History of California, Volume XXII, Part 28

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 28

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).

261

CASTRO'S OPERATIONS.

Castro's movements in the first half of July, few details being known, have already been described, as have those of Pico in the south.4 From his northern campaign Castro had returned, after Torre's defeat, to Santa Clara, the 30th of June. From this point he sent Manuel Castro southward, to effect a recon- ciliation with Pico, and secure his cooperation in de- fensive measures. The general probably remained at Santa Clara until he received Sloat's despatch of July 7th, departing on the evening of that day, and ar- riving at San Juan on the 8th. Here he passed one night, and on the 9th, after replying to the commo- dore's communications, started with his little army for the south." Juan B. Alvarado accompanied him, though holding no command. The position taken by both officers in their communications to Sloat and Larkin is worthy of the highest commendation. To plot a declaration of independence in the interest of the United States had not perhaps been quite a cred- itable proceeding for Castro or Larkin, or the gov-

of, except as a last resource. Not only would all the advantages which had been obtained be thus abandoned, and perhaps never be regained without great expenditure of blood and treasure, but the pride and confidence of the enemy would be increased to a dangerous extent by such indications of our weakness and inability to maintain what we had won.'

4 See chap. vi. of this vol.

5 There are no means of proving definitely the date on which Castro left Sta Clara. John Danbenbiss, in a communication already cited, says Castro was at S. José when he started with despatches for Fremont, which must have been on the evening of the 7th or morning of the Sth. Several Cali- fornians mention the fact that they encamped one night between Sta Clara and S. Juan, and spent one night at S. Juan. Larkin wrote on the 10th that Castro had arrived at S. Juan on the Sth, had that same day received Sloat's despatch, and had started on the 9th. Larkin's Off. Corresp., MS., ii. 73. Castro in his letter to Sloat, dated S. Juan July 9th, says: 'I received your note last night at Sta Clara.' Sloat's Despatches, 646. But this may be an error, for it would seem that he must have got Silva's despatch if not Sloat's ou the 7th. Larkin, Doc., MS., iv. 201, writing to Stearns on the Sth, says that Alvarado went to S. Juan a week ago and Castro went 'yes- terday, before he heard from the commodore.' In another of same date, Off. Corresp., MS., i. 100-I, he says Castro will probably be at S. Juan to- night. Sloat, in a letter of the 9th. Fremont's Cal. Claims, 73, says: 'I have this moment learned by au Englishman, just arrived from Gen. Castro at the Pueblo (S. José), that Castro was probably at St Johns last evening. . . The Englishman says that when the general read my proclamation to his troops he expressed his approbation of it.' Padre Real, writing from Sta Clara on the 12th, says that his compadre Castro left S. Juan 4 days ago. Vallejo, Doc., MS., xxxiv. 221.

262

STOCKTON'S RULE-OCCUPATION OF THE SOUTH.

ernment at Washington; but for the commanding general to have betrayed his national allegiance in time of war by complying with Sloat's demands would have been in the highest degree dishonorable -- even had Don José had the slightest wish to so comply after the acts of the insurgents. The force that Castro led to the south was possibly 150 men, but probably not over 100. He had about 160 in his San Pablo campaign, including Torre's men; and perhaps increased the number at Santa Clara to over 200, though twice that number were talked about. Many of the militia served, however, against their will, and left their leader when he started for the south, some because they were unwilling to leave their families, and others because they deemed all de- fensive measures useless, or even favored the success of the Americans.6

On July 11th Castro was at Los Ojitos, near San Antonio; and from this point he sent a communica- tion to Pico, announcing Sloat's invasion. There was yet time, he wrote, to save the country; and he was on the march to join his forces to those of the gov- ernor for that purpose. Pico received the news at San Luis Obispo the same day, and at once sent or- ders to Los Angeles, countermanding previous orders to send troops northward to reinforce his army, and directing that every effort be made to protect the cap- ital.7 Both chiefs advancing met at Santa Margarita, perhaps on the same day, but more probably on the 12th, to reconcile their past differences, as elsewhere recorded. Then they proceeded toward the capital, but not together, as it is stated, there being still much jealousy and distrust between the northern and south-

6 In the letters to be cited in the next note Castro states his force to be 160, but under the circumstances he was sure to overstate it; and Pico says the number was 200, his motives for exaggeration being stronger still.

7 July 11th, C. to P., P. from S. Luis to comandante of Angeles, and Sec. Moreno to sub-prefect. Dept. St. Pap., MS., iii. 73-4, 34. P. to Ban- dini on July 16th, speaking of his meeting Castro and his 200- men. Bandini, Dor., MS., 89.

263

GOVERNOR PICO'S ACTS.

ern officers and men. Nothing is known in detail of the march of either division.8

Back at Santa Bárbara, on his way to the capital, Governor Pico issued, on July 16th, the proclama- tion deemed necessary in such cases.9 It was an ap- peal to the people to defend their country against foreign invaders, with no peculiar features that re- quire notice. At the same time Don Pio convoked the assembly, and going in person some days later to Los Angeles, brought the subject of the invasion before the assembled legislators on July 24th, when he and others made patriotic speeches. The decision in this emergency was, as might have been expected, that the people must be called upon to do their duty, and that a reglamento must be formed for the organi-

8 Moreno, Vida Militar, MS., 9-11, states that a definite agreement was made that the two armies should march and encamp 24 hours apart. The reconciliation and the subsequent march to Angeles are mentioned in the fol- lowing narratives, none of which present any details that seem worth repro- ducing: Gomez, Lo Que Sabe, MS., 281-300; Bernal, Mem., MS., 4-11; Ga- lindo, Apuntes, MS., 57-8; Amador, Mem., MS., 188-9, 169-70; Pinto, Apunt., 101-2; Pico, Hist. Cal., MS., 146-50; Osio, Hist. Cal., MS., 477-8; Buelna, Notas, MS., 23-5; Torre, Remin., MS., 152-3; Lugo, Vida, MS., 30-1; Ord, Ocurrencias, MS., 137-8; Julio César, Cosas, MS., 7; Arnaz, Recuerdos, MS., 83-5; Coronel, Cosas de Cal., MS., 72-3; Pico, Acont., MS., 64-5.

9 Official copy certified by Stearns at Angeles on July 19th, in Coronel, Doc., MS., 143. It is as follows: 'Pio Pico, constitutional governor of the dept of Cal., to its inhabitants, know: that, the country being threatened by the sea and land forces of the U. S. of America, which ocenpy the posts of Monterey, Sonoma, S. F., and others on the northern frontier of this dept, where already waves the banner of the stars, with threats of occupying the other ports and settlements in order to subject them to their laws; and the governor being firmly resolved to make every possible effort to repel this the most unjust aggression of late centuries, undertaken by a nation which is ruled by the most unheard-of ambition, and has formed the project of au- thorizing the robbery without disguising it with the slightest mark of shame, and only consulting the power held over us because of our political weak- ness-in the exercise of my constitutional powers, and by virtue of repcateil superior orders by which I find myself authorized, I have determined to de- cree for strict observance the following articles: 1. All Mexican citizens, native and naturalized, residing in this dept are required by duty to defend the country when as now the national independence is in danger. Therefore every man without exception, from the age of 15 to 60, will present himself armed to the departmental govt to defend the just cause.' 2. Sub-prefects through alcaldes, etc., will at ouce cause to be formed lists of men, ages, etc., in each municipality. 3. But without waiting for the formation of these lists, citizens will present themselves at once. 4. Any Mexican refusing or excusing himself on any pretext will be treated as a traitor. 5. Those who are physically unable to serve in person must aid with their property-all to be indemnified by the national govt in due time. 6. Sub-prefects to be held responsible for a strict observance of this decree.

264

STOCKTON'S RULE-OCCUPATION OF THE SOUTH.

zation of the militia. Meanwhile Castro and his men had arrived, and the two chiefs had their work before them. There are left but slight fragments of contem- porary correspondence to show what was taking place among the Angelinos in those days; but eked out with the personal recollections of many men who were actors or spectators in these last scenes of Californian alle- giance to Mexico, they are amply sufficient to indicate in a general way if not in detail the existing state of affairs.10

10 July 16th, Pico to Bandini, urging him to join the assembly. Don Juan in reply pleads ill health as a reason for not serving, though he protests his patriotism as a true Mexican. Bandini, Doc., MS., 89, 92. July 16th, Sub-prefect Stearns to the rancheros. Threatens fines if they do not fly to the defence of their country. Dept. St. Pap., MS., vii. 94. July 17th, Stearns to Receptor Coronel at S. Pedro, urging him to take steps to learn the exact truth about the reports from Monterey, whether any proofs existed, etc. Coronel, Doc., MS., 195. July 17th, Pico orders sub-prefect to deliver artil- lery to Capt. Andres Pico. Dept. St. Pap., MS., vii. 35. July 18th, ayunt. is called upon by the gov. for aid; refers the matter to the assembly, but is duly patriotic. Los Angeles, Arch., MS., v. 326-7. July 20th, juez of S. Vicente. Indians very treacherous and hostile; but in case of need half the troops and vecinos may go to fight for the country. Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Pref. y Juzy., MS., ii. 41-3. July 23d, B. D. Wilson to Stearus. Yutes stealing horses. Eight Americans have come from Angeles to his rancho, fearing to re- main under present circumstances. Id., ii. 45. July 24th, session of the assem- bly. Leg. Rec., MS., iv. 370-1. July 24th, Wilson to Stearns. Must resign his office; people refuse to obey, either because they are opposed to the govt or because they regard him as one of the enemy. He keeps three armed for- eigners to protect his place from Indians; Mexicans will not aid him. Dept. St. Pap., Ben. Pref. y Juzg., MS., ii. 43-5. July 24th, Castro complains of the 'infamous holding-back' of property by certain persons, either from fear or from having been won over by the foe. Dept. St. Pap., MS., vii. 76. July

25th, Lugo at S. Bernardino. Complains of adventurers drifting about, and of Wilson's efforts to make trouble. Id., Ben. Pref. y Juzg., MS., ii. 43. July 27th, Figueroa and Botello as an assembly committee propose that-it is a sacred duty, etc., and the general must ask the gov. for aid, etc. Dept. St. Pap., MIS., vii. 77. July 28th, Pico to alcalde. Everybody must be sent to defend the capital. Id., Ang., xi. 178. July 29th, reglamento militar in 13 articles, formed by Olvera and Guerra as a committee. Dept. St. Pap., MS., vii. 78-80. July 30th, Pico and Castro resolve to send a com. to collect arms of private persons, missions, etc., as far as the frontier of Lower Cal. Il .. vii. 36.

For personal reminiscences on this subject-affairs at Angeles July 16th- Aug. 10th-see the references of note 8, with the pages following those there named; and also Temple's Recoll., MS., 9-10; Valle, Lo Pasado, MS., 44-5; Arce, Mem., MS., 55-8: Sanchez, Notas, MS., 13-14; Pico, in Hayes' Mis- sion Book, i. 342, and Los Angeles Express, Feb. 4, 1973; Alvarado, Hist. C'al., MS., v. 245-50; Juarez, Narrative, MS .; Osio, Ilist. Cal., MS., 478-9; Wilson's Obserr., MS., 61-2; Castro, Servicios, MS .; Botello, Anales, MS., 138-9; Los Angeles IIist. 41-5. From all these-sources we get in the aggre- gate much general information, but few details. Botello tells us that it was evident to all in the south from the first that Castro did not intend to fight the Americans. Jas R. Barton, layes' Miss. Book, i. 365, says that he with 8

265

PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENCE.

All went wrong from the standpoint of Pico and Castro; that is, if we suppose them to have been in earnest, as to a certain extent they probably were not; or at least, they had no real expectation of suc- cess. There were no signs of popular enthusiasm for the cause. Subordinate local authorities issued their routine orders in a spirit of apathy. Few inhabitants rendered more implicit obedience than they were obliged to by fear or pride. Many of influence, na- tives as well as foreigners, were secretly in sympathy with the invaders; others more or less indifferent took the advice of American friends to hold themselves aloof as far as possible from actively engaging in a use- less struggle. Many, especially of the lower classes, were very bitter against the Yankees; but of these some realized that their cause was hopeless, and but few had any confidence in the good faith or ability of the leaders. Personally, Pico and Castro succeeded in keeping up at least an appearance of friendly feel- ing; but among their subordinates there was constant jealousy and quarrelling. The militiamen of the south refused to obey any but civic officers, while Cas- tro's men of the north regarded themselves as consti- tuting the 'regular army,' and assumed pretensions accordingly. The inhabitants of the city had organ- ized themselves during Pico's absence into a kind of military body for the defence of the town against Castro, but though they did not openly revolt now against the authority of the chiefs, it was well under- stood that they would not fight against foreigners. Recruits for the regular force came in slowly. From

or 10 others named, left Pico's force when Castro came and went to B. D. Wilson's rancho, where they were persuaded to stay and defend themselves; but they later went back, on Pico's assurance that they would not be harmed. (See Lugo's commun. of July 25th, in this note.) Torre notes that the troops were fed on 'the bull that founded S. Gabriel.' Both he and Gomez note the carelessness and inefficiency of Castro's preparations at the Campo de la Mesa; and speak of the scare and confusion on one occasion when Andrés Pico arrived with a party. Moreno tells how the Angeles troops refused to give up to Castro certain cannon, even at Pico's command. Coronel speaks of a conference lasting all day before the civic troops would consent to obey Castro. Pico mentions the same trouble and liis own efforts to overcome it.

266

STOCKTON'S RULE-OCCUPATION OF THE SOUTH.

outside districts came patriotie sentiments, with re- grets that the Indians were troublesome, and no men could be sent. Rancheros and others contributed horses, arms, and other property with evident relue- tanee and in small quantities. The government had lost its prestige, resources, and eredit. In fact, Pieo had exhausted all his popularity and power in prepar- ing for the northern campaign against Castro, and had raised less than a hundred men. These were all that he had now in reality under his command, and more than he could properly feed with the public funds at his disposal; but double this number had to be sup- ported, for Castro had brought another hundred, and no funds. All agree that the soldiers had a hard time, being in every respect inadequately provided for. Each party, abajeños and arribeños, thought that par- tiality was shown to the others; each shifted upon the other the responsibility for the country's critical po- sition; and naturally each constantly diminished in numbers. It has been common for American writers -- and even Californians who wish to account for Stoek- ton's easy success by charging the governor and gen- eral with cowardice-to speak of Castro's force as 800 or 1,000 well armed and equipped men. There was no time in the last half of July when he could have led out of the city over 200 meu to make even the pretenee of a fight; and before the enemy actually came, the number was reduced to 100.

In the early days of August Castro established him- self with part of his force at the Campo de la Mesa, a short distance out of the city, leaving Manuel Castro and Andrés Pico in command of the forces left, most of which soon joined the general at the Mesa.11 At about the time of this movement came news that Fre-

11 Aug. 4th, Castro to A. Pico, announcing his departure, and putting him in command of the auxiliaries. The necessity of complete harmony with D. Manuel and his men is urged. Pico, Doc., MS., ii. 93. Aug. 3d, Castro to Antonio Coronel, urging him to assemble his company, ctc. Coronel, Doc., MS., 245.

267

FRÉMONT AND STOCKTON IN THE SOUTH.

mont had landed at San Diego, followed soon by the announcement of Stockton's landing at San Pedro. Of Frémont's operations at this time, no official report or other contemporary account is extant. He had sailed with his battalion in the Cyane July 26th from Monterey; and had reached San Diego on the 29th, taking possession and raising the flag without opposi- tion or incident, so far as may be known.12 A week was spent in obtaining horses, which were by no means plentiful, and on August 8th the battalion, about 120 strong, started northward, leaving a garrison at San Diego. Several Californians vaguely relate that on hearing of Frémont's arrival Castro despatched a party under Villavicencio, with Alvarado as counsellor, to meet the riflemen; but they returned without having seen the foe.

Meanwhile Stockton, with 360 marines and seamen available for an enterprise on land, had sailed from Monterey August 1st on the Congress. On the way down the coast he touched at Santa Bárbara, perhaps on the 4th or 5th, and raised the stars and stripes there, leaving a small garrison. Strangely, I find no definite record of the date, or of any circumstances connected with this event.13 Stockton arrived at San Pedro on the 6th. Here the flag was raised, and the

12July 29th is the date usually given, thongh I can trace it back only to C'utts' Conq., 154-5, in 1847; and Gillespie, in the Alta, July 3, 1866, says it was on the 30th. Lancey, Cruise, 110-13, tells us, on authority not given, that Andres Pico was found at S. Diego, and would have been put to death by the settlers had not Capt. Fitch answered for his honor, etc. As it was, Don Andrés was allowed to carry the news to Angeles. I deem it very im- probable that anything of the kind occurred. Lancey also tells us that the Cyane returned immediately to S. Pedro to meet Stockton, arriving on the 5th; and that Fremont started north on Aug. 3d, leaving a garrison of 40 men. On Aug. 8th, Capt. Dupont, in reply to a petition of Pedro Carrillo and others to leave a guard to protect the citizens, says he has no power to do so, but that Gillespie will remain with a force until orders from the com- mander come. Carrillo (Pedro), Doc., MS., 4. Martin, Narr., MS., 32-3, says that Merritt with 13 men was left at S. Diego. Forster, Pioneer Data, MS., 30-1, had just arrived at S. Luis Rey when Fremont came there, and had some trouble with that officer about the mission property. Bidwell, ''al. 1841-8, MS., 176-80, gives some general recollections of the expedition, which he accompanied.

13 Stockton's Report, 36. Phelps, Fore and Aft, 309, followed by Lancey, Cruise, 110, says the garrison was composed of Midshipman Wm Mitchell and 10 men.

263

STOCKTON'S RULE-OCCUPATION OF THE SOUTH.

force was immediately landed, to be drilled and other- wise prepared for a march inland.14 Next day two commissioners from Castro arrived. They were Pablo de la Guerra and José M. Flores, who after asking and receiving in writing an assurance that they would be well received, visited the camp and presented a letter from the general, which with Stockton's ac- count of the visit is given in a note.15 The latter is not quite intelligible in all respects; but the former was a simple demand for an explanation of the com- modore's purposes, coupled with a clearly implied ex- pression of willingness to enter into negotiations, on the condition usual in such cases of a suspension of all hostilities pending the conference. The letter was an

14 Here Lancey gives some information, the source of which has escaped my research. He says that the ('yane was found at S. Pedro, which I question; and that Lient James F. Schenck was sent in the launch with 20 men to take the town. The 5 men of the garrison escaped, but the officer in command staying to light his cigarito was made a prisoner and detained on the frigate. HIe also quotes from Capt. Paty, of the Don Quixote, an account of how he refused to sell, but allowed Stockton to take by night secretly, three cannon from his vessel.

15 Translation in Storkton's Mil. and Naval Oper., 4, preceded by the note of Guerra and Flores and Stockton's reply, about the reception of the com- mission. The translation is evidently slipshod, but I have not found the original. 'The undersigned, commandant general and chief of the division of operations in this department, has the honor to direct himself to the com- mander-in-chief of the U. S. naval forces anchored in the road of S. Pedro, asking explanations on the conduct that he proposes to follow. Since know- ing that he wishes to enter into conferences on what is most convenient to the interests of both countries, the undersigned cannot see with serenity one pre- tend, with flattering expressions of peace, and without the formality that war between polished nations permits, to make an invasion in the terms that your lordship has verified it. Wishing, then [de acuerdo], with the governor, to avoid all the disasters that follow a war like that which your lordship pre- pares, it has appeared convenient to the undersigned to send to your lordship a commission .. . to know the wishes of your lordship, under the conception [with the understanding] that whatever conference may take place, it must be on the base that all hostile movements must be suspended by both forces, since on the contrary, there will not be negotiations.' Yours truly, etc. Stockton, Report, 36-7, says : 'Two persons arrived, representing themselves to be commisioners sent from Gen. Castro, authorized to enter into negotia- tions with me, and bearing a letter from the general. . . Before, however, they would communicate the extent of their power or the nature of their instruc- tions'-it does not appear in the letter that they had any powers or instruc- tions except to learn Stockton's wishes and his willingness for negotiations- ' they made a preliminary demand that the further march of the troops must be arrested, and that I must not advance beyond the position which I then occupied. This proposition was peremptorily declined. I announced my de- termination to advance; and the commissioners returned to their camp witli- out imparting further the object of the proposed negotiations.'

269

CASTRO'S PROPOSITIONS REJECTED.

indication that Castro was disposed to accede to the well known wishes of the United States; the condi- tion imposed was in every respect a moderate and reasonable one; and there was no good reason why Stockton should not welcome such a proposition, if he really wished to carry out the avowed policy of his government. He wished, however, nothing of the kind. He did not desire Castro's assent to the terms which he was obliged in a certain sense to offer, that is, a voluntary raising of the American flag by the departmental authorities. On the contrary, he wished to avoid the embarrassment of continuing those au- thorities in power on any basis, preferring, even in case the stars and stripes had to be lowered on ac- count of the non-existence of war, to leave a clear field to the Bear Flag insurgents. Accordingly the commodore rejected "the Mexican proffers of negoti- ation," by putting his terms in the form of an insult- ing threat.16

In his report of 1848, Stockton gives at some length what he chooses to have regarded as his mo- tives. His first point is that as no act of the local authorities would have been valid without approval of the Mexican government, and as no such ratifica- tion could be expected, the Californians would be at liberty to break any compact that might be made. But the only compact thought of was one that from its very nature could not be broken, and one respect-

16 Aug. 7, 1846, Stockton to Castro, from San Pedro. 'General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, and with you deplore the war. . . I do not desire to do more than my duty calls upon me to do. I do not wish to war against California or her people; but as she is a depart- ment of Mexico, I must war against her until she ceases to be a part of the Mexican territory. This is my plain duty.' True enough, but this is not the ground taken in the proclamation of July 29th. 'I cannot, therefore, check my operations to negotiate on any other principle'-no other had been proposed or hinted at-' than that California will declare her independence, under the protection of the flag of the U. S. If, therefore, you will agree to hoist the American flag in California, I will stop my forces and negotiate the treaty. Your very obedient,' etc. A Spanish translation was printed in the Los Angeles California Meridional, July 18, 1855; in Coronel, Doc., MS., 174. In Doc. Ilist. Cal., MS., iv. 1301, Pablo de la Guerra says that after a discussion of two hours he refused to accede to Stockton's demand that the Californians should raise the U. S. flag.

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History of California, Volume XXII, Part 28

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