History of California, Volume XXII, Part 25

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe
Publication date: 1885-1890
Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers
Number of Pages: 816

USA > California > History of California, Volume XXII > Part 25

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The official documents are found, as Sloat's Despatches, in U. S. Govt Dor., 29th cong. 2d sess., H. Ex. Doc. 4, p. 640, etc .; and 31st coug. Ist sess., H. Ex. Doc. 1, pt ii. p. 1, etc. Most of them are copied in Lancey's Cruise, 79, etc .; and many have been often reprinted elsewhere. I do not deem it neces- sary to make any further reference to the page where each of these well known routine documents is to be found; nor to give more than a mere men- tion of their purport. Somewhat more attention is given to documents not before published, chiefly found among Larkin's papers.

1. July 7, 1846, Sloat to com. at Monterey, demanding surrender. 2. Silva to Sloat in reply, referring him to Gen. Castro. Spanish and transla- tion. A correct copy of the original, the printed one being inaccurate, in Larkin's Doc., MS., iv. 199. 3. Sloat's general order to his men before land- ing, forbidding plunder and disorder. Dept. St. Pap., MS., vii. 70-1. 4. Sloat's proclamation to the inhabitants of Cal. (see my text a little later). Autograph original in the hall of the Cal. Pioneers. Original copies as circu- lated in English and Spanish, in Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxiv. 217; Bandini, Doc., MS., 90; Savage, Doc., MS., iii. 15, etc .; with printed copies in many works. 5. Sloat to Castro, in same terms as to Silva, demanding surrender; and adding: ' I hereby invite you to meet me immediately in Monterey to enter into articles of capitulation, that yourself, officers, and soldiers, with the inhabitants of Cal., may receive assurances of perfect safety to themselves and property.' 6. Com. Mervine to citizens, ordering that all stores and shops be closed for two days, and strictly forbidding retail of liquors. Mont. Arch., MS., viii. 58-9. 7. Sloat to Montgomery: 'Your launch left yesterday. I enclose two documents. I hoisted the American flag here to-day at 9 A. M. (?)

234

CONQUEST BY THE U. S .- SLOAT'S RULE.

Sloat's proclamation was as follows: "To the in- habitants of California: The central government of Mexico having commenced hostilities against the

Yon will immediately take possession of Y. B., and hoist the flag within reach of your guns; post up the proclamation in both languages; notify Capt. F. and others; put the guns and fort in order. I wish very much to see aud hear from Capt. F., that we may understand cach other and cooperate to- gether.' 8. Larkin to Frémont. Desires him to send message overland on a subject of which he will soon be informed. 'The commodore wishes you at once to cooperate with him under the new state of affairs, and inform him immediately, calling on Capt. Montgomery for a launch if you need it, to bring him information of your willingness to do so. By land immediately yon can send me a courier with a letter in your handwriting, without signa- ture, merely saying you will fall into the plan offered. Show this to Mr Gillespie.' Larkin's Off. Corresp., MS., i. 105. 9. Larkin to Montgomery, enclosing an open letter for Frémont, to be read, shown to Gillespie-who is desired to come down in the launch-and forwarded. Letters in writer's hand to be deemed authentic if not signed. Id., i. 102. 10. Larkin to Ide. Com. Sloat 'has this hour (10 A. M.) raised the flag of the U. S.' 'I presume you will be inclined to desist from any contemplated movements against the natives, and remain passive for the present.' 'I would recommend you to communicate immediately with the commodore.' Id., i. 100. 11. Larkin to Weber and Stokes at S. José, enclosing letter for Ide. To be carried or sent at onee. Dr Marsh also to be notified. 'The news will come unexpected to you; but I hope you will be ready to cooperate in calming the minds of those around you.' Id., i. 101. 12. Passport or certificate of Manuel Diaz, that the bearer has a communication for Ide recommending him to suspend hostilities. Id., Doc., MS., iv. 200. 13. Sloat to Larkin. Suggests the posting of reliable persons on each road a few miles from town. Id., iv. 201.

14. July 8th, Larkin to Stearns; with an account of what has occurred, also latest news from the north. Id., iv. 202. 15. Larkin to Sloat, recommend- iug the appointment of a school-master at $1,000 salary. He will contribute one tenth. Thinks it will induce the natives to accept office under the U. S. Called on Castro's wife, and found her very uneasy. Will soon know all Castro's plans. The gen. will probably be at S. Juan to-night. Will come on board to-morrow with David Spence and Dr McKee. Manuel Diaz in- vited, but prefers to wait a few days, Id., Off. Corresp., MS., i. 100-1. 16. Larkiu to Castro. The commodore is anxious for an interview. Assures him of good treatment. Id., i. 108-9. 17. Larkin to Alvarado. Is still friendly to him and Don José. Hopes the latter will enter into a convention with Sloat, as he may honorably do. Id., i. 100. 18. Larkin's circular to Ameri- cans, with a full account of the Bear Flag revolt, including the latest news.

19. July 9th, Sloat to Fremont, telling him what had been done, and urging him to make haste with at least 100 men. Fremont's Cal. Claims, 73-4. C'astro to Sloat (in reply to no. 5). Spanish and translation. 20. Same to same, asking an explanation about Frémont's operations. (One of these two doc. appears in one of the official editions, and the other in the other, each as appendix F.) 21. Sloat to Pico, enelosing copies of summons to Castro; ask- ing an interview and assuring him of good treatment, also dated 12th. 22. Castro to Larkin. His letter to Sloat contains his 'ultimate determination.' Sawyer's Doc., MIS., 77- 8. 23. Alvarado to Larkin. Thanks for kind atten- tions. Cannot disregard his obligations to his general. Refers to the efforts of the 'immortal Washington.' Id., 78-9.

24. July 10th, Larkin to Sloat, informing him of the return of Silva and Narvaez, and reported desertion of Castro's men; and suggesting a procla- mation of encouragement for such men. Larkin's Off. Corresp., MS., i. 105.

25. July 12th, Sloat to Montgomery, with an account of the situation of

235

PROCLAMATION.

United States of America by invading its territory and attacking the troops. . . on the north side of the Rio Grande, and with a force of 7,000 men under ... Gen. Arista, which army was totally destroyed ... on the 8th and 9th of May last by a force of 2,300 men under. .. Gen. Taylor, and the city of Matamoras taken ... and the two nations being actually at war by this transaction, I shall hoist the standard of the United States at Monterey immediately, and shall carry it throughout California. I declare to the in- habitants of California that, although I come in arms with a powerful force, I do not come among them as an enemy to California; on the contrary, I come as their best friend, as henceforward California will be a por- tion of the United States, and its peaceful inhabitants will enjoy the same rights and privileges as the citi-

affairs; also another despatch approving his course at San Francisco. 26. Larkin to Fremont. Urges him to come on to Monterey. The commodore is anxious for his cooperation. Wishes to organize a body of paid men. Frémont may promise $15 or $20 per month, and to a great extent choice of their own officers. Larkin's Off. Corresp., MS. 27. Wm Matthews, carrying despatches to San Francisco, was stopped at Tucho rancho by 'Chanate' Castro and Jose Higuera. He was tied to another prisoner and carried off on horseback; but escaped while the captors were drinking. Mont. Arch., MS., viii. 45-9.

28. Muster-roll of Fanntleroy's dragoons from July 12th to Sept. 17th. 49 names. Cal. Pion. Soc., Arch., MS., 239-40. Sloat's communication of July 8th to Fauntleroy, authorizing him to organize the company, 35 strong, from the squadron aud volunteers, to protect peaceable inhabitants and keep a watch over the enemy. Id., 231. Also Sloat's proclamation to 'good citi- zens of Cal. and others,' inviting them to enroll themselves in the company for 3 months at $15 per month. Doc. not dated, but a Spanish translation is dated July 13th.

29. July 13th, five custom-house officers meet and resolve that they are bound to support the Mexican cause, exhorting all subordinates to join Castro's force. Hartnell declined to do so, though he signed and approved the resolution, because of his large family. Guerra was the leading spirit. Unb. Doc., MS., 211-13. Pablo de la Guerra, Guerra, Doc., MS., iv. 1300-], claims that he refused to give up the custom-house flags and boats, com- manded his employés to join Castro, and himself left town in all haste to avoid giving his parole.

30. July 14th, Sloat's general order announcing the raising of the flag in the north, and congratulating all who had participated in the change. Suv- yer's Doc., MS., 83. 31. Thomas Cole paid $165 for carrying despatches to S. José and Yerba Buena. Horses and pistols taken from him hy Castro's men also paid for. Monterey, Consulate Arch., MS., ii. 16-17.

32. July 16th, Larkin to Montgomery. Reports arrival of the Congress, and says all is quiet. About 100 people have asked for passports to pass in and out of town, though they are not required. Larkin's Off. Corresp., MS., i. 107.

236

CONQUEST BY THE U. S .- SLOAT'S RULE.

zens of any other portion of that territory, with all the rights and privileges they now enjoy, together with the privilege of choosing their own magistrates and other officers for the administration of justice among themselves; and the same protection will be extended to them as to any other state in the Union. They will also enjoy a permanent government, under which life, property, and the constitutional right and lawful security to worship the creator in the way most congenial to each one's sense of duty, will be secured, which unfortunately the central government of Mexico cannot afford them, destroyed as her re- sources are by internal factions and corrupt officers, who create constant revolutions to promote their own interests and oppress the people. Under the flag of the United States California will be free from all such troubles and expense; consequently the country will rapidly advance and improve, both in agriculture and commerce, as, of course, the revenue laws will be the same in California as in all other parts of the United States, affording them all manufactures and produce of the United States free of any duty, and all foreign goods at one quarter of the duty they now pay. A great increase in the value of real estate and the products of California may also be antici- pated. With the great interest and kind feelings I know the government and people of the United States possess toward the citizens of California, the coun- try cannot but improve more rapidly than any other on the continent of America. Such of the inhabi- tants of California, whether native or foreigners, as may not be disposed to accept the high privileges of citizenship and to live peaceably under the govern- ment of the United States, will be allowed time to dispose of their property and to remove out of the country, if they choose, without any restriction; or remain in it, observing strict neutrality. With full confidence in the honor and integrity of the inhabi- tants of the country, I invite the judges, alcaldes,

237

FAIR PROMISES.

and other civil officers to retain their offices, and to execute their functions as heretofore, that the public tranquillity may not be disturbed; at least, until the government of the territory can be more definitely arranged. All persons holding titles to real estate, or in quiet possession of lands under a color of right, shall have those titles and rights guaranteed to them. All churches and the property they contain, in pos- session of the clergy of California, shall continue in the same rights and possessions they now enjoy. All provisions and supplies of every kind furnished by the inhabitants for the use of the United States ships and soldiers will be paid for at fair rates; and no pri- vate property will be taken for public use without just compensation at the moment. John D. Sloat, commander-in-chief of the United States naval force in the Pacific Ocean."

This proclamation was by no means a model in re- spect of literary style, though superior to many of the commodore's productions. The preliminary statement that American soil had been invaded by Mexico might be criticised, even from a standpoint not purely Mexican; though Sloat was not responsible for it, and such criticism does not belong here. The position as- sumed that California was to be permanently a terri- tory of the United States was certainly a novel and very peculiar one, considering the fact that the United States ostensibly fought to resist invasion in Texas; but it was more or less in accord with the spirit of the instructions that Sloat had received, and entirely so with those then on their way to him. In other respects, however, the document was most wisely framed to accomplish its purpose. Moderate and friendly in tone, it touched skilfully upon the people's past grievances-neglect by Mexico, high prices of imported goods, official corruption, and insecurity of life and property; and contained no allusions likely to arouse patriotic, religious, or race prejudices. No proclamation involving a change of nationality could

23S

CONQUEST BY THE U. S .- SLOAT'S RULE.

have been more favorably received by Californians of all classes. Many, not before friends to annexation, welcomed the change as a relief from prospective Bear Flag rule; though nearly all would have been better pleased had the lack of all connection between the revolt and the hoisting of the stars and stripes been somewhat more apparent.

The capture of San Francisco by the United States naval forces was an event quite as devoid of incident or romance as the occupation of Monterey just re- lated.14 The Portsmouth's launch, leaving Monterey on July 6th with despatches from Sloat to Montgom- ery, had a stormy passage of five days; but other despatches, already noticed as sent on the 7th, reached their destination sooner. One copy sent by Henry Pitts by way of San Jose was delivered at 7 P. M. of the 8th;15 while the duplicate, which Job Dye took by a coast route, arrived at 1 P. M. of the next day. Before dawn on Thursday the 9th, Montgomery de- spatched Lieutenant Revere in the ship's boat with a flag to be raised at Sonoma; and at 8 A. M., having landed with 70 men at Yerba Buena, he hoisted the stars and strips "in front of the custom-house, in the public square, with & salute of 21 guns from the ship, followed by three hearty cheers on shore and on board, in which the people, principally foreign resi- dents, seemed cordially to join. I then addressed a few words to the assembled people," writes the cap-

14 Perhaps I should here credit one man with a laudable ambition to make the preliminaries at least interesting. A soldier's yarn-whether invented by the soldier or by the writer who claimed to take it from his lips I know not-published in the N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, June 14, 1867, and re- printed in half a dozen California papers, informs us that the hero was at Te- pie when news came that papers had been signed giving Cal. to the U. S., but that England was also after it. He was therefore sent off on horseback with despatches for Capt. Montgomery at S. F., whom he reached, after a series of thrilling adventures, just in time to have the flag raised and the country saved !

15 Lancey, Cruise, 82, says that Pitts was stopped on the way by the Cali- fornians; but this occurred I think on his return. Lancey's statement is founded on that of Milton Little. Monterey Herald, July 13, 1874: Sta Cruz Sentinel, July 25, 1874.

239

THE STARS AND STRIPES AT SAN FRANCISCO.

tain to his superior officer,16 "after which your excel- leut proclamation was read in both languages and posted upon the flag-staff."17 Not only was there no op- position, but there was not in town a single Mexican official from whom to demand a surrender. Sub-pre- feet Guerrero and Comandante Sanchez had absented themselves; Port-captain Ridley was a prisoner at Sutter's Fort; and Receptor Pinto had more than a week before gone to join Castro, first disposing of the custom-house flag, which in 1870 he presented to the California Pioneers, and the archives of his office, which now, thanks to Don Rafael, form an interest- ing part of my own collection.18

After the ceremony a part of the force landed, in- cluding all the marines; and the rest, taking up their quarters at the custom-house, remained as a perma- neut garrison, under the command of Lieutenant H. B. Watson. In a meeting held at Vice-consul Liedes- dorff's house, steps were taken, in accordance with a proclamation of Montgomery, to organize a company of 'volunteer guards,' to protect the town and per- form duties similar to those assumed by Fauntleroy at Monterey. Purser Watmough was sent with a

16 Montgomery's report to Sloat of occupation of S. F., July 9, 1846. U. S. Govt Doc., 29th cong. 2d sess., H. Ex. Doc. 4, p. 649-50. The story also told briefly in Sloat's report. Id., 641. Bryant, Tuthill, and others have given the date of the occupation incorrectly as July Sth.

17 The old custom-house, or receptoria, stood on what is now Brenham place, on the west side of the plaza, or Portsmouth Square, near Washington street.

18 Pinto informs me-and the same version appears in the Sta Cruz Senti- nel, Ang. 13, 1870, the presentation of the flag being recorded in the S. F. Bulletin, July 6, 1870; Suisun Republican, Aug. 4, 1870, and other papers- that on his departure he committed the trunk containing the flag and docu- ments to the care of Leidesdorff as private property. Rather strangely, Mout- gomery and Leidesdorff failed to examine the contents, which were subse- quently restored to the owner. The papers were presented to me in 1878 by Don Rafael, whose Apuntaciones I have often cited as a valuable contribution to Californian history, and now-650 in number, very important as records of the country's commerce, and including many of great interest on other matters-they are preserved in my Library in two large folio volumes, with the following title: Documentos para la Historia de California. Coleccion del Sr Don Rafael Pinto, Oficial que fue del ejército Mejicano en California, y Re. ceptor de la Aduana de San Francisco en los últimos meses de la dominación Mejicana. Regalada por el conducto de Tomás Savage a la 'Bancroft Library,' 1878.

240

CONQUEST BY THE U. S .- SLOAT'S RULE.

letter to intercept Frémont, erroneously supposed to be at Santa Clara in pursuit of Castro. Lieutenant Misroon with a small party made a tour to the pre- sidio and fort, finding the cannon at the latter place just as Frémont had left them on July 1st, spiked, and requiring much labor to render them of any ser- vice. No other public property was found; and no human beings were seen except a few Indians. The U. S. flag was displayed over the fort. Two days later Misroon visited the mission and secured a col- lection of public documents. The residents had at first fled on hearing of what had happened at Yerba Buena; but now they were returning to their homes and becoming reconciled to the change. It was also on the 11th that Revere returned from Sonoma, bringing news that all was well in the north. Co- mandante Sanchez came in on Montgomery's invita- tion, and pointed out the spots where two guns were buried, the sub-prefect coming in later and giving up the papers of his office; and the Juno anchored in the bay, causing some warlike preparations on the Portsmouth, but showing no disposition to interfere in any way. During this period, and until the end of the month, there were no incidents worthy of no- tice.19 There were no arrests, except of half a dozen of Montgomery's own men for disorderly conduct. Some cannon were transferred from Sonoma and mounted on the side of what is now Telegraph Hill, to protect the town. Correspondence of the time made known at Yerba Buena much of what was oc- curring at Monterey and at other places. It was understood that couriers were sometimes stopped by

19 Wm H. Davis, Glimpses of the Past, MS., 267-8, 346-7, arrived at Yerba Buena during this period, and chats pleasantly, as is his wout, of what occurred. He and W. D. M. Howard were arrested late one night while crossing the plaza, having forgotten the countersign, and were taken to the guard-house; but Lieut Watson administered no more severe penalty than to force them to drink a bottle of champagne with him before going home. Davis says the guns were got out and all made ready for a fight on board the Portsmouth several times on the arrival of a vessel, once while he was taking breakfast with Montgomery, there being great fear of trouble with England. Phelps, Fore and Aft, 293-4, also has something to say of the events of these days.

241

DOCUMENTARY RECORD.

Californians on the way to San José; but otherwise no rumor came to indicate that all north of Monterey was not as completely and quietly American as was the little village on San Francisco Bay. Not much is known of the events narrated, beyond what is cou- tained in the documentary record which I append.20

20 The documents relating to the occupation of San Francisco are found annexed to Sloat's report in 29th Cong. 2d Sess., H. Ex. Doc. 4, p. 648-68, and in 31st Cong. 1st Sess., H. Ex. Doc. no. 1, pt ii. p. 10-30. They are as follows: 1. July 6th, Sloat to Montgomery, sent by the launch, and already noted. 2. July 7th, same to same, 'telegraphic,' already noted. 3. July 9th, Montgomery to Sloat, in reply to no. 2, narrating events of the occu- pation as in my text, and enclosing documents of the day. Advises the bring- ing of two 18-pounders from Sonoma. Has supplied Fremont with stores to the amount of $2,199. 4. Montgomery to his 'fellow-citizens,' an address after raising the flag. Thinks the new standard will ' this day be substituted for the revolutionary flag recently hoisted at Sonoma.' Commends Sloat's proclamation. Invites citizens willing to join a local militia to call at Leides- dorff's house immediately. 5. Montgomery's proclamation, calling upon all to enroll themselves into a military company, choosing their own officers. In case of an attack, all necessary force will be landed from the Portsmonth. An- nonnces Watson's appointment as military commandant pro tem. 6. Mont- gomery to Frémont, announcing what has been done, and requesting his pres- ence at Monterey. 7. Montgomery to Purser James H. Watmough. He is to intercept Frémont at Sta Clara or S. José, and deliver no. 6 to him. 8. Montgomery to H. B. Watson, making him commander of marines and local militia. Encloses list of militia force. Arranges signals for aid in case of at- tack. 9. Lient J. S. Misroon to Montgomery. Report of a visit to the pre- sidio and fort with Watmough, Leidesdorff, and several volunteers. At the fort he found 3 brass cannon and 7 of iron. Recommends some repairs at the fort. No cannon at the presidio. 10. July 11th, Misroon to Montgomery. Report of a visit to the Mission with Leidesdorff and a party of marines. 11. Lieut Revere, having returned, reports the success of his mission to So- noma. 12. Lieut Watson's report of the day. All quiet. Patrol vigilant and obedient. 13. Lieut Misroon for Montgomery (who is confined to his bed) to Sloat. Sends additional documents and details. Reports raising of the flag in the north. Arrival of the Juno. Hopes to recover two cannon buried at the presidio and mission. Comandante Sanchez had come in on in- vitation; had no public property to deliver, but knew where some guns were buried. A stand of colors and a boat taken from the custom-house. This was sent to Monterey by Pitts. Received next day. 14. July 13th, Mont- gomery to Fallon, about affairs at S. José. 15. July lotb, Montgomery to Sloat. Has received Sloat's of 12th, sent from S. José by Stokes. Is 'wholly at a loss as to the whereabouts of Capt. Fremont,' but thinks he may he at Monterey. Notes arrival of the l'andalia from S. Diego. Suggests transfer of arms from Sonoma. Sends correspondence with Fallon. 16. July 17th, Montgomery to Sloat, in answer to telegraphic despatch of 12th, which was delayed 36 hours at S. José. Is fortifying the anchorage. The entrance to the bay can be so fortified as to repel the whole navy of Great Britain. 17. Same to same, on the prisoners at Sutter's Fort. 18. July 18th, Montgomery to Grigsby, on Sonoma affairs. 19. July 20th, Montgomery to Sloat, for- warding correspondence with Grigsby. Suggests a guard on the road to S. José infested by mischievous men. Has 6 men under arrest for disorderly conduct. Good progress on the new fort. The late sub-prefect Francisco Guerrero came in from his rancho on summons, and gave up the papers of I.Is HIST. CAL., VOL. V. 16

242

CONQUEST BY THE U. S. - SLOAT'S RULE.

At Sonoma, where nothing that we know of had occurred since Frémont's departure three days before, Revere arrived before noon of July 9th, having left San Francisco in the Portsmouth's boat at two o'clock in the morning. Of what followed there is no other record than that of Revere himself, as follows: "Hay- ing caused the troops of the garrison and the inhabi- tants of the place to be summoned to the public square, I then read the proclamation of Commodore Sloat to them, and then hoisted the United States flag upon the staff in front of the barracks, under a salute from the artillery of the garrison. I also caused the proc- lamation to be translated into Spanish and posted up in the plaza. A notice to the people of California was also sent the next day, to be forwarded to the country around, requesting the people to assemble at Sonoma on Saturday next, the 11th, to hear the news con- firmed of the country having been taken possession of by the United States. An express, with a copy of the proclamation and a United States flag, was also sent to the commander of the garrison at Sutter's Fort on the Sacramento, with a request to do the same there that had been done at Sonoma. The same was also done to the principal American citizen-Mr Stephen Smith-at Bodega, with a demand for two pieces of field artillery. . . I am happy to report that great satisfaction appeared to prevail in the commu- nity of Sonoma, of all classes, and among both foreign- ers and natives, at the country having been taken pos- session of by the United States and their flag hoisted ; more particularly after the general feeling of insecu- rity of life and property caused by the recent events of the revolution in this part of California."21 It will be remembered that Grigsby and about fifty men had been left as a garrison, the main force of the in-

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

History of California, Volume XXII, Part 25

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe Publication date: 1885-1890 Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers Number of Pages: 816

Author: Bancroft, Hubert Howe
Publication date: 1885-1890
Publisher: San Francisco, Calif. : The History Company, publishers
Number of Pages: 816