History of Santa Clara County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, Part 6

Author: Sawyer, Eugene Taylor, 1846-
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1928

USA > California > Santa Clara County > History of Santa Clara County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present > Part 6

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

ed States to survey the limits of Oregon. This person presented himself at my head- quarters some days ago accompanied by two individuals (Thomas O. Larkin, U. S. consul, and William A. Leidesdorff, vice-consul,) with the object of asking permission to procure provisions for his men whom he had left be- hind in the mountains. The permission was given, but two days ago, March 4, I was much surprised on being informed that this person was only two days' journey from this place ( Monterey). In consequence I immediately sent him a communication ordering him, on the instant of its receipt, to put himself on the march and leave the Department, but I have not received an answer. In order to make him obey, I sent out a force to observe his opera- tions and today, the sixth, 1 march in per- son to join it and see that the object is at- tained. The hurry with which I undertake my march does not permit me to be more dif- fuse and I beg that you will inform His Ex- cellency, the President, assuring him that not only shall the national integrity of this party be defended with the enthusiasm of good Mexicans, but those who intend to violate it will find an impregnable barrier in the valor and patriotism of every one of the Californians. Receive the assurance of my respect, etc. God and Liberty."

In his hastily constructed fort, every avenue to which was commanded by the trusty rifles of his men, Fremont calmly awaited the speedy vengeance promised in the communication of the prefect. To carry it out Don Jose had summoned a force of 200 men which was strengthened by one or two cannon of small caliber, but nothing beyond a demonstration was attained. In the language of the late General Revere (then Lieutenant) "Don Jose was rather in the humor of that King of France, who with 20,000 men, marched up the hill and then marched down again."

Castro's next move was the concocting of an epistle to Fremont, asking for a cessation of hostilities and suggesting that they join forces, declare the country independent and with their allied armies march against Governor Pio Pico, who was then in Los Angeles. To John Gil- roy, an old Scotch settler, after whom Gil- roy was named, was entrusted the delivery of this piece of treachery. He reached Hawk's Peak on the night of the tenth and found the fort untenanted. Fremont had tired of waiting for Castro to attack and had made a forced march to the San Joaquin Valley. Gil- roy, on his return, told of the retreat, which so elated Castro that he at once resolved to attack the fort, which he was the first to en- ter. Then he sat down on one of Fremont's discarded pack saddles and penned a dispatch

to Monterey describing the glorious victory he had gained and promising that his return need not be looked for until his promise, long ago given, had been fulfilled.

And so matters rested for a time. The American settlers began to feel far from safe and it was the consensus of opinion that no time should be lost in preparing for an emerg- ency. Rumors were rife. Governor Pico looked upon them with deep hatred, their ar- rival and settlement was to him a source of poignant jealousy, while his feeling inclined him toward England, should the country ever change hands. At a convention held in San Juan Bautista to decide which one of the two nations, Great Britain or the United States, should guarantee protection to Califor- nia against all others, Pico is reported to have said: "To what a deplorable condition is our Country reduced. Mexico, professing to be our mother and our protectress has given us neither arms nor money, nor the material of war for our defense. She is not likely to do anything in our behalf. although she is quite willing to afflict us with her extortionate minions who come here in the guise of sol- diers and civil officers to harass and oppress our people. Perhaps what I am about to suggest may seem faint-hearted and dis- honorable but to me it does not seem so. It is the last hope .of a feeble people, struggling against a tyrannical government which claims their submission at home and who are threat- ened by a band of avaricious strangers from without, to voluntarily connect themselves with a power able and willing to defend and preserve them. It is the right and duty of the weak to demand support from the strong. provided the demand be made upon terms just to both parties. Is it not better to con- .nect ourselves with one of the powerful Euro- pean nations than to struggle against hope as we are doing now? Is it not better that one of them should send a fleet and an army to defend and protect California rather than that we should fall an easy prey to the lawless adventurers who are overrunning our beau- tiful country? I pronounce for annexation to France or England and the people of Cali- fornia will never regret having taken my ad- vice. Then may our people go quietly to their ranches and live there as of yore, leading a thoughtless and merry life, untroubled by poli- tics or the cares of state, sure of what is their own and safe from the incursions of the Yan- kees who would soon be forced to retreat into their own country."

Don Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo

But at this moment California found a man whose views were more enlightened than those of the rulers of his country. As a pa-

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

triot he could not silently witness the land of his birth sold to any monarchy, however old, and he rightly judged that although foreign protection might postpone it could not avert that assumption of power which was begin- ning to make itself felt. Possessed at the time of no political power and having had but few early advantages, still his position was so high and his character so highly respected by both the foreign and native population that he had been invited to participate in the proceedings of the Junta. This man was Don Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. Born in Cali- fornia, he commenced his career in the army as an ensign and in this humble grade he vol- unteered to establish a colony on the north side of the Bay of San Francisco for the pro- tection of the frontier. He thoroughly sub- dued the hostile Indians of the region and laid the foundation of a reputation for integrity, judgment and ability unequaled by any of his countrymen. Although quite a young man he had already filled high offices and at this time was living on his estate in the vicinity of the town of Sonoma. He did not hesitate to oppose the views of Pico and Castro. Among other things he said: "I cannot, gentlemen, coincide in opinion with the military and civic functionaries who have advocated the ces- sion of our country to France or England. It is most true, that to rely any longer upon Mexico to govern and defend us would be idle and absurd. It is also true that we possess a noble country in every way calculated from position and resources to become great and powerful. For that reason I would not have her a mere dependency upon a foreign mon- archy, naturally alien, or at least indifferent to our interests and welfare. Even could we tolerate the idea of dependence ought we to go to distant Europe for a master? What possible sympathy could exist between us and a nation separated from us by two vast oceans? But waiving this insuperable objection, how could we endure to become under the do- minion of a monarchy? We are republicans, badly governed and badly situated as we are, but still, in sentiment, republicans. All will probably agree with me that we ought at once to rid ourselves of what may remain of Mex- ican domination. Our position is so remote, either by land or sea, that we are in no dan- ger from Mexican invasion. Why, then, should we still hesitate to assert our independ- ence? We have taken the first step by elect- ing our own governor, but another remains to be taken. I will mention it plainly and ration- ally-it is annexation to the United States. In contemplating this consummation of our des- tiny I feel nothing but pleasure and I ask you to share it. Discard old prejudices, disregard 4

old customs and prepare for the glorious change which awaits our country. Why should we shrink from incorporating our- selves with the happiest and freest nation in the world, destined soon to be the most weal- thy and powerful? Why should we go abroad for protection when this great nation is our adjoining neighbor? When we join our for- tunes to hers we shall not become subjects but fellow-citizens, possessing all the rights of the people of the United States and choos- ing our own federal and local rulers. We shall have a stable government and just laws. Cali- fornia will grow strong and flourish and her people will be prosperous, happy and free. Look not, therefore, with jealousy upon the hardy pioneers who scale our mountains and cultivate our unoccupied plains, but rather welcome them as brothers, who come to share with us a common destiny."

Those who listened to General Vallejo were far behind him in general knowledge and in- telligence. His arguments failed to carry con- viction to the greater number of his auditors, but the bold position taken by him was the cause of the immediate adjournment of the Junta, no result having been arrived at con- cerning the weighty question on which the Californians had met to deliberate. On re- tiring from the Junta General Vallejo em- bodied the views he had expressed in a letter to Don Pio Pico and reiterated his refusal to participate in any action having for its end the adoption of any protection other than that of the United States. In this letter he also declared that he would never serve under any government which was prepared to surrender California to a European power. He then re- turned to his estate there to await the issue of events.

Raising the Bear Flag

In the meantime circumstances tended to keep General Castro moving. A large num- ber of Americans, finding themselves numer- ically too weak to contend against the natives, but relying on accession to their strength in the spring, determined to declare California independent and free and raise a flag of their own, which they did. The famous "Bear Flag" was given to the breeze June 14, 1846, in Sonoma on the pole which before had floated the Mexican standard. The town was captured and with it the commanding officer, General Vallejo, Lieutenant Colonel Victor Prudon, Captain Salvador Vallejo and Jacob P. Liese, an American and the general's brother-in-law. The news of the declaration spread like wild-fire, both parties hurriedly prepared for a conflict and while the Bear Flag party guided their affairs from Sonoma, Gen-

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

eral Jose Castro, from his headquarters at Santa Clara, issued two proclamations. They are curiosities in their way and as such worthy of reproduction here. The first follows:

"The contemptible policy of the agents of the United States of North America in this Department, have induced a portion of ad- venturers, who, regardless of the rights of men, have daringly commenced an invasion possessing themselves of the town of Sonoma and the military commander of that border. Fellow countrymen : The defense of our lib- erty, the true religion which our fathers pos- sessed and our independence call upon ns to sacrifice ourselves rather than lose these in- estimable blessings; banish from your hearts all petty resentments, turn yon and behold yourselves, these families, the innocent little ones, which have unfortunately fallen into the hands of our enemies, dragged from the bos- oms of their fathers, who are prisoners among foreigners, and are calling upon us to succor them. There is still time for us to rise en masse as irresistible as retributive. You need not doubt that Divine Providence will direct us in the way to glory. You should not vacil- late because of the smallness of the garrison of the general headquarters, for he who will first sacrifice himself will be your friend and fellow citizen

JOSE CASTRO, "Headquarters, Santa Clara, June 17, 1846."

The second proclamation promises to pro- tect all Americans who shall refrain from tak- ing part in the revolutionary movements and winds up as follows: "Let the fortune of war take its chance with those ungrateful men, who with arms in their hands have attacked the country, without recollecting they were treated by the undersigned with all the indul- gence of which he is so characteristic. The in- habitants of the Department are witnesses of the truth of this. I have nothing to fear, my duty leads me to death or victory. I am a Mexican soldier and I will be free and inde- pendent, or I will gladly die for these inesti- mable blessings."

As there were rumors afloat that General Castro was on his way with a large party of Mexicans, to attack the garrison at Sonoma, Fremont, with force augmented, hastened to the relief of his compatriots. He arrived at Sonoma on the morning of June 25, having made forced marches. There he found that Castro had not carried out his threat, but had placidly remained near San Jose, carefully guarded by his soldiers.

About this time a small party intended for service under the Bear Flag, had been re- cruited by Capt. Thomas Fallon, then of Santa

Cruz, but afterward a long-time resident of San Jose. This company, consisting of twenty- two men, crossed the Santa Cruz Mountains, entered the Santa Clara Valley at night and halted about three miles from San Jose at the rancho of Grove C. Cook. Here Fallon learned that Castro, with a force of 200 men, was close at hand. Therefore, believing discretion to be the better part of valor, he fell back into the mountains and there encamped.

At sunset on June 27. Castro, placing him- self at the head of his army, marched out of Santa Clara to chastise the Sonoma insurg- ents. Passing around the head of San Fran- cisco Bay he reached the San Leandro Creek from whence he dispatched three men to re- connoiter. They were to cross the bay in boats. On the water they were captured and shot. As they did not return Castro, guessing what had happened and fearing a like fate for himself, marched his company back to Santa Clara.

War With Mexico Declared

In the meantime great events had been oc- curring without. The United States had de- clared war against Mexico, General Scott, after a series of brilliant exploits, had captured the City of Mexico and Commodore John Drake Sloat was approaching Monterey. On July 7, 1846, Monterey was taken and the American flag hoisted over the town. Two days later Henry Pitts, courier for Commo- clore Sloat, rode into San Jose, and after an- bouncing the triumph of American arms, sought out General Castro and delivered to the redoubtable Mexican warrior Commodore Sloat's communication. After reading it Cas- tro, with moody brow, called out his men and forming in line in front of the Juzgado, or Hall of Justice on Market Street, shouted, "Monte- rey is taken by the Americans," and then pro- ceeded to read the written words of the Con- modore.

"To the inhabitants of California-

"The central troops of Mexico having com- menced hostilities against the United States of AAmerica by invading its territory and attack- ing the troops of the United States stationed on the north side of the Rio Grande, with a force of 7,000 men under command of General Arista, which army was totally destroyed and all their artillery, baggage, etc., captured on the 8th and 9th of May last by a force of 2,300 men under the command of General Taylor, and the city of Matamoras taken and occu- pied by the forces of the United States, and the two nations being actually at war by this transaction, I shall hoist the standard of the United States at Monterey immediately and shall carry it through California.

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

"I declare to the inhabitants of California, that although I come in arms with a powerful force, I do not come as an enemy to California. I come as their best friend, as henceforth Cal- ifornia will be a portion of the United States and its peaceable inhabitants will enjoy the same rights and privileges they now enjoy together with the privilege of choosing their own magistrates and other officers for the ad- ministration of justice among themselves, and the same protection will be extended to them as to any other state in the Union. They will also enjoy a permanent government under which life and property and the constitutional right and lawful security to worship the Cre- ator in the way most congenial to each one's sense of duty, will be secured to which, unfor- tunately, the Central Government of Mexico cannot afford them, destroyed, as her resources are, by internal factions and corrupt officers who create constant revolutions to pro- mote their own interests and oppress the people. Under the flag of the United States California will be free from all such troubles and expenses ; consequently, the country will rapidly advance and improve, both in agricul- ture and commerce ; as, of course, the revenue laws will be the same in California as in all other parts of the United States, affording them all mannfactures and produce of the United States free of any duty, and for all for- eign goods at one-quarter the duty they now pay. A great increase in the value of real es- tate and the products of California may be anticipated.

"With the great interest and kind feelings I know the government and people of the United States possess toward the people of California, the country cannot but improve more rapidly than any other on the continent of America.

"Such of the inhabitants, whether native or foreign, as may not be disposed to accept the high privileges of citizenship and to live peace- ably under the government of the United States, will be allowed time to dispose of their property and remove out of the country, if they choose, without any restriction; or re- main in it observing strict neutrality.

"With full confidence in the honor and in- tegrity of the inhabitants of the country, I invite the judges, alcaldes and other civil of- ficers to execute their functions as heretofore, that the public tranquility be not disturbed, at least, until the government of the territory can be definitely arranged.

"All persons holding titles to real estate, or in quiet possession of lands under color of right, shall have these titles guaranteed to them. All churches, and the property they

contain, in possession of the clergy of Califor- nia, shall continue in the same right and pos- session they now enjoy.

"All provisions and supplies of every kind furnished by the inhabitants for the use of the United States ships and soldiers, will be paid for at fair rates, and no private property will be taken for public use withont just compen- sation at the moment.

"JOHN D. SLOAT, "Commander-in-Chief of the U. S. Naval Force in the Pacific Ocean."

The reading of the foregoing concluded, General Castro is said to have exclaimed, "What can I do with a handful of men against the United States? I am going to Mexico. All who wish to follow me, right-about-face. All who wish to remain can go to their homes." Only a very few chose to follow Castro into Mexico, whither he proceeded on the following day, first taking prisoner, Charles M. Weber, a merchant, and not releas- ing him until Los Angeles was reached.

Upon hearing of Castro's departure Captain Fallon left his camp in the Santa Cruz Moun- tains, marched into San Jose, seized the Juz- gado and arrested Dolores Pacheco, the al- calde. He caused Pacheco to surrender the keys and pueblo archives as well, and ap- pointed James Stokes justice of the peace. On July 13 he hoisted an American flag on the staff in front of the court house, the first flag of the Union to wave in Santa Clara county. While in San Jose Fallon received the follow- ing communications from Captain Montgom- ery, stationed at Yerba Buena (San Fran- cisco) :

"U. S. Ship Portsmonth, "Yerba Buena, July 13, 1846

"Sir: I have just received your letter with a copy of Mr. James Stokes' appointment as justice of the peace of the pueblo ; also a dis- patch from the commander-in-chief of the U. S. Naval Forces at Monterey, for which I thank you. By the bearer of them I return a dispatch for Commodore Sloat, which I hope you will have an opportunity of forwarding to Monterey.

"I received your letter of July 12 and wrote to you, by the bearer of it, on the 13th in an- swer advising you by all means to hoist the flag of the United States at the Pueblo of St. Joseph (San Jose) as you expressed to do. If you had sufficient force to maintain it there ; of course you understand that it is not again to be hauled down. .

"Agreeable to your request I send you a proclamation, in both languages, from the Commander-in-Chief, which I shall be glad to have distributed as far and generally as pos-

HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

sible ; and be pleased to assure all persons of the most perfect security from injuries to their persons or property, and endeavor by every means in your power to inspire them with confidence in the existing authorities and gov- ernment of the United States.

"I am, sir, your ob't servant, ' JOHN B. MONTGOMERY,

"Commanding U. S. Ship Portsmouth.

"To Capt. Thomas Fallon, Pueblo of St. Joseph, Upper California."

"U. S. Ship Portsmouth, "Yerba Buena, July 18, 1846.

"Sir I have just received your letter with the official dispatch from Commodore Sloat, which has been accidentally delayed one day in its transmission from the pueblo and am much obliged to you for sending it to me.

"I am gratified to hear that you have hoisted the flag of our country and cannot but feel assured, as I certainly hope, that your zealous regard for its honor and glory will lead you nobly to defend it there.

"I am, sir, your ob't servant, "JOHN B. MONTGOMERY, "Commander.

"To Capt. Thomas Fallon at the Pueblo San Jose, Upper California."

Before the arrival at Monterey of Commo- dore Sloat it was believed in many quarters that the English government had a covetous eye on California. Jolin Parrott, a prominent citizen of San Francisco, was in Mexico in the spring of 1846, and in a position to learn something of British intentions. Ascertaining that a movement was about to be made to hoist the English flag over the capitol at Monterey, lie sent a courier to Commodore Sloat warn- ing him that England was about to steal a march on the United States. The commo- dore immediately went to sea. He reached Monterey Bay, and as has been related, hoist- ed the American flag over the capitol on July 7, 1846. Admiral Seymour, of the British navy, arrived soon afterward, but having no authority to inaugurate hostilities with the United States, was powerless.

The necessity of holding San Jose induced Captain Montgomery to dispatch the purser of the Portsmouth, Watmough, to the pueblo with thirty-five marines, as soon as it was learned that Fallon had gone south. He made his headquarters at the Juzgado and strength- ened his command by the enlistment of a few volunteers. The tide of war, however, had flowed southward, and with the exception of a short expedition against the Indians of the San Joaquin Valley, the military operations

did not amount to much. Watmough return- ed to his vessel in October.

At this time Commander Hull of the U. S. sloop of war Warren, was in command of the northern district of California and from him issued commissions to Charles M. Weber as captain and John M. Murphy as lieutenant of a company to be enlisted in the land service to serve during the war. They raised a com- pany of thirty and established headquarters in an adobe building on the east side of what is now known as Lightston Street. This com- pany did good service in scouting the country and preventing depredations by the straggling remnants of Castro's command and in securing supplies for the use of the troops.

About the time Weber and Murphy receiv- ed their commissions a body of emigrants ar- rived at Sutter's Fort where they were met by Captain Smith, of Fremont's Battalion, who had been detailed as a recruiting officer. Among the emigrants was Joseph Aram, who afterwards became an honored resident of Santa Clara County. Aram immediately en- listed and was appointed a captain. With his volunteers he proceeded to escort the families of the emigrants to Santa Clara where he made his headquarters in November. The ac- commodations were very inadequate and the season being a rough one, fourteen died before February and many more became seriously ill. Captain Aram had a force of thirty-one men and hearing that a Colonel Sanchez with a large force of mounted Mexicans was threat- ening the Santa Clara Mission, he proceeded to put it in as good a condition for defenses as . his means would permit. Wagons and even branches cut from the trees on the Alameda were used as barricades across the various approaches.

At the time Captain Aram took possession of the Mission, Captain Mervin of the U. S. Navy sent Lieutenant Pinckney, of the Savan- nah, and sixty men to reinforce Weber and Murphy at San Jose. On the afternoon of November 2, this force took possession of the Juzgado and transformed it into a barracks, entrenching the position by breastworks and a ditch. Videttes were stationed on all the roads and a sentinel was posted on the Guad- alupe bridge. In addition to these precautions Weber and Murphy's company were almost continually in the saddle, scouting the country in all directions. This was absolutely neces- sary as the Mexican Sanchez, with a large force, was hovering around the valley picking up stragglers and looking for a favorable op- portunity for a sudden attack. At the same time the Americans were anxious to meet Sanchez on a fair field, but the Mexican's

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Santa Clara County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, Part 6

Author: Sawyer, Eugene Taylor, 1846- Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 1928

Author: Sawyer, Eugene Taylor, 1846-
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1928