USA > California > Santa Barbara County > History of Santa Barbara county, California, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 18
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THE AMERICAN CONQUEST.
scripts destroyed by Fremont. Having followed Fremont's fortunes to near the closing aet, we will now return to Stockton's command.
BATTLE OF SAN GABRIEL.
Stockton met no serions opposition until the 7th of January, when he reached the river San Gabriel, not far from the mission of that name. A thousand or more men were posted here in a position to command the fort, intending to contest the passage of Stockton's forces.
The bank on which the enemy rested was a mesa or table-land considerably elevated above the river as well as the opposite bank. January 8th, Stock- ton formed his men, and gave orders that not a gun should be fired until all were across, which was carried out though the Californians kept up a continued, though ineffectual fusilade from the opposite bank. The soldiers were reminded that this was the anniver- sary of the battle of New Orleans, but the incentive of exchanging their half-starved and water-soaked con- dition for comfortable quarters at Los Angeles would have been a sufficient inducement to have fought well without any appeal to their patriotic feelings. While in the act of crossing, word was sent to Stockton that the water was four four feet deep, running over a bed of quicksand; that the cannon could not be safely crossed. Stockton said, quicksands or not, the guns must go over. They did go, Stockton himself pulling at the ropes. When the force was well across the river, Kearney charged up the declivity with one detachment, while Stockton with another met a charge in flank which was made at this time, which, being repelled, Stockton pushed np with the artillery. When the Americans reached the crest of the mesa, they found the Mexicans drawn up in order of bat- tle. This was precisely what Stoekton desired; the Mexicans were superior only in swift charges, coming and going like a whirlwind, while the superior rifle practice of the Americans would tell in a regular stand-up fight, and in a few minutes the Mexicans gave way. A portion of their right wing swung around on the rear of the Americans, endangering the baggage, but Captain Gillespie met them so vigor- ously that they retreated across the river. The main body retreated towards Los Angeles, offering but little resistance to the progress of the Americans until they came to a plain where there was ample room to exert their horsemanship. Here they made a vigorous attack on three sides at once. A second and a third time they charged, but were unable to break the lines, and they fled in disorder, and Stockton took possession of Los Angeles June 10th, the enemy retreating towards the north, where they were met by Fremont, and here commenced the difficulty which eventually terminated in Fremont's suspension, and being sent home in disgrace. The Californians put on a show of resistance, refusing to surrender, but seemed willing to negotiate ..
FREMONT'S TREATY.
Fremont was not aware that Stockton had refused to entertain any proposals for a surrender, but had threatened all who had broken their parole with sum- mary vengeance, or he might not have entered into any negotiations as he did; but the natives professed to admire his clemency at Santa Barbara, and finally induced him to enter into negotiations for peace. Com- missioners, consisting of P. B. Redding. Captain Louis MeLane, and Col. Wm. H. Russell, on the part of the Americans, and Don Jose Antonio Carrillo and Au- gustin Olivera on the part of the Californians, met and agreed that no person should be molested for having broken their parole, but that all should be permitted to retire to their homes and should assist in maintaining the peace. The proceedings were ratified by Fremont, as " Military Commandant of California," and by Andres Pico, as " Commandant of Squadron and Chief of the National Forces of California." It was publicly announced as closing the war. Flores fled to Sonora. It is doubtful if Flores had been among the parties to the treaty whether Stockton would have assented it.
The treaty brought peace to the country, for it virtually ended the war; but the jealousies of the three chiefs, Fremont, Stockton, and Kearney. con- tinued, each of whom claimed to be the superior officer, de facto, at least. Fremont thought that Kearney had little right to claim the position as chief of the military, since he came with no army and held no position except by rank. Neither were in a condition to reject Fremont's treaty, so it was recognized. The natives who had been pardoned for an offense, criminal by all the laws of war, always looked upon Fremont as their friend. He turned his command over to Stockton, who appointed him Gov- ernor, Kearney protesting. Fremont now took his quarters in the Government mansion, where several Governors before him had resided, and enjoyed for seven weeks the honors of the position.
THE POLITICAL AND MILITARY STORM.
Kearney claimed to be the lawful Governor of California by virtue of seniority in the United States' service, and by virtue of direct orders to conquer California and establish a territorial Government, and after Stockton had departed found himself in a position to enforce his claims. Commodore Shubric reported to him as Governor, both, perhaps, jealous of so young a man as Fremont, who had vaulted into fame with such case. Fremont now received orders to muster his battalion into the regular service, or proceed to San Francisco and discharge them; and was further informed that he was not Governor. A new man, Colonel Mason, was appointed to supersede him. Fremont now made his famous ride, 350 miles in three days and a half, from Los Angeles to Mon- terey, but General Kearney refused any reparation, even the payment of his battalion, and sent Fremont
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HISTORY OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.
East as a prisoner. He was tried for mutiny and dis- obedience by a court martial, found guilty, and dis- missed from the service. Though he was pardoned by the President, he refused to acknowledge the jus- tice of the sentence by accepting of the pardon. Though condemned by a eonrt martial, he became a favorite of the people, who did not believe in the red tape of West Point. When the State of California was admitted to the Union, he was made a Senator, and subsequently a candidate for President. The natives of Santa Barbara and the other southern . counties voted for him almost unanimously, showing their appreciation of his kindness to them.
OCCUPATION OF SANTA BARBARA BY STEVENSON'S REGI- MENT.
The American Government from the first looked upon California with longing eyes, as a choice bit of the earth to be held and cultivated with Ameriean habits and customs. A regiment for occupation and settlement was enlisted under the command of J. D. Stevenson, composed of citizens of all sorts, politi- cians and professional men not being forgotten. Many were men of sterling character, who would have made their mark in any country. Some of these rose in power and influence, and occupied high positions, while others, taking advantage of the want of law and order, set out in a lawless career and went rapidly downwards, producing a confusion and disorder. The regiment left New York in several ships, in September, 1846. Some of them arrived in San Francisco in March, 1847. Three hundred of that regiment came to Santa Barbara April 8, 1847. They were stationed here to prevent any disturb- ance which might make a third conquest of the country necessary, and also as citizens to identify themselves with the industries of the country, after peace should be declared. They were quartered at the Agerea House. Their relations to the people were generally friendly, although some of the rough ways of volunteers, whose unemployed vigor some- times led them to excesses, were not altogether to the liking of the dignified Castilian. Among other things the soldiers would play ball in the streets, and the flying ball, with the running of the excited play- ers, was not in accordance with the Spanish ideas of law and order. An attempt was made to prohibit it by city regulations, but it did not succeed. The soldiers gave a big ball at the Agerea House, which was attended by all the respectable people. Two notorious banditti, Joaquin Muriatta and Solomon Pico, were present for a short time, although the Americans were looking for them.
The dancing was mostly what is called the square or cotillion contra dance, and the waltz, the calling being done in both languages. The music was made with violins and guitars. The affair passed off with- out ill feeling. The upper elasses were much more inclined to fraternize than the lower, perhaps from having more to lose in the case of disturbance.
THE LOST CANNON.
The following story of the lost cannon was com- municated to a citizen of Santa Barbara by Col. J. D. Stevenson, who is now living at San Francisco, and is presumed to be correct. It was first published in the Daily Press of July 3, 1882 :-
" Late in the winter of 1847, or early in the spring of 1848, the American brig Elizabeth was wreeked on the coast at Santa Barbara, and soon went to pieces. Among the property saved was a gun, which re- mained on the beach long after all the remaining property had been removed. Being without its car- riage, the gun was useless. Early in the month of May it disappeared. After some time had elapsed, Captain Lippett, the officer in command of the Post, conceived the idea that it had been stolen by the Cal- ifornians for the purpose of attacking his quarters, in case the disaffected natives should rebel against the authorities Inquiry was made at every point, but the gun could not be found. As a number of vessels had touched at Santa Barbara in the meantime, it was readily concluded that it had been taken aboard and transferred beyond reach of Captain Lippett's command. This officer, though a good soldier, was a nervous, restless man, very deficient in judgment and tact. Either from real fear of an attack, or to exhibit his watehfulness and zeal in the performance of duty, without notifying his superior officer, Colonel Stevenson, he sent a courier to Colonel Mason at Monterey, at a cost of 8400, giving his version of the loss of the gun, magnifying its value and the dan- gers inevitable from its possession by the Californians. " Colonel Mason, being some 400 miles distant, and unaware of the weak and exeitable temperament of Captain Lippett, immediately issued the following military order :-
"' HEADQUARTERS 10TH MILITARY DEPARTMENT, "' MONTEREY, Cal., May 31, 1848.
[Order No. 36.]
"' A gun belonging to the wreck of the American brig Elizabeth, having been stolen from the beach at Santa Barbara, Cal., and ample time having been allowed to the citizens of said town to discover and produce said gun, and they having failed to do so, it is ordered that the town be laid under a contribution of $500, to be assessed in the following manner :-
".1. A capitation tax of $2.00 on all males over twenty years of age. The balance is to be paid by the heads of families and property holders, in the proportion of the value of their respective, real and personal estate, in the town of Santa Barbara and its immediate vicinity.
"'2. Col. J. D. Stevenson, commanding S. M. Dis- trict, will direct the appraisement of property and assessment of this contribution, and will repair to Santa Barbara on or before the 25th of June next, when, if the missing gun is not produced, he will cause the said contribution to be paid in before the first day of July. When the whole is collected he will turn it over to the A. A. Quartermaster of the Post, to be held for further orders.
" '3. Should any person fail to pay his capitation or share of assessment, enough of his property will be seized and sold at public auction to realize the amount of contribution due by him, and costs of sale. "' By order of Col. R. B. M. Mason. [Signed.]-W. T. SHERMAN, 1st Lieut. 3d Art .; A. A. Adj. General.' " Thus a quiet and inoffensive people were placed under censure, and an unjustifiable contribution levied
1880 UNION HOTEL
PAL
( LOS ALAMOS SAMPLE ROOMS
WELLS FARGO & CO. TELEGRAPH STAGE OFFICE
AL
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THERS
UNION HOTEL, J. D. SNYDER OWNER & PROPR. LOS ALAMOS, SANTA BARBARA CO. CAL,
73
THE AMERICAN CONQUEST.
upon those who for two years had been upon the most friendly terms with all the American authorities of the District. Upon receiving this order, Colonel Steven- son felt that the peace and quiet of the country were endangered by the tears or folly of a nervous and fidgety official. However, he conld but obey and carry out the order in the least offensive manner. and he accordingly issued an order to Captain Lip- pett, directing him to make out a roll of all persons subject to the assessment under the order of Colonel Mason, together with the valuation of the property of the principal inhabitants, and to prepare an Assess- ment Roll, cautioning him to be most careful in his netion, to give as little offense as possible, and to make known that upon Stevenson's arrival he would examine carefully the assessment. and would impose as small a burden as the order of General Mason would allow. This order was issued June 15th, and Colonel Stevenson left Los Angeles for Santa Bar- bara, reaching there the 23d. Immediately on his arrival he held an interview with Don Pablo de la Guerra, a son of one of the most respected gentlemen in California. He was a native of old Spain, and held a commission in the Spanish army at the time Mexico was separated from Spain. Hle resided in Santa Barbara, surrounded by a family of sons and daughters, universally considered the best educated and the most elegant and accomplished men and women in the country. They spoke and wrote Eng- lish with ease and flueney, and the eldest, Don Pablo, subsequently distinguished himself as a member of the Assembly of the State of California, and at the time of his death was Judge of his district.
"To Don Pablo, Colonel. Stevenson expressed his regret at the ridiculous course Captain Lippett had taken. At first he was very indignant, and said he greatly feared the people would not pay the assess- ment. But he assured Colonel Stevenson that they all understood his position in the matter, and that nothing would induce them to comply except as a mark of per- sonal respect to him. The conversation was long and interesting, and Colonel Stevenson finally obtained his promise to use his best efforts to have the affair peaceably settled. As they were parting, Don Pablo said, significantly, 'Colonel, is not the headquar- ters of a regiment wherever the commander may be, if he chooses to have it so?' and he then added. ' Since you are likely to be here some time, cannot you make this your headquarters and order your band up here?' adding also, that 'the people of Santa Barbara had never heard a band of music, and he knew of nothing that would afford them so much pleasure.'
"Colonel Stevenson instantly comprehended his meaning, and soon an order was issued, making Santa Barbara the regimental headquarters, and ordering the band thither, having them arrive on the 3d of July.
"Colonel Stevenson perceived that the difficulty in the matter of the gun might be solved by delaying the call for the military assessment until the 4th of July, and having the band arrive the evening previous, playing a Spanish national air as they entered the town. In the meantime Colonel Stevenson spent most of his time visiting the inhabitants, and it was only too evident that their indignation against Capt- ain Lippett was such that his life was in danger.
" One of the oldest inhabitants, Captain Egerea, the owner of a fine bark then ready for a voyage to the lower coast, notified Captain Lippett that he was about to leave port. An order was at once served forbidding him, and threatening to attach his bark
as security for his portion of the military contribu- tion. This was about the most ridiculous instance of Captain Lippett's folly, for Egerea owned property in town to the value of $20,000. The threatened seizure of the bark drove the old man crazy, and had not Colonel Stevenson arrived at this juncture, it would have gone hard with Captain Lippett. Ten minutes after his arrival Don Pablo and Egerea called on the Colonel, and stated the case of the detention of the vessel. Captain Lippett was ordered to apol- ogize, and was laughed at as he was seen to go aboard for the purpose.
" Promptly, as ordered, the full Regimental Band from Los Angeles reached Carpenteria at three p. M., July 3d. Instructions were issued to enter the town at dusk, and march to the residence of Captain de la Guerra, and open the serenade at his door with their best-known Spanish air. Their arrival happened while the family were at dinner. The first note startled the entire town. The citizens rushed to the streets, and a more enraptured people were never beheld. In the midst of the serenade Colonel Steven- son called on Don Pablo, and received the warmest thanks of himself and family for the high compli- ment bestowed on them; for the Spanish airs, above all, the captain thanked him, his tears manifesting the intensity of his emotion. The band continued playing about town, in front of the French Consul's residence, at the church, and the barracks, until near midnight.
The morning of the 4th was ushered in by the band, and by the firing of small arms, there being no artillery. The payment of the contribution had been fixed at 10 o'clock, and, as had been anticipated, in consequence of the enthusiasm created by the pres- enee of the band with their inspired strains, the inhabitants cheerfully tendered their assessments, with but a very few exceptions. While the pay- ments were being made, the assembled citizens re- quested Colonel Stevenson to deliver an oration. With this he promptly complied, and the oration was readily and clearly interpreted by Dr. Foster, now a resident of Los Angeles. The day was de- lightfully passed. and in the evening a ball was held in his honor, and for the happy termination of the trouble which had threatened in consequence of Lip- pett's absurd actions. The whole community enjoyed the music and festivities, and when Colonel Steven- son was about to depart the whole population turned out to do him honor; and the venerable Captain de la Guerra most kindly addressed him in his native language, and was answered for him by his noble- hearted friend, Don Andres Pico, who, at his request, had joined him at Santa Barbara. Colonel Stevenson freely confesses he feared some bold spirits had deter- mined to resist the payment had force been resorted to. But the music conciliated and charmed all.
"Thus was celebrated our national anniversary, in this favored town, thirty-four years ago.
" It is interesting to know that upon an order being issued to turn over to the Mexican authorities the money thus absurdly demanded, they refused to accept any portion of it. Eventually it was handed over to some American officer authorized to receive it.
" The memory of this has been preserved by the citizens of Santa Barbara by naming the street which runs past the theater, Cannon Perdido-the lost ean- non."
A storm subsequently exposed the cannon, which had been buried in the sands for ten years. It was injudiciously sold to a Jew for junk for a consider-
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HISTORY OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.
ation of $80, and removed to San Francisco. It should have been retained as a souvenir.
Stevenson's regiment was mustered out of service in September, 1848, and the members were merged into the common public.
CHAPTER XV.
THE DISCOVERY OF GOLD.
The Discovery of Gold at Coloma-Customs in the Golden Age-Ranch Life-Bull and Bear Fight-A Series of Mur- ders.
THOUGH the main discovery occurred at Coloma in 1848, gold had been mined for some years with con- siderable snecess, in the vicinity of Santa Barbara County. The matter rests upon the testimony of Don Abel Stearns and Alfred Robinson, the latter of whom carried it to the mint at Philadelphia, taking the mint receipt for the same, which is now in the archives of the Pioneer Society at San Francisco. The following letter from Abel Stearns to the Pio- neer Society, San Francisco, fixes, beyond doubt, the fact and time of the discovery :-
Los ANGELES, July 8th, 1867.
Sir: On my arrival here from San Francisco, some days since I recived your letter of June 3d, last past, requesting the certificate of gold sent by me to the mint at Philadelphia, in 1842. I find, by referring to my old account books, that November 2, 1842, I sent by Alfred Robinson, Esq. (who returned from Cali- fornia to the States by way of Mexico), twenty ounces, California weight (182 ounces mint weight) of placer gold, to be forwarded by him to the United States Mint at Philadelphia, for assay.
In his letter to me dated August 6, 1842, you will find a copy of the mint assay of the gold, which letter I herewith enclose to you to be placed in the archives of the Society.
The placer mines from which this gold was taken were first discovered by Francisco Lopez, a native of California, in the month of March, 1842, at a place called San Francisquito, about thirty-five miles north- west of this city (Los Angeles).
The circumstances of the discovery by Lopez, as related by him, are as follows: Lopez, with a com- panion, was ont in the search of some stray horses, and about mid-day they stopped under some trees, and tied their horses out to feed, they resting under the shade; when Lopez, with his sheath knife, dug up some wild onions, and in the dirt discovered a piece of gold, and searching further around found some more. He brought these to town, and showed them to his friends, who at once declared that there must be a placer of gold. After being satisfied, most persons returned; some remained, particularly Sonor- enses (Sonoranians) who were accustomed to work in placers. They met with good success.
From this time the placers were worked with more or less success, and principally by the Sonorenses (Sonoranians) until the latter part of 1846, when the most of the Sonorenses left with Captain Flores for Sonora.
While worked, there were some six or eight thou- sand dollars taken out per annum.
Very respectfully yours, ABEL STEARNS.
The letter was responded to to the effect that the gold weighed before melting, 1834 ounces; after melting, 1810%; fineness, 2025%; expenses, $4.02. Net value, $340.73.
Dated, August 6, 1843.
This was the first gold dug in California.
DISCOVERY OF GOLD AT COLOMA.
This affair, which not only affected the de stinies of Santa Barbara, but the whole world as well, occurred in June, 1848. General Sutter had erected a saw- mill on the south fork of the American River, about fifty miles above his fort. The tail race, or outlet, not being deep enough or of sufficient capacity to dis- charge the water, a stream was allowed to run over night to effect the required enlargement. The next morning James Marshall, one of the hands, found some small pieces of gold at the bottom of the race. The news soon spread that the streams of California were so rich in gold that a man with a tin pan could wash out in one day from five to even a hundred dol- lars. Gold was discovered over a tract six hundred miles long and fifty miles wide. Then commenced the most unparalleled immigration the world ever saw. Fifty thousand crossed the plains, and as many more came by sea. The harbor of San Francisco, which one year before had only a vessel or two in it, had more than 600 vessels bearing the flags of all nations. California had become the center of attraction for the whole world. Prices of everything rose accord- ingly. Common laborers received sixteen to forty dollars per day. Provisions went up to a fabulous price. Flour and meat were sold for a dollar a pound. Everybody could get gold by digging for it. Never was seen such a saturnalia. Gamblers from the Mississippi River, members of Congress, lawyers, doctors, clergymen, merchants, all went to make up the stream which rolled into the Golden Gate or crossed the plains.
VALUES OF CATTLE.
To none more than the ranches of Southern Cali- fornia this prosperity came. Every bullock was now worth a pile of silver dollars. The herd of cattle which was formerly slaughtered for the hides, to be exchanged for gewgaws at five hundred per cent. advance over Boston prices, would now roll in gold twenties instead of dollars. Men who before could only indulge in cheap gala attire on a holiday, could now, if they chose, pave their residences with silver dollars. The Guadalupe Ranch had 40,000 head of cattle upon it. Nearly as many could be and were collected at one rodeo. The de la Guerras, with their eight ranches could do still more, and we are told that the sales of a month would often amount to
75
THE DISCOVERY OF GOLD.
$40,000. If the shepherd rancheros were kings before, they were doubly so now. Money by the thousands, money that would bring honor was theirs The population that poured into the State hardly touched the southern counties. A few professional men, a few whose easy nature made them fall in love with the unhesitating hospitality of the natives, and some who saw in the guileless and free Spaniard the way to fortune came here, as well as the professional gambler, who for a while was looked upon as a gentleman by the simple and generous natives who had no conception of their inherent depravity. Entertain- ment was tendered to all of respectable appearance. The greed of gold had not frozen out all the humanities. The ill feelings engendered by the war were forgotten and the whilom enemy was welcomed to the house and its cheer. The young impecunious Americans were even sought out. Not only food and rest were proffered, but money was gently and deli- cately urged on them. In some instances, when it was known to be needed, suits of underclothing were laid upon the bed to be put on in the morning. Per- haps no people in the world had a more delicate way of manifesting kindness. In many instances this hos- pitality was rewarded by base ingratitude; by assist- ing in the spoilation of their property when misfor- tunes came.
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