USA > California > Los Angeles County > History of Los Angeles County, California, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, residences, fine blocks and manufactories > Part 13
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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY CALIFORNIA.
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The mansion before which we stopped proved to be that of Mr. Ahel Stearns, a native of P'Iladelphia,* but now a naturalized eitizen of Mexico. Abont fifteen years ago Mr. Stearns entered Mexico, and for some years resided in its capital. He has subsequently visited all the principal mining and commercial districts of Mexico proper, and the two "'alifornias, and finally pitebed upon the " Pueblo de Los Angeles" ns the place of his permanent abode; and here he has since married into one of the best and most influential families in California, and is now enjoying the reward of his industry and frugality in the comfort of an ample fortune, and the society of a lady, who for beauty, amia- bility and accomplishments, would not lose by comparison with our own fair country women. * *
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The General entered the large and spacious hall (in which the Com- muplore and his party, now amounting to some twenty citizens of the United States, had assembled, at the head of his stall, attended by the entire "Etat Major" of the division, and by the field ollicers generally. amounting in all to some fiftein or twenty fine looking men of military hearing, and richly uniformed.
Accustomed as I have been to see well-dressed officers iu the service of many prinees, I must confess that I have never seen more splendid or better-fitting uniforms than graced this group. Rich gold embroid- ery on dark blue cloth prydominated; of such was the General-in- Chiel's dress, to which was added an elegant laeed coeked hat, with splendid white feathers. Ilis aids-de-camp wore scarlet and gold. whilst his military secretary, with some cavalry ollicers, wore sky blue and silver. This variety in colors, whilst it served to distinguish corps, was not withont a plensing effect upon the eye. The uniformity of the ent and fit of every dress was perfret, even to the gloves and the neat little cane which adorned the hand of each and every Mexican ollieer present. * * * * * * *
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The ceremony of introduction heing over (in the course of which the two chiefs introduced their respective officers individually ) general conversation ensued. The general was most marked and particular in his expression of gratitude for the honor couferred by the Com- modore's visit, and reiterated in st ong terms his regret that he had not the means of honoring the visit with such demonstratious of respect as he and his companions in arms, with the inhabitants of the pueblo, entertaim d, and would like to publicly manifest. The Com- moodlory acknowledged himself under great obligation to the General for the honor he had already bestowed on him as being far beyond what he expectril or conkl lay elaim to. During this visit the General invited the Commodore and bis party to a ball which he. General Micheltorena, designed to give in honor of the visitors on the follow- ing evening, which the Commodore felt bound to accept, although it had been his intention to return to the ship as soon as the ofheial interview, which was to take place at twelve the next day, should be over.
During this visit, right o'clock-the time for posting sentinels, and giving ont the watch-word and countersign, customary in all military camps and garrisoned towns-eame around, whereupon a trim little Lieutenant, in full dress, entered the room, and in a very soldier-like manner delivered a sealed dispatch into the hands of the Commodore, made his how, and retired without a word.
The following is a literal translation of the note presented, viz .:
" ADJUTANT. MAJOR'S OFFICE,
"$115 :- By order of his Excellency, the General, I have the honor of making known to you the watch-word for this night, at all the posts of these headquarters.
" Sto, Amatio, Amores, Amistad. "God and Liberty. Angels, January 18, 1843. RAFEAL TELLES. " To the Commodore-in-Chief of the United States Naval Force. " tzignel) " Thos. Ar C. JONES, Esq."
The termination of the General's visit was quickly sneceeded by another manifestation of his siucere desire to honor the ('ommodore. Komnewbat suldenly, and altogether unexpectedly to ns, an officer in full anilorin, at the head of five and twenty infantry, preseuted him-
st If to the Commodore, and after a most elegant and graceful display of his mastery in the sword exercise (so far at least a> regards " the ollicer's salute"), he stated that in obedience to the orders of his Excellency, General Micheltorena, Governor-General, etc., etc., ete .. he reported himself to the Commodore with a life guard of live and twenty men, and had the honor to await his commands,
The Commodore taken by surprise, seemed at a loss what to do or to way. Foon recovering himself. however, he politely declined the honor tons tendered, saying that after so many demonstrations of eontidence and respect as had been manifested by his Exeelleney and all others since his landing at the port, he could not but feel himself in the midst of friends, and begged the officer to returu to his quarters.
* * * All forms and ceremonies heing now closed for the evening, supper was soon announced to which we quickly repaired, with appetites not a little excited by our ride of ten long leagnes from the port. * * * * * *
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At the appointed honr (12 o'clock ) onr party, led by the Commodore, sallied forth announced by drum and trumpet, which in an instant brought the guard at the General's quarters under arms, and made the wondering inhabitants of that part of the town, throng windows and doors, to see the " North Amerieans" who had so recently spread war's alarm among them. The General attended by his " Etat Major," received the Commodore at the threshold with an air of grace and cordiality, which could not fail to make a favorable impressiou on the minds of all present. The first few minutes were given to common- place remarks, and casual observations. At length champagne was introduced, when, iu accordance with the custom of the country, short speeches or long toasts, were given, which on this occasion were appro- priate, tonehing the relations, past and present, subsisting between Mexico and the United States, These preliminaries gotten through with, to the apparent satisfaction of all present, the General took from his desk a manuscript which he asked leave to read to the Commodore; premising that it had been drawn up in November, as its date indi- cated, aud at the time he had expected tbe Commodore's visit. The document he held in his hand, purported to be Articles of a "Conven- tion " celebrated, or entered into, by himself as the representative of the Republic of Mexico, aud Commander General ete., etc., of the Californias, on one part; and Commodore Thomas Ap. Joues, Com- mander-in-chief of the United States Naval Forces, etc., etc., on the otber part. The General also remarked that in drawing up tbese articles, he had left broad margin for the purpose of recording, if any, such ohjeetions as the Commodore might eutertain to any of the artieles he might be unwilling to subscribe. The General theu proceeded to read the articles in Spanish, which langnage the Commodore not under- standing, was verbally reudcred into English by the Commodore's Secretary, as the reading proceeded,
The Commodore, astonished at the character of the articles, at the conelnsiou of the reading said, that a literal translation into English, was indispensahly necessary before he would intimate his views in regard to them. The General retained the paper for the purpose of Laving a translation made by his own linguist aud between seven aud eight o'clock, P. M., sent them in quadruplicates, both in Spanish and English, to the Commodore, then preparing for the ball which was to assemble at nine that evening.
The requirements of the articles* were so preposterous as to excite for the moment feelings of disgust mingled with commiseration, and to make it a matter of serions reflectiou aud consultation between the Commodore and Captain Stribling, as to the eonrse most proper to pursue.
The Commodore's first impulse was to return the papers without comment, and to refnse further communication with the mau who could have the effrontery to trump up sucb charges as those for which indemnification was claimed. While thus reflecting upon the proper course to pursue, the time for the hall came and with it a drenching rain, The Governor sent an aid-de-camp to the Commodore to ascer- tain if he could not remain another night at the pueblo, in which case the ball should be postponed on account of the rain, which as there were but few carriages in the village, would prevent most of the ladies
*These articles were officially published in Mexico on December 23.1, as a part of the correspondence between Com. Jones and General Micheltorena; nearly a month before Com. Jones' visit to the pueblo aml before he had ever hearl of such demaiols.
all aoxions to be present, from attending, The Commodore feeling bound to return to the ship as soon as his public duties were completed, hegged the General to postpone the ball, but could not promise his attendance on next evening. In a half-hour more the aid-de-camp returned and announced the General's carriage in waiting, to convey the Counmodore nud the ladies of the house to the ball.
With much repugnanee produced by the Quixotie claims set up by General Micheltorena, for damages never sustained, and for expense* never incurred, the Commodore laid aside all personal feelings and decided on meeting the General at the ball, where in the course of the evening, he hoped by observations and personal intercourse, as well as by immiry, to learn something more of the Mexican character, with which, however, he felt himself pretty well acquainted, The ball was well and brilliantly attended, supper was not served until after one o'clock, and the daneing ceased only with the rising of the sun of next morning, Not altogether disappointed in his anticipations, the ('on- modore left the ball about two o'clock with a far better understanding of the character and expectations of General Micheltorena, than he before had. All who know the General speak of him as a gentleman of great respectability; certainly his personal appearance, manners, and education, entitle him to the rank of an elegant gentleman. Such he might be considered at any court. Ifis merits as a soldier and servant in the Republic's cause are told by no less than five orders of merit, won in as many hattles, and are sealed by his blood, frecly shed ou no few occasions. But General Micheltorena is a Mexican, a descendant of the once proud and haughty Castilians, so celebrated for bombast in diplomaey, demanding everything and insisting on nothing but the privilege of using high-toned and unmeaning words, This pristine trait bas descended from generation to generation, and now flourishes with more than pristine vigor in the cabinet and councils oľ Santa Aua.
On the 20th, Commodore Jones returned the articles pre- sented by Micheltorena withont signature or approval, but accompanied by a note, in which he replied to the demanl " that he should salute the Mexican flag at San Pedro," that he would do so upon assurance that gun for gun would lx returned, that being the only condition upon which Unitrol States ships were allowed to salute foreign flags. To this note Micheltorena made no reply, nor did he afterward allude to the elaborate articles he had so gramliboquently presentool. On the following day Commodore Jones paid his final adieus, and being accompanied by the former escort and several American resi- dents to San Pedro, he there embarked with his officers.
(According to Colonel Warner, the house within which the ball given by Micheltorena to Commo lore Jones was hebl, was at that time the only two-story house in Los Angeles. Some years later the upper story was razed, and the remaining por- tion now forins one of the dwellings in Chinatown.)
Micheltorena now repaired to Monterey and assum. d cou- trol, but to guard against any further freaks on the part of United States ships of war, he stored his ammunition at the Mission of San Juan Bautista, where in November, 1844, it . was captured by the loposed Governor Alvaryl, abled by Generals Vallejo aml Castro.
At this time Micheltorena was in bad odor at Los Angeles. not so much on personal, or even political grounds, as on account of the vile rabble who compostol his army, these having made themselves very obnoxious to the people by many di -- graceful aets during their stay in the pnebbi. Upon hearing
" This is a mistake. Mr. Stearns was a native of Salem, Mass. See his biography in Chapter on l'ioneers.
COMMERCIAL BANK
ELDORADO ST
COMMERCIAL CON M
BANK
BANK
PERRY VILLA TRACT &
BROOKLYN & BOYLE HEIGHT
LOS ANGELES &ALIS 7 DAVENUES
JE. HOLLENBECK, PRESIDENT.
E.F. SPENCE , CASHIER.
VIEW OF COMMERCIAL BANK OF LOS ANGELES, 68 MAIN ST.
PUBLISHED BY THOMPSON & WEST.
HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
of Alvarado's insurrection, the Los Angelians, native and for- vign, declared for him en masse, and prepared for war
In this extremity Micheltorena applied to John A. Sutter for aid, and he consented to espouse the Governor's cause pro- vided the latter would insure to him and his friends certain grants of land which they desired. This agreed to, Satter and abont one hundred other foreigners fprincipally Americans placed themselves under Micheltorena's orders, and the latter marchel towards Los Angeles; but so slow was the progres made, and so little anxiety for the gore of his enemies did he display, that many of his foreign allies loft him in disgust.
Upon the 21st of February the revolutionists under the lexlership of Geu José Castro, Gen. Andres Pico, and Gen P'io Pico, pushed ont from Los Angeles and entere 1 the Cahuenga valley: here, taking a position, they awaite l the onslaught of their fors. Among this foren were Benjamin D Wilson, of Jurupa; William Workman and John R. Howland, of La Puente ; James Mckinlay, of Mont rey, and many other well. known names, the foreigners on this side numbering abont fifty. Those with Micheltorena were ahont as many. under leadership of Captain Brandt and Major Banot, There were also several hundred Mexicans on each side. Both parties commenced firing with small cannou direct'y they came in sight of each other. The c nubitants, according to Mr. Wilson, were situated in the same ravine, bit about one mile apart.
The tide of battle raged with varying snecess throughout that eventful afternoon. Mmy trees had their limbs broken, and the mountain rab!nts were frightened ahnost to death by the constant explosion of gun powder The engagement was unite as noisy as an American Fourth of July, if not. so disas- trous in its consequences At last, Mr. Benjamin D. Wilson and James Mckinlay, nudler cover of a white flag, bravely pene- trated the ravine far enough to attract th' attention of their opposing countrymen. These consented to a parley, and finally, upon being assured by Hen, Pio Pico that, if he seenred the governorship, he would do by them quite as well, and even perhaps better in the matter of land grauts, than wouldl Mich- eltorena, they deserted from the latter en masse.
Thus weakened, Micheltorena withdrew in great haste still further up the ravine, an I the opposing foreigners returned to Los Angeles, leaving the native forces to fight it out latween them, well knowing there was not much danger to either side. A truce was now had between the contending forees to bury their dead, consisting in all of one made, whose hea I had been accident- ally Rown off carly in the engagement. Horrified at this fearful carnage, and wishing to save farther sacrifice, Micheltorena capitulated on the following morning: was shipped off to Mexico rio San Pedro; Pio Pico was duly declared Governor; Castro -General in command of the military; the Americans got their land grants; everybody was decorated with emblems
of bravery, and glowing a counts of the tragic death of that mule were dispatched post-haste to the Home Government. One more the country was saved, and everyIonly was happy.
CHAPTER XH
WAR WITH THE UNITED STATES.
(March 1, Isit-March 1, 1847.
Fremant's Arrival-A Free Circus-Indian Attack -Ih spatches from Wash. ingtua-Merritt au lite Capture Sapoma -The " Bear Flag' -Fremont Declared Governor Congress Declares War Kearney's Exgehtum Stat Captures Monterey Stockton & Exp lition to Los Angeles D'apture of Santa Barbara - Arrived at san Pedro Commissioners from l'astro- Military Trick Buaduntie Reply The Minhon Los Angeles Flight nf l'astro and 199 lire- Los Angeles Captured -Pruel anation Gillespie loft in Charge His lefonus-Revolt of the l'abformans Flores Pela. mation- B. D. Wilson's Party Captured-A Massacre Averted Gillespie Capitalates A Good Samaritan Meryine Beaches San lo tro Is Hefeated - Flores' Schetne- Wurkman Circconvents It-Tbe Taldes Tarout - Pari- ration Desirat Stockton Arrives at San Pedra Bogus Cavalry -Stucktuu Sails for San Diegu-Erroneous History-Joined by Kearney-Strength of the Americans-Prisoners Liberated - Messengers from Flores-Stockton a Hejdy Battle of Rio San Galoviel -Battle of the Mesa- Los Angeles Hrcaptured-Stockton's General Order-P'alifornians Retire to San Pas- junt Flight of Flures-Fremont's lasubordination- He Makes a Treaty- A Disputed Point-Fremont I'amups at Sau Gabriel- Indignation of Stock. ton and Kearney-Relics of the War A Isputed Governorsbip- Hrueral Kearacy Governor.
AFTER the expulsion of Michelorena, and the installation of Governor Peu, matters resumed their usual sleepy and minter- esting course. The first ripple was caused carly in March. 1846, by the arrival of Brevet-d'aptain John C. Fremont, a young American engineer and explorer in the service of the United States, He came to the northern frontier with a surveying party of sixty-two men, and petitioned Heueral Castro, com- sonuder-in-chief of the Mexican forces, for permission to encamp in the San Joaquin valley. This was accorded, but scarcely had the American party pitched Their tents, before they were peremptorily ordered by Castro to leave the country ; he, in excuse for this extraordinary behavior, pleading fresh instructions from Mexico, Fremont refused to leave, and entrenching himself on an eminence known as " Hawk's Peak." thirty miles from Monterey, laid defiance to Castro, who manenvered his forces day after day with a great display of skillful horsemanship on the plains below. The Americans greatly enjoyed this exhibition, but were not one whit intimi- dated thereby. Leaving here after a few days rest, Captain Fremont marched his party toward Dregon, but was overtaken by Lientenant Gillespie of the United States army, with dis- patches from Washington. That night Fremont's camp was attacked by hulians (instigated presumably by ('astro) and four of his men killed. The party now returned.
June 13, 1546, Capt. & Merritt and William B. Ide. both native Americans, either by ditvetion of C'apt Fremont, or at least with his full concurrence sociaal upon the military Best of Somna, imprismed the Mexican Governor thenol, hoisted the historic " Bear Flag" ta sheet of cotton cloth, hav- ing the rude semldaner of a grizzly bear smeared Thervon in Irry juice, by means of a lacking brush), and by john tim avowed their intention to overthrow the rule of Mexico in I'alifornia, and to establish the independence of that territory. At a salesspent meeting of American residents these acts were ratitied, and Fromout was declared Governor
In the meantime l'ongress lad unknown lo these parties. declared war against Mexico, and an expedition, one thousand six hundred strong under General Stephon W Kearney, was traversing the continent in the direction of the Pacitic. Sind tandonly with Fremont's action in the north, Comodore Sont. sized upon Monterey; and his ancresor -Commodore Stock- tom prepared at once for the reduction of the then principal city of las Angeles.
With this and in view, he organized a battalion of mounted riflemen, of which Fremont was appointed Major, and Gillespie Captain. This force was embarked on the shopof war d'gere, and dispatched to San Diego with orders to co-operate with the Commodore in his proposed movement on the finded de los Angeles. On August Ist Stockton sailed in the Congress, and on the fifth arrived at San Pedro, having taken possession of Santa Barbara on his way. He now learned that the enemy modder Generals Castro and Andres Fica were strongly qusted Dear Los Angeles with a forer estimated at fifteen hundred men. He learned further that Major Fremont. had landed at San Diego, but was unable to procure horses, and therefore could not join him. In the absence of Fremont's battalion, Stockton was wholly destitute of cavalry; yet, impressed with the unportance of celerity of movement, he disembarked his men. The anchorage at San Pedro was at this time almost wholly iprotected; there conbl be no certainty of finding their ships awaiting them in the event of retreat; and all felt that. " victory or death" must therefore bw the result of their enter. prise. The forer consisted only of from three hundred to four hundred marines wholly ignorant of military drill; and their only artillery-six small guns, rudely mounted and dragged by hand.
A few days after landing, a flag of truce approached over the hills, borne by commissioners from Castro. Desiring to impress these with an exaggerated idea of the strength of his forte. Stockton directed his little army to march at intervals of twenty or thirty paces apart, to a position where they would be shel- tered from observation. In this manner the commissioners were completely deceived, and when on their arrival they were marched up to the month of an innnense mortar, shrouded in
42
HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
skins save its huge aperture, their terror and discomfiture were plainly discernilk Stockton received them with a stern and forbidding countenance, harshly demanding their mission, which they disclosed in great confusion. They bore a letter from Castro proposing a trure, each party to hold its own possessions until a general pacilication should be had. This proposal Stock- ton rejected with contempt, and dismissed the commissioners with the assurance that only an immediate disbandment of his forces and an unconditional surrender, woukl shickl Castro from the vengeance of an incensed for. The messengers remonted their horses in dismay, and sped back to Castro, evidently fully impressed with the strength and sanguinary spirit of "los Americanos!"
Two days later other messengers arrived from Castro, bring- ing a bombastic letter, in which he rejected the terms offered by Stockton, and concluded in these words: "I will not with- hokl any sacrifice to oppose your intentions: and if through misfortime, the flag of the United States waves in California, it will not be by my acquiescence, nor by that of the last of my compatriots." These commissioners were treated as were the others, and dismissed with disdain.
Having now completed his arrangements, Stockton prepared to march upon Los Angeles. He dispatched a conrier to Fre- mont with instructions to join him on the plains of the mesa, and on the !th of August commeneed his march. The most constant vigilance was necessary to prevent surprise. The enemy's skirmishers were almost continually in sight, and it was impossible to estimate their umubers. The only provisions of the American force were afforded by their cattle, which were driven along in hollow squares. The guns were dragged by hand; yet notwithstanding all drawbacks, the distance from San Pedro to the vicinity of Los Angeles (nearly thirty miles), was traversed in one day. While en route, Stockton was informed by courier from Castro, " that if he marched upon the town, he would find it the grave of himself and men." "Then," answered the Conunodore, "tell the General to have the bells ready to toll at right o'clock, as I shall be there by that time." And he kept his word: but General C'astro, though posted advantageously upon the high ground commanding the pueblo and surrounding country, with nearly a thousand troops, and several pieces of artillery never fired a shot; but, despite all his previous gasconade and boastful threats-disbanded his forces, and Hed to Sonora by way of the Colorado river. Gov- ernor Pio Pico also abandoned the city, and reached Sonora by way of San Diego. Some effort was made to capture them, hint without success.
I'pon Fremont's arrival, Commodore Stockton formally took pression of Los Angeles (August 15, 1846). A number of prominent Mexicans surrendered themselves as prisoners of war, among whom were Don Jose Maria Flores and Don Andres
Pico, who were permitted to go at large on their parole of honor -not again to bear arms against the United States. Commo- dore Stockton now issued a proclamation derlaring California a territory of the I'nited States, and as all resistance had ceased. proceeded to organize a civil and military goverment, himself retaining the position of Commander-in-chief and Governor. The people were invited to assemble on September 15th, and choose their officers.
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