History of California, Volume IV, Part 62

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

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26 April 6th, Aug. 6th, Cuevas to gov. June 11th, Parga at Tepic to Gov. Corona. Dept. St. Pap., MS., vi. 40-2; Niles' Reg., lxix. 65. I have no other evidence that Capt. Smith left Cal at all.

27 Amigo del Pueblo, July 30, 1845. A full report with names of 27 signers.

602

FOREIGN RELATIONS-1845.

eration, the assembly decided that war was imminent, and authorized the governor to organize and arm the militia, calling on the general for funds from his two thirds of the revenues! and to dispose of the officers in active service as might be required; and when an official announcement of war should be received, to call on the people to defend their homes, consulting the general respecting a plan of action. This resolu- tion was published by Pico in a bando of August 27th, perhaps after Castro had received the orders dated in Mexico on April 1st, though this is not cer- tain.28 With this bando was published an appeal to the people to be firm and united in defence of their country, a document which contained a special exhor- tation not to forfeit under any circumstances the Cal- ifornian reputation for hospitality, by any act of op- pression toward foreigners residing peacefully in the country.23 There were some slight efforts made to organize the militia, about which we know only that before the end of August they resulted in a quarrel between Alvarado and the civil authorities of Mon- terey district.30

Early in September came the Mexican despatches of June and July, including a reglamento for militia organization, and a definite announcement that war would be declared immediately. At the same time there arrived Andrés Castillero as a commissioner to make preparations for the reception of a military force

28 Aug. 7th, 11th, 13th, acts of the assembly. Leg. Rec., MS., iv. 108-12, 280. Aug. 27th, Pico's bando in Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 107; Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxiv. 131. Aug. 30th, Pico to Vallejo, ordering him to organize his regiment and be ready for the news of war. Great confidence expressed in the colonel's zeal and patriotism. Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 115. Aug. 10th, Joncs writes, 'Castro is still at the capital raising a force composed of all the robbers and cut-throats he can collect. He has had the audacity to re- port that Mexico is at war with the U. S.' Larkin's Doc., MS., iii. 243.

29 Aug. 27th, Pico to the people. Pico, Doc., MS., 20; Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 106. 'Fellow-citizens! United we shall be able to save our country in its time of need.'

SJ Aug. 28th-30th, Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 109, 112-13, 119. It appears that the right of enlisting men belonged to the civil authorities, and Alva- rado forced some men into the ranks against their will. Castro came to Monterey and restored harmony.

603

PATRIOTISM.

that was soon to follow under Iniestra.81 Pico pub- lished these orders in due form September 9th-13th; declared the decree of August void so far as it con- flicted with the new reglamento respecting the organ- ization of the defensores; and issued a new procla- mation to the people, calling upon them, in the usual flowery and extravagant terms, to 'fly to arms' for the defence of their beloved patria against the attacks of a foreign usurper.32 The flight to arms was by no means instantaneous or universal; but a few young men were enrolled as defensores despite the lack of a cordial understanding and cooperation between the governor and general.33 At the end of the year all were waiting, more in curiosity than terror, for the news that war had been declared, for the appearance of the invaders, or for the coming of Iniestra's Mexi- can army. Meanwhile Castro had made a tour in the north to learn the attitude of foreign residents, to receive assurances of patriotic zeal from the magnates of Sonoma and New Helvetia, and to confirm, by su- perior orders, Vallejo's military jurisdiction over the whole linea del norte.34

31 Sept. 13th, Castillero to Pico, with Iniestra's instructions. Dept. St. Pap., MS., vi. 37-8.

32 Sept. 9th, Pico publishes the printed circular and reglamento of June 4th, 7th. Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 31-2; Reglamento de Defensores de la In- dependencia y de las Leyes, 7 de Junio, 1845, MS .; Dept. St. Pap., S. José, MS., vi. 38-40. Sept. 9th, Pico's procl. to the people. Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 141; Estudillo, Doc., MS., ii. 92. Sept. 12th, Pico to general and to pre- fects, enclosing Mexican order of July 10th on the prevention of immigration, of which I shall speak again. Castro, Doc., MS., i. 152; Sup. Govt St. Pap., MS., xviii. 8. Sept. 13th, Pico to gen. and prefect, enclosing reglamento, and exhorting them to active cooperation. Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 148-9.

33 Some unimportant records of Oct., including methods of enlistment, quarrels about the military fuero, local complaints of abuses. Dept. St. Pap., MS., vi. 59; viii. 13-17; Monterey, Arch., MS., xi. 10; Castro, Doc., MS., i. 167; S. José, Arch., MS., iv. 2; Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 188. Oct. 8th, Pico's bando establishing registers for the enrolment of defensores. 13 arti- eles. Dept. St. Pap., Mont., MS., iii. 117-18. Published at Monterey Dec. 24th. Torre, Reminiscencias, MS., 128-9, tells us that all munitions of war were removed from Monterey to Alizal rancho either as a precaution against the Americans or against Pico.

3+ Nov. 11th, Castro delegates his powers to V. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xii. 151. Sept. 29th, Larkin to sec. state. 'The gov. has ordered the militia to prepare for war with the U. S .; the farmers are likewise ordered to drive their cattle away from the coast; neither of which has been done, nor do I suppose they will be. The general has here about 150 soldiers, mostly boys

604

FOREIGN RELATIONS-1345.

Notwithstanding the bitter feeling entertained in Mexico against Americans, the imminence of national hostilities, and the warlike nature of the orders sent to the north, immigrants to California from the United States were still received with the greatest hospitality and kindness, though in most cases they entered the country illegally, and in many were not backward in declaring their disregard or contempt for all Mexican formalities of law. The supreme government had perhaps some ground for blaming the Californian au- thorities for the manner in which they enforced the laws, or failed to enforce them; but the immigrants had no cause of complaint whatever. There was not in 1845 the slightest sign of disposition to oppress foreigners in any way. There were rumors, fomented by men who desired an outbreak, and circulated among new-comers on every route, of an intention to drive out all Americans; but these rumors were unfounded, and were credited only by the ignorant, who did not come personally in contact with the natives, and who never could understand that the Spaniards, as they were called, had any rights in their own country. "The Spaniards were becoming troublesome" !- is a common remark of old pioneers, who justify their ac- tion of the next year by dwelling on the growing jeal- ousy and hatred of the people toward Americans; but all evidence to be drawn from correspondence of the time shows that not only were the people still friendly, but that the authorities, far from being hostile, were even more careless than in former years about enforc- ing legal formalities in connection with passports, nat- uralization, and land grants.

In April, Castro, appointing Weber a captain of militia, calling upon him to aid in the defence of the country against foreign aggression and Indian

pressed into the ranks; others whom he pressed the alcaldes sent home to their parents.' Larkin's Off. Corresp., MS., ii. 27. Dec. 26th, P. Duran to Pico; writes: 'Por lo que toca á la política yo voy de acuerdo con los doctores políticos que creen que no tardaremos en ser objeto de conquista estrangera.' Arch., Arzob, MS., v. pt ii. 63.

605

HOSPITALITY TO AMERICANS.

raids, and directing him to investigate the views of resident foreigners and the legality of their entry, was emphatic in his declaration that peaceful, law-abiding foreigners would be fully protected.35 In June, he as- sured Larkin of his willingness to allow the entry of Americans from the Sandwich Islands, although their passports were not in accordance with the latest in- structions from Mexico.36 And in August, as we have seen, Pico, in calling upon the people to arm in defence of their country against the United States, declared that under no circumstances must foreign residents be treated otherwise than with the hospitality charac- teristic of Californians.37

In September, however, with a more positive an- nouncement of impending war, and news of a Mexican force en route for California, there came a positive order from Mexico-and a very proper order under the circumstances, it must be confessed-that the entry of American immigrants from Oregon and Missouri must not be permitted.38 The orders were duly cir-

35 April 12th, C. to W. Yolo Co. Hist., 14; Hallock's Mex. Land Laws, MS. ' If any of the foreigners who participated in the movement of Sutter should desire to settle permanently in Cal., and feel doubtful of the protection of the govt, you may freely offer to all whom you may find useful and industrious, all the guaranties they may desire for establishing themselves in this depart- ment and for living securely in the exercise of their respective occupations. You will also inform them that the friendly feeling of this office toward them is already secured to them,' by the treaty of S. Fernando; 'and you may as- sure all those referred to in that document, as well as any other foreigners re- siding on the frontier, that they shall receive all the protection within the scope of my authority.'

36 June 6th, L. to sec. state. Larkin's Off. Corresp., MS., ii. 23.

$7 Aug. 27th, Pico's procl. Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 106.

38 Order of July 10th, published in Cal. Sept. 12th. The min. of rel. says to Pico: 'The introduction into the department of families which, from the Missouri and Columbia are settling in the new Oregon '-that is, the diversion of the Or. immigratiou to Cal .- 'must produce inconveniences which, by their nature, cannot fail to cause a subversion of order, to complicate our foreign relations, and to create other embarrassments which will retard the progress of the constitutional régime. The president has his attention fixed on that department; desires to consolidate in it peace and union; and to remove all obstacles in the way of so praiseworthy an object. Believing, therefore, that among other means to that end, one should be that of preventing the entry of said families, he orders me to say this to you, in order that you may issue the most positive orders to that effect.' Castro, Doc., MS., i. 152; Sup. Govt St. Pup., MS., xviii. 8. Sept. 9th, Alvarado to Pico. Sutter has granted passes-on what authority the writer knows not-to 40 Americans just arrived (the McMahon co.) Vigilance is needed. Dept. St. Pap., MS., vi.

606

FOREIGN RELATIONS-1845.

culated among local officials; but no attempt was made to enforce them against the immigrants known to be on the way, and who soon arrived. In November, however, Castro, with Andrés Castillero, and perhaps Prefect Manuel Castro, made a tour of observation in the north, largely with a view to ascertain the number and disposition of the foreigners; and during this tour the immigrants were summoned to appear before the general, which Elliott, Gibbs, and Lewis did as repre- sentatives of those who were in the Sonoma and Napa valleys. On being asked for their passports, they said they had none, and explained, through Leese as inter- preter, that on leaving the United States their desti- nation had been Oregon, for which no passports were necessary. Castro then had read to them the Mexi- can order of July 10th, to which they replied that the alleged breaking-off of friendly relations between the two republics had been after they left the states; that their intentions were in every way pacific; and that to return across the mountains in winter was utterly impossible. If allowed to remain, they promised to submit to the laws in every respect, and to go away in the spring if their petitions for licenses to settle were not granted. "Therefore," says Castro in his decree dated November 6th at Sonoma, "conciliating my duty with the sentiment of hospitality which dis- tinguishes the Mexicans, and considering that most of the said expedition is composed of families and indus- trious people, I have deemed it best to permit them, provisionally, to remain in the department"-on condi-

89. Sept. 18th, Pico to Castro, Has ordered the prefect to prevent the entry of foreigners; cannot go north himself on account of other duties. Id., viii. 11. Oct. 23d, Sutter to sub-prefect, acknowledging the receipt of instructions to prevent the entry of foreigners, will cheerfully comply to the best of his ability, but asks that some members of the last company be given passes! Doc. Hist, Cal., MS., ii. 202. In his Diary, 6, Sutter says the orders were received Oct. 21st, and read to the assembled immigrants on the 23d. Also in N. Helv. Diary, MS., 10-11. The meeting was adjourned to the 27th, but no meeting is recorded on that date. Oct. 14th, J. C. Jones writes to Larkin from Sta Bárbara, to look out for trouble, as the Mex. govt has declared that on the commencement of war all American ships and other property will be immedi- ately seized. Larkin's Doc., MS., iii. 331.

607

CASTRO AND THE IMMIGRANTS.

tion of their assembling at Sonoma under the vigilance of Vallejo and the local authorities, obeying the laws, giving bonds for good behavior, applying within three months for a regular license to settle, and promising to depart if this is not granted. They accepted these conditions; and, as we have seen, about twenty of the number appeared to give the required bonds before the end of the month.39

Meanwhile, one of the foreigners was sent to the Sacramento to assemble those of his companions who had remained in that region; and at New Helvetia on November 11th Castro issued another order simi- lar in purport to that of the 6th, but even more favor- able to the immigrants, since they were not-unless their case was covered by the other order-required to give any bonds, and might with a pass from Sutter go to Sonoma or San Juan in quest of employment. Sutter was exhorted to use great prudence in keeping the foreigners united and submissive; and to present accurate reports of all new arrivals, to whom the priv- ileges granted were not to extend without new or- ders.40 Thus we see that the immigrants, Americans

39 Castro, Orden del comandante general sobre permanencia de emigrados de los Estados Unidos, 6 de Nov. 1845, MS. Bonds of the foreigners-Yount being bondsman for most, in Vallejo, Doc., MS., xii. 152-75.

40 Nov. 11th, Castro's order in favor of immigrants. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xii. 150. Nov. 3d, news at Sutter's Fort of arrival of Castro and Alvarado at Sonoma. N. Helv. Diary, MS., 15. Nov. 9th, a man arrived with a letter from Leese to the immigrants. Nov. Ilth, the party arrived with escort of 15 men; Leese and Prudon, but not Alvarado nor Mannel Castro. Castro departed 12th; Leese and Prndon 13th. Id., 15-16. Nov. 5th, Sntter, speaking of the Mexican order and expecting Castro's arrival, urges Larkin to come up to aid his countrymen and their families, 'but if it is not in your power or in the power of a man-of-war to protect them, I will do it. All are protected here, and before I will suffer an injustice to be done them, I will die first '! Larkin's Doc., MS., iii. 369. Nov. 12th, L. writes to S. and to the immigrants, from Yerba Buena, that it is not convenient for him to come north, though he would do so if sure of meeting Castro, without whose presence he could do nothing. He advises them to select a committee to visit him at Monterey, in company with Marsh. Id., Off. Corresp., MS., i. 52-3. Nov. 11th, Pico to min. of rel. Immigrants coming in great numbers. Fears that he shall not be able to stop them. Dept. St. Pap., MS., vi. 97. March 4th, '46, Larkin to Buchanan. The general went to the Sacramento to see the strangers, and hade them welcome to Cal. Larkin's Off. Corresp., MS., ii. 42. Hargrave, Cali- fornia in '46, MS., relates at considerable length that some time iu 1843 all the foreigners north of the hay were summoned to assemble at Sonoma, ostensi- bly for an election, but really either to ascertain their number or to induce

60S

FOREIGN RELATIONS-1845.

as well as others, were most kindly treated in 1845, and that under circumstances which might have pal- liated, if not justified, a certain degree of harshness, had there been any hostile feeling on the part of Cal- ifornian authorities. I may add that during the win- ter, according to the testimony of all concerned, the generosity of the Vallejos at Sonoma and Napa in relieving the wants of destitute families was by no means surpassed by that of Sutter at New Helvetia.

Sutter had returned in March, as we have seen, from his brief imprisonment at Los Angeles, none the worse in any way for his participation in the late rev- olution, since all his old powers had been confirmed by the new authorities; and his loss of time and money may be regarded as counterbalanced by his 'general grant' from Micheltorena, which the new government in a sense tacitly confirmed by taking no steps, so far as is known, to annul it.41 Immediately after his re- turn, Sutter made a successful campaign against the Indians who had murdered Thomas Lindsay, and who were committing depredations among the rancheros' cattle, killing twenty-two of their number, and losing only one of his twenty-two men.42 During his absence in the south a report of his death came to New Hel-

them to vote and thereby put them under some obligations as having per- formed acts of citizenship. Both Hargrave and Fowler, Bear Flag, MS., 1, note the coming of an officer to count the foreigners capable of bearing arms. Col. Vallejo's letter to Ex-president Bustamante on Nov. 22d, elsewhere noticed, Vallejo, Doc., MS., xii. 157, contains much about the coming of overland immigrants and the impossibility of stopping them with any force available in Cal. He speaks of Castro's visit and measures.

41 Of course Micheltorena had no right to grant such powers, nor would confirmation by the new govt have been of any legal force; but Sutter was left undisturbed in the possession of bis supposed powers, and the grantees may be supposed to have acquired from this state of affairs some rights in equity if not in law. In his letter of Nov. 22d to Ex-president Bustamante, Col. Vallejo said: 'Most of the best lands on the northern frontier have passed into foreign bands through D. Juan A. Sutter, who was authorized to that effect by Gen. Micheltorena, as is shown by a document in his possession signed by the said general; so that a multitude of Americans coming without legal passports, not naturalized, and absolutely unqualified to occupy landed possessions, hold immense quantities of the richest lands in this part of the department solely by the title issued by Sutter under the authority cited.' Vallejo, Doc., MS., xii. 157.

# April 9th, S. to A. Pico. Dept. St. Pap., MS., vi. 173.

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SUTTER'S AFFAIRS.

vetia, whereupon, if we may credit his own version, "on the whole Feather River and Sacramento was an awful mourning for me, and all were very sorrowful, as they look upon me now as their father, benefactor, and protector," though "some ungrateful white men were on the point of taking things into their own hands here, and were glad that I was dead so that they might have a chance to rob and plunder. It was high time that I arrived here."43 The only attempts to interfere with Sutter's official prerogatives during the year came from the sub-prefect at San Francisco, to whose communications he paid no attention, assert- ing that no civil authority existed or was needed at New Helvetia, and that he would receive orders only from Castro or Vallejo as his military superiors. 44

The existence of Sutter's establishment was a great convenience to the immigrants, most of whom re- mained there for a time after their arrival, and many were employed on the estates until they could do bet- ter elsewhere. And while there is no lack of com- plaints that the captain was disposed to drive a close bargain with the new-comers, the preponderance of evidence is to the effect that all were warmly wel- comed and kindly treated at New Helvetia. In later years, Sutter and his friends have sought to create the impression that he aided the strangers from mo- tives of charity, and with loss to himself; but nothing could be further from the truth. The advantages of an increased immigration, not only as augmenting the value of lands and the profits of trade, but in afford- ing an opportunity to purchase desirable wagons and other property at low prices in exchange for live-

43 June 28th, S. to Larkin. Larkin's Doc., MS., iii. 203.

"Nov. 15th, S. to sub-prefect, refusing to correspond with him, 'this estab- lishment being a military post for the defence of the frontier, conquest of sav- age Indians, and watching of emigrants that come across the Rocky Mountains, and not a town.' Doc. Hist. Cal., MS., ii. 212. Dec. Ist, sub-prefect to pre- fect. Id., i. 404. Dec. 8th, Id. to Id. Thinks S. intends to quit the country for Oregon with his cattle, leaving the country upset by the ' llanquis' (Yan- kecs!). Castro, Doc., MS., i. 23. Nov. 17th, juez at Sonoma complains that S. is sinning against religion and the nation's laws by performing the marriage ceremony. Id., i. 226.

HIST. CAL., VOL. IV. 39

610

FOREIGN RELATIONS-1845.

stock, were as obvious to Sutter at the time as they are to us now. Like Marsh and others, he greatly exaggerated the number of immigrants en route, and his letters were full of sanguine expressions respecting his future prospects.45

43 April 21st, S. to Larkin. Expects 900 souls from Or., and many from the U. S .; urges that they be sent to occupy the S. Joaquin Valley, as the cheapest way to keep the Indians in check; will send some more Indian children when he makes another raid; ' this year I will have a good harvest, thank God in heaven.' Original in Alvarado, Hist. Cal., MS., iv. 215. July 22d, S. to L. A long letter on his prospects. Will sow 800 fan. of wheat. ' I will force the affair once, and when it turns one year good out not only all my debts will be paid, but I will have a very large amount over.' Will bring water from the American Fork for irrigation and mills. The Russians will give him a contract for all the grain and other crops he can raise. If he had some needed articles to the extent of $5,000, he could make a fortune in two years. Trapping hids fair to be profitable, though a great many of his furs are wrongfully obtained by others. His enemies, Flägge, Weber, Marsh, and others, are doing their best to injure his credit. 'This year I pay a con- siderable amount of my debts, the half to the H. B. Co., a good amount to the Russians, and at least half to Mr Thompson and others, in furs.' Wishes L. to come up and examine the prospects, evidently hoping to get from him some pecuniary aid. Larkin's Doc., MS., iv. 228. July 31st, long list of articles which L. is asked to furnish-on credit of course. Id., iii. 232, 234. Aug. 12th, Marsh to Larkin. Expeets 2,000 immigrants with Hastings -mostly of good character and some property. 'God speed them. I had rather none would come than that they should be like a portion of some of the former companies.' Id., iii. 247. Sept. 11th, S. to L. A good many small debts will be paid soon and part of the large ones. 'One good year more and I shall be clear of debts.' Cotton does well in the valley. Id., iii. 287. Sept. 27th, still in need of many things. Id., iv. 301. Oct. 2d, Satter's praise of the immigrants who have arrived this month (?), of whom he sends a list (not given). Id., iii. 310. Oct. Sth, arrival of Sublette's party. 'A great chance to buy plenty of well-broken oxen and wagons ... My establishment will gain a great deal by this emigration. I employ a good many mechanics; a first-rate doctor will remain here, likewise a clerk;' 3 blacksmiths at work, but needs iron, etc. Owners of land in the valley should give a part to new settlers; 'it will be our greatest interest and make our lands valuable.' 'Next year in this month we shall have 1,000 and thousands of emigrants here,' who should be given lands in the Tulares. New-comers well armed and 'will fight like lyons.' After the rains the new city will be 'foundated.' Prudon is to leave the court of Sonoma and build a hotel here. Twenty splendid ploughs made here; would like to have 40 running at once. A saddier at work on 20 :ets of harness. 'If I have a little luck this next year the people will be astonished at my farming business.' Id., iii. 315. Nov. 5th, seems to have paid most of his indebtedness to Larkin, and to have been promised some iron on credit. 'It is true I have a good many people employed at present, but all are useful and necessary.' Dr Gildca's services particularly useful. Id., iii. 369. Jan. 1, 1846, Sutter to Prudon. A long letter in French, mainly devoted to urging Prudon to use his influence with Vallejo to permit the entry of cargoes for the valley free of duties. 'Your position [as Vallejo's secretary] gives you great chances, and if you knew how to make good use of it, we might soon become rich.' Several ships are expected, and crowds of immigrants. Prospects for trade good but for the cursed custom-house. Expects machinery for some steamboats; also a print- ing-press on which he will print a newspaper. Is building a grist-mill; a

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History of California, Volume IV, Part 62

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