USA > California > Los Angeles County > History of Los Angeles County, California, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, residences, fine blocks and manufactories > Part 8
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AND
HOSIERY
AND
STORE
NEWMAAK BLOCH
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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
with the itch. If any handkerchiefs or cotton goods were discovered among thei, the same were inunediately committed to the flames.
Hle was an inveterate enemy to drunkenness, and did all ju his power to prevent it, but to no parjage. He never flogged, however, while the influence of the liquor lasted, but put them into the stocks, under care of the guard, until sober. Finding the lash alone was of no avail, he added warm water and salt to the dose, which was given until it run out of the month again ! It was of no use, the discase was as inenrable as consumption.
Having found out the gume practiced in regard to destroying the children loon by Indian womea to whites, he put down all iniscar- ringes to the same cause. Therefore, when a woman had the mi-for- Inue to bring forth a still-born child, she was punished. The penalty inflicted was, shaving the hend, flogging for fifteen subsequent days, iron on the feet for three months, and having to appear every Sunday in church, on the steps leading up to the altar, with a hideous painted wooden child in her arms !
Hle Ind no predilection for wienrds, and generally (as some Que or other was always reporting evil of them) kept them ebained together in condes und well flogged. There were, at that period, no small number of old men rejoicing in the fame of witchcraft, so he made suwyers of them ull, keeping them like hounds in couples; and so they worked, two above nud two below in the pit.
Ou n breneh ocenrring between minu and wife, they were listened together by the leg until they agreed to live again in harmony.
He was not only severe, but he was in his chastisements, must cruel. So as not to make n revolting jdetnre, I shall bury acts of barbarity known to me through good authority, by merely saying that he must assuredly have considered whipping as meat and drink to them, for they had it morning, nown, and night.
Although su severe to the ludians, he was kind in the extreme to travelers nud others. There being so much beef, mutton, pork, and poultry, with fruits, vegetables, and wine, u splendid public table was spread daily, at which he presided. Horses to ride were ever at their service, nud a good hed to sleep on at night. Whenever ready to start, either up or down the coast, horses and a servaut were at com- mand to go us fur us the next mission.
Having brought the establishment and everything connected with it to the elimmix of perfection, he had still calculated on doing more. He purchased large quantities of iron, with the intention of railing in all of the vineyards nud gardens. But, alas! even Catholic societies are not proof ngainst the "capitul sius" they so strongly condemn. Euvy and jenlonsly stepped in and prevailed. He was ordered by his superior to the mission of Sau Juan Capistrano. The loss of his favorite hubby cupsized his renson, und after lingering for many years in a dis- turbed religions state of mind, he at length expired, regretted by all who knew his worth nud gigantic intellect.
During his pastorate, Salvadea also mastered the Indian language, and reduced it lo granunatient rules, being the first padre in this section having either the ability or energy neces- sary for such a task. He translated the Church service, and preached each Sabbath in the native tongue. His translation of the Lord's prayer, commencing " Agoine" "Our Father," is said by Mr. Reid to be " a grand specimen of his eloquence and ability." He thmus gave the natives an insight into the Catholic faith, " but did not alter their own one iata. Those who came after him were too indolent to keep up the reforms he had inaugurated. For a time sermons were translated sentence by sentence, to the congregation; but this was soon discontinued, probaldy to the great relief of the unfortunate listeners,
Salvadea was succeeded by Padre José Bernardo Sanchez, his former colleague and assistant. Padre Sanchez is described as having been "of a cheerful disposition, and a frank and
generous nature. He was als, a great sportsman and capital shot. " In ecclesiastical affairs, solemn; in trate, formal; in government of the mission, active, lively, and strict ; in social intercomse friendly, full of anecdote, and fond of jokes, even to those of a practical nature." Apropos of this last phase of his character, Mr. Roil relates the following as having actually occurred at one of the weekly pienie parties given by this mirth-loving priest :-
Don J. M. M. (an old Spaniard, having extensive conincreial rela- tions with the mission) had a negro servant named Francisco, who was exceedingly skillful in all anatters of cookery. While preparing for one of the weekly picnics, (whether tempted of the devil or Mumus, does not appear) MI. and the priest agreed to carry out a rare joke at the expense of their guests. Procuring a fine fut little puppy, they had bim stuffed and roasted by Francisco in a manner which would surely tempt the most fastidion- epicure; und this was brought on as a lust course under the name of dumb, along with an excellent salad to corres. pond.
All present (with the exception of the twu concerned in the jake) ate of it and praised it much. After concluding with a glass of wine, the old man inquired of his guests how they relished " doy ."" No one would believe the assertion that this was what they had just eaten. until the negro made his appearance with the head und paws on a plate. Then a mixed seene ensued which caused the oldf priest to nearly kill himself with laughter. While the quiet portion of his guests quickly retired to case themselves, and get rid of the detested food, those of more pugnacions disposition remained to fight M. first. intending to do the other afterward. The padre finally proenred harmony, but for many a day after, roast lanh and salad were looked upou with suspicion by the former partakers of his cheer.
Vol. Warner furnishes us with the following, as setting forth the usual dinner served daily at San Gabriel Mission during the years of its prosperity :-
- BILL OF FARE.C
FIRST COURSE. Caldo. Plain broth, in which meat and vegetables had been boiled.
SECOND COURSE. La Olla. Meat boiled with vegetables, and served separately.
THIRD COURSE. Al Londigas.
Forced meat balls-iu gravy.
FOURTH COURSE. Guisados. Stews-generally two.
FIFTHI COURSE. Acudo. Roast-beef, mutton, game, fowls. SIXTH COURSE. Fruit and sweetineats. SEVENTH COURSE. Tea, coffee, cigarritos.
Pork was also eaten spariugly at every meal. Wine was served ad libitum. On Fridays, fish followed the caldo, and the meats were dis- pensed with.
It behooved the guests, however, who sat down to such a dinner not to overeat, for medical men were scarce in those days. Mr. Reid says :--
It i- strange no medical man was kept on the establishment, ns the number of peojde was great and the stock of medicines very large. They were provided not by the pound, but by the quintal! 'Not in gallons but in barrelfuls! Still all the dependence for medical uid (with the exception of midwives) was either on a casual foreigner passing, or on the stupidity of some foreigner employed on the pron- ises I know not why, but nu Anglo-Saxon, in those days, was synonymous with an M. B. Many m " Externapero" who never before possessed sufficient confidence in himself to administer even a dose of Epsom, after killing, God knows how many, hnus ut length become n Tolerable empiric. One thing in favor of the sick was, that after a lapse of yeurs, the greater part of' the drugs lost their virtue.
The regulations enforced by his predecessor, were still observed under Sanchez; but while the lash was : till over ready, yet other modes of punishment were generally adopted for minor offences. Nor was such leniency barren uf goud results, for many indians who had formerly proved insubor- dinate from mere vindictiveness of spirit, now refrained from the love and good will which all bore toward their spiritual and temporal ruler.
Supplies for the mission were purchased in large quantities, frequently amounting to $30,000 at one time. These consisted of domestics brown, bleached and printed, tunnels, cloths. relosos, silks, hosiery, sugar, panocha, rice, etc, etc. These articles were distributed in two stores, from whence they were dealt ont to the natives, or sold to the public. The people were now better dressed than formerly. The course Frieze (serge) of the women was used ouly as sweat-rloths for horses; and the native ladies appeared at church in full- Hdown glory of fancy petticoats, clean white chemises, variegated kerchiefs on Their heads, and rebosos around their shoulders. The men had pants, jackets, hats, and fancy silk sashes. Even the children phoned themselves in gay colors, and sported shirts and kerchiefs.
Married people were provided with sheets For their beds, and even curtains. The major domo visited each house weekly to See that all was kept clean, and the priest. inade a similar round in person once a month. Rations, with wine and spirits (and occasionally a few dollars in money) were distributed once a week; but in addition to this, daily food was provided ready cooked, for the laborers. We quote further from Mr. Reid's letters ;--
The mission bell, on keing rung, aroused the Alcaldes from their slumbers, aud these with loud voice soon Het all the world agog. Masy was now heard, aud again the bell rung to work, At eleven its notes proclaimed dinuer, when in all flocked, basket in hand to receive " posale" and a piece of beef. (" l'orale " consisted of beans boiled with corn or wheat.) .At twelve o'clock they were again warned to their lahors, which concluded a little before sundown, to afford them time to receive supper, which consisted of " atole " or mush. If a gang were at a distance, a copper kettle and attendant accompanied them and pro- vided food on the spot.
After twelve o'clock on Saturdays soap was distributed, and all the world went a washing of clothes and persons, to make a decent appear- ance at church on Sunday. Saturday night was devoted to playing peon, and, with l'ew exceptions, none slept; for whites nud Indians, men, women and children, were all generally present.
After service, on Sunday, foot-hall and races took place, and in the afternoon a game called " Shindy " hy the Scotch, and " Bandy " by the
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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY CALIFORNIA.
English was played, with the men and women on opposing sides. Peo- ple flocked in from all parts to see the sport, and heavy bets were made. The priest took great interest in the game and as the women seldom had less than half a dozen quarrels among them, in which hair flew by the handful, he was the more pleased. The game being concluded. all went to prayers and so ended the Sabbath.
Padre Sanchez died in 1833, regretted by the whole eom- inunity, and leaving all who knew him sad at his loss.
The following incident relating to the mission of San Fer- nando, is from the pen of Col. J. J. Warner :-
In the carly part of the antumu of 1833, a little before mid-day, two American trappers, clothed in buckskin garments, the one feeble and emaciated by disease, the other, his attentive assistant and companion, arrived at the mission upon jaded mules; coming thither by the moun- tuin path leading from the San Francisco ranch. They dismounted, and the sick man, aided by his companion, laid himself down upon his blanket in the porch of the mission. The mules were unsaddled and picketed out to feed upon the grass. Neither of the two strange travelers had sufficient knowledge of the Spanish language to make themselves understood by those they fond at the mission; nor could they comprehend what was said to them. The travelers attempted to supply this lack of intelligible words by signs which were understood to mean that they desired to spend the remainder of the day and the snceccding night in that locality. By words of which they did uot understand the meaning, and by signs which were sufficiently plain to he understood by men who had spent years in the mountains among many tribes of Indians (with whom the nsnal means of intercourse was by signs,) they were given to understand that they could not be permitted to remain at San Fernando over night; that the Pueblo of Los Angeles was near at hand, where they must go to fiud a sleeping place.
When it was intimated hy signs to those of the mission that the sick man could not continue his journey, but that he could sleep under any one of the trees abont the premises, an emphatic negative was given.
Soon after the church bells had announced the culmination of the sun, pages carried a bountiful repast to the way-worn travelers. For the siek man was brought chicken broth and soups; also a plentiful supply of excellent wine for both. A desert of fruits, and a cup of tea for the invalid, conchided the repast.
As the day began to wear away and the pricst had arisen from his after-dinner nap, a cup of chocolate and a small piece of sponge cake was taken to the sick man; neither he nor his companion, having as yet manifested any intention of taking their departure.
It was not long after the sending of the chocolate, that the priest made his appearance in the portico of the building. Keeping himself at a safe distance from where the invalid was lying npon his blankets, he talked and gestienlated in so excited a manner, accompanied with such emphatic signs, that the weary travelers concluded that their sufety would only he secured hy a prompt departure.
When abont midway across the plain, a man, coming from the oppo- site direction, mounted upon a reeking horse. steered ont from the path, and passing the travelers at a respectful distance, sped on his way toward the mission. The two travelers immediately recognized the horseman as one who had left the mission while they were preparing to depart therefrom.
On their arrival at Cahuenga Ranch the travelers could not find a living soul ahont the premises, but unmistakable signs of a recent ntter and precipitate abandonment hy the occupants, were plainly to he seen. The fire in the kitchen (which was a shed or ont-house) had bren but recently extinguished with water, not a stick of fire-wood was to be seen about the place. In short it was evident that everything about the house which might have enconraged the two travelers to remain there over night instead of continuing their march on to Los Angeles, and which could be suddenly removed, had been carried away ont of sight. The conclusion was that the horseman had heen hurried away from the mission with orders from the priest to the occupants of the ranch to abandon the house and leave nothing to induce them to remain.
Y'cars afterward. this strange treatment of the travelers was explained by the priest why had refused to entertain them. The summer pre-
eeeding this event a most fearful epidemic had swept off the Indian population of the Sacramento aud San Joaquin valleys. Vagne rumors of this pestilence had reached the priest's cars, and when he discovered that there were two strangers at his mission, who had come from that direction, and that one of them was hut the shadow of a man, and suffering from disease, he was seized with fear that this fatal malady might be introduced among the thousands of Indians belonging to the mission, and all his powers were aroused to relieve tbe place from the presence of such unwelcome guests.
In after years, when the father priest and the once frightful sick man bad become sufficiently acquainted with each other to spend even- ings over a social game of "conquien," the respective sensations of cach at their first meeting, were matters of frequeut comment, and mutual raillery.
CHAPTER X.
DECLINE OF THE MISSIONS.
(1824-1836.)
The Law of Change-The Zenith of Prosperity-Demands of Soldiers -Mann- mission of Indians-Action Rescinded-Governor Victoria-The Avila Insurrection-Meeting of Avila and Victoria-Death of Avila-Echeandia at San Juan-Pio Pico Governor-Governor Figueroa-The Pious Fund Order of Seenlarization-Hijar's Expedition-Capitalists minus C'api- tal-The Final Twig-Destruction of Cattle-Buildings, Orchards, and Vineyards Destroyed-Come to Prayers-Government Administradors- The Indian's Share- An Indian Debate.
The law of change is inexorable. To individuals, to nations, to all mundane organizations, whether of a political, religious, or social character, comes a period of decline, following elosely on the heels of their highest excellence.
The mission establishments of Alta California proved no exception to this general rule. They had struggled up from sınall beginnings; they had become great, wealthy, and pow- erful; their Indian retainers were numbered by thousands, their flocks and herds by hundreds of thousands; they had reached the zenith unknowingly, and even while planning still higher flights, like Icarus-they fell!
Scareely had the Spanish yoke been east off and Mexican independence established, than discharged soldiers and others (many of whom had obtained admission now for the first time into the country) became clamorous for a division of the mission lands, and the conversion of these establishments into pueblos, as originally intended by the Spanish Government. Acceding to these demands, the Mexican Congress (in 1824-26) passed laws proclaiming the manumission of the Indians, and suspending the salaries of the priests.
But it was soon discovered that this action on the part of Government had been premature. Released from all restraint, the Indians proved idle, shiftless, and dissipated, wholly incap- able of self-control, and a nuisance both to themselves and to every one with whom they came in contact. Of the three missions in Los Angeles county, only one, that of San Juan Capistrano, became at this time a pueblo. One year later the
law was rescinded, the Indians were remanded to the custody and control of the fathers, all arrears of salary were paid over to the latter, and matters progressed as before.
In January, 1834, Manuel Victoria succeeded José Maria de Echeandia as Governor of California. Victoria would appear to have been a man of considerable ability and courage, for he at once set to work resolutely to reform many then existing abuses. His severity in the punishment of criminals, however, was unfortunately made a tool by his enemies to accomplish his overthrow. His acts were declared unconstitutional, and at last what is popularly known as " The Avila Insurrection " broke out at San Diego. We cannot do better than a lopt Mr. Stephen C. Foster's account of this affair :-
During the latter part of the year 1831, considerable dissatisfaction was manifested on the part of the native Californians against the policy of Don Manuel Victoria, then Governor of California, appointed by the Supreme Government of Mexico. This dissatisfaction finally enlminated ju a pronunciamento at San Diego, in November of that year. An outbreak was attempted, but was speedily suppressed hy the partisans of Victoria, and the ring-leader, Jose Maria Avila, was captured, put iu irons, aud confined in the guard-house. Governor Vietoria, with a small escort, had started down the country from Monterey, and arrived at the mission of San Fernando on the evening of Jlecember 4, 1831. A party of Sau Dieguenos arrived here that evening, and brought the Angelenos over to their side during the night. Ou the morning of December 5, the California party started out to meet Victoria.
Avila was released from bis confinement, and when the irons were stricken from his limbs, and he found himself ouce more a free man, upon bis good horse, he grasped bis lance with savage energy and swore he would kill that Mexican Governor or die in the attempt, and well he kept his word. The two parties met ahont eight miles west of the city, on the Santa Barbara road. this side of the Cahuenga Pass, and halted for a parley, when Avila, without uttering a word, put spurs to his horse, and alone rushed upon the Mexican party, and aimed a furious thrust at Victoria.
Captain Romanldo Pacheco (a Mexican officer of Victoria's escort) with his sword parried the thrust, yet Victoria was wounded severely in the side; and before Pacheco conld recover his guard, Avila ran him throngb the body; tben Avila in his turn, before he could extricate his lance, was shot down by Victoria, who had sneeeeded in drawing & pistol from his holster. Almost at the same moment Avila and Pacheco both fell dying from their horses.
A sudden panie struck both parties. The Californians galloped hack to town, and the Mexicans, with equal precipitation, turned off by the Feliz Ranch, and proceeded to the Mission San Gabriel. carrying the wounded governor with them.
The next day he dispatched Father Sanchez to Los Angeles, with the offer of his abdication, which was accepted, and he was sent back to Sau Blas in the ship Poeabontas, Jannary 15. 1832. When the Californians rallied from their panic later in the day, aud returned to the place, they found there the two men dead, lying as they had fallen, Avila still grasping the lance-staff' with a death grip. while the point had been driven through Pacheco's body.
The bodies were hronght to town, were taken to the same house, the same hands rendered them the last sad rites, and they were laid side by side. Side by side knelt their widows, and miugled their tears. while sympathizing country women chanted the solemu prayers of the church for the repose of the souls of these untimely dead. Side by side, beneath the orange aud the olive. in the little churchyard npon our Plaza, sleep the slayer and the slain.
For some time after the expulsion of Victoria. Los Angeles City was the nominal seat of the territorial government ; at first for Echeandia, who was upheld by the Avila party, and
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PUBLISHIE OF THOMPSON I WEST
VIEWS IN WASHINGTON GARDENS, CORNER MAIN &WASHINGTON ST'S, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. D.V. WALDRON, PROPRIETOR.
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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
afterward for l'io Pico, appointed ad interim by the Mexican authorities. Echcandia now retired to San Juan Capistrano where he gathered together a large ralbh of Mission Indians. and is said by thwir ant lo have committed many uutrages on those who ogused his administration. But the northern por- tions of the territory refused to recognize either Erlamtia or Pico, resolutely uphabling General Victoria as the lawful Gor- einer, and sustaining in office, as his representative, Captain Agustin V. Zamoram, Nor was this breach rver fully healed mtil the arrival of General José Figueroa in 1833
But it mattered little to the missions who was or was not Governor of California. The fint had gone forth, and their fate was souled in any case. Congress, with its many eyes, was greedily watching, and with its many months was slyly Hilding that " Pions Fand," which reverted to the Francis- cans when the Jesuits were expelled from the lower territory. Hitherto this had produced an annual income of some $50,000, which had gone to support the missions, The stomach of Congress -the treasury was empty, and here was a choice til lut. For a time it was played with, as a mouse is played with by a cat. A portion was appropriated; it was farmed out for a series of years; it was restored; it was intrusted to the chief of the army staff "to be administered ;" hmut at last Santa Ana swoujaul down upon it, and "in a jilly" it was gobliled up larly and hats,
But, no half measures were intemled. In August, 1834, the following document was promulgated:
PROVINCIAL. REGULATION FOR THE SECULARIZATION OF THE MISSIONS OF UPPER CALIMIRINIA.
Verjens 1. The political chirf, according to the spirit of the law of August 17, 1833, and in compliance with instructions received from the Supreme Government, jointly with the rehgious missionaries, will convert the missions of this territory partially intu villages beginning in the approaching month of August, 1830, w.th ten, aud the rest thereafter successively.
2. Religious missionaries shall be relieved I'mum the administratimai of' temporahties, and shall unly exercise the duties of their ministry so far us they relate to spiritual matters, whilst the formal division of parishes is in progress, and the Supreme Diocesan Government shall provide parochial clergy.
3. The Territorial Government shall resume the administration of temporal concerns, as directed, mjiem the following foundations.
J. The approbation of this provisional regnlatam by the Supreme Government shall be requested in the most prompt manner.
DISTRIBUTION OF PROPERTY AND LANDS.
Arriens 5. To each head of a family, and all who are more than twenty yours oll, although without fiumilies, will be given from the lands of the mission, whether temporal dands dependent on the sentsomn) or watered, a lot of ground not to contain more than four hundred yards in length and as many in breadth, nor less than one hundred. Sutlicient land for watering the cattle will be given in common. The outlets or roads shall be marked out by each village. and at the proper time the corporation lamb shall be desiguated.
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