San Luis Obispo County CA Archives History - Books .....Chapter X Insurrectionary Period 1883 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/cafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com August 9, 2006, 3:35 am Book Title: History Of San Luis Obispo County California 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—Surrender of Micheltorena—Articles of Capitulation—Close of the Campaign—Pio Pico Governor—The First Conspiracy—Extraordinary 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 Governors of California. ALVARADO'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 Mexico 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 Micheltorena's army to be drawn from the prisons, although disputed by many, is a well authenticated fact, and was published at the time at Mexico, in El Observador Judicial y de Legislation, 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 implements of cultivation would be furnished them. California 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 aspiring and independent Californians, and prevent the re-enacting 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 rejoicing, as to the pleasure-loving Californians a new Governor 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 California 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, 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 mission of San Fernando and issued an order to all Californians 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, becoming 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 circumstances. 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 longing eye to the harbor of San Francisco. Both had possessions 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 independence, and had made application to be admitted into the Union. After the death of Harrison the project of admission 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 justifiable 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 opportunity. On the 17th of January, 1843, Jones returned to California 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 depressing 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. * 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 Micheltorena, 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. 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 surrender, 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 Californians whom the Mexican Governor had displaced from office. There were good grounds for an insurrection. The class of soldiery brought by the Governor gave sufficient cause. Alvarado, Castro, and Vallejo were snubbed by the party in power, and they united for an insurrection. 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 Micheltorena, 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 from the United States in 1841, and had a store of valuable 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 agreement, and in return promising to confirm all the grants of land Sutter, as authorized by him, had made or recommended. 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. * Founder of the city of Stockton, where he died, 1881. 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 accomplishments. 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 hastened 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: 1st. 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 Micheltorena 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 admonished 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 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 country, asked them to use their influence over the other foreigners in Los Angeles to aid in expelling the Mexicans, 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 movement. CAPTAIN JAMES M'KINLEY. At Los Angeles Castro was reinforced by about sixty foreigners under command of a brave and resolute Scotchman, James McKinley, and with this aid retraced his steps to give battle to Micheltorena. The two armies met on the plains of San Fernando. Castro's forces took up a favorable position, the Americans under Captain McKinley seeking natural defenses, and the mounted Californians on the flank of the Mexican forces. The latter opened a heavy fire of artillery, but with such wild firing as to do no damage, while McKinley's riflemen told heavily upon the artillerymen. Sutter's men took no part in the battle, and McKinley's men did not attempt to harm them. At last McKinley determined on a conference with the men of Sutter's party, and, leaving the protection of his rifle pit, rushed out on the plain with his rifle in one hand and waving his hat in the other, passed on a run, amid a shower of musket balls from the Mexicans, and reached the other party unhurt. He vigorously explained to his northern friends, several of whom were old acquaintances, the true position of affairs, resulting in their demand of the Governor that he surrender. SURRENDER OF MICHELTORENA. As a consequence a truce was sounded and a capitulation agreed upon, of which the following is a true copy, translated by the late J. Alexander Forbes, of Oakland:— ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION. Agreement made on the field of San Fernando, between Don Manuel Micheltorena, General of Brigade and Commander-in-Chief of this Department, and Don Jose Castro, Lieutenant-Colonel of the forces opposed to the troops of General Micheltorena. ARTICLE I. Whereas, no decision of the Central Government of Mexico has been received in reply to the permission solicited by General Micheltorena, through his Brigade Major, Don Raphael Telles, for the withdrawal of the General and his troops from this department, for the purpose of returning to the interior of the Republic. Wherefore, and in consequence of the present united armed opposition of the inhabitants of California to the said troops, against which hostile movements the General with his small force and scarcity of resources, can no longer contend, he agrees to march forthwith to San Pedro, accompanied by his soldiers, where Colonel Castro will provide a vessel, duly victualed, for transporting the General and his troops to Monterey. ART. 2. The soldiers who may desire (voluntarily) to remain in California, shall, on their arrival at San Pedro deliver up their arms to the officer of their escort, and remain as citizens under the protection of the existing authorities. ART. 3. The soldiers who may choose to follow General Micheltorena shall embark with him at San Pedro carrying their arms with them; and on the arrival of the transport at Monterey the Mexican soldiers that now occupy that post shall embark thereon, also with their arms; and in case of insufficiency of room for all of said soldiers in one vessel, another shall be provided for them, and the said vessel or vessels shall sail for any Mexican port the General may choose to direct. ART. 4. The officers who may choose to remain in California shall be respected in their rank as officers of the Mexican army; their lives and property shall be guaranteed, and their salaries shall be paid from the departmental treasury. ART. 5. The same privileges shall be enjoyed by all the citizens who, in the present difficulties, have given aid to General Micheltorena. ART. 6. All arms, ammunition, and warlike implements actually existing in the armory at Monterey shall be delivered to the commander, Castro, of the opposing forces, in order that with them he may defend the entire department, and the national independence, encharged by General Micheltorena. ART. 7. That henceforward the civil government of this department shall be vested in the presiding member of the Assembly, as ordered by that corporation, according to law, for which object General Micheltorena will deliver a circular order to the chief of the opposing forces for immediate publication throughout the department. ART. 8. In like manner General Micheltorena will issue another order, that Don Jose Castro, Lieutenant-Colonel of the army, be duly acknowledged as the Commanding-General of this Department. The commissioners appointed on said field for submitting these stipulations to the respective chiefs for their approbation or rejection, were, on the part of General Micheltorena, Don Felix Valdaz, battalion commander, and Don Jose Castanares, Colonel of infantry; and on the part of Colonel Castro, Don Jose Antonio Carrillo and Lieut. Manuel Castro. On the field of San Fernando, February, 22, 1845, (Signed) ( FELIX VALDAZ, ( JOSE MARIA CASTANARES. (Approved) MICHELTORENA. (Signed) ( JOSE ANTONIO CARRILLO. ( MANUEL CASTRO. (Approved) (CASTRO.) ADDITIONAL ARTICLE. The division of General Micheltorena will march with all the honors of war, their flags flying, drums and trumpets sounding, two field-pieces, six-pounders, and one four-pounder culverin, with matches lighted, and will be saluted by the opposing forces under the Lieutenant-Colonel Don Jose Castro, with colors flying and drums beating. And on the arrival of General Micheltorena at San Pedro, the said three field-pieces, with all their caissons and ammunition, shall be delivered to the officer encharged by Colonel Castro to receive them. (Signed) ( MICHELTORENA. ( CASTRO. CLOSE OF THE CAMPAIGN. Captain Sutter's forces did not surrender to Castro, but as Lieut. David T. Bird, who was of the command, said, "they simply drew out." They were not assured of protection, as the articles of capitulation referred only to "citizens." The party had been greatly reduced by desertion, and returned in humiliation. Their route homeward was via the Tejon Pass and the valley of the San Joaquin, then a totally unoccupied region. The articles of capitulation are in the usual style between contesting parties of that people, and show the innate politeness and consideration of the feelings of the defeated. As in the case of the surrender of Carrillo to Alvarado it was difficult to tell which party surrendered, the fraternization was so cordial and the rejoicings so hearty. The conqueror provides for salutes, and escorts the conquered who marches as an army fully equipped for battle, and the conquered in turn bestows rank and honors upon his conqueror. PIO PICO GOVERNOR. By the conditions of the capitulation the presiding officer of the Departmental Assembly became Governor, Don Pio Pico held that position and consequently became the Governor. This gentleman was a native of California, had been at the head of the Assembly for many years, and was a member of one of the most prominent families of the country. His administration is distinguished for the increase of the American population, the consultations for a change of government, and the final conquest and annexation of the country by the United States. THE FIRST CONSPIRACY. The action of Captain Sutter in taking part with Micheltorena, whom so many Americans opposed, called attention to the necessity of a better understanding between the foreigners, for the sake of acting in concert for mutual protection. To effect this Dr. John Marshe and Capt. Charles M. Weber, at San Jose, prepared a document, which others signed, calling a secret convention of the foreigners. The following is the document:— The undersigned, in common with all other foreigners with whom they have been able to communicate personally, being very desirous to promote the union, harmony, and best interests of all the foreigners resident in California, have thought that this desirable object can be best attained by the meeting of some individuals from each of the different districts of the northern part of the country. We therefore hereby invite the persons of foreign birth, whether naturalized or not, to send two or more of their number to represent them in a meeting, to be held in the Pueblo de S. Jose, on the 4th day of July next. It is considered to be very desirable that Monterey, Santa Cruz, Yerba Buena, Sonoma, and the districts of the Sacramento should be fully represented. In the meantime, we think it will be obvious to every man of sense or reflection, that the foreigners ought carefully to refrain from taking any part, either in word or deed, in any movement of a political nature that may take place in the country—amongst native Mexicans. Pueblo of St. Joseph, March 27, 1845. JOHN MARSHE, PETER HEGARTY, CHARLES M. WEBER, GEORGE A. FERGUSON, WM. GULNACK, JAMES ROCK, PETER DAVIDSON, THOMAS JONES, JOHN BURTON, H. M. PIERCE, GEORGE W. BELLONNY, WILLARD BUZZILL, JAMES W. WEEKES, JOHN HAMES, JOHN DAUBENBISS, WM. KNIGHT, THOMAS G. BAIRN, GEORGE FRAEZHER, BENJ. WALBURN, THOMAS COLE, DANIEL MILNER, GUILLERMO G. CHARD, DANIEL FISHER. The document was written by Dr. Marshe, and the words (amongst native Mexicans) added by Weber. This was the first step taken for uniting the foreigners and had for its ulterior object, besides preventing a repetition of the blunder in opposing each other as in the expulsion of Micheltorena, when they became sufficiently strong, to wrest the northern part of the country from Mexican rule, and make it an independent State, as Texas had done. The meeting was never held, but its objects were obtained by a conference and mutual understanding one with another. EXTRAORDINARY CONVENTION CALLED. The native Californians were as dissatisfied with the Mexican Government as were the foreigners in their midst, and were determined on a change. While not believing themselves strong enough to establish an independent Government, they debated as to which of the powerful nations they should attach themselves. The Departmental Assembly of California early in 1846 passed an Act for calling an extraordinary convention to be styled El Concejo General de los Pueblos Unidos dt California—The general council of the united pueblos of California—which was to meet at Santa Barbara, June 15, 1846. This was supposed to decide the future of California. Three great powers were desirous of winning the rich prize. These were represented by their Consuls, Thomas O. Larkin, for the United States; J. Alexander Forbes, for Great Britain, and M. Guys, for France; and these gentlemen commenced their plotting and counter-plotting to influence the members in the interest of their respective Governments. An informal preliminary meeting was held at the house of Gen. Jose Castro, in Monterey, and the question was discussed. Governor Pico was opposed to the Yankees, saying they were too cunning and too powerful to have as masters, that, as General Vallejo reports it, "the North Americans were so enterprising a people that, if it were proposed, they were quite capable of changing the color of the stars." Some preferred the Catholic monarchy of France, as the French were of the Latin race and coreligionists; some advocated the strong monarchy of Great Britain, as with her powerful navy she could give protection and maintain a reliable Government. General Vallejo maintained the .superior advantages in belonging to the United States, making a long and powerful argument on the subject. There was no longer any dependence to be placed in Mexico. He said, "We have endured her official cormorants and her villainous soldiery until we can endure it no longer." He first advocated independence, but if submitting to any power it should be to the United States, where, instead of being subjects, they would become fellow-citizens, with the right to choose their own local and federal rulers. "If it is our destiny to fall into the jaws of the bull-dog or the greyhound, the latter is the first in the race, let him take California." The remarks of Vallejo and the firm position of his friends convinced the other factions that there would be no prospect of their unity, and the convention was not held. A few months later and California was beyond the influence of conventions. FREMONT'S COMING. While things were in this eventful condition, the United States Government dispatched John C. Fremont, then a Captain of Topographical Engineers, on a third tour across the plans, ostensibly to find a better route to the mouth of the Columbia River, but with a private understanding, as is generally believed, that he should be sufficiently near to assist in the event of the breaking out of hostilities between the two nations. He reached the frontier early in March, 1846, with a force of only sixty-two men. The force was ample to cross the plains, or to make a scientific exploration, but he was a natural leader of men, daring and decisive, and, if necessary, could organize the Yankee population into a battalion that would soon settle all questions of the supremacy of the Anglo-Saxon or Spanish races. He visited the capital, and asked permission to recruit his men and horses in the San Joaquin Valley, where there was plenty of game and grass, but no ranches, before proceeding on his way to Oregon, which was granted. He did not, however, proceed immediately on his way, but from San Jose, where he then was, took a southerly course, and we next hear of him at Captain Fisher's rancho, between San Jose and Monterey. There some horses in his band were claimed as stolen. Fremont disputed the claim, thinking it a fabricated case to make him trouble, or to arrest his march to the sea-coast. Fremont's reasons for his march in that direction was the necessity to enter Monterey to obtain supplies he could not get at San Jose. SPICY CORRESPONDENCE. As he refused to deliver up the alleged stolen horses, a summons was sent him by the Alcalde of San Jose to appear before him and answer to the complaint. Instead, however, he sent the following:— You will readily understand that my duties will not permit me to appear before the magistrates in your town on the complaint of every straggling vagabond who may choose to visit my camp. You inform me that unless satisfaction be immediately made, by the delivery of the animals in question, the complaints will be forwarded to the Governor. I will beg you at the same time to inclose to His Excellency a copy of this note. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. FREMONT, U. S. A. To Sr. Don Dolores Pacheco, Alcalde of San Jose. After this curt and rather insolent letter, he proceeded in the direction of Monterey, but on the 5th of March was met by an officer bearing a letter, and backed by a company of eighty mounted lancers. MONTEREY, March 5, 1846. I have learned, with much dissatisfaction, that, in contempt of the laws and authorities of the Mexican Republic, you have entered the towns of the district under my charge with an armed force, which the Government of your nation must have placed under your command for the purpose of examining its own territory; that this Prefecture orders you, immediately on the receipt of this communication, to return with your party beyond the limits of this department, with the understanding that if you do not comply, this Prefecture will take the necessary measures to compel you to respect this determination. God and liberty. MANUEL CASTRO. Senor Capt. Don J. C. Fremont. The course of Gen. Jose Castro, in first granting Fremont permission to recruit his animals in the country, and afterwards summarily ordering him to leave, has usually been severely condemned by American writers; but his movements, and his letter to Pacheco, were such as to excite suspicion of him, and to absolve the Californians from any duties of hospitality. A few years before Commodore Jones had taken possession of Monterey; the Americans in the country were believed to be ready, or willing, to overthrow the Government; and here was Fremont with sixty-two armed and reckless men marching toward their capital. There were certainly sufficient grounds for serious apprehension, and it may be readily believed that, had the case been reversed, an American people would quickly have arisen and severely punished so insolent an intruder. Fremont now apprehended an attack and fortified himself on the Pico de Gabilan (Hawks Peak), near the mission of San Juan Bautista. General Castro with an army of about 200 men and a six-pounder field-piece, moved out of Monterey to put in force the order given to Fremont to leave the country. They did not, however, approach within reach of the American rifles, but displayed their force in sight of the explorers' camp. While thus beleagured, Fremont wrote the following letter to the American Consul. MARCH 10, 1846. MY DEAR SIR : I this moment received your letters, and, without waiting to read them, acknowledge the receipt, which the carrier requires immediately. I am making myself as strong as possible, with the intention, if we are unjustly attacked, to fight to extremity, and will refuse quarter, trusting to our country to avenge our deaths. No one has reached our camp, and from the heights we are able to see the troops mustering at St Johns and preparing cannon. I thank you for your kindness and good wishes, and would write more at length as to my intentions did I not fear that my letters would be intercepted. Very truly yours, J. C. FREMONT. To Thos. O. Larkin, Esq., Consul for U. S., Monterey. He wrote bravely, threatening to fight to desperation if attacked, probably thinking the letter would fall into the hands of the Californians, and they would thus be deterred from making the attack. The same day he suddenly left, leaving his camp-fires burning, and proceeded to the San Joaquin Valley and en route to Oregon. FREMONT RECALLED. When Fremont had reached the Oregon line, he learned that an officer of the United States Army was on his trail with important dispatches. He immediately retraced his steps and met Lieutenant Gillespie, who had crossed the continent from Vera Cruz to Mazatlah, and thence to Monterey in a sloop-of-war, with unwritten, but important dispatches, the written letters only commending him to Fremont's favor and confidence. A letter from Thomas H. Benton and other members of the family contained paragraphs which would have appeared innocent enough if captured by the Custom House, or other authorities, but which, explained by the verbal communications, were momentous. On his return to the Sacramento Valley, Fremont found the settlers in a state of excitement. The determination of the Californians to drive out the gringos was becoming more apparent every day, and, in the absence of better information, they were led to believe that Fremont had actually fled before Castro's cavalry. There was a report that Castro was advancing with a force upon Sacramento Valley, and the settlers immediately began to flock to Fremont, who had his camp near the mouth of Feather River. The story of the actual movement of troops to expel the settlers was so far true that horses for mounting a legion to attack the Americans were being taken from Sonoma and other valleys to San Jose. It was deemed wise and justifiable to interfere with this arrangement, and actual hostilities were commenced by intercepting the horses, and sending word to Castro by the vaqueros that, if he wanted the horses, he must come and take them. CAPTURE OF SONOMA. A party of twelve men, under command of Capt. Ezekiel Merritt, seized Sonoma, with nine brass cannon and 250 stand of arms. They also made prisoners of Vallejo and several other prominent persons, sending them to Sutter's Fort at Sacramento. The town of Sonoma was garrisoned by eighteen men under William B. Ide, which force was, however, soon increased to forty. Ide issued a proclamation setting forth a list of wrongs which justified the taking of authority into their own hands, recommended the people generally to continue their usual avocations, assuring them of protection. Castro also issued a proclamation requesting the people to rise and annihilate the rapacious invader. Ide's proclamation seemed to draw best, for in a few days he felt strong enough to send out an attacking party to avenge the death of two young men who were captured and brutally murdered while on their way to Bodega. The attacking party was commanded by Lieutenant Ford, and numbered twenty-one men; the other by Captain de la Torre, and numbered eighty-six, the latter company having received a large accession without the knowledge of the Americans, or the result might have been different, but De la Torre's party was routed with the loss of eight killed and two wounded. PROCLAMATION OF JUDGE IDE. The following is the proclamation issued by Judge Ide:— A Proclamation to all persons and citizens of the district of Sonoma, requesting them to remain at peace, and follow their rightful occupations without fear of molestation. The Commander-in-Chief of the troops assembled at the fortress of Sonoma, gives his inviolable pledge to all persons in California not found under arms, that they shall not be disturbed in their persons, their property, or social relations, one with another, by men under his command. He also solemnly declares his object to be: First, to defend himself and companions in arms, who were invited to this country by a promise of lands on which to settle themselves and families, who were also promised a Republican Government, who having arrived in California they were denied the privilege of buying or renting lands of their friends; who, instead of being allowed to participate in or being protected by a Republican Government, were oppressed by a military despotism; who were even threatened by proclamation, by the chief officers of the aforesaid despotism, with extermination, if they should not depart out of the country, leaving all their property, arms, and beasts of burden; and thus deprived of their means of flight or defense, were to be driven through deserts inhabited by hostile Indians to certain destruction. To overthrow a Government which has seized upon the property of the missions for its individual aggrandizement, which has ruined and shamefully oppressed the laboring people of California, by enormous exactions on goods imported into the country, is the determined purpose of the brave men who are associated under my command. I also solemnly declare my object in the second place to be to invite all peaceable and good citizens of California who are friendly to the maintenance of good order and equal rights, and I do hereby invite them to repair to my camp at Sonoma, without delay, to assist us in establishing and perpetuating a Republican Government, which shall secure to all civil and religious liberty; which shall encourage virtue and literature; which shall leave unshackled by fetters, agriculture, commerce, and manufactures. I further declare that I rely upon the rectitude of our intentions, the favor of Heaven, and the bravery of those who are bound and associated with me, by the principles of self-preservation, by the love of truth, and the hatred of tyranny, for my hope of success. I furthermore declare that I believe that a Government, to be prosperous and happy, must originate with the people who are friendly to its existence; that the citizens are its guardians, the officers its servants, its glory its reward. WILLIAM B. IDE. Headquarters, Sonoma. June 18, 1846. STATE OF WAR. An actual state of war existed, brought on by a slow, regular succession of events in which so many were engaged that no particular person can be credited with its leadership. The haughty Castro, the turbulent Alvarado, and the liberty-loving Vallejo, aided by the foreign element, had alienated the people from Mexico, and in part freed her from that Government's domination. Graham and McKinley had shown the strength of the foreigners. Fremont came and marched at will through the country, planting the American flag and defying the authorities. Gillespie then appears with secret instructions. Fremont reappears and takes possession of a large band of horses collected for General Castro. Merritt and Ide next appear on the scene, capture Sonoma and its military stores, and Todd, with a blacking-brush and juice of berries, had made on a piece of sheeting a facetious representation of a bear rampant, which became the "Bear Flag" of history and the banner of the new nation. All were illegal and revolutionary proceedings; all showed the sentiments of a manly, independent nature, and all were steps in the direction of a Republican Government and a free people. War had now commenced by the Americans in California against the Mexican Government. War had also been commenced between the United States and Mexico, and on the 8th and 9th of May the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, in Texas, had been fought; but this fact was not yet known in California when the "Bear Flag" was raised. PIO PICO AND THOMAS O. LARKIN. In this revolution the native Californians were generally loyal to the Mexican Government, but their attachment had been weakened by continued exactions and many acts of aggression. They regarded Mexico as their mother country, of which they were yet an integral part, and the Americans as intruders. Don Pio Pico, then Governor, was bitterly opposed to the Americans, and had favored the project of seeking the protection of the British flag, which had been so energetically opposed by General Vallejo. Upon the capture of Sonoma, Governor Pico addressed the following communication to Hon. Thomas O. Larkin, the United States Consul:— The undersigned, Constitutional Governor of the Department of the Californias, has the deep mortification to make known to Mr. Thomas O. Larkin, Consul of the United States of North America, that he has been greatly surprised in being notified by official communications of the General Commandancia of this Department and the Prefecture of the Second District, that a multitude of foreigners of the United States of America have invaded that frontier, taken possession of the fortified town of Sonoma, treacherously making prisoners of the Military Commandante, Don Mariano G. Vallejo, Lieut. Col. Victor Prudon, Capt. Salvador Vallejo, and Mr. Jacob P. Leese, and likewise have stolen the property of these individuals. The undersigned can do no less than make known to the Consul of the United States, that acts so extraordinary and alarming have caused very great grief. Until the present the Departmental Governor is wanting the least possible information that would give him to understand of a declaration of war between Mexico and the United States, and without such information he judges the course pursued at Sonoma the most atrocious and infamous that can be imagined, so much so that the like is not seen among barbarians. They have attacked the rights of the people, breaking the established social compacts; profaning the sacred soil of another nation; indeed, scandalously usurping an integral part of the Mexican Republic, and what is more provoking still, as an ingnominious libel, is the folly of the principal of this multitude of foreigners, William B. Ide, the separation of the Mexican Union. This act tends to excite the mind of the undersigned, and causes him to suspect the Government of the United States are concerned in this matter, which certainly should increase his regrets. Mr. Thomas O. Larkin will permit the undersigned to say to him frankly that he has witnessed with extraordinary coolness the invasion of the department, and that he has failed to note the general movement of all the inhabitants, in defense of their country and liberty; he has not been known to make any arrangement that make the invaders recede from their abominable designs, and prevent the misfortunes which they can cause by means of hostile provocation; misfortunes that the Departmental Government will place to the responsibility of the chief authors, before God and the entire world. So base management as observed on this occasion highly compromises the honor of the United States, and if it shall have such a stain upon itself, there is no doubt that it will be graven eternally in the remembrance of all nations, and will cause it to be despised. The undersigned believes that the Consul of the United States will agree with him that the acts committed by the party of foreigners, Americans, have the appearance of actual and downright robbery; also that the Consul will agree with him that his indifference to prevent such fatal results, seeing that they were subjects of his own nation who were violating this part of the Mexican Republic, compromises more and more both nations. The undersigned, in fulfillment of his duties, sees himself obliged to recommend to the Consul, Thomas O. Larkin, that he make declarations of the occurrence which has happened at Sonoma, to exact full satisfaction from him, hoping that he will use all the means in his power to escape in time such terrible consequences, and finally to protest solemnly, in the name of the Departmental and Supreme Government of the Nation, that it is decidedly opposed to all aggressions, defending to extremity its independence, liberty, inalienable rights; repeating that the principal authors are responsible to the representative of the United States near this Department for those abuses and results of corrupt designs from which they are not deterred. The undersigned hopes, from the prudence and judgment of the Consul of the United States at Monterey, that, admitting the justice that assists him, the answer to this letter (and imploring that it may come soon) may be in accordance with (veneboles) desire. God and Liberty! Pio Pico. Santa Barbara, 29th June, 1846. Indignation, fear, and supplication appear singularly mixed in the declaration and protest of Don Pio Pico, who perfunctorily must do something, being Governor, both to appease the Mexican Government and not to offend, too seriously, the coming power. To this letter Mr. Larkin made the following reply:— CONSULATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ) MONTEREY, CAL., July 5, 1846. ) To His Excellency, Don Pio Pico, Gov. of California.— SIR: The undersigned, Consul of the United States of America for California, has the honor to acknowledge the reception of His Excellency's letter of the 29th of last month, which was received yesterday afternoon. His Excellency may be well assured that the undersigned is duly sensible of the great importance of the subject brought before him, and is compelled to say that he cannot alone enter into any mode for the expulsion of the foreigners who have taken possession of Sonoma. He is bound not only to protect his countrymen in California from any unjust oppression, and settle in an amicable manner any disputes in which they may be concerned, but firmly to refuse them support when they have been willfully guilty of any infractions of the laws of this Department, giving aid to the authorities in such cases, which aid has been refused by the Governor and Prefect. The undersigned must assure His Excellency that he was wrongly informed when told he made no exertions to aid the proper authorities, and His Excellency can learn that the undersigned has used the only means in his power as a Consul, and that the Consular service had not been accepted. His Excellency is pleased to say that the Americans engaged in this affair are responsible to this Consulate, The undersigned must observe that he knows not where this responsibility exists, and will not underrate the good sense of his being in the idea that he believes Consular letters would have effect on the persons in question, or that the authorities would have given him soldiers to bring into Monterey an equal number of Americans, when General Castro, with three times their force, did not see proper to expel those who took Sonoma. The reasons brought forward by His Excellency as proofs that the Government of the United States is concerned in the matter, not being sustained, will, being by the undersigned proved to be erroneous, require no farther assertion on his part to convince His Excellency on the subject. The undersigned has the honor to renew to His Excellency, the Governor of California, assurance of his deepest respect and consideration. THOMAS O. LARKIN. Mr. Larkin, at the date of his reply, had the assurance of personal protection in the presence of a fleet of United States ships of war, under command of Commodore Sloat, which a few days before had entered the harbor of Monterey. But Sloat had not then concluded to take hostile measures, although he had heard of hostilities between the two nations on the Rio Grande del Norte, and was much incensed at the actions of Captain Fremont and the Americans at Sonoma, who had openly declared war and the independence of California. REMINISCENCE OF GENERAL VALLEJO. Gen. Mariano G. Vallejo, who has borne so prominent a part in the history of California, who possessed broader views and forecast the future so much better than his countrymen in general, and who has been so true to the Government destiny provided him, relates the following reminiscence of that revolutionary period:— A little before dawn on June 14, 1846, a party of hunters and trappers with some foreign settlers, under command of Captain Merritt, Dr. Semple, and William B. Ide, surrounding my residence at Sonoma, and without firing a shot, made prisoners of myself, then commander of the northern frontier, of Lieut. Col. Victor Prudon, Capt. Salvador Vallejo, and Jacob P. Leese. I should here state that down to October, 1845, I had maintained at my own expense a respectable garrison at Sonoma, which often, in union with the settlers, did good service in campaigns against the Indians; but at last, tired of spending money which the Mexican Government never refunded me, I disbanded the force, and most of the soldiers who had constituted it left Sonoma. Years before I had urgently represented to the Government of Mexico the necessity of stationing a sufficient force on the frontier, else Sonoma would be lost, which would be equivalent to leaving the rest of the country an easy prey to the invader. What think you, my friends, were he instructions sent me in reply to my repeated demands for means to fortify the country? These instructions were, that I should at once force the immigrants to re-cross the Sierra Nevada and depart from the territory of the Republic. To say nothing of the inhumanity of these orders, their execution was physically impossible. First, because I had no military force; and second, because the immigrants came in autumn, when snow covered the Sierra so quickly as to render return impracticable. I can assure you that the American immigrants never had cause to complain. The "Bear Flag" party carried us as prisoners to Sacramento, and kept us in a calaboose for sixty days or more, until the authority of the United States made itself respected, and the honorable and humane Commodore Stockton returned us to our hearths. I have alluded to this episode of my life rather as an event connected with history than from a desire to speak of myself, since at times like the present individuality disappears before the magnitude of the subject which claims our attention. I will simply remark, that I retain no sentiment of hostility either against those who attacked my honor and my liberty, or against those who endangered my life, disturbed the peace of my family, and took possession of my property. THE FAMOUS BEAR FLAG. A decent regard for the opinions of mankind, considering that a state of war existed, prompted the rebels to rear a flag under which to fight, fulminate, and negotiate, and the famous Bear Flag, which was a rather inartistic representation of a grizzly, done with a compound of berry juice and shoe-blacking, laid on with a blacking-brush, was the result. This flag, much faded, is now in the possession of the Society of California Pioneers, at San Francisco, and is occasionally brought out. It is highly valued, and is preserved with great care. In the diary of Judge Ide it is written, evidently at a later date, "The said 'Bear Flag' was made of plain cotton cloth and ornamented with the red flannel of a shirt from the back of one of the men, and christened by the word, 'California Republic,' in red paint letters on both sides, was raised upon the standard, where had floated on the breeze the Mexican flag aforetime; it was the 14th of June, 1846. Our whole number was twenty-four, all told. The mechanism of the flag was performed by William Todd, of Illinois. The grizzly bear was chosen as an emblem of strength and unyielding resistance." Mr. Ben. Duell, now of Lake County, says he, Todd, and Currie made the flag, and Mrs. W. B. Elliott furnished a piece of new red flannel, and not a shirt or petticoat. FREMONT'S BATTALION. Fremont was now busy in organizing a battalion to maintain the dignity of the new State. Nearly the whole American population joined or sent in assurances of support. Still, many things were wanted besides men. Nearly all had arms, but horses, and, more than all, boats, were scarce, and the timber from which to construct them fifty miles away. Word was brought that Castro was crossing the bay with 200 soldiers to fall upon Ide's garrison. In thirty-six hours he, with ninety riflemen, had ridden eighty miles to Sonoma, but Castro did not put in an appearance. De la Torre's force was the only one on the north side of the bay, and that made all haste to cross. Some of the rear guard and nine pieces of cannon fell into Fremont's possession, but the main body made their escape across the bay by means of a boat which had just arrived. LAST MEXICAN FLAG IN THE NORTH. This was the last time the Mexican flag was seen floating on the north side of the bay. Fremont, accompanied by Carson and Gillespie, and a few others, crossed the bay to the presidio, took the commander of the port prisoner, spiked the ten guns, and returned to the north shore. July 5, 1846, the form of declaring an independent State was gone through with. The grand army, or Fremont's battalion, now numbered 160 mounted riflemen. The pursuit of Castro was now determined upon. There was no means of crossing to the south side nearer than the Sacramento, which involved several days' ride, but nothing deterred by this, Fremont and his battalion started. Castro was understood to be intrenched at San Jose. After Fremont had departed on this errand, news came which necessitated another change of affairs. IMPORTANT CORRECTION OF HISTORY. In 1879, Hon. J. Alexander Forbes was shown the statements made by Thomas O. Larkin, and often repeated in history, of the action of the convention of June, 1846, and the efforts of himself and Macnamara, the priest, in behalf of Great Britain, to effect the annexation of California to that country, and made the following statement:— My attention had been called to two extracts from historical compilations by Messrs. Tuthill and Cronise, for the purpose of testing the accuracy of certain statements therein published, relative to negotiations, which they allege I had, in 1846, with Governor Pico, General Vallejo, and General Castro, for effecting a separation of California from the Mexican Republic, and for placing the former under the protection of Great Britain. As I have taken no exception to those statements, my silence regarding them may, perhaps, be ascribed to a tacit recognition of the same as true. Never having seen those compilations, I was entirely ignorant of the inaccuracies therein published until I read the above-mentioned articles. My notice thereof at this late day may appear supererogatory, and, as far as concerns myself, I regard those statements with indifference, but I feel it my duty to defend the aforesaid respectable Californians from the illiberal, unauthorized imputations cast upon them by those compilers in their erroneous assertions, respecting which, even if those statements were true, in fact, I deny the right of Messrs. Tuthill and Cronise to censure Governor Pico, General Vallejo, and General Castro for their personal or official acts, in proceedings which they were at perfect liberty to carry into full effect for achieving the independence of California, by and with the consent of a majority of the inhabitants thereof, and without the least responsibility to any foreign power. Furthermore, I declare the statements contained in the aforesaid extracts are absolutely inaccurate, unfounded in fact, and based upon hearsay evidence, originating in incorrect official reports of Mr. Thomas O. Larkin to the United States Government, under which, subsequent to 1844, he held the appointment of Consul at Monterey, of whose official acts alone, and with due respect to his memory, I speak in the correction. Mr. Larkin's very limited knowledge of the Spanish language, and his exclusiveness, prevented him from exercising political or social influence with the rulers or the people of California, and rendered difficult his acquisition of reliable information of the political occurrences that were passing in the spring of 1846, when he informed his Government that he had discovered the existence of an intrigue or scheme, in which Messrs. Pico, Vallejo, Castro, were engaged with myself in negotiations for passing the country to the possession of England, under the direction of a Catholic priest named Macnamara, who was to conduct a colony of Irishmen to California, as he had petitioned the Mexican Government for large grants of land around the bays of San Francisco and Monterey, at Santa Barbara and along the San Joaquin, of which lands the Government had readily granted, not all that Macnamara had asked, but three thousand square leagues in the San Joaquin Valley, and for the perfection of the patent only the signature of Governor Pico was needed. Here we have the absurd assertion that the executive authority of a Departmental Governor suddenly became superior to that of the Superior Government of Mexico, in that the former had to approve the official act of the latter, by signing the patent for the said grant made to Macnamara, whom Mr. Cronise says was "an agent of the British Government," and that his title deeds for said land "fortunately fell into the hands of the Federal Government before they were signed by Governor Pico," etc. And further, "to show how thoroughly informed the Federal Government was of this design, we quote the following instructions from Secretary Bancroft to Commodore Sloat, under date of July 12, 1846, only two months after Forbes' contract had been signed." I now ask what contract, when and where signed? In justice to Governor Pico, General Vallejo, and General Castro, I say that neither of them had any negotiation with me as above stated. I deny that the Rev. Mr. Macnamara was an agent of the British Government. That gentleman came from Ireland to Mexico for the purpose of soliciting a grant of land for colonizing it with Irish emigrants. He was informed by the Mexican authorities that large grants of land suitable for his purpose could only be obtained in California, where large tracts still remained vacant. Accordingly Mr. Macnamara went to Mazatlan to take passage for Monterey, but not finding any vessel there bound for this coast, he finally succeeded in obtaining passage in an English corvette, whose Captain was a countryman of Macnamara. He arrived at Monterey in June, 1846, when I made his acquaintance, and being informed by him of his desire to petition Governor Pico for a large tract of land for colonization, I informed him that the only lands suitable for his purpose were situated in the San Joaquin Valley. He petitioned the Governor and received a grant of 200 square leagues, subject to the approval of the Supreme Government of Mexico, and with the condition of placing 200 families of immigrants upon the said lands within one year from the date of the grant. These are the facts respecting the occurrences that caused so much apprehension in the mind of Mr. Consul Larkin, that the United States would be cheated out of the principal prize that made war acceptable to her. Mr. Cronise states that the deeds for the 3,000 square leagues of land in the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys, made in favor of this Macnamara, very fortunately fell into the hands of the Federal Government before they were signed by Pico. Mr. Macnamara had no muniment of title on which to base his tremendous claim for compensation, consequently nobody was injured by his petition for that grant of land, and there was no necessity for the unfounded animadversion of the aforesaid alleged participants in the pretended political intrigue. Mr. Cronise forgot to explain to his readers how Mr. Macnamara's deeds for 3,000 square leagues fell into the hands of the Federal Government before they were signed by Governor Pico. Those unsigned title deeds were the copies, or register, of Macnamara's grant, which were doubtless found in the Government archives after the change of flag, and of course they were unsigned by Governor Pico. Macnamara had the original. The only facts upon which Mr. Consul Larkin based his final report to the United States Government of the supposed intrigue for placing California under British protection, originated in the following information imparted to him by myself:— 1st. That Governor Pico and two members of the Departmental Assembly, who were Don Juan Bandini and Don Santiago Arguello, had informed me, that as California was in reality abandoned by the Government of Mexico, the authorities of this department were seriously discussing the necessity of severing their political relations with that Republic for the purpose of soliciting the protection of a foreign power, for which object the Governor and said members requested me to inform Her Majesty's Government thereof, to ascertain if its protection would be extended over California. 2d. That, in reply thereto, I informed Governor Pico and said members, that I was absolutely without authority to give them any official answer upon the subject, but that I would duly inform Her Majesty's Government of the matter. On the 17th of July, 1846, Rear Admiral Sir George Seymour, in command of Her Majesty's ship Collingwood, arrived at Monterey, and forthwith addressed an official letter to Governor Pico, at Los Angeles, informing him that in view of the existing war between the United States and Mexico, Her Majesty's Government would not interfere in the affairs of California. That official note was sent by me to Governor Pico, by a special messenger, under a safe-conduct granted by Commodore Stockton. On the return of the messenger to Monterey, I paid him one hundred dollars for his service, and delivered the safe-conduct into the hands of Captain Mervine, then in command of the United States forces at that post. In conclusion I deny positively that the British Government ever had any intention of establishing a protectorate over California. Respectfully yours, J. ALEX. FORBES. GOVERNORS OF CALIFORNIA. Upon the first colonization of California by the Franciscan Fathers under Junipero Serra, in 1769, Spain ruled in Mexico, being represented by a Viceroy, and through him appointed the Governors. The first Governor of Alta California was Gasper de Portala, appointed Governor of Lower California in 1767, and sent to Upper California with the missionaries in 1769. He held office until 1771. Felipe Barri, from 17 71 to December, 1774. Felipe de Neve, from December, 1774, to September, 1782. Pedro Fages, from September, 1782, to September, 1790. Jose Antonio Romen, from September, 1790, to April, 1792- Jose Joaquin de Arrillaga, from April, 1792, to May, 1794- Diego de Borica, from May, 1794, to 1800. Jose Joaquin de Arrillaga, from 1800 to 1814. Jose Arguello, from 1814 to 1815. Pablo Vicente de Sola, from 1815 to November 1822. The Mexican Revolution in 1822 severed the country from Spain, and after that date the Governors of California held their office by Mexican appointment. Pablo Vicente de Sola, continued in office until 1823. Luis Arguello, from 1823 to June, 1825. Jose Maria Echeandia, from June, 1825, to January, 1831. Manuel Victoria, from January, 1831, to January, 1832. Pio Pico (ad interim) by virtue of being presiding officer of the Departmental Legislature, from January, 1832, to January, 1833. Jose Figueroa, from January, 1833, to August, 1835. Jose Castro (ad interim) from August, 1835, to January, 1836. Nicolas Gutierrez, from January, 1836, to May, 1836. Mariano Chico, 1836. Nicolas Gutierrez, 1836. Juan B. Alvarado, from 1836 to December, 1842. Manuel Micheltorena, from December, 1842, to February, 1845. Pio Pico, from 1845 to the conquest in 1846. Additional Comments: Extracted from: HISTORY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CALIFORNIA WITH Illustrations and Biographical Sketches OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS. OAKLAND, CAL. THOMPSON & WEST 1883. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/sanluisobispo/history/1883/historyo/chapterx428nms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/cafiles/ File size: 67.9 Kb