USA > California > San Luis Obispo County > History of San Luis Obispo County, California, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 19
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GOLD MINING.
Peace reigned in California long before the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo was made, and before the news of its ratification at Querétaro rumors of the discovery of gold in the Sierra Nevada spread through the land. That wonderful discovery excited everybody, and Mr. Price, accompanied by his brother-in-law, Mr. F. 'Z. Branch, went over to the Stanislaus and tried their luck in wash- ing for gold. After a practical experience sufficient to take off the glamour of the gold-mining enthusiasm, and with a fair degree of success in accumulating the brilliant scales, they returned to their ranchos on the coast.
On their return journey they made the discovery of the dead bodies of the Read family at San Miguel, and raised the party which went in pursuit, the particulars of which are related in the record of the crimes of San Luis Obispo.
PUBLIC SERVICES.
Under both nationalities, Mexican and American, in public and private, Mr. Price has been intrusted with important offices. Alcalde and Juez de Paz under Mex- ican rule, and Alcalde, Justice of the Peace, County Judge, Supervisor, etc., after the change of flags. In the archives of San Luis Obispo are many of the old doc- uments in the Spanish language bearing the signature of Juan Miguel Price, being ordinances, proclamations, and decisions, of a very interesting character. The Alcaldes, Prefects, and Sub-Prefects, then had power exceeding that of the Legislature of the present time, and some or- ders were made respecting the conduct of individuals that would hardly be submitted to by the Americans of to-day, as long as there is a high Appellate Court to "whip in " to constitutional limits and throw its shield of tech- nicalities 'over criminals. The good, fatherly Alcaldes made rules for the people as for children, and their authority was obeyed.
Mr. Price had been continued in the office of Alcalde, but by what authority after the Americans took posses- sion of the Government it is unnecessary to inquire. There appears to have been an election as indicated by a letter from Colonel Mason, then Military Governor, dated Monterey, January 25, 1848, to J. M. Bonilla, also an Alcalde of San Luis Obispo. Colonel Mason writes: "I send this appointment of J. M. Price as Al- calde, but not on account of the election that was held, for that was unauthorized."
A CELEBRATED CASE.
Several letters are on file in reference to a decision of Judge Price in the case of taking possession of a pair of millstones at the mission. The following are sufficient to explain the matter :---
HEADQUARTERS IOTH MILITARY DEPARTMENT, { MONTEREY, California, May 16, 1848. 5
SIR: Padre Gomez, the Catholic priest of San Luis Obispo, through his friend Don Manuel Jemino, complains that at the instance of Vicente Felis, you have taken from him a pair of millstones that have been in his possession for three years, and which he acquired by purchase. Whilst I do not at all doubt the correctness of your motive in taking those stones from the priest, yet, from the circumstances of the case, and all the information I can gain, I am of the opinion they should be returned to him, which I desire you will do. And this will relieve you from any responsibility in the transaction.
I am respectfully your obedient servant,
R. B. MASON, Colonel Ist Dragoons, Governor of California. John M. Price, Alcalde of San Luis Obispo.
To this order the following reply was sent, evidently under the effort to be as formal and respectful as the curious-looking Spanish paper used would permit.
SAN LUIS OBISPO, May 21, 1848. .
RESPECTED SIR: I have not, as your Excellency says in yours of the 16th inst., at the instance of Vicente Felis taken from the priest, Padre Gomez, a pair of millstones, which you desire that 1 should put in his possession again. I am well aware that the priest bought the mill- stones, but the Indian sold what was not his, consequently I took those stones from the priest on account of its being sufficiently proved in this juzgado by the under- named individuals, namely Don Mariano Bonilla, which is the person that sold the millstones to Ve Felis for cattle to feed the Indians belonging to this mission in the year 1842, also Don José Maria Villa, who was Alcalde in the year 1843, likewise an Indian named Majin. If your Excellency will not admit, or do not approve of my proceedings in this case, or make null what has been proved in this juzgado to be just, your Excellency will much oblige by naming another individual to relieve me from this most disagreeable situation that I now fill. An answer from your Excellency by return mail will unques- tionably decide a case that has been before every Alcalde of this pueblo up to the present date.
I am respectfully your most obedient servant, JOHN M. PRICE. To his Excellency R. B. Mason, Gov. of California.
HEADQUARTERS IOTH MILITARY DEPARTMENT, { MONTEREY, Cal., May 26, 1848. 5
SIR: I am in the receipt of your communication of the 22d inst., which informs me that the case of the millstones was regularly tried and decided by proof in your Juzgado. That being the case, it certainly is not my intention to disturb that decision.
My communication of the 16th was written under the impression, as therein expressed, that you had taken them from the priest at the instance of Vicente Felis; by which I meant to convey the idea, that you had taken them upon the representations of Felis, without due course of trial; and it was under that view of the case I advised them to be restored.
I am respectfully your obedient servant, R. B. MASON,
Colonel Ist Dragoons, Governor of California. Mr. John M. Price, Alcalde of San Luis Obispo.
COLDTRET
"GOLDTREE BLOCK" GOLDTREE BROTHERS PROPRIETORS
GENERAL MERCHANDISE SAN LUIS OBISPO CA/. A
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INSURRECTIONARY PERIOD.
The return letter from Governor Mason acknowledges the correctness of Mr. Price's action and motives, and continues him in the office of Alcalde. The position, in the disturbed condition of the country, without law or precedent, was one of great responsibility and the most experienced jurists would have been much perplexed, but Mr. Price, aiming at simple justice, gave satisfaction as Alcalde. His subsequent political acts, as County Judge, Supervisor, etc., will be further noticed in the polit- ical history of the county.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY.
Mr. Price was married in 1844 to Señorita Doña Andrea Colona, a native of California, and thirteen chil- dren have been born to them, five sons and eight daugh- ters. The home is distinguished for its hospitality, the visitor being always welcomed with the kindness and polite attention that so distinguishes the native Califor- nian. Mr. Price is devoted to his family as they are de- voted to him, and he has taken great pains in giving each of his children a first-class education. Throughout life he has been active and public spirited, in early days fight- ing the Indians in protection of the settlements and stock, and in later years serving the public as one of its most prominent and influential citizens. His life has been one full of adventure and interest. Cast upon the world to depend upon himself when a mere child, and upon a strange country and among strange people when a boy, he has made his way by the inherent qualities of his nature and by his unaided energies to wealth and honor in his old age. This venerable gentleman still resides upon his grand estate of 7,000 acres of the Pismo Ran- cho, within sound of the beating waves of the Pacific Ocean, enjoying the rest and dignity of a wealthy farmer, and held in the highest esteem by all.
CHAPTER X. INSURRECTIONARY PERIOD.
Dissatisfaction with Alvarado-Infamous Decree of Santa Ana- Micheltorena Appointed Governor-Commodore Jones takes Monterey-Fatal Precautions Taken-Capt. John A. Sutter -Charles M. Weber-Martin Murphy and Family-Arrest of Weber-Campaign of 1845-Capt. James Mckinley-Sur- render of Micheltorena-Articles of Capitulation-Close of the Campaign-Pio Pico Governor-The First Conspiracy-Ex- traordinary Convention Called -- Fremont's Coming-Spicey Correspondence-Fremont Recalled -- Capture of Sonoma- Proclamation of Judge Ide -- State of War-Pio Pico and Thomas O. Larkin-Reminiscence of General Vallejo-The Famous Bear Flag-Fremont's Battalion-Last Mexican Flag in the North-Important Correction of History-Spanish Gov- ernors of California.
LVARADO'S relatives, his uncle Carrillo in the South, and another uncle, Vallejo, in the North, were dissatisfied with his conduct and petitioned for his removal. Don Carlos A. Carrillo suggested to his friend, General Bustamente, then President of Mexico, that he would accept the Governorship of the Territory, but the appointment was not made. General Vallejo had denounced his nephew as a "villain, robber, usurper," and asked his removal. Alvarado had as earnestly
worked to have a new Commandante-General appointed in place of Vallejo. Both were gratified at last, in some respects at least, as both were removed.
INFAMOUS DECREE OF SANTA ANA.
"The mills of the gods grind slowly," and this spirit seemed to have pervaded the central Government of Mex- ico as it abided the decision of the Californians until the opportunity offered-as the officials presumed-to crush that rebellious people. Santa Ana felt himself strong enough in power to assume the government of California, encouraged by the personal quarrels of the leaders, and on the 22d of February, 1842, issued the famous-or rather infamous -- order, directing that 300 convicts in the prisons of Mexico should be organized as an army under command of Gen. Manuel Micheltorena, to proceed to California. Micheltorena was appointed Governor and Commandante-General, and with his army of convicts and 150 free persons to act as officials and personal guard, arrived at San Diego in August of that year.
The decree of Santa Ana, ordering the men of Michel- torena's army to be drawn from the prisons, although dis- puted by many, is a well authenticated fact, and was pub- lished at the time at Mexico, in El Observador Judicial y de Legislacion, 1842, vol. I., page 372.
The decree contains a provision for rebating a part of the sentence or full pardon of the convicts in return for good services they might perform; also that their families should be assisted to join them, and that land and imple- ments of cultivation would be furnished them. Cali- fornia was thus to be made a convict colony; but the chief object was to furnish the new Governor with a body of desperate men to enable him to overpower the aspir- ing and independent Californians, and prevent the re-en- acting of any Texan revolution that had proven such a sore matter for Santa Ana.
MICHELTORENA APPOINTED GOVERNOR.
His chosen officer, General Micheltorena, was one in whom he had the utmost confidence. He was an old soldier, having fought with him in Texas, had learned something of the fighting qualities of the Americans, and was supposed to have imbibed some of the bitter hatred to them entertained by his chief. He landed at San Diego in August, where he was received with great re- joicing, as to the pleasure-loving Californians a new Gov- ernor with so large a force, meant many fandangoes, bull- fights, and other festivities. After spending some time in the enjoyment of the hospitalities of San Diego, he leisurely proceeded northward, repeating the festivities and receiving the homage of the people. Southern Cali- fornia had always shown a stronger attachment, or a more subservient loyalty, to the Mexican Government than the North, and Micheltorena found all serene. But before his arrival at the capital he received a message that caused him to hastily retrace his steps to Los Angeles.
COMMODORE JONES TAKES MONTEREY.
Commodore Thomas Ap Catesby Jones, of the United States Navy, had sailed into the harbor of the capital with the frigate United States and the sloop-of-war Cyane,
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HISTORY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY.
and had taken possession of the town in the name of the United States, hoisting the stars and stripes. Alvarado, the acting Governor, rather favored this transfer than otherwise, preferring to yield up his authority to the United States, perhaps looking to future favors.
The news of the capture reached Micheltorena on the 24th of October, 1842. The next day he was at the mis- sion of San Fernando and issued an order to all Cali- fornians to "drive all their horses and cattle from near the coast to the mountains, and starve out the enemy."
Jones occupied Monterey but a single day, when, becom- ing assured that there was no war between the United States and Mexico, he hauled down the stars and stripes, apologized for his hasty conduct, fired a salute to the Mexican flag as it once more floated over the Castillo, and on the 21st of the month sailed for Mazatlan, from which point he sent dispatches to his Government at Washington explaining the matter.
The act was an astounding one under any circum- stances. The two nations were supposed to be at peace. There had always existed a fear that the wild trappers from the Rockies would capture the country, but men-of- war were supposed to be in the command of gentlemen.
The circumstances require an explanation. Both the United States and England had been looking with a long- ing eye to the harbor of San Francisco. Both had posses- sions on the coast, and both were well informed as to the value of the harbor and its surroundings, as well as to the weakness of the Mexican Government, which could exert but a nominal authority over the distant colony, which, it was expected, would soon drop like a ripe apple into the hands of some stronger power.
Texas had some years before achieved her independ- ence, and had made application to be admitted into the Union. After the death of Harrison the project of ad- mission was favored by the administration, though not actually consummated until the last year of Tyler's rule.
The politicians had expected on the admission of Texas, that Mexico, who, through her minister, had said that the admission of Texas would be considered a justifi- able cause of war, would go on the war-path. Our fleet had been ordered around here with instructions to take possession of the country at the earliest excusable oppor- tunity.
On the 17th of January, 1843, Jones returned to Cali- fornia and anchored in the roadstead of San Pedro. Micheltorena and his officers were at Los Angeles, and there Commodore Jones and the officers of his command paid the Governor a visit in all the style and display possible for a party of officers of the United States Navy. A grand reception was given them by the Californians, and, of course, a ball in their honor. The American officers supposed they would shine in their gold bullion, bright buttons, silk sashes, polished swords, and waving plumes; but their uniforms, so carefully prepared for the occasion, were only like reflected light in comparison with the rich brilliancy of the Mexicans. This had a de- pressing effect upon the naval officers, but the polite attention and elegant manners of the entertainers quite overpowered them. Jones was there to repair, as far as
possible, any breach of friendship made by his untimely seizure of Monterey, and to pay any damages that might have accrued. In the bill was an item of $3,000 for damages to the Mexican troops because of their rapid march to the interior on the receipt of the news of the seizure.
FATAL PRECAUTIONS TAKEN.
The affair was thus settled, and Micheltorena assumed the chair of State without further opposition. In his endeavors to maintain a stable government he sought to conciliate the various factions and make friends with the Americans. He entered into a compact with Capt. John A. Sutter,* promising grants of land in the Sacramento Valley to Americans, and was liberal in his gifts. But the factions of Californians, instead of uniting for him, united against him.
Upon taking possession of Monterey, Micheltorena exhibited poor generalship by removing the guns and ammunition of the harbor defenses to a safe place in the interior, in order that no other wandering war-ship with an indiscreet commander might repeat the act of Jones. These stores he carefully removed to the old mission of San Juan Bautista. They appeared to be of no use in defending the Governor in Monterey, as Graham had used one of the guns to frighten Gutierrez into a surren- der, and Commodore Jones had sailed into the harbor and taken the town and Governor Alvarado without receiving a shot.
The extraordinary caution of General Micheltorena, the hero of Texas, proved his ruin. The military stores at San Juan offered a tempting opportunity to the Cali- fornians whom the Mexican Governor had displaced from office. There were good grounds for an insurrection. The class of soldiery brought by the Governor gave suffi- cient cause. Alvarado, Castro, and Vallejo were snubbed by the party in power, and they united for an insurrec- tion.
On the 14th of November, 1844, they began hostilities by the capture of the military stores at San Juan. The insurrectionary forces then retreated north, and Michel- torena, with his convict soldiery, followed in pursuit. General Castro and his army, with the captured stores, fled to San Jose, expecting there to obtain the aid of the foreigners in his rebellion. But the foreigners were not ready to act, and, moreover, had been so well treated by the Governor that they felt friendly to him. Castro then continued his retreat up the east side of the bay of San Francisco. Micheltorena approached San Jose. Among the foreigners there was
CAPT. CHARLES M. WEBER, +
A German by birth, but who had come to California
* Capt. John A. Sutter, a Swiss by birth, and Captain in the Swiss Guard of Charles X. of France, had arrived in California from the United States via Oregon and the Sandwich Islands, in 1839, and had been given a large tract of land on the Sacramento River, where he had built a fort which had become the nucleus of an American settlement in a region where the Indians had repelled Spanish occupation. Sutter was an officer of the Government under Michelto- rena, and, being a large landholder, was supposed to be in favor of maintaining an established Government, and that he would aid the Governor against the party of Vallejo, Castro, and Alvarado.
t Founder of the city of Stockton, where he died, 1881.
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THE INSURRECTIONARY PERIOD.
from the United States in 1841, and had a store of valna- ble merchandise. Weber met the pursuing army and told the Governor that the insurrectionary forces had gone northward, and, being friendly, he begged that he also would pass north without entering the pueblo. The troops were clamorous to enter the town, with the design of plundering it. This was what Weber feared, and hastened to notify the people. The tide of feeling turned against Micheltorena, and the foreigners grasped their arms determined the convict soldiery should not enter the place. A number of Californians joined them. With this company, barely a sixth of Micheltorena's army, Weber went out to intercept the march. He sent a courier to the Governor, saying he did not appear as an enemy, but that he was aware of the character of his soldiers, and his only object was to prevent their entering the town. The Governor halted his forces. Castro, learning that a small force of foreigners had checked the pursuit of himself, cautiously returned and confronted the Governor with his new allies. No attack was made, but Micheltorena agreed to return to Monterey with his army and to leave the country.
He returned to Monterey, but instead of disbanding his army as he had agreed, entered into preparations for renewing the contest and suppressing the rebellion. He sent word to Sutter to come to his aid with an army of Americans and Indians, in conformity with his agree- ment, and in return promising to confirm all the grants of land Sutter, as authorized by him, had made or rec- ommended. Captain Sutter proceeded to organize a force, wishing to maintain his agreement and believing the insurrection to be only of certain malcontents of the Californians, and, moreover, not having a very cordial feeling for Vallejo, Castro, and Alvarado, on account of their disapproving of his purchase from the Russians of their claim to the land at Fort Ross.
MARTIN MURPHY AND FAMILY.
In the meantime there had arrived at Sutter's Fort a train of immigrants from the United States, in which was a family since distinguished for its wealth, social worth, and influence. This was Martin Murphy, Sr., his wife, five sons, and two daughters. The sons were Martin, with his wife and four children-one being Gen. P. W. Murphy of this county-James, his wife and one child, Bryant, Daniel, John, Ellen, and Mary. Quite a large train accompanied them. This family was reported to be at Sutter's Fort, and the daughters were reported as possessing unusual attractions of loveliness and accom- plishments. The senior Martin Murphy had been a gentleman and official of importance in Canada, and his coming into California with so large a company, adding so important an element to the foreign-born population, created quite a sensation in that limited circle of society. There were other young ladies in the train, and several married ladies. There can be no doubt that the news of such an arrival created quite a flutter in the breasts of the young bachelors of San Jose and Yerba Buena (San Francisco).
ARREST OF WEBER.
Captain Weber was evidently affected and he has- tened to Sutter's Fort to get a view of the fair ladies. He had distinguished himself in repelling Micheltorena, and believed the war was ended. On his arrival at the fort he was surprised to learn that all there were making preparations to go in aid of Micheltorena, and regarded him as a spy of the insurrectionists. He was arrested and a council of war was held to consider the case, which reported as follows:
We, the subscribers, chosen as a council of war, have unanimously resolved the following:
Ist. That Mr. Weber be put in irons, and detained in the fort until such time as we may receive orders from His Excellency, the Governor (Micheltorena), as regards his disposal.
2d. That Mr. Pearson B. Reading be requested to keep Mr. Weber in a convenient room, and afford him such necessaries as circumstances may admit of and his safe detention may require.
J. A. SUTTER, JOHN TOWNSEND, WM. DICKE, ISAAC GRAHAM, EDWARD MCINTOSH, JASPER O'FARRELL, SAMUEL J. HENSLEY.
J. BIDWELL, Secretary.
All these people were very friendly toward Mr. Weber, but, believing it to their interests to maintain Michel- torena in power, and that Weber as an aid to Castro would be a strong power against them, they dared not set him at liberty. Captain Weber appears not to have suffered much by confinement. He had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of the ladies he had gone so far and risked so much to see, and eventually made one, Miss Ellen Murphy, his wife.
CAMPAIGN OF 1845.
In January, 1845, Sutter was ready with his forces to march to the aid of the Governor, and proceeded south. The command consisted of about 150 Indians, armed with muskets, under the leadership of Raphero, a Mokelko Chief, who is represented as one of the most formidable warriors of the North and a bitter enemy of the Spanish people, and about sixty American riflemen under Captain Gant. While en route Sutter was admon- ished by J. Alexander Forbes, Dr. Marshe, and others, of the great mistake he was making; that the American, or foreign element, were almost unanimous in favor of the expulsion of Micheltorena and his convict soldiery, and urged his return. But Sutter replied he had now gone too far to retire with honor, and that he must proceed. In his command was Isaac Graham, who had been arrested and sent to San Blas by Castro, and he had a question of revenge to settle.
The army of Sutter was met by Micheltorena and his troops on the plain of Salinas and was received with great rejoicing, flags flying, drums beating, and salvos of artillery. But there was a cloud of disappointment and distrust hanging over the band of Americans in Sutter's
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HISTORY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY.
command. They had learned that their countrymen, aside from those of the Sacramento Valley, had taken the part of Castro, and consequently they had no heart in the cause, many leaving it before meeting their friends on the opposite side.
The allied army of Micheltorena and Sutter marched south, in which direction Castro with his Californians had gone. On the morning of February 15, the rear guard of Castro's army captured the advance forces of Sutter, then consisting of the Captain and fourteen men, the capture being a surprise in a narrow pass in the San Fernando Mountains. Castro made a speech to these prisoners, explaining that it was to their interest to drive Micheltorena and his band of robbers out of the coun- try, asked them to use their influence over the other foreigners in Los Angeles to aid in expelling the Mex- icans, furnished them with supplies, and gave them their freedom. This politic move disarmed that branch of his enemy, and proved to Sutter the folly of his move- ment.
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