USA > California > History of California, Volume IV > Part 30
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5 Jan. 2d, 11th, A. to min. of rel. Dept. Rec., MS., xiii. 6-15.
6 See chap. vii. of this vol.
7 See chap. vii. of this vol. Hall, Hist. S. José, 133-4, says: 'Each had complained of the other to the govt, and each had solicited the removal of the other from official position.' Robinson, Life in Cal., 205-6, also says that Alvarado had solicited the appointment of a new general with an additional force. Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 202, says he heard from a friend at Aca- pulco that Castañares was trying to induce Gen. Duque to come to take the command in Cal .; also that the Carrillos were plotting to make an indepen- dent state of baja and southern Cal.
8 Sept. 24th, A.'s proclamation announcing Micheltorena's arrival. Dept. St. Pap., MS., x. 30. Robinson, Statement, MS., 26-7, also thinks that A. had asked for the appointment of a successor.
9 Jan. 13th, A. to min. of war, announcing the sailing of the California with despatches. Dept. Rec., MS., xiii. 15. Jan. 15th, Prudon to V. All arrange- ments completed. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xi. 27.
10 Jan. 17th, Abrego to V. Reports of revolutionary movements at Mon- terey are false-only some extravagant toasts by men who had drunk deeply.
285
A NEW GOVERNOR AND GENERAL.
The California sailed at last from Monterey the 20th of January, and landed the commissioners of the rival dignitaries at Acapulco the 14th of February.11 From the coast they proceeded to the capital, where they arrived in time to learn that nearly a month be- fore a new governor and comandante general had been appointed to rule over California, and all the diplo- macy and intrigue attendant upon their departure had been wasted. Their mission was not, however, en- tirely without results, since from President Santa Anna Prudon received a confirmation of his captain's commission, obtaining also for his chief the promotion of Captain Vallejo to be Lieutenant-colonel of the regular army ; while Manuel Castañares was newly ap- pointed administrator of customs, and brought for Al- varado a commission as colonel of auxiliary troops-a kind of militia.12 Both comisionados returned with the new governor in August. Vallejo, in proffering his resignation, had sent to the government a state- ment, with vouchers of the sums due him for his ex- penditures in supporting the frontier garrison for many years. He was soon informed, however, by Virmond, his agent, that there was no probability of having his claim allowed, much less paid. Spence and others with valid claims fared in like manner.13
I have said that the comisionados arrived too late in Mexico; that is, Castañares did so, for Prudon's object had already been accomplished. In accordance with Vallejo's recommendations of 1840-1,14 the Mex-
Vallejo, Doc., MS., xi. 29. Jan. 19th, Castro to V., with assurance of con- tinued friendship. 'Our only foes are the foreigners, and of them I am not afraid if the Californians keep united.' Id., xi. 34.
11 Cooper's Log of the 'California,' MS. The arrival of Castañares, Rivera, and Prudon was announced in Mexico in the Diario del Gobierno of March 2d; Bustamante, Diario Mex., MS., xliv. 81.
12 Prudon's commissions, dated May 4th, in Vallejo, Doc., MS., xi. 215-16. Vallejo's commission of May 2d. Id., i. 16. Castañares' appointment men- tioned by Virmond April 16th. Id., xi. 209. Alvarado's commission of May 2d. Id., xxxiii. 277; Dept. St. Pap., Mont., MS., vi. 47.
13 Vallejo, Doc., MS., i. 351; xi. 209; Id., Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 274-7.
14 Vallejo had also sent Capt. Castañeda to Mexico at the end of 1839- chap. xx. of vol. iii .- but what influence he had, if any, is not known.
256
ALVARADO, VALLEJO, AND MICHELTORENA.
ican government had decided to accept his resignation, to unite the civil and military commands in the person of a Mexican officer, and to send troops to California. The choice of an officer fell upon Manuel Michelto- rena, brigadier and adjutant-general in the Mexican army. He is said to have been of a distinguished family, and to have rendered good service in Texas and elsewhere; but I know nothing definite of his career down to July 1840, when, being then a colonel and acting as chief of staff, he helped to put down a revolt in the city of Mexico15-a service, doubtless, which gave him his promotion. He also defended José Castro before a court-martial, and thus became known to Californians. His appointment as governor, com- andante general, and inspector of California was dated January 22, 1842; his instructions bore date of Feb- ruary 11th; and the announcement was made to Cal- ifornian authorities the 22d of February.16
Micheltorena's salary was fixed at $4,000. In his instructions were expressed in the usual flattering terms unlimited confidence in his ability and patriot- ism, and also the nation's profound interest in all that affected the welfare of so promising a department as California. Because that country was so far away, however, and in view of the difficulties likely to arise
Nothing is heard of him from April IS40 until April 1841, when he was a pas- senger from Acapulco on the California, and got left at Mazatlan. Cooper's Log, MS.
15 Valencia's report of Aug. 8th, in Diario del Gobierno, Aug. 11, 1840; Vallejo, Doc. Hist. Mex., MS., ii. 88.
16 Jan. 24, 1342, Gen. Valencia, chief of staff, to Micheltorena, announc- ing his appointment on Jan. 22d. Original doc. in Savage, Doc., MS., iii. 2-3. Jan. 25th, Santa Anna and min. of rel. to Micheltorena and to gov. of Cal. Dept. St. Pap., Ben., MS., i. 7; Id., Ang., xii. 67-8. Feb. 22d, min. of war to Vallejo, announcing the appointment, and acceptance of Vallejo's resignation, with thanks for his services. Savage, Doc., MS., iii. 6. Publica- tion of these orders in Cal. in September. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xi. 255-7. In the original documents cited it is to be noted that Micheltorena was made governor, etc., of Alta California only; but in his instructions it is stated that his authority is to extend also over Baja California; and later he signed him- self 'General de Brigada del Ejército Mejicano; Ayudante General de la Plana Mayor del mismo; Gobernador, Comandante General, é Inspector del Departamento de las Californias.' S. Diego, Arch., MS., 300; Arch., Sta Bár- bara, MS., vi. 141; Pico, Doc., MS., ii. 15, etc. The military jurisdiction of the peninsula had previously belonged to Sinaloa.
287
MICHELTORENA'S ARMY.
from its supposed demoralized condition, the new gov- ernor was invested with some extraordinary powers, being authorized to remove and appoint both civil and military employés without awaiting approval from Mexico. He was to inspect and reorganize the pre- sidial companies; to study and report upon the situa- tion in respect of missions, custom-house, and treas- ury; to encourage by all means within his power internal improvements, colonization, the civilization of Indians, and education of youth; to regulate the mails and administration of justice; to favor the de- velopment of art; and to protect agriculture, com- merce, and all the country's industries.17
Of the raising of troops to accompany Micheltorena, for the support of which $8,000 per month was ordered to be paid at Mazatlan in addition to the Californian revenues,18 less is known than would be desirable. At first it was reported that a large force, perhaps 1,000 or 1,500 men, would be sent;19 but 500 seems to have been about the number finally decided on, 300 of whom were to be convicts, and 200 regular soldiers. In Feb- ruary a decree was issued through the minister of jus- tice ordering the selection of 300 criminals from Mex- ican prisons for this purpose. Those having trades were to be preferred, and when they had arrived at their destination, they might be released from part or all of their term of convict life in consideration of good conduct on the journey, or of "services which they might render," for which also their families would be aided to join them, and they would receive lands and implements to become colonists.20 There is no indi-
17 Micheltorena, Instrucciones que recibió del Supremo Gobierno al tomar el mando de Californias, 1842, MS .; also in Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 268-72; Hayes' Mission Book, i. 35S; Id., Scraps, Legal IIist. S. Diego, i. no. 57, p. 31-4; Wheeler's Land Titles, 117-18. Micheltorena is authorized to call upon the com. gen. of Sonora and Sinaloa for aid, but apparently only for Baja California.
18 Dept. St. Pap., Ben., MS., i. 89-90.
19 Bustamante, Diario Mex., MS., xliv. 158-9; Id., Hist. Sta Anna, MS., ii. 8.
20 Dwinelle, Address before Cal. Pioneers, 1866, p. 20-1, quotes the decree under date of Feb. 22d, from the Observador Judicial y de Legislacion, i. 372;
2SS
ALVARADO, VALLEJO, AND MICHELTORENA.
cation in the order that the convicts were to become soldiers; indeed, criminals could not be legally en- listed; but doubtless the 'service' referred to, for which they were to be pardoned, consisted mainly of an en- gagement to enlist as soon as a pardon had freed them from all taint of criminality! At any rate, they were soldiers when they landed in California.
There is no record of the number of convicts ob- tained; but I think it could not have been over half that required-or if all, that at least half managed to desert before sailing. With this nucleus of an army Micheltorena left Mexico on May 5th, and ar- rived at Guadalajara the 22d, the quickest march on record by that route, having found no reason to complain of the "chiefs and officers to whose valient swords the president confided the integrity and de- fence of the national territory in both Californias."21 It would seem that General Paredes, commanding in Jalisco, had orders to furnish two hundred regular soldiers, and he took advantage of the opportunity to get rid of all the useless and unmanageable men in his army, filling up the number with a forced levy of recruits from the farms near Guadalajara.22 These
and Mexico, Coleccion de Decretos y Ordenes de Interes Comun. Mex., 1850. 352 p. Mofras, Explor., i. 311-12, cites it from the Diario del Gobierno, Feb. 21, 1842; and Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 243, from a document in the archives-which has eluded my search-dated Feb. 21st. Feb. Ist, a decree of Santa Anna provided for a squadron of active militia to be called the 'fijo de Californias.' Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., iv. 106-7.
21 May 23, 1842, Micheltorena to min. of war, in Siglo, xix., June 10, 1842; Bustamante, Diario Mex., xlv. 59. He had a train of over 100 pack-animals laden with munitions and implements.
22 'Al formarse esta espedicion se me dieron cuantos criminales y facinerosos qulso castigar el Sr General Paredes, completando los pocos que le faltaron al número con una leva en las campiñas de Guadalajara, que arrebató y para siempre de sus hogares sin calificaciones ni oir escepcion alguna á padres de familia con ocho ó diez hijos.' Micheltorena's report of Jan. 23d to min. of war, in Castañares, Col. Doc., 58. According to Mexico, Mem. Guerra, 1844, p. 48-9, the squadron was made up of 'reemplazos que con gran puntualidad preparó el comandante general de Jalisco.' Chiefly criminals without mili- tary discipline. Mexico, Mem. Rel., 1845, p. 25-6. Serrano, Apuntes, MS., 74-6, says the corps at first destined for California was the 'Tres de Allende,' one of the best in the service. He, Amador, Memorias, MS., 148-51, and others imply that the convicts also were obtained in Jalisco. Botello, Anales, MS., 95-7, tell us that one of the men seized in the fields afterwards became his servant, and told him all the details.
289
THE BATALLON FIJO.
two bodies of men constituted what was called the Batallon Fijo de Californias, which was marched to the coast and embarked. Many succeeded in escaping on the road and at San Blas and Mazatlan, at which port Micheltorena touched in what appears to have been a vain search for funds. It is related that at one of the ports the cholos were kept on an island, and that besides those who escaped many were drowned in the attempt. I suppose there were about three hundred who finally sailed from Mazatlan, though there is no accurate record of the number ex- tant; and there were forty or fifty of the deserters who were arrested and sent to California two years later. 23
The new governor and his batallon fijo embarked at Mazatlan on or about July 25th, in four vessels.24
23 Coronel, Cosas de Cal., MS., 38-9, says there were a few over 300 who arrived at S. Diego. Marcelino Gareía was one of the deserters from the island, and in his Apunte sobre Micheltorena, M.S., gives some details about the adventures of himself and companions. Robinson, Life in Cal., 205-7, ealls the number 350. The alealde of S. Diego in announeing the arrival of the first vessel at S. Diego said that 400 men were coming. Micheltorena's Ad- ministration, 1; S. Diego, Arch., MS., 289. Mofras, Explor., i. 311-12, gives the number as 450. Serrano, Apuntes, MS., 78-9, makes it 500. Some Califor- nians speak of 600 and 800 men. In his letter of 1844, Castañares, Col. Doc., 58, Micheltorena speaks only of his foree of 200 men. 200 was the number finally sent away from Cal. Dept. St. Pap., MS., vi. 20-1. A roster in Id., v. 70-4, makes the foree of the batallon at the end of 1843 about 250 mnen. Aeeording to this record there were five companies, including one of grana- deros and one of cazadores. I append the following list of offieers, a few names being supplied from other sources: Colonel, Rafael Tellez. Adjutants, Mariano Garfias, Juan Lambaren (died in 1844); comandante, Juan Abella. Captains, Franeiseo D. Noriega, José Mª Mejía, Dionisio Gonzalez, José MA Flores, José Ma Segura. Licutenants, Franeiseo Eguren, Macedonio Padilla, Emigdio Abrego, Mariano Villa, Ignacio Aguado, Ignacio Plaza, Marquez, Luis G. Maciel, Antonio Somoza, Pedro García. Sub-lieutenants, Joaquin Ávila y Canalejo, Ignacio Servin, Feliciano Vivaldo, Rafael Sanehcz, Guada- lupe Medina, Jose Ma Limon, Lcon Ruiz, Manuel Garfias, Juan N. Bravo, Manuel Bravo, Juan Gutierrez, José Correa, Guillermo Coronel. Sergeants, Severo Aguirre; rest vacant. Buglers, José Ma Perez, Quirino Vergara, Luciano Sandoval, Jesus Flores, Mariano Mereado, Juan José Lopez. Di- rector de hospitales, Faustino Moro; pito, Laurcano Guzman; 20 corporals. Total, 60; privates, 180. Total foree in 1844, 237 men. Id., Ben. Com. and Treas., v. 3-5.
24 The only reeord I have found of the date is in Rivera, Hist. Jalapa, iii. 539. Perhaps all the vessels did uot sail the same day. The names of three vessels only are given; that of the Chato, mentioned incidentally by Robinson, Life in Cal., 205-7; the Republicano, mentioned in some of Micheltorena's later correspondence; and the schr California, Capt. Cooper, which brought 32 men under Lient José M. Sarmiento, who died on the voyage. Cooper's HIST. CAL., VOL. IV. 19
200
ALVARADO, VALLEJO, AND MICHELTORENA.
One of the fleet with Micheltorena on board-and also two old acquaintances of the reader, Colonel A. V. Zamorano and Captain Nicanor Estrada, the former in a dying condition 25-arrived at San Diego on Au- gust 25th, after a tedious trip of thirty-one days. The other vessels arrived within ten days;26 and Micheltorena spent several weeks in organizing and drilling his convict recruits. It was no easy task, though many of the men had done military service at some period of their lives. It was long before any considerable portion could be trusted with weapons; but from the first the batallon showed marked pro- ficiency in foraging for supplies by night. Moreover, on overhauling the munitions it was found that the bullets as a rule would not fit the muskets, and had to be remelted. Financial obstacles were also encoun- tered from the start, making it difficult to support the troops sent to protect the country. At last, late in September, Micheltorena started with his men north- ward and came to Los Angeles, where he was re- ceived with popular demonstrations of enthusiasm, the national fiesta of September 16th being postponed in his honor.27 After enjoying the hospitality of the
Log; Larkin's Doc., i. 330. Other vessels on the coast in the autumn, and which probably included the other transport, were the Primavera, Joven Fanita, Palatina, and Guipuzcoana.
25 Several died on the voyage. Osio, Hist. Cal., MS., 420-2, says Zamo- rano's illness and the death of the others were due to sufferings on the long voyage, the masters of the vessels having chartered them by the day, and making the trip as long as the water coul.l be made to last! Robinson, who was at S. Diego at the time, describes the 90 soldiers and their families who came on the Chato as having landed in a state of great misery.
26 Ang. 25th, Góngora, juez de paz at S. Diego, to prefect at Angeles, an- nouncing arrival. Aug. 29th, prefect's reply, with orders for great attentions to be shown to the new gov. S. Diego, Arch., MS., 289; Micheltorena's Ad- ministration in Upper Cal., 1842-5, p. 1-2. This is an Svo pamphlet of 28 p., containing translations of 27 original documents from the archives. It has no imprint, but was probably published as an appendix to the proceedings in some land case. Robinson, Statement, MS., 26-7, arrived the same day on the Alert, which vessel fired a salute to the new gov. Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 289, says the troops arrived, that is, the last of them, Sept. Sth. Sept. 3d, Micheltorena announces his arrival to V. J'allejo, Doc., MS., xi. 236. Aug. 28th, letter announcing arrival the day before, in Boston Adver- tiser, Dec. 10, 1842; Niles' Reg., lxiii. 242.
27 Sept. 9-15, 1842, several items about Micheltorena's expected arrival, preparations in the way of lodgings and supplies, postponcment of fiesta, etc. Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., vii. 7-23. Sept. 25th, prefect orders the sending
291
THE GOVERNOR AT LOS ANGELES.
Angelinos for nearly a month, during which time he subjected his personal popularity to a severe test by reason of the necessity of feeding, and the impossibil- ity of controlling his thieving followers, the governor resumed his march toward the capital. He had got no farther than San Fernando when, in the night of October 24th, he was met with the startling news that an American fleet had anchored at Monterey, and had demanded the surrender of the town. This affair and what Micheltorena did in connection with it will be given in another chapter. The new ruler had proved himself a gentleman of kind heart and pleasing ad- dress, and he had met with a cordial reception from the people: but there were those who doubted already that he had the qualities by which California could be saved from all her troubles. 29
It is not clear that the. old authorities knew any- thing definite of Micheltorena's appointment before his arrival, though such may have been the case.29
of 40 carts required by Micheltorena. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., ii. 161. He seems to have delivered an oration at the fiesta, and for a week there was a succession of balls and other sports. The festivities are described at some length in Coronel, Cosas de Cal., MS., 41-5; and mentioned by Botello, Anales, MS., 101-2. Pinto, Apunt., MS., 84-8, relates that 25 men of the batallon deserted and attempted to escape to Mexico by way of the Colorado, but were pursued and brought back by a force under the writer's command. See general mention of Micheltorena's appointment and arrival in Tuthill's Hist. Cal., 147; Hartmann, Geog. Stat. Cal., i. 39; Ferry, Cal., 23; Belden's Hist., Statement, MS., 40; Ord, Ocurrencias, MS., 125.
28 Oet. 22, 1842, John C. Jones writes from Sta Bárbara to Larkin: 'From accounts, the general is a mild, affable, and well disposed man, but devoid of all energy, stability, force, or resolution; the very last man that should have been sent to guide the destinics of California. He appears fickle and very undecided in his movements; and, if report speaks true, not overstocked with the one indispensable requisite to make a good soldier.' Hopes the new troops may be swallowed up before they reach Sta Bárbara. 'If the people had any grit they would rise en masse and drive the wretches out of the country.' Micheltorena was to be given a $350 ball on his arrival. 'Don't think of the capital being fixed at Los Angeles, no such thing; the general quits the place in disgust, and talks of Sta Bárbara as the seat of government. . . . But no, don't be alarmed. Treat his Excellency well at your place, and my word for it there will still be the capital. A little soap and a firm spine will, without much difficulty, bring him to a permanent balt in your good town of Mon- terey.' Larkin's Doc., MS., i. 344.
29 The Clarita arrived at S. Diego July 7th, with news that a general with 500 men was coming, Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., vi. 128. April 16th, Vir- mond writes to Vallejo of Micheltorena's appointment, and of his financial
292
ALVARADO, VALLEJO, AND MICHELTORENA.
On September 3d, however, from San Diego he sent to both Alvarado and Vallejo the official orders of the government, providing for his accession to both com- mands; and he took advantage of the occasion to ex- press the most kindly feelings toward both gentlemen, as well as his determination, and that of his men, to make California happy. Other despatches of similar purport were sent, and among the official papers sent to Vallejo was a lieutenant-colonel's commission.30 Vallejo of course promptly indicated his submission to his new superior, and issued corresponding orders to all subordinates. September 19th may be regarded as the date when he surrended his position as coman- dante general. In accordance with these orders, José Castro, to whom Micheltorena also brought a com- mission as lieutenant-colonel, with Alférez Pinto and a guard, left the capital on the 27th for Los Angeles, to greet the general.31 Subsequently, on October 6th, Vallejo was made comandante of the northern line, in- cluding the territory as far south as Santa Inés; and he did not fail to notify his chief that the garrison of Sonoma had long been supported at his own private expense; that his resources could not hear this ex- pense forever; that the northern frontier was exposed to continual dangers, and that the people did not care very much under whose dominion they were, so long as their families and property were protected.32
difficulties. Vallejo, Dor., MS., xi. 209. And Vallejo says, Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 272-4, that he got the letter in May, but lost all hope of success when he learned that lack of money was already causing trouble. In Id., iv. 284-5, he says he heard of the appointment officially on Aug. 17th.
30 Sept. 3, 1842, M. to V. Savage, Doc., MS., iii. 9-11. No date (probably before Sept. 3d), Id. to Id., to same effect, and wants aid for his men. Id., iii. 7-8.
31 Sept. 19th, V. to M. and to his subordinates. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xi. 255-58. Sept. 20th, V. to Abrego, ordering all possible peenniary aid to be furnished to M. Au officer to be despatched with aid, etc. Id., xi. 259- 62. Sept. 27th, Capt. Silva to V., announcing departure of Castro, Pinto, and four soldiers. Id., xi. 266. Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., v. 15-16, tells us that M. was recognized at S. Diego by the comandante at Vallejo's orders; and he even exceeded his powers by recognizing him as governor. 'The Mexicans always worship the rising sun.'
32 Oct. 6, 1842, M. to V., appointing him 'Gefe de linea militar desde So- noma hasta Sta Inés. Dept. St. Pap., Den., MS., ii. 35-6. Private and flatter- ing letter on same subject in Vallejo, Ilist. Cal., MS., iv. 293-7. Oct. 15th,
293
ALVARADO'S DISAPPOINTMENT.
Governor Alvarado was of course bitterly disap- pointed at the coming of a successor; but he gave no sign publicly of his chagrin, and there is no evidence that he thought for a moment of resistance.33 Such resistance, as he well knew, must prove unsuccessful with Castro as well as Vallejo against him; his only chance was to raise the standard of revolt and call upon the foreigners for support; but such a scheme had no attraction for him, and he had lost much of his popularity with that class of foreigners most likely to engage in revolt. To Alvarado as to Vallejo Mi- cheltorena wrote in friendly and flattering terms from San Diego, announcing his appointment and arrival, forwarding his credentials, and stating that he would soon march for Los Angeles on his way to the capital. He made no demand for an immediate transfer of the political command, thus impliedly authorizing Alva- rado to hold it until his arrival at Monterey.34 On September 24th Alvarado issued a proclamation in which he had the pardonable assurance to state that he had been relieved in accordance with his own re- quest. Of Micheltorena he says: "Fame has done justice to the merits of this chief, and the nobility of
Nov. 6th, 19th, V. to M., in Vallejo, Doc., MS., xi. 273, 290, 300, 308. In one of his letters V. complains that M. addresses him as lieut-colonel, ignoring his rank as ' colonel of the country's defenders.' This rank had been given him Aug. 6, 1839, and in 1840 President Bustamante had sent him as a gift a pair of colonel's epaulettes. Id., i. 14-15; ix. 150; x. 42. Nov. 15th, Capt. Silva declines to obey Alvarado's requisition for arms without orders from the comandante. Id., xi. 288. Same date, Silva's report of military force available at Monterey-13 artillerymen and 9 cavalry. Id., xi. 289. Dec. 3d, Castro is authorized to communicate directly with M. to avoid delays. Id., Corresp., MS., 54.
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