History of California, Volume IV, Part 61

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

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9 See chap. xix. of this vol. for corresp. of Wyllie and Hartnell.

10 In 1845 Wyllie was sec. for foreign affairs at Honolulu. See his cor- resp. with Com. Sloat and Admiral Seymour, in Honolulu Polynesian, ii. 99- 100.

11 Hansard's Parliamentary Debates, Ixxii. 430; lxxviii. 430-2. In Niles' Reg., Ixix. 147-8, is an article from the N. Y. Courier on the evident inten- tion of England to possess Cal., including a letter from Caleb Cushing on the past history of the matter. No evidence is presented with which my readers

593

HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY.

in California the next year a project discussed by cer- tain men-and it is not unlikely that it was begun before the end of 1845-to obtain an English protec- torate; but there is no definite evidence on the sub- ject, which will be fully considered later.

In relation to the affairs of the Hudson's Bay Com- pany, there is the same lack of records that has been noted before, but it does not appear that the hunters came at all this year. The most prominent event in this connection, however, was the suicide of William G. Rae, the company's agent at San Francisco, which occurred on the morning of January 19th. Rae, after having made a will and taken an opiate, deliberately blew out his brains with a pistol-shot, in the presence of his wife.12 As to the motives of this act, the in- quest revealed nothing beyond the fact that Rae had been for some time in low spirits. It is supposed, however, that his depression grew out of financial troubles, and his failure to manage the company's business successfully; and that it was aggravated also by the excessive use of intoxicating liquors.13 Other motives, both domestic and political in their nature,

are not already familiar. The Monitor Constit., Apr. 16, 1845, contains ex- tracts from Amer. papers on reports that documents showing Sta Anna's ne- gotiations with England had fallen into the power of his focs at Vera Cruz.

12 Rae, Investigacion Judicial sobre el Suicidio del agente de la Compañía de la Bahia de Hudson en Yerba Buena, 19 de Enero, 1845, MS. This is a rec- ord of the inquest held the next day. It appears that about 8 A. M., Wm Sinclair, a servant, and Mrs John Fuller were attracted by loud words to Rae's room, where they found him with his coat off and a pistol in his haud, declaring his intention to kill himself. Mrs Rae fainted, but Sinclair suc- ceeded in seizing the pistol before it could be discharged, and hastened to call Hinckley. Rae, however, obtained another pistol, probably from his coat in another room, and accomplished his purpose, being dead when Hinckley and the rest arrived. It was shown that he had taken a strong dose of camphor- ated tincture of opium, or paregoric, just before the act. The witnesses were Sinclair, Mrs Fuller, Hinckley, John C. Davis, John Rose, Wm Reynolds, aud Nathan Spear, who also acted as examining surgeon. Jas A. Forbes pro- duced Rae's will, or instructions for the disposition of the company's prop- erty, which had been delivered to him the day before, though dated Jan. 20th. The verdict was death by suicide.

13 Phelps, Forc and Aft, 271-5, speaks of him as a hard drinker, especially after business reverses. Mrs Rac, ilarvey's Life of McLoughlin, MS., says nothing of the suicide or its causes, but states that the company's business was in a bad state, it being impossible to collect debts. Oct. 3d, Forbes con- plains of the impossibility of collecting the $15,000 due the company. Dept. St. Pap., MS., viii. 67-70.

HIST. CAL., VOL. IV. 38

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FOREIGN RELATIONS-1845.

have been aseribed with some plausibility. It is said that the Scotch bon-vivant had succumbed to the at- tractions of a native Californian woman, which fact naturally led to a quarrel with his wife; and the sit- uation was complicated by the fact that it was to his wife's father, Dr MeLoughlin, that he owed his posi- tion.14 Larkin believed at the time and later that the suicide resulted mainly from the part Rae had taken in the revolution then in progress. He had aided the Californians with arms and munitions belonging to the company, and had been present on the field of Santa Teresa. Now Micheltorena seemed sure to succeed; and his vengeance was likely to complete the ruin of the company's establishment, for which he, by reason of his unjustifiable and unsuccessful interfer- enee, would be held responsible.15 After Rae's death Forbes took charge of the establishment at Yerba Buena; but there was little to be done except to pre- pare for its abandonment, which took place the fol- lowing year, when MeTavish came down on the Van- courer in March 1846, as agent with instructions to sell the company's house, settle all business, and re- turn to the Columbia by the next vessel, with the re- mains, family, and effects of Rae.16

I come now to the plans of the United States re- specting California, or rather to what was said about

14 Davis, Glimpses of the Past, MS., 72, tells us that Rae, whom the writer knew intimately, was a very sensitive man, and was driven to his death by shame and mortification when the scandal became public. Hittell, Hist. S. F., 90, also alludes to this matter, probably on the authority of Leese.

15 June 6th, L. to sec. state. Larkin's Off. Corresp., MS., ii. 23. Also statement of L. in S. F. Alta, Aug. 27, 1854. Robert Birnie in an Alta of 1865 confirms Larkin's statement, and denies that family troubles had any in- fluence. Sutter, Person. Remin., MS., 67-8, says no one knew why Rae killed himself. "He said to me one day in a fit of melancholy, "It is just fit weather to cut one's throat."" In the Alta, ubi sup., the finding of Rae's body on Aug. 26, 1854, by workmen employed in digging for a sewer on Commer- cial St between Montgomery and Kearny is mentioned. The coffin had a glass plate, and bore Rae's name. It was re-interred in Yerba Buena ceme- tery. In Barry and Patten's Men and Mem., 23, the finding is put in 1852. I have much doubt about the identity of the remains found.

16 Larkin's Of. Corresp., MS., ii. 51; Honolulu Friend, iv. 161; Mckay's Recoll., MS., 4.

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SCHEMES OF THE UNITED STATES.

them; for 1845 brought no modifications in the plans themselves. American writers spoke in the most glowing terms of the country's natural advantages and glorious destiny.17 They declared its separation from Mexico inevitable, were certain that England was straining every nerve to win so valuable a prize, and equally sure that the United States must have it- though there were some who hoped to see the end attained by purchase rather than by a repetition of the Texan jugglery. The works of Hastings and Frémont having been noticed in connection with the visits that gave rise to them, as also that of the Rus- sian, Markof, there are no other books of 1845 on California that demand attention; but I give in the appended note some quotations which reflect the spirit of the times on the matter now under consider- ation.18

17 Yet there were exceptions. In the Southern Quarterly Review, viii. 199, we read: 'Whether Cal. will ever become of any great importance in the his- tory of the world, or advance to any conspicuous position either agricultur- ally, commercially, or politically, is susceptible of the greatest doubt ... In itself it has little prospect beyond a nerveless imbecility ... Scarcely a coun- try in the world is cursed with a soil more hopelessly sterile. Everything is burned up from want of rain.'

18 Waddy Thompson, Recollections of Mexico, N. Y., 1847 (preface signed Feb. 1846), chap. xxv. p. 232-41, formerly U. S. minister in Mexico, says: 'I had been consulted whether in the event of a revolution in Cal. and its successful result in a separation from Mexico, our govt would consent to sur- render their claims to Oregon, and that Or. and Cal. should constitute an independent republic. I of course had no authority to answer the question.' California 'is literally a waif, and belongs to the first occupant. . . Capt. Suter is the real sovereign of the country if any one is. . . I have no doubt his force would be more than a match for any Mexican force which will ever be sent against him. .. I am well satisfied that there is not on this continent any country of the same extent as little desirable as Oregon, nor any in the world which combines as many advantages as Cal. .. If man were to ask of God a climate, he would ask just such a one as that of Cal., if he had ever been there ... The richest mines of gold and silver have been discovered there !... I will not say what is our policy in regard to Cal. Perhaps it is that it re- main in the hands of a weak power like Mexico, and that all the maritime powers may have the advantage of its ports. But one thing I will say, that it will be worth a war of 20 years to prevent England acquiring it, which I have the best reasons for believing she desires to do, and just as good reasons for believing that she will not do if it costs a war with this country. . . I want no more territory, for we have already too much. If I were to make an ex- ception, it would be to acquire Cal. But I should grieve to see that country pass into the hands of England .. . I am by no means sure that another sister republic there. .. will not be best for us ... Whenever the foreigners in Cal. make the movement, it must succeed.' The author did not believe there would be a war on account of the Texas matter.

The N. O. Courier says 'Cal. is destined crelong to be annexed to the U.

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FOREIGN RELATIONS-1845.

And I can do no better than to quote in my text a letter of James Buchanan, secretary of state under President Polk, to Thomas O. Larkin, written in October, at the same time that Lieutenant Gillespie was sent to California. "The future destiny of that country," says Buchanan, "is a subject of anxious solicitude for the government and people of the United States. The interests of our commerce and our whale- fisheries on the Pacific demand that you should exert the greatest vigilance in discovering and defeating any attempts which may be made by foreign govern- ments to acquire a control over that country. In the contest between Mexico and California we can take no part, unless the former should commence hostilities

S .; ' on which the N. O. Tropic comments: 'If any evidence were wanting to show the spirit of aggression and national plunder which has seized upon the minds of a portion of our people, the foregoing paragraph supplies it in abun- dance ... What we feared has come to pass; and before the details of the an- nexation of Texas are settled, we see influential journals calling out for the annexation of Cal. And how, pray, is this proposal to be brought about ? The country, one of the best in the world, is represented in glowing colors, and American citizens are induced to emigrate. That thousands will accept the invitation, it requires no seer to tell. The American population will soon be sufficiently numerous to play the Texas game! The standard of revolt will be raised-the govt will be overthrown-the cry of "liberty" will be raised in this country, and thousauds of the young and adventurous will fly to the relief of their oppressed countrymen in Cal .! Mexico will be unable to reduce her refractory province to obedience, and another " Lone Star Republic " will spring up on the shores of the Pacific. A little while longer the " Republic of California " will be knocking at our doors; and we shall have the absurd cry of re-annexation. It will be all right of course; it will only he "extend- ing the area of freedom "-but will the spirit of robbery stop in its rapacious career ?' etc. Niles' Reg., Ixviii. 162.

'We lay it down as an axiom-to be enforced by war if necessary-that when Mexico ceases to own Cal. it must constitute an integral part of the American Union.' N. Y. Courier, in Id., Ixix. 147. 'Albert M. Gilliam, late U. S. Consul at Cal., is of opinion that it must soon fall into the hands of the American race, and that a railroad direct from S. F. might be made to great advantage.' Id., Ixix. 203. The same number contains Larkin's letter of July, taken from the N. Y. Journal of Commerce, in which he gives a de- scription of current affairs calculated to promote immigration and create fears of English designs. He incorrectly represents the Californians as preparing to resist an expedition to be sent against them at English expense and insti- gation. In Id., Ixix. 244-5, is an article from the Baltimore Patriot, in which the writer, evidently Dr Wood of the U. S. navy, says: 'I think I can foresee in the inevitable destiny of this territory one of the most efficient fortresses from which new and liberal are to combat old and despotic institucions. Circumstances known to me here assure me that Great Britain, as the watch- dog of despotism, sees the same thing, and is ready to arouse every energy to impede such a result. If the view I present is correct, it would indicate our policy in case of belligerent relations.'

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BUCHANAN'S LETTER.

against the United States; but should California assert and maintain her independence, we shall render her all the kind offices in our power as a sister republic." While the exercise of compulsion or improper influence to acquire territory would be repugnant to the sentiments of the president, "he could not view with indifference the transfer of Cali- fornia to Great Britain or any other European power. The system of colonization by foreign monarchies on the North American continent must and will be resisted by the United States." This is in reply to Larkin's communications of July, and the writer agrees that the presence of Forbes and Gasquet affords grounds for grave suspicions. He urges Larkin to incite the Californians against foreign de- signs, and continues: "Whilst I repeat that this government does not under existing circumstances intend to interfere between Mexico and California"- there was as my reader knows no present controversy between the two, though it had suited Larkin's purposes to represent the contrary-"they would vigorously interfere to prevent the latter from becom- ing a British or French colony. In this they might surely expect the aid of the Californians themselves. Whilst the president will make no effort and use no influence to induce the Californians to become one of the free and independent states of this Union, yet if the people should desire to unite their destiny with ours, they would be received as brethren, whenever this can be done without affording Mexico any just cause of complaint. Their true policy for the present in regard to this question is to let events take their own course, unless an attempt should be made to transfer them without their consent either to Great Britain or France. This they ought to resist by all the means in their power, as ruinous to their best interests and destructive of their freedom and inde- pendence." Buchanan concludes by appointing Larkin a confidential agent of the government, expressing

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FOREIGN RELATIONS-1845.

confidence in his patriotism and discretion, recom- mending caution so as not to alarm the other foreign agents, and referring him to Gillespie, with whom he is to cooperate.19

The prospect of a war with Mexico, as a means of obtaining California, was hardly alluded to in the writings which I have cited, though the an- nexation of Texas was approved by congress in March; the territory was formally admitted as a state in December; and Mexico had repeatedly threatened war on this ground. It was not generally believed at the end of the year, in the United States, that there would be war, Mexican threats being regarded as mere bluster. It was even thought that Slidell, the newly appointed minister, would succeed in fixing the national boundaries amicably, and that he went to Mexico authorized to pay a round sum for California.22 Should this project fail, then California must come into the Union by the Texan filibustering methods.

In California, meanwhile, the Americans had noth- ing to do but wait-politically speaking. Many of the new-comers of the last two years were ready enough to revolt; but so kindly were they treated by the Californians, as we shall see presently, and so ob- viously unfounded were the rumors of intended op- pression occasionally circulated, that no pretext for a rising could be found.21 The only attempt at organ- ized action on the part of foreign residents during the year was one which, though not clearly explained, was apparently not intended to have any revolution- ary meaning. It was a call issued at San José, March 27th, to all foreigners residing in northern California, who were invited to assemble at the pueblo the 4th of July. It was written by Marsh and signed by twenty-

19 Oct. 17th, Buchanan's Instructions. Original MS.

20 American Review, Jan. 1846, iii. 82; Niles' Reg., Dec. 1845, 1xix. 244.

21 A Mexican writer in the Dic. Univ., viii. 157; Guerra, Apuntes, 353, pictures the Americans as having been scattered through Cal. awaiting the signal to commence a war of usurpation. This was by no means true of all or even most.

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A CALL TO FOREIGNERS.

three names. 22 The object, as expressed in the docu- ment itself and as explained by Weber, was to promote union among the foreigners, and to prevent their tak- ing sides-especially different sides-in Californian quarrels as they had done in the late troubles. Weber adds that the organization was designed ultimately to result in wresting northern California from Mexican rule and making it, like Texas, an independent state. It is not likely, however, that the plan had yet as- sumed so definite a form. The main idea evidently was to prevent foreigners from wasting their strength and to prepare the way for united action whenever it might be deemed necessary. I can hardly believe that Marsh and Weber were planning an actual revolt, though there were many who favored such a course. The meeting of July 4th was not held; or if so, was not largely attended, and accomplished nothing that is known. That Marsh's brain was teeming with the politics of the future is shown, as also the general drift of his schemes and those of others, by the ap- pended extracts from a letter to Larkin. 23

22 'The undersigned, in common with all other foreigners with whom they have been able to communicate personally, being very desirous to promote the union, harmony, and best interests of all the foreigners resident in California, have thought that this desirable object can be best attained by a meeting of some individuals from each of the different districts of the northern part of the country. We therefore hereby invite all persons of foreign birth, whether naturalized or not, to send two or more of their number to represent them in a meeting to be held in the pueblo de San Jose on the 4th day of July next. It is considered to be very desirable that Monterey, Sta Cruz, Yerba Buena, Sonoma, and the district of the Sacramento should be fully represented. In the mean time we think it will be obvious to every man of sense on reflection that the foreigners ought carefully to refrain from taking any part either in word or deed in any movement of a political nature that may take place in the country (amongst native Mexicans). Pueblo of St Joseph. March 27, 1845. John Marsh, Charles Ma Weber, Wm Gulnac, Peter Daveson, John Burton, Geo. W. Bellomy, James W. Weeks, John Daubenbiss, Thomas G. Bowen, Benj. Washburn, Danell Milner, Peter Hegarty, Geo. A. Ferguson, James Rock, Thomas Jones, Willard Buzzell, H. M. Pierce, John Hames, Wm Knight, Daniel Fisher, George Fraezher, Tomas Cole, Guillermo G. Chard.' Fac-simile from the original in possession of Weber, in S. Joaquin Co. Ilist, 19. Also printed in Yolo Co. Hist., 13-14; S. José Pioneer, March 6, 1SS0. The same works coutain letters of Gen. Cistro of April 12th, 15th, appointing Weber a captain of auxiliary infantry, one of which is also in Halleck's Mex. Land Laws, MS.

23 'It seems that the attention of the world is at last being attracted towards Cal. and Oregon. I agree with you entirely that the two countries must ultimately be united to form one independent nation; but I believe they

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FOREIGN RELATIONS-1845.

The war threatened by Mexico in consequence of the annexation of Texas was a prominent topic in California, though, as we have seen, it did not enter very largely as yet into current American specula- tions respecting the future of that country. Perhaps the Californian people had not much greater faith that there would be a war than was entertained in the States; but the authorities were Mexican, and as such had to believe officially all that Mexico threatened, besides really sharing to a considerable extent in the popular indignation against the United States for the policy observed in Texan affairs. I need not repeat here what has been said of Mexican measures of the year concerning California,24 though most of these measures were adopted with sole reference to defence against American invasion; but I may state that there came from the supreme government repeated warnings that war was to be declared, with the corresponding orders to put the department in a state of defence; and that rumors to the same effect arrived even in advance of such definite orders. 25 It should also be

will first be united to forin an integral part of the great and glorious republic, etc. It must all be united, not only Cal. and the region between this and the Columbia, but it must extend far north of that river, to the 49th parallel at least ... I am informed by intelligent persons from the Wallamette, that the inhabitants there were desirous to unite with Cal. Last winter some of the principal men of Cal. expressed a wish to me to unite their destinies per- manently with those of the people of Oregon, and wished to know whether in my opinion a proposition of the kind would be well received. I thought it would be acceptable. If you should think proper, it might not be amiss to feel Alvarado's pulse a little on this subject. I merely suggest this. Well, then, suppose a union between Cal. and Oregon-that nature itself has clearly pointed out, and the course of events will, I think, render inevitable-the cupidity of the H. B. Co. and the ambition and intrigues of the British govt will be exerted in vain to prevent it.' He then pictures the glorious future of the country, with its metropolis on the bay-perhaps at S. José-speaks of the numerous immigrants coming, thinks the current abuse of Cal. by inter- ested parties in Oregon can do no harm, and promises to write on Cal. for the Easteru papers, as Larkin had suggested. Aug. 12th, M. to L. Larkin's Doc., MS., iii. 247.

24 See chap. xxii. of this vol.

25 April Ist, García Conde to com. gen. Texas annexed; war necessary; be ou guard to avoid surprise and resist invasion. Sup. Govt St. Pap., MS., xviii. 2-3. April 3d, Cuevas to gov., on the arrest of Stephen Smith; hostili- ties to be expected from the U. S .; use all precautions. Dept. St. Pap., MS., vi. 41-2. May 14th-19th, reports of war between U. S. and Mex. brought unofficially by the Maria Teresa. Leg. Rec., MS., iv. 56; Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Cust .- H., MS., vi. [479]. June 7th, Mexican decree for raising a corps

601

JUNTA AT MONTEREY.

recorded that Stephen Smith of Bodega, being at San Blas in March, was arrested as he was about to sail in the Julia Ann on a charge of being concerned in a scheme to declare California independent under the protection of the United States. There being no proofs against him, he was released and permitted to return home, where the authorities were directed to watch him.26

In consequence of rumors brought by the María Teresa, a junta of officers was held at Monterey the 24th of May, at which the most patriotic sentiments were expressed by Alvarado and others, and Castro was authorized to send a vessel to Acapulco for news and aid.27 . José M. Castañares was soon sent on this mission, as we shall see. On August 7th the assem- bly was convoked in special session to consider a com- munication from General Castro, with reports that war had probably been declared. The reports had been brought to San Francisco by a U. S. man-of- war, which vessel was said not to have fired the usual salute, a circumstance in itself deemed suspicious. After reference to a committee and six days of delib-

of 'defensores de las leyes é independencia.' Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 31-2, 178; Leg. Rec., MS.,iv. 280. July 9th, min. of rel. to gov, on same subject. Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., xi. 162; Sup. Govt St. Pup., MS., xviii. 7-8. July 16th, Gar- cía Conde to com. gen. The govt is resolved to declare war; will initiate the measure in the chambers to-morrow; will excite popular patriotism. Prepare troops for active service. Id., xviii. 21-3. July 10th, orders to gov. and gen. to prevent the entry of immigrants. Id., xviii. 8. Castro, Doc., MS., i. 152. July 19th, orders to Castro and Vallejo to 'proceed forthwith to put all towns of the dept in a state of defence.' Dept. St. Pap., MS., vi. 46; Vallejo, Doc., MS., xii. 144. July 16th, Cuevas to gov. See that the defensores render due service, so that the national army may be available in the Texan affair. Sup. Govt St. Pap., MS., xviii. 9. July 23d, men to be raised for war. Id., xviii. 11. Aug. 22d, stock, produce, etc., on the coast to be removed to a place of safety. A close watch to be kept. Id., xviii. 10. Aug. 27th, unite the forces for a march to the frontier. Id., xviii. 11. Sept. 4th, payment of the defensores to be stopped. Dept. St. Pap., Ben., MS., i. 103. Dec. 24th, gov. authorized to arrest any persons whose conduct seems to require it. Dept. St. Pap., MS., vii. 33; Sup. Govt St. Pap., MS., xviii. 14. Some of these orders were of course general routine ones, issued to other departments as well.

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History of California, Volume IV, Part 61

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