History of California, Volume IV, Part 31

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers
Number of Pages: 820

USA > California > History of California, Volume IV > Part 31

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).

33 In his Hist. Cal., MS., v. 16-17, Alvarado says he was not sorry that M. had come, as he was anxious to get rid of the office before the crisis came; yet he understood clearly that the appointment was intended as a humiliation to himself and to the Californians. He says there had been an agreement be- tween Bustamante and Santa Anna that A. was to rule two years longer. Ho and Osio, Hist. C'al., MS., 422, state that M. feared that the governorship would not be peaceably surrendered. Mrs Ord, Ocurrencias, MS., 130, says that A. was for a time inclined to resist. The intimate friendship between Castro and M. doubtless had great influence in promoting his submission.

34 Sept. 10th, M. to A. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxiii. 283; Id., Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 290-2. This writer says that A. was directly requested to act as governor; also that he was very bitter against his successor and did not answer his friendly letters.

294

ALVARADO, VALLEJO, AND MICHELTORENA.

his sentiments is impressed on the communications he has sent to me. The ample powers with which he is invested, united with his good wishes, will tend, as I do not for a moment doubt, to promote the happiness of the department, removing the obstacles that have embarrassed me in its government. I congratulate you on this happy selection, and I hope you will not disappoint the opinion that has done justice to your virtues. " 35

The part taken by Alvarado, like that of Michel- torena, in the events of Monterey in October will be noticed elsewhere. These events delayed Michelto- rena's coming to the capital, and of course the formal transfer of the governorship. In December, how- ever, the new governor decided that the transfer should take place at Angeles, and Alvarado was noti- fied to that effect. Naturally the latter did not care to go in person to the south for such a purpose, to render the abajeños spectators of his humiliation; so he simply made Jimeno Casarin acting governor, as he had done often before on plea of illness; and Jimeno, announcing the appointment, proclaimed that "General Don Manuel Micheltorena having repre- sented the very potent reasons which make it im- possible for him to present himself at this point, and which have forced him to fix his residence at Los Angeles, I have resolved to go in person to said city to place his Excellency solemnly in possession of the government." The junta departamental was also or- dered to convene at Angeles on December 30th to be present at the ceremony.36 Jimeno was accompanied on his trip south by Francisco Arce, José María Cas- tañares, Rafael Gonzalez, and Zenon Fernandez,

35 Sept. 24th, A.'s proclamation. Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MS., x. 30. English translation in Micheltorena's Administration, 3.

36 Dec. 15th, M. to justice of peace at S. Diego, ordering him to sus- pend all acts of possession until he has received his office of gov., which will be soon. From S. Diego, Arch., MS., 290, in Micheltorena's Admin., 7. Dec. 19th, A. puts Jimeno in charge. Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., xi. 133; xii. 68-9. Dec. 20th, J.'s proclamations. Id., xii. 66-70; Micheltorenu's Admin., 4-7; S. Diego, Arch., MS., 290.

205

MICHELTORENA AS GOVERNOR.

some of whom were members of the junta or in some way represented such members.37 The cere- mony at Los Angeles took place at the house of Vicente Sanchez, where Micheltorena took the oath of office at 4 P. M. on December 31st in the presence of the ayuntamiento, part of the junta, and of the most prominent citizens. Speeches were made by both Jimeno and Micheltorena; salutes were fired; and the city was illuminated for three evenings, or at least such was the order issued by the municipal authorities, in order that the people might "give ex- pression to the joy that should be felt by all patriots in acknowledging so worthy a ruler."38 On the first day of the new year the change was officially an- nounced by Jimeno and Prefect Argüello, and on January 6th Governor Micheltorena published the announcement de estilo of his accession, with the usual promises of using his authority with zeal for the common welfare.39

Though some members of the junta departamental were present to assist at the inauguration of the governor in December, the only session of that body in 1842 had been that of May 31st, when four vocales or suplentes met at Monterey to transact some busi- ness connected with the organization of the tribunal de justicia.40 Meanwhile Alvarado, in an economical mood, had decreed a suspension of the members' pay,

37 Gonzalez's diary, in Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxiv. 112; Ord, Ocurrencias, MS., 126; Valle, Lo Pasado, MS., 30-1; Botello, Anales, MS., 101-2; Coro- nel, Cosas de Cal., MS., 42; Pinto, Apunt., MS., 89; Serrano, Apuntes, MS., 70.

38 Dec. 30th, ayunt. convened. Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., xiii. 66, 70. Dec. 31st, prefect's orders for ceremonies at 4 P. M. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., ii. 308-9. At about midnight Jimeno wrote to Alvarado, 'Se ha concluido el dia, el mes, el año, y el gobierno de Vd; pues acabo de hacer entrega del mando.' Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., v. 17. Vallejo, Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 311- 13, thinks A. should have insisted on M. coming to the capital.

39 Jan. Ist, Jimeno to prefect, and the latter to the people. Jan. 6th1, Micheltorena to various subordinate officials, chiefly justices of the peace. S. Diego, Arch., MS., 292; Dept. St. Pap., Mont., MS., vi. 48; Sta Cruz, Arch., MS., 89-90; Micheltorena's Admin., 8-10.

40 Leg. Rec., MS., iv. 2-3. The members in attendance were Jimeno, Gonzalez, José Castro, and Ramon Estrada.

296

ALVARADO, VALLEJO, AND MICHELTORENA.

a measure which it is much to be feared did not in- crease the public funds, as it does not clearly appear that the salaries had ever been paid at all.41

The tribunal, or superior court, the ministros or judges of which had been appointed in 1840, seems to have been in session at Monterey from May, after much trouble in securing the attendance of the south- ern judges, Carrillo and Estudillo. These gentlemen, besides other excuses of illness and miscellaneous obstacles, declared that Los Angeles was in reality the capital, and as such the place where the court should meet.42 Juan Malarin presided; but Juan Bandini resigned his position as fiscal, or attorney; and the junta chose Manuel Castañares to fill his place, at the same time electing five substitute judges, in order to secure a quorum at subsequent sessions.43 Nothing important came before the court in 1842-3, though it sent some instructions to subordinate judges on methods of procedure; investigated the condition of prisons at the capital; and decided on appeal sev- eral minor criminal cases, sentencing one man to be shot for murder.

Among the local items of 1842 one that merits brief mention here is the discovery of gold in the Los Angeles region, the first authenticated finding of that

41 Nov. 25th, A. to sub-comisario. Dept. St. Pap., Ben., MS., iii. 27-8. Nothing was to be paid to any civil employé except on the governor's direct orders.

42 March 12, 1841, Alvarado, in approving the death-sentence of three murderers at Los Angeles, complains that the tribunal was not in session because two members had refused to obey the summons. S. Dieyo, Arch., MS., 280. April-May 1842 (or perhaps 1843; but it makes no difference, as there is nothing to be said of the court in 1843), corresp. between the gov., Malarin, Carrillo, and Estudillo. Carrillo suggests that 'Malarin would not be so eager to perform his duties were the tribunal at Angeles where it should be.' Dept. St. Pap., Pref. y Juzg., MS., iv. 37-41. Opening of the tribunal in May-it is not quite clear whether on May 1st, 19th, or 20th. Dept. Rec., MS., xiii. 33. S. José, Arch., MS., ii. 18; Los Angeles, Arch., MS., ii. 235-6, 269; Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., xii. 64; Id., Ben. Com. and Treas., MS., iv. 71. June 5th, A. refers to the tribunal the murder cases of Tagget and Richards (the former of whom was sentenced to death). Dept. Rec., MS., xiii. 22-3. Salaries: judges, $4,000; fiscal, $400 per mo .; secretary, $700 per year; clerk, $40 per mo. Id., xiii. 3-4.

43 Leg. Rec., MS., iv. 2-3; Dept. Rec., MS., xii. 54. The ministros su- plentes chosen were Eugenio Montenegro, Joaquin Gomez, Tiburcio Tapia, Juan Anzar, and José María Castañares.

207

DISCOVERY OF GOLD.

precious metal in California. The gold was found in placeres on the San Francisco rancho, formerly belong- ing to San Fernando Mission, but at the time the prop- erty of the Valle family. The discovery was made accidentally in March 1842. By May the gold re- gion had been found to extend over two leagues, and the dirt, with a scanty supply of water, was paying two dollars per day to each man engaged in mining.44 This new industry came to the knowledge of the au- thorities, and in May Ignacio del Valle was appointed encargado de justicia to preserve order in the min- ing district.45 Mofras in his book reported that his countryman, Baric, was obtaining from this placer about an ounce of pure gold per day; and it was worked more or less continuously, chiefly by Sono- rans, down to 1846.46 It may be noted also that Juan Bandini 'denounced' a veta mineral of some kind near the Yucaipa rancho in 1841-2.47

" May 6, 1842, Manuel Requena to Barron. Requena, Doc., MS., 45. The date is often given in later newspaper accounts as IS38 or 1841, but also cor- rectly in some. Abel Stearns sent some of the gold to Philadelphia by Al- fred Robinson before the end of 1842; and the correspondence on that subject has been often published. See Los Angeles Hist., 20-1; S. F. Bulletin, May 20, 1868, etc. The original letters are in archives of the Cal. Pioneer Society.

45 Valle, Doc., MS., 57; containing the original appointment by the pre- fect of Los Angeles. Further corresp. on the subject between gov. and prefect in May-July 1842. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., ii. 211, 256-8; Dept. Rec., MS., xiii. 32, 35; Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., xii. 63-5. The placer seems to have been called San Feliciano in 1846. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., v. 331.

46 Mofra, Explor., i. 489; Larkin to N. Y. Sun, June 30, 1846. Lar- kin's. Doc., MS., iv. 183. I omit many references.

47 Los Angeles, Arch., MS., v. 117-19, 478.

CHAPTER XII.

COMMODORE JONES AT MONTEREY.

1842.

ENGLISH, FRENCH, AND AMERICAN SCHEMES-JONES' INSTRUCTIONS-THE FRENCH FLEET-ENGLISH FLEET-RUMORS OF WAR-CESSION OF CALI- FORNIAS-MONROE DOCTRINE-THE ' UNITED STATES' AND 'CYANE' AT MONTEREY-CAPTURE OF THE 'GUIPUZCOANA'- JONES' POSITION AND MOTIVES-OCCUPATION AND RESTORATION OF THE CAPITAL-AUTHORI- TIES IN MANUSCRIPT AND PRINT-JONES AT SAN FRANCISCO AND SONOMA -REPORTS-ARRIVAL OF THE ' DALE ' AND ' YORKTOWN '-IN THE SOUTH -MICHELTORENA'S VALOR-MEXICAN BOMBAST-REPORTS TO MEXICO- CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES-THE 'TASSO' AND 'ALERT'- JONES AT LOS ANGELES-BOCANEGRA AND THOMPSON IN MEXICO -WEBSTER AND AL- MONTE IN WASHINGTON-IN CONGRESS-THE PRESS-JONES RECALLED.

I HAVE represented the three great powers of the world as entertaining hopes of acquiring California when it should be released from Mexican dominion, as all admitted it must be eventually.1 Subjects of France based their hopes on nothing more tangible than the idea that by affinities of religion, manners, and friend- ship, promoted by inherent dislike to Anglo-Saxon ways, the Californians in their hour of trouble might seek a protectorate in a monarchy that was Latin and catholic. Englishmen had a large claim against Mexico for loans of money in past years; and negotiations had been long in progress for a cession of territory in California and elsewhere in payment of the debt, or as security for such payment. There is no evidence that the British government took any part in these negotiations, but rumors to that effect were current

I See chap. x. of this vol.

(298)

299

AMERICAN SCHEMES.

in the United States and France, and it was known that a strong influence was being brought to bear on that government.

Americans talked also of purchase, and their gov- ernment had openly made propositions to Mexico; but their chief reliance was in the 'manifest destiny' of their nation to absorb all territory westward to the Pacific. There was a wide-spread popular feeling that California belonged by some sort of natural right to the republic. Men were not wanting to advocate its acquisition, right or wrong, by conquest if necessary ; and even those Americans who combated such a pol- icy had little doubt respecting the ultimate result. At home and abroad it was admitted that time was a powerful ally of the United States; that California would surely be her prize unless one of her rivals by prompt action or lucky accident should secure it. The national policy was therefore to wait, but at the same time to watch. War in support of the Monroe doc- trine was to be thought of, if at all, only as a last re- sort, the necessity for which must be avoided by every precaution to prevent England or France from gain- ing a foothold in the country. Such was the situa- tion in 1840-1; and it was in no material respect modified in 1842.2

2 Some current items on this general topic are as follows: A resolution intro- duced in the Texan congress to extend the limits of that country so as to in- clude Cal. Not acted on, though reports of its adoption had created some excitement. Washington National Intelligencer, in Niles' Reg., Ixii. 83. Ru- mor generally credited in Vera Cruz of a British loan of $7,000,000 on Cal. It is to be hoped it is not true, as it would threaten peace. N. Orleans Bee, in Id., Ixii. 144. This same rumor published in a Mexican paper will be noticed again. General account of the negotiations for the cession of Cal. in payment of English claims, with an article from the N. York Courier, ridiculing the reports on the subject, and declaring that there was not a par- ticle of evidence that England had any desire to get Cal. Id., Ixiii. 243, 337. In 1846, in commenting on an article in the North American which denicd that the British capitalists had acquired any lien or mortgage on the country and maintained that Webster's proposition for purchase had been favorably entertained by the Mexican minister and even approved by Lord Ashburton and the Earl of Aberdeen, the National Intelligencer says: 'How far the par- ticulars of the statement may be accurate we cannot say; but that it was Mr Webster's purpose in 1842, under the sanction of the then president, to obtain by peaceable cession from Mexico the port of S. F , and that this pur- pose was made known to lords Ashburton and Aberdeen, and met no opposi- tion in those quarters, we believe to be entirely true. We doubt, however,

300

COMMODORE JONES AT MONTEREY.

It should be borne in mind, however, that at this time diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States, growing out of Texan complications which it seems unnecessary to describe here,3 had reached a critical point, and war was regarded as im- minent. The respective merits of the two republics that were parties to the quarrel have no special bear- ing on my present subject; but of course if Mexico was ever to consent to a cession, or the Californians were to decide in favor of independence and a protec- torate, the declaration of war would furnish a favora- ble opportunity for the coups by which England or France must if at all gain their points; and at such a time it behooved the government at Washington to be especially vigilant.

Under these circumstances Commodore Thomas Ap Catesby Jones was sent out to take command of the Pacific squadron of five vessels mounting 116 guns. The English fleet in the Pacific consisted of four ves- sels, in every way superior, however, to the American craft, with 104 guns; and France had in the same waters eight vessels and 242 guns.4 From his general instructions, dated December 10, 1841, I cite in a note certain portions, the only ones which can be made to

whether any formal proposition was laid before the committees of the two houses. The state of things in 1842 was not favorable to a united action of the different branches of the government ou such a subject.' Id., Ixx. 237. Marsh, Letter to Jones, MS., 14-15, besides mentioning the H. B. Co.'s estab- lishment and quoting from Forbes, says: 'While the Americans in Cal. are looking forward with earnest expectation to the increase of our countrymen in this land, the English here are equally confident that the whole country will soon become an appendage of the British empire.' Mofras' remarks, ap- plying as well to 1842 as to 1841, have already been given; and likewise those of Sir Geo. Simpson. Henry A. Peirce, in his Letter to Cummins of February, predicts that Cal. will be a second Texas, but he greatly exaggerates the im- migration of the preceding year. The same gentleman visiting Washington was questioned by Webster about Cal., and told him, 'In the fitness of things the U. S. must have that country.' 'Well, sir,' was the reply, 'if we must, we probably will!' Id., Rough Sketch, MS., 101-2.

$ See Hist. Mex., vol. v., this series.

4 On the names of the vessels with their qualities and condition, see Jones' reports of different dates in U. S. Govt Doc., 27th cong. 3d sess., H. Ex. Doc., 1GG, p. 103-12. The American fleet consisted of the frigate United States, sloops C'yane, Dale, and Yorktown, and schooner Shark, besides the Relief store-ship.

301

INSTRUCTIONS.

bear even remotely on my present subject.5 Natu- rally there was no allusion in writing to the policy of the goverment respecting California; but it cannot plausibly be doubted that Jones started for the Pacific with a definite understanding of that policy, and with orders more or less explicit as to what he was to do in case of a war with Mexico or suspicious acts on the part of the English fleet.6

In May, Jones from Callao reported that in March, before his arrival, a French fleet with a large force had sailed from Valparaiso for a "destination altogether conjectural," which he feared might be the Californias. "Had I been on the station," he writes, "I might have considered it my duty to follow this expedition and to propound certain interrogatories to the French com- mander touching the object of so formidable an expe- dition fitted out with so much secrecy as to have eluded the observation even of Great Britain, her ever watchful rival.' He calls for instructions, and

5 ' The primary objects in maintaining a naval force in the Pacific have al- ways been and still are the protection of commerce and the improvement of discipline ... . In the event, however, of any outrage on our flag, or interrup- tion of our commerce, or oppression of our citizens on shore, or detention of any of our seamen in the public vessels of any of the states bordering on your command, you will afford them every aid, protection, and security consistent with the law of nations,' etc. 'The unsettled state of the nations bordering on the coast included within your command renders it, in the first instance, necessary to protect the interests of the U. S. in that quarter'-therefore be vigilant and keep moving. 'Nothing but the necessity of prompt and effectual protection to the honor and interests of the U. S. will justify you in either provoking hostility or committing any act of hostility, and more especially in a state with which our country is at peace .. . The increasing commerce of the U. S. within the gulf and along the coast of Cal., as far as the bay of St Francisco, together with the weakness of the local anthorities, and their irre- sponsibility to the distant govt of Mexico, renders it proper that occasional countenance and protection should be afforded to American enterprise in that quarter. You are therefore directed to employ either a sloop of war or a smaller vessel, as may be most convenient, or both if necessary, in visiting occasionally or cruising constantly upon that line of coast.' A. P. Upshur, scc. of the navy, to Com. Jones, Dec. 11, 1841, in Jones at. Monterey, 1343, p. 46-50. Such is the title by which I shall refer to the Message from the President of the U. S., in reply to the resolution of the H. Rep. of Feb. 2d, calling for information in relation to the taking possession of Monterey by Com. Thomas Ap C. Jones, Frb. 23, 1843, 27th cong. 3d sess., H. Ex. Doc., 166.

" Tuthill, Ilist. Cal., 148-9, thus expresses it: 'Jones knew the programme of the politicians, that Texas was to be annexed, that Mexico was to go "on the rampage," that the Americans were to discover unparalleled outrages on the part of Mexico, that finally war was to be proclaimed, and then California would be fair game for the American squadron on the Pacific.'

302

COMMODORE JONES AT MONTEREY.

announces that "it is not impossible but that, as one step follows another, it may be necessary for me to interpose by the assertion of our national commercial rights in case they are infringed by any power within the limits of my command."7

At the beginning of September, when Jones had returned to Callao from a cruise, and before he had received any communications from Washington, other suspicious occurrences seemed to him to require prompt action. On September 3d, Rear-admiral Thomas sailed suddenly with three English men-of-war, under sealed orders just received from England. At the same time a letter was received from John Parrott, U. S. consul at Mazatlan, dated June 22d, in which he announced the imminence of war with Mexico, and with which he sent a copy of El Cosmopolita of June 4th, containing late correspondence between repre- sentatives of the two governments on the Texan question. This correspondence included several very violent and belligerent declarations of Bocanegra, Mex- ican minister of relations, addressed to Webster and to members of the diplomatic corps.8 Also at the same time, and perhaps from the same source, there came a Boston paper containing an item from the N. O. Advertiser of April 19th, asserting that Mexico had ceded the Californias to England for $7,000,000. After a consultation with the U. S. chargé d'affaires at Lima, Jones put to sea on September 7th with the United States, Cyane, and Dale. Next day he sub- mitted the situation to his three commanders, and asked their advice, expressing his opinion that Mexico

7 May 21, 1842, Jones to sec. navy, in Jones at Monterey, p. 66-7. The French fleet was really bound to the Marquesas to take possession.

8 May 12, 1842, Bocanegra to Webster; May 31st, Id. to Id .; May 31st, Id. to dipl. corps. These doc. with other corresp. of the period may be found in U. S. Govt Doc., 27th Cong. 2d Sess., H. Doc., no. 266, 42 p .; President's Message on Relations with Mexico. Webster says of Bocanegra's letter: 'The letter itself is highly exceptionable and offensive ... The president considers the language and tone of the latter derogatory to the character of the U. S. and highly offensive, as it imputes to their govt a direct breach of faith,' and goes on to say that the U. S. will not modify its conduct, and if Mexico wants war, let her take the responsibility.

303

SUSPICIOUS MOVEMENTS.

and the United States were probably at war, and that Admiral Thomas had left Callao for the purpose of occupying California. Captains Armstrong, Strib- ling, and Dornin approved the commodore's opinion, which had also been that of Parrott at Mazatlan and Pickett at Lima; and they advised that while the Dale should be sent to Panamá with despatches and to get the latest news, the other two ships should pro- ceed with all haste to the coast of California. They went further, and decided that in case the two coun- tries were really at war it was their 'bounden duty' to seize and hold every point and port; while in any case, in accordance with the Monroe doctrine, the military occupation of California by any European power, "but more particularly by our great commer- cial rival England," would be an act so decidedly hostile "as not only to warrant but to make it our duty to forestall the design of Admiral Thomas if possible by supplanting the Mexican flag with that of the United States at Monterey, San Francisco, and any other tenable points within the territory said to have been recently ceded by secret treaty to Great Britain"! Accordingly, the vessels parted company on the 13th, the United States and Cyane making all sail for Cali- fornia, while the Dale went to Panamá with a report for Washington, and with orders to come to Mon- terey later.9

9 The following are the documents from which this narrative has been made. June 22, 1842, Parrott to Jones, with news from Mazatlan. Jones at Monterey, 1842, p. 86-7. Sept. Sth, J. to his com., submitting the facts and asking advicc. Also decision of the com. Id., 84-6. Sept. Sth, J. to com. Dornin of the Dale. Orders to sail to Panamá and to land there Lieut Wm Green with despatches for Webster from the chargó at Lima, etc. On ap- proaching Panamá he was to take every precaution against capture if war had been declared with Mexico or England, and he was especially charged to get information about the whereabouts and intentions of Thomas. Id., 73-4. Sept. 10th, letter from some one on the U. S., published in the Washington Nat. Intelligencer, and purport given in Niles' Reg., lxiii. 337. Sept. 13th, J. to sec. navy, giving a concise statement of the situation. He concludes: 'The Creole affair, the question of the right of search, the mission of Lord Ashbur- ton, the sailing of a strong squadron from France under sealed orders, ... ncw difficulties between the U. S. and Mexico, the well founded rumor of a cession of the Californias, and lastly the secret movements of the English naval force in this quarter,. .. have all occurred since the date of your last orders. Con-

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of California, Volume IV, Part 31

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe Publication date: 1885 Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers Number of Pages: 820

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers
Number of Pages: 820