USA > California > Sonoma County > History of Sonoma 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 time > Part 13
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With the other American forces operating in California, Fremont and his riflemen took part till the end of the war. As a surveyor mapping the country, as a soldier fighting for it, and as a governor ruling it, he was the faithful servant of the republic, yet he returned home to be tried on charges that were practically trivial. When Brigadier Stephen W. Kearny, U. S. A., reached California after his conquest of New Mexico, he was equipped with a volitme of "discretionary" orders from the war department, one of which instructed him to leave the naval and other forces in their control of the seaports, and for him to organize for the country a civil government. The war-secretary's long- distance view of the situation was not a clear one, as he assumed that Stock- ton and his sailors, with some help from Fremont were keeping the peace in Yerba Buena, Monterey and San Diego, the interior was like a big unfenced rancho over which the guerilla forces of California were riding free.
The near-war began just as soon as Stockton saw Kearny's instructions, the Commodore holding that the work was all completed, the coast corralled, the interior not quiet but scon would be, and the civil government which he had organized under his own instructions from Washington, pretty well estab- lished. So he stood by his theory that Kearny's contingent instructions had been superseded by events, since he and Fremont had already done the things which later the new-comer had been directed io do. Under the question of rank Brigadier General Kearny was senior to everything on this side of the conti- nent, Commodore Stockton's relative plane being no higher than that of a colonel, and Fremont being a lieutenant-colonel, but the doughty navy man insisted in the consideration of the circumstances that had unexpectedly changed the sit- nation-which to the civilian mind seems not inreasonable. Moreover. he held
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that he did not want to be relieved of any duty until his reports had been acted upon at Washington. Kearny was further checked from precipitating an officer- fight by the disastrous result of one he precipitated at San Pasqual a day or two after entering the state. With remarkable and inexplicable indiscretion for an officer of his experience, but perhaps to commemorate his first appearance with a won-battle,-he attacked a superior force of well mounted Californians, and when the enemy got his men, worn and weak from desert-travel, into a position for safe assault, they charged and lanced at will. The brush was short and sharp, and when it was over a large number of the Americans were dead or disabled, and among the latter was Kearny, who received two lance-thrusts. Gillespie also was painfully wounded and several of the principal officers were killed.
The unfortunate force was extricated from its predicament by Stockton, hence Kearny's reluctance for a personal quarrel, so soon, with the man who had undoubtedly saved him from capture, and had lifted him out of the muddle of his own sheer folly. He not only then declined to force the question to the test of an authoritative decision, but actually offered to and did serve on Stock- ton's staff as aid. In fact, at the trial in Fortress Monroe, Kearny gave this testimony : "At San Diego Commodore Stockton said to the officers, 'Gentle- men, General Kearny has kindly consented to take command of the troops on this expedition. You will therefore look to him as your commander. I shall go along as governor and commander-in-chief in California.' I exercised no command over Commodore Stockton (continued Kearny in his testimony), nor did he exercise any over me." Mr. Bancroft, from whose work this extract of testimony is taken, and who cannot be accused of any tender leanings towards Fremont, further says: "Kearny's distinctions in this portion of the contro- versy are too finely drawn to be satisfactory to the mind not imbued with mil- itary technicalities, and the testimony that Stockton acted practically as com- mander-in-chief is overwhelming."
PLACING FREMONT BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE SE.A.
All the officers in California apparently were deccived by Kearny's seeming acquiescence, but it was afterwards known that there was in his mind even a recourse to arms, and that only the fact that the force he could call his imme- diate command of the one hundred1 dragoons he brought with him kept him from extreme measures, even to plunging the territory into the spectacular display of an American civil war. A master of craft, a tactician as well, Kearny made two tests in one motion. During a short absence of Stockton he suddenly directed Fremont to disregard an important order from Stockton relative to a movement of the troops. He wished to try Fremont's loyalty to the commo- dore, also to keep these soldiers where he could control them in case of a fight with Stockton's force. So he placed a subordinate who had no personal inter- est in the quarrel, between the devil and the deep sea, and that officer chose the deep sea and got the courtmartial-also the devil. Stockton presently was transferred to another station and the rank-question dropped, but Fremont was left to learn in full how unwisely he had chosen. With the commander- in-chief his avowed enemy, the subordinate officers could easily bring them- selves to a jealous dislike for the man called "the pathfinder." Then ensued a
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period of "currying down," running from a personal insult to official indigni- ties. Kearny had to use his authority to prevent two duels that might have been attended with fatality. Fremont asked for permission to return to his surveying duties, which request Kearny refused. Public or government con- tracts and obligations into which he had entered when he was in an independ- ent official position, but which had not been settled or finished, were questioned, ill-considered or repudiated by Kearny and his subordinates. This action nat- urally placed Fremont in a position perilous to his reputation, and forced him at the trial to the additional labor of defending his personal honor.
KEARNY'S POOR STATESMANSHIP.
Among the official acts of Fremont which Kearny suspended or modified, was the important treaty of Couenga, which Fremont made with the Califor- nians January, 1847. By its wise and reasonable provisions Fremont gained the surrender of the enemy's entire force and brought about peace for the ter- ritory without hurting the super-sensitive feeling of a conquered people. It was a remarkable agreement, guaranteeing equal rights and privileges to Ameri- cans and Californians alike, without the requirement of an oath of allegiance from the latter until the establishment of peace between the United States and Mexico. All paroles were canceled, and their conditions annulled, and the Americans agreed to protect the life and property of all Californian and Mex- ican officers and privates, whether they took up arms while on parole or other- wise. The Californians gave up their arms, and returned to their homes well satisfied with the terms, and the war was ended. Fremont's critics have de- lighted to recall his alleged rude methods of "coaxing" the country,-such methods evidenced by the Bear Flag invasion and other "savage" acts,-yet lis treatment of the Californians during his brief periods as military commander and civil governor in general, won that people's affection and confidence. Even Mr. Bancroft of the treaty, says, "the wisdom of granting such liberal terms cannot be questioned ; since a rigorous enforcement of military laws by inflict- ing due punishment on officers who had broken their paroles would have done great harm by transforming a large part of the native population into guerilla bandits." After this decision the historian seemingly changes front, with this statement : "Fremont's motive was simply a desire to make himself promi- nent and to acquire a popularity among the Californians, over whom he expected to rule as governor." The wisdom of questioning the motives of a measure the wisdom of which cannot be questioned. is not only in grave doubt, but would subject the questioner to a charge of asking frivolous questions, or a trial court to a charge of fitting evidence to a pre-determined judgment.
WAR OF THE GOLD BRAID.
Stockton's idea of seniority received a slight shock when he saw the treaty, as he considered that as commander-in-chief he should have handled the matter. However, he sent the document to Washington unsigned by himself, but stating in the accompanying letter: "I have thought best to approve it." Kearny had urged its recognition and Stockton having a quarrel with Kearny on his hands was too shrewd to disapprove. Just at that time neither officer could afford to quarrel with the man who made the treaty, but Kearny, just as soon as he had the power, abrogated the agreement, and the Californians choosing to consider
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such act an injustice and a gratuitous insult, were soon in fighting humor. While Fremont did not commit any new overt act of insubordination there is no doubt. that under the stress of the petty persecution to which he was then subjected, his manners were not lamb-like, he doubtless "struck back" to his technical dis- credit. When the two officers, relieved from duty in California, marched each with their respective escorts, Fremont was not officially under arrest, yet he knew that charges had been filed for the coming court martial; but Kearny, as his superior, and virtually his custodian, made his subordinate feel an inferior and a degraded position every mile of the way till they reached Fort Leavenworth. And the irony of it,-Fremont had found and surveyed the very trail back which he was traveling, a prisoner for his trial. The civilian cannot understand the helplessness of the soldier, especially the officer, whose position places him be- tween two fires that never menace the private. Discipline for the officer in the United States military service today is the discipline of the pink-tea circuit com- pared with the case-hardened, automatic tyranny of the system of fifty years ago. Ruin, absolute, inevitable, even instant death, stood "at attention" close to the subaltern who was contemplating disobedience of a superior order. Fre- mont was placed on trial before the military court at Fortress Monroe charged with mutiny and disobedience and a number of minor offenses. He was ably defended by his brilliant father-in-law, Senator Benton, and his equally able brother-in-law, William Carey Jones. Kearny's military position was upheld and the accused was found guilty of disobedience. Franklin Tuthill, the historian, says, "On this trial Fremont behaved with spirit and pleaded his cause with an eloquence that made the people of the State reverse the decision so soon as they had read the proceedings. The court recommended him to the clemency of the President, on the grounds of his past services, and the peculiar position in which he was placed when the alleged disobedience took place." It is shown in the defense that Fremont's offense was in nowise premeditated, this conclusion of his written reply (produced at the trial) to Kearny's order, establishing such evi- dence: "I feel myself, therefore, with great deference to your professional and personal character, constrained to say that until you and Commodore Stockton adjust between yourselves the question of rank, where I respectfully think the difficulty belongs, 1 shall have to report and receive orders as heretofore from the commodore." H. H. Bancroft, after a close review of the case does not bring himself to justify Fremont, but relative to the charge, says: "True, the colonel's act was declared later to be technically mutinous disobedience of a superior's orders, but this amounts to little, and is all that can be said against Fremont."
TO THE LIMBO OF FARCES.
After this acquittal-practically an exoneration and virtually an assertion that the affair was nonsensical-coming from so intelligent a judge, a judge not predisposed toward the accused officer, the great case should be permitted to pass from memory and into the limbo of farces. President Polk relieved Colonel Fremont from arrest and directed him to report for duty with his regiment. But he refused the President's clemency and resigned from the army. He afterwards represented California in the United States Senate, and was one term governor of Arizona. In 1856 he was the Republican nominee for the presidency against Buchanan and received a popular vote of 1,341,264, and 114 electoral votes. It was a "Democratic year," the presidential election before the rebellion
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and the long, fierce agitation over the extension of slavery and the successful outcome of the conflict with Mexico tended to the popularity of the party more identified with these events, and this made its candidate almost invincible. Fre- mont re-entered the service as a volunteer during the Civil War and was mustered out at its close as Major General. He died in New York, July 13, 1890.
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CHAPTER XXII.
VALLEJO IN CALIFORNIA HISTORY.
The raising of the American flags in California released General Vallejo from Sutter's Fort. It is difficult to understand why he was kept in custody one hour. Certainly his universally kind treatment of the Americans who wandered into Sonoma when he was probably the most powerful military officer in the territory-at times not excepting the governor himself-should have won for the General kindlier treatment in return. His known desire for annexation to the United States, which could not advance him in the affection of his confreres and the government of Mexico, moreover, his moral standing in California should have gained him more courteous attention. However, it is probable that neither Merritt, Ide nor Fremont was acquainted with the high character of their prisoner. The following extracts from Bancroft's Pioneer Register, written be- fore the General's death, give interesting details from the life of M. G. Vallejo: "In 1834 he was promoted to lieutenant, sent to secularize Solano mission. besides being intrusted with the preliminary steps toward establishing a civil government at San Francisco, and being elected a substitute member of the Mexican congress. In 1835 he was the founder of Sonoma, being made comandante and director of colonization on the northern frontier, and engaged also in Indian campaigns ; and from this time was indefatigable in his efforts to promote the settlement and development of the north ; efforts that were none the less praiseworthy because they tended to advance his own personal interests From this time (1835) he was the most independent and in some respects the most powerful man in California. Then 1836 brought new advancement, for though Lieutenant Vallejo took no active part in the revolution, such was the weight of his name, that under Alvarado's new government he was made comandante general of California, and was advanced to the rank of colonel. In the sec- tional strife of '37-9, though not personally taking part in military operations, he had more influence than any other man in sustaining Alvarado. The new administration being fully established General Vallejo gave his attention to the development of his frontier del norte; but to an attempted reorganization of the presidial companies in anticipation of foreign invasion, and to the commercial interests of California, insuperable obstacles were encountered, the general's views being in some respects extravagant, the powers at Monterey not being in sympathy with his reforms, and a quarrel with Alvarado being the result. After several years of controversy with the government, and large sacrifices of private" means in fruitless efforts to serve his country, he induced the Mexican govern- ment to unite the military and civil commands in one officer from abroad, and turned over his command to Micheltorena. In '43 he was granted the Soscol rancho in payment for supplies furnished the government, and his grant to the Petaluma rancho being extended.
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HIS IMPRISONMENT A BLUNDER.
"From this time the general clearly foresaw the fate of his country and be- came more and more dissatisfied with the prospects, though still conscientiously performing his duties as a Mexican officer. In the movement against Micheltorena in '44-5 he decided to remain neutral, unwilling and believing it unnecessary to act against a ruler appointed through his influence, and still less. disposed to en- gage in a campaign, the expense of which he would have to bear, in support of a treacherous governor ; but he discharged his soldiers to take sides as they chose, and warmly protested against Sutter's acts in arming foreigners and In- dians against his country. Meanwhile, he was a faithful friend to the immigrants. In the spring of '46 he was an open friend of the United States as against the schemes for an English protectorate, and in June-August, perhaps because of his devotion to the cause of the United States in its more legitimate form, he was cast into prison at Sutter's Fort by the Bears, being rather tardily released by the United States authorities, and even awarded some slight honors, and a con- siderable amount of his California claim being later allowed a partial recompense for his losses. Still mindful of the interests of his section, he gave the site on which Benicia was founded, the town being named for his wife. In '49 he was a member of the constitutional convention, and next year, of the first state senate. From that time he was engaged in brilliant and financially disastrous schemes to make Benicia the permanent capital of California.
THIS GENEROSITY HIS ONLY FAULT.
"In later years he continued to live at Sonoma, often called upon to take part in public affairs, though reduced financially to what, in comparison with the wealth that once seemed secure in his grasp, must seem like poverty. That he has been from '30 one of the leading figures in California annals is clearly shown in the records. Here it must suffice to say that without by any means having approved his course in every case, I have found none among the Californians whose public record in respect of honorahle conduct, patriotic zeal, executive ability and freedom from petty prejudices of race, religion or sectional politics, is more evenly favorable than his. As a private citizen he was always generous and kind-hearted, maintaining his self-respect as a gentleman and commanding the respect of others, never a gambler or addicted to strong drink. In the earlier times he was not in all respects a popular man among his people. by reason of his haughty, aristocratic, overbearing ways that resulted from pride of race. of wealth and of military rank. Experience, however, and long before the time of his comparative adversity, affected a gradual disappearance of his least pleasing characteristics. He is in a sense the last survivor of old-time Cal- ifornians of his class, and none will begrudge him the honor that is popularly accorded, even though the praise sometimes degenerates into flattery. He is a man of literary culture, and has always taken a deep interest in his country's history. His collection of California historical documents, which he kindly placed at my service, is a contribution of original data that has never been equalled in this or any other state."
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CHAPTER XXIII.
CALIFORNIA THE MECCA OF A MIGHTY PILGRIMAGE.
In the foregoing pages, the history-proper portion of this work, the writer places Sonoma county in her true position, the center of California history. White men first landed on Upper California soil in 1542 and on Sonoma's domain in 1775, and between these dates sleepy Spanish civilization had been crawling up the coast. It took two hundred and thirty-three years from San Diego to Sonoma, though time became speedier after reaching that farthest north. Events. slow moving before, began to crowd one another. The Russians in 1811, from their Alaskan waters following the sea-otter, found Bodega, and in 1812 Ross. and in their wheat fields the whiskered pioneers were harvesting the ocean and the shore. In 1823, the tireless priests-Spain's cowled and corded preacher-pioneers -always seeking a place for prayer, saw from the waters of the San Pablo, green hills arise from greener vales where Sonoma's streams were threading their ways seaward, and there the mission cross arose. Then came other history-makers. The southland had dozed fitfully for two hundred and fifty years-a century and a half longer than the nursery fairy princess and her kingdom-but she awoke with the northland, awoke when the North American, the western wave of the restless Saxon flood, began to pour over the mountains and down into the sweep of valley between sea and sierra. The three names first and oftenest heard in the history of central California, are names closely connected with Sonoma. Through Vallejo, Sutter, Fremont, the student traces the history of the county back into the earlier annals of the state, as well as to the contemporary events in other portions of the country. The people of a locality cannot get too much of its history. Its first days, its early steps taken when it began its onward and upward progress should be the first lesson of that patriotism necessary for the organization and the upbuilding of a commonwealth. What more auspicious event than when the pioneer hews his way into a newly discovered country and there prepares to construct a state. The most interesting period in the life of a building is the ceremonious laying of its cornerstone. In the beginning is the grand soul of the builder, whether in the basement of the coral isle far under the sea, or in the foundation of the marble fabric lifting its rounded dome in air. Hence the value of the past. The present we have with us-always-but the past is only in the records that men have written.
"ACROSS THE PLAINS."
Between 1542 and 1824, two hundred and eighty-two slow-moving years, Spain's kingly standard waved over Las Californias. Sonoma, founded in 1823, had one year only of the mother dominion, before Mexico's tri-color and eagle appeared above her plaza. They remained aloft twenty-two quiet years, and went down at the raising of the bear flag, which in twenty-five days gave way to the tri-color and eagle of the Great Republic. Then a brighter and clearer day began to break over the farther west, and the lure of the newer flag drew the great columns of immigration toward the Pacific. Mexico was a battleground,
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but the prize of all north of the Rio Grande and from ocean to ocean would soon be within the lines of the United States. At the capital of the nation, political parties wrangled in lesser war over the acquisition of territory, but the wagon-trains rolled on and on to the empty places awaiting a people. The story of that great traverse of a continent, "the thousand miles of harness and of yoke," is an epic in itself. The perils of defile, dark and unknown, of peak snowy and trackless, of desert blistering and waterless, and of the long, weary stretches through wilds where savage foes ambushed the passing pioneer, cannot all be told. That history, unwritten, is lost in the lost graves that border the way. "Across the Plains," a term fraught with tragic significance, long meant much in the California homes, but now it is seldom heard. It was spoken in the valley, on the slope, and down by the sea. The winds that blew over the wheat, whis- pered among the pines and swept the ranges, carried the words-"across the plains." The California-born children around their mother's knee, heard her tell of the soul-trying trek into the new-found occident, but their children seldom hear the story.
THE HIGH SIERRAS BAR THE WAY.
And after the plains-the wilderness of their wanderings, were passed, the Sierra, rearing its mighty walls, barred the way to the west. Over these rugged, wintry hills lay the valleys, fertile and fair in their golden summers, like the wonderful vales of the Palestine of old. Beyond these Nebo-heights was the Promised Land, the quest of the ages. Who has forgotten the Donner party? That sad narrative, because of its scene near the end of the journey, and because of its attendant horror, must be remembered. The large train of eighty wagons reached the mouth of the Truckee Pass in the Sierra Nevada mountains, October 31, 1846, one month too late for the winter snow-fall, and that snow-fall then coming several weeks earlier than usual, the dreadful inevitable was upon them. Repeatedly this heroic band of men and women assaulted the wintry barriers be- fore them, but they were driven back to the starting point. The days were going and death was gathering in every soft, fleecy flake that fell around them. The party divided, one division, farther seeing, built cabins for shelter and some protection against the bitter cold and awful storms of that savage region, and butchered their teams for food, knowing the animals would perish before the spring sun warmed the pass. The other division, led by Donner, with fatal per- sistence containned their efforts to cross the mountains till one night in an un- usually heavy storm their cattle strayed away from the camp and were lost under the snow. Thus were left in rude cabins, affording little shelter, eighty castaways, among whom being thirty women and several children, to face No- vember's thirteen days of falling snow, December's eight and January's same number of days when the white death dropped its pallid sheet upon them, and buried their cabins deep under its chilling mass. They could ward off the freez- ing, as the great pines that hung over them generously gave from their rough boughs, fuel for the camp-fires when the stormbound people could crawl up through and over the snow to the trees, but food was running short, and relief must come.
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