History of California, Volume IV, Part 36

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

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343

ROBINSON'S BOOK.

families.2 A few of the foreigners may have re- mained in California, but nothing is known of them. The New Mexicans were under the command of Francisco E. Vigil; they went back in several parties before the end of April, taking away about 5,000 head of horses and mules; and with one of the parties went John Rowland to bring his family and effects for the new rancho which he and Workman had secured.21 Toward the end of the year some twenty New Mexi- can families did return to settle permanently.22

The most prominent features of foreign relations having been disposed of in the chapter devoted to Jones' exploit at Monterey, it only remains for me to notice several narratives from foreign pens which be- long to this year rather than to any other. The first of these-Simpson's Narrative and Mofras' Explora- tion, both pertaining to 1842 as well as to 1841, hav- ing received attention in the annals of the latter year -is Robinson's Life in California. Though not pub- lished until 1846, it belongs more properly to 1842, because it is mainly a record of personal experiences and observations which terminated in that year with the author's departure. Alfred Robinson came from Boston as a clerk on the Brookline in 1829. He be- came the resident agent of Bryant & Sturgis, spent a large part of his time in travelling from port to port, engaged in exchanging the cargoes of the Boston ships for hides, married into one of the best Californian families, that of Captain José de la Guerra y Noriega, and, with the exception of one trip to the east, resided continuously on the coast for twelve years, until he

20 June 3, 1842, A. to min of rel. Dept. Rec., MS., xiii. 16-18.

21 Los Angeles, Arch., MS., ii. 142-3, 157-8; Dept. Rec., MS., xiii 23; Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., vi. 105-7, 115; vii. 54; xii. 59.

22 Nov. 9th, arrival of 19 families announced. Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., vii. 23. Dec. 10th, Santiago Martinez, the comandante, sends a list of those who have come to settle: list not given. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., ii. 350. Rolfe, in Frazee's S. Bernardino Co., p. 17, speaks of the coming of these fam- ilies, who settled on a part of the Jurupa rancho. This was perhaps the Slover Mt colony mentioned in the annals of 1841, there being very likely an error in the earlier date. See Hayes' Emig. Notes, 642-3.

344

MISSIONS, COMMERCE, AND FOREIGNERS-1842.

sailed on the Alert at the end of 1842. An intel- ligent and active man of business, acquainted with everybody and enjoying the respect of all, though not personally so popular as some others of the foreign traders, his opportunities for accurate observation were excellent. It does not appear, however, that he en- tertained the idea of writing a book; but during his residence he obtained from his father-in-law an inter- esting account of the Indians found among Padre Bos- cana's papers, of which he determined to publish a translation; and he was induced, in view of California's increasing importance to eastern eyes, to extend his introduction to the translation as well as he could from memory and such memoranda as were available, including letters of as late date as 1844. The result was a most interesting narrative, the title of which, Life in California, is indicative of its contents. It is an agreeable presentment of personal experiences, mingled with glimpses of political history in 1829-42, combined with sketches of the country and its re- sources and its people, and including descriptions of most places, some of which are illustrated by the pen- cil of the author. Robinson wrote anonymously, rep- resented names without any good reasons by initials throughout the work, and of course fell into some er- rors in presenting details; but as a whole, the book is worthy of much praise, and can be unfavorably criti- cised only by comparing it with what the author with his advantages might have written had he undertaken the task in time. I have had frequent occasion to . cite this work, and from it as an authority Tuthill and other writers have drawn a very large portion of their information for the period it covers. Except the works of Dana and Forbes, Robinson's was prob- ably the best known source of information about Cal- ifornia down to the discovery of gold.23

23 (Robinson) Life in California; during a residence of several years in that territory, comprising a description of the country and the missionary establish- ments, with incidents, observations, etc., etc. Illustrated with numerous engrav- ings. By an American. To which is annexed a historical account of the ori-

345

DR SANDELS, THE 'KING'S ORPHAN.'

Next a narrative of the 'King's Orphan' demands attention. Bidwell, Sutter, Hastings, and others have mentioned the visit in 1842-3 of an educated Swedish gentleman known as Dr Sandels, of scien- tific antecedents and proclivities, who had lived in Brazil, lost a fortune by mining operations in Mexico, and who declared that there were indications of gold in the region of New Helvetia.24 The recollection of his presence was vague, and but for the mention of gold would perhaps have disappeared; but a manu- script signed 'King's Orphan' has come to light, which was doubtless the work of Sandels. It is a narrative of the author's voyage from Acapulco to Monterey and of his observations while travelling in California. There is a strong element of fiction in the production, or at least in some parts of it, intended apparently to enliven the story rather than to deceive the reader, and not perhaps affecting the value of the writer's observations on men and things in California, obser- vations which without containing anything especially

gin, customs, and traditions of the Indians of Alta California. Translated from the original Spanish manuscript. New York, 1846. 12mo, 226 p. (of Life in Cal.), and p. xii. 227-341 of translation. The illustrious are, Sta Bárbara Town, Id. Presidio, Id. Mission, S. Luis Rey, S. Gabriel, S. Buena- ventura, Yerba Buena, portrait of P. Boscana, an Indian dressed in the 'tobet.' Feb. 1, 1846, Robinson writes to Capt. Fitch, announcing the ap- pearance of his book, of which several copies are sent to California. Hopes F. will take no offence at the mention of his marriage adventure. Fitch, Doc., MS., 388. Alvarado and Vallejo, taking offence at some criticism of their mission policy, are disposed to criticise Robinson unfairly. Attached to the book, with distinct title but continuous paging, is:

Boscana, Chinigchinich; a historical account of the origin, customs, and tra- ditions of the Indians at the missionary establishment of St. Juan Capistrano, Alta California; called the Acagchemem Nation; collected with the greatest care, from the most intelligent and best instructed in the matter. By the Reverend Father Friar Geronimo Boscana, of the order of St Francisco, apostolic mis- sionary at said mission. Translated from the original Spanish manuscript, by one who was many years a resident of Alta California. New York, 1846. 12mo, p. 226-341. The introduction is signed by the translator's initials 'A. R.' The original MS., from which the translation was made, remained in the possession of a branch of the Guerra family until a few years ago (about 1878), when it was purchased for the collection of M. Pinart, of Paris, whither another copy in P. Boscana's handwriting had drifted before, as it seems. I have also a few scraps of the work in the padre's hand.

2+ Bidwell's Cal. 1841-8, MS., 136; Yolo Co. Hist., 22; Sutter Co. Hist., 21; S. F. Alta, Jan. 28, 1878; Upham's Notes, 470; Hastings' Emig. Guide, 82. Sandels is also said to have made a map of Sheldon's rancho on the Cosum- nes.

346

MISSIONS, COMMERCE, AND FOREIGNERS-1842.

new or important seem to bear the marks of intelli- gence and accuracy.25 Dr Sandels, several of whose original letters are in my Library, came from Aca- pulco to Monterey with Captain Cooper on the Cali- fornia, arriving at the end of September 1842.26 He visited San Francisco, San José, Sonoma, Ross, New Helvetia, and Santa Bárbara; made an ascent of Mount Diablo; and being an artist, joined to his manuscript several pencil sketches of places seen. Of the chronology of his movements not much is known, except that his visit to Sonoma was in February or March 1843, and that he was at Santa Bárbara in April.27 In his letter to General Vallejo he described himself as 'physician, mining expert, and naturalist.' I have occasion to site elsewhere some of the 'Or- phan's' remarks on local and personal matters. In September he sailed on the Diamond for Honolulu.23

John Bidwell's pamphlet has already been noticed so far as it was a journal of his overland trip. It was a letter, dated at Bodega March 30, 1842, containing an abridgment of his journal. Twelve pages are de- voted to the author's hasty 'observations about the

25 King's Orphan, Visit to California, 1842-3, MS., in possession of the 'Assoc. Pioneers of Ter. Days of Cal.' in N. Y., said to have been found at N. Orlcans before 1848. I have not seen the original, but a portion, includ- ing the voyage to Monterey, was published in the S. J. Pioneer, June-July, 1878; another portion, including travels in the Sacramento Valley, in Id., Jan .- Feb. 1879; and a compilation from the part describing the country and visits to northern districts, in Upham's Notes, 537-62, with cuts of San Fran- cisco and Fort Ross. The three parts form a scrap-book in my collection.

Of the five autographs of this visitor in my possession, three are appar- ently GmafSandels; one G M af Sandels; and one Gm Waseurtz af SaudeIs. His name was therefore G. M. (or Gus.) Waseurtz (or Warcurtz) af Sandels- 'af' being the Swedish form of 'von.' From the original MS. in N. Y. the name was thought to be Mafs or Mass.

2" In Larkin's, Doc., i. 330, is found his signature to an inventory of Lieut Sarmiento. All the names and most of the incidents given by the 'King's Orphan ' in connection with his voyage on the Sta Maria, Capt. Hatch, from Panamá to Monterey, touching only at Acapulco, are fictitious.

27 Sandels' letters to Vallejo Feb. 23, Mar. 18, Apr. 8, 1843, in Vallejo, Doc., MS., xi. 335, 341, 357.

28 Ang. 28, 1843, Sandels' application for license to ship his luggage- books, mathematical and surgical instruments, natural history collections, Indian relics, etc. Pinto, Doc., ii. 20. Arrival at Honolulu in Oct. Friend, Oct. 1843.

347

BIDWELL'S JOURNAL.

country,' which had been confined to Mission San José, Marsh's rancho, New Helvetia, Bodega, and Ross. "You will undoubtedly expect me to come out in plain language either for or against the country," he writes, "but this I cannot do, not having been able to see as much of it as I intended before I wrote to to you. I have, however, been diligent in making inquiries of men who are residents in the country.' Bidwell then proceeds to describe in succession the timber of California, its agricultural productions, cli- mate-with a table showing the weather each day from November 4th to April 1st-its live-stock, prices, facilities for obtaining farins, and a great variety of such information as would be welcome to persons con- templating immigration. He says: "I have endeav- ored to state facts with impartiality. At least half of the company return this spring to the U. States, many of them well pleased with the country; and others so sick they cannot look at it. People gener- ally look on it as the garden of the world or the most desolate place of creation. Although the country is not what I expected, yet if it were not under the Mexican government I should be as willing here to spend the uncertain days of my life as elsewhere. It may be I shall as it is." 29

29 Bidwell, A Journey to California, n.p., n.d. (Weston, Mo. 1843 ?), 8vo, 32 p. Preface: 'The publisher of this journal, being aware that a great many persons in Missouri and other western states are at this time anxious to get correct information relative to Oregon and California, hopes in part to gratify them by giving publicity to these sheets through the press; having been so- licited to do so by men of information who have perused them in manuscript. The author, Mr John Bidwell, a young man of good acquirements and unex- ceptionable moral character, came to Missouri from the Buckeye state about 4 years ago, and resided in Platte Co. two years, during which time he made many stanch friends, and was prosperous in business. But the many in- ducements held forth to enterprising young men to go to California caused him to adopt the motto "Westward ho," shoulder his rifle, and join one of the California companies which leave the rendezvous near Independence annually. Prior to his going he promised his friends to keep a journal, noticing the incidents of the trip, and also give his observations of the country after his arrival there. This promise he has redecmed by forwarding the publisher this copy of his journal.'

Some brief quotations from Bidwell's remarks: 'I know of but two Ameri- can families here, those of Kelsey and Jocl Walker.' 'It is a proverb here, and I find it a pretty truc one, that a Spaniar.l will not do anything which he cannot do on horseback.' 'To obtain a grant you must become a citizen

348

MISSIONS, COMMERCE, AND FOREIGNERS-1842.

John Marsh, for six years a resident of the country, "complying with therequest to bemadeacquainted with some of the most interesting facts relative to Califor- nia," wrote a letter to Commodore Jones on Novem- ber 25th of this year. The writer was an educated man, and his letter contains somewhat vivid pictures of Alvarado's rule, the Graham affair, and such other prominent topics as are briefly considered. Marsh evi- dently deemed California a desirable acquisition for the United States, and devoted some space to the task of showing that communication by land with Oregon was much easier than had been represented. I have had occasion to cite this letter, which I believe has never been printed, on several points.30 Another sim- ilar letter was that written by Captain Henry A. Peirce to Thomas Cummins of Honolulu. It is dated Feb- ruary 1st, on board the brig Maryland, and contains a good description of the country's condition and pros- pects from the writer's observations during his late visit. The same man while in the east wrote a letter, which was published in the newspapers, upon the es- tablishment and possible future encroachments of the Hudson's Bay Company in California. There were few letters written by Americans in this part of the world at this period which did not allude more or less

and a member of the catholic church. Whether persons of any other de- nomination would when piously disposed be interrupted by the law, I can't say, but think not.' 'All who would come to this country inust bring pass- ports from the governors of their resident states.' 'Missions are nearly all broken up.' The people all object to the bishop remaining in the country, fearing they will have to pay tithes. 'The country is acknowledged by all to be extremely healthy.''It is seldom a Spaniard makes a charge against a traveller for his hospitality; they are kind in this respect, but I can't say how much they p-r.' 'Capt. Sutter would give any information to emi- grants, and I believe render any assistance in his power. S. José would be another good place to arrive at. Mr Gulnac is noted for his kindness to strangers.' Finally, directions about the route are given, though 'there would be many advantages in coming by water,' the author advising the use of pack- animals instead of wagons.

30 Letter of Dr John Marsh to Commodore Thomas Ap Catesby Jones, con- taining information on California, MS., 19 p. Dated Nov. 25, 1842, at Farm of Pulpones. This copy was made April 3, 1843, by Dr R. T. Maxwell, who kindly presented it to me.

349

VISCHER'S VISIT.

directly to the desirability of American, and the dan- ger of English, occupation.31

Here may be mentioned the fact that Edward Vischer, who visited California in 1842 on the Califor- nia schooner, published in later years a series of photo- graphs from pencil sketches made by himself, with a pamphlet of descriptive text, entitled Missions of Cal- ifornia; but it does not appear that any of the draw- ings were made at the time of his first visit, though doubtless his recollections of 1842 added to the value of both pictures and text.

31 Feb. 1, 1842, Peirce's Letter to Cummins, MS., copy furnished for my use by the writer. May Ist, Peirce's letter on H. B. Co., in Niles' Reg., Ixiii. 242, written in Boston.

CHAPTER XIV.

MICHELTORENA'S RULE-POLITICAL AFFAIRS. 1843.

THE GOVERNOR AT LOS ANGELES-FINANCIAL TROUBLES-WARFARE AGAINST DESTITUTION-A JUNTA OF ANGELINOS-AID FROM CITIZENS, FROM VA- LLEJO, AND FROM LIMANTOUR-SYMPTOMS OF CONTROVERSY-MICHELTO- RENA WITH HIS BATALLON COMES TO MONTEREY-RECEPTION-RUMORS OF REVOLT-GRAHAM'S OFFER-JUNTA OF OFFICERS AT MONTEREY- PREFECTURES SUPPRESSED-ABSENCE OF RECORDS-SWEARING OF THE BASES-VOTE FOR SANTA ANNA-JUNTA DEPARTAMENTAL-ELECTIONS -- CASTAÑARES FOR CONGRESS-INDIAN AFFAIRS-EXPEDITION TO MENDO- CINO OR CLEAR LAKE-THE CHOLOS AT ANGELES AND MONTEREY-EXAG- GERATED ACCUSATIONS.

DURING the first half of 1843 Micheltorena re- mained at Los Angeles with his batallon fijo. He had assumed the civil government on the last day of 1842, though holding the military command from an earlier period, and as general had rendered himself famous, or notorious, by his methods of conducting the country's defence when it was 'invaded' by the Americans. His chief task during these months was to provide for the support of his men; and he waged continual warfare with as much energy as it was pos- sible for a man of his character to show, against utter destitution. He could not get from Mexico or Maza- tlan a cent of the money that had been promised; and the custom-house receipts, one third less for the whole year than in 1842, were hardly anything at all in the earlier months of the year. Writing on April 25th, Micheltorena rendered the following account of the treasury from September to date: "Entradas, $000; salidas, $000; existencias, cuatro reales;" this

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351

WAR WITH DESTITUTION.

latter sum of fifty cents being the amount he had found in the treasury at his arrival. In March he repre- sented his men as living on six and a quarter cents per day, the officers receiving only one fifth of their pay; yet he looked forward to the time when he should get aid from Mexico, pay up all arrears, and convert his soldiers into farmers. These statements were made in connection with some of the governor's numerous appeals to Colonel Vallejo for aid.1

The records fail to show exactly how the troops were fed and clothed. The popular solution of the problem has always been that it was by stealing from the citizens; but I shall have more to say on that topic later. Micheltorena, by his gentlemanly man- ners, had made many personal friends in the south; and the more wealthy of the rancheros and traders doubtless contributed to his support. Vallejo cites a letter of José Antonio Carrillo, written in March, in which a junta of citizens is said to have been in ses- sion for three days to deliberate on ways and means after listening to a speech from the governor on the situation. A forced loan from merchants was pro- posed, but the proposition was not favorably received. The only result reached was that the gentlemen pres- ent decided to become responsible for the payment of Micheltorena's salary, for which purpose others out- side of Angeles were subsequently invited to contrib- ute.2 From Vallejo the governor received a schooner- load of provisions sent down from Petaluma on the California in June, with a certain amount of money.

1 March 15, April 25, 1843, Micheltorena to V. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xi. 344, 365. Jan. 27th, M. to admin. of customs. The strictest economy is required. Creditors must submit to sacrifices as well as soldiers and officers. Dept. St. Pap., Ben., MS., iii. 32-3. March 15th, Abrego ordered to sus- pend all back pay until further instructions. Dept. Rec., MS., xiii. 43. March 30th, one third of the customs revenue to be paid over to the comisario, with which to pay civil and military employés. One third of salaries to be paid; officers of the batallon will get one fourth, and their general nothing; judges of the tribunal must be content with their pro rata; Alvarado to get $1,300 on salary account, de preferencia. Dept. St. Pap., Ben., MS., iii. 34-5. 123-5; Dept. Rec., MS., xiii. 48.

2 Vallejo, Doc., MS., iv. 349-52. The writer says that this meeting was secret, and not known to the public for several years.

352

MICHELTORENA'S RULE-POLITICAL AFFAIRS.

So far as public funds were concerned, the times were hard also on the northern frontier, though the crops had been much better than in the south. Vallejo, though repeatedly declaring that he could no longer support at his own expense the Sonoma garrison, was unable to resist Micheltorena's appeals, accompanied as they were by hints from southern men that he was under especial obligations to aid in the support of an officer whose coming had been so largely due to his influence; but a motive still more potent in determin- ing the colonel's action was the acquisition of the Soscol rancho granted to him this year, and for which the supplies furnished for public needs to the amount of some $11,000 were to be regarded as the price.3 Another man who furnished aid to Micheltorena early in 1843, and received lands in payment, was José Y. Limantour, who had come to the coast as owner and supercargo of a Mexican vessel. What supplies were furnished and what lands granted, it is not easy-nor necessary here-to determine, so in- volved in later frauds and forgeries did the whole matter become; but that there was an actual trans- action by which Micheltorena obtained aid from Li- mantour, there is no reason to doubt.4

3 March 15, 1843, M. to V., begging him to send back the California with a load of provisions. No crops in the south except on irrigated lands, and these devoured by hungry geese and crows! Vallejo, Doc., MS., xi. 344. Voyage from Petaluma to S. Pedro in June. Cooper's Log of the Cal., MS. Much information about the supplies furnished by V. was brought out in the litigation of later years respecting the Soscol rancho. April Ist, V. to M. Has received no reply to his representations about the scarcity of supplies for the troops on the frontier and at S. F. If relief cannot be afforded, he will not be responsible for results, and asks to be relieved from his com- mand. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xi. 355. May 19th, the comisario furnishes noth- ing, and V. eannot longer support the troops. Id., xi. 377. June 18th, a public meeting held at Sonoma to raise funds for support of the garrison and the erection of public buildings. The amount raised, the Vallejos being the largest subscribers, was $3,063, besides 155 fan. grain, 20 head of cattle, 1,100 feet boards, 12,700 adobes, and 22 laborers. Capt. Castañeda was this day sent as a messenger to the gov. to explain the absolute indigence of the gar- rison. Id., xi. 411-12.

4 As another incans of raising funds, on Jan. 2d Micheltorena orders the negotiation of a loan of $10-12,000 on future customs receipts, probably with- out success; though on Jan. 10th Castañares was thanked for some 'generous offer,' which was accepted. Dept. St. Pap., Ben., MS., iii. 28-9.

353

THE GOVERNOR AND VALLEJO.

In connection with Micheltorena's appeals to Va- llejo for aid, there were some symptoms of a contro- versy between the two officers. Through Pablo de la Guerra in February, Vallejo heard a rumor that the governor had expressed doubts about the fact of his having supported the troops at his own expense, and an intention to remove him from his command of the northern line. The rumor was doubtless un- founded, and the colonel himself did not perhaps at- tach much importance to it; but he felt somewhat sore about his own instrumentality in having brought the general and his vagabonds to California, and there were many reasons why a grievance against him and a suspension of friendly relations were rather desirable than otherwise. Accordingly Vallejo, on the assump- tion that his word had been doubted and his honor offended, wrote some rather sharp letters to Michel- torena, enclosing proofs of his past expenditures in behalf of the troops, and a request to be relieved of his command. The general's reply was an assurance of his high personal and official esteem for Vallejo; a denial that he had ever doubted his word, or failed to appreciate his past sacrifices, which he hoped soon to repay; and an earnest request that he would not de- prive the country of his valuable services. It was wellnigh impossible to quarrel with such a man under such circumstances.5

Besides the labor of conducting his financial cam- paign, Micheltorena had other duties quite sufficient to occupy the spare time of an indolent ruler, who rarely made his appearance before noon, and had no fondness for office work at late hours. There was daily necessity to hear the complaints of citizens con- cerning the depredations of the cholo soldiers, and con- stant effort was required to maintain a semblance of military discipline in the batallon. Moreover, there was a variety of routine correspondence on minor matters requiring no special notice here, in which the

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History of California, Volume IV, Part 36

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