History of California, Volume XXII, Part 68

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

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IN local annals of 1846-8, as already explained, no estimates of population have been given, since no reli- able foundation for such estimates exists in contem- porary records for most of the settlements. In the aggregate there was a small gain in the Hispano- Californian population, which was slightly less in 1845 and slightly more in 1848 than 7,000 souls. The number of foreigners has been given elsewhere as approximately a little less than 7,000. Probably a total of 14,000, or 7,500 and 6,500 for the two classes, would be as accurate an estimate as it is possible to make of the population in the middle of 1848. There were still from 3,000 to 4,000 ex-neophyte Indians leading a somewhat civilized life at or near the towns and ranchos, with perhaps nearly twice as many scat- tered among the gentiles. Estimates of the period have but slight value, but agree well enough with these figures in a general way.

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644

LOCAL ANNALS OF THE NORTH.

San Francisco in 1846-8 was in some respects the most thriving town in California, its future greatness as commercial metropolis of the coast being clearly foreseen even before the discovery of gold-an event destined to give the bay settlement an immediate de- velopment not dreamed of by the most enthusiastic citizen. In view of this latter growth, even the most petty local affairs assume an additional interest and importance; and fortunately, besides the ordinary sources of information, we have two local newspapers from which to draw material. Thus the aggregate of items is much more bulky here than elsewhere; but they are best presented, as in chapters devoted to other towns, in the form of a classified note. It is well to add here that in the Annals and the work of John S. Hittell we have two very satisfactory records already before the public, much more complete for this than for earlier periods of San Francisco history. I refer the reader also to the end of this chapter, where by means of a plan and accompanying notes I have attempted to give a clear idea of the town's develop- ment before the discovery of gold.1

1 Summary of S. F. events, 1846. Jan., Fremont's visit on the way from N. Helvetia to Monterey. This vol., p. 3. Feb. 7th, Vice-consul Forbes thanks the receptor for having attended the funeral of the 'British subjects interred yesterday.' Pinto, Doc., MS., ii. 221-2. March 16th, Sub-prefect Guerrero to receptor, asking the loan of a Mex. flag, as he has to enter town with an armed force to publish a commun, from the prefect. Id., 229. End of March, Lieut Talbot at Y. B. to obtain supplies for Fremont. This vol., p. 22. April, visit of Gillespie on his way from Mont. to overtake Fremont. Id., 28. May, Benito Diaz chosen delegate for the consejo general at Sta B. Id., 45. June 7th, Gillespie's 2d visit to get supplies for Fremont. Id., 102, 126. June 15th, news of the capture of Sonoma by the Bears; steps taken by Capt. Montgomery of the Portsmouth. Id., 129-32. July Ist, 2d, visit of Fremont, Semple, and the Bears; spiking the guns at the presidio; capture of Ridley. Id., 136, 177-8. July 9th, Montgomery takes possession for the U. S. Id., 238-41. July 11th, arrival of the British Juno. Id., 240. July 31st, arrival of the Brooklyn with Brannan's Mormon colony. Id., 550-1. Aug .- Oct., local happenings, including a grand ball on Sept. Sth, an election on the 18th, a grand reception to Com. Stockton on Oct. 5th, and the commodore's departure on the 13th. Id., 293-6. Nov., loss of the Warren's launch. Id., 384. Dec., capture of Alcalde Bartlett by Sanchez, and the resulting Sta Clara campaign in Jan. Id., 379 et seq. A Christmas celebration mentioned in the Sac. Union, Jan. 1, 1873.

Events of 1847. Jan. 9th, publication of the Ist newspaper, the Califor- nia Star. Jan. 16th, first news of the Donner party's peril. More definite news came in Feb .- March, and much space was given to the subject in the

645

SAN FRANCISCO EVENTS.

In the first half of 1846 San Francisco took locally but slight part in the political and military move- ments that were agitating the territory; yet it was here that Frémont, having already captured the un- occupied San Rafael and shot three inoffensive Cali- fornians, accomplished the crowning achievement of his campaign by spiking the presidio guns and captur- ing that valiant Mexican chief Robert Ridley. Then the United States flag was raised in July, and in the same month the Mormons came to double the town's population. In December Alcalde Bartlett was cap- tured while engaged in a raid on the Californians' live-stock; and in January 1847 the first newspaper appeared. At this time steps were taken officially to prevent the permanent substitution of Yerba Buena for the town's original name. A chief motive was

columns of the Star until June. See also this vol., p. 539. Jan. 23d, Alcalde Bartlett issued the following order: 'Whereas the local name of Yerba Buena, as applied to the settlement or town of San Francisco, is unknown beyond the immediate district, and has been applied from the local name of the cove on which the town is built-therefore, to prevent confusion and mistakes in public documents, and that the town may have the advantage of the name given on the published maps, it is hereby ordered that the name of San Fran- cisco shall hereafter be used in all official communications and public docu- ments or records appertaining to the town.' Published iu the Star, Jan. 30th. Both the order and the reasons given for it were proper and timely. Yet, as has been often pointed out, one phase of the leading motive was not mentioned in the order; namely, that Francisca, the rival town on the Strait of Carquines, was likely to gain a decided advantage in the outer world by the resemblance of its name to San Francisco. Gen. Sherman, Mem., i. 55-6, and in an oft- repeated newspaper interview, has something to say on the subject. There was and has been ever since much opposition to the so-called change on the part of the numerous class who date the history of the state and city back only to the coming of American immigrants. The publishers of the Star, though bitterly hostile to Semple and Benicia, kept the name Yerba Buena at the head of its columns for a time, submitting to the inevitable under pro. test in the issue of March 20th. From Jan .- Feb., three lawyers, Jones, Pick- ett, and Hastings, advertise in the Star, and in Feb. the first auction sale of goods is advertised by Dickson and Hay. Feb., visit of Gen. Kearny, who meets Mason and Watson. This vol., p. 436. March, meeting to protest against the lack of representation for the immigrant element in the proposed governor's council; Dunleavy nominated. Star. March 6th, arrival of the Perkins with part of N. Y. volunteers; arrival of the rest of the regiment March 19th and 26th on the Drew and Loo Choo. This vol., p. 513. April 17th, arrival of the Brutus; semi-monthly mail for S. Diego. Star. May 22d, the Californian first appears at S. F., being transferred from Mon- terey. May 29th, a grand illumination in honor of Gen. Taylor's victory in Mexico. Star. June 8th, fire in the bush back of town, causing some alarm. Star of 12tb. June 14th, public meeting to protest against Fremont as gov. This vol., p. 455. July 4th, grand celebration, decoration of men-of-war,

646

LOCAL ANNALS OF THE NORTH.

doubtless fear of rivalry on the part of Francisca at the strait of Carquines; but the action was most oppor- tune. It has been generally but inaccurately regarded and deplored as a change of name; but Yerba Buena was but a comparatively modern designation for a part of San Francisco; and to have taken from the great founder of the Franciscan order the honor of naming California's great city would have been a most unfortunate piece of barbarism. So far as events are concerned, there is nothing in the later annals of 1847-8 that requires further notice than is given in the note. Descriptive and statistical state- ments by visitors and residents appearing from time to time in books, manuscript reminiscences, and espe- cially in the Star and Californian, have considerable interest, a prominent element being that of enthusi-

salutes from guns on ship and shore, meeting at Brown's Hotel, oration by Dr Semple. The Y. B. M. R. C., Scherrebach, orderly sergt, had called a meeting in advance to make arrangements. Star and Californian of the 10th. July, anniversary of raising U. S. flag in Cal. celebrated in a supper giveu by Alcalde Hyde at Sherreback's house. Californian, July 10th. Aug. 14th, the Star notes a ball at Brown's a few days before. Sept., visit of Gov. Mason, with Maj. Rich and Lieut Sherman, entertained by a ball. This vol., p. 584. Sept., breaking up of the Mormon establishment, or dissolution of the firm of Brannan & Co .; commissioners appointed to settle the business; and from this time advertisements appear of property for sale at S. F. and elsewhere, including the set of Harper's Family Library presented to the colony on leav- ing N. Y. Star, Oct. et seq. Oct., arrival of the Ist steamer for Leidesdorff. This vol., p. 575-81. Oct. 20th, a fierce norther, beaching several craft. Star. Nov., murder of Dornte by Beverley at Denike's bakery. Star, 20th. Rainy season set in before the 3d. Californian. Nov. 18th, first thanksgiving din- ner of New Englanders at Brown's Hotel, presided by Admiral C. W. Wooster, ending with a ball. Besides the records in the two newspapers, E. C. Kem- ble wrote his recollections of the affair 20 years later. S. F. Bulletin, Dec. 23, 1868. Dec. 4th, call for first meeting of Odd Fellows at the Portsmouth House; regular meetings later. Star. Jan. 1, 1848, the sloop Stockton, Briggs, was advertised for regular tri-weekly trips to Sonoma. March, discovery of gold first announced. May, capsizing of Capt. Richardson's boat, drowning 5 persons; the gold fever raging in town.

Descriptions, statistics, etc. (See plan and notes at end of this chapter.) Yerba Buena is mentioned naturally by many visitors, both in print and MS., but the descriptions and figures given are, as a rule, vague, inaccurate, and of no real value. The general purport is that in 1846 the place had from 25 to 50 buildings, mostly shanties, and a population of from 100 to 200; but that in 1847-8 it had greatly increased in size and in activity. Most men- tions are not worth analysis here, though the reproduction of them all en masse, did space permit, would have some interest. Wm H. Davis furnished the S. F. Call of March 11, 1877, a list of about 50 persons residing at Yerba Buena in July 1846, representing a population of 150, with 23 buildings. The Star of Jan. 30, 1847, gives a slight description of the town and its surround-

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647

GROWTH OF SAN FRANCISCO.

astic predictions respecting the town's future great- ness. A careful statement by Gilbert in August 1847 makes the population 459; number of buildings 157, of which half had been erected in the last four months; places of business 41. Before the gold-fever began to rage in May 1848, the number of inhabi- tants had probably increased to about 900 and that of buildings to 200. Many of these are shown on a

ings, giving Y. B. a pop. of about 500, a gain of 300 in two years; it 'is rap- idly improving, and bids fair to rival in rapidity of progress the most thriving town or city on the American continent. It is no doubt destined to be the Liverpool or New York of the Pacific.' Again, in the issue of March 13th, the Star indulges in enthusiastic prophecies. If labor and lumber can be ob- tained, from 300 to 500 houses will go up within a year. There are many similar articles in both papers. Lieut Wise in March, Los Gringos, 70-1, found the population 'composed of Mormons, hackwoodsmen, and a few very respectable traders from the U. S. Very rare it was to see a native.' Fris- bie, Remin., MS., 30, Murray, Narr., MS., 56-9, and others of the N. Y. vol. have something to say of the town as they found it in March. Fifty houses built in the last month, according to the Star of April 17th. James C. Ward's Diary contains many items on local affairs from April. Hyde, Hist. Facts, MS., 14-15, thinks that by June there were 600 inhab. The Star of Aug. 28th and Sept. 4th contains some comparatively careful statistics, which have often been republished, as follows: pop. in June, of whites, exclusive of the N. Y. volunteers, 375, or 247 males and 128 females, Ind. 34, Sandwich Isl. 40, negroes 10, total 459. Of the whites, 228 were born in the U. S., 38 in Cal., 27 in Germany, 22 in England, 14 in Ireland, 14 in Scotland, 6 in Swit- zerland, 5 in Canada, and 21 in various countries. Increase during the past year about 100 per cent. Over four fifths under 40 years of age; 273 can read and write. The white males include 10 professional men, farmers 12, traders 16, clerks 13, navigators 7, laborers 20, hotel-keepers 3, 26 carpenters, and 62 other mechanics. Places of business number 1 apothecary shop, 3 bakeries, 2 blacksmith shops, 3 butcher shops, 1 cabinet-maker shop, 2 car- penter shops, 1 cigar-maker's shop, 2 cooper shops, 7 grocery stores, 1 gun- smith's shop, 2 hotels, 2 mills (horse and wind), 2 printing-offices, 1 shoe shop, S stores, 2 tailor shops, 1 watchmaker's shop, total 41. On April 1st there were 31 frame buildings, 26 adobes, and 22 shanties, or 79 buildings; at the end of August there had been added 47 frames, 11 adobes, and 20 shanties, total 79; grand total, 157 buildings. (See end of this chapter.) The writer, 'E. G.' (Edward Gilbert), 'cannot suppress a desire to say that S. F. is destined to become the great commercial emporium of the north Pacific coast,' not- withstanding the claims of Monterey and Benicia. Sherman, Mem., i. 32-4, whose visit was in Sept., has much to say of the town, its lots, and its pros- pects. In the Californian of Dec. 3d appeared a dream on the future great- ness of S. F., signed 'Niña,' and said to have been written by Mrs Larkin. It was reproduced in the Alta of Sept. 14, 1851, and in other papers. About the end of 1847, the pop., according to a school census, was 473 men, 177 wo- men, and 60 school children, or 710 in all, with enough more to raise the total to over 800. In the Alta of Feb. 17, 1867, A. D. Piper gives many interest- ing items about S. F. in 1847, as utilized elsewhere. See also Parker's S. F. Directory, 1852-3; Colville's S. F. Directory, 1856; Ryan's Judges and Crim- inals; besides the Annals of S. F .; and Hittell's Hist. S. F. The Star of March 18th gives the pop. by school census as 812, besides children too young for school. According to Ward's Diary, in March 1848 the town was 3 times as large as in March 1847, having about 600 pop. The pop. at this time, at

648

LOCAL ANNALS OF THE NORTH.

plan at the end of this chapter. Until the coming of the Americans in July 1846, Francisco Guerrero con- tinued to serve as sub-prefect, and Jesus Noé was the juez de paz. Under the military rule of the United States, Washington A. Bartlett was alcalde from August to February 1847; Edwin Bryant from that time till May; George Hyde from June, aided-or embarrassed, as he viewed it-by a council of six- Glover, Howard, Leidesdorff, Jones, Parker, and

the news of the gold discovery, according to the Annals, 200, was about 850, with 200 buildings. The Californian of April 26th gives 192 buildings and 1,000 inhabitants.

List of municipal officers. 1846. Sub-prefect, Francisco Guerrero until July; Francisco de Haro sometimes acting temporarily. A secretary asked for in Jan., but no appointment given. Jneces de paz, appointed in Dec. 1845 for this year by prefect at nomination of the sub-prefect, Jesus Noe and José de la Cruz Sanchez, suplentes Vicente Miramontes and Robert Ridley. Ridley was suspended early in April by the sub-prefect, on complaint of Noe, and also on account of R.'s quarrels with Leidesdorff, the two having a fight in Guerrero's presence. C'astro, Doc., MS., ii. 60. The others held office till luly. John C. Davis treasurer, Francisco Ramirez collector; jueces de campo, Candelario Valencia, José M. Flores, Rodolfo Miramontes, and Leandro Ga- lindo, all appointed Jan. 4th by a junta of the jueces and suplentes. Castro, Dor., MS., i. 246. From the occupation by the U. S. on July 9th, there were no civil authorities until Ang. 26th, wheu Lieut Washington A. Bart- lett was appointed alcalde of the district. On Sept. 15th the following were elected: alealles Bartlett and Jesus Noe, treasurer John Rose, collector Peter T. Sherreback. See this vol., p. 295. Noe seems not to have accepted the office, for from the date of Bartlett's capture by Sanchez in Dec., probably by appointment of Capt. Hull on Dec. 10th, George Hyde acted as alcalde.

1847. Alcalde Washington A. Bartlett (Geo. Hyde acting nutil B.'s re- turn about Jan. 10th), with J. G. T. Dunleavy as municipal clerk. Feb. 22d. Edwin Bryant was appointed alcalde by Gen. Kearny, and took possession the same day, Bartlett returning to his naval duties. John C. Buchanan was Bryant's clerk. There is no mention of a 2d alcalde. Sherreback still con- tinued to serve as collector, and presumably Rose as treasurer, though I find no record. E. Ward Pell acted as sheriff, in March-April at least. May 2d, Bryant offered his resignation, and May 28th Gov. Kearuy appointed George Hyde to succeed him. Hyde assumed the office on June Ist. Frank Ward was acting alcalde during Hyde's absence in June, by temporary appointment of Major Hardie. Jasper O'Farrell was appointed surveyor by the gov. on July 6th at request of Leidesdorff and others, dated June 28th. Council, or ayuntamiento, appointed by Hyde on July 28th; W. A. Leidesdorff, R. A. Parker, J. P. Thompson, P. T. Sherreback, J. Rose, and B. R. Buckelew. Council elected on Sept. 13th, Wm Glover, W. D. M. Howard, Wm A. Leidesdorff, E. P. Joues, Robert A. Parker, and Wm S. Clark. Wm Pettet was secretary of the council, having been the alcalde's sec. before, until Sept. 27th, when E. P. Jones succeeded him, being succeeded by W. F. Swasey on Oct. 4th. Leidesdorff was made treasurer. Oct. 2d, gov. appointed T. M. Leavenworth 2d alcalde. Oct. 11th the council appointed Henry Smith aud W. S. Thorp constables, Smith being also jail-keeper; but on Dee. 17th Thomas Kittleman was appointed constable in place of the above.

1848. Alcaldes Hyde and Leavenworth to the end of March. By gov- ernor's appointment of March 27th, John Townsend became Ist alcalde from

649

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.

Clark-from September until March 1848; John Townsend from April to August; and T. M. Leaven- worth from September to the end of the year and later. The administration of municipal affairs in 1847-8 was attended by continuous and bitter con- troversy, a prominent element of which was connected with charges against Alcalde Hyde preferred by citi- zens and members of the council. The merits of the quarrel are somewhat obscure, and the whole matter is too complicated for discussion here, even if I were

April 1st, Leavenworth still holding his place. Council as before, with E. C. Kemble as secretary from April 10th. From June, Leavenworth, in Town- send's absence, was acting Ist alcalde. Chas V. Gillespie notary public from July 29th. Aug. 29th, T. M. Leavenworth chosen Ist alcalde; the election was declared null, but at a new election on Oct. 3d Leavenworth was reelected. At the same time B. R. Buckelew and Barton Mowry were chosen members of the council in place of Glover and Leidesdorff.

Municipal government and controversies. 1846. Jan. 4th, sub-prefect to prefect, complains of lack of an office aud a secretary; of the quarrels between Forbes, Leidesdorff, Ridley, and Hinckley, whom he has tried in vain to reconcile; and of troubles with deserting sailors, whom the U. S. vice- consul will not permit to be confined. Castro, Doc., MS., 1. 251. Feb. 16th, same to same, has many prisoners from all parts of the partido, and the juez moves slowly; wants a lot to build a house ou the water side of the plaza, to be used perhaps as a casa municipal. Id., ii. 14. March 12th, is unable to borrow from the merchants the little money needed to buy ammunition for the force about to march against a foreign foe. Pinto, Doc., MS., ii. 227. C. E. Pick- ett, Paris Expos., 13, claims to have declined the alcaldeship. Ryan, Judges and Crim., GI, relates that at the Ist election a reckless fellow, Joe Downey, clerk of election, managed by fraudulent tampering with the ballots to get himself elected alcalde, but was arrested and carried drunk on board the Ports- mouth.

1847. Jan., C. E. Pickett, or ' Yerba Buena,' in the Star accused Alcalde Bartlett, the 'vaquero general,' of misappropriating town funds, failing to have a survey made, etc., besides criticising the acting alcalde, Hyde, for such offences as smoking in court. Thereupon Bartlett called on Capt. Hull for an investigation, which was made by Howard, Leidesdorff, and Guerrero as a committee, who completely exonerated the alcalde from having misman- aged any part of the municipal receipts, amounting to $747. Star, Jan. 9- 30, 1847. Jan. 30th, discharge of fire-arms prohibited in town. Feb. 17th, Com. Hull announces the restoration of civil authority. March, complaint of no post-office. April, gov. decides that the munic. auth. should provide an office for the alcalde outside the building occupied by the military. May, Hyde's appointment provoked much opposition. A public meeting was called, by a notice reading: 'The people's voice stifled by intrigue. People of S. F .. rally for your rights! A majority has petitioned the gov. to appoint John Townsend. . . Geo. Hyde is appointed! Will you submit to this? The proclam. of Stockton gives you the right of electing alcaldes ... Assemble at Brown's Hotel this evening (May 30th), and assert your rights.' In Feb. there had been an altercation at a public meeting between Hyde aud Dun- leavy on one side and Jones and Brannan on the other. Leidesdorff informed the gov. that the opposition to Hyde came from the friends of Cal. independ- ence from the U. S., supported by the Mormons. Maj. Hardie attended the meeting of the 30th, and refused to permit an election. Unb. Doc., MS., 68,

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LOCAL ANNALS OF THE NORTH.

disposed to take sides with either party. It is clear enough that personal enmities, business cliques, and newspaper rivalries were leading factors in the con- troversies; that the Mormon influence played no other part than that of bugbear among the foes of that sect; and that there was a strong feeling in favor of election and against military appointment that would have rendered almost any appointed alcalde unpopular. Yet so much smoke is generally indica-

109-10. In June Hyde left town for Monterey, and his absence was pro- nounced ' culpable negligence,' etc., by the Star of the 26th. Major Hardie reported that on account of the prevalent disorders he had appointed Ward to act as alcalde. Unb. Doc., MS., 119. Hyde, however, declared to the gov. that the Mormons abused him because he sought to check their influ- ence. Id., 103. On July 15th the gov., just after H.'s visit, had written an order for the election of a council, but was called away and completed the letter on Aug. 15th, after the appointment of the Ist council. He authorized the alcalde to hold an election, or not, as he deemed best. Cal. & N. M.x. 1850, p. 378-9. The appointment of July 28th is recorded in the Californian of the 31st. J. P. Thompson was sec. The alcalde at a meeting said he had proposed the council to the gov., who had not objected. At the election of Sept. 13th 200 votes were cast; the judges were Vioget, Leavenworth, and Robert Gordon; the clerks W. F. Swasey aud W. Hood. The unsuccessful candidates for councilmen were Everhart, J. S. Lincoln, C. L. Ross, Stephen Harris, B. S. Lippincott, Wm Pettet, John Sirrine, E. H. Harrison. Id., Sept. 15th. A notice of the election had been published in the papers, both of which approved the measure, and later the men chosen. At the first meeting, on Sept. 16th, Howard, Jones, and Clark were appointed a committee to frame a code of laws. At the next meeting, on the 21st, the code was reported and adopted; then came trouble. Dr Jones moved to appoint a com. of 5 citi- zens to investigate the affairs of the alcalde's office, an alteration of the records, 'an enormous outrage,' having been charged in the Star of Ang. 21st, and there being other charges; but Hyde protested warmly, and after a wordy altercation the meeting was adjourned without the appointment of the commit- tee. An incorrect report was furnished the papers, both of which disapproved Hyde's action, though the Californian of Sept. 29th published a defensive letter, in which H. denied having prevented a full investigation. At the meeting of the 24th the matter was taken up, and the council mnade itself a com. of investigation against the vote of Jones and Glover. The citizens also, through Ward, Brannan, and Ross, sent charges to the gov., with a petition for H.'s removal; and Mason on Oct. Ist ordered the council to make . an investigation. Cal. & N. Mex. 1850, p. 361-2. There is no record of progress in the investigation during the rest of the year; but the Star con- tinued to make charges, and the Californian, while disposed to criticise the council for inaction, to publish Hyde's letters, which finally brought out in the Star of Oct. 30th a collection of letters from Brannan, Folsom, Pickett, and Ross. Clearly there was a bitter quarrel, but as to its merits we are left for the most part in darkness.

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History of California, Volume XXII, Part 68

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