to San Buenaventura, thus assuming the offensive. The force was under- stood to be small, and Carrillo not apprehensive of any immediate attack. Alvarado resolved on prompt action, and sent Castro with fifteen men to Santa Bárbara to join the garrison of that place, attack the abajeños by surprise, and to send Don Cárlos and his leaders as prisoners to Monterey. It was the plan suggested by Castro carlier, the execution of which had been postponed. "It is time to put an end to these political discussions," wrote the governor.14

There were particular reasons, it seems, for prompt action on both sides at this time. Alvarado learned that a despatch from Castillero for him had been in- tercepted by Carrillo; and he, on the other hand, inter- cepted a letter from Don Carlos to his wife. In that letter it was announced that the California had reached Acapulco; that some of Alvarado's official letters had been published in government journals of September

treated, pleading insufficiency of force. Mrs. Ord, Ocurrencias, MS., 108-10, says that Villavicencio's garrison of 20 or 25 men was increased to 100 men by the citizens. She says that Castañeda came only to Carpinteria. Farn- ham, Life in Cal., 290-4, gives a very amusing but of course inaccurate ac- count of the Sta Barbara campaign. Mention only in Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 41-2; Pico, Acont., MS., 48-9; Estudillo, Datos, MS., 22-3; Gon- zrtles, Experiencias, MS., 33-5; Janssens, Vida, MS., 126; Valdes, Mem., MS., 27.

13 March 4, 1838, Alvarado to Vallejo. Thinks of going south in S days. Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 36. March 12th, friends in Los Angeles send en- couragement. Same to same. Id., v. 39. March 12th, V. to J. A. Carrillo. A rather severe answer to his last letter, suggesting that it is as well to drop protestations of friendship for a while until things are more settled. 'I am neither centralist, federalist, nor monarchist, but ranchero, caring little for systemss while we have neither population nor capital.' Dept. St. Pup., MIS., iv. 183-5. There is also a letter of Alvarado to Carlos Carrillo, in Vallejo, Doc .. MS., iv. 30, not dated, and probably written a little later. It is a repetition of the old views expressed somewhat independently.

1 March 18, 1838, A. to V., in Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 48. He wants a few men sent from Sonoma and S. Francisco. March 13th, Villavicencio to A. from Sta Bárbara. Sends 4 documents to undeceive him about Carrillo's intentions, one being doubtless Portilla's order to Castañeda to occupy S. Buenaventura. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 185-6.

532

DON JUAN BAUTISTA AND DON CÁRLOS.

1837, and that Captain Robbins had been rewarded with some position in accordance with Alvarado's rec- ommendations. It was implied also that the govern- ment was inclined to favor Alvarado as governor. The party in power when official despatches should arrive would manifestly have the advantage; there- fore Castro had orders to win or lose in fifteen days.15

Santiago Estrada was the courier sent by Villavi- cencio to announce to the governor Castañeda's ap- pearance in front of Santa Bárbara with one hundred and fifty men. Estrada met Castro on the way at San Luis Obispo, and hastened that officer's move- ments; at Buenavista rancho his strength gave out, and he forwarded a letter to Santa Clara.16 All avail- able force was at once placed at Alvarado's disposal by the general, Salvador Vallejo being sent by forced marches from Sonoma.17 I have no details respecting the march southward of Alvarado and his reënforce- ments. April 5th he was at Santa Inés, and six days carlier at Buenavista had heard of Castro's success.

Castro, after joining his escort to Villavicencio's force and the Santa Bárbara volunteers, had probably about one hundred men, with whom, taking along also a few cannon, he hastened on to San Buenaventura. His approach to the mission seems to have been un-

15 March 18, 1838, Alvarado to Vallejo from S. Juan, in Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 47. Bustamante, in his Gabinete Mex., i. 90, MS. (not in the printed edition), also says it was on Sept. 22d that the return of California to allegiance was announced in congress. Bustamante had predicted this return in Dec. 1836, and that it would be effected through the friars.

16 March 22, 1838, Estrada's original letter, forwarded by Alvarado to Vallejo the same day. Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 53-4. He says Castañeda's force was encamped at the 'Laguna de Sal this side of Montecito,' which cor- responds to the Cerro del Voluntario mentioned in different statements.

17 March 24, 1838, V. to Sanchez, Martinez, com. at Sta Clara, and to Capt. Vallejo, in Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 55-8. Same date, A. to V. from Sta Clara. Will march next day for S. Juan. Is determined to avenge himself and punish the southerners for their shabby treatment of him. Does not need a large force to do it. Id., v. 60. March 28th, Licut Martinez, rancho de la Merced. Was lame, having been thrown from a horse; could not get any cívicos to go, but helped Salvador with horses, etc. Id., v. 62. March 24th, V. to A. Mentions the orders he has issued. An accident to his leg prevents him from coming in person. Is glad the time has come to act with decision. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 187-8.

553

BATTLE OF SAN BUENAVENTURA.

suspected until he had surrounded it, or at least cut off its communications with Los Angeles.18 On the morning of March 27th, Castañeda was notified by Castro, from the campo militar of the 'northern divi- sion of operations,' to evacuate the place within one hour under assurance of protection to life and property, else force would be employed. He returned the sum- mons, writing on the back that in case of an evacuation it must be with all the honors of war. In a second note Castro declined to make further concessions, and repeated his demand, and on the back of this note was returned Castañeda's refusal to surrender except as before offered. Yet a third summons was sent, with a threat of opening fire at once; and the reply was, "Do as you please."19 Firing soon began.

The battle of San Buenaventura, though much pow- der was burned, was not a bloody one. Castro reports to the governor the 28th: "I have the pleasure to in- form you that after two days of continuous firing, and with the loss of only one man killed on our side, the whole force of 110 men which defended this place has fled on foot under cover of night; and at this moment I have determined that a company of mounted infan- try under Captain Villa, and another cavalry company of lancers under Captain Cota, shall start in their pur- suit, myself remaining here with the rest of the divi- sion and the artillery to protect this place, which would be very advantageous for us in case the escaped rebels should join the force of Don Carlos and return to save their honor. " 20 Next day he announced his success

18 March 26, 1838, Castañeda to com. of Sta B., asking that 4 men who had been given leave of absence be sent back. Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. GI. March 27th, Carrillo to encargado at S. Diego, asking for a gun, the wheels to be obtained from Fitch, also munitions. S. Diego, Arch., MIS .. 193.

19 In Pico, Doc., MS., ii. 3-5, 7-8, I have the originals of Castro's first and second summons with the replies of Castañeda. The latter's 2d and 3d replies are in Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 189.

20 March 23, 1838, Castro to Alvarado, forwarded by the latter to the Mon- terey alcaldes on April 4th from Sta Inés. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxii. 135; also in Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. ISS -9. March 30th, Alvarado from Buenavista announces the victory, the news having just arrived by a courier from Sta B., to administrators of missions from S. Juan northward. He says the forces on each side were about 100 men; and he has SO men who are to start south-

554

DON JUAN BAUTISTA AND DON CARLOS.

in having captured 70 of the fugitives, with 50 mus- kets and other arms. The soldiers were to be set free according to the laws of war; the officers were sent to the governor as prisoners.21

Naturally accounts of this battle written from mem- ory, though numerous, present many discrepancies. There is a very general tendency to grossly exagger- ate the forces engaged, really a little more than 100 men on each side, and to speak of assaults repelled, and other purely imaginary details. Castañeda's force had, as it would seem, no artillery, but included a party of New Mexicans armed with rifles. Castro's ap- proach was altogether unsuspected until at dawn he made his presence known, having by that time seized all the garrison's horses, cut off communication with Angeles, and also probably cut off the water supply, thus obliging the soldiers to quench their thirst mainly with the mission wine. Two guns were placed on the shore-side in the direction of the chapel, and one perhaps on the elevation back of the mission. Early in the fight a rifleman from the church tower killed one of Castro's men.22 The guns were then directed upon the church, which in 1874 still bore some slight marks of the cannonade, and from the walls of which in the course of certain repairs some time in the past decade a cannon-ball is said to have been taken. The "continuous firing of two days" was perhaps continu- ous only with considerable intervals between the vol- leys, and it could not have continued into the second day for a longer time than was necessary to make ward at once. Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 64. The doc. is indorsed at Merced by Martinez, at S. Pablo by J. Castro, and at S. Rafael by Murphy, between 8 A. M. and 7.30 P. M. of April 2d. In Id., v. 63, is what purports to be a copy of a similar note to Gen. Vallejo; but the copyist has intentionally changed its figures so as to exaggerate grossly the forces engaged.

21 March 29th, Castro to Alvarado. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 190-1. March 31st, Capt. Cota asks to have the prisoners Ignacio Alvarado, Teodoro Yorba, and Enrique Sepúlveda left with him at Sta Bárbara, he being responsible for them. Id. Castro's report forwarded from Sta Ines to Vallejo on Apr. 5th. Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 72-3; xxxii. 128. April 9th, great rejoicing at S. Fran- cisco at the news. Sanchez to V. Id., v. 76.

22 The man is called by most Californians Cordero or Cornado. Alvarado says he was Aquilino Ramirez; and Jesus Pico calls him Olivas.

555

CAPTURE OF SOUTHERNERS.

known the flight of the garrison during the night. The fugitives, or such of them as kept together, were easily overtaken by the horsemen near Saticoy on March 28th. Castañeda and a few of his officers were sent under arrest to Santa Bárbara, and perhaps to Santa Inés. Nearly all the Californians state that after the occupation Castro found concealed in the mission church certain other men of some prominence, who were sent north with the other prisoners. There is a general agreement that Andrés Pico, Alcalde Luis Arenas, and Ignacio Palomares were of this number.23 There are no contemporary records respect- ing any of the prominent prisoners, nor the circum- stances and length of their captivity.24

Escaping fugitives, who seem to have met on the way Pio Pico at the head of a small reenforcement,

23 Others named, most of them and perhaps all incorrectly, are J. A. Car- rillo, Gil Ibarra, Manuel Requena, Manuel Alva, Ignacio del Valle, and José Ramirez. Yorba, Alvarado, and Sepúlveda (sec note 21) were probably of the number found in the church. Arenas was at Sta Ines on April 6th, giv- ing testimony on that day against Carrillo. Dept. St. Pap., MS., xviii. 13-14. 21 Botello, Anales, MS., 52-63, was one who ran away from the mission with the rest, and unlike the rest escaped to carry the news to Carrillo. José Carrillo, son of D. Carlos, also escaped, but was re-arrested at Sta Ana. Botello notes some suspicions actions on the part of Castañeda, which seem unimportant. Alvarado, Ilist. Cal., MS., iv. 36-41, testifies that the New Mexicans had been promised all the mares at S. Fernando for their services, and were therefore known as Yegueros. Osio, Hist. Cal., MS., 383-90, puts Tobar in command instead of Castañeda, states that the garrison did not suc- ceed in escaping from the mission, and describes some of the abuse shown by Alvarado when drunk to the prisoners at Sta Ines. Salvador Vallejo, Notas Históricas, MS., 73-SO, gives one of the most absurdly inaccurate narratives of the affair extant. Garcia, Hechos, MIS., 86-92, claims to have been sent to S. Luis Obispo with the prisoners, who he says were soon set at liberty. Pinto, Apuntaciones, MS., 34-7, aided in capturing Andrés Pico and the rest, who were hidden under the sacred vestments, etc., in the sacristy. He says Castro at first threatened to shoot Surgeon Alva. Gonzalez, Experiencias, MS., 33-6, says that only a few volleys were fired. Mrs Ord, Ocurrencias, MS., 110-11, heard the firing all day at Sta Barbara. Pio Pico, Hist. ('ul., M.S., 63, and Avila, Notas, MS., 21-2, narrato that Pico with 20 men on his way to join Castañeda met some of the fugitives at Sta Clara River. Valle, Lo Pasado, MS., 22-3, as well as Botello, mentions José Carrillo's arrest. An account of these events, dated March 30th, was published in the Honolulu N. I. Gazette, May 5, 1838. In it Castro is said to have made several arrests on his first arrival at Sta Bárbara, including that of D. Pedro Carrillo. Farn- ham, Life in Cal., 294-8, evidently used the version in the Gazette, and adde.I to it in his usual 'opera bouffe' stylo of writing history. Brief narratives also in Valdés, Mem., MS., 27-9; Forster's Pioneer Data, MS., 14-15; Castro, Relacion, MS., 44-5; Arce, Mem., MS., 13-15.

556

DON JUAN BAUTISTA AND DON CÁRLOS.

soon carried to Los Angeles the tidings of the disas- ter at San Buenaventura. Carlos Carrillo had time to collect his friends and the remnants of his demor- alized army and retire to San Diego before Castro came and took possession of the city, probably on the 1st of April.25 Very little can be learned about events of the next two weeks and more. Castro's only act at Angeles, so far as known, was to issue a recom- mendation, or credentials, to a committee of citizens who went to meet Alvarado with a view to secure a cessation of hostilities.26 On April 8th he had retired to San Fernando, whence he modestly acknowledged the receipt of Alvarado's letter expressing satisfac- tion with his past achievements, and promised still more good service when his force should be joined by that of the governor.27 Alvarado, having left Santa Inés as late as the 6th, and spent perhaps a few days at Santa Bárbara, joined Castro at San Fernando on or before April 16th. On this date he addressed another letter to Don Carlos, deploring the latter's policy and the resulting hostilities, but reminding his 'dear uncle' that there was yet time to prevent serious calamities by submitting his credentials to the dipu- tacion and consenting to a conference.28

Meanwhile Carrillo was at San Diego again pre- paring for war, at the instigation of Bandini, Zamo-

25 March 31, 1838-after Carrillo had departed, but before Castro's arrival -the ayunt. sent a committee of 3, Lugo, Covarrubias, and José Carrillo, to urge Don Carlos to come to the city, where the presence of his Excellency was deemed necessary for the protection of lives and property. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., v. 2-3. Same date, showing that Don Carlos had not yet reached S. Diego, alealde of S. Diego announces the sending of the gun desired and 6 men, all that could be induced to go to Angeles. S. Diego, Arch., MS., 197; Hayes, Doc., MS., 83. April Ist, same to Carrillo. A bark in sight which may be the one of which the gov. had written, viz., Hinckley's vessel. S. Diego, Arch., MS., 197.

26 April 1st, Castro to Alvarado. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 192. There is not a word about events since the fall of S. Buenaventura.

27 April 8, 1838, C. to A. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 197-8. Alvarado's letter had been dated the day before, probably at Sta Bárbara. He had 50 men with him, probably Salvador Vallejo's northern troops.

28 April 14th, A. to Carrillo. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 201-2. He begs Don Carlos to leave the 4 or 5 vagabonds who advise him, and to form an alliance with himself.

* 557

TOBAR SUPPORTS CARRILLO.

rano, and the rest. Here, as in the north, we have but few particulars of the preparations;29 the chief support of the would-be governor's reviving hopes seems to have been the arrival from Sonora overland of Captain Juan José Tobar, said to have been some- what distinguished as an Indian-fighter and guerri- llero. Tobar arrived on April 4th and was at once made general in place of Portilla. It does not appear that he came in any official capacity, or accompanied by more than a small escort; but Don Carlos, wishing to make the most of his new ally, announced that he had come to quell the disorders in California, imply- ing of course that he brought a force with which to ac- complish that object. Carrillo, however, desiring to treat the citizens fairly, had induced Tobar to suspend his operations until the result of communication with Castro could be known. So he informed the ayunta- miento of Los Angeles, to which body Tobar also wrote, expressing his desire to try gentle means first, and authorizing an announcement "in my name to the troops with the northern rebels that they shall be pardoned if they present themselves before me with their arms within fifteen days which expire on the 25th-otherwise I shall be inexorable in punishing them." 30

From volunteers at San Diego, refugees from Los

29 April 4, 1838, Ortega to Carrillo. Is at his orders, but excuses himself from going to meet him. April 11th, sends from S. José del Valle some ru- mors about the northern forces. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 196. April 4th, Encargado Estudillo orders all to come from the mission. 'The gov. is wait- ing for you to have a conference on various matters.' S. Diego, Arch., MS., 198. Apr. 5th, 10th, P. Caballero, at Guadalupe. B. Cal. sends cattle and report of arms and ammunition to Carrillo. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 192, 198-9. Apr. 6th, justice of S. José del Valle tells Carrillo that both as legit- imate gov. and as a cousin he may count on him. Id., iv. 221. Apr. 14th, Osuna, S. Luis, to Carrillo, has been unable to secure the services of Linares. Castro said to be advancing. Id., iv. 200. April 19th, 20th, Pio Pico, S. Luis, to Carrillo. Is ill and cannot meet him. Regrets Carrillo's illness. Id., iv. 195.

30 April 11, 1838, session of ayunt., when the letters of Carrillo and To- bar were read. It was resolved to send the former to Castro. The people after hearing the other letter at a public meeting 'dissolved without uttering a word.' Los Angeles, Arch., MS., v. 4-7. April 9th, Tobar to the ayunt. Dept. St. Pap., Lingeles, MS., xi. 102-3.

558.

DON JUAN BAUTISTA AND DON CARLOS.

Angeles, recruits obtained across the frontier-for Carrillo's jurisdiction, if he had any, extended over the peninsula-and the remnants of Portilla's inen, Don Carlos formed an army of 100 men or more for his new general, who soon marched northward. At Las Flores, after passing San Luis Rey, he heard that the enemy had left Angeles for the south, and here To- bar's army made a stand, perhaps on the same day that Castro's force came in sight, and probably on the 20th or 21st of April. An adobe building of the rancho served as barracks, and an adjoining corral as a fort. Three cannon were mounted so as to command the approaches, the gunners being protected, and weak points strengthened, by a judicious arrangement of hides, pack-saddles, and whatever else was at hand. Juan Bandini and José Antonio Carrillo seem to have been present as well as Don Cárlos. Requena, Ibarra, and other prominent Angelinos were also within the fortified corral.31

Meanwhile Castro and Alvarado had united their forces, obtaining volunteers also from Santa Bárbara and perhaps from Angeles, and had marched south from that city with over 200 men, occupying the mis- sion of San Juan Capistrano about the same time that Carrillo reached Las Flores. 32 An advance guard of

31 Botello, Anales, MS., 64-S, Janssens, Vida, MS., 120-39, and Coronel, Cosas de Cal., MIS., 25-8, give some meagre details. The last two were pres- ent, Janssens having charge of one of the guns. Botello, being disabled, re- mained at S. Luis with Pio Pico's family. Don Pio, IIist. Cal., MS., 63-70, accounts for his own absence by claiming to have discovered in advance that Carrillo intended to capitulate, and he was busied with plans to surprise S. Buenaventura, and thus counteract the cowardly policy of D. Carlos !

32 Ignacio Ezquer, Mem., MS., 5-10, who was temporarily in charge of S. Juan, the administrator having gone to join the southern army, tells us that J. A. Carrillo with a small party from the south came one evening and in- quired about Castro's men, of whom nothing had been heard. He intended to sleep at the mission, but finally decided to go to the arroyo near by to spend the night, taking along a supply of wine and aguardiente. At midnight, nar- rator was roused from sleep by the arrival of Castro's men. Later, much liquor was consumed, and narrator was compelled to get drunk, not losing consciousness, however, until the new-comers had fired a cannon toward the port, thus searing away the sleepers at the arroyo, who left some of their ac- coutrements behind. Pinto, Apunt., MS., 74-5, confirms the story that the gun was fired on account of Alvarado's suspicions that there might be foes in that direction, and that some horses were found tied there. Alvarado, Hist.

559

CAMPAIGN OF LAS FLORES.

Tobar's force under J. A. Carrillo seems to have pre- viously visited the mission and retired. It was on April 21st that the northern army appeared in battle array before the improvised fort which protected the southern foe.

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History of California, Volume III, Part 59

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