USA > California > History of California, Volume IV > Part 63
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G11
MATTERS AT NEW HELVETIA.
Crops at New Helvetia were good this year; and other branches of industry were in a comparatively prosperous condition-so much so that Sutter was en- abled actually to pay off a few of his smallest debts, to make good his eredit with Larkin for a small amount in iron and other needed goods, and to deliver to the Russians a considerable quantity of grain. The Sutter-Sunol correspondence, from which I have drawn many interesting items for past years, extends also over 1845, confirming by its general tone the con- elusion to be drawn from the letters to Larkin al- ready eited, namely, that Sutter eked out his slight payments to ereditors with magnificent promises for the near future. To Suñol he continued to send Ind- ian laborers, with requests for new credit, and threats to make Marsh and Weber pay dearly for their 'inso- lence and roguery' in attacking his solveney; but finally, by sending down some wagons purchased from the immigrants, he so far appeased his creditor that the latter appears not to have acted on his threat to bring the matter before the authorities.46 We know nothing of the amount of the Sunol and other minor debts, but the aggregate must have been enough to dampen the enthusiasm of a less sanguine speculator. There was one debt of over $4,000 due to the Hud- son's Bay Company since 1840, to secure which Forbes took the launch Sacramento, which, however, Sutter was allowed to use during the season, the plan being to seeure it against attachment by other cred- itors. 47
shorter road from the mountains has been found; there will be a railroad within 5 years! Copy in Vallejo, Ilist. Cal., MS., v. 28-34; Id., Correspon- dencia, MS., 157-64.
46 Sutter-Suñol Corresp., MS., 27-33. As many as 30 Indians were sent down at a time, but they did not give very good satisfaction. S. declares he has always been a benefactor to the country, and has received nothing but in- gratitude. Some mill-stones bought of Gilroy were delayed for a year or more at Sta Clara, through the interference of Marsh and Weber. A negoti- ation with Pacheco of some importance also came to naught. Forbes was appealed to by Sutter to keep Sunol quiet, but declined to assume any respon- sibility.
47 Oct. 3d, Forbes to Pico. Dept. St. Pap., MS., viii. 67-71. This is a complaint against the local authorities of S. F., who had permitted Célis to
012
FOREIGN RELATIONS-1945.
The chief indebtedness was of course that to the Russian American Company for the purchase of the Ross and Bodega property in 1841. Notwithstand- ing Sutter's wheat payments of this year, and the small ones of former years, the debt was still a little more than the original price of the property purchased, or $30,000. The enthusiastic captain was well pleased with his success in thus having so nearly maintained the financial statu quo, and he was already planning to assume, after paying off the trifling balance of $30,000, the contract, formerly held by the Hudson's Bay Company, for supplying the Russians at Sitka with all the agricultural produce they needed, thus making an immense fortune! But the agents of the company were cold-blooded individuals, who chose to regard the whole matter in a very different light. They called upon the Californian authorities to aid them by enforcing payment of the debt; and finally entered into an agreement by which the Mexican government was to assume and pay Sutter's indebt- edness, and thus acquire the company's mortgage on New Helvetia. The agreement never went into effect, because, presumably on account of the war that soon broke out, it was not confirmed in Mexico.49
The motive of the government in contemplating the purchase of the Russian mortgage was a desire to get possession of Sutter's establishment, the im- portance of which, in case of war, and especially if a large military force should be sent from Mexico, was apparent. I do not suppose that the Californian authorities, or the Mexican comisionado, really be- lieved that Mexico would pay for New Helvetia, or that if it were obtained the Americans could be suc- cessfully resisted; but they were under obligation
detain the Sacramento as security for another elaim. Corresp. in the case of Célis vs Sutter, Aug. 1845 to Feb. 1846, as remitted to the prefect. Castro, Doc., MS., ii. 1-10. This debt explains Sir Geo. Simpson's allusion to Sut- ter during his visit in 1841. See chap. ix. of this vol .; also Simpson's Narr., i. 325-7.
48 For some particulars of this matter, see chap. vi. of this vol. The amount of the debt in 1845 was about $31,000.
613
PROPOSED SALE OF THE FORT.
as officials to "save their responsibility" by acting for the best interests of their government, and on the theory that the nation would support them with money or troops. It was therefore their duty to do all in their power to acquire Sutter's Fort. Accord- ingly Castillero and Castro, on their northern tour in November, broached the subject to Sutter. There is much uncertainty about what was said at the inter- view of November 11th. Sutter himself states that they made him a definite offer of $100,000, or the mission of San José, for his establishment; and that he, after consultation with his friends, declined the offer because the proposed sale, though advantageous to him, would leave the settlers and immigrants un- protected.49
49 Sutter's Diary, 6; Id., Petition to Congress, 5; Id., Personal Remin., MS., 132-8. He says that the visitors were accompanied by Leese and Pru- don from Sonoma, and escorted by about 30 (15) men; that they at onee broached their business of buying the fort; that he was much surprised, never having thought of selling, but consulted Reading, Bidwell, Hensley, and Leker, who thought the priee a good one, butasked, ' What is to become of us?' 'This determined me; I was bound they should have protection; butfor this I should have accepted the offer; often have I regretted that I did not accept it; and for this great saerifiee I have been paid with nothing but ingratitude'! The captain accompanied the visitors for 20 miles on their departure next day; and all were overtaken by Hensley with 50 horsemen, fearing that Sutter was being kidnapped ! Prudon came back and urged an aeeeptanee of the offer, stating at last that Castro had authorized him to unite both offers, giving both the $100,000 and the mission estates ! According to the N. Helv. Diary, MS., Castro started Nov. 12th; Prudon started to overtake him Nov. 13th; and Hensley arrived from Hock Nov. 14th, going back next day. See also Ross Browne, in the Overland, xv. 344. 'Castillo was empowered to pay as much as $100,000; and actually offered Sutter in addition several fine tracts of mis- sion lands now worth millions. But Sutter, with an unselfish devotion to our interests which has never been properly appreciated, rejected all these tempting offers, preferring to unite his fortune with the Americans.' Swasey, Cal. in '45-6, MS., 3, and also in various newspaper articles, speaks of the offer; but seems not to have had any personal knowledge of it. Bidwell, Cal. 1841-8, MS .. 145-6, mentions Castillero's visit; states that the approach of the visitors caused great alarm, it being feared that Castro had eeme to attack the fert; tells us that Castillero had hard work to get a word in private with Sutter on account of Castro's jealousy, but succeeded in signifying his approval of Sutter's conduet in aiding Micheltorena; but he says nothing of any offer- being doubtless pretty well aware that none was inade. The coming of Cas- tillero and Castro was not in reality unexpected; for as we have seen, it had been announced at the fort on Nov. 3d. Nov. 5th, Sutter, writing to Larkin, said he had no objection to Castro's coming. though he thought it would be prudent to leave his foree at Sonoma to avoid alarming the settlers. Larkin's Doc., MS., iii. 369. On Nov. 6th Castro had not only announced his eoming, but had sent a messenger to assemble the foreigners. Savage, Doc., MS., ii. 45. Sutter and Bidwell ignore this part of the visitors' business. Nov. 14th,
G14
FOREIGN RELATIONS-1845.
Were there no evidence on this matter beyond Mr Sutter's statement, as indeed there is none on his side, it would be necessary perhaps to conclude that he has told the truth; that Castillero and Castro, going far beyond any powers or means they could have pos- sessed, did make what Sutter regarded as an offer for the property; and that it was declined by the captain, not in the interests of the American settlers-for such a plea, advanced later for a well known purpose, is to any one acquainted with the circumstances and the man an utter absurdity-but because he lacked faith that payments would be promptly made. There is, however, some further evidence, leaving no doubt in my mind that Sutter's statement is false, and that the offer was made if at all by himself. Notifying Larkin of his interview with the commissioners, he wrote: "No doubt their visit will be to our mutual benefit. I am now on the most friendly terms with Don José Castro, and with Señor Castillero."5 A flat refusal to accede to their wishes would hardly have led to a state of things so satisfactory. Bidwell states that "Sutter was inclined to dispose of his fort and land." About ten days after the visit Vallejo wrote to Ex- president Bustamante as follows: "It would be very desirable to close that door of communication between the U. S. and this country, even at some sacrifice. Castro and Castillero having made propositions to Sutter for the purchase of his establishment, he said that he would cede it to the government for $100,000. I grant that this is a high price to pay for a few pieces of cannon, a not very scientifically constructed bastion, some fosses or moats, ten or twelve adobe houses, and corrals of the same material; but the security of the country is what is to be paid for, and that is price-
Sutter notifies Larkin of the visit, and of his having fired 7 guns at the arrival and departure. Larkin's Doc., MS., iii. 374; also N. Helv. Diary, MS., 15-16. In his Person. Remin., he has it 21 guns.
50 Nov. 14th, S. to L. Larkin's Doc., MS., iii. 374. Torres, Peripecias, MS., 32-4, tells us that Castillero opened negotiations without any authority; but Sutter's demands for ready money were so excessive that nothing could be done. Sutter proposed the sale first through Prudon.
615
SUTTER WILLING TO SELL.
less." 51 Again, Sutter himself wrote on January 1, 1846, to Victor Prudon as follows: "I was astonished to hear down there," at Yerba Buena, "the report that I had sold my establishment to the government, It appears that ces messieurs have not kept it secret. What do you think of it? Do you believe that the government will buy it? I would like to be sure of that, so that I might take necessary measures. In case the government decides to make the purchase, do you think it would be possible to obtain a part of the price on account sufficient to pay a part of my debts? I could give possession of the establishment after har- vest. I believe the government will do well not to neglect this matter, for next fall there will be many immigrants from the United States."52 And finally, Sutter wrote to Castro early in 1846, "believing that the government will buy my establishment, I will put all in the best condition" for the Mexican garrison which Castro is advised to send for service against the immigrants 163 In view of the fact that Sutter's state- ment is entirely unsupported, of his strong temptation to misrepresent the matter, and of the inherent im- probability that he would refuse or the Mexicans make such an offer-I have no doubt the reader will deem the evidence conclusive that no such offer was made or refused, but that Sutter, instead of refusing in the interest of American immigrants, was eager to sell for his own interest. As we have seen, Castillero
51 Nov. 22d, V. to B. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xii. 157, p. 9-10. It is to be noted that it is not a mere question of veracity between Sutter and Vallejo. The other, writing at the time, with no possible motives for misrepresentation, mentioned this matter with many others in a long letter; while Sutter told his story later, with a well known motive to enlist the sympathies of Ameri- cans, and obtain compensation from the govt.
$2 Jan. 1, 1846, S. to P., in Vallejo, Corresp., MS., 157-8; Id., Ilist. Cal .. MS., v. 25-6. The letter is a long one, the writer treating of a great variety of matters besides the one in question. It must be admitted that it is only a copy; but it contains abundant proofs of its genuineness as a whole; and I have no doubt of its accuracy so far as this matter of the sale is concerned, though in one or two other respects it may have been tampered with by the copyist-not by Gen. Vallejo's consent, I must add, as some reader might pos- sibly suspect from the titles heading this note.
63 S. to C. Original letter in C'astro, Doc., MS., ii. 98-9.
616
FOREIGN RELATIONS-1845.
and Castro adopted another and cheaper method of accomplishing their object, by recommending to their government the purchase of the Russian mortgage- though Sutter does not appear to have known anything of this scheme.54
In connection with affairs at New Helvetia, an im- portant diary should be noticed here. It is a daily record kept at the fort by Swasey, Bidwell, and Loker, as Sutter's clerks, and during a part of the time by Sutter himself, from September 9, 1845, to May 25, 1848. It deals chiefly with the arrival and departure of employés, visitors, and immigrants; and is of the greatest value as a record of exact dates, as a source of information about hundreds of early pioneers, and as a contemporary journal of local affairs. I owe its possession to the kindness of William F. Swasey, of San Francisco, one of the authors and a man deeply interested in all that relates to the pioneer history of California. 55
54 Apr. 23, 1846, the Mex. govt tells Pico that the subject of acquiring Sutter's Fort has been deferred. No details as to the nature of the proposi- tion. St. Pap., Miss. and Col., MS., ii. 411-14.
55 New Helvetia, Diary of Events 1845-8, by Swasry, Bidwell, Loker, and Sutter, MS., 1881, 212 p. Copy from original. There are unfortunately some long blanks in the record of 1846-7.
CHAPTER XXVI.
LOCAL ANNALS OF THE SOUTH. 1841-1845.
POPULATION-SAN DIEGO- LAST OF THE PRESIDIAL COMPANY-MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS-RANCHOS-MISSION SAN DIEGO-SAN LUIS REY-PADRE IBARRA-WASTING-AWAY OF THE ESTATES-SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO- PUEBLO OF SAN JUAN DE ARGUELLO-SAN DIEGUITO, SAN PASCUAL, AND LAS FLORES-LOS ANGELES DISTRICT-STATISTICS-CITY AND SUBURBS-LOCAL EVENTS-PREFECTURE AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT -CRIMINAL RECORD-RANCHOS-SAN PEDRO-SAN GABRIEL-DECAD- ENCE UNDER MAJORDOMOS-SAN BERNARDINO-AGUA MANSA-SAN FERNANDO-MISSION RENTED-SANTA BARBARA DISTRICT-PRESIDIO AND TOWN-SUB-PREFECT AND JUECES DE PAZ-RANCHOS-MISSION- INVENTORIES AND RENTING-SAN BUENAVENTURA-SANTA INÉS-PADRE MORENO-THR COLLEGE -PURÍSIMA -PADRE ABELLA -SMALL-POX -- RUIN AND SALE.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA in the half-decade of 1814-15, the territory and period embraced in this chapter, gained in white population about 500 souls, or from 2,850 to 3,350. The ex-neophyte Indian population fell off about 1,500 souls, or from 5,100 to 3,600, of which latter number 1,880 were still living in the ex- mission communities, and 1720 were scattered in towns and on ranchos. It must be understood, how- ever, that these figures, while carefully founded on all the data extant, are much less exact than popula- tion statistics of earlier years.
The last trace of the old presidial organization at San Diego is a report of Alférez Salazar in November 1842, to the effect that he had a total force of four- teen men without arms or ammunition. Earlier in ( C17 )
618
LOCAL ANNALS OF THE SOUTH.
the year Mofras found a few soldiers and an officer at the pueblo, also a few cannon half buried in the sand amid the ruins of presidio and castillo. In October the prefect commissioned José A. Estudillo to bring away in carts all the useful guns and balls from the fort; but in the Jones affair of November, Captain Phelps of the Alert saved Estudillo all trouble by spiking the guns and throwing movable articles into the bay.1 After 1842 there is nothing in the records on company, officers, or military finance except an occasional complaint that there were neither soldiers nor arms for defence. But fortunately there was but slight need in this half decade for military operations either against disloyal norteños or savage raiders. The Indians committed comparatively few and slight dep- redations and rancheros were left to tend their herds for the most part in peace. Respecting the popula- tion of the district, excluding Indians, estimated at 150 in 1840, we have nothing but Mofras' figures of 100 in 1842 and the fact that there were about 70 men capable of bearing arms in 1844-6. I suppose that this population in 1845 may have been 350 souls; and the ex-neophyte population 600 at the missions and pueblos, 1,000 including the ranchos, and perhaps 1,500 or more including those living as fugitives in gentile rancherías. All this however rests on a very slight basis.
The half decade was a period of tranquil prosperity, but uneventful even when compared with the past monotony of existence at this least bustling of the California towns. A classified summary is appended
1 Nov. 7, 1842, Salazar to Vallejo. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xi. 303; Mofras, Explor., i. 323-6. Oct. 26th, Prefect's orders to Estudillo. Savage, Doc., MIS., iii. 45. May 23, 1841, com. of frontier calls on juez to return the 11 muskets and bayonets lent for defence. Los Ang. Arch., MS., ii. 58-9.
June 1842, Ind. have risen; only 5 men at S. Diego, 3 of them being for- eigners; all the rest absent on their ranchos. Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., iv. 125. July 1844, Jnez sends a list of 71 citizens capable of serving in a civic company, not including foreigners or Indians. Dept. St. Pap., MS., xviii. 4. Sept. 1845, reference to 53 names of men in the jurisdiction able to bear arms. Id., Ben., Pref. y Juzg., ii. S3. July 1846, the municipality has 73 men between the age of 15 and 60 years. Id., i. 159.
619
SUMMARY OF EVENTS.
of events and institutional progress.2 Sectional strife was temporarily at an end; San Diego was the first to welcome Governor Micheltorena; was spared a
2 Chronologie summary of events at S. Diego: 1841. May-June, a reported rising of the lud. of the Sierra de Jamnr ou the frontier, leading to corresp. between alcalde, prefect, and gov., with orders, precautions, and complaints of lack of men and arms; but no casualties nor definite results. Dept. St. Pap. Ang., MS., vi. 32, 43; xii. 57; Dept. Rec., MS., xii. 13; Fitch, Doc., MS., 166. Douglas proposed an estab. of the H. B. Co. here. This vol., p. 216. Dec. Ar- rival of Bishop Gareia Diego. Id., 196, 332. Dec. 20th, a tumult at La Playa resulting in one or two deaths. No further details. It was probably a quarrel between sailors or Indians. Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., vi. 82. 1842. Visit of Duflot de Mofras and his investigations in Jan. This vol., 224, 250, 253; Mofras, Explor., i. 332-3. April-Jnne, troubles with the Ind. of Jaeum. The pre- feet thinks the inhab. have provoked the troubles by unwise conduct, but orders further examination and anthorizes defensive measures-that is, the borrowing of some arms from Capt. Fitch. S. D. Arch., MS., 287-8; Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., vi. 123, 129; this vol., p. 338. Death of Capt. Zamorano. Vol. iii .. p. 320. Oet. 29th, Nov., Capt. Phelps of the Alert spikes the guns of the fort in connection with Com. Jones' exploits at Monterey. This vol., p. 320, 324, 340. Arrival of Gov. Micheltorena and his troops from Mexico in Au- gust. Id., 289-93. Whales taken in the bay. Hayes' Em. Notes, 433. 1843. Oath to support the bases orgánicas, or new Mex. constitution in Oct .; also elections. layes' Doc., MS., 170; this vol., 359-61. 1844. July, a militia company to be organized under Capt. Andrés Pico. Id., 407. Doubtful record that the guns of the fort were again spiked by the crew of a whaler. Id., 433. 1843. Efforts to open S. Diego as a Ist-class port and establish a custom-house. Id., 519, 557. Elections in Oct. Id., 540.
Civil and municipal govt and list of officers: 1841. Rosario Aguilar, juez de paz (Ist, principal, or proprietary); Jesus Moreno juez de paz (2d, suplente, or interino), appointed the preceding Dec. by the prefect at Los Angeles and ap- proved by gov. in Feb .; Aniceto M. Zavaleta, secretary; Fran. M. Alvarado named as depositary of funds in May; Manuel Verdugo and José M. Alvarado jueces del campo, appointed by juez in Feb. at prefect's order. Jan., a list of all vagrants required by prefect. S. D. Arch., MS., 268. Feb. $13 dne Fitch on duties illegally collected but not paid for want of municipal funds, to be paid by a monthly rebate of F.'s taxes. /d., 269. March, a new game of cards, more like 'monte' than 'thirty-one,' is becoming popular and must be stopped. Id., 273. Prefect recommends a bando against all games of chance, includ- ing raffles. Id., 269. March-June, municipal receipts $28, expend. for clerk's salary $10 and expenses $36.50; in the treasury $3.50. Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., vi. 19. April, sentence could not be executed for want of food for prisoners. No 'public works;' one prisoner hired out at 12 reales for 15 days. S. D. Arch., MS., 276. May, Andrés Ibarra and Rafaela Serrano by prefect's or- ders must pay tax on their dram shop or the liquors are to be coufiscated and deposited. Id., 270. An Ind. was fined 12 reales for playing a game of chance. A man sent to collect it at the Indian's expense compromised the matter with the culprit (!), but later had to give up two horses with $10. Id., 277. Prefect orders juez to collect $20 fine and $12 duty on otter skins from Osuna, to pay J. A. Estudillo the rent of a room for the juzgado, and keep the rest for arms and ammunition in case of Ind. troubles. Id., 270. June, murder of Lient. José A. Garraleta by his wife Juana Gastelum across the frontier. Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., i. 75, iv. 14. June-Ang., munie. receipts $25), expend. $41. Id., vi. GO. Dec., Robinson, a storekeeper, fined $3 and put in chains for refusing to serve on the patrol. Id., vi. 84. "A sailor of the Prima- vera fined $5 for cutting another of the California, besides paying $18 to the injured party. S. D. Arch., MS., 288.
1542. José Ant. Góngora juez de paz; José MI. Alvarado suplente. Gón-
620
LOCAL ANNALS OF THE SOUTH.
long infliction of supporting his cholo band; contrib- uted mildly to his overthrow; and had the satisfac- tion of seeing Pio Pico, one of her most prominent
gora acted as his own secretary and claimed the salary of $10. Rent $2. Joaquin Ortega was encargado de justicia for S. José del Valle and S. Felipe to Cajon ranchos. Alvarado also acted as receptor ad int. of the custom- house. A kanaka fined $6 for lying with an Ind. girl Petra, and wounding an Ind., José María, who interfered. Petra was given 25 blows and sent to the mission nunnery; and Jose María was given 50 blows for his 'atrevi- miento.' S. D. Arch., MS., 2S8. Two Ind. fined 20 reales for beating a man and the latter 20 reales for selling the former brandy. A foreigner fined $S for creating an excitement by the false announcement of the bishop's arrival. Id.
1843. Joaquin Ortega juez de paz; José María Orozco suplente. Ortega resigned in May, and J. A. Gongora was appointed by the prefect to succeed him. Manuel Pico encargado at Sta Isabel. José M. Orozco receptor of the port. Pinto, Doc., MS., ii. 16. Oct., an Amer, whaler entered the bay for repairs and asked permission to take whales. The latter was declared by the prefect to be beyond his authority, but he directed the alcalde to permit the repairs, collecting 12 reales per ton for duties and sending the money to the prefcet; but the captain went on with his whaling operations in spite of the prohibition. Soon a German whaler entered and was allowed to remain por el tiempo muy preciso, great care being taken. S. D. Arch., MS., 7; Id., In- dex, 148; Dept. St. Pap., Ang., MS., vii. 97.
1844. Juan Maria Marron juez de paz; Thomas Ridington suplente. Oct., Juez Marron issued an order to the inhabitants to turn out and construct a watering-place in the arroyo and build a public corral to keep cattle from damaging the town. Penalties are affixed for failure to obey. N. D. Arch., MS., 311. Two ex-neophytes for having stolen hides in their possession sen- teneed to 6 months of public work. Three gentiles for stealing an ox, 6 months. Three Ind. for stealing a res, 3 months; for killing a res, 6 months with chains. Id., 314.
1845. Francisco M. Alvarado juez de paz; José Ramon Argüello, suplente, Alvarado was suspended by the sub-prefcet in Nov .- because as he elaimed hic went to a baptism at S. Luis, Dept. St. Pep., MS., vi. 132-and Jose Antonio Estudillo apparently served temporarily in Nov .- Dec. Alvarado and Estudillo served as captain of the port and receptor, Fitch being also named as receptor. Juan M. Marron was elector de partido. Santiago Argue- llo was appointed by the gov. as sub-prefect of the partido on July 12th and took possession of the office on the 30th. Dept. St. Pap., Pref. y Juzg., MS., ii. 84. May 13th, Gov. Pico orders the 2d alcalde to return to his duties. This is the only record for the year in S. D. Arch., MS., 315. June 9th, Gov. toalcalde. Sta Margarita has always been in the jurisdiction of S. Diego, S. Juan not extending beyond S. Mateo. Dept. Rec., MS., xiv. 38-9. Oct., whalers must be treated well to attract them to the port. Yet there was trouble with the Espadon, which was required to pay a tax of $10 or $30. Dept. St. Pap., MS., viii. 10, 73-4, 7S. Dec., sub-prefect complains of op- position and intrigues and calumny against himself. The alcalde has left towu merely because he was suspended from office. Id., Pref. y Juzg., ii, 68- 70.
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