History of California, Volume III, Part 60

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

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The combat at Las Flores was for the most part one of tongue and pen, though a cannon was fired once or twice from the corral, doing no harm-so say several witnesses, confirmed by a letter written at the time. A flag of truce was sent-from which side first is not quite clear-with a demand, not for surrender, but for an interview. Don Juan Bautista had no motive for fighting if he could accomplish his purpose by other methods; the cannon had a threatening as- pect, and Tobar might be a man who would not hesi- itate to use them; besides, he had not much doubt of his ability to control his uncle in an interview. On the other hand, there is some reason to believe that Tobar really intended to fight, trusting to his guns to make up for disparity of numbers. Many of his men were imbued to a certain degree with their leader's valor. Cárlos Carrillo, freely charged by his associ- ates with cowardice, declined to assume the responsi- bility of shedding blood, forbade the discharge of a single gun, and went out to meet his nephew on the bloodless field of diplomacy. Tobar finally retired in disgust, with many companions, not pausing until he had crossed the frontier; and Don Carlos was left to his peaceful methods of warfare. Zamorano, of whom very little is known since the failure of his aspirations to the governorship with Alvarado's submission to Mexico in July 1837, probably crossed the frontier about the same time as Tobar. He came back four years later, only to die; and as nothing is known of

Cal., MIS., iv. 82-95, and Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., iii. 369-72, represent that the southerners had occupied S. Juan, and retired at Castro's approach. They add that Salvador Vallejo being sent forward to occupy S. Juan by 'concilia- tory' means, did so by sending a threat to hang all who did not instantly sur- render; or, as one says, he charged bayonets and rushed madly through all the mission buildings from which the foe had retired!

560

DON JUAN BAUTISTA AND DON CARLOS.

his experience in the mean time, I append a biograph- ical sketch. He was a man of much ability, honor, and energy; of exemplary conduct, though ambitious; and never warmly in sympathy with the Califor- nians. 33

33 Coronel, Botello, and Janssens are those who complain most bitterly of Carrillo's cowardice. Osio, Hist. Cal., MS., 390-4, describes Don Cárlos as ' fluctuating between fear and ignorance.' This writer also speaks of a gun planted by Alvarado on a hill, and of the enemy's water supply being cut off. Also of Carrillo's running to the beach and escaping in a boat. Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 87-108, insists that Tobar, after he found out what kind of men he was fighting with, came to an understanding with Castro, who pur- poscly left the way clear for his escape. Several persons, with no special advantages for knowing anything on the subject, speak of a previous under- standing between Alvarado and Carrillo, which is absurd. Salvador Vallejo, Notas ITist., MS., 64-7, talks of a conflict between 400 mounted Californians and 500 Sonorans and Ópatas, of a bayonet charge, a rout, horses killed, a hot pursuit, etc .! Pinto, Apunt., MS., 37-8, says that some cannon-shots were fired. Juan Forster, Pioneer Data, MS., 15-17, on whose land the battle took place, says he watched the operations without taking any part. Also brief accounts in Valle, Lo Pasado, MS., 23; Sanchez, Votas, MS., 3-5; Meadows' Graham Affair, MS., 1-3; Pico, Acont., MS., 52-3; Estudillo, Datos, MS., 23; Ord, Ocurrencias, MS., 111-13; Arce, Mem., MS., 15-17; Lugo, Vida, MS., 19-21; Avila, Notas, MS., 21-4; Castro, Relacion, MS., 45-8.

I know nothing of Capt. Tobar's life after this visit to Cal., and little of his earlier record. In 1828 he was stationed at Altar under Gen. Figueroa's orders. In 1832 he revolted, seizing Pitic and Guaymas; and in 1835 issued a manifiesto at Arizpe in defence of his past acts. It was probably in the character of a political refugee that he came to Cal. He is described as a very tall man of fine appearance and great bravery, about 50 years of age. There were later rumors, probably unfounded, of his intention to return with a larger force. Pinart, Col. de Sonora, MS., no. 38, print, 362. April 24th, Tobar to Carrillo, bidding him farewell, with thanks for his kindness. Is at S. Diego, and is about to leave Cal. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iv. 203.

Agustin Vicente Zamorano is said to have been a native of Florida, his parents being Spaniards. Of his early life, save that he received a good edu- cation, nothing is known until he entered the army on May 1, 1821, as cadet. In July he was attached to the 6th battalion, taking part in several battles on the insurgent side under generals Bustamante and Quintanar, and being made alférez in October. In Oct. 1824, he was transferred to the corps of engineers; and came to California with Gov. Echeandia in 1825. He served as Echcan- día's secretary for 5 years; was married in Feb. 1827 to Maria Luisa, daugh- ter of Santiago Arguello; was made lieutenant in 1828, still of the battalion and engineers; and early in 1831, on Echeandia's recommendation, was com- missioned captain of the Monterey company. Record of military service in Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., Ixxvii. 2-3; St. Pap., Sac., MS., x. 36, 68. Marriage, Arch. Sta B., MS., xii. 342; Dept. Rec., MS., vi. 30-1; vii. 108. In 1832 he refused to accept the results of the revolt against Victoria; made a counter-revolt against Echeandía: and sustained himself as comandante general of the north until the arrival of Figueroa in 1833, as related in chap. viii. ix., of this volume. He served as Figueroa's secretary in 1833-5; and in addition to his duties as captain of the presidio, conducted a printing-office at Monterey, having succeeded in obtaining a press aud type in 1834. All the prodnets of this press down to his departure bore his name, and I have in Earliest Printing many specimens, together with Zamorano's circular and scale of prices. He was not a printer by trade. In June 1835 he was made captain of the S. Diego company. Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Mil., MS., Ixxix. 85.

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DIPLOMATIC INTERVIEWS.

Several interviews were held at Las Flores, mid- way between the two armies, by the rival governors and their representatives, before a satisfactory settle- ment could be effected. Alvarado, describing those negotiations from memory, mentions three interviews. The first was broken off by Carrillo's familiar way of addressing Don Juan Bautista as Juanito, or Johnny. The liberty was not displeasing to Alvarado, but his companions, Castro, Villa, and Salvador Vallejo, in- sisted on the use of his proper title, which Carrillo's friends, Requena and Tobar, would not permit. Next day, however, the two rivals withdrew out of hearing of the rest to have a conference untrammelled by offi- cial etiquette. Don Carlos now showed his original appointment, and was much grieved that Don Juan did not at once yield to so convincing an argument, but before they parted some progress was made tow- ard a temporary settlement which would remove the necessity for further warfare. 34

On April 23d Alvarado sent a despatch to Vallejo and other officials in the north, stating that for three days with his 250 men he had besieged the foe, 100 strong with three cannon, at Las Flores, preventing their advance to attack the peaceful inhabitants of the north. Don Carlos was among the besieged, but after several interviews had offered nothing satisfac- tory to the Californian people. Yet a complete vic- tory by force of arms, the only way left, could not fail to follow within a few days.35 That same day,

His efforts with the sureños against Alvarado, prompted by personal ambition and the hope of gaining favor in Mexico rather than by sympathy with, or opposition to, the south, have been recorded in the preceding chapter. The last definite record of his presence was on March 18, 1838, at Angeles, when he signed a letter to Castañeda. It is possible that he left the country immediately on the fall of Los Angeles; but he probably remained for a while to support Carrillo's claims. I know nothing of him during his absence. In 1842 he came back with Gov. Micheltorena as lient-colonel and inspector; but died soon after landing at San Diego in August, leaving a widow who long survived him. One of his daughters married Gen. José María Flores, and another was the wife of Henry Dalton.

31 Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MIS., iv. 95-107. I omit further details, which are, I suspect, much more amusing than acenrate.

85 April 23, 1838, A. to V. Vallejo, Doc., MIS., v. 77. Same to ayunt. of HIST. CAL., VOL. III. 36

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DON JUAN BAUTISTA AND DON CÁRLOS.

however, a treaty was signed which I give in full.36 By its terms the opposing factions were to be for the most part disbanded; Carrillo was to accompany Al- varado to San Fernando, where an arrangement was to be made respecting the governorship; and until such arrangement had been made, Vallejo was to be recognized as general.

It was after the general terms had been agreed upon, but before they were signed, that Tobar was allowed to escape, either by intention or carelessness on the part of Castro. The treaty was virtually a surrender by Don Cárlos, who indeed, consistently with his aversion to the use of cannon, could do nothing but surrender. He may have had some hopes of success in the consultation to be held at San Fernando, but there was nothing in the treaty on which to found such hopes. A few southerners rep-

S. José. S. José, Arch., MS., vi. 6; circular in Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxii. 129.

36 Tratado de Las Flores entre Alvarado y Carrillo, 23 de Abril, 1838. Origi- nal MS. Copy in Bandini, Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., 77.

'In the space between the northern and southern forces of Alta California, on the field of Las Flores, April 23, 1838, the subscribers have agreed upon the following articles: Art. 1. The force of the south at Las Flores will be disbanded absolutely, the citizens (volunteers) retiring to their homes with the arms bolonging to them. Soldiers in said force will march under their respective chiefs to protect the points where they belong. Art. 2. The artillery and munitions belonging to the said division will remain at the disposition of the departmental goverment. Art. 3. The division of the north near the said pueblo will disband its auxiliary citizen soldiery at the same time that the disbanding mentioned in art. 1 takes place-there remaining as a guard for Don Carlos Antonio Carrillo and Don Juan Bautista Alvarado 75 men chosen by their respective chiefs. Art. 4. Don C. A. Carrillo will proceed, accom- janied by Don J. B. Alvarado, with the escort cited in the preceding article, to the establishment of San Fernando for the purpose of arranging there gubernatorial matters pertaining to Alta California, this not being done in the city of Los Angeles, named by a law as capital of the department, for lack of resources to do so in the present circumstances. Art. 5. Meeting in the said establishment, both gentlemen named in the preceding article will agree upon what is necessary for the tranquillity of the country. Art. 6. Persons in the division of the south remain entirely at liberty to live, work, or settle at any point of Alta California; assured that they will not be molested for having manifested their opinion on this occasion, on condition that they never use their arms to break this agreement, others concerned enjoying the same guaranties on the same conditions. Art. 7. Gen. Tobar will be recognized a ' an officer of the Mexican army, and will be shown all the consideration due to his position. Art. 8. Pending the arrangement indicated in art. 5, Lient M. G. Vallejo will be recognized as comandante general of Alta Cali- fornia. Carlos Anto Carrillo. Juan B. Alvarado.'

563

TREATY OF LAS FLORES.

resent Alvarado as having promised to give up the com- mand and as having broken his pledge; but he made no such promise in writing, and there is no reason to believe that he did so verbally. If he failed to carry out the treaty of April 23d faithfully in any respect, it must have been in not promptly disbanding his forces, and there is no evidence against him on this point.37

The northern army now retraced its march by way of San Gabriel to San Fernando, taking along the captured cannon, which were soon sent to Monterey on Steele's vessel, and escorting the two rival gover- nors, who were now on the best of terms. True, Don Carlos suggested en route that his position seemed more like that of a prisoner under guard than of a ruler attended by an escort. Don Juan replied, "If you are a prisoner, so am I, as we are marching side by side." At San Fernando in the early days of May their respective claims to the governorship were discussed. Carrillo could only show his original ap- pointment and urge his rival's duty to submit to the supreme government. Alvarado could no longer deny that the document was in a certain sense genuine; in- deed, he had probably never had any real doubt on the subject, but he still insisted that the appointment should bear the president's signature, and he made the new point that he had no official knowledge of Peña y Peña's signature, or indeed of his appoint- ment as minister of state. 33 He also, in addition to the old arguments with which the reader is familiar, attached much weight to the fact that Don Carlos,

37 May 14, 1838, Com. Sanchez to Vallejo, announcing his return from the southern campaign with the S. Francisco troops. Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 78. This indicates compliance with the treaty. Alvarado, Campaña de Las Flores y Sucesos de Abril-Mayo, 1838, MIS., a letter to Vallejo from Sta Bar- bara May 22d-a most important original document-stated that Carrillo, be- foro signing the treaty, wished to be allowed to escape and to go to Lower California, where he thought he could make himself recognized as governor, but he persuaded him that this was an impracticable scheme.

38 Carrillo's appointment was simply an announcement that the president had made him governor, dated from the Ministerio de lo Interior, and signed Peña y Peña. Copy from original in Carrillo (P.), Doc., MIS., 1.

564

DON JUAN BAUTISTA AND DON CÁRLOS.

during the year that had elapsed since his appoint- ment, had not, as he admitted, received a single offi- cial communication from the government. Had the negotiations proceeded uninterruptedly, Don Carlos remaining under Alvarado's influence, it is probable that they would have resulted in 'an agreement to await orders from Mexico to transfer the command. The two had already partially agreed on a convention of representatives from each pueblo; when José An- tonio Carrillo, Juan Bandini, and Pio Pico made their appearance, and soon regained control of their weak- minded chieftain. With them Don Carlos went away to Angeles, announcing his intention to remain in that city where he was still recognized, but promis- ing to commit no further hostilities.33

Alvarado went to Sta Bárbara about May 10th. He had advised Carrillo not to go to Angeles, but had not otherwise attempted to detain him. It ap- pears that he had well founded hopes of a reaction in his own favor among the Angelinos. On the 14th over sixty citizens, headed by Juan Gallardo, José M. Herrera, Vicente Moraga, Pedro Dominguez, and Antonio Aguilar, presented a petition to the ayunta- miento, in which they represented, with all due defer- ence to the supreme government, that the appointment of Carlos Carrillo as governor had not produced the beneficial results intended, since the appointee had shown himself to possess none of the qualities necessa- ry in a ruler, but had on the contrary committed seri- ous blunders, notably in exciting hostilities at San Buenaventura and Las Flores, where "only by divine dispensation had California been saved from mourning and sorrow." Therefore, the petitioners advised sub- mission to the government of the north in accordance

39 Alvarado, Campaña de la Flores, MS. May 2d, A. to J. J. Vallejo. Says that as the state is now entirely pacified, it has been determined to re- lease all political prisoners. Vallejo, Doc., MIS., xxxii. 132. May 3d, A. to alcalde of S. José. Tranquillity restored; Tobar fled; artillery in my posses- sion; Don Carlos pardoned; shall soon come north, etc. Hopkins' Translations, 8-9.

565

ARREST OF THE CARRILLOS.

with public opinion and for the country's good. No action was taken, because the petition was not written on stamped paper, but next day when that irregulari- ty had been corrected, the people were summoned and the subject discussed on its merits. Eight citizens took part in the discussion, and of twenty-eight whose names were not on the petition twenty-two voted for what was asked in that document, while only one, Serbulo Varela, voted in favor of Carrillo. The matter was finally referred to a committee, which re- ported that while the ayuntamiento had no right to criticise the acts of Carrillo, yet a clearly defined public opinion demanded the recognition of Alvarado as governor pending the decision of the government. This was approved by a plurality of votes, the result being formally communicated to the people and to Carrillo, who was still addressed as governor. Thus did the versatile city of the Angels accomplish another political somersault.40

Of course the two Carrillos and their supporters were not disposed to accept the position in which the ayuntamiento had placed them. Some of the number, like Requena, Portilla, and Trujillo, had crossed the frontier with Tobar; while others, as Pico, Bandini, Ibarra, and Botello, were left to continue the agita- tion. Before they had time, however, to carry into execution their new plan, whatever it may have been, the leaders were arrested on or about May 20th. Alvarado, promptly informed of the troubles that were brewing in the city, had sent Villavicencio with twen- ty-five men from Santa Bárbara to nip the conspiracy

40 Sessions of ayunt., May 14-15, 1838. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., v. S-23. The citizens taking part in the discussion were Tiburcio Tapia, Vicente Sanchez, Abel Stearns, Antonio Ign. Avila, José Sepúlveda, Felipe Carrillo, Ignacio Machado, and Francisco J. Alvarado. Tho committee was composed of Vicente do la Osa, Sanchez, Castillo, Sepúlveda, Stearns, and Tapia. In the lists of about 90 citizens, only one foreigner appears besides Stearns, and that was Miguel Blanco, or Michael White. In Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MS., ii. 112, is an incomplete blotter-copy of the acta of the committee, of which Stearns was made pres. and Castillo sec. According to the Los Angeles Ayunt. Rec., MS., 24, there would seem to have been also an earlier petition on the subject signed by 28 citizens.

566

DON JUAN BAUTISTA AND DON CÁRLOS.

in the bud. The governor states, both in his letters written at the time and in his later recollections, that the arrests were made by the citizens of Los Angeles, who delivered the prisoners to Villa on his arrival; but other evidence is to the effect that the captain's force made the arrests, searching the houses of prom- inent citizens for that purpose. At any rate, there were seized and carried as captives to Santa Bárbara, Cárlos Carrillo, José A. Carrillo, Pio Pico, Gil Ibarra, Narciso Botello, Ignacio Palomares, and José M. Ra- mirez. Bandini escaped. It seems that the prisoners taken at San Buenaventura had probably been released before this time; but Andrés Pico was now re-arrest- ed, together with Ignacio del Valle and Roberto Pardo at Santa Barbara." Pio Pico was quite ill at the time, and served out a short term of nominal impris- onment at the presidio.42 Carlos Carrillo was released on parole after a few days, promising not to leave Santa Bárbara and to let politics alone, a promise which he kept religiously till opportunity offered to escape.43 The other captives, eight in number, were

41 Alvarado, Campaña de Las Flores, MS .; Id., Ilist. Cal., MS., iv. 109- 11. Botello, Anales, MS., 71-SS, says he was taken at Requena's house and taken to Carrillo's, where Ibarra and Ramirez were soon brought in. Pio Pico bad been at Carrillo's house, but went to that of Doña V. Sotelo de Domin- guez, where he was found by Villa's men hidden under the floor of a chamber. At Sta Bárbara all were confined in one room under that occupied by Alva- rado. Jesus Pico, Acont., MS., 50-2, was with Villavicencio. He says J. A. Carrillo was found under a pile of hides. Carlos Carrillo was taken in charge by Villavicencio, his godson, and treated very kindly. Mrs Ord, Ocurrencias, MS., 113-17, remembers the arrival, when her mother-Carrillo's sister-ad- dres ing Villavicencio, said, 'Is it possible, José María, that thou hast brought as a prisoner thy second father?' He replied, 'Godmother, I am ordered and must obcy, but I have cared for him on the wayas if he were my own father.' J. J. Warner, Los Angeles, Ilist., 14, says he had an arm broken in resisting arrest for refusing to have his house searched by a party under Alf. Espinosa; and on June 30th Warner made a complaint before the alcalde that Agustin Martinez on May 14th had entered his house sword in hand, forced him into the street, and dangerously wounded him. Los Ang., Arch., MS., i. 156-7; Id., Ayant., MS., 18.

42 Pico, Hist. Cal., MS., 76-83, remarks that though at first subjected to petty annoyances, he was finally allowed the freedom of the presidio, and was even taken in P. Duran's coach to be padrino at a christening, Alvarado giv- ing him $200 to be expended in gifts.

"" Alvarado says he simply took Don Carlos to his wife, saying, 'Here, aunt, I bring uncle to you for safe-keeping. Try to make him understand that he is too old now for school-boy pranks.'

507

THE PRISONERS AT SONOMA.

started on May 22d for the north, being mounted on horses more famous for docility than speed, and pro- tected by an escort of fifteen men well mounted and armed. Jesus Pico commanded the escort to Buena- vista, Santiago Estrada to San Juan Bautista, Jesus Vallejo to San José, and Corporal Galindo beyond that point. They reached Sonoma the 3d of June, and were kept in confinement there by Vallejo until the end of September, or a little later.4+

In his letter of May 22d Alvarado complimented his officers and men for their conduct during the cam- paign, announcing his intention of keeping up a force of about one hundred men for the present, and of go- ing soon to Los Angeles in person.45 General Vallejo in turn congratulated him on his triumphs, urging him to follow up his victory in such a manner as to secure permanent peace, and not allow the trouble- some element in the south to recover from their de-

41 May 22, 1838, Alvarado to J. J. Vallejo, ordering him to come with a guard to meet the prisoners. Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. 86. May 30th, Gen. Vallejo to Sanchez at S. Francisco and Murphy at S. Rafael. Must furnish horses, boats, etc. Id., v. 90-1. June Ist, J. J. Vallejo to Gen. V. His ill- ness prevents him coming in person, but sends Corp. Galindo. Id., v. 92. June 6th, Gen. V. to Alvarado. Prisoners arrived 3 days ago and are kept secured. Not allowed to communicate with the people. Id., xiv. 24. June 9th, Vallejo to Lieut Ramirez. Cannot grant his request for release without orders from the gov. Id., v. 94. June 20th, A. to V. May show some leniency to such of the prisoners as are grateful for the kindness with which they have been treated. Id., v. 98. Aug. 9th, A. to ayunt. of Angeles. Grants request for liberation of political prisoners at Sonoma. Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MS., xi. 108. Sept. 2211, A. to V. Ile is to free the prisoners as soon as they bind themselves to respect the governor's authority and not to disturb the peace of the country; but they are not to be allowed to come south uncil Don Carlos and others have presented themselves as invited. Vallejo, Doc .. MS., v. 181. Botello says the prisoners, or the 4 Mexicans at least, were very cruelly treated at Sonoma, being shut up in a floorless room, without beds, and given insufficient food. Osio, Iist. C'al., MS., 393-4, 398-9, tells us that Vallejo would not speak to them, gave them food that only excessive hunger enabled them to swallow, and would not permit them to receive food pre- sented by the people. Ignacio del Valle, one of the prisoners and a Mexican, says they were treated well enough. Lo Pasado, MS., 25-9. Two of them, Ibarra and Palomares, had the small-pox while at Sonoma.

43 Alvarado, Campaña de Las Flores, MIS. Ile also asks Vallejo's advice about opening negotiations with Sonora. Salvador Vallejo, one of the officers complimented, in a letter to Gen. Vallejo says that Juan Bautista is no mili- tary man, and he has had to use his sword several times on the officers, by which they have been brought at last into tolerable disciplino and respect for their superiors! Vallejo, Doc., MS., v. S7.

508

DON JUAN BAUTISTA AND DON CÁRLOS.

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History of California, Volume III, Part 60

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