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Henry W. Saar
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1891
ASD OURBIAEST WENA LAPT OLN BALUT AA OPEL AARALE LS A
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HISTORY
— OF THE —
STATE OF GALIFORNIA,
FROM THE PERIOD OF THE CONQUEST BY SPAIN,
TO HER OCCUPATION BY THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA.
CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE IMMENSE
GOLD MINES AND PLACERS, A DESCRIPTION OF HER
MINERAL AND AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES, WITH
THRILLING ACCOUNTS OF ADVENTURES
AMONG THE MINERS,
— aLso, —
A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE FORMATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
AND CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE,
WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS.
By JOHN © ROST, LL.D,
—— ecm,
NEW YORK:
HURST & CO., PUBLISHERS,
122 NASSAU STREET.
A po Tao
PREFACE.
Tue occupation of California by the people
of the United States, and the discovery of its
rich gold mines, form a new era in the history
of the world. According to present appear-
ances, these events forebode a complete revolu-
tion in monetary and commercial affairs. The
receipts of gold from California have already
produced a sensible effect on the financial af-
fairs of our country; and far-seeing people pre-
dict an entirely new state of things with respect
to the relative value of money and property.
Still more important effects are anticipated
from the establishment of a new, rich, and en-
terprising State of the American Union on the
shores of the Pacific. Railroads across the con-
tinent will soon transport the rich products of
Eastern Asia, by a quick transit, to the Atlan-
tic cities and to Europe; and a passage to
China or India, which was formerly a serious
undertaking, will become a pleasant excursion.
(3
4 PREFACE.
To gratify the public curiosity with respect
to the history and present state of this new
member of the Union, is the purpose of this
volume. In preparing it, the author has
passed rapidly over the early history, and
dwelt chiefly on recent events, and the actual
state of the country, as he considered that, by
this course, utility would be more effectually
consulted.
In the Appendix he has introduced the con-
stitution of California, and some official docu-
ments, whose importance deranded their pre-
servation in a permanent form.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER f.
GVECGRAPHICAL OUTLINE OF CALIFORNIA: +++ e+ cecuceecenerssevusesecs
CHAPTER IL.
ISCOVERE OF CALIFORNIA: ess sseces ec secccsecsceavecnevevscvesensovessveee JD
CHAPTER UG.
PROM TEE FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE REVOLUTION IN MENECO + +++ sereereeeeees 20
CITAPTER LV.
BRoM THE REVOLUTION TILL THE WAR BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND Mexico: 24
CHAPTER ¥.
#ROM THE COMMENCENENT OF THE WAR TILL ITS CLOSE-- +++ etseeersereces OF
CHAPTER Vi.
DISCOVERY OF THE GOLD PLACERS «++ ++ -eee ee eeees ee eee eee eee eee ee - 36
CUALPTER VIi.
ADVENTURES OF SOME OF THE MINERS, AND INCIDENTS CONNECTED WIT Mininc-- 56
CUAPTER VIII
DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE CITIES AND TOWNS OF CALITORSTA, BEFORE AND AFTER
THE DISCOVERY OF THE GOLD MINES- ++ +--+ ++ 0s iiarsaniensasengmeng IY
OUAPTER TX.
THE FORMATION CP & STATE GOVERNMENT: + esse ee ee eee cette eres eee te ee eee +) 118-—______
CHAPTER X.
PRESENT STATE OF CALIEORNIA- ++ ee eeee ee ccee ence ences Geeloihavegeuga dees souk 132
CIEAPTER XI.
THE DIFFERENT RevuTes TO CALZFORNIA, AND THEIR RESPLCTIVE CHARACTLRS-+-+-- 181
CHAPTER XII.
RECENT EVENTS CONNECTED WiTH, AND UAPPLNING IN, C\LIFORNIA- ++ +--+ ee ee eee 218
CITAPTER NIT.
Toe MINERALOGICAL AND CTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF GOLD, AND TRE “ODE OF DIg-
TINGUISOING IT WHEN FOUND; TOGETIiR WITH THE ASSAY, REDUCTION, AND RE-
FINEMENT OF GOLD - : 7
6 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XTV. Pe
ADDITIONAL WeCENT EVENTS «ee eee esse ee ee ee ee eee + 86 4a be eeies boip ewes ew esae 249
CHAPTER XY.
A GENERAL VIEW or CALIFORNIA AT THB PRESENT TIME: +++ tote eeeeeeeeecerees 2565
CHAPTER XVI.
Natrona [istory OF CALIFORNIA: -- .
APPENDLE- +20 sscnccesccccscscons
THE
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
CHAPTER I.
GEOGRAPHICAL OUTLINE OF CALIFORNIA.
THE territory called California is that part of North
America situated on the Pacific Ocean, and extending
from the 42° of north latitude southwardly to 22° 48’,
and from 107° longitude, west from Greenwich, tc
124°. It is bounded on the north by Oregon terri-
tory, east by territories belonging to the United
States and the Gulf of California, and on the south
and west by Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. Califor-
nia is naturally divided into two portions; the penin-
sula, called Lower California, and the territory ex-
tending northward from the peninsula, on the Pacific
Ocean, called Upper California. The line of division
between Upper and Lower California runs nearly
along the 32d parallel of latitude, westward from the
head of the Gulf of California.
The peninsula of California is about one hundred
and thirty miles in breadth, where it joins the conti-
nent. It extends south-eastwardly, generally dimi-
nishing in breadth, till it terminates in two points.
The point farthest south-west is called Cape San
(7)
8 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
Lucas. The other, sixty miles east by north of San
Lucas, is called Cape Palmo. The peninsula is about
seven hundred miles long
Upper California extends, upon the Pacific, from
the 32d parallel of latitude, northward to the 42d
parallel, a distance of about seven hundred miles. It
is separated from Oregon by a range of highlands,
called the Snowy Mountains, or, by the Spaniards,
the Sierra Nevada. The eastern limit of Upper Cali-
fornia is rather uncertain. By some it is considered
as including the region watered by the Colorado River,
while others limit it by the great mountain range that
extends along the western side of the continent.
The Californian peninsula seems to be a prolonga-
tion of the great western chain of mountains. It
consists entirely of high, stony ridges, separated by
sandy valleys, and contains very few tracts of level
ground. In a general view, it might be termed an
irreclaimable desert. The scarcity of rain and the
small number of springs of water, with the intense
neat of the sun’s rays, uninterrupted in their passage,
render the surface of the country almost destitute of
vegetation. Yet in the small oases formed by the
passage of a rivulet through a sandy defile, where
irrigation is possible, the ground may be made to pro-
duce all the fruits of tropical climes, of the finest
quality, and in great quantity. The southern portion
of the peninsula contains several gold mines, which
have been worked, though not to any great extent.
On the Pacific side, the coast offers many excellent
harbors, but the lack of fresh water near them proves
an obstacle in the way of their occupation. The
principal harbors are the Bay of la Magdalena,
separated from the ocean by the long island of Santa
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 9
Margarita, the Bay of Sebastian Vizcaino, east of the
Isle of Cedaro, Port San Bartolomé, sometimes called
Turtle Bay, and Port San Quintin, a good harbor,
with fresh water in the vicinity, and called by the
Spanish navigators the Port of the Eleven Thousand
Virgins.
The great westernmost range of mountains runs
northward from the peninsula, nearly parallel with
the Pacific coast, to the 34th parallel of latitude, be-
low which is Mount San Bernardin, one of the highest
peaks in California, about forty miles from the ocean.
Farther northward, the space between the mountains
and the coast becomes wider, and, in a few places,
reaches eighty miles. ‘The intermediate region is tra-
versed by lines of hills, or smaller mountains joined
with the great range. The most considerable of the
inferior ridges extends from Mount San Bernardin’
to the south side of the entrance of the Bay of San
Francisco, where it is called the San Bruno Moun-
tains. Between this range and the coast runs the
Santa Barbara range, terminating at the Cape of
Pines, on the south-west side of the Bay of Monterey.
Bordering on the Bay of San Francisco, on the east
side, is the Bolbona ridge. Beyond these are lines of
highlands which stretch from the great chain and ter-
minate in capes on the Pacific.
There are many streams among the valleys of
Upper California, some of which, in the rainy season,
swell to a considerable size. But no river, except the
Sacramento, falling into the Bay of San Francisco, is
known to flow through the maritime range of moun-
tains, from the interior to the Pacific. The valleys
thus watered offer abundant pasturage for cattle.
The pe harbors of Upper California are those
10 FISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
offered by the Bays of San Francisco, Monterey,
San Pedro, Santa Barbara, and San Diego. The
Bay of San Francisco is one of the finest harbors in
the world. The combined fleets of all the naval
pewers of Europe might there find safe shelter. It
is surrounded by ranges of high hills, and joins the
Pacific by a passage two miles wide and three in
length. The other harbors can only be frequented in
the fine season, and afford a very insecure shelter for
vessels. San Diego is the farthest south. The bay
at that place runs ten miles eastward into the land,
and is separated from the ocean by a ridge of sand.
Proceeding northward, about seventy miles, the Bay
of San Pedro is next met. It is open to the south-
west winds, but sheltered from the north-west. About
a hundred miles north-west of San Pedro, is the har-
bor of Santa Barbara. It is an open roadstead shel-
tered from the north and west winds, but exposed to
the violence of the south-westerly storms, which pre-
yail during the greater part of the year. A hundred
miles farther north is the Bay of Monterey. It is
extensive, and lies in an indentation of the coast,
somewhat semicircular. The southernmost portion is
separated from the ocean by the point of Jand ending
at the Cape of Pines. In the cove thus formed,
stands the town of Monterey, for some time the capi-
tal of California. The harbor affords but a poor shel-
ter from storms.
The Sacramento and San Joachim are the princi-
pal rivers of California, but the Sacramento alone is
navigable to any extent worthy of mention. There
are numerous small streams and lakes in the interior,
the principal outlet of which is the Colorado River.
The valleys through which these streams flow are
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 11
fertile, and afford good pasture for cattle; but the
remainder of the region between the maritime and
the Colorado ranges of mountains is a barren waste
of sand.
CHAPTER II.
DISCOVERY OF CALIFORNIA.
Tue first exploration of the Pacific coasts of North
America was made by the Spaniards, in the sixteenth
century. After Hernando Cortes had completed the
conquest of Mexico, he commenced exploring the ad-
joining seas and countries; no doubt, with the hope
of discovering lands richer than those which he had
couqucred, and which would afford new fields for the
exercise of his daring enterprise and undaunted per-
severance. He employed vessels in surveying the
coasts of the Mexican Gulf, and of the Atlantic more
northerly. Vessels were built upon the Pacific coast
for like purposes, two of which as early as 1526,
were sent to the East Indies.
The first expedition of the Spaniards, sent along
the western coast of Mexico, was conducted by Pedro
Nunez de Maldonado, an officer under Cortes. He
sailed from the mouth of the Zacatula River, in July,
1528, and was six months engaged in surveying the
shores from his starting-place to the mouth of the
Santiago River, a hundred leagues farther north-west.
The territory he visited was then called Xalisco, and
inhabited by fierce tribes of men who had never been
12 HISTORY OF CALITORNIA.
conquered by the Mexicans. Flattering accounts of
the fertility of the country and of the abundance of
the precious metals in it were brought back by the ex-
pedition, and these served to excite the attention of
the Spaniards. When the expedition returned Cortes
was In Spain, whither he had gone to have his title
and powers more clearly defined. He returned in
15380 with full power to make discoveries and con-
quests. upon the western coast of Mexico. From the
opposition of his enemies, he was prevented from fit-
ting out an expedition before 1532. The most north-
ern post upon the Pacific coast, oecupied by the
Spaniards, was Aguatlan, beyond which the coast was
little known.
The expedition sent by Cortes to the north-western
coast of Mexico was commanded by his kinsman, Diego
Hurtado de Mendoza. It sailed from Tehuantepec
in July, 1532, and consisted of two vessels; one com-
manded by Diego Hurtado de Mendoza in person, and
the other by Juan de Mazuela. Mendoza proceeded
slowly along the shore of the contiment as far as the
27° of latitude, where, his crew being mutinous, he
sent back one of his vessels with the greater part of
his men, and continued the voyage with the remaining
vessel, Vague reports were afterwards received that
Mendoza’s vessel was thrown ashore somewhere to the
northward, and that all on board had perished. The
vessel which was sent back, was stranded near the
mouth of the River Vanderas, and after the murder
of the greater part of the crew, she was plundered
by Nuno de Guzman, Governor of Xalisco. About
the middle of the next year, Cortes received the news
of the return of the vessel which Mendoza had sent
back, and he immediately despatched two ships urder
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 13
the command of Hernando Grijalva and Diego Be-
cerra, in search of the other. These ships sailed on
the 30th of September, 1533, but were soon sepa-
rated. Grijalva discovered the islands of St. Thomas,
as he called them—a group of islands about fifty
leagues from the coast. He remained there till the
following spring, and then returned home. Becerra
proceeded north-westward; but his crew mutinied,
and he was murdered by Fortuno Ximenes. The
mutineers, under Aimenes, then steered directly west
from the main land, and soon reached a coast not
known to them before. They landed, and soon after
XAimenes and nineteen men were killed by the na-
tives. The rest of the men carried the vessel over
to Xalisco, where she was seized by Nuno de Guz
man.
Soon after these unlucky expeditions, Nuno de
Guzman sent out several exploring parties in a north.
erly direction, one of which traced the western shore
as far as the mouth of the Colorado, and brought back
accounts of a rich and populous country and splendid
cities in the interior. When Cortes became acquainted
with the seizure of his vessels, a dispute arose be-
tween him and Nuno de Guzman, which almost led to
a battle between their forces. But no action oc-
curred, and Cortes, having heard of the newly disco-
vered country, which was said to abound in the finest
pearls, embarked at Chiametla, with a portion of his
men, and set sail for the new land of promise. On
the 8d of May, 1535, the day of the Invention of the
Holy Cross, according to the Roman Catholic Calen-
dar, Cortes arrived in the bay where Ximenes and
his fellow-mutineers had met their fate in the previous
year. In honor of the day, the place was called
14 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
Santa Cruz, and possession of it was taken in the
name of the Spanish sovereign.
The country claimed by Cortes for Spain, was the
south-east portion of the peninsula, which was after-
wards called California. The bay, called by Cortes,
Santa Cruz, was, perhaps, the same now known as
Port La Paz, about a hundred miles from the Pacific,
near the 24th parallel of latitude. Cortes landed on
the shore of this bay, rocky and forbidding as it ap-
peared, with a hundred and thirty men, and forty
horses. He then sent back two of his ships to Chia-
metla, to bring over the rest of his troops. The ves-
sels soon returned with a portion of the troops, and
being again despatched to the Mexican coast, only
one of them returned. The other was wrecked on her
way. Cortes then took seventy men and embarked
for Xalisco, from which he returned just in time to
save his troops from death by famine. A year was
spent in these operations, and the troops began to
grow discontented. A few pearls had been found on
the coast, but the country was found to be barren,
and without attractions for Spaniards.
In the mean time, the wife of Cortes hearing reports
of his ill success, sent a vessel to Santa Cruz, and en-
treated him to return. He then learned that he had
been superseded in the government of New Spain by
Don Antonio de Mendoza, who had already entered the
capital as viceroy. Cortes returned to Mexico, and
soon after, recalled the vessels and troops from Santa
Cruz.
The viceroy, Mendoza, had received some informa-
tion concerning the country north-west of Mexico,
from de Cabeza-Vaca and two other Spaniards, who
had wandered nine years, through forests and deserts.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 15
from Tampa Bay, Florida, until they reached Culta-
can. ‘They had received from the natives, accounts
of rich and populous countries situated to the north-
west. Mendoza, wishing to ascertain the truth of the
reports, sent two friars, according to the advice of
Las Casas, to muke an exploration. They were ac-
companied by a Moor who had crossed the continent
with Cabeza-Vaca and his friends, and they set out
from Culiacan on the 7th of March, 1539.
Soon after the departure of the friars, Cortes sent
out his last expedition. It was commanded by Fran-
cisco de Ulloa, and consisted of three vessels, well
equipped. Sailing from Acapulco, on the 8th of July
1539. Ulloa reached the Bay of Santa Cruz, after
losing one of his vessels in a storm. From Sante
Cruz he started to survey the coast towards the north-
west. He completely examined both shores of the
Gulf of California, and discovered the fact of the
connection of the peninsula with the main land, near
the 82° of latitude. This gulf Ulloa named the Sea
of Cortes. On the 18th of October, he returned to
Santa Cruz, and on the 29th again sailed with the
object of exploring the coasts farther west. He
rounded the point now called Cape San Lucas, the
southern extremity of California, and sailed along the
coast towards the north. The Spaniards proceeded
slowly, as they were opposed by north-western storms,
and often landed and fought with the natives. In
January, 1540, Ulloa reached the island under the
28th parallel of latitude, near the coast, which they
named the Isle of Cedars. There he remained till
April, when one of the ships, bearing the sick and
accounts of the discoveries, was sent back to Mexico.
The veturning vessel was seized at Santiago by the
16 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
officers of the viceroy. The fate of the remaining
vessel is uncertain. Some of the writers of that day
asserting that he continued his voyage as far north ag
the 30° of latitude, and returned safely to Mexico;
while one asserts that nothing more was heard of him
after the return of the vessel he sent back.
In the mean time, the two friars and the Moor
penetrated a considerable distance into the interior of
the continent, and sent home glowing accounts of rich
and delightful countries which they said they had dis-
covered. The inhabitants had, at first, been hostile,
and had killed the Moor; but in the end submitted to
the authority of the King of Spain. Mendoza, be-
lieving the accounts of the friars to be strictly true,
prepared an expedition for the conquest of the coun-
tries they described. Disputes with the different
Spanish chieftains occupied some months, at the end
of which Cortes returned to Spain, in disgust. Men-
doza despatched two bodies of troops, one by land,
the other by sea, to reconnoitre the newly discovered
land, and clear the way for conquest. The marine
expedition was undertaken by two ships, under the
command of Fernando de Alarcon, who sailed from
Santiago on the 9th of May, 1540, and proceeding
north-west along the coast, he reached the head of the
California Gulf, in August of the same year. There
he discovered the river now called the Colorado.
The stream was ascended to the distance of eighty
leagues, by Alarcon and some of his men, in boats ;
but all their inquiries were unsatisfactorily answered,
and it was determined to return to Mexico. The ves-
sels returned safely before the end of the year.
The land forces sent, at the same time, to the north-
west, were composed of infantry and cavalry, and
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 1%
commanded by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, who
had been appointed governor of New Gallicia, in place
of Nuno de Guzman. The party left Culiacan on the
22d of April, 1540, and took their way north, follow-
ing the course described by the friars. They found
the route which had been represented as casy, almost
impassable. They made their way over mountains,
and deserts, and rivers, and, in July, they reached the
country called Cibola by the natives, but found it a
half cultivated region, thinly inhabited by a people
destitute of the wealth and civilization they had been
represented as possessing. What had been represented
as seven great cities, were seven small towns, rudely
built. A few Aurquoises and some gold and silver
supposed to be good, constituted the amount of what
had been termed immense quantities of jewels, gold
and silver. The Spaniards took possession of the
country and wanted to remain and settle there. But
Vasquez refused to acquiesce; and after naming one
of the towns he visited, Granada, he started for the
north-west, in search of other countries. The region
called Cibola by the inhabitants, which Vasquez
visited, is the territory now called Sonora, and is
situated about the head waters of the Rivers Yaqui
and Gila, east of the upper portion of the Gulf of
California. The movements of the Spaniards after
leaving Cibola, in August, 1540, have been the subject
of very vague and contradictory accounts. All that
is certain is, that the greater part of the force soon
returned to Mexico, and that Vasquez, with the
remainder, wandered through the interior for nearly
two years longer, when, being disappointed in his
expectations, he returned to Mexico in 1542.
In the spring of 1542, two vessels were placed under
2
18 ILISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
the command of Juan Roderiguez Cabrillo, a Portu
guese navigator of great reputation. The two vessels
sailed from Navidad, a small port in Xalisco, in June,
1542. They rounded Cape San Lucas, and proceeded
north-west, along the coast, as far as the 88th degree
of Jatitude, when he was driven back, and took refuge
in a harbor of one of the San Barbara islands. There
Uabrillo died and the command devolved on Barto-
lome Ferrelo. Ferrelo was a zealous and determined
man, and he resolved to procced with the expedition.
He sailed towards the north, and on the 26th of
February, reached a promontory near the 41st parallel
of latitude, which he named Stormy Cape. On the
1st of March, the ships reached the 44th parallel, but
they were again driven south; and the men being
almost worn out, Ferrelo resolved to go back to Mexico.
He arrived at Navidad on the 14th of April, 1543.
The promontory called Stormy Cape by Ferrelo, was
the most northern portion of California visited by that
navigator, and it is probably the same which is now
called Cape Mendocino.
From all accounts that they had been able to collect,
the Spaniards concluded that neither rich and popu-
lous countries existed beneath the 40th parallel of
latitude, nor was there any navigable passage between
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to be found in the
same region. They, therefore, ceased to explore the
north-western territory for some time after the return
of Ferrelo in 1543.
Having thus given a somewhat detailed account of
the discovery and explorations of the territory now
called California, it will be sufficient to merely mention
the various expeditions that visited it prior to the first
regular settlement. In the spring of 1579, California
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 19
was visited by Sir Francis Drake, the English naviga
tor, who landed on the shores of a bay supposed to be
that of San Francisco. He formally took possession
of the country in the name of Queen Elizabeth, and
called it New Albion. He left California on the 22d
of July, 1579. In the spring of 1596, Sebastian
Viscaino, under orders from the viceroy of Mexico,
attempted to plant colonies on the peninsula of Cali-
fornia, but the country was soon abandoned on account
of the barrenness of the soil and the ferocity of the
natives. Viscaino visited the coast of Upper Califor-
nia in 1602, and discovered and named some of the
places Cabrillo had discovered and named long before.
The Port San Miguel of Cabrillo was named Port San
Diego; Cape Galera was named Cape Conception,
the name now borne by it; the Port of Pines was
named Port Monterey. This was the last expedition
made by the Spaniards along the coast of California
for more than a hundred and sixty years.
Various attempts were made to establish colonies,
garrisons, and fishing or trading ports, on the eastern
side of the peninsula of California, during the seven-
teenth century, but all failed, either from the want of
funds, the sterility of the country, or the hostility of
the natives. The pearl fishery in the gulf was the
principal bait that attracted the Spaniards, and they
succeeded in obtaining a considerable quantity, some
of which were very valuable.
20 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
CHAPTER IIL.
FROM THE FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE REVOLUTIC?
IN MEXICO.
THE first establishment of the Spaniards in Califor-
nia, was made by the Jesuits, in November, 1597.
The settlement was called Loreto, and founded on
the eastern side of the peninsula, about two hundred
miles from the Pacific. On entering California, the
Jesuits encountered the same obstacles which had
before prevented a settlement of the country. The
land was so sterile, that it scarcely yielded sustenance
to the most industrious tiller, and as the settlements
were all located near the sca, fishing was the resource
of the settlers to make up the deficiency of food. The
natives continued hostile, and killed several of the
Jesuit fathers. By perseverance and kindness, the
Jesuits overcame all the obstacles with which they met,
and within sixty years after their entrance into Califor-
nia, they had established sixteen missions, extending
along the eastern side of the peninsula, from Cape
San Lucas to the head of the gulf. Each of these
establishments consisted of a church, a fort, garrisoned
by a few soldiers, and some stores and dwelling-houses,
all under the control of the resident Jesuit father.
Each of the missions formed the centre of a district
containing several villages of converted Indians. None
of the Jesuits visited the western coast of the peninsula
except on one occasion, in 1716.
Great exertions were made by the settlers to acquire
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 21
a knowledge of the geography, natural history and
}:nguages of the peninsula, and they appears to have
been generally successful. The result of their re-
searches were published in Madrid, in 1757, and the
work was entitled a “ History of California.” They
surveyed the whole coast of the Gulf of California,
and, in 1709, Father Kuhn, one of the Jesuit fathers,
ascertained beyond doubt the connection of the penin-
sula with the continent, which had been denied for a
century. But all the labors of the Jesuits were brought
to an end in 1767. In that year, Charles III. of
Spain, issued a decree, banishing members of that
order from the Spanish territories; and a strong
military force, under command of Don Gasper de
Portola, was despatched to California, and soon put
an end to the rule of the Jesuits by tearing them from
their converts.
The Spanish government did not intend to abandon
California. The peninsula immediately became a
province of Mexico, and was provided witha civil and
military government, subordinate to the viceroy of
that country. The mission fell under the rule of the
Dominicans, and from their mode of treatment, most
of the converts soon returned to their former state of
barbarism. The Spaniards soon formed establishments
on the western side of the peninsula. In the spring
of 1769, a number of settlers, with some soldiers and
Franciscan friars, marched through the poninsula to-
wards San Diego. They reached the bay of San Diego
after a toilsome journey, and the settlement on the
shore of the bay was begun in the middle of May,
1769. An attempt was made, soon after, to establish
a colony at Port Monterey; but the party under
Portola that went in search of the place, passed further
oe HISTORY OF CALIFORNTA.
on to the bay of San Francisco, and could not retrace
their steps before the cold weather set in, and they
then returned to San Diego. The people left at San
Diego had been several times attacked by the natives,
and after the return of Portola’s party they almost
perished for want of food. But a supply arrived on
the very day upon which they had agreed to abandon
the place and return to Mexico. Portola again set
out for Monterey, and there effected a settlement.
Parties of emigrants from Mexico came to the western
shore of California during the year 1770, and establish-
ments were made on the coast between San Diego and
Monterey. The multiplication of their cattle, inde-
pendent of the fruits of agricultural labor, before 1775,
made the settlers of Upper California able to resist
the perils to which their situation exposed them.
In order to give efficiency to the operations on the
western coast of North America, the Spanish govern-
ment selected the port of San Blas, in Mexico, at the
entrance of the Gulf of California, for the establish-
ment of arsenals, ship-yards and warehouses, and
made it the centre of all operations undertaken in that
quarter. A marine department was created for the
special purpose of advancing the interests of the
Spaniards in the settlement of the western shore of
California. By the energy displayed in managing
this department the Spaniards succeeded in making
eight establishments on the Pacific coast between the
California peninsula and Cape Mendocino, before
1779. The most southern post was San Diego, and
the most northern, San Francisco, on the great bay
of the same name. The establishments were almost
entirely military and missionary, the object of the
Spaniards being solely the occupation of the country,
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 23
The inissions were under the control of the Francis-
cans, who, unlike the Jesuits, took little care to exert
themselves in procuring information concerning the
country in which they were established.
Various expeditions for exploring the coast of Upper
California above Cape Mendocino, were made by the
Spaniards. One of these proceeded as far north as
the latitude of 41 degrees, and some men were landed
on the shores of a small bay, just beyond Cape Men-
docino, and gave the harbor the name of Port Trinidad.
The small river which flows into the Pacific near the
place where they landed was called Pigeon River, from
the great number of those birds in the neighborhood
of it. The Indians appeared to be a peaceable and
industrious race, and conducted themselves towards
the Spaniards in the most inoffensive manner. In
the same year, 1775, Bodega, a Spanish commander,
returning from a voyage extended as far north as the
58th degree of latitude, discovered a small bay which
had not previously been described, and he accordingly
gave it his own name, which it still retains. This Bay
of Bodega is situated a little north of the 38th degree
of latitude.
Few events worth recording occurred in California,
during the whole period of fifty years, from the first
establishment of the Spaniards on the western coast till
the termination of the Mexican war of independence.
An attempt of the Russians to form asettlement on the
shores of the Bay of Bodego, in 1815, was met with a
remonstrance from the governor of California. The
remonstrance of the governor was disregarded, and
his commands to quit the place disobeyed. The Rus-
sian agent, Kushof, denied the right of the Spaniards
to the territory, and the governor being unable to
24 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
enfuree his commands, the intruders kept posses
sion of the ground until 1840, when they left of their
own accord.
CHAPTER IV.
FROM THE REVOLUTION TILL THE WAR BETWEEN THE
UNITED STATES AND MEXICO.
BrroreE the commencement of the struggle for inde-
pendence in Mexico, the missions in California were,
to some extent, fostered by the Spanish government,
and supplies were sent to them regularly. But when
the war began, the remittances were reduced, and the
establishments soon began to decay. After the over-
throw of the Spanish rule, in 1822, the territory of
California was divided into two portions. The penin-
aula was then called Lower California, and the whole
of the continental territory called Upper California.
When the Mexicans adopted a constitution, in 1824,
each of these territories became entitled to send one
representative to the National Congress. At the
same time, the adult Indians who could be considered
civilized, were declared citizens of the republic, and
had lands given tothem. This, of course, freed them
from submission to the missionaries, who, thus deprived
of their authority, either returned to Spain or Mexico,
or took refuge in other lands. The Indians being
free from restraint, soon sank to a low depth of bar-
barism and vice.
Immediately after the overthrow of the Spanish
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 25
authorities, the ports of California began to be the
resort of foreigners, principally whalers and traders
from the United States. The trade in which they
engaged, that of exchanging manufactured goods for
the provisions, hide and tallow furnished by tho
natives, was at first irregular, but as it increased, it
became more systematic, and mercantile houses were
established in the principal ports. The Mexican
government became dissatisfied with this state of
things, and ordered the governor of Upper California
to enforce the laws which prohibited foreigners from
entering or residing in the territories of Mexico with-
out a special permission from the authorities. Accord-
ingly, in 1828, a number of American citizens were
seized at San Diego, and kept in confinement until
1830. In that year, an insurrection broke out,
headed by General Solis, and the captured Americans
were of some assistance in suppressing it, and, in con-
sideration of their services, they were permitted to
leave the territory.
The Mexican government strove to prevent the
evils expected to flow from the presence of numbers
of foreigners in California, by establishing colonies of
their own citizens in the territory. A number of
persons were sent out from Mexico, to settle on the
lands of the missions, but they never reached their
destination. The administration which originated the
scheme was overthrown, and the new authoritics
ordered the settlers to be driven back to Mexico. In
1836, the federal system was abolished by the Mexi-
ean government, and a new constitution adopted,
which destroyed all state mghts, and established a
central power. This was strenuously resisted in Cali-
fornia. a people ruse, and drove the Mexican
;
26 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
officers from the country, declaring that they would
remain independent until the federal constitution was
restored. The general government issued strong pro-
clamations against the Californians, and sent an expe-
dition to re-establish its authority. But General
Urrea, by whom the expedition was commanded,
declared in favor of the federalists, and the inhabitants
governed themselves until July, 1837, when they
swore allegiance to the new constitution.
Things went on quietly in California until 1842.
In that year, Commodore Jones, while cruising in the
Pacific, received information which led him to belicve
that Mexico had declared war against the United
tates. He determined to strike a blow at the sup-
posed enemy, and, accordingly, he appeared hefore
Monterey, on the 19th of October, 1842, with the
frigate United States and the sloop-of-war Cyane.
Hie demanded the surrender of all the castles, posta,
and military places, on penalty, if refused, of the visi-
tation of the horrors of war. The people were asto-
nished. A council decided that no defence could be
made, and every thing was surrendered at once to the
unexpected Americans. The flag of the United States
was hoisted, and the commodore issued a proclamation
to the Californians, inviting them to submit to the
government of the United States, which would pro-
tect them in the exercise of their rights. The procla-
mation was scarcely issued, before the commodore
became aware of the peaceable relations existing
letween the United States and Mexico, and he aceord-
incly restored the possession of Monterey to the
authorities, and retired with his forces to his ships,
just twenty-four hours after the surrender. This
affair irritated ‘he mhubitants considerably, and, no
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 27
doubt, tended to incrcase the ill-feeling before exist-
ing between Mexico and the people of the United
States.
CHAPTER V.
FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR TILL ITS CL 30k.
War was declared by Mexico against the United
States, in May, 1846. The same month, orders were
transmitted to Commodore Sloat, commanding the
Pacific squadron, instructing him to protect the
interests of the citizens of the United States near his
station, and to employ his forces to the best advantage
in operations directed against the Mexican territory
on the Pacific. The fleet under Commodore Sloat
was the largest the Americans ever sent to that quar-
ter, and the men were anxious to commence active
operations. Soon after receiving his first orders, the
commodore was again instructed to take and keep
possession of Upper California; or, at least, of the
principal ports.
On the 8th of June, Commodore Sloat left Mazat-
lan, in the flag-ship Savannah, and on the 2d of July,
reached Monterey, in Upper California. There he
found the Cyane and Levant, and learned that the
Portsmouth was at San Francisco, as previously
arranged. On the morning of the Tth, Captain Mer-
vine was sent to demand the surrender of Monterey.
The Mexican commandant replied that he was nct
authorized to surrender the place, but referred Com-
28 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
modore Sloat to the commanding-general of Califor
nia. A force of two hundred and fifty marines and sea
men was immediately landed, under Captain Mer ‘ine,
and they marched to the custom-house. There they
hoisted the American flag amid cheers and a salute of
twenty-one guns. The proclamation of Commodore
Sloat was then read and posted about the town.
After taking possession of Monterey, Commodor s
Sloat despatched a courier to the commanding-gener +l
of California, summoning him to surrender every thiag
under his control in the country, and assuring him of
protection if he should comply. The gencral refused,
and said he would defend the country as long as he
could reckon on a single person to join his cause. A
summons to surrender was also sent to the governor
of Santa Barbara, but no answer was returned.
Orders were despatched to Commander Montgomery,
in the Portsmouth, at San Francisco, directing him to
take possession of the Bay of San Francisco, and
hoist the flag of the United States at Yerba Buena.
On the 9th of July, the day after the receipt of his
orders, Montgomery landed at Yerba Buena with
seventy scamen and marines, and hoisted the American
flag in the public square, amid the cheers of the
people. A proclamation was then posted to the flag
staff, and Montgomery addressed the people. The
greater part of the seamen and marincs then returned
to the ship, leaving Licutenant H. B. Watson with a
small guard, formally installed as military occupant
of the post. Thirty-two of the male residents of
Yerba Buena were enrolled as a volunteer corps,
choosing their own officers. Licutenant Missroon was
despatched with a small party of these volunteers toe
reconncitre the Presidio and fort. Ie returned the
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 29
same day, and reported that the Presidio had becn
abandoned, and that the fort, seven miles from the
town, was dilapidated and mounted only a few old
pieces of cannon. The flag of the United States had
been displayed from its ramparts. On the 11th,
Montgomery informed Commodore Sloat that the flag
of the United States was then flying at Yerba Buena,
Sutter's Fort, on the Sacramento, Bodega, on the
coast, and Sonoma. The inhabitants of these places
appeared to be satisfied with the protection afforded
them by the Americans.
On the 18th of July, Commodore Sloat sent a flag
to the foreigners of the pueblo of San Jose, about
seventy miles from Monterey, in the interior, and
appointed a justice of the peace in place of the alcaldes.
On the 15th, Commodore Stockton arrived at Mon-
tercy, in the frigate Congress; and Commodore Sloat
being in bad health, the command devolved upon
Stockton, and Sloat returned home. The operations
of Commodore Stockton, from the 23d of July to the
28th of August, 1846, have been rapidly sketched by
himself in his despatches to the secretary of the navy.
From these we condense a short account.
On the 23d of July, the commodore organized the
“ California Battalion of Mounted Riflemen.” Captain
Fremont was appointed major, and Lieutenant Gil-
lespie captain of the battalion. The next day, they
were embarked on board the sloop-of-war Cyane,
Commander Dupont, and sailed from Monterey for
San Diego, in order to land south of the Mexican
force, consisting of 500 men, under Gencral Castro,
well fortified at a place three miles from the city. A
few days afterwards, Commodore Stockton sailed in
the Congress for San Pedro, thirty miles from Monte-
30 HISTORY OF CALLFORNIA.
rey, and having landed, marched for the Mexican
camp. When he arrived within twelve miles of the
Mexicans, they fed in small parties, in different direc-
tions. Most of the principal officers were afterwards
taken, but the mounted riflemen not getting up in
time, most of the men escaped. On the 13th of
August, Commodore Stockton being joined by eighty
riflemen, under Major Fremont, entered the capital
of California, Cuidad de los Angeles, or the
“City of the Angels.’ Thus, in less than a month
after Stockton’s assuming command, the American
flag was flying from every commanding position
in California, conquered by three hundred and sixty
men, mostly sailors.
The form of government established in California,
after the conquest, was as follows: The executive
power was vested in a governor, holding office for four
years unless sooner removed by the President of the
United States. The governor was to reside in the
territory, be commander-in-chief of the army thereof,
perform all the duties of a supcrintendent of Indian
affairs, have a pardoning and reprieving power, com-
mission all persons appointed to office under the laws
of said territory, and approve all laws passed by the
legislature before they took effect. There was the
office of the Secretary of the Territory established,
whose principal duty was to preserve all the laws and
proceedings of the legislative council, and all the acts
and proceedings of the governor. The legislative
power was vested in the governor and a council of
seven persons, who were to be appointed by the governor
at first, and hold their office for two years; afterwards
they were to be elected by the people. All the laws
of Mexico, and the municipal officers existing in the
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. i 81
territory before the conquest, were continucd until
aitcred by the governor and council.
On the 15th of August, 1846, Commodore Stockton
adopted a tariff of duties cn all goods imported from
foreign parts, of fifteen per cent. ad valorem, and a
tonnage duty of fifty cents per ton on all foreign ves-
sels. On the 15th of September, when the elections
were held, Walter Colton, the chaplain of the frigate
Congress, was elected Alcalde of Monterey. In the
mean time, a newspaper called the “ Californian,” had
been established by Messrs. Colton and Semple. This
was the first newspaper issued in California.
Early in September, Commodore Stockton withdrew
his forees from Los Angeles, and proceeded with his
squadron to San Francisco. Scarcely had he arrived
when he received intelligence that all the country
below Monterey was in arms and the Mexican flag
again hoisted. The Californians invested the “ City
of the Angels,” on the 23d of September. That
place was guarded by thirty riflemen under Captain
Gillespie, and the Californians investing it numbered
800. Finding himself overpowered, Captain Gillespie
capitulated on the 30th, and thence retired with all
the forcigaers aboard of a sloop-of-war, and sailed for
Monterey. Licutcnant Talbot, who commanded only
nine men at Santa Barbara, refused to surrender, and
marched out with his men, arms in hand. The frigate
Savannah was sent to relieve Los Angeles, but she
did not arrive till after the above events had oceurred..
Her crew, numbering 820 men, landed at San Pedro
and marched to meet the Californians. About half
way between San Pedro and Los Angeles, about
fifteen miles from their ship, the sailors found the
enemy drawn up on a plain. aie Coliosuans were
3 &
82, ; HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
mounted on fine horses, and with artillery, had every
advautage. The sailors were forced to retreat with a
loss of five killed and six wounded.
Commodore Stockton came down in the Congress
to San Pedro, and then marched for the “ City of the
Angels,” the men dragging six of the ship’s guns. At
the Rancho Sepulvida, a large force of the Californians
was posted. Commodore Stockton sent one hundred
mon forward to receive the fire of the enemy and then
fall back upon the main body without returning it. The
main body was formed in a triangle, with the guns
hid by the men. By the retreat of the advance party,
the enemy were decoyed close to the main force, when
the wings were extended and a deadly fire opened
upon the astonished Californians. More than a hun-
dred were killed, the same number wounded, and their
whole force routed. About a hundred prisoners were
taken, many of whom were at the time on parole and
had signed an obligation not to take up arms during
the war.
Commodore Stockton soon mounted his men and
prepared for operations on shore. Skirmishes followed,
and were continually occurring until January, 1847,
when a decisive action occurred. General Kearny
had arrived in California, after a long and painful
march overland, and his co-operation was of great
service to Stockton. The Americans left San Diego
on the 29th of December, to march to Los Angeles.
The Californians determined to meet them on ther
route, and decide the fate of the country in a general
battle. The American force amounted to six hundred
men, and was composed of detachments from the ships
Congress, Savannah, Portsmouth and Cyane, aided
by General Kearny, with sixty men on foot, from the
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 53
first regiment of United States dragoons, and Captain
Gillespie with sixty mounted rifemen. ‘The troops
marched one hundred and ten miles in ten days, and,
on the Sth of January, they found the Californians in
a strong position on the high bank of the San Gabriel
river, with six hundred mounted men and four picces
of artillery, prepared to dispute the passage of the
river. The Americans waded through the water,
dragging their guns with them, exposed to a galling
fire from the enemy, without returning a shot. When
they reached the opposite shore, the Californians
charged upon them, but were driven back. They
then charged up the bank and succceded in driving
the Californians from their post. Stockton, with his
force, continued his march, and the next day, in cross-
ing the plains of Mesa, the enemy made another
attempt to save their capital. They were concealed
with their artillery in a ravine, until the Americans
came within gun-shot, when they opened a brisk fire
upon their right flank, and at the same time charged
both their front and rear. But the guns of the Cali-
fornians were soon silenced, and the charge repelled.
The Californians then fled, and the next morning the
Americans entered Los Angeles without opposition.
The loss of the Americans in killed and wounded did
not exceed twenty, while that of their opponents
reached between seventy and eighty.
These two battles decided the contest in California.
General Flores, governor and commandant-general of
the Californians, as he styled himself, immediately
after the Americans entered Los Angeles, made his
escape and his troops dispersed. The territory be-
came again tranquil, and the civil government was
soon in operation again in the places where it had
34 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
been interrupted by the revolt. Commodore Stockton
and General Kearny having a misunderstanding
about their respective powers, Colonel Fremont
exercised the duties of governor and commander-in-
chief of California, declining to obey the orders of
General Kearny.
The account of the adventures and skirmishes with
which the small force of United States troops under
General Kearny met, while on their march to San
Diego, in Upper California, is one of the most in-
teresting to which the contest gave birth. The party,
which consisted of one hundred men when it started
from Santa Fé, reached Warner’s rancho, the fron-
ticr settlement in California, on the Sonoma route,
on the 2d of December, 1846. They continued their
march, and on the 5th were met by a small party of
volunteers, under Captain Gillespic, sent out by Com-
modore Stockton to meet them, and inform them of
the revolt of the Californians. The party encamped
for the night at Stokes’s rancho, about forty miles
from San Diego. Information was received that
an armed party of Californians was at San Pas-
qual, three leagues from Stokes’s rancho. A party
of dragoons was sent out to reconnoitre, and they re-
turned by two o'clock on the morning of the 6th.
Their information determined General Kearny to
attack the Californians before daylight, and arrange-
ments were accordingly made. Captain Johnson was ,
given the command of an advance party of twelve
dragoons, mounted upon the best horses in possession
of the party. Then followed fifty dragoons, under
Captain Muvore, mounted mostly on the tired mules
they had ridden from Santa Fé—a distance of 1050
miles. Next came about twenty volunteers, under
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 85
Captain Gibson. Then followed two mountain howit-
zers, with dragoons to manage them, under charge of
Lieutenant Davidson. The remainder of the dragoons
and volunteers were placed under command of Major
Swords, with orders to follow on the trail with the
baggage.
As the day of December 6th dawned, the enemy at
San Pasqual were seen to be already in the saddle,
and Captain Joknson, with his advance guard, made a
furious charge upon them; he being supported by the
dragoons, the Californians at length gave way. They
had kept up a continual fire from the first appearance
of the dragoons, and had done considerable execution.
Captain Johnson was shot dead in his first charge.
The enemy were pursued by Captain Moore and his
dragoons, and they retreated about half a mile, when
seeing an interval between the small advance party
of Captain Moore and the main force coming to his
support, they rallied their whole force, and charged
with their lances. For five minutes they held the
ground, doing considerable execution, until the arrival
cf the rest of the American party, when they broke
ena fled. The troops of Kearny lost two captains,
a lieutenant, two sergeants, two corporals, and twelve
privates. Among the wounded were General Kearny,
Lieutenant Warner, Captains Gillespie and Gibson,
one sergeant, one bugleman, and nine privates. The
Californians carried off all their wounded and dead
except six.
On the 7th the march was resumed, and, near San
Bernardo, Kearny’s advance encountered and defeated
a small party of the Californians who had taken post
ona hill. At San Bernardo, the troops remained till
the morning of the 11th, when they were joined by a
36 TIISTORY OF CALIFORNiA.
party of sailors and marines, under Licutenant Gray.
They then procceded upon their march, and on the
12th, arrived at San Diego; haying thus completed a
march of eleven hundred miles through an enemy's
country, with but one hundred men. The force of
General Kearny having joined that of Commodore
Stockton, the expedition against Los Angeles, of
which we have given an account in this chapter, was
successfully consummated, and tranquillity restored in
California. General Kearny and Commodore Stock-
ton returned to the United States in January, 1847,
leaving Colonel Fremont to exercise the office, of
governor and military commandant of California. No
further events of an importance worth recording occur-
red till the treaty of peace between the United States
and Mexico.
CHAPTER VI.
DISCOVERY OF THE GOLD PLACERS.
By the treaty concluded between the United States
and Mexico, in 1847, the territory of Upper Califor-
nia became the property of the United States. Little
thought the Mexican government of the value of the
land they were ceding, further than its commercial
importance ; and, doubtless, little thought the buyers
of the territory, that its soil was pregnant with a
wealth untold, and that its rivers flowed over golden
beds.
This territory, now belonging to the American
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. a7
Union, embraces an area of 448,961 square miles. It
extends along the Pacific coast, from about the thirty-
tecond parallel of north latitude, a distance of near
tcven hundred miles, to the forty-second parallel, the
southern boundary of Oregon. On the cast, it is
bounded by New Mexico. During the long period
which transpired between its discovery and its cession
to the United States, this vast tract of country was
frequently visited by men of science, from all parts
of the world. Repeated examinations were made by
learned and enterprising officers and civilians; but
none of them discovered the important fact, that the
mountain torrents of the Sierra Nevada were con-
stantly pourmg down their golden sands into the
valleys of the Sacramento and San Joaquin. The
glittering particles twinkled beneath their feet, in the
ravines which they explored, or glistened in the water-
courses which they forded, yet they passed them by
unheeded. Not a legend or tradition was heard
among the white settlers, or tho aborigines, that
attracted their curiosity. A nation’s ransom lay
within their grasp, but, strange to say, it escaped their
notice—it flashed and sparkled all in vain.*
The Russian American Company had a large
establishment at Ross and Bodega, ninety miles north
of San Francisco, founded in the year 1812; and
factories were also established in the territory by the
Hudson Bay Company. Their agents and employes
ransacked the whole country west of the Sierra
Nevada, or Snowy Mountain, in search of game. In
1838, Captain Sutter, formerly an officer in the Swiss
* A gold placera was discovered some years ago, near the mission
of San Fernando, but it was very little worked, on account of the
want of water.
38 HISTORY oF CALIFORNIA.
Guards of Charles X., King of France, emigrated
from the state of Missouri to Upper California, and
obtained from the Mexican government a conditional
grant of thirty leagues square of land, bounded on the
west by the Sacramento river. Having purchased
the stock, arms, and ammunition of the Mussian
establishment, he erected a dwelling and fortification
on the left bank of the Sacramento, about fifty miles
from its mouth, and near what was termed, in allusion
to the new settlers, the American Fork. This formed
the nucleus of a thriving settlement, to which Captain
Sutter gave the name of New Helvetia. It is situated
at the head of navigation for vessels on the Sacra-
mento, in latitude 38° 33’ 45’ north, and longitude
121° 20’ 05” west. During a residence of ten ycars
in the immediate vicinity of the recently discovered
placéras, or gold regions, Captain Sutter was neither
the wiser nor the richer for the brilliant treasures
that lay scattered around him.*
In the year 1841, careful examinations of the Bay
of San Francisco, and of the Sacramento River and
its tributaries, were made by Licutenant Wilkes, the
commander of the Exploring Expedition; and a party
under Lieutenant Emmons, of the navy, proceeded up
the valley of the Willamette, crossed the intervening
highlands, and descended the Sacramento. In 1843-4,
similar examinations were made by Captain, after-
wards Lieutenant-Colonel Fremont, of the Topogra-
phical Engineers, and in 1846, by Major Emory, of
the same corps. None of these officers made any
discoveries of mincrals, although they were led to
conjecture, as private individuals who had visited the
*Farnham’s Adventures in California.—Wilkes’s Narrative of tng
Exploring Expedilion.—Fremont’e Narrative.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 29
country had done, from its volcanic formation and
peculiar geological features, that they might be found
to exist in considerable quantities.*
As is often the case, chance at length accomplished
what science had failed to do. In the winter of
1847-8, a Mr. Marshall commenced the construction
of a saw-mill for Captain Sutter, on the north branch
of the American Fork, aud about fifty miles above
New Helvetia, in a region abounding with pine timber.
The dam and race were completed, but on attempting
to put the mill in motion, it was ascertained that the
tail-race was too narrow to permit the water to escape
with perfect freedom. A strong current was then
passed in, to wash it wider and deeper, by which a
large bed of mud and gravel was thrown up at the
foot of the race. Some days after this occurrence,
Mr. Marshall observed a number of brilliant particles
on this deposit of mud, which attracted his attention.
On examining them, he became satisfied that they
were gold, and communicated the fact to Captain
Sutter. It was agreed between them, that the cir-
cumstance should not be made public for the present ;
but, like the secret of Midas, it could not be concealed.
The Mormon emigrants, of whom Mr. Marshall was
one, were soon made acquainted with the discovery,
and in a few weeks all California was agitated with
the starling information.
* Sce Farnham’s Adventures. Wilkes’s and Fremont’s Narratives,
and Emory’s Report.—In 1846, Eugenio Macnamara, a Catholic priest
and Missionary, obtained a grant of a large tract of land between the
San Joaquin and the Sierra Nevada, the Cosumnes and the Tulares
in the vicinity of San Gabriel, from Pio Pico, governor of the Califor-
nias, for the purpose of establishing upon it a large colony of Irish
Catholics; but the grant was not ratified by the Central Government,
and the project was not carried into effect. There is no evidence
that Futher Macnamara was aware of the existence of gold in the
valley of the San Joaquin
40 TISFORY OF CALIFORNIA.
3usin2ss of exery kind was neglected, and the
ripened grain was Icft in the fields unharvested.
Nearly the whole population of Upper California be-
came infectea with the mania, and flocked to the
wines. Whalers-and merchant vesscls entcring the
ports were abandoned by their crews, and the Ameri-
can soldiers and sailors deserted in scores. Upon the
disbandment of Colonel Stevenson’s regiment, most
of the men made their way to the mineral regions.
Within three months after the discovery, it was com-
puted that there were near four thousand persons,
including Indians, who were mostly employed by the
whites, engaged in washing for gold. Various modes
were adopted to separate the metal from the sand and
gravel—some making use of tin pans, others of close-
woven Indian baskets, and others still, of a rude
machine called the cradle, six or eight feet long, and
mounted on rockers, with a coarse grate, or sieve, at
one end, but open at the other. The washings were
mainly confined to the low wet grounds, and the mar-
gins of the streams—the earth being rarely disturbed
more than eighteen inches below the surface. The
value of the gold dust obtained by each man, per day,
is said to have ranged from ten to fifty dollars, and
sometimes even to have far exceeded that. The natu-
ral consequence of this state of things was, that the
price of labor, and, indeed, of every thing, rose imme-
diately from ten to twenty fold.*
As may readily be conjectured, every stream and
ravine in the valley of the Sacramento was soon ex-
plored. Gold was found on every one of its tributa-
* Official Despatch of Colonel Mason, Commander of the ith M.li-
tary Department, August 17, 1848.—Letters of Thomas C. Larkin,
U. 8. Consul at Monterey, to the Secretary of State, June 1, and
June 2%, 1843,
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 41
ries; but the richest earth was discovered near the
Rio de los Plumas, or Feather River,* and its branches,
the Yuba and Bear rivers, and on Weber’s creek, a
tributary of the American Fork. Explorations were
also made in the valley of the San Joaquin, which
resulted in the discovery of gold on the Cosumnés
and other streams, and in the ravines of the Coast
Range, west of the valley, as far down as Ciudad de
los Angeles.
In addition to the gold mines, other important dis-
coveries were made in Upper California. A rich vein
of quicksilver was opened at New Almaden, near Santa
Clara, which, with imperfect machinery,—the heat by
which the metal is made to exude from the rock being
applied by a very rude process,—yiclded over thirty
per cent. This mine—one of the principal advan-
tages to be derived from which will be, that the work-
ing of the silver mines scattered through the territory
must now become protitable—is superior to those
of Almaden, in Old Spain, and second only to
those of Idria, near Trieste, the richest in the
world.
Lead mines were likewise discovered in the neigh-.
borhood of Sonoma, and vast beds of iron ore near
the American Fork, yielding from eighty-five to ninety
per cent. Copper, platina, tin, sulphur, zine, and
cobalt, were discovered every where; coal was found
to exist in large quantities in the Cascade range of
Orcgon, of which the Sierra Nevada is a continuation ;
and in the vicinity of all this mineral wealth, there
* Feather River is the first considerable branch of the Sacramento
below the Prairie Buttes. It has a course of about forty miles, and
‘emptics into the main river about fifteen miles above New Hel-etia.
Though the Sacramento is navigable tor vessels only to that place,
boats can pass up one hundred miles further.
42 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
arc immense quarries of marble and granite. fer
building purposes.
Colonel Mason had succeeded Colonel Fremont ia
the post of governor of California and military com-
mandant. A regiment of New York troops, under
the command of Colonel Stevenson, had been ordered
to California, before the conclusion of the treaty of
peace, and formed the principal part of the military
force in the territory. “
Colonel Mason expressed the opinion, in his official
despatch, that “there is more gold in the country
drained by the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers,
than will pay the cost of the [late] war with Mexico
a hundred times over.” Should this even prove to be
an exaggeration, there can be little reason to doubt,
when we take into consideration all the mineral re-
sources of the country, that the territory of California
is by far the richest acquisition made by this govern-
ment since its organization.
The appearance of the mines, at the period of
Governor Mason’s visit, three months after the dis-
covery, he thus graphically describes :
“At the urgent solicitation of many gentlemen, I
delayed there [at Sutter’s Fort] to participate in the
first public celebration of our national anniversary at
that fort, but on the 5th resumed the journey, and
procecded twenty-five miles up the American Fork to
a point on it now known as the Lower Mines, or Mor-
mon Diggins. The hill-sides were thickly strewn with
canvas tents and bush arbors; a store was erected,
and several boarding shanties in operation. The day
was intensely hot, yet about two hundred men were
at work in the full glare of the sun, washing for gold
—some with tin pans, some with close-woven Indian
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 43
baskets, but the greater part had a rude machine,
known as the cradle. This is on rockers, six or eight
feet long, open at the foot, and at its head has a coarse
grate, or sieve; the bottom is rounded, with small
cleats nailed across. Four men are required to work
this machine; one digs the ground in the bank close
by the stream; another carries it to the cradle and
empties it on the grate; a third gives a violent rock-
ing motion to the machine; while a fourth dashes on
water from the stream itself.
‘“‘The sieve keeps the coarse stones from entcring
the cradle, the current of water washes off the earthy
matter, and the gravel is gradually carried out at the
foot of the machine, leaving the gold mixed with a
heavy, fine biack sand above the first cleats. The
sand and gold, mixed together, are then drawn off
through auger holes into a pan below, are dried in the
sun, and afterward separated by blowing off the sand.
A party of four men thus employed at the lower
mines, averaged $100 aday. The Indians, and those
who have nothing but pans or willow baskets, gradu-
ally wash out the earth and separate the gravel by
hand, leaving nothing but the gold mixed with sand,
which is separated in the manner before described.
The gold in the lower mines is in fine bright scales,
of which I send several specimens.
“From the mill [where the gold was first discovered],
Mr. Marshall guided me up the mountain on the
opposite or north bank of the south fork, where, in
the bed of small streams or ravines, now dry, a great
deal of coarse gold has been found. I there saw
several parties at work, all of whom were doing very
well; a great many specimens were shown me, some
as heavy as four or five ounces in weight, and I’send
44 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
three picces, labeled No. 5, presented by a Mr. Spence.
You will perceive that some of the specimens accom-
panying this, hold mechanically pieces of quartz; that
the surface is rough, and evidently moulded in the
crevice of arock. This gold cannot have been car-
ried far by water, but must have remained near where
it was first deposited from the rock that once bound
it. I inquired of many people if they had encountered
the metal in its matrix, but in every instance they
said they had not; but that the gold was invariably
mixed with washed gravel, or lodged in the crevices
of other rocks. All bore testimony that they had
found gold in greater or less quantities in the numer-
ous small gullies or ravines that occur in that moun-
tainous region.
“On the 7th of July I left the mill, and crossed to
a stream emptying into the American Fork, three or
four miles below the saw-mill. I struck this stream
(now known as Weber’s creck) at the washings of
Sunol and Co. They had about thirty Indians em-
ployed, whom they payed in merchandise. They were
getting gold of a character similar to that found in
the main fork, and doubtless in sufficient quantitics to
gatisfy them. I send you asmall specimen, presented
by this company, of their gold. From this point, we
proceeded up the stream about eight miles, where we
found a great many people and Indians—some engaged
in the bed of the stream, and others in the smal! side
valleys that put into it. These latter are exceedingly
rich, and two ounces were considered an ordinary yield
for a day’s work.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 8,
common wash pan; but still, the field for invention 1s
open, and the labor now necessary for procuring the
gold is susceptible of considerable diminution. Of
course, the means of transporting provisions and other
necessaries to the mines are constantly improving, as
the country is becoming settled; and thus, one great
source of privation and disease is rapidly diminishing.
CHAPTER VIII.
DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE CITIES AND TOWNS OF
CALIFORNIA, BEFORE AND AFTER THE DISCOVERY OF
THE GOLD MINES.
At the time of the discovery of the existence of
gold in the region of the Sacramento, San Francisco
was a very inconsiderable town. As soon as the news
of the discovery was spread among its inhabitants, it
became almost deserted. Indced, at one time, there
was only seven male inhabitants left in the town. The
site of the present city of San Francisco was not then
occupied by more than fifty houses in all. These
were occupied by a few foreign merchants and some
native Californians. The houses were rudely con-
structed, the principal materials being adobés, or un-
burnt bricks. They were generally one story high,
and most of them were erected near the beach; while at
the rear of the “town,” was a sandy plain terminated
by a range of hills. But as soon as the news of the
gold discovery reached the United States, and other
countries, companies for mining purposes were imme-
88 WISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
diately formed, and emigrants soon crowded every
route to the ‘“ Land of Promise.’’ Then San Francisco
began to be the great receptacle of the emigrants and
the merchandise of various kinds necessary for their
maintenance. The following is a very complete pic-
ture of the city after the spreading of the gold news,
and the flood of emigration had commenced.
“‘ Numberless vessels, mostly from the United States,
filled the bay, in front of San Francisco, many of them
being deserted by their crews, and unable to procure
others to take their places. On landing, I had to
clamber up a steep hill, on the top of which, and
opposite to where I stood, was a large wooden house,
two stories high, and scarcely half finished. In the
rear of this, rose another and a steeper hill, whose
slopes were covered with a multiplicity of tents. To
my right, ran a sort of steep, or precipice, defended
by sundry pieces of cannon, which commanded the
entrance to the harbor. I next came to the ‘ Point,’
and, crossing it, found myself within the town.
“The first objects that attracted my notice were
several canvas houses, measuring from ten to forty
feet square, some being grog-shops, others eating
establishments, and the larger set apart as warehouses,
or places of storage. The proprictors of the latter
were making enormous sums by the accommodation
their tents afforded to the hundreds of travellers who
were arriving every day from different parts, and who,
being extremely embarrassed as to what they should
do with their luggage, were heartily glad to find any
safe place to store it in, and content to pay for the
convenicnce.
“The spectacle which the beach presented from a
convenient opening, whence I could comprise the
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 89
whole at a glance, was singularly intercsting and
curious. A crowd of individuals, in motley garb, and
of every variety of race, might be seen pressing eagerly
upward towards the town, jostling and pushing one
another, in their anxiety to be first, yet looking eagerly
about them, as if to familiarize themselves at once
with the country of their adoption. Here werc dandies
from the United States and from France, picking their
steps mincingly, as they strove to keep pace with the
sturdy fellows who carried their luggage ; their beaver
hats, fashionable frock-coats, irreproachable and well-
strapped pantaloons, exciting the derisive remarks of
the spectators, the majority of them ‘ old Californians,’
whose rough labor at the ‘diggins’ had taught them
to estimate such niatserics at their proper value. By
their side stalked the stately and dignified Spaniard,
covered with his broad-brimmed, low-crowned sombrero,
and gracefully enveloped in his ample serapa, set off
by a bright scarlet sash. He turns neither to the
right nor to the left, nor heeds the crowd about him,
but keeps on the even tenor of his way—though even
he has occasionally to jump for it—prcsenting, in his
demeanor and costume, a striking contrast to the
more bustling activity of the Yankees, who are elbow-
ing every one, in their anxiety to go a-head. A lot
of shopboys, too—mere lads, as spruce and neatly
attired as though they had just stepped out of somo
fashionable emporium, mingle with the rest, and, as
they enter the town, strike up the popular parody—
‘Oh, California. That’s the land for me!
I’m bound for the Sacramento, with
The wash-bowl on my knee.’
And presently, their brother-adventurers, excited
90 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
by hopes of the wildest kind, join vocifcrously in
chorus, in the exuberance of their joy.
“A group of Englishmen, muscular in form, and
honest in feature, are chaffering with the keen-wittcd
Yankee porters for the carriage of their luggage.
There is an air of dogged resolution about them, that
plainly indicates they will not submit to what they
evidently consider an imposition. Such a sum for so
slender a service! Well, then,. they can carry their
baggage themselves: so they will; and, quickly
shouldering it, some depart in the track of the rest,
whilst two or three remain behind, to watch what is
left, until their friends return. They are manifestly
well known to one another, and seem to be almost
intimate ; the voyage has made them friends.
‘Here come a number of Chilians and Peruvians,
and a goodly number of natives from the Sandwich
Islands. A couple of Irishmen, too! I know them
by their vivacity, and by the odd trick they have of
getting into every body’s way; to say nothing of their
broad, merry faces. Their property is in common, it
scems; for they have only one small pack between
them.
“ Here come ten or a dozen plainly but comfortably
dressed mechanics; hard-working men they seem, and
just the sort of persons to make their way in a coun-
try where the artisan occupies his proper position, and
where honest toil—and dishonest, too, sometimes—is
almost certain to reap a harvest. Far differently will
you fare, and far preferable, too, will be your lot, in
regions where privation is the rule, to that of many
amongst your numerous fellow-travellers, unaccus-
tomed as they are to laborious occupations—with
frames uninured to fatigue, and constitutions unha-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 91
bituated to scanty fare, to exposure to heat and cold,
and wet and sudden changes! Whilst you are succeed-
ing in your object, they will grow wearied, disappointed,
and home-sick, and long to be back again on the
theatre of their former struggles.
“The human stream ceases not to flow from the
vessels in the harbor; no sooner is one boat-load
disposed of than another arrives, and so on, until the
town is gorged with new-comers, who, after a few
days’ sojourn, to recruit their strength, after the
fatigues of a long and irksome voyage, depart, and
are scen no more for months; many, perhaps, never
to return. Very few of this vast multitude deserve
the epithet of poor. To get here at all requires
money ; and to maintain one’s self after getting here,
the emigrant must have some little means.
“The majority of the emigrants are men occupying
a respectable station in society; some are even
distinguished in their calling; but the eager desire of
making a fortune in a hurry has induced them to
throw up good employments and comfortable homes ;
to leave friends, relatives, connexions, wife, children,
and familiar associations, to embark their strength,
intelligence, and activity, in this venture. All is
bustle where they have landed: boats going to and
fro; rafts slowly discharging their cumbrous loads ;
porters anxiously and interestedly civil; all excited ;
all bent on gain; ships innumerable in the bay ;
mountains around ; a clear, blue sky above; and the
bright waters dancing in the sun, until they touch the
horizon in the distance, blending their brightness with
his golden track.
“T walked on until I came up to a group of men,
who, like mye were looking on the busy scene
92 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
before us with no small degree of interest. I reevg-
nized amongst them two of the volunteers, with whom
I forthwith claimed acquaintance. The whole party
had come from the mines, as was easily to be seen
from their appearance, which was something the
worse for wear, their countenances being weather-
beaten and bronzed by exposure; whilst their attire,
consisting of buckskin coats, leather leggings, and
broad-brimmed hats, denoted the sort of labor in
which they had been recently engaged. I learned
from them, in the course of a subsequent conversation,
that they had all of them been successful at the ‘dig-
gings.’ One of the number had made, or ‘picked,’
two thousand dollars, and the rest, from that to nine
thousand dollars each, within the space of a few
months. With this, however, they were far from
satisfied, most of them being determined to realize a
large fortune before they quitted the country; for not
one of them seemed to have the remotcst intention of
settling.
‘‘ The party had come down from the mines to make
purchases, and to enjoy a little recreation. They were
admirable specimens of their class—hardy in appear-
ance and rough in demeanor; but shrewd, withal, and
toil-enduring. For the moment, their conversation
turned upon the prospects of the newly-landed emigrants
—for I should have stated that there were one or two
arrivals in the harbor—and they were unsparing of
their remarks upon such of the new comers as by their
dress, or any physical peculiarity, offered a fair target
for their witticisms, which were not less pointed than
coarse.
“The discovery of the gold mines, has done at
once for San Francisco what it was reasonable to
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 93
anticipate time only could have effected; and its pro-
gress in importance has far outstripped the most
sanguine expectations which could be based upon any
hypothesis hazarded on the strength of its admirable
position and facilities for trade. Nevertheless, its
growth seems unnatural; and, looking at it as I saw
it then, it left on my mind the impression of instability,
so marvellous was it to gaze upon a city of tents, wood,
and canvas, starting up thus suddenly, forming but a
halting-place to the thousands who visited it; having
for citizens a large majority of gamblers and spcecula-
tors; and presenting of civilization but the rudest
outline, and some of its worst vices. It was impossible,
indecd, for an observer to contemplate San Francisco,
at this particular period of its history, and not to feel
that every thing about it savored of transition. A
storm or a fire must have destroyed the whole in a few
hours; for every house, shed, or tent, had manifestly
been constructed merely to serve the end of the actual
occupier; they were all adapted for trading, but not
a convenience or a comfort appertained to them, to
indicate a desire or an intention of settlement. Every
day brought new-comers, and added to the number of
ephemeral structures which crowded the hill-sides.
Mechanics of every description of calling were at work,
ewrnestly, busily, and cheerfully; and, whichever way
I turned, there was bustle and activity; yet, withal, I
felt that such a state of things was unsound, because
resting on what was essentially speculative, and I
doubted not but a great change must come before the
city could be regarded as substantially advancing.
Comprised at a glance, it presented no other ap-
pearance save that of a confused crowd of tenements,
of every variety of construction;. some high, some
94 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
low, perched upon the steep hills, or buried in the
deep valleys—but still tents and canvas every
where and any where, their numbers defying calcula-
tion, their structure and position all analysis. There
existed neither wells nor ponds within a very considers
able distance; and what struck me as most singular,
being aware that the Spaniards had a mission here,
there was no sign of a church. I subsequently ascer-
tained that the site of the Mission of Dolores, about
five miles distant, had been preferred by the Spaniards,
and that divine service was performed there still.
‘As I proceeded along the road leading into the
principal street of the city, I was uncomfortably re-
minded that it would soon become necessary for me to
select a place where I could procure refreshment ;
and in connexion with this necessity, arose another
consideration no less important, namely, where I should
lodge? There was no other mode of solving the diffi-
culty, save by an exploration of the localities ; accord-
ingly, I kept these objects in view, whilst I also grati-
fied my curiosity by continuing my perambulations.
“In this same road, but nearer to the entrance of
the main street than I should say was, under any cir-
cumstances, altogether pleasant, stood the correl of the
Washington Market, being a spacious area of ground,
inclosed with stakes, over which were stretched raw
hides. Owing to the large number of cattle slaugh-
tered here for the use of the inhabitants, the odor
from this place was insufferable, and I quickened my
pace until my olfactory organs became sensible of a
purer atmosphere.
“T turned into the principal street, and soon came
up to the market itself, which is a wooden house, about
thirty feet square, kept by an American. To wy
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 95
right, as I advanced, were some stores and hotels,
and a confectioner’s shop of remarkably neat and
clean appearance: these were all one story, wooden
buildings. One of the hotels was appropriately desig-
nated as ‘The Colonnade.’ It was kept by a volun-
teer named Huxley, and differed from every similar
establishment in the town, inasmuch as the proprietor
allowed neither gambling nor drunkenness on his
premises. To this the ‘Gotham Saloon,’ a little fur.
ther on, offered a perfect contrast, for here there were
several monéé rooms and a large bowling-alley, where
persons who had a taste for the latter amusement
might indulge in their favorite pastime for a dollar a
game. ‘This saloon was likewise kept by two volun-
teers, as was also the confectioner’s by a fourth; so
that three of the most noted houses in the town were
rented by men, who, a few months before, scarcely pos-
sessed any thing save their enterprise and their indus-
try, but who were now on the high road to opulence.
The more credit was due to them, and others of their
brethren whom fortune had similarly favored, because,
at first, they had deep-rooted prejudices to encounter,
which prudence and perseverance only could have
enabled them to overcome.
“T came next to the Square, or ‘Plaza,’ on one
side of which, and fronting it, stood the ‘ Miner's
Bank,’ established by a Mr. Wright, a keen specula-
tor, who had secured possession of a large extent of
landed property, which he was turning to the very
best account. On the left of the Plaza, I noticed a
spacious-looking wooden building, two storics high,
called the ‘Parker House ;’ but the handsome piazza
in front caused me to hesitate on the threshold ; for I
apprehended—and not without reasun—that, even in
96 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
California, appearances must be paid for; as, there-
fore, my purse was not overstocked, I prudently sought
a more modest establishment.
‘“‘T passed another hotel, similar to this one, but not
quite so large, and came presently to a low wocden
house, of most unattractive and unprepossessing cx-
terior, which was dignified by the name of the ‘ Café
Francais.’ As this seemed likely to suit my present
convenience, and to promise a scale of priccs on a par
with its external appearance, I entered boldly, and
seated myscif at the dining-table. I noticed, as I went
in, that, notwithstanding the poverty without, there
was abundance within; the counter being literally
overcharged with French pasiry, a variety of ingenious
culinary preparations, and some forcign liquors.
“After I had finished my repast, consisting of a
beef-steak, two eggs, and a couple of cups of coffee, I
prepared to depart. I specify the items of which my
repast was made up, because of the price I paid for
them—namely, two dollars and a half. I was informed,
on hazarding an observation respecting the amount,
that the charges were excessively moderate, any thing
in the shape of a dinner being usually charged one
dollar and fifty cents; half a dollar each for the eggs,
which were extras, was only a reasonable price for
such luxuries, as they frequently sold for double. I
cousidered the information thus obtained to be cheap,
of its kind, and went away with a mental reservation
not to eat any more eggs in California, unless they
were of another description than the golden ones.
“As I repassed the ‘Parker House,’ the hotel, par
excellence, of San Francisco, I went in, knowing that,
like all similar establishments, there were the usual
ainusements going on within.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 97
“This is not only the largest, but the handsomest
building in San Francisco; and, having been con-
structed at enormous expense, and entirely on specula-
tion, a concurrence of fortunate circumstances alone,
such as had followed upon the discovery of the gold
mines, could have insured its prosperity. It was now
one of the most frequented, fashionable, and firmly
established hotels in the country ; and, in so far as it
presented a model to the builders and settlers in the
town, was a signal illustration of the shrewdness and
enterprise of the Yankee character, and a standing
ercdit to the projectors and proprietors.
“ It is built entirely of wood, and contains two very
spacious principal rooms; the one a dining-room, the
other set apart for billiards. Besides these, there are
three saloons of lesser dimensions, especially devoted
to gambling, and two well supplicd bars—one below,
to the right of the entry, the other in the billiard-
room. ‘The portion of the hotel that is not set apart
for the usual offices and conveniences is divided off
into innumerable chambers, which are occupied by the
supcrior classes of emigrants—lawyers, doctors, money-
brokers, cum multis adiis.
“The saloon contains two very handsome billiard-
tables, which are constantly occupied by players,
chiefly Americans, some of them of first-rate exccl-
lence. The charge was a dollar per game of a hundred,
and they were no sooner vacated by one party than
another came in.
“ The establishment contained nine gambling-tables,
which were crowded day and night, by the citizens
and the miners; many of the latter staking very large
sums upon the turn of a card. The stakes, however,
varied from twenty-five cents to five thousand dollars ;
98 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
and the excitement of some of the losers was frequently
fearful to contemplate. Some who gained largely
prudently withdrew; and I was informed that, a few
days previously to my arrival, a new-comer from the
States, who was bound for the mines, having come
into the saloon, and tried his fortune at the monte
tables, luckily made twenty thousand dollars, with
which he returned home, by the steamer, two days
afterwards.
“The ‘Golden Eagle,’ (7 Aguzla d’ Oro) is another
gambling establishment, situated in one of the streets
leading into the Plaza. It is a canvas house, about
fifty feet square, fitted up with the requisites for play,
and let out by the proprietor at the rate of fiftcen
hundred dollars a month. Every available spot around
the tables was crowded to inconvenience by persons
who were engaged deeply in the game, the majority
standing up and watching the chances with counte-
nances betokening the greatest excitement.
“T now preceeded to the City Hotel, a large but
somewhat antiquated building, constructed of adodé,
after the Spanish fashion, but hybridized by American
improvements. The interior was even more insuffer-
able than the El Dorado, in respect of the boisterous-
ness of its frequenters. In the first room that I
entered were five gambling-tables, doing a ‘ smashing
business’—a term employed, somewhat in contradtic-
tion to its import, to denote prosperity. The majority
of the players were Americans and other foreigners,
intermixed with a goodly number of Spaniards of the
lowest order. There was the same excitement, the
same recklessness, and the same trickery here, as at
the other gambling saloons, only infinitely more noise
aud smoke, and swearing and inebricty.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 99
“ Here I met with another of the volunteers, who
proposing a walk, we went out together, and procceded
to the Plaza. I found a good many old acquaintances
set up in business at this spot; one, who had been a
captain, had recently turned money-broker, and now
kept an office for the exchange of coin and gold-dust,
having entered into partnership with a highly respcect-
able and agreeable individual, of active business habits,
who promised to prove a great acquisition to the con-
cern.
“We soon reached a low, long, adobé building,
situated at the upper side of the square, and which
my companion told me was the Custom House. To
the right of the Plaza stood the Saint Charles’s
Hotcl, a wooden edifice covered in with canvas, and
the Peytona House, an establishment of a similar
description, in both of which we did not fail to find
the usual games carried on.
“ The streets leading down to the water-side contain
comparatively few hotels or eating-houses, they being
chiefly wood and canvas trading-stores. I observed
amongst them several newly opened auction and com-
mission-rooms, where goods were being put up, recom-
mended and knocked down in true Yankee style. An
immense number of wooden frame-houses in course of
erection met our view in every direction; and upon
remarking that many of them appeared to have becn
purposely left incomplete, I ascertained that this arose
from the extreme difficulty of procuring lumber, which,
on account of its scarcity, occasionally fetched an in-
credibly high price. A good deal of it is brought
from Oregon, and some from South America. Many
of the larger houses, but far inferior, notwithstanding,
to such of the same kind as could easily be procured
100 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
in New York ata rental of from 300 to 400 doliars
a-year, cost here at least 10,000 dollars to build them,
the lots on which they were erected being valued at
sums varying from 30,000 to 50,000 dollars, according
to the locality. Many spots of ground, just large
enough for a small trading-house or a tent to stand
upon, let at from 1200 to 2000 dollars.
“‘ Amongst the various emigrants who daily flocked
into the city—for each day brought its fresh arrivals
—were numerous Chinese, and a very considerable
number of Frenchmen, from the Sandwhich Islands
and from South America. The former had becn
consigned, with houses and merchandise, to certain
Americans in San Francisco, to whom they were
bound by contract, as laborers, to work at a scale of
wages very far below the average paid to mechanics
and others generally. The houses they brought with
them from China, and which they set up where they
were wanted, were infinitely superior and more sub-
stantial than those erected by the. Yankees, being
built chiefly of logs of wood, or scantling, from six to
eight inches in thickness, placed one on the top of the
other, to form the front, rcar, and sides; whilst the
roofs were constructed on an equally simple and inge-
nious plan, and were remarkable for durability.
“These Chinese had all the air of men likely to
prove good citizens, being quiet, inoffensive, and par-
ticularly industrious. I once went into an eating-
house, kept by one of these people, and was astonished
at the neat arrangement and cleanliness of the place,
the excellence of the table, and moderate charges. It
was styled the ‘Canton Restaurant ;’ andso thoroughly
Chinese was it in its appointments, and in the manner
of service, that one might have casily fancied one’s
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 101
self in the heart of the Celestial Empire. The bar-
keeper—though he spoke excellent English—was a
Chinese, as were also the attendants. very article
that was sold, even of the most trifling kind, was set
down, in Chinese characters, as it was disposed of;
it being the duty of one of the waiters to attend to
this department. This he did very cleverly and
quickly, having a sheet of paper for the purpose, on
which the article and the price were noted down in
Chinese characters, by means of a long, thin brush,
moistened in a solution of Indian or Chinese ink. As
I had always been given to understand that these
people were of dirty habits, I feel it only right to
state that I was delighted with the cleanliness of this
place, and am gratified to be able to bear testimony
to the injustice of such a sweeping assertion.
‘As for the French, they seemed entirely out of
their element in this Yankce town; and this circum-
stance is not to be wondered at, when the climate and
the habits of the people are taken into consideration,
and also the strange deficiencies they must have
observed in the ordinary intercourse of life between
the citizens, so different from the polished address,
common even amongst the peasantry in their rudest
villages; to say nothing of the difficulty of carrying
on business amongst a people whose language they did
not understand. But their universal goal was the
mines; and to the mines they went, with very few
exceptions.
“ Speaking of them reminds me of a ‘ Cufé Restau-
rant,’ in San Francisco, kept by a very civil French-
man, and situated on the way to the Point. I mention
it, because I one day made here the most uncomfort-
able repast it had ever been my lot to sit down to.
g*
102 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
Yet this was not owing to any lack of attention on the
part of the proprietor, to any inferiority in the quality
of his provisions, or to any deficiency of culinary skill
in their preparation; but simply to the prevalence of
the pest to which I have already alluded as invading
my own tent, namely, the dust. The house was built
chiefly of wood, and had a canvas roof, but this was
insufficient to keep out the impalpable particles with
which the air was charged, and which settled upon
and insinuated themselves into every article in the
place. There was dust on the counter, on the shelves,
on the seats, on the decanters, and in them; on the
tables, in the salt, on my beef-steak, and in my coffee.
There was dust on the polite landlord’s cheeks, and in
his amiable wife’s eyes, which she was wiping with the
corner of a dusty apron. I hurried my meal, and
was paying my score, when I caught sight of my own
face in a dusty-looking and dust-covered glass near
the bar, and saw that I too had become covered with
it, my entire person being literally encrusted with a
coat of powder, from which I experienced considerable
difficulty in cleansing myself.
“ Notwithstanding all I had seen of San Francisco,
there yet existed here a world apart, that I should
never have dreamed of, but for my being one day
called upon to act upon a jury appointed to sit in
inquest over a person who had died there. This place
was called the ‘Happy Valley.’
‘Previously to our repairing thither, we attended
at the court-house, to take the usual oath. Procced-
ing then through the lower part of the town, we
reached the beach, along which, by the water-side, we
walked for a distance of three miles—up to our ancles
in mud and sand—until we came to a spot where there
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 103
were innumerable tents pitched, of all sizes, forms, and
descriptions, forming an irregular line stretching along
the shore for ahout two miles.
«The ground was, of course, low, damp, and muddy;
and the most unmistakeable evidences of discomfort,
misery, and sickness, met our view on every side, for
the locality was one of the unwholesomest in the
vicinity of the town. Yet here, to avoid the payment
of enormous ground-rents, and at the same time to
combine the advantage of cheap living, were encamped
the major portion of the most recently arrived emi-
grants, and, amongst the rest, those of the ship
Brooklyn, on one of the passengers of which the in-
quest was about to be held.
“This, then, was the ‘Happy Valley;’ a term no
doubt applied to it in derision, taking into considera-
tion the squalor, the discomfort, the filth, the misery,
and the distress that were rife there.
“TJ am satisfied that much of the crime and lawless-
ness that is prevalent in California—particularly in
towns like San Francisco, where the ruder sex are
congregated exclusively and in large multitudes—is
attributable to the want of the humanizing presence of
women. In San Francisco there were about ten
thousand males, and scarcely a hundred females ; for,
although in many parts of California the latter out-
number the former, the national prejudice against
color was too strong for legitimate amalgamation to
take place.”
Such was San Francisco soon after the discovery
ef the riches of the Sacramento region. From an
insignificant settlement, sometimes the resort of
whaling-vesscls, and of a few traders, it was quickly
transferred a a city, with an extensive and con-
z
104 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
stantly increasing commerce. In its streets and
squares, erected where, just before, was a desert
plain, people of almost every nation were seen busily
engaged in traffic, or preparing for departure to the
gold region. It seemed the work of the enchanter.
Although, like San Francisco, Monterey was almost
deserted by its inhabitants upon the receipt ef informa-
tion of the gold discovery, it soon began to give signs
of improvement. The bay, upon ‘the shore of which
the town is located, is more exposed to the swell of
the sea, and to the north-west storms, than the Bay of
San Francisco, and therefore the harbor is inferior.
Yet Monterey received a considerable share of the tida
of emigration. Those who stopped there were gener-
ally persons who intended to make a permanent
settlement, and engage in mercantile pursuits; and,
therefore, though the mcrease of the town was not so
rapid as that of San Francisco, it carried with it more
denotements of stability.
The town is situated on a short bend near the en-
trance of the bay, upon its southern side. The point
of land which partly protects its harbor from the sea
is called Point Pmos. A very neat and pretty appear-
ance is presented by the houses of the native Califor-
nians, which are generally constructed of adobés and
white-plastered. Those of the Americans are easily
distinguished by their being built of logs and planks,
and presenting a more substantial, but rougher appear-
ance. The town is surrounded by hills, covered with
lofty pine trees. Upon a height which overlooks the
town and harbor, a fort was built by the Americans
during the war with Mexico, and a military force con-
tinucd there till after the treaty of peace.
The country in the neighborhood of Monterey is
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 10é
fertile, and yiclds ample reward to the agriculturist.
There would, therefore, be no lack of supplies of pro-
visions, but for the indolence of the Californians,
owning the different ranches in the surrounding coun-
try. From this cause, great scarcity of provisions of
all kinds is often the result. Notwithstanding the
additions made by Yankee enterprise and innovation,
the general manners and customs of the inhabitants
of Monterey retain all their old Spanish character ;
and some of the customs of the natives, particularly
their amusements, are heartily joined in by the more
susceptible of the new-comers. The fandango and
the serenade with the guitar, still hold their sway as
freely and as undisturbed as in old Spain. The win-
ters are severely felt here. The rain causes torrents
of water to pour down from the hills in the rear of the
town, deluging the principal streets, and rendering
their passage almost impossible. During this period,
the only resort of the inhabitants for passing away the
time is the vice of gambling, in which they early
become adepts. This gambling propensity, noticed
among the Californians, induced a considerable num-
ber of the initiated to emigrate from the United States,
and Monterey received a goodly proportion of them.
Such an increase of the population, however, could
not be considered desirable. Upon the whole, though
in a less degree, the effect of the golden attractions
of California could be seen at Monterey as at San
Francisco. Though it did not spring at once from a
small settlement to a large city, it was considerably
improved, and in 1849, it numbered more than a
thousand inhabitants.
A short distance south of Monterey, is the town of
Santa Barbara. Its situation is one of the most
106 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
beautiful in California. It is built upon a plain ten
miles in extent. In front is a broad bay, having a
smooth beach of nearly thirty miles in extent. On
the right, towards the water, is a lofty eminence rising
nearly a thousand feet. Directly back of the town is
a range of almost impassable hills, running in a diago-
nal direction. There is no harbor in the bay, and
vessels are obliged to anchor in an open roadstead ;
and when the south-east winds prevail, they are in
constant peril.
The progress of the town was not much affected by
the gold mania. But though it offers no attractions
for mercantile or gold digging purposes, it has others
which will, no doubt, make it a favorite place of resi-
dence. In 1849, it contained about one hundred and
fifty houses, built of adobés, and allone story in height.
The town is celebrated for being the residence of the
aristocracy of California, and for its beautiful women.
Its inhabitants are principally rancheros, who visit
their ranches two or three times in a year to see to
the marking and killing of their cattle, and then
spend the remainder of the year in the town, enjoying
life as much as possible. Indolence is the general
vice. A horse to ride, plenty to eat, and cigaros to
smoke constitute their swmmum bonum. Santa
Barbara is more celebrated for its fandangos than
any other town on the coast. These are open to all
comers, and constitute the general pastime of an even-
ing. The climate is mild and spring-like, and, inde-
pendent of the attractions in the town, the surrounding
country offers many of the most beautiful rides in
California. About a mile in the rear of the town, at
the top of a gentle slope, is the mission of Santa
Barbara, with its old, white walls and cross-mounted
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 107
spires. The presiding priest of California resides
there, and a number of the converted Indians still
remain and cultivate the surrounding soil. The mis-
sion is in a better condition than any other in the
country.
Ciudad de los Angeles, or the City of the Angels,
is situated a hundred and ten miles south of Santa
Barbara, at the end of an immense plain, extending
from the city twenty-five miles, to San Pedro, its port.
This is the garden spot of California. Before the
discovery of the gold mines, the City of the Angels
was the largest town in the country. It contains about
two thousand inhabitants, most of whom are wealthy
rancheros, who dwell there to cultivate the grape. As
in all the towns of California, the houses are con-
structed of adobés and covered with asphaltum, which
is found in great quantities near the town. The
northern section is laid out in streets, and is occupied
by the trading citizens; the southern section is made
up of gardens, vinyards and orchards, which are made
extremely productive by irrigating the soil with the
water of a large stream running through them. Many
acres of ground are covered with vines, which, being
trimmed every year, are kept about six feet in height,
In the fall of the year, these vincs are burdened with
rich clusters of grapes; and, in addition to these,
great quantities of fruit of various kinds are raised.
The surrounding country abounds with game of all
kinds. In the rainy season, millions of ducks and
gecse cover the plains between Los Angeles and San
Pedro, while the neighboring hills abound with quails,
deer, elk, and antelope. The vineyards produce such
quantities of grapes, that many thousand barrels of
wine and aguardiente—the brandy of the country—
108 TISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
are annually manufactured. The wine is of various
kinds; some of it being equal to the best produced in
Europe.
The inhabitants of the City of the Angels, being
generally of the wealthy class of Californians, have
always strongly adhered to the institutions of Mexico.
They offered the most strenuous resistance to the
American forces at the time of the conquest of Cali-
fornia, but were vanquished in. two battles, and the
city taken. All the customs and amusements peculiar
to the Spaniards and the countries which they colo-
nized, are here in full vogue. Music, dancing, sing-
ing, slaughtering cattle, or gambling, are the usual
pastimes of the inhabitants. Yet, with these trifling
occupations, attachment tothe Roman Catholic church
and a careful observance of its ceremonies, is charac-
teristic of all. Upon the tolling of the bell, gaming,
swearing, dancing—every thing is stopped while the
prescribed prayer is muttered, and then all go on as
before.
Though Los Angeles did not experience any increase
of population consequent upon the flood of emigration
to California, its delightful climate and its fertile soil
are gradually procuring it such consideration as will
doubtless lead to the filling up of the surrounding
country.
San Diego is the most southern town of Upper
California. It is situated on the coast, three miles
aorth of the line separating Upper and Lower Califor-
nia. The harbor is inferior only to that of San Fran-
cisco. Itis perfectly sheltered by land from the gales
at all seasons of the year. Vessels can lie within a
cable’s length of the beach, there being no surf run-
aing upon it. The town is situated about three miles
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 109
from the beach, and is about the same size as Santa
Barbara. It is a place of far greater facilities and
promise, however, than the iast mentioned town. San
Diego has always been the most important depot fcr
hides, upon the coast; and there is no doubt that an
extensive inland trade will be carried on between it
and the towns in the interior, as the region of the
Colorado and the Gila becomes settled. Since the
conquest of Upper California and the discovery of the
gold, the progress of the town has been rapid. From
being an inconsiderable settlement sustained princi-
pally by a mission, which had early been established
there, it has become a town of great commercial
promise. The climate being mild and pleasant, and
the surrounding country abounding in game and
adapted for grazing, thus making provisions abundant,
San Diego is a very desirable place of residence.
The town of San José is situated in a fertile valley,
near the most southern extremity of the Bay of San
Francisco. On the south of the town runs a small
stream, and the place is surrounded by plains, afford-
ing fine pasturage. Being situated on the direct
route from the southern ports to the gold mines, San
José received a considerable stimulus from their dis-
covery. A profitable trade was soon established, and
the town improved very rapidly. It is now a town of
about four thousand inhabitants, and the increase still
continues rapid. In a greater degree than any of the
older towns of California, it has all the evidence of a
thriving and progressive place. The greater part of
the buildings are constructed in a style which shows
the inroads of the taste of the people from the Atlantic
States. A number of Mormons settled here at an
early period, and built a great many neat wooden
110 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
houses and cottages, which contrast favorably with
the heavy old adodés residences of the native inhabit-
ants. Flour and saw-mills have been erected,
but the scarcity of water is severcly felt by their pro-
prietors.
San José in respect to climate and general abun-
dance of the necessaries and luxuries of life, is one
of the most desirable places of residence in California.
Though situated.a short distance inland, and thus
deprived of the facilities which contributed to the
rapid growth of San Francisco, the fertile plain sur-
rounding it, and the increase of the inland trade and
travel will draw to the town and its neighborhood a
thriving, business population. The old mission of
San José is situated about ten miles from the town.
The establishment and the grounds belonging to it are
in a state of decay. The population there is about
three hundred in number, most of whom are Indians,
and all of them in a degraded condition.
The emigration to the gold region caused many
towns to spring up, as if by magic, in its neighborhood,
and on the route to it from San Francisco. These
were principally the stopping places of the gold-seekers,
or the seat of a trade in provisions and articles manu-
factured in the States and transported thither. Some
of these towns have become of a size sufficient to war-
rant the assertion that they will soon rival the cities
of the Atlantic coast of the United States, The pro-
gress of these places is aided by the enormous price
of real estate in San Francisco.
One of the most promising of the new towns is called
Benicia. It is situated on the Strait of Carquinez,
thirty-five miles north of San Francisco. The strait
forms the entrance of Suisan into Pablo Bay. The
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 111
site of Benicia is a gentle slope, which, descending to
the water, becomes almost a plain. Vessels of the
first class can lie at anchor at its bank, and discharge
their cargoes, and the harbor is safe from violent
winds. The town has been made the head-quarters of the
Pacific division of the United States army, and a site
for anavy-yard has been selected by Commodore Joncs.
The marks of governmental favor show in what estima-
tion the position of Benicia is held. The town was
laid out in 1848, by Robert Semple and Thomas O.
Larkin, Early in 1850, lots were selling at very high
rates, and the population numbered more than a
thousand persons.
Between Benicia and Sacramento city, several towns
have been laid out, all in very favorable positions.
The principal are—Martincez, on the southern shore of
the strait of Carquinez, nearly opposite Benicia; New
York of the Pacific, at the junction of the River San
Joaquin with the Bay of Suisan; Suisan, on the west
bank of the Sacramento, at a distance of eighty miles
from San Francisco.
Next to San Francisco, Sacramento is the largest
city in California. It is situated on the eastern bank
of the Sacramento River, one hundred miles from San
Francisco, and sixty-five from Suisan Bay. It is
located on a beautiful plain, which is not elevated more
than ten or twelve feet above the river at low water.
This being insufficient to protect it from the rise of
the waters of the river, several disastrous floods have
occurred during the existence of the city. Up to this
point, the river is navigable for large class steamers.
Ships drawing not more than twelve feet of water may
go up that far at all seasons; and, besides these
commercial advantages, Bacramente is the natura]
112 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
trading depot for the richest portion of the mining
regions.
Where the city of Sacramento now stands, at the
time of the gold discovery, there stood, “solitary and
alone,” a small fort. This formed the nucleus, about
which, at the commencement of the rush of emigra-
tion, the town soon sprang into existence. Its increase
has been almost as rapid as that of San Francisco.
During the rainy season of the early part of 1850,
the population numbered somewhere between twenty
and thirty thousand. But at that poriod, a consider-
able portion of the gold-diggers made Sacramento and
the other towns in the neighborhood of the mines,
their resort, to escape the severity of spending the
season at the open and exposed valleys of the gold
region. The city is regularly laid out, but its appear-
ance evidences the rapidity of its erection. The
greater number of the houses and stores in the neigh-
borhood of the river are constructed of wood, while
the outskirts, particularly upon the south, are occupicd
by the tents of the constantly-arriving overland emi-
grants. Before the commencement of the last rainy
season, the number of these emigrants reached two or
three thousand. They squatted upon the vacant lots
which had been surveyed and sold to other persons.
This caused a considerable agitation in the town, which
continued till the disastrous flood swept both the par-
tics off the ground, and thus left the field clear for
another commencement. Sacramento is the grand
receptacle of the overland emigration, and this, com-
bined with its commercial facilities, will continue to
give the city a superiority over the majority of the
other places in California.
Adjoining Sacramento city, is the town of Sutter.
TISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 113
It is situated on the highest and healthicst ground on
the river. It is not, like Sacramento, subject to an
annual overflow. The town was originally laid out
by Captain Sutter and others; and is owned by Hon.
John McDougall, Lieutenant-Governor of California,
and Captain Sutter. It has a thriving business popula-
tion, and its position, and the fertility of the neigh-
boring country will soon make it a place of import-
ance.
Stockton is to the southern portion of the gold
region what Sacramento is to the northern. It is
situated upon a slough, or a succession of sloughs, con-
taining the back waters formed by the junction of the
San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers. It is about
fifty miles from the mouth of the San Joaquin, and
one hundred from San Francisco. The ground upon
which it is situated is high and is not subject to over-
flow. Vessels drawing nine feet water can ascend the
San Joaquin as far as Stockton, and discharge their
cargoes on the bank. In the latter part of 1848, the
town was laid out and a frame building erected by
Charles M. Weber. In eight months from that time,
it contained a population of about two thousand per-
manent residents, and a large number of temporary
residents, on their road to the mines. Communication
is with San Francisco by means of steamboats and
launches, and the commerce of the town is constantly
increasing.
Other towns exist—on pape1—in the neighborhood
of ‘San Francisco and the gold region, and, doubtless,
they will, in the course of time, become settled by a
thriving, go-ahead population from the Atlantic States.
Land speculation in California is as profitable a
business as gold-digging—and less tcilsome. Many of
114 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
the shrewd ones, who early took advantage of this
“ tide in the affairs of men,” have already reached the
goal of their hopes, an independent fortune. Those
who saw how things would turn out, and purchased
land in the neighborhood of the region which promised
to receive the principal current of the emigration to
California, found themselves wealthy in the short
space of a few months.
The great influx of emigrants to Upper California
has brought the subject of the settlement of the penin-
sula into consideration. There is but little doubt that
Lower California will, sooner or later, become the
property of the United States, and then its settlement
and progress will be rapid. The coast upon the gulf
affords many excellent harbors, and the mountainous
region of the interior gives abundant evidence of
mineral wealth, as far as it has been explored. Several
silver mines have been opened in different placcs, the
principal of which are at San Antonio, between La
Paz and Cape San Lucas. Near Loretto, the first
settlement in California, extensive copper mines have
been opened, and lead and iron abound in all direc-
tions. The pearl fishery of the gulf has already
yielded an enormous wealth, having been prosecuted
from the time of the discovery of the peninsula. The
fishing season lasts from May till November, and
more than a hundred vessels are yearly engaged in
the business. These resources, despite the general
unfitness of the country for agricultural purposes, will
soon attract their full share of consideration, and
cause an influx of emigrants and adventurers from the
United States and other countries. Some portions
of the country are susceptible of irrigation, and
might thus be rendered fit for cultivation.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 115
The principal port of Lower California is La Paz,
situated near the mouth of the gulf. The bay on the
shore of which the town is located, is of great extent
and beauty, and possesses a large number of rich
pearl oyster-beds—the pearl fishery having at one
time supplied the chief article of traffic on this part
of the coast. The country around the bay is elevated
and picturesque, though rugged; the soil being com-
posed principally of rock and sand, wildly and irre-
gularly covered with the most prickly species of
stunted bushes and shrubs of sunburnt hue. The
town of La Paz is neatly built and presents a pretty
appearance. ‘The streets are lined with willow trees,
and these meeting overhead, form a delicious shade
during the heat of the day. The houses are all con-
structed of adobés, plastered white, and thatched with
the leaves of the palm tree. The beach is lined with
palms, cocoa-nut, fig and tamarind trees. La Paz
was taken by the Amcrican volunteers during the
war with Mexico, and considerable destruction of the
orchards, gardens and houses of the town was the
consequence. The harbor offers great advantages for
a naval station, and such, doubtless, it will become.
San José, the most southern town of Lower Cali-
fornia, is situated about half-way between Cape San
Lucas and Cape Palmo, on a sort of desert plain,
extending from the beautiful valley of San José to the
ocean. It is located about three miles from the beach,
and is one of the strangest creations in the shape of a
town imaginable.
The heavy rains and freshets which occur in the
wet season, in this region, render every elevation in-
valuable as a preservative against the dangers of sud-
dcn inundations; hence all the houses are built upon
116 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
steeps, rocks, and hillocks, necessarily irrespective of
order; so that, even in the most densely populated
districts, barren hills, as yet unoccupied by dwellings,
are frequently to be met with, with deep hollows in
every part, converting mere visits into positive enter-
prises, in most instances both tedious and disagreeable.
To these great natural disadvantages, the indolence
of the inhabitants has added others, their common
practice being to dig for adobé clay at the nearest
convenient spot, namely, for the most part, opposite
their own doors; thus, one would imagine that the
site of the whole town had been visited and disturbed
by a succession of miniature earthquakes, which, whilst
they had left the houses themselves unshaken, had
heaved and perched them up in the most uncomfort-
able positions, and in the most inaccessible places. In
the very centre of the principal street, which appears
to have once upon a time been level, are three or four
immense clay-pits, serving as a receptacle for dead
dogs, cats, bones, vegetable refuse, and, in a word,
every description of rubbish and nuisance a very dirty
population can convey to or discharge in them.
But a description of the town would be incomplete
without adding that it isdotted about in these hollows,
and in the sand-holes in the rocks, with patches of
thorn, brush, and cacti, forming a singular yet refresh-
ing contrast with the general barrenness of the region
itself, the whole being surrounded by a bleak moun-
tainous range, which increases in elevation until it
blends with the clear sky, far in the distance.
The principal, indeed the only regular street in
the town, is wide and long, the houses being con-
structed of adobés and cane, thatched with palm leaves.
It is blocked up at the remoter end by the fort, which
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 117
stands upon a wide foundation of rock of considerable
elevation ; various portions of the adodé walls con-
necting the crags having been pierced, so as to allow
artillery to be trained through the embrasures, whilst,
in other parts, there are numerous loop-holes for
musketry. There are some very awkward cavities
amongst these rocks, produced by digging for clay for
the adobé work. The fort is flat-roofed and para-
petted, having portholes for cannon; and below, in
the very centre of the building, occupying about a third
of its entire length, runs a thick wall, forming a cres-
cent, well mounted with heavy guns. At the end of
this crescent, between it and the front wall, is the
entrance to the fort—a mere aperture, barely wide
enough to allow of one man’s passing in.
These defences proved to be of great advantage to
a smal] party of Americans that landed at San José,
during the war between the United States and Mexico,
and were coripelled to take shelter in the old quartel,
or barracks. There they were surrounded by the
Californians, and stood a siege of several wecks’,
suffering incredible hardships. The population of San
José numbers about three thousand, the majority being
semi-Indians, or the pure descendants of the Mexicans.
There is little promise of any considerable increase in
the size of the town, owing to the natural disadvan-
tages of situation.
The other towns of Lower California are—San
Antonio, in the neighborhood of an extensive silver
mine, which has been worked for a long time with
considerable profit; Loreto, on the gulf coast, about
two hundred miles north of La Paz; San Domingo
and Todos Santos, on the Pacific coast. The latter
town is situated on the bay of the same name, and is
118 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
the most northerly part of Lower California. The
church and mission buildings at this place are the
largest and most imposing structures of the kind in
Lower California. The church has a handsome front
and a lofty steeple. The mission is the residence of
the head of the church in Lower California. There
is every reason to believe, that, when the richer por-
tions of Upper California begin to get a little crowded,
the tide of emigration will be turned to the south, and
the ports of the peninsula will become of great com-
mercial importance. Then, if not before, the country
will become the property of the United States, either
by way of purchase, or after the manner of Texas.
CHAPTER IX.
THE FORMATION OF A STATE GOVERNMENT.
THE state of things which induced the people of
California to form a state government deserves to be
fully set forth. Their condition was without prece-
dent in history ; and from a statement of that condi-
tion, it will be seen that the framing of a constitution
and the organization of a state government was the
only resource of the Californians. The representations
of the report of Thomas Butler King to the govern-
ment of the United States will not be contradicted,
and these we insert.
“‘ The discovery of the gold mines had attracted a
very larye number of citizens of the United States to
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 119
to that territory, who had never been accustomed to
any other than American law, administered by Ameri-
can courts. There they found their rights of property
and person subject to the uncertain, and frequently
most oppressive, operation of laws written in a lan-
guage they did not understand, and founded on prin-
ciples, in many respects, new to them. They complained
that the alcaldes, or judges, most of whom had been
appointed or elected before the immigration had com-
menced, were not lawyers by education or profession ;
and, being Americans, they were, of course, unac-
quainted with the laws of Mexico, or the principles of
the civil law on which they are founded.
“As our own laws, except for the collection of
revenue, the transmission of the mails, and establish-
ment of postoffices, had not been extended over that
territory, the laws of Mexico, as they existed at the
conclusion of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, regu-
lating the relations of the inhabitants of California
with each other, necessarily remained in force ;* yet,
there was not a single volume containing those laws,
as far as I know or believe, in the whole territory,
except, perhaps, in the governor’s office at Monterey.
“The magistrates, therefore, could not procure
them, and the administration of justice was, ncces-
sarily, as unequal and fluctuating as the opinions of
the judges were conflicting and variable.
“There were no fee-bills to regulate costs; and,
consequently, the most cruel exactions, in many in-
stances, were practised.
“The greatest confusion prevailed respecting titles
to property, and the decision of suits involving the
*See American Insurance Company, ct al. vs. Canter, 1st Pcters’
Supreme Court Reports, 512.
120 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
most important rights, and very large sums of moncy
depended upon the dictum of the judge.
“The sale of the territory by Mexico to the United
States had necessarily cut off or dissolved the laws
regulating the granting or procuring titles to land;
and, as our own land-laws had not been extended over
it, the people were compelled to receive such titles ag
were offered to them, without the means of ascertain-
ing whether they were valid or not.
“Litigation was so expensive and precarious that
injustice and oppression were frequently endured,
rather than resort to so uncertain a remedy.
“Towns and cities were springing into existence ;
many of them without charters or any legal right to
organize municipal authorities, or to tax property or
the citizens for the establishment of a police, the
erection of prisons, or providing any of those means
for the protection of life and property which are so
necessary in all civil communities, and especially
among a people mostly strangers tu each other.
“ Nearly one million and a half of dollars had been
paid into the custom-house, as duties on imported
goods, before our revenue laws had been extended over
the country; and the people complained bitterly that
they were thus heavily taxed without being pro-
vided with a government for their protection, or
laws which they could understand, or allowed the
right to be represented in the councils of the
nation.
“While anxiously waiting the action of Congress,
oppressed and embarrassed by this state of affairs, and
feeling the pressing necessity of applying such reme-
dies as were in their power, and circumstances seemed
to justify, they resolved to substitute laws of their own
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 121
for the existing system, and to establish tribunals for
their proper and faithful administration.
“In obedience, therefore, to the extraordinary
exigencies of their condition, the people of the city of
San Francisco elected members to form a legislature,
and clothed them with full powers to pass laws.
“The communities of Sonoma and of Sacramento
city followed the example.
“« Thus were three legislative bodies organized; the
two most distant being only one hundred and thirty
miles apart.
“Other movements of the kind were threatened,
and doubtless would have followed, in other sections
of the territory, had they not been arrested by the
formation of a State government.
“While the people of California were looking to
Congress for a territorial government, it was quite
evident that such an organization was daily becoming
less suited to their condition, which was entirely differ-
ent from that of any of the territories out of which
the new States of the Union had been formed.
«Those territories had been at first slowly and
sparsely peopled by a few hunters and farmers, who
penctrated the wilderness, or traversed the prairics,
in search of game or a new home; and, when thus
gradually their population warranted it, a government
was provided for them. They, however, had no foreign
commerce, hor any thing beyond the ordinary pursuits
of agriculture, and the various branches of business
which usually accompany it, to induce immigration
within their borders. Several years were required to
give them snfficicnt population and wealth to place
them in a condition to require, or enable them to sup-
port, a State government.
122 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
“Not so with California. The discovery of the
vast metallic and mineral wealth in her mountains had
already attracted to her, in the space of twelve months,
more than one hundred thousand people. An exten-
sive commerce had sprung up with China, the ports of
Mexico on the Pacific, Chili, and Australia.
“ ¥lundreds of vessels from the Atlantic ports of
the Union, freighted with our manufactures and
agricultural products, and filled with our fellow-citi-
zens, had arrived, or were on their passage round
Cape Horn; so that, in the month of June last, (1849)
there were more than three hundred sea-going vesscls
in the port of San Francisco.
“ California has a border on the Pacific of ten de-
grees of latitude, and several important harbors which
have never been surveyed; nor is there a buoy, a
beacon, a lighthouse, or a fortification, on the whole
coast.
“There are no docks for the repair of national or
mercantile vessels nearer than New York, a distance
of some twenty thousand miles round Cape Horn.
“ All these things, together with the proper regula-
tions for the gold region, the quicksilver mines, the
survey and disposition of the public lands, the adjust-
ment of land titles, the establishment of a mint and
of marine hospitals, required the immediate formation
of a more perfect civil government than California
then had, and the fostering care of Congress and the
Executive.
“California had, as it were by magic, become a
State of great wealth and power. One short year
had given her a commercial importance but little
inferior to that of the most powerful of the old States,
She had passed her minority at a single bound, and
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 123
might justly be regarded as fully entitled to take her
place as an equal among her sisters of the Union.
“When, therefore, the reality became known to the
people of that territory that the government had done
nothing to relieve them from the evils and embarrass-
ments under which they were suffering, and secing no
probability of any change on the subject which divided
Congress, they adopted, with most unexampled una-
nimity and promptitude, the only course which lay
open to them—the immediate formation of a State
government.
“They were induced to take this step not only for
the rcason that it promised the most spcedy remedy
for present difficulties, but because the great and
rapidly growing interests of the territory demanded
it; and all reflecting men saw, at a glance, that it
ought not to be any longer, and could not, under any
circumstances, be much longer postponed.
“They not only considered themselves best qualified,
but that they had the right to decide, as far as they
were concerned, the embarrassing question which was
shaking the Union to its centre, and had thus far
deprived them of a regularly organized civil govern-
ment. They believed that, in forming a constitution,
they had a right to establish or prohibit slavery, and
that, in their action as a State, they would be sustained
by the North and the South.
“In taking this step, they proceeded with all the
regularity which has ever characterized the American
people in discharging the great and important duties
of self-government.
“The steamer in which I was a passenger did not
stop at Monterey; I therefore did not see General
Riley, nor had I any communication with him until
10 G
124 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
about the middle of the month, when he came to San
Francisco. A few days after my arrival, his procla-
mation calling a Convention to form a State constitu-
tion, dated the third of June, was received.
“The people acted in compliance with what they
believed to be the views of Congress, and conformably
to the recommendations of the proclamation; and pro-
ceeded, on the day appointed, to elect members to a
Convention for the purpose of forming a constitution,
to be regularly submitted tothe people for their ratifi-
cation or rejection, and, if approved, to be presented
to Congress, with a prayer for the admission of Cali-
fornia, as a State, into the Union.”
According to the recommendation of General Riley,
the civil governor of California, an election of delegates
to form a Convention was held on the Ist of August,
1849. The number of delegates to be elected was
thirty-seven. General Riley, General Smith, and
Thomas Butler King, used every means to stimulate
the people to hold the preparatory meetings, and they
were generally successful. But in some districts
scarcely any move was made until a few days before
the election. In one or two instances, the election
was not held upon the day appointed; but the Con-
vention nevertheless admitted the delegates elected in
such cases.
The Convention was to meet on the Ist of Septem-
ber, at Monterey ; but it did not get regularly organ-
ized until the 4th: of that month, when Dr. Robert
Semple, of the Sonoma district, was chosen president.
The proportion of the native Californian members to
the American was about equal to that of the popula-
tion. Among the members was Captain John Sutter,
the pioneer settler of California, General Valleja and
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 125
Antonio Pico, who had both been distinguished men
in California, before the conquest. The body, asa
whole, commanded respect, as being dignified ard
intellectual.
The Declaration of Rights was the first mcasure
adopted by the Convention. Its sections being general
and liberal in their character, were nearly all adopted
by a unanimous vote. The clause prohibiting the
existence of slavery was the unanimous sentiment of
the Conventuon. The Constitution will be found in
another part of this work, and we will not here recapitu-
late its provisions. It combines the best features of the
Constitutions of the States east of the Rocky Moun.
tains, and is in most respects similar to that of the
State of New York.
The most exciting questions discussed were, a clause
prohibiting the entrance of free people of color into
the State, the boundary line, and the great seal of
the State. The first, the clause prohibiting the
entrance of free people of color into the State,
passed first reading, but was subsequently rejected
by a large majority. The question of suffrage occa-
sioned some discussion, widely differing opinions
being entertained by the members. An article was
adopted by the Convention, excluding Indians and
negroes, with their descendants, from the privilege of
voting; but it was subsequently modified by a proviso,
which gave the Legislature power of admitting Indians,
or the descendants of Indians to the right of suffrage
by a two-thirds concurrent vote. Under this provi-
sion, some of the most wealthy and influential Califor-
nians are excluded from voting until permitted hy the
Legislature.
The boundary question, which came up towards the
126 TIISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
close of the Convention, was the most exciting theme,
The point of dispute was the eastern bcundary line.
The Pacific formed the natural boundary on the west ;
the parallel of 42 degrees, the boundary on the north,
and the Mexican line, run in conformity with the
treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the boundary on the
scuth. The discussion, reconsideration and voting
upon the various propositions occupied nearly twe
days. Finally, the line detailed in the Constitution
was adopted.
The discussion upon the adoption of the Great Seal
for the State was amusing. Hight or ten designs were
offered, and the members from the different districts
were all anxious to have their particular district repre-
sented. The choice finally fell upon one offered by a
Major Garnett. ‘The principal figure is Minerva, with
spear and shield, emblematic of the manner in which
California was born, full-grown, into the confederacy.
At her feet crouches the grizzly bear. Before him is
the wheat-sheaf and vine, illustrating the agricultural
products of the country. Near them is the miner,
with his implements. In the distance is the Bay of
San Francisco, and beyond that, the Sierra Nevada,
over which appears the word “ Eureka.”” The closing
scenes of the Convention are described in graphic and
vivid colors by one who was an eye-witness to them,
and recorded them upon the spot.*
“The members met this morning at the usual hour,
to perform the last duty that remained to them—that
of signing the Constitution. They were all in the
happiest humor, and the morning was so bright and
balmy that no one seemed disposed to call an organi-
* Bayard Taylor, El Dorado, or Adventures in the Path of Empire.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 127
zation. Mr. Semple was sick, and Mr. Steuart, of
San Francisco, therefore called the meeting to order
by moving Captain Sutter’s appointment in his place.
The chair was taken by the old pioneer, and the mem-
bers took their scats around the sides of the hall,
which still retained the pine-trees and banners, left
from last night’s decorations. The windows and doors
were open, and a delightful breeze came in from the
bay, whose blue waters sparkled in the distance. The
view from the balcony in front was bright and inspiring.
The town below—the shipping in the harbor—the
pine-covered hills behind—were mellowed by the blue
October haze, but there was no cloud in the sky, and
I could plainly see, on the northern horizon, the
mountains of Santa Cruz and the Sierra de Gavilan.
“After the minutes had been read, the Committee
appointed to draw up an Address to the people of
California, was called upon to report, and Mr. Steuart,
Chairman, read the Address. Its tone and sentiment
roct with universal approval, and it was adopted with-
out a dissenting voice. A resolution was then offered
to pay Lieutenant Hamilton, who is now engaged in
engrossing the Constitution upon parchment, the sum
of $509 for his labor. This magnificent price, proba-
bly the highest ever paid for a similar service, is on a
par with all things else in California. As this was
their last session, the members were not disposed to
find fault with it, especially when it was stated by one
of them that Licutenant Hamilton had written day
and night to have it ready, and was still working
upon it, though with a lame and swollen hand. The
sheet for the signer’s names was ready, and the Con-
vention decided to adjourn for half an hour and then
mect for the purpose of signing.
128 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
“JT amused myself during the interval by walking
about the town. Every body knew that the Conven-
tion was about closing, and it was generally under-
stood that Captain Burton had loaded the guns at the
fort, and would fire a salute of thirty-one guns at the
proper moment. ‘The citizens, therefore, as well as
the members, were in an excited mood. Monterey
never before looked so bright, so happy, so full of
pleasant expectation.
“ About one o’clock the Conveztion met again; few
of the members, indeed, had left the hall. Mr. Sem-
ple, though in feeble health, called them to order, and,
after having voted Gencral Riley a salary of $10,000,
and Mr. Halleck, Seerctary of State, $6000 a year,
from the commencement of their respective offices,
they proceeded to affix their names to the completed
Constitution. At this moment a signal was given;
the American colors ran up the flag-staff in front of
the government buildings, and streamed out on the
air. A second afterward the first gun boomed from
the fort, and its stirring echoes came back from one
hill after another, till they were lost in the distance.
“All the native enthusiasm of Captain Sutter’s
Swiss blood was aroused ; he was the old soldier again.
He sprang from his seat, and, waving his hand around
his head, as if swinging a sword, exclaimed ; ‘ Gentle-
men, this is the happiest day of my life. Jt makes
me glad to hear those cannon: they remind me of the
time when I was a soldier. Yes, I am glad to hear
them—this is a great day for California!’ Then,
recollecting himself, he sat down, the tears streaming
from his eyes. ‘The members with one accord, gave
three tumultuous cheers, which were heard from one
end of the town to the othcr, As the signing wens
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 129
on, gun followed gun from the fort, the echoes rever-
berating grandly around the bay, till finally, as the
loud ring of the thirty-first was heard, there was a
shout: ‘ That’s for California!’ and every one joined
in giving three times three for the new star added to
our Confederation.
“There was one handsome act I must not omit to
mention. The captain of the English bark Volunteer,
of Sidney, Australia, lying in the harbor, sent on shore
in the morning for an American flag. When the first
gun was heard, a line of colors ran fluttering up to the
spars, the stars and stripes flying triumphantly from
the main-top. The compliment was the more marked,
as some of the American vessels neglected to give any
token of recognition to the event of the day.
“The Constitution having been signed and the Con-
vention dissolved, the members proceeded in a body
to the house of General Riley. The visit was evidently
unexpected by the old veteran. When he made his
appearance, Captain Sutter stepped forward, and
having shaken him by the hand, drew himself into an
erect attitude, raised one hand to his breast as if he
were making a report to his commanding officer on the
field of battle, and addressed him as follows:
‘““¢GpNERAL: I have been appointed by the dele-
gates, elected by the people of California to form a
Constitution, to address you in their names and in
behalf of the whole people of California, and express
the thanks of the Convention for the aid and codpera-
tion they have received from you in the discharge of
the responsible duty of creating a State government.
And, sir, the Convention, as you will perceive from
the official records, duly appreciates the great and
unportaut services you have rendered to our common
130 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
country, and especially to the people of California,
and entertains the confident belief that you will receive
from the whole of the people of the United States,
when you retire from your official duties here, that
verdict so grateful to the heart of the patriot: ‘ Well
done, thou good and faithful servant.’
“General Riley was visibly affected by this mark
of respect, no less appropriate than well deserved on
his part. ‘The tears in his eyes, and the plain, blunt
sincerity of his voice and manner, went to the heart
of every one present. ‘Gentlemen,’ he said, ‘I
never made a speech in my life. I am a soldier—but
T can feel; and I do feel deeply the honor you have
this day conferred upon me. Gentlemen, this is a
prouder day to me than that on which my soldiers
cheered me on the field of Contreras. I thank you
all from my heart. I am satisfied now that the people
have done right in selecting delegates to frame a Con-
stitution. They have chosen a body of men upon
whom our country may look with pride; you have
framed a Constitution worthy of California. And I
have no fear for California while her people choose
their representatives so wisely. Gentlemen, I con-
gratulate you upon the successful conclusion of your
arduous labors; and I wish you all happiness and
prosperity.’
«The General was here interrupted with three hearty
cheers which the members gave him, as Governor of
California, followed by three more, ‘as a gallant soldier,
and worthy of his country’s glory.’ He then con-
cluded in the following words: ‘I have but one thing
to add, gentlemen, and that is, that my success in the
affairs of California is mainly owing to the efficient
aid rendered me by. Captain Halleck, the Secretary
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 131
of State. He has stood by me in all emergencies.
To him I have always appealed when at a loss myself;
and he has never failed me.’
“This recognition of Captain Halleck’s talents and
the signal service he has rendered to our authorities
here, since the conquest, was peculiarly just and appro-
priate. It was so felt by the members, and they
responded with equal warmth of feeling by giving
three enthusiastic cheers for the Secretary of State.
They then took their leave, many of them being anxious
to start this afternoon for their various places of resi-
dence. All were in a happy and satisfied mood, and
none less so than the 1ative members. Pedrorena
declared that this was the most fortunate day in the
history of California. Even Carillo, in the beginning
one of our most zealous opponents, displayed a genuine
zeal for the Constitution, which he helped to frame
under the laws of our republic.”’
The elections for the various officers under the new
Constitution took place on the 13th of November,
1849. Peter H. Burnett was chosen Governor, and
John McDougall, Lieutenant-Governor. George W.
Wright and Edward Gilbert were chosen to fill the
posts of representatives in Congress. The first State
Legislature met at the capital, the pueblo de San
José, on the 15th of December, and elected John C.
Fremont and Wm. M. Gwin, Senators to Congress.
Every branch of the civil government went at once
into operation, and admission into the Union as a
State seems all that is necessary to complete the settle.
ment of affairs in California.
182 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
CHAPTER X.
POPULATION, CLIMATE, PRODUCTIONS, ke.
Wirn regard to the population, climate, soil, pro-
ductions, &c., we extract from Mr. King’s Report, as
giving the most reliable and complete information.
“Humboldt, in his ‘Essay on New Spain,’ states
the population of Upper California, in 1802, to have
consisted of
Converted Indians, . a ‘ 15,562
Other classes, . . e ‘ 1,800
16,862
“ Alexander Forbes, in his ‘ History of Upper and
Lower California,’ published in London, in 1839, states
the number of converted Indians in the former to
have been, in 1831, ‘: ‘ : 18,683
Of all other classes, at. ‘ . 4,342
23,025
“ He expresses the opinion that this number had
not varied much up to 1885, and the probability is,
there was very little increase in the white population
until the emigrants from the United States began to
enter the country in 1838.
“They increased from year to year, so that, in
1846, Colonel Fremont had little difficulty in calling
to his standard some five hundred fighting men.
“ At the close of the war with Mexico, it was sup-
oosed that there were, including discharged volunteers,
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 133
from ten to fifteen thousand Americans and Califop-
nians, exclusive of converted Indians, in the territory.
The immigration of American citizens in 1849, up to
the 1st of January last, was estimated at eighty thou-
sand—of foreigners, twenty thousand.
“The population of California may, therefore, be
safely set down at 115,000 at the commencement of
the present year.
“It is quite impossible to form any thing like an
accurate estimate of the number of Indians in the ter-
ritory. Since the commencement of the war, and
especially since the discovery of gold in the mountains,
their numbers at the missions, and in the valleys near
the coast, have very much diminished. In fact, the
whole race seems to be rapidly disappearing.
“The remains of a vast number of villages in all
the valleys of the Sicrra Nevada, and among the foot-
hills of that range of mountains, show that at no dis-
tant day there must have been a numerous population,
where there is not now an Indian to be seen. There
are a few still retained in the service of the old Cali-
fornians, but these do not amount to more than a few
thousand in the whole territory. It is said there are
large numbers of them in the mountains and valleys
about the head-waters of the San Joaquin, along the
western base of the Sierra, and in the northern part
of the territory, and that they are hostile. A number
of Americans were killed by them during the last
summer, in attempting to penetrate high up the rivers
in search of gold; they also drove one or two parties
from Trinity River. They have, in several instances,
attacked parties coming from or returning to Oregon,
1n the section of country which the lamented Captain
Warner was examining when he was killed.
134 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
“Jt is quite impossible to form any estimate of the
number of these mountain Indians. Some suppose
there are as many as three hundred thousand in the
territory, but I should not be inclined to believe that
there can be one-third of that number. It is quite
evident that they are hostile, and that they ought to
be chastised for the murders already committed.
“The small bands with whom I met, scattered
through the lower portions of the foot-hills of the
Sierra, and in the valleys between them and the coast,
seemed to be almost the lowest grade of human beings.
They live chiefly on acorns, roots, insects, and the
kernel of the pine burr; occasionally, they catch fish
and game. They use the bow and arrow, but are said
to be too lazy and effeminate to make successful hun-
ters. They do not appear to have the slightest incli-
nation to cultivate the soil, nor do they even attempt
it—as far as I could obtain information—except when
they are induced to enter the service of the white
inhabitants. They have never pretended to hold any
interest in the soil, nor have they been treated by the
Spanish or American immigrants as possessing any.
“The Mexican government never treated with them
for the purchase of land, or the relinquishment of any
claim to it whatever. They are lazy, idle to the last
degree, and, although they are said to be willing to
give their services to any one who will provide them
with blankets, beef, and bread, it is with much difi-
culty they can be made to perform labor enough to
reward their employers for these very limited means
of comfort.
“ Formerly, at the missions, those who were brought
up and instructed by the priests made very good ser-
vants. Many of these now attached to families seem
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 135
to be faithful and intelligent. But those who are at
all in a wild and uncultivated state are most degraded
objects of filth and idleness.
“Tt is possible that government might, by collecting
them together, teach them, in some degree, the arts
and habits of civilization; but, if we may judge of the
future from the past, they will disappear from the face
of the earth as the settlements of the whites extend
over the country. A very considerable military force
will be necessary, however, to protect the emigrants in
the northern and southern portions of the territory.’
So much for the population of California at the
commencoment of the present year, (1850.) By its
close, it is highly probable, the number will reach two
hundred thousand, exclusive of the Indians. Such a
population, composed, for the most part, of those who
are impregnated with the active, progressive spirit of
the American people, will undoubtedly conduct Cali-
fornia to a brilliant position among the stars of the
republic. With regard to the climate of the country,
various conflicting statements have been promulgated,
which arises from the visits of those who make the
statements having been made to different portions of
the country, and stating the climate of a portion as
the climate of the whole. Mr. King’s Report fur-
nishes the most accurate account of the changes of
the temperature, and the state of the atmosphere
throughout the year, together with an explanation of
their causes. He says—
“JT come now to consider the climate. The climate
of California is so remarkable in its periodical changes,
and for the long continuance of the wet and dry sea~
sons, dividing, as they do, the year into about two
two equal parts, which have a most peculiar influence
136 IISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
on the labor applied to agriculture and the products
of the soil, and, in fact, connect themselves so insepa-
rably with all the interests of the country, that I deem
it proper briefly to mention the causes which produce
these changes, and which, it will be seen, as this report
proceeds, must exercise a controlling influence on the
commercial prosperity and resources of the country.
“Tt is a well-established theory, that the currents
of air under which the earth passes in its diurnal
revolutions, follow the line of the sun’s greatest attrac.
tion. These currents of air are drawn towards this
line from great distances on each side of it; and, as
the earth revolves from west to east, they blow from
north-east and south-east, meeting, and, of course,
causing a calm, on the line.
“Thus, when the sun is directly, in common par-
lance, over the equator, in the month of March, these
currents of air blow from some distance north of the
Tropic of Cancer, and south of the Tropic of Capri-
corn, in an oblique direction towards this line of the
sun’s greatest attraction, and forming what are known
as the north-east and south-east trade winds.
“ As the earth, in its path round the sun, gradually
brings the ine of attraction north, in summer, these
currents of air are carried with it; so that about the
middle of May the current from the north-east has
extended as far as the 38th or 89th degree of north
latitude, and by the twentieth of June, the period of
the sun’s greatest northern inclination, to the northern
portions of California and the southern section of
Oregon.
“These north-east winds, in their progress across
the continent, towards the Pacific Ocean, pass over
the snow-capped ridges of the Rocky Mountains and
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 137
the Sierra Nevada, and are, of course, deprived of all
the moisture which can be extracted from them by the
low temperature of those regions of eternal snow, and
consequently no moisture can be precipitated from
them, in the form of dew or rain, in a higher tempera-
ture than that to which they have been subjected.
They, therefore, pass over the hills and plains of
California, where the temperature is very high in
summer, in a very dry state; and, so far from being
charged with moisture, they absorb, like a sponge, all
that the atmosphere and surface of the earth can yield,
until both become, apparently, perfectly dry.
“This process commences, as I have said, when the
line of the sun’s greatest attraction comes north in
summer, bringing with it these vast atmospheric
movements, and, on their approach, produce the dry
season in California ; which, governed by these laws,
continues until some time after the sun repasses the
Equator in September, when, about the middle of
November, the climate being relieved from these north-
cast currents of air, the south-west winds set in froin
the ocean charged with moisture—the rains commence
and continue to fall, not constantly, as some persons
have represented, but with sufficient frequency to
designate the period of their continuance, from about
the middle of November until the middle of May, in
the latitude of San Francisco, as the wet season.
“Tt follows, as a matter of course, that the dry
season commences first, and continues longest in the
southern portions of the territory, and that the climate
of the northern part is influenced in a much less
degree, by the causes which I have mentioned, than
any other section of the country. Consequently, we
find that, as low down as latitude 89°, rains are suffi-
ll
138 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
ciently frequent in summer to render irrigation quite
unnecessary to the perfect maturity of any crop which
is suited to the soil and climate.
‘There is an extensive ocean current of cold water,
which comes from the northern regions of the Pacific,
or, perhaps, from the Arctic, and flows along the
coast of California. It comes charged with, and emits
in its progress, cold air, which appears in the form of
fog when it comes in contact with a higher tempera-
ture on the American coast, as the gulf-stream of the
Atlantic exhales vapor when it meets, in any part of
its progress, a lower temperature. This current has
not been surveyed, and, therefore, its source, tempera-
ture, velocity, width, and course, have not been accu-
rately ascertained.
“Tt is believed, by Lieutenant Maury, on what he
considers sufficient evidence—and no higher authority
zan be cited—that this current comes from the coasts
of China and Japan, flows northwardly to the penin-
sula of Kamtschatka, and, making a circuit to the
eastward, strikes the American coast in about latitude
41° or 42°. It passes thence southwardly, and finally
loses itself in the tropics.
“Below latitude thirty-nine, and west of the foot-
hills of the Sierra Nevada, the forests of California
are limited to some scattering groves of oak in the
valleys and along the borders of the streams, and of
red wood on the ridges and in the gorges of the hills
—sometimes extending into the plains. Some of the
hills are covered with dwarf shrubs, which may be
used as fuel. With these exceptions, the whole
territory presents a surface without trees or shrub-
bery. It is covered, however, with various species
of grass, and, for many miles from the coast, with
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 139
wild oats, which, in the valleys, grow most luxuriantly.
These grasses and oats mature and ripen early in the
dry season, and soon cease to protect the soil from
the scorching rays of the sun. As the summer ad-
vances, the moisture in the atmosphere and the earth,
to a considerable depth, soon becomes exhausted ;
and the radiation of heat, from the extensive naked
plains and hill-sides, is very great.
“The cold, dry currents of air from the north-east,
after passing the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra
Nevada, descend to the Pacific, and absorb the moist-
ure of the atmosphere, to a great distance from the
land. The cold air from the mountains, and that
which accompanies the great ocean current from the
north-west, thus become united; and vast banks of
fog are generated, which, when driven by the wind,
has a penetrating, or cutting, effect on the human
skin, much more uncomfortable than would be felt in
the humid atmosphere of the Atlantic, at a much
lower temperature.
“ As the sun rises from day to day, week after week,
and month after month, in unclouded brightness dur-
ing the dry season, and pours down its unbroken rays
on the dry, unprotected surface of the country, the
heat becomes so much greater inland than it is on the
ocean, that an under-current of cold air, bringing the
fog with it, rushes over the coast range of hills, and
through their numerous passes, towards the interior.
“Every day, as the heat, inland, attains a sufficient
temperature, the cold, dry wind from the ocean com-
mences to blow. This is usually from cleven to one
o'clock; and, as the day advances, the wind increases
and continues to blow till late at night. When the
vacuum is filled, or the equilibrium of the atmosphere
140 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
restored, the wind ceases; a perfect calm prevails
until about the same hour the following day, when
the same process commences and progresses as he-
fore; and these phenomena are of daily occurrence,
with few exceptions, throughout the dry season.
“These cold winds and fogs render the climate at
San Francisco, and all along the coast of California,
except the extreme southern portion of it, probably
more uncomfortable, to those not accustomed to it, in
summer than in winter.
“A few miles inland, where the heat of the sun
modifies and softens the wind from the ocean, the
climate is moderate and delightful. The heat, in the
middle of the day, is not so great as to retard labor
or render exercise in the open air uncomfortable.
The nights are cool and pleasant. This description
of climate prevails in all the valleys along the coast
range, and extends throughout the country, north and
south, as far castward as the valley of the Sacramento
and San Joaquin. In this vast plain, the sea-brecze
loses its influence, and the degree of heat in the
middle of the day, during the summer months, is
much greater than is known on the Atlantic coast in
the same latitudes. It is dry, however, and probably
not more oppressive. On the foot-hills of the Sierra
Nevada, and especially in the deep ravines of the
streams, the thermometer frequently ranges from
110° to 115° in the shade, during three or four hours
of the day, say from eleven until three o'clock. In
the evening, as the sun declines, the radiation of heat
ceases. The cool, dry atmosphere from the mountains
spreads over the whole country, and renders the
nights cool and invigorating.
“T have been kindly furnished, by Surgeon-General
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 141
Lawson, U. 8. Army, with thermometrical observa-
tions, taken at the following places in California,
viz: At San Francisco, by Assistant-Surgeon W. C.
Parker, for six months, embracing the last quarter of
1847 and the first quarter of 1848. The monthly
mean temperature was as follows: October, 57°;
November, 49°; December, 50°; January, 49°;
February, 50°; March, 51°.
“ At Monterey, in latitude 36° 38’ north and longi-
tude 121° west, on the coast, about one degree and a
half south of San Francisco, by Assistant-Surgeon
W. S. King, for seven months, from May to Novem-
ber inclusive. The monthly mean temperature was:
May, 56°; June, 59°; July, 62°; August, 59°; Sep-
tember, 58°; October, 60°; November, 56°.
“At Los Angeles, latitude 84° 7’, longitude west
118° 7’, by Assistant-Surgeon John S. Griffin, for
ten months, from June, 1847, to March, 1848, inclu-
sive. The monthly mean temperature was: June,
73°; July, 74°; August, 75°; September, 75°;
October, 69°; November, 59°; December, 60°;
January, 58°; February, 55°; March, 58°. This
place is about forty miles from the coast.
“At San Diego, latitude 82° 45’, longitude west
117° 11’, by Assistant-Surgeon J. D. Summers, for
the following three months of 1849, viz: July,
monthly mean temperature, 73°; August 75°; Sep-
tember, 70°. :
“ At Suttersville, on the Sacramento River, latitude
38° 82/ north, longitude west 121° 84’, by Assistant-
Surgeon R. Murray, for the following months of 1849:
July, monthly mean temperature, 78°; August, 70°;
September, 65°; October, 65°.
“These observations show a remarkably high terxcpe-
142 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
rature at San Francisco during the six months from
October to March inclusive; a variation of only
eight degrees in the monthly mean, and a mean
temperature for the six months of 51 degrees.
** At Monterey, we find the mean monthly tempcra-
ture of the seven months to have been 58°. If we
take the three summer months, the mean heat was 60°.
The mean of the three winter months was a little over
49°; showing a mean difference, on that part of the
coast, of only 11° between summer and winter.
“‘The mean temperature of San Francisco, for the
three winter months, was precisely the samc as at
Montcrey—a little over 49°.
“ As these cities are only one degree and a half
distant from each other, and both situated near the
ocean, the temperature at both, in summer, may very
reasonably be supposed to be as nearly similar as the
thermometer shows it to be in winter.
“‘ The mean temperature of July, August, and Sep-
tember, at San Diego, only 3° 53/ south of Monterey,
was 72°. The mean temperature of the same months
at Monterey was a little over 59°; showing a mean
difference of 13°.
“This would seem to indicate that the cold ocean
current is thrown off from the southern part of the
coast by Point Conception, and the islands south of
it; and consequently its influence on the climate of
San Diego is much less than at Monterey and San
‘Francisco.
“ At Los Angeles, 40 miles distant from the coast,
the mean temperature of the three months was 74°;
of the three autumn months, 67°; of the three
winter months, 57°.
“At Suttersville, about one hundred and thirty
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 143
miles from the ocean, and four degrees north of Los
Angeles, the mean temperature of August, Septem-
ber, and October, was 67°. The mean temperature
of the same months at Monterey was 59°; showing a
difference of 8° between the sea-coast and the interior,
on nearly the same parallel of latitude. A much
greater difference would undoubtedly appear, if we
had observations for the spring and summer months
of Suttersville and the gold mines.
“‘ These variations in the climate of California ac-
count for the various and conflicting opinions and
statements respecting it.
“A stranger arriving at San Francisco in summer is
annoyed by the cold winds and fogs, and pronounces
the climate intolerable. A few months will modify,
if not banish his dishke, and he will not fail to ap-
preciate the beneficial effects of a cool, bracing atmo-
sphere. Those who approach California overland,
through the passes of the mountains, find the heat of
summer, in the middle of the day, greater than they
have been accustomed to, and, therefore, may com
plain of it.
Those who take up their residence in the valleys
which are situated between the great plain of the
Sacramento and San Joaquin and the coast range of
hills, find the climate, especially in the dry scason, as
healthful and pleasant as it is possible for any climate
to be which possesses sufficient heat to mature the ce-
real grains and edible roots of the temperate zone.
“The division of the year into two distinct seasons
—dry and wet—impresses those who have been ac-
customed to the variable climate of the Atlantic
States unfavorably. The dry appearance of the
country in summer, and the difficulty of moving about
144 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
in winter, scem to impose serious difficulties in the
way of agricultural prosperity, while the many and
decided advantages resulting from the mildness of
winter, and the bright, clear weather of summer, are
not appreciated. These will appear when I come to
speak of the productions of California. We ought
not to be surprised at the dislike which the immigrant
frequently express to the climate. It is so unlke
that from which they come, that they cannot readily
appreciate its advantages, or become reconciled to its
extremes of dry and wet.
“Tf a native of California were to go to New
England in winter, and sce the ground frozen and
covered with snow, the streams with ice, and find
himself in a temperature many degrees colder than
he had ever felt before, he would probably be as much
surprised that people could or would live in so in-
hospitable a region, as any immigrant ever has been
at what he has seen or felt in California.
“So much are our opinions influenced by early im-
pressions, the vicissitudes of the seasons with which
we are familiar, love of country, home, and kindred,
that we ought never to hazard a hasty opinion when
we come in contact with circumstances entircly differ-
ent from those to which we have all our lives been
accustomed.”
These remarks explain the reason of the diversity
of opinion expressed by persons who have visited
California, in a very satisfactory manner. The Italian
climate of Los Angeles has received the praises of
nearly all who have visited that city or its neighbor-
hood. The themometrical observations detailed in
the above account seem to prove that much of the un-
favorable opinions expressed concerning the climate is
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 145
the result of hasty judgment, and a dislike of that
which is different from that to which we have been
used.
The soil of California has also been the subject of
various and conflicting statements. Many of those
who have spent some months in the country, and re-
turned to publish their hastily gathered observations,
either set down the soil as totally unfit for agricultural
purposes, or, having been located in some garden spot
the great portion of their time of residence there, pro-
nounce it unsurpassed for richness and fertility. As
Mr. King visited California with the sole object of
making accurate observations upon the territory and
its resources, the statements of the character of the
soil which are given in his report will carry greater
weicht than any other. He says—
“The valleys which are situated parallel to the
coast range, and those which extend eastwardly in all
directions among the hills, towards the great plain of
the Sacramento, are of unsurpassed fertility.
“They have a deep black alluvial soil, which has
the appearance of having been deposited when they
were covered with water. This idca is strengthened
by the fact that the rising grounds on the borders of
these valleys, and many hills of moderate elevation,
have a soil precisely like that of the adjoining plains.
“ 'This soil is so porous that it remains perfectly un-
broken by gullies, notwithstanding the great quantity
of water which falls in it annually during the wet
season. The land in the northern part of tle terri-
tory, on the Trinity and other rivers, and on the bor-
ders of Clear Lake, as far as it has been examined, is
said to be remarkably fortile.
“The great valley of the Sacramento and Sah
146 HISTORY JF CALIFORNIA.
Joaquin has evidently been, at some remote period,
the bed of a lake; and those rivers, which drain it,
present the appearance of having cut their channels
through the alluvial deposit after it had been formed.
In fact, it is not possible that they could have been
instrumental in forming the plain through which they
pass. Their head-waters come from the extreme ends
of the valley, north and south; and, were it not for
the supply of water received from the streams which
flow into them from the Sierra Nevada, their Leds
would be almost, if not quite, dry in the summer
months. The soil is very rich, and, with a proper
system of drainage and embankment, would, undoubt-
edly, be capable of producing any crop, except sugar-
cane, now cultivated in the Atlantic States of the
Union.
“¢ There are many beautiful valleys and rich hill-
sides among the foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada, which,
when the profits of labor in mining shall be reduced
so as to cause its application to agriculture, will pro-
bably support a large population. There is said to
be a rich belt of well-timbered and watered country
extending the whole length of the gold region between
it and the Sierra Nevada, some twenty miles in width.
There is no information sufficiently accurate respect-
ing the eastern slope of the great snowy range to
enable us to form any opinion of its general character
or soil. Some of its valleys have been visited by
miners, who represent them as equal to any portion
of the country to the westward of it.
“The great valley of the Colorado, situated between
the Sierra Madre and the Sierra Nevada, is but little
known. It isinhabited by numerous tribes of savages,
who manifest the most decided hostility towards the
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 147
whites, and have hitherto prevented any explorations
of their country, and do not permit emigrants to pasa
through it. Therefore, parties from Santa Fé, cn
their way to California, are compelled to make a cir-
cuit of near a thousand miles northward to the Salt
Lake, or about the same distance southward by the
route of the Gila. Although this valley is little known,
there are indications that it is fertile and valuable.
“The name of the river ‘Colorado’ is descriptive
of its waters; they are as deeply colored as those of
the Missouri or Red River, while those of the Gila,
which we know flows through barren lands, are clear.
“It would seem impossible for a large river to col-
lect sediment enough in a sandy, barren soil, to color
its waters so deeply as to give it a name among those
who first discovered and have since visited its shores.
The probability, therefore, is, that this river flows
through an alluvial valley of great fertility, which has
never been explored. This conjecture is strengthened
by the fact that the Indians who inhabit it are hostile,
and oppose, as far as they can, all persons who attempt
to enter or explore it. This has been their uniform
course of conduct respecting all portions of the conti-
nent which have been fertile, abounding in game and
the spontaneous productions of the earth.
“As this valley is situated in the direct route from
Santa Fé to California, its thorough exploration be-
comes a matter of very great importance, especially
as it is highly probable that the elevated regions t9
tke north of it, covered with snow during most of the
year, will force the line of the great national railway
to the Pacific through some portion of it.
“The soil I have described, situated west of the
Sierra Nevada, and embracing the plain of the Sacra-
148 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
mento and San Joaquin, covers an area, as nearly as
I can estimate, of between fifty and sixty thousand
square miles, and would, under a proper system of
cultivation, be capable of supporting a population
equal to that of Ohio or New York at the present
time.”
If this account be accurate, the soil of California
will yield a rich reward to the agriculturist, and be-
come a strong attraction to permanent settlers, who
are willing to trust to the more certain returns for
labor spent in tilling it. It is agriculture, undoubtedly,
which must give stability to the increase of the coun-
try, and, whatever may be the value of the gold mines,
furnish California with her substantial wealth. Few
citics or towns ever had a permanent prosperity which
had not a neighboring country fit for agricultural
purposes.
The quantity and quality of the present productions
of California, other than her mineral wealth, is an
important subject for inquiry. Previous to the dis-
covery of the gold, the exportable products consisted
almost exclusively of hides and tallow; the inhabitants
paying more attention to the raising of horses and
cattle than to the cultivation of the soil. The reason
is found in the general characteristic of the Califor-
nians—indolence. Horses were raised to gratify
their passion for riding; and cattle, because they
afforded a subsistence at a very small cost of labor.
As to what are, and what, by the character of the
soil and climate, might be, the products of California,
and how the wants of the people are to be supplied,
we quote Mr. King’s remarks:
“Beef cattle, delivered on the navigable waters of
the Bay of San Francisco, are now worth from $20 to
RANCHE—UPPER CALIFORNIA
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 149
$30 per head; horses, formerly worth from $5 to
$10, are now valued at $60 to $150. The destruc-
tion of cattle for their hides and tallow has now entirely
ceased, in consequence of the demand for beef. This
demand, will, of course, increase with the population ;
and it would seem that, in a very few years, there
will be none to supply the market.
“Tf we estimate the number of cattle now in Cali-
fornia at 500,000 head, which is believed to be about
the number, and the population at 120,000 for the year
1850—a low estimate—and suppose it to increase one
hundred thousand per annum, there will be in the
Territory or State, in 1854, five hundred and twenty
thousand people.
“Tf we adopt the estimate of those well acquainted
with the demand, of half a beef, on an average, to
each inhabitant, it appears there will be a consump-
tion, in 1850, of 60,000 head; in 1851, of 110,000;
in 1852, of 160,000; in 1853, of 210,000; in 1854,
of 260,000—making an aggregate of 800,000, which
would absorb all the present stock, with its natural
incrcase.
“This is a very important matter, as connected with
the amount of supply which that country will ultimately
require from the Atlantic States of the Union. There
is no other country on earth which has, or will ever
possess, the means of supplying so great a demand.
“Tt is now a well-established fact among the immi-
grants to California, that oxen possess greater powers
of endurance than mules or horses; that they will
perform the distance with loaded wagons in less time,
and come in at the end of the journey in better con-
dition.
“Cows are now driven in considerabie numbers
350 TISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
from Missouri, and the time cannot be far distant
when cattle from the Western States will be driven
annually by tens of thousands to supply this new
market.
“Tf California increases in population as fast as
the most moderate estimate would lead us to believe,
it will not be five years before she will require more
than one hundred thousand head of beef cattle per
annum, from some quarter, to supply the wants of her
people.
“Tt must not be supposed that salt provisions may
supply this vast demand. Those who have attempted
to live on such food, during the dry season, have been
attacked with scurvy and other cutaneous diseases, of
which many have died.
‘“¢ There is no climate in the world where fresh meat
and vegetables are more essential to human health.
In fact, they are indispensable.
“Tt must not be inferred that cattle driven across
the plains and mountains, from the Western States,
will be fit for becf on their arrival in California. Bus
one winter and spring, on the luxuriant pastures of
that country, will put them in a condition which would
render them acceptable in any Atlantic market.
“These grazing grounds are extensive enough to
support five times as many cattle as may be annually
required ; therefore, there will be no scarcity of food
for them.
“T am acquainted with a drover who left California
in December last, with the intention of bringing in
ten thousand sheep from New Mexico. This shows
that the flocks and herds east of the Rocky Mountains
are looked to already as the source from which the
markcts on the Pacific are to be supplied.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 151
‘The climate and soil of California are well suited
to the growth of wheat, barley, rye, and oats. The
temperature along the coast is too cool for the success-
ful culture of maize as a field crop. The fact that
oats, the species which is cultivated in the Atlantic
States, are annually self-sowed and produced on all
the plains and hills along the coast, and as far inland
as the sea-breeze has a marked influence on the climate,
is sufficient proof that all the ecreal grains may be
successfully cultivated without the aid of irrigation.
“Tt is quite true that this auxiliary was extensively
employed at the missions, and undoubtedly increased
the product of all crops to which it was applied, as it
will in any country on earth if skilfully used. This
does not prove, however, that it was essentially neces-
sary to the production of an ample reward to the
husbandman. The experience of all the old inhabit-
ants is sufficient evidence of this. If their imperfect
mode of culture secured satisfactory returns, it is
reasonable to presume that a more perfect system
would produce much greater results. There is abun-
dant evidence to prove that, in the rich alluvial valleys,
wheat and barley have produced from forty to sixty
bushels from one bushel of seed, without irrigation.
“Trish potatoes, turnips, onions, in fact all the edible
roots known and cultivated in the Atlantic States, are
produced in great perfection. In all the valleys east
of the coast range of hills, the climate is sufficiently
warm to mature crops of Indian corn, rice, and pro-
bably tobacco.
“The cultivation of the grape has attracted much
attention at the missions, among the residents of
towns, and the rural population, and been attended
with much success, wherever it has been attempted.
152 WISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
The dry season secures the fruit from those diseases
which are so fatal in the Atlantic States, and it attains
very great perfection.
“The wine made from it is of excellent quality, very
palatable, and can be produced in any quantity. The
grapes are delicious, and produced with very little
labor. When taken from the vines in bunches, and
suspended in a dry room by the stems, they become
partially dry, retain their flavor, and remain several
weeks, perhaps months, without decay.
“ Apples, pears, and peaches are cultivated with
facility, and there is no reason to doubt that all the
fruits of the Atlantic States can be produced in great
plenty and perfection.
“The grasses are very luxuriant and nutritious,
affording excellent pasture. The oats, which spring
up the whole length of the sea-coast, and from forty
to sixty miles inland, render the cultivation of that
crop entirely unnecessary, and yield a very great
quantity of nutritious food for horses, cattle, and
sheep. The dry season matures, and I may say
cures, these grasses and oats, so that they remain in
an excellent state of preservation during the summer
and autumn, and afford an ample supply of forage.
While the whole surface of the country appears
parched, and vegetation destroyed, the numerous flocks
and herds which roam over it continue in excellent
condition.
“ Although the mildness of the winter months, and
the fertility of the soil, secure to California very
decided agricultural advantages, it is admitted that
irrigation would be of very great importance, and
necessarily increase the products of the soil, in quan-
tity and variety, during the greater part of the dry
IISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. - 153
season. It should, therefore, be encouraged by
government, in the survey and disposition of the
public lands, as far as practicable.
“The farmer derives somé very important benefits
from the dry season. His crops in harvest time are
never injured by rain; he can with perfect confidence
permit them to remain in his fields as long after they
have been gathered as his convenience may require ;
he has no fears that they will be injured by wet or
unfavorable weather. Hence it is that many who
have long been accustomed to that climate prefer it to
the changeable weather east of the Rocky Mountains.
“« As already stated, the forests of California, south
of latitude 39°, and west of the foot-hills of the
Sierra Nevada, are limited to detached, scattering
groves of oak in the valleys, and of red wood on the
ridges and on the gorges of the hills.
“Tt can be of no practical use to speculate on the
causes which have denuded so large an extent of coun-
try, further than to ascertain whether the soil is or is
not favorable to the growth of forest trees.
‘When the dry season sets in, the entire surface is
covered with a luxuriant growth of grass and oats,
which, as the summer advances, become perfectly dry.
The remains of all dead trees and shrubs also become
dry. These materials, therefore, are very combustible,
and usually take fire in the latter part of summer and
beginning of autumn, which commonly passes over the
whole country, destroying, in its course, the young
shrubs and trees. In fact, it seems to be the same
process which has destroyed or prevented the growth
of forest trees on the prairies of the Western States,
and not any quality in the soil unfriendly to their
growth. 12 H*
154 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA,
“The absence of timber and the continuance of the
dry season are apt to be regarded by farmers, on first
going intu the country, as irremediable defects, and as
presenting obstacles, almost insurmountable, to the
successful progress of agriculture. A little experience
will modify these opinions.
“Tt is soon ascertained that the soil will produce
abundantly without manure; that flocks and herds
sustain themselves through the winter without being
fed at the farm-yard, and, consequently, no labor is
necessary to provide forage for them; that ditches are
easily dug, which present very good barriers for the
protection of crops, until live fences can be planted,
and have time to grow. Forest trees may be planted
with little labor, and in very few years attain a suffi
cient size for building and fencing purposes. Time
may be usefully employed in sowing various grain and
root crops during the wet or winter season. There 1s
no weather cold enough to destroy root crops, and,
thercforo, it is not necessary to gather them. They
can be used or sold from the field where they grow.
The labor, therefore, required in most of the old
States to fell the forests, clear the land of rubbish,
and prepare it for seed, may here be applied to other
objects.
“ All these things, together with the perfect security
of all crops in harvest time, from injury by wet
weather, are probably sufficient to meet any expense
which may be incurred in irrigation, or caused, for a
time, by a scanty supply of timber.
“Tn the northern part of the territory, above lati-
tude 89°, and on the hills which rise from the great
plain of the Sacramento and San Joaquin to the foot
of the Sicrra Nevada, the forests of timber are beau-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 155
tiful and extensive, and would, if brought into use, be
sufficiently productive to supply the wants of the
southern and western portions of the State.”
It is not to be expected that the labor and attention
necessary for the improvement of the soil will be given
to that object, so long as the continued discovery
of gold and other metals promise an easy road to
wealth. Many who were prosperously engaged in
agricultural employments, in the most fertile regions,
have abandoned it, lured by the golden bait, and
shouldered the pick and shovel to try their luck or
perseverance at gold digging. The gardens and the
vineyards of Los Angeles have been deserted for the
barren hills and ravines where the precious dust
abounds. In this state of things, California must
become an extensive market for the products of the
Atlantic States of the Union.
The extent and value of the public domain, and
the validity of the titles to various tracts of land in
California, will, doubtless, be the cause of much liti-
gation and disturbance, as the country becomes more
thickly settled. The relation in which the claimants of
land granted to them under the Mexican government,
stand towards the government of the United States,
is clearly and fully set forth by Mr. King, in his Cali-
fornia report. He says—
“Tt is not known whether the Jesuits who founded
the mission, or their successors the Franciscans, ever
did, or do now, hold any title from the Spanish crown
to the lands which they occupied. Nor has any in-
vestigation been made to ascertain how far those
titles, if they ever existed, have been invalidated by
the acts of the priests, or the decrees of the Mexican
government.
156 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
“ A superficial view of the matter would be very apt
to lead to the supposition that the Jesuits, so celc-
brated for wisdom and cunning, would not fail to
secure that which, at that time, would probably have
been obtained by merely asking for it—a royal decree,
granting to them all the lands they might require in
that remote country for ecclesiastical purposes. There
have been some intimations to that effect, but nothing
is distinctly known. These missions embrace within
their limits some of the most valuable lands in the
Territory, and it is very important that it should be
ascertained whether they belong to the Government,
or may be justly claimed by individals.
“Most of the land fit for cultivation, south of lati-
tude 89°, and west of the valley of the Sacramento
and San Joaquin, is claimed under what purport to
be grants from the Mexican government.
“On most of these grants, the minerals and metals
are reserved to the government: conditions were
coupled with many of them which have not been com-
plied with. In others, the boundaries described em-
brace two or three times as much land as the grant
conveys.
“The Mexican law required all grants made by the
provincial government, with few exceptions, to be
confirmed by the supreme government. The great
distance which separated them, and the unfrequent or
dificult means of communication, made a compliance
with the law so expensive and tardy that it came to be
almost disregarded.
“There were other causes which led to this neglect.
“Previous to the treaty with Mexico and the immi-
gration of American citizens to that country, land
was not regarded as of much value, except for grazing
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 157
purposes. There was room enough for all. Thare-
fore, the claimants or proprietors did not molest one
another, or inquire into the validity of titles.
“These extensive grants are described by natural
boundaries, such as mountains, bays, and premontories,
which, in many instances, might allow of a variation
of several miles in the establishment of a corner with
chain and compass.
“By the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the United
States purchased all the rights and interests of
Mexico to and in California. This purchase not only
embraced all the lands which had not been granted
by Mexico, but all the reserved minerals and metals,
and also reversionary rights which might accrue to
Mexico from a want of compliance on the part of the
grantees with the conditions of their grants, or a want
of perfection in the grants.
“Tt will be perceived that this is a subject of very
great importance, not only to the people of California,
but to the United States, and calls for prompt and
efficient action on the part of the Government. It is
believed that the appointment of competent commis-
sioners, fully empowered to investigate these titles, in
a spirit of kindness towards the claimants, with
power to confirm such titles as justice may scem to
demand, or with instructions to report their procecd-
ings and awards to Congress, for confirmation or
rejection, will be the best and perhaps the only satis-
factory mode of adjusting this complex and difficult
question.”
He also makes the following observations and re-
commendations concerning the extent and value of
the land, to which the title of the government is un
questionable, and the best mode of improving it.
158 TIISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
‘The lands in the northern part of the Territory,
above the 39°, have not been explored or granted.
They are supposed to embrace an area of about twenty
millions of acres, a large portion of which is doubt-
less valuable for its timber and soil.
“Comparatively few grants have been obtained in
the great valley of the Sacramento and San Joaquin.
“This vast tract, therefore, containing, as is esti-
mated, from twelve to fifteen millions of acres, belongs
mostly to the Government. South of this valley, and
west of the Colorado, within the limits of California,
as indicated in her Constitution, there are said to be
extensive tracts of valuable, unappropriated land ;
and, on investigation, it will probably appcar that
there are many of them in detached bodies, which
have not been granted.
“T do not speak of the gold region, embracing the
entire foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada, some five
hundred miles long and sixty miles broad, in conncc-
tion with the public domain, which may be embraced
in the general land system for sale and settlement,
for reasons which will be hereafter assigned.
“The survey of the public lands on a system suited
to the interests of the country is a matter of very
great importance. In the inhabited portions of the
Territory, the boundaries of Mexican grants, running
as they do in all directions, will render the system of
surveys by parallels of latitude and longitude quite
impracticable.
“Tn all parts of the country, irrigation is desirable,
and its benefits should be secured, as far as possible,
by suitable surveys and legal regulations. Most of
the valleys are watered by streams sufficiently large
to be rendered very useful. It would, therefore, seem
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 159
wise to lay off the land in conformity to the course
of the hills and streams which bound and drain the
valleys.
“A system of drainage, which would also secure
irrigation, is absolutely necessary to give value to the
great plain of the Sacramento and San Joaquin.
This valley is so extensive and level that, if the rivers
passing through it were never to overflow their banks,
the rain which falls in winter would render the greater
portion of it unfit for cultivation. The foundation of
such a system can only be established in the survey
and sale of the land.
“ This can be done by laying out canals and drains,
at suitable distances, and in proper directions, and
by leaving wide margins to the rivers, that they may
have plenty of room to increase their channels
when their waters shall be confined within them by
embankments.
“Tt would be well also to regulate the price of
these lands, so as to meet, in some degree, the ex-
pense of draining them.
“ This system would, when agriculture shall become
a pursuit in California, make this valley one of the
most beautiful and productive portions of the Union.”
With regard to the present state of the commerce
and of the commercial resources of California, it is
observed, that her resources are confined almost
entirely to the metallic wealth of the country, and that
such a state of things would seem unfavorable to an
extensive commercial intercourse. Undoubtedly, this
metallic wealth of itself, could not long maintain an
extensive commerce with the various nations of the
earth. But when the mineral wealth begins to be
developed, as it soon will, there will be no lack of
160 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
return freights for vessels arriving with supplies.
The quicksilver mines already yield an enormous
profit, and will soon be extensively worked. Respect-
ing the present state of the commerce of the country,
xtent of her resources, and facilities of communica-
tion with the Atlantic States of the Union, and other
countries, Mr. King’s Report furnishes the following
account—
“Gold is the product of the country, and is imme-
diately available, in an uncoined state, for all the
purposes of exchange. It is not there, as in other
countries, where the productions of the earth and of
art are sent to markets—foreign or domestic—to be
exchanged for the precious metals, or other articles
of value. There, gold not only supplies the medium
of domestic trade, but of foreign commerce.
“ At first view, this state of things would seem to
be unfavorable to an extensive intercourse with other
parts of the world, because of the want of return
freights of home production for the vast number of
vessels which will arrive with supplies.
“These vessels, however, making no calculations
on return cargoes, will estimate the entire profits of
the voyage on their outward freights, and become, on
their arrival, willing carriers for a comparatively small
consideration. -
“This tendency in the course of trade, it would
seem, must make San Francisco a warehouse for the
supply, to a certain extent, of all the ports of the
Pacific, American, Asiatic, and the Islands.
“ Almost every article now exported by them finds
a ready market in California, and the establishment
of a mint will bring there also the silver bullion,
amounting to more than ten millions per annum, from
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 161
the west coast of Mexico, and, perhaps, ultimately
from Chili and Peru, to be assayed and coined.
“Vessels bound round Cape Horn, with cargoes for
markets on the American coast of the Pacific, can, by
taking advantage of the south-east trade winds, and
‘standing broad-off the Cape,’ make the voyage to
San Francisco in as short a time as they can to
Valparaiso, or any port south of California. Vessels
have sailed from our Atlantic ports to San Francisco
in less than one hundred days, and they have been,
in more than one instance, over one hundred and
twenty days in going from Panama to San Francisco.
“This astonishing difference in time and distance
was caused by the course of the winds, and the gulf-
stream of the Pacific, mentioned in my remarks on the
climate of California.
‘“‘ The vessels from our Atlantic ports took advan-
tage of the winds by steering from the Cape as far
into the Pacific as to be enabled to take a course west
of the gulf-stream in sailing northward, thus availing
themselves first of the south-east, then of the north-
east ‘ trades,’ and avoiding opposing currents.
“The vessels from Panama were kept back by
calms, adverse winds, and currents. It will be per-
ceived, therefore, that there can be no inducement for
vesscls bound reund Cape Horn, with mixed or
assorted cargoes, to stop at Valparaiso, Callao, Guaya-
quil, or any port on the west coast, because the ex-
ports of all those places will seek a market at San
Francisco; and their supply of merchandise, as return
freight, will be delivered at less expense than it can
be by vessels direct from Atlantic ports, American or
European. This tendency of trade to concentrate at
San Francisco will be aided by the course of exchange,
162 NIISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
“ Gold dust is worth but $17 per ounce in Chili. It
is worth $18 at the United States mint. If, there-
fore, a merchant of Valparaiso has ten thousand
ounces in San Francisco, received in payment for
lumber, barley, flour, or other produce, and desires an
invoice of goods from the United States or Europe,
he will gain $10,000 at the outset by sending his
gold to New York, besides saving something on the
freight and insurance, and at least one month’s
interest.
“The countries on the west coast of America have
no exports which find a market in China, or other
parts of Asia. San Francisco will, therefore, become
not only the mart of these exports, but also of the
products and manufactures of India, required in ex-
change for them, which must be paid for, principally,
in gold coin or gold dust. Neither gold coin nor gold
dust will answer as a remittance to China. Gold, in
China, is not currency in any shape, nor is it received
in payment of import duties, or taxes on land, or on
the industry of the people.
“The value of pure gold in China is not far from
$14 the ounce. Hence, the importer of manufactures
and products of India into San Francisco will remit
the gold coin or dust direct to New York, for invest-
ment in sterling bills on London. These bills will be
sent to London, and placed to the credit of the firm
in China from whom the merchandise has been
received, and who, on learning of the remittance
having gone forward to their agents, will draw a six
months’ sight bill for the amount, which will sell in
China at the rate of four shillings and two pence or
three pence per dollar.
“T have a statement before me from one of the
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 1638
most eminent merchants and bankers of New York,
who was for many years engaged extensively in the
India trade, which shows that the profit or gain on
ten thousand ounces of gold, thus remitted, would
be $38,484 44
And that the loss on the same quantity,
sent direct to China, would be . 15,600 00
Total difference in profit and loss in favor
of the remittance to New York, . $50,034 44
“Tt will thus be perceived that nature has so
arranged the winds and currents of the Pacific, and
disposed of her vast treasures in the hills and moun-
tains of California, as to give to the harbor of San
Francisco the control of the commerce of that ocean,
as far as it may be connected with the west coast of
America.
“Important as the commerce of the Pacific un-
doubtedly is, and will be, to California, it cannot now,
nor will it ever compare in magnitude and value to
the domestic trade between her and the older States
of the Union.
“Two years ago, California did not probably con-
tain more than fifteen thousand people. That portion
of it which has since been so wonderfully peopled by
American citizens was, comparatively, without inhabi-
tants, without resources, and not supplied with the
common comforts of shelter afforded by a forest
country.
“Notwithstanding the great distances immigrants
have been compelled to travel to reach the territory,
more than one hundred thousand have overcome all
difficulties and spread themselves over its hills and
plains. They have been supplied from distances as
164 WISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
great as they themselves have passed with not only
the necessaries, but the comforts and many of the
luxurics of life. Houses have been imported from
China, Chili, and the Atlantic States of the Union.
All the materials required in building cities and
towns have been added to the wants of a people
so numerous, destitute, and remote from the sources of
supply.
“These wants will exist as long as immigration con-
tinues to flow into the country, and labor employed in
collecting gold shall be more profitable than its appli-
cation to agriculture, the mechanic arts, and the great
variety of pursuits which are fostered and sustained
in other civilized communities.
“This may be shown by mentioning the prices of a
few articles, Last summer and autumn, lumber was
sold in San Francisco at $300 to $400 per thousand
feet. At Stockton and Sacramento City, at $500 to
$600. At these prices, it could be made in the terri-
tory, and many persons were engaged in the business.
I perceive, by recent accounts, that the price had
fallen at San Francisco to $75. At this price, it
cannot be made where labor is from $10 to $15 per
day; and the difficulties attending its manufacture
are much greater than in the Atlantic States. Lumber
can be delivered in our large lumber markets for an
average of the various qualities of $16, and freighted
to San Francisco for $24, making $40 per thousand
feet. This price would cause the manufacture of it in
California to be abandoned. We may add $20 per
thousand, to meet any increase of price in the article
stself, or in the freight, and the result would be the
sume.
“Tt is probable that the demand, for several years
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 165
to come, will not be less than twenty millions of feet
per annum, which, at $40 per thousand, will be
$500,000.
“When California comes to have a population of
200,000, which she will have before the close of the
present year, she will require nearly half a million
barrels of flour from some quarter, and no country
can supply it so good and cheap as the old States of
the Union. Including freight and insurance, this
may be set down asan item of about $5,000,000. The
article of clothing, allowing $20 to each person, would
be $4,000,000.
“There is no pretension to accuracy in these items,
and they may be estimated too high; but it is quite
as probable they are too low.
“We have no data on which to found a calculation
of what the value of the trade between the States cast
of the Rocky Mountains and California will be during
the current year. I will venture the opinion, how-
ever, that it will not fall short of twenty-five millions
of dollars. It may go far beyond that sum. At
present, I can conceive no cause which will retard or
diminish immigration.
“If the movement shall continue five years, our
commerce with that territory may reach one hundred
millions per annum. This is doubtless a startling
sum; but it must be borne in mind that we have to
build cities and towns, supply machinery for mining,
coal for domestic purposes, and steam navigation, and
all the multifarious articles used in providing the com-
forts and luxuries of life, for half a million of people,
who will have transferred themselves to a country
which is to produce, comparatively, nothing except
ininerals and the precious metals, and whose pursuits
166 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
will cnable them to purchase, at any cost, whatever
may be necessary for their purposes.
“Tt is difficult to imagine or calculate the effect
which will be produced on all the industrial pursuits
of the people of the Old States of the Union, by
this withdrawal from them of half a million of pro-
ducers, who, in their new homes and new pursuits,
will give existence to a commerce almost equal in
value to our foreign trade. Let no one, therefore,
suppose he is not interested in the welfare of Cali-
fornia. As well may he believe his intcrests would
not be influenced by closing our ports and cutting off
intercourse with all the world.
“The distance round Cape Horn is so great that
bread-stuffs and many other articles of food detcrio-
rate, and many others are so perishable in their nature
that they would decay on the passage. This would
be the case particularly with all kinds of vegetables
and undried fruits. Until some more speedy mede
‘of communication shall be established by which pro-
duce can be transferred, the farmers and planters of
the old States will not realize the full value of this
new market on the Pacific.
“Many other important interests will be kept
back, especially the consumption of coal. The
American steamers, now on that ocean, those on their
way there, and others shortly to be sent out, will con-
sume not far from one hundred thousand tons of coal
per annum. The scarcity of wood in California will
bring coal into general use as fucl, as soon as it can
be obtained at reasonable prices. Suppose there may
be, three years hence, forty thousand houses, which
shall consume five tons each per annum. This, with
the steamerz, would be a consumption of three hundred
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 16"
thousand tons. If delivered at $20 per ton, it would
compete successfully with the coal from Vancouver’s
Island and New Holland, and amount to $6,000,000.
“The construction of a railroad across the Isthmus
of Panama would secure the market for those articles
against all competition.
“‘Some idea may be formed of the demand for them
from the prices paid in San Francisco last autumn.
Coal was sold at $60 to $100 per ton; potatoes $16
per bushel; turnips and onions for 25 to 623 cents
each; eggs from $10 to $12 per dozen.
“The distance from Chagres to New York has
recently been run in seven days. The same speed
would carry a steamboat from Panama to San Fran-
cisco in ten days. Allow three days to convey freight
across the Isthmus, on a railway, and both passengers
and freight will be conveyed from New York to San
Francisco in twenty days.
“This celerity of movement would secure for
American produce the entire market of California.
Sailing vessels may be successfully employed between
our Atlantic and gulf ports and the terminus of the
railway on this side of the Isthmus; and propellers
from Panama to San Francisco. These latter vessels
will be found peculiarly suited to that trade; they
can use their steam through the calms of the Bay of
Panama, and against head-winds and currents going
north, and their sails with favorable winds and cur-
rents coming south.
“These modes of conveyance, in connection with
the railroad across the Isthmus, would he sufficiently
expeditious and economical to turn the tide of com-
merce, between the Atlantic and Pacific States of the
Union, into that channel. The tendency, of our
168 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
commerce on the Pacific to promote the employment
of ocean steamers is of much importance as connected
with the defence of our extensive line of coast from
latitude 32° to 49°, the protection of the whale
fishery, and other branches of trade on that ocean.
The establishment of a line of heavy steamers to
China would promote all these objects; increase our
intercourse with that country, and probably be the
means of opening communications with Japan. Moncy
wisely employed in promoting these objects, it is
believed, would add more to the power and prosperity
of the country than its expenditure on any general
system of fortification at the present prices of labor
and materials. There is one point, however, of such
vast importance that no time should be lost in taking
the necessary steps to render it perfectly impregnable
—that is, the entrance to the harbor of San Francisco.
On the strength of the works which may be erected
to defend that passage will depend the safety of Cali-
fornia in time of war with a maritime power. Permit
a hostile fleet to cast anchor in the harbor of San
Francisco, and the country would be virtually con-
quered.
“The coast has not been surveyed, nor has its out-
line been correctly ascertained. There are many
rocks above and below the water-line, and small
islands not mentioned or indicated on any chart, which
render navigation near the land, especially at night,
extremely dangerous.
“An accurate survey of the coast, to commence at
the most important points, the construction of light-
houses, and the placing of buoys in proper positions,
are objects of much importance, and, it is not doubted,
will atiract the early altention of Government.”
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 169
We come now to that which has built up so rapidly
this empire of the Pacific—the metallic and mineral
wealth of California. As to the extent of the region,
and indications of the existence of the gold, together
with the attendant geological formations, the state-
ments of Mr. King’s report will not be, nor have not
been, gainsayed; but as to the origin of the gold,
whether in combination with quartz, or mixed with
the sands of the ravines and streams, various opinions
have been expressed by those who have spent consi-
derable time in working and observing the different
formations. That due weight may be given to both
of the principal theories, we extract the observation
and opinion of a person who favors the idea of the
gold having been scattered over the country, by a
tremendous volcanic eruption.
“The gold found in every placer in California
bears the most indubitable marks of having, at some
time, been in a molten state. In many parts it is
closely intermixed with quartz, into which it has evi-
dently been injected while in a state of fusion; and J
have myself seen many pieces of gold completely
coated with a black cement that resembled the lava
of a voleano. The variety of form, which the placcr
gold of California has assumed, is in itself sufficient
evidence of the fact, that it has been thrown over the
surface while in a-melted state. The earliest compa-
risons of the California gold were to pieces of molten
lead dropped into water. The whole territory of the
gold region bears the plainest and most distinct marks
of being volcanic. The soil is of a red, brick color, in
many places entirely barren, and covered with a flinty
rock, or pebble, entirely parched in the summer, and
during ne rainy season oo a perfect mire. The
170 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
formation of the hills, the succession of gorges, the
entire absence of fertility in many portions, distinctly
exhibit the result of a great up-heaving during past
times. But there is one phenomenon in the mining
region which defies all geological research founded
upon any other premises than volcanic formation.
Throughout the whole territory, so generally that it
has become an indication of the presence of gold, a
white slate rock is found, and is the principal kind of
rock in the mining region. This rock, instead of
lying as slate rock does in other portions of the earth,
in horizontal strata, is perpendicular, or nearly so;
seeming to have been torn up from its very bed and
left in this position. On the banks of the Middle
Fork are several excavations, which can only be ac-
counted for upon the supposition, that they were at
some time volcanic craters. There is one of these on
the mountain side, about five miles below the “ Big
Bar ;” from which, running down to the base of the
mountains, is a wide gorge entirely destitute of* ver-
dure, while the earth around it is covered with shrub-
bery. This, I am fully convinced, was the bed of the
lava stream that was thrown up from the crater; and
in searching for gold at the very foot of it, I found
several pieces entirely covered with the black cement
or lava, of which I have previously spoken. From
all these evidences, I am fully satisfied that at some
early date in the world’s history, by some tremendous
volcanic eruption, or by a succession of them, gold,
which was existing in the form of ore, mixed with
quartz rock, was fused and separated from its sur-
rounding substances, and scattered throngh cvery
plain, hill, and valley, over an immense territory. By
itg own gravity, and the continual washing of the
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HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 171
rains, it sank into the earth until it reached a rock,
or hard, impenetrable clay. It still continued wash
ing and sliding down the hill-side, until it reached the
rivers or ravines, and in the former was washed along
with its current until it settled in some secure place
in their beds, or was deposited upon their banks; and
in the latter rested among the crevices of rocks.”*
The following from Mr. King’s report, presents the
opposite theory, with its evidence in full. The two
accounts are at variance both in regard to fact and
theory. But that of Mr. King, who enjoyed every
facility of obtaining information from observation, and
from the statements of intelligent miners, is considered
most reliable, in respect to matters of fact, and, there-
fore, of more dependence in forming a theory. He
says—
“The principal formation, or substratum, in these
hills, is talcose slate; the superstratum, sometimes
penetrating to a great depth, is quartz. This, how-
ever, does not cover the entire face of the country,
but extends in large bodies in various directions—is
found in masses and small fragments on the surface,
and seen along the ravines and in the mountains,
overhanging the rivers, and in the hill-sides in its
original beds. It crops out in the valleys and on the
tops of the hills, and forms a striking feature of the
entire country over which it extends. From innumer-
able evidences and indications, it has come to be the
universally admitted opinion, among the miners and
intelligent men who have examined this region, that
the gold, whether in detached particles and pieces, or
in veins, was created in combination with the quartz.
* Six Months in the Gold Mines, by E. Gould Buffum.
172 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA,
Gold is not found on the surface of the country
presenting the appearance of having been thrown up
and scattered in all directions by veluinle action. It
is only found in particular localities, and attended by
peculiar circumstances and indications. It is found
in the bars and shoals of the rivers; in ravines, and
in what are called the ‘dry diggings.’
“The rivers, in forming their channels, or breaking.
their way through the hills, have come in contact with
the quartz containing the gold veins, and by constant
attrition cut the gold into fine flakes and dust, and it
is found among the sand and gravel of their beds at
those places where the swiftness of the current re-
duces it, in the dry season, to the narrowest possible
limits, and where a wide margin is, consequently,
left on each side, over which the water rushes, during
the wet season, with great force.
“Ag the velocity of some streams is greater than
that of others, so is the gold found in fine or coarse
particles, apparently corresponding to the degree of
attrition to which it has been exposed. The water
from the hills and upper valleys, in finding its way to
the river, has cut deep ravines, and, wherever it has
come in contact with the quartz, has dissolved or
crumbled it in pieces.
“In the dry season, these channels are mostly with-
out water, and gold is found in the beds and margins
of many of them in large quantities, but in a much
coarser state than in the rivers; owing, undoubtedly,
to the moderate flow and temporary continuance of
the current, which has reduced it to smooth shapes,
not unlike pebbles, but has not had sufficient force to
cut it into flakes or dust.
“The dry diggings are places where quartz contain
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 173
ing gold has cropped out, and been disintegrated,
crumbled to fragments, pebbles, and dust, by the
action of water and the atmosphere. ‘The gold has
been left as it was made, in all imaginable shapes;
in pieces of all sizes, from one grain to several pounds
in weight. The evidences that it was created in
combination with quartz are too numerous and striking
to admit of doubt or cavil. They are found in com-
bination in large quantities.
“A very large proportion of the pieces of gold
found in these situations have more or less quartz ad-
hering tothem. In many specimens, they are so com-
bined they cannot be separated without reducing the
whole mass to powder, and subjecting it to the action
of quicksilver.
“This gold, not having been exposed to the attrition
of a strong current of water, retains, in a great
degree, its original conformation.
“These diggings, in some places, spread over val-
leys of considerable extent, which have the appear-
ance of an alluvion, formed by washings from the ad-
joining hills, of decomposed quartz and slate earth,
and vegetable matter.
“In addition to these facts, it is, beyond doubt,
true that several vein-mines have been discovered in
the quartz, from which numerous specimens have been
taken, showing the minute connection between the
gold and the rock, and indicating a value hitherto
unknown in gold-mining.
“These veins do not present the appearance of
places where gold may have been lodged by some
violent eruption. It is combined with the quartz, in
all imaginable forms and degrees of richness.
“The rivers present very striking, and, it would
174 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
seem, conclusive evidence respecting the quantity of
gold remaining undiscovered in the quartz veins. It
is not probable that the gold in the dry diggings, and
that in the rivers—the former in lumps, the latter in
dust—was created by different processes. That which
is found in the rivers has undoubtedly been cut or
worn from the veins in the rock, with which their
currents have come in contact. All of them appear
to be equally rich. This is shown by the fact that a
laboring man may collect nearly as much in one river
as he can inanother. They intersect and cut through
the gold region, running from east to west at irregu-
lar distances of fifteen to twenty, and perhaps some
of them thirty, miles apart.
“Hence it appears that the gold veins are equally
rich in all parts of that most remarkable section of
country. Were it wanting, there are further proofs
of this in the ravines and dry diggings, which uni-
formly confirm what nature so plainly shows in the
rivers.”
It is an interesting inquiry—what was the amount
of the golden treasure collected during the years 1848
and 49? The satisfaction of this inquiry will enable
us to form some faint conception of the value of the
gold region, and the dependence which may be placed
upon its yield for a commercial return. Premising
that the gold was first discovered in May, 1848, and
that intelligence of it was not received in the United
States till late in the following autumn, Mr. King, in
his report, proceeds in making an estimate of the
quantity accumulated tili the close of 1849:
“No immigration into the mines could, therefore,
have taken place from the old States in that year.
The number of miners was, consequently, limited to
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 175
the population of the territory, some five hundred men
from Oregon—Mexicans, and other foreigners, who
happened to be in the country, or came into it during
the summer and autumn—and the Indians, who were
employed by or sold their gold to the whites.
“It is supposed there were not far from five thou-
sand men employed in collecting gold during that sea-
son. If we suppose they obtained an average of one
thousand dollars each—which is regarded by well
informed persons as a low estimate—the aggregate
amount will be $5,000,000.
“Information of this discovery spread in all direc-
tions during the following winter; and, on the com-
mencement of the dry season in 1849, people came
into the territory from all quarters—from Chili, Peru,
and other States on the Pacific coast of South Ame-
rica; from the west coast of Mexico, the Sandwich
Islands, China, and New Holland.
“The immigration from the United States came in
last, if we except those who crossed the Isthmus of
Panama, and went up the coast in steamers, and a
few who sailed early on the voyage round Cape Horn.
“‘The American immigration did not come in by
sea, in much force, until July and August, and that
overland did not begin to arrive until the last of Au-
gust and first of September. The Chilenos and Mexi-
cans were early in the country. {n the month of July,
it was supposed there were fifteen thousand foreigners
in the mines. At a place called Sonoranian Camp, it
was believed there were at least ten thousand Mexi-
cans. They had quite a city of tents, booths, and
log-cabins ; hotels, restaurants, stores, and shops of
all descriptions, furnished whatever money could pro-
cure. Ice was brought from the Sierra, apd ice-
176 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
creams added to numerous other luxurics. An in-
closure made of the trunks and branches of trees,
and lined with cotton cloth, served as a sort of am-
phitheatre for bull-fights. Other amusements, charac-
teristic of the Mexicans, were to be seen in all direc-
tions.
“The foreigners resorted principally to the southern
mines, which gave them a great superiority in nume-
rical force over the Americans, and enabled them t,
take possession of some of the richest in that part of
the country. In the early part of the season, the
Americans were mostly employed on the forks of the
American, and on Bear, Uba, and Feather Rivers.
As their numbers increased, they spread themselves
over the southern mines, and collisions were threat-
ened between them and the foreigners. The latter,
however, for some cause, either fear, or having satis-
fied their cupidity, or both, began to leave the mines
late in August, and by the end of September many
of them were out of the country.
“Jt is not probable that, during the first part of
the season, there were more than five or six thousand
Americans in the mines. This would swell the whole
number, including foreigners, to about twenty thou-
sand the beginning of September. This period em-
braced about half the season, during which gold may
be successfully collected in the rivers.
“Very particular and extensive inquiries respect-
ing the daily earnings and acquisitions of the miners
lead to the opinion that they averaged an ounce per
day. This is believed by many to be a low estimate;
but, from the best information I was able to procure,
Iam of opinion it approaches very near actual re-
sults. The half of the season, up to the Ist of Sep-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 177
tember, would give sixty-five working days, and to
each laborer, at $16 per ounce, $1,040. If, there-
fore we assume $1,000 as the average collected by
each laborer, we shall probably not go beyond the mark.
“This would give an aggregate of $20,000,000 for
the first half of the season—$15,000,000 of which
was probably collected by foreigners. During the
last half of the season, the number of foreigners was
very much diminished, and, perhaps, did not exceed
five thousand. At this time, the American immigra-
tion had come in by land and sea, and the number of
our fellow-citizens in the mines had, as was estimated,
increased to between forty and fifty thousand. They
were most of them inexperienced in mining, and it is
probable the results of their labors were not so great
as has been estimated for the first part of the season,
and experienced miners. Assuming that the average
of half an ounce per day ought to be considered as
reasonable, it would give an aggregate of about
$20,000,000. If from this we deduct one-fourth on
account of the early commencement of the wet sca
son, we have an estimate of $15,000,000; at least
five of which was collected by foreigners, who pos-
sessed many advantages from their experience in
mining and knowledge of the country.
“These estimates give, as the result of the opera-
tions in the mines for 1848 and 1849, the round sum
of $40,000,000; one-half of which was probably col-
lected and carried out of the country by foreigners.
From the best information I could obtain, I am led
to believe that at least $20,000,000 of the $40,000,000
were taken from the rivers, and that their richness
has not been sensibly diminished, except in a few
locations, which had early attracted large bodies of
178 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
miners. This amount has principally been taken
from the northern rivers, or those which empty into
the Sacramento; the southern rivers, or those which
flow into the San Joaquin, having becn, compara-
tively, but little resorted to until near the close of the
last season. These rivers are, however, believed by
those who have visited them, to be richer in the pre-
cious metal than those in the northern part of the
gold region.”
Adopting the hypothesis that the gold found in
these streams had been cut or worn away from
the veins in the quartz through which they have
forced their way, and considering the fact that they
are all equally productive, we may conjecture what a
vast amount of treasure remains undisturbed in the
veins which run through the masses of rock over a
space of forty or fifty miles wide, and near five hun-
dred miles long. Such an estimate would almost
defy our belief; yet, if the hypothesis is true, there
is no reason to doubt that the value of the gold which
that region will yield, is almost beyond calculation.
The quicksilver mines of California are believed to
be numerous, extensive, and very valuable. The
largest and most profitable one yet opened is situated
near San José, and belongs to, or is claimed by, Mr.
Forbes, of Tepic,in Mexico. The cinnabar ore, which
produces the quicksilver, is easily procured, and
machinery has been put in operation, which enables
the proprietor to make an extensive profit. The value
of the quicksilver mines, by being so near the gold
region, is considerably increased; quicksilver being
almost indispensable in gold mining.
Extensive beds of silver, iron, and copper ores are
believed to exist in the territory, but their existenca
=a
ag
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 179
and value is not accurately ascertained, the allure.
ments held out by the continued success of the gold-
miners and the continued discovery of new and profit-
able placers being too strong to permit any search for
the baser, but more useful metals. Respecting the
propriety of the establishment of a mint in California,
Mr. King makes the following observations—
“T have already alluded to the propriety of estab-
lishing a mint in California. This is important in
many respects. At this time, there is not coin in the
country to supply a currency. Much difficulty is
experienced in procuring enough to pay the duties on
imported goods. ‘The common circulating medium is,
therefore, gold dust, which is sold at $15 50 to $16
per ounce. In the mines, it is frequently sold much
lower. The miners, the laboring men, are the
sufferers from this state of things.
‘¢ Those who purchase and ship gold to the Atlantic
States make large profits: but those who dig lose what
others make.
“T have estimated that there will be $50,000,000
collected during the current year. At $16 per ounce,
that sum will weigh 8,125,000 ounces.
“Gold, at the United States mint, is worth $18
per ounce, making a difference in valuc on that quan-
tity, between San Francisco and New York, of
$6,250,000, which would be saved to the miners by
the establishment of a mint.
“JT have also suggested its importance ag a means
of promoting and increasing our trade with the west
coast of Mexico and South America.
“Tt is not doubted that the construction of a rail.
way across the Isthmus of Panama, and, perhaps, the
establishment of other lines of communication between
180 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
the two oceans, will give to the products and manu-
factures of the older States of the Union command of
the market of California to the exclusion, in a great
degree, of those of the west coast.
“A mint will, therefore, become of the utmost
importance, to give such marketable value to silver
bullion as to enable the merchants of those countries
to keep up and increase the intercourse with our prin-
cipal ports on the Pacific.
“The silver bullion shipped to Europe from the
west coast of Mexico amounts to more than ten
millions of dollars per annum. From the countries
on the west coast of South America, probably an
equal quantity. That from Mexico goes to pay for
European importations into her ports on the Atlantic
side.
“A market at San Francisco for this bullion will
be the means of substituting American and Chinese
fabrics for those of European manufacture in all those
countries. This will greatly increase the trade between
China and California.”
A bill for the establishment of a mint at San
Francisco was introduced into Congress, during the
present session, (1849-50) and passed both houses ;
thus securing ‘to California the advantages mentioned
in the above extract, by Mr. King.
We have thus given a complete description of
California, in respect to population, climate, soil,
productions, commercial resources, and metallic and
mineral wealth, as accurate and comprehensive as the
most authentic sources could furnish, or as could be
ascertained at the present time. Although the terri-
tory already contains a large population and has pro-
duced a great amount of treasure in the short dura
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA, 181
tion of its existence; although it is already a large
State, which has sprung into existence, as it may be
termed, there is every evidence that this is but the
“beginning of the end.” “The greatest is behind.”
To what such commercial facilities, mineral and metal-
lic resources, and an active and progressive population
will conduct California, it is casy to imagine. They
will build up a State, which, although the member of
a confederacy, will be powerful enough to maintain
itself, independent of the aid to be derived from the
Union. Its ports will be the resort of the vessels of
all nations, and its valleys and hill-sides will become
the homes of an agricultural population, reaping the
rich reward of their toil. Canals and railroads, the
children of enterprise, will soon intersect the territory,
transport the riches of one section to another, and
increase the social communication of the inhabitants.
Such a State will add greatly to the power of the
confederated republic, and form an additional stimulus
to the rapid filling up of the vast territory situated
between California and her sister States.
CHAPTER XI.
THE DIFFERENT ROUTES TO CALIFORNIA, AND THEIR
RESPECTIVE CHARACTERS.
THE various routes taken by the emigrants to Cali-
fornia have afforded almost as much matter for discus-
sion as the territory itself. The shortest and most
travelled route is that by way of the Isthmus of
182 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
Panama ; and of this we shall first give a description,
with recommendations to travellers, and the experi-
ence of some who have taken that route to the ‘land
of promise.”
Both steam and sailing vessels are constantly en-
gaged in carrying freight and passengers from the
principal ports of the Atlantic States to Chagres, the
principal port on the eastern coast of the Isthmus.
Tickets which will carry passengers to Chagres, and,
after crossing the Isthmus, from Panama to San Fran-
cisco, can be purchased in New York, from whence to
Chagres, the passage generally occupies ahout eight
days, and has been accomplished in seven. The
harbor of Chagres is a small but good one, for vessels
of less than two hundred tons burden. Itis protected
by hills on all sides and towards the ocean, by a beet-
ling cliff, jutting out into the sea, on the summit of
which is the ancient and somewhat dilapidated castle
of San Lorenzo. At the base of this cliff is the chan-
nel which forms an entrance to the town. Ignorance
of this fact caused the wreck of several of the vessels
which went from the United States to Chagres soon
after the receipt of the news of the gold discovery.
The following is a description of Chagres and its
inhabitants in the early part of 1849. It has since
improved considerably, on account of the travel across
the Isthmus.
“The first thing which struck our wondering gaze
on entering Chagres, was its bee-hive appearance. It
is a strange, fantastic, and oddish-looking town, situ-
ated in a deep, dark hollow or cove. It consists of
some forty or fifty huts, with pointed palm-thatched
roofs, and reed walls. Nor were the innumerable
buzzards which were flying about or resting on the
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 183
houses, together with the energetic gesticulation of the
natives when in conversation, as we drew near, at all
calculated to lessen the picturesque effect of a first
view. The surrounding country was any thing but
devoid of interest and beauty. All had a strange,
equatorial look; while the green hills around, clothed
with rich tropical verdure, and the graceful and
shadowy palm and cocoanut, with other strange fan-
tastic trees, together with the ruins of the large old
Spanish castle, on the heights above the town, gave
to the scencry a very beautiful and picturesque aspect.
“* Most of us were soon ashore and rambling through
the town. We landed at the beach, on some logs,
which, during the rainy season, are necessary to pre-
serve the pedestrian from a quagmire, in the midst of
dense foliage that was here luxuriant to the water’s
edge, surrounded by about thirty canoes and some
forty or fifty huge black fellows, mostly in the garb in
which nature arrayed them. We passed on beneath
a burning sun, which in the shade brought the ther-
mometer to 90° of Fahrenheit. A majority of the
natives are black, but some are of a deep copper or
mulatto color. The thick lips and woolly head of the
African; the high cheek-bones, straight hair, and
dogged look of the Indian; and the more chisled fva-
tures and finely expressive eyes of the Spaniard, are
all here, though often so blended, that it is difficult to
say to which race they chiefly owe their origin. In
truth they are a mongrel race, but generally have the
most magnificent, large, dark, expressive eyes I have
ever seen. These, when in conversation, which is
almost continual, they use to some purpose, while the
incessant rapid clatter of their tongues, and their
violent epslenaiien: and grimaces, are often quite
184 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
ludicrous. The females, some of whom have rather
pretty faces, and particularly fine eyes, were dressed
out in the most tawdry finery, with divers furbclows,
flounces, and ruffles, encircling the shoulders, where
the dress begins, and terminating somewhere about
or below the knee. Some of the younger ones were
entirely model artiste, at least so far as their clothing
was concerned, but the forms of most were rather
indifferent. Many were sitting or lounging about the
doors or in the cabins, eating tamarinds, oranges, and
other fruit, surrounded by hairless dogs, pigs, naked
children, turkey-buzzards, and some other Zittle live
stock, forming altogether quite a congruous and homo-
geneous mixture.
“Tn a country like this, where the temperature is
so nearly alike throughout the year, there is a natural
tendency to indolence and sloth, and it is remarkable
what an influence the climate exerts on the character
of the people. ere nature with a bounteous hand
spontaneously fructifics the carth, and the natives,
with few wants to supply, pluck the fruit and are
satisfied; and with few necessities for enterprise and
industry, such is their love of indolence, that all the
charms of existence appear to consist in dreaming
away life in quiet and repose. Basking beneath a
tropical sun, or listlessly reclining on nature's duwny
couch, days—years—are passed in drowsy languor
and supine sloth.
“ But the influx of men from rougher climes and
bleaker regions will probably exercise a salutary influ-
ence, by showing them the advantages of industry
and patient toil. Already they begin to perceive
this, to some extent, and though such dear lovers of
money, that in closing a bargain they will jabber their
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 185
patois, or bad Spanish, with uncouth gesticulations, for
half a day, the majority of them are unwilling to make
any extra bodily effort to procure it; but when per-
suaded by liberal offers to undertake a task, it is
astonishing with what dogged perseverance they will
often pursue it, what weights they can support, and
what toil they can endure.”’*
It is recommended that passengers from the States
should remain as short a time in Chagres as possible.
The exhalations from its malarious atmosphere are
extremely prejudicial to the health of the new-comer.
From Chagres, the travellers proceed in canoes up
the Chagres river, to Gorgona, a distance of about
fifty miles, or eight miles further, to Cruces. The
canocs are mostly owned by the natives, and the
greatest care is necessary to get them to keep their
agreement. The usual plan by which their services are
secured, is this: A bargain is made with the owner of the
canoe, stipulating for the necessary captain and poles-
men, and then some of the party going up the river in
the canoe, take possession of it, and maintain it, while
one goes before the alcalde, and pays the whole amount
agreed upon, taking a receipt in Spanish. This pre-
caution is rendered necessary; the proprictor of the
canoe returning the money to those who engaged it,
on finding he can obtain a greater price from others.
At the present time, vessels, steam and sailing, are
being constructed at Chagres, for the passage up the
river, the increase of the Isthmus travel rendering it
both necessary and profitable.
The beauty of the country through which the
Chagres river flows has been the theme of frequent
praise. Its banks are filled with all the luxuriant
» Liary of a Physician in California, by James L. Tysou, M. J
1*
186 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
verdure which tropical climes produce. The tame-
rind, the date, the pomegranate, the plantain, the
banana, the cocoanut, the lime, the citron, and the
pine apple, are abundant. Flowers of every hue send
forth their fragrance upon the air, rendering its swect-
ness dclightful to the senses. Orange groves are
numerous, and the fruit is as plentiful as the apple of
the Southern States of the Union. Mountains, hills,
and valleys diversify the prospect, while the car is
filled with the melodious notes of thousands of birds,
native of the tropics, their music contrasting with the
discordant noise of the parrots, mackaws, and chat-
tcring monkeys. Such a scene is worth the travel to
the Isthmus, and the toils sometimes endured in cross-
ing it.
Several small towns and ranches are scattered
along the banks of the river. The first is Gatun, ten
or twelve miles above Chagres. About ten miles
further is Dos Hermano; further on, Piro Rlanco,
and Palenquill4é last, about two-thirds of the way to
Gorgona. These are stopping places for the canoes,
where refreshments and supplies can be procured.
At night, parties that land are compelled to build
fires to keep off the wild beasts and venomous ser-
pents, which abound in the neighborhood of the river,
and to disperse the myriads of insects with which the
air teems. Alligators of a large size, are to be scen
lying on the banks in the day time, basking in the
sun. Above Palenquill4 are some powerful currents,
which it requires considerable toil to move against.
The river is in some places a half a mile wide, and
in others, not more than thirty yards. The boatmen
are exceedingly indolent, and require constant driving
and coaxing to keep them moving; but sometimes,
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 187
when they are prevailed upon to go to work, they will
exhibit an endurance and perseverance almost aston-
ishing. They have been frequently known to work
at the poles, pushing the boat along, for twenty-four
hours, without rest. he difficulty of ascending the
Chagres river, may be appreciated, when it is stated,
that although Gorgona is only fifty miles from the
town of Chagres, it frequently occupies as high as
forty hours for the canoes to reach that place. Stop-
pages are, of course, numerous, both on account of
the tiring of the boatmen and for refreshment.
““Gorgona is located upon a bend of the river,
from which a fine view of the river and valley is ob-
tained. The valley is here about five miles wide, the
mountains rising from it in successive ranges, and
with increasing elevations. It is an admirable loca-
tion for a town, and must become one of considerable
importance—especially should it be on the route of
the proposed railroad across the Isthmus. It has a
far better appearance than Chagres; the streets are
laid out with some pretensions to regularity. It is
the head of canoe navigation, and steamboats of light
draft can approach it. The dwellings or huts are of a
better class than those at Chagres; they have an un-
finished Catholic church that looks rude and ragged,
but nevertheless, it isa church. The carrying trade
is now almost the only business pursued by its inha-
bitants; what they did before the gold of California
began to invite a swarm of adventurers across the
Isthmus, to the town is more than can be divined.
Theirs must have been as near a pastoral or primitive
life, as any that can be seen in our day. The soil is
teeming with the evidences of its richness—inviting
the hand of man to its cultivation, by showing what
188 HISTORY OF CALIFOPNIA.
it is capable of doing without it—but it is undis-
turbed, save in a few stinted spots of less size than
our ordinary kitchen gardens. All else is left to
spontaneous production. They have herds of cattle ;
ticse, with game, flesh, fish, and fowl, easily pro-
cured, must have been their principal sustenance. But
it is with them as with the rest of the world, wants
increase with the facilities for gratifying them. They
are rapidly changing their habits since they have an
opportunity to earn money and luxuries, that they
have been strangers to, are brought within their
means and their reach.
During the dry season, which lasts from December
till June, the road from Gorgona to Panama is genc-
rally preferred; at other times, the canoes proceed
up the river about eight miles, to the town of Cruces,
and take the road leading from that place to Panama.
Hach of these routes shall receive our consideration,
and their respective advantages and disadvantages be
set forth. It is advisable, that travellers should rest
ag short a time as possible at Gorgona, as accommoda-
tions are of very poor character. Mules and a small
species of mustang are easily obtained, but the mule
is far preferable. Some travellers find it a great
relief to walk a part of the distance, and, with that
intention, parties hire mules or horses in the propor
tion of two to every three travellers. The baggage
will have to be placed under the charge of the native
vuleteers, but, from their observed habits of filching
wherever they gct a chance, it is advisable not to
trust them out of sight. There are several placcs
upon the route where refreshments can be procured ;
Est most of the travellers start at daylight from Gor-
gona, and push directly through to Panama, in one
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 189
day. This is the best mode of proceeding, if the
fatigue is found to be endurable; for it is above all
things important that in such a climate too great
fatigue should be avoided. The following account of
a journey to Panama by way of the Gorgona road,
and descriptions of the road is from a recently pub-
lished narrative :
“We arose from cot and hammock, flea-bitten, and
but little refreshed, though ready to start on what we
deemed our perilous journey across the Isthmus.
Hour after hour elapsed, till the most pleasant part
of the day was gone, and the sun shone with torrid
fervor; but still our mules were not ready, our host
keeping them back, as we afterwards learned, to obtain
a higher rate. Annoyed beyond endurance at tha
delay, and the tardy movements of the worthless set
around us, we scoured the town, and at length euc-
ceeded in obtaining four miserable-looking little ani-
mals at eight dollars a-piece. Another was still
wanting, and, by an offer of ten dollars, I at length
succeeded in getting a tolerably good one. Though
so wretched in appearance, we found these animals
capable of great endurance.
“Glad that the vexatious and irritating events of
the morning, which the cupidity and dogged lazineas
of these slothful mongrels had produced, were happily
ended, we hastily swallowed a cup of bad coffee, handed
by a damsel nearly nude, and mounting our Rosinantes,
we started at a brisk canter, beneath a broiling sun,
while our guido, all stripped and on foot, trotted off
in advance.
“For the first mile, the way was very pleasant ove?
a nearly level plain, at the termination of which thers
were stronger indications of rougher riding, for wa
j90 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
soon began to descend a nearly perpendicular preci-
pice, the only pass, down which was a narrow mule-
way, where, step by step, these animals had worn a
passage, over rocks, loose stones, sand and mud. We
at length reached the bottom of the ravine, and, cross-
ing a brook, which in some parts was a wide and deep
chasm, we commenced a toilsome ascent on the oppo-
site side, over a similar pathway, surrounded by
scenery of wild and unknown plants and trees, on the
mountain and glen, through whose dense foliage a
breath could scarcely penetrate. The fervent atmo-
sphere produced an almost stifling sensation, while the
deathlike silence that reigned throughout, disturbed
only by the audible footfall of our animals, as we
slowly wound around the tortuous ascent, made the
journey peculiarly toilsome and solitary.
“For the first few miles I followed closely at the
heels of our guide, and would often pause and turn to
examine the apparently almost impassable route I had
traversed, watch the progress of the rest of the party,
and wonder at the security with which their cautiously-
stepping and sagacious animals would gradually over-
come seemingly insurmountable obstacles. These
mustangs and mules, early trained to travel ‘in the
wild mountain track,’ are capable of great endurance,
and certainly possess much more knowledge than most
of their riders, when exercised upon what they consider
the safest and surest stepping-place, and best mode
of proceeding. J urged mine repeatedly, to make him
choose a path, which to all appearance was preferable
to his own, but to no purpose. He would turn half
round, and in a slow, solemn way, put his nose to the
ground, and looking keenly about the place, would
cautiously put one foot forward, then another, then a
HISTORY )F CALIFORNIA. 191
third and a fourth, when, poised on all drawn under
him, and close together, he would have a better oppor-
tunity for further inspection, which having satisfactorily
accomplished, another equally deliberate and cautious
step would be made as before, down what, to all
appearance, was an impracticable route, and so on,
until the difficulty was overcome. Finding that he
knew so much better than I did, how, where, and
when he ought to travel, I invariably threw the reins
to him, when hazardous passes or other obstacles were
to be surmounted. The result was always fortunate.
One or two of the party, however, were satisfied that
‘horses should not have their own way,’ and whipped
and spurred theirs to such an extent, to compel com-
pliance with their better judgment, that the issue was
as I had anticipated. One was thrown over his horse’s
head into a mud puddle, and the other, with horse and
all, stuck fast in a quagmire, from which it was not
easy to extricate him. Should these lines ever meet
the eye of those worthy gentlemen, I trust they will
pardon the liberty I have taken in recording here their
foats of muleship. It is true that mine stumbled on
some loose stones once or twice, in descending hills,
and my efforts alone with the reins saved both him
and me from a fall; but for unmistakeable judgment
in traversing these perilous mountain-passes, I must
adinit he proved himself the better of the two.
“Thus we trudged on, often over dificult, and some-
times dangerous ways. Occasionally we would have
to go up or down, as the case might be, for nearly
half a mile at one time, through a chasm or sluice,
prebably worn in the mountains by the torrents of
water that descend during the rainy season. These
gully-holes ar often ten and fifteen feet dcep through-
192 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
out their entire extent, and the passes are so narrow,
as barely to admit of one horse or mule passing
through at a time; the rider, to avoid a severe contu-
sion, or probably a broken limb, in turning the sharp
angles, being compelled to place his feet as near the
animal’s head as possible, and in this manner he can
ride in perfect safety, though some little management
is requisite to maintain an equilibrium. Before enter-
ing these defiles, the muleteers shout at the top of
their voices, and stop for a short time, continuing the
shouting as they advance, to apprize others at the
opposite extremity of the pass, that the way is already
occupied. This is necessary and important, for if two
on horseback were to meet in one of these narrow
but crooked paths, the scene between the Quaker and
Dandy would have to be re-enacted, for many news-
papers would have to be read, and many segars
smoked, before either could turn out of the way for
his neighbor.
“Continuing on, we passed two or three hackalaa,
or huts, by the way, and after several brief but pleasant
stoppages at the various brooks and mountain-rills, we
at length came out on a beautiful undulating meadow,
where picturesque villas and shadowy trees decked the
verdant plain, and soon thereafter the towers of
Panama werein view. The sun was just setting as we
entered the suburbs, and a flood of purple glory rested
on the sky, reflected back by the sparkling waters of
the Pacific, which brought the distant mountains into
bolder relief, and cast a deeper shadow through the
twilight groves. Half an hour’s ride over the paved
street, brought us to the city, which we entered at the
‘Gorgona gate,’ passing through a heavy stone arch-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 193
way, supporting a cupola, in which hangs the alarm
bell mounted by a cross.’’*
Such is the character of the Gorgona road to Pana-
ma. With regard to the Crucis road, we may observe
that it is a common practice, for most of those who
take the Gorgona road in going to Panama, on their
return, to take the Crucis road, no doubt hoping that
the difficulties and toil to be encountered are less than
those they know are to be met with upon the other.
The following account of a return journey by way of
the Crucis road, with the full character of the route,
is given in the journal of a returned adventurer.
“T had passed three days in Panama; and, feeling
desirous of continuing my journey, I had no sooner
concluded this arrangement, than I got my mule sad-
died, and my box and carpet-bag packed in the regular
Isthmus fashion. The mule I obtained, like most of
his fellows, was little better than a mere skeleton;
but still it was the best I could procure, and I was
fain to content myself withit. Some of my friends
endeavored to persuade me that it was better to pro-
ceed on foot ; but I knew the muddy and stony nature
of the road, and thought it infinitely more comfortable
to ride a slow animal than subject myself to the suffer-
ings that I must experience from these inconveniences.
“The negro, I had hired, brought to my hotel a
long frame of bamboo, with a sort of basket at the
end, into which he crammed my luggage. This frame
had two straps fastened to the upper part of it,
through one of which he slipped his arm, whilst he
passed the other over his left shoulder, and attached
it under the latter to the frame which was now on
his back. This contrivance not only effectually
* Diary of a Physician in California, by James L. Tyson, M. D.
194 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
secures the load in its place, but protects the shoulders
of the bearer from the continual friction they would
otherwise undergo.
“A large party had preceded me; but I felt no
anxiety to overtake it, as there was little or no danger
of my encountering violence on the route. I was
armed with a good revolving pistol, in the event of
any thing of the sort presenting itself; so that, all
things considered, I was just as well pleased to be
left to my own society.
“T proceeded on my route with my sable attendant,
and found the commencement pleasant enough travel-
ling, the road for some distance being paved with
large and regularly cut stone. This, however, soon
terminated in abundance of sand; the route still con-
tinuing dry, and comparatively casy to what I had
expected to find it. Soon after we had quitted the
paved road, the negro stopped and asked my permis-
sion to take a few things to his family, who lived in a
small hut to our left. Apprehensive that he was
meditating an escape with my luggage, I replied that
I had no objection, provided he would leave his
basket in my care. He accordingly took the frame
off his back, and, separating a small bundle contain.
ing provisions from my baggage, he took his departure.
I took care, however, to keep him in sight and saw
him enter a wretched-looking bamboo-hut at a little
distance from the route. He remained absent a con-
siderable time ; and, having paid him half his wages
in advance, according to the usual custom with these
people, who are exceedingly distrustful, I began to
fear that he was about to desert me, and therefore
called out lustily, until at last I saw him reluctantly
emerge from the hut, and make his way towards me.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 195
These negroes being constantly in the habit of desert-
ing travellers on the route, and stealing their bag-
gage whenever the opportunity presents itself, I was
particularly careful not to lose sight of my attendant.
“A few miles further on, I again found myself on
a stone road, said to have been paved by Cortes to
facilitate the passage of his troops from the Atlantic
to the Pacific coast; and, although I have travelled
rougher and steeper routes in Lower California, I can-
not say that I have ever encountered such a combina-
tion of petty difficultics and annoyances. The road
is, for the greater part, barely wide enough to admit
of one mule passing with its packs, the sides forming
steep embankments, composed chiefly of rich clay,
put, in many places, of large rocks, through which a
passage had evidently been cut with great labor.
But little of the country can be seen on either side,
owing to the height of these embankments ; but now
and then the traveller obtains a glimpse of dense
thickets, and occasionally of undulating hills, the
summits of which are covered with a deep perennial
green. The recent rains having poured in torrents
down the steep sides of the road, every cavity and
crevice was filled with water and mud. Owing to the
nature of the soil, and the constant traflic across the
route from the time it was originally cut through,
innumerable stones and flags had sunk considerably
below the level of their original position; whilst a
few had retained: their places, as if to serve as step-
ping-stones to the traveller over the wet and mud.
It is a task of incessant and wearying exertion, how-
ever, even for those who are mounted on mules, te
avoid floundering into scme of these pitfalls and quag-
mires at every step they make.
196 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
“The mules themselves are, as I have already stated,
80 worn-out, and broken-down, that it requires the
utmost vigilance and care on the part of their riders
to prevent them dropping, and precipitating them into
the mire. In order to guard as much as possible
against this contingency, whenever ladies travel this
route, they are obliged to discard the side-saddle, and
resort to a less feminine style of equitation. I overtook
a party of about twenty persons on the road, amongst
whom was a married lady on her way to the States;
and I watched her rather curiously, to observe how
she got over the difficulties that beset her. Being
fortified with that article of male attire, the figurative
possession of which is said to denote domestic ascen-
dency, she thought it incumbent upon her, I suppose,
to display all the courage and nerve that should
properly be encased in it. Several times, when I
fancied that both she and her mule were on the point
of being capsized, she recovered herself with ad-
mirable presence of mind, and seemed to enjoy the
risk exceedingly.
“As to myself, I floundered on as well as I could
with a mule tottering beneath me from sheer exhaus-
tion, and sinking every minute up to his knees in
mud. It seemed to me that we were making little or
no progress; and I becume thoroughly tired and dis-
heartened. JI do not know any temptation, however
powerful, that would again induce me to encounter
the never-ending series of difficulties and annoyances
that laid in wait for me at every step; and I must
candidly own, that even the force of female example,
of which I had so merry a specimen before me, did
not at all shame me into a less impatient endurance
of them.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 197
“The negroes whom I met on their way to and
from Panama excited my astonishment, from the
amount of physical exertion which they seemed
capable of undergoing. With their legs and feet bare,
and nothing but a cloth around their loins, they car-
ried enormous burdens on their backs, stepping from
stone to stone with wonderful strength and dexterity.
These poor creatures must lead the most wretched
and laborious of all the painful modes of existence tc
which their race is condcraned; and not even long
habit, or their peculiar physical construction, can di-
vest it of its distressing character in the eyes of a
stranger. They all bear, on their hard and wrinkled
‘faces, the stamp of overtaxed strength; but they
seemed content with their lot, and will, doubtless,
regret the formation of a better route, as tending to
depreciate the value of their services. Notwithstand-
ing the toilsome and laborious nature of their occupa-
tions, however, the carriers of Panama are the hardi-
est and most muscular race to be seen here; for the
rest of the population, both white and black, are of
comparatively sickly and diminutive appearance.
“‘ Moving somewhat like a ship in a storm, rising
and sinking alternately at stern and bow, surmounting
first one huge stone, then a deep mud hole, then
another stone, and then a small lake, my mule and my-
self at last reached Crucis in the evening, the whole
distance traversed not being above twenty miles.”*
The town of Crucis is a place very similar to Gor-
gona, but not so large. The houses are built of cane
and plastered with mud. No attention is given to
arrangement, and but asmall portion is so constructed
*Personal Adventures in California, by W. kedmond Ryan.
15 J*
198 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
as to bear any resemblance to a strect. The climate
is unhealthy, and travellers from the United States
make as short a stay there as possible. Doubtless,
with the increase of travel, the character of the town
and its accommodations will improve; but the heat
and humidity of the atmosphere, particularly just
after the rainy season, cause a great deal of injury to
the health of people from the United States, and will
prevent any considerable settlement of Anglo-Saxons
in the town.
Panama, the terminus of the varied and difficult
route across the Isthmus, is situated on the shore of
an extensive and beautiful bay. It contains about
eight thousand inhabitants, most of whom are negroes.
Being one of the old Spanish towns, upon the decline
of the Spanish power, the place fell into decay. The
houses are generally of stone or brick, two and three
stories in height, whitewashed or covered with a coat
of plaster, and are invariably surrounded by a bal-
cony protected from sun and rain by the roofs of the
houses extending over them. The town is regularly
arranged, the strait and narrow streets intersecting
each other at right angles. The substantial character
of the buildings as well as the evidences of neglect
and decay, strike the traveller at the same time. A
wall was built by the Spaniards, around the portion
of the town nearest the bay, but at least one half of
the population reside beyond its limits, and it is in a
dilapidated state. A venerable, decayed, but. still
imposing cathedral; a grand plaza, or open common
—a general characteristic of Spanish built towns;
several churches, partly in ruins; the ruins of the
College of Jesuits, which cover a large extent, and of
two monasteries, of which the walls and bells alone
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 199
remain; and the frowning walls and towers of the
battery, fronting the bay, are the principal features
of the town of Panama. Since the commencement
of the emigration to California, a number of Ameri-
cans have established hotels and eating-houses in the
town, and good accommodations are, therefore, to be
obtained by travellers.
The atmosphere at Panama is particularly injurious
to people from the northern climes, and great care
must be taken by travellers during their stay at that
place. It is best to avoid eating fruit altogether; but,
if indulged in, it should be in very inconsiderable
quantities. Exposure to the mid-day sun is a fre-
quent cause of sickness among the travellers, and
should be avoided, as well as exposure to the rain.
During the rainy season, the vomito is often prevalent
among the inhabitants of Panama, and is generally a
fatal disease; but there is a great deal less travel
across the Isthmus during that season, on account of
the sickliness of the climate and the difficulties of the
route. A sort of bilious fever and dysentery are the
most common forms of disease among travellers from
the north ; but both may be avoided by proper care.
From Panama, steamships of superior size and
accommodation, convey passengers to San Francisco.
Starting from the front of the city, the beautiful bay,
with its semi-circular shores skirted with green foliage
and inclosed with high mountains, and the lofty
islands of Flamingo, Perico, Taboga, and others,
present themselves to the view. At the island of Ta-
boga, all the vessels that come into the bay obtain
their supplies, and the Pacific Mail Steamship Com-
pany have established their depot for coal, &., on
its shores. After obtaining all the necessary supplies,
200 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
the steamship moves out of the bay, rounding Point
Mala. The voyage upon the Pacific, with all its
variety of incident and scenery, then commences.
The principal annoyance of travellers is the almost
intolerable heat of the sun and furnaces of the steam-
ship united. Water-spouts and different species of
whale are frequent sights. North of the Gulf of Te-
huantepec, the steamer nears the land, and the bold
mountain coast of Mexico breaks upon the view, and,
at night, the passengers enjoy a view of the glaring
light produced by the burning volcano of Colima;
though the volcano itself is but imperfectly seen,
being at the distance of ninety miles from the vessel.
Soon after this fades from the view, the islands off the
town of San Blas appear, and an immense white rock,
isolated from the sea, serving asa lighthouse to ships
steering for the port. At San Blas, the steamships
remain some time, to obtain supplies of coal, fresh
fruits, and provisions. These indispensables having
been procured, the vessel proceeds upon her voyage.
Cape Corientes next appears, and, soon afterwards,
the entrance to the Gulf of California is approached ;
and then, Cape San Lucas, the extreme southern
point of California, with its mountains and rocky
shores, is hailed by the traveller as the first portion of
the ‘“‘promised land” that greets his sight. Passing
along the western coast of the peninsula, the island
and bay of Magdalena appear, with shores three or
four thousand feet above the sea. Next, the towering
ridges of Cerros Isles are passed, and the bold, rocky
shores of the peninsula are in continual view. The
change of the temperature of the air is generally
keenly felt by those who do not take care to provide
against it. Within a few days after leaving Panama,
WISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 201
the thermometer falls from $5° to 55°, and such a
change must have an injurious effect, if additional
clothing is not put on to meet it.
The first portion of Upper California, or the
“Golden Land,” which presents itself to the voy-
agers, is the Ceronados, two high, round-topped rocks
off the port of San Diego. Then the beautiful, semi-
circular harbor is entered, and if wanting, supplice
are obtained from the town. From the harbor of San
Diego, the vessel proceeds along the coast of Califor-
nia, and the towering peaks of the coast range of
mountains, engage the attention. The high pro-
montory of St. Vincent is passed, and then the open
bay of Monterey is entered, and passengers are either
tet off the steamer or taken aboard as necessity may
occasion. From Monterey the steamer keeps along
the coast, and mountainous shores alone meet the
view, until tho voyagers come in sight of the Faral-
lones, two large detached rocks at the southern side
of the entrance to the bay of San Francisco. Then
the Golden Gate, as the strait or entrance is called, is
entered by the steamer, and the perpendicular cliffs
and hills upon each shore afford matter for wonder.
The strait is about three miles long, and from one to
two miles broad. As the vessel reaches its terminus,
the great bay of San Francisco opens to the view,
looking like a miniature occan. Bird Island, Wood
Island, Angel Island, with the beautiful little bay of
Sancelito, successively meet the gaze, and very soon
the steamer is anchored, having reached her destina-
tion. Such is the Isthmus route to the “gold re-
gion.” It is the shortest route, or the one which oc-
cupies the least time in traversing, presents great
202 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
variety, and upon the whole, its beauties and plea-
sures outnumber tl.e difficulties and annoyances.
THE OVERLAND ROUTE,
WE now proceed to give the general character and
direction of that which is considered the best land
route to California, and which is the most travelled
by emigrants. The principal advantage possessed by
this route may be stated in a few words. It is the
shortest route to the bay of San Francisco and the
gold region. The Indians upon the route are friendly
and very few acts of hostility have been committed
The trail is plain and good where there are no physicas
obstructions. To these must be added the certainty
of the emigrants reaching their place of destination,
in good season; which will not exist, if new and un-
explored routes are attempted. The greatest cala-
mities and sufferings have been endured by those who
have either taken an entirely different route, or de-
viated from the line which we will describe. Advice
concerning the time of starting, preparations, &c.,
will be interspersed in the description.
The starting point, and the general rendezvous for
emigrants, is the town of Independence, Missouri, sit-
uated about six miles from the Missouri River, on the
south side of it. This town has been, for many years,
the principal outfitting point for the Santa Fe traders,
and contains about two thousand inhabitants. Enmi-
grants should be at the starting place by the 20th of
April, and start upon their journcy as soon thereafter
as the grass will permit. The outfit of companies of
emigrants would be too tedious to mention, and as it
varies considerably, from differences of means and
taste, a description would hardly be accurate. But
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 203
there are certain things which aro indispensable to
those who take this route, and these we will mention.
With respect to wagons and teams, the lightest wagon
that can be constructed of sufficient strength to carry
2,500 pdunds weight, is the vehicle most desirable.
This can be drawn by three or four yokes of oxen, or
six mules; oxen are usually employed for this purpose.
Pack mules can only be employed by parties of men;
but the journey can be made in great deal less time
with mules than with oxen. The provisions taken by
the companies, consist mainly of flour, bacon, coffee,
and sugar; besides these indispensables, there is rice,
crackers, salt, pepper, and other luxuries of light
weight. As to the quantity necessary, that may be
determined by considering the length of the route
and the average number of miles which the emigrants
travel per day. From Independence to the first sct-
tlement in California, which is near the gold region,
it is about two thousand and fifty miles—to San Fran-
cisco, 2,290 miles. Oxen teams travel about fifteen
miles per day upon an average. At that rate, it would
require one hundred and thirty-one days to reach the
first settlement in California. Allowance should be
made for stoppages by accident. Every man should
be provided with a good rifle, a pair of pistols, with a
quantity of ammunition, and a bowie knife and hatchet,
in his belt. A set of carpenter’s tools is also necessary.
Starting from Independence, and travelling a few
miles over a good road, the first prairie opens upon
the view. This is called the Blue Prairic, and pre-
sents a surface undulating and clothed with rich ver-
dure. In crossing this prairie, violent storms often
overtake the emigrants, and to those who have not
been accustomed to it, the scene during the storm is
£04 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
terrifically grand. Fourteen miles travel upon the
prairie brings the emigrants to the “ Blue Creek,”
which is fordable, except after a heavy rain. Ford-
ing the creek and crossing the timbered bottom of the
stream, another magnificent prairie is entered, which
is beyond the Missouri line, and within the Indian ter-
ritory. Sixteen miles travel over this beautiful plain
brings the emigrant to Indian Creek, the banks of
which usually serve for a place of encampment. The
prairie offers the best pasturage for cattle; but con-
stant watching is necessary to keep them from stray-
ing away and returning to the settlements. From
Indian Creek, the emigrants proceed across the prairie,
along the Santa Fe trail, for about fifteen miles, and
then leave it, turning off to the right hand. Cross-
ing several deep ravines, which are very difficult of
passage in rainy weather, the emigrants arrive on the
banks of the Werkarusa Creek. This is another
favorite place of encampment, groves of trees being
on each side of it. From this creek, the route is over
the high-rolling prairie, upon a smooth and hard trail.
The want of water is the only annoyance that is ex-
perienced by the travellers, and a long day’s journey
is necessary to bring them to the nearest creek—a
branch of the Kansas River. The banks of the creek
are steep, and considerable toil is requisite to cross it.
The crossing of the Kansas River is the next diffi-
culty to be met. There is a regular ferry about five
miles from where the emigrants cross the tributary
creek. At that place the river is never more than
two hundred yards wide, even after heavy rains. The
wagons are placed in boats, owned by the Indians,
and transported to the opposite shore for the sum of
one dollar per load. The oxen and horses are com
TIIISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 205
pelled to swim across. Following the trail for about
three miles, a place of encampment, on the banks of
Soldier Creek, is reached. The soil in the neighbor-
hood of the Kansas is luxuriantly productive, and the
most refreshing verdure meets the eye along the
trails from that river to Soldier Creek. The route
is then pursued over a flat plain—boggy in some
places—for several miles, till another creek is reached,
the banks of which are steep, and this, as in other
cases, make its crossing a matter of great toil. The
trail then runs over a high, undulating country, pre-
senting cvery varicty of scenery, as far as Black
Paint Creck, near which are two Kansas Indian vil-
lages. The Kansas are a friendly tribe, and if they
were not, they are not powerful enough to attack large
parties of emigrants. They are somewhat disposed
to pilfer whatever they can conveniently, and require
close watching.
After crossing the creck, the trail is followed
through a fertile valley, across Hurricane Creek, which
is somewhat difficult of passage, and then over an
open and rolling prairie, broken by small branches
and ravines. Many places, convenient for encamping,
are to be found on the route, some of which have
springs of pure cold water. Farther on, the ground
becomes more broken, and Vermilion Creek, a large
and rapid stream, is reached. Its banks are steep,
and its fording very toilsome and difficult. Between
this creek and the Big Blue, there is neither wood
nor watcr to be obtained, and therefore, it is cus-
tomary for the emigrants to fill their casks at this
place. The ground between the two streams, a dis-
tance of ten miles, is more broken than any upon
the former part of the route, and on arriving at the
206 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
Big Blue, a steep descent is made to the low, bottom
lands near the river. The usual width of the Big
Blue is about a hundred yards, at which time alone
it is fordable. It becomes much swollen by heavy
rains, and very rapid in its current.
Arising from the bottom of the Big Blue River, the
emigrants are again upon the high and undulating
Erairie. Every variety of scenery is presented to the
view, and springs of water, issuing from the cliffy
banks of the small branches and ravines, and shaded
by groves of trees offer many places for rest and re-
freshment. Fourteen miles from the Big Blue, one
of its tributaries, exceedingly difficult to cross with
large wagons and teams, is met with. After passing
it, the trail runs over a smooth inclined plane for the
distance of twelve miles, to another encamping place
for emigrants, upon the banks of a small creek.
From that creek there is a gradual ascent for the dis-
tance of about fourteen miles, and then a beautiful
valley, through which flows a small stream, meets the
eye of the wearied emigrants, and offers groves of
oak to serve for places of rest. Then there is another
gradual ascent, through a country which is more
sandy and less fertile than any met with upon the
former part of the route, for more than twenty miles.
The Little Blue is then reached, and the train con-
tinues along up the banks of the stream for the dis-
tance of about fifty miles; the road being dry and
firm, except in a few ravines. The trail then diverges
from the stream to the right, ascending over the
bluffs, into the high table land of the prairie, and
continues to ascend gradually until the bluffs overlook-
ing the valley of the Platte River, are reached. The
scil along this part of the trail is sandy, and the grasa
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 207
rather scarce; but water can be obtained at soveral
places.
The Platte River is about one hundred and fifty
yards in breadth where the trail reaches it. ‘Tha
current is sluggish and turbid, and the water is very
shallow. The trail continues along the banks of the
river, the course of which is nearly from west to east,
and the road is all that could be wished for travelling.
The bluffs which skirt the valley present considerable
variety, and as the route is continued, they become
more elevated and broken. The soil of the valley
becomes less fertile and the vegetation is thin and
short. After traversing the valley of the Platte for
the distance of one hundred and thirty miles, the
trail crosses the river and continues along the north-
ern bank of the south fork for about twelve miles,
when it diverges from the stream to pass over the
prairie to the north fork. The distance from the
south to the north fork of the Platte, by the emigrant
trail, is about twenty-two miles, without water. The
country between the two streams is high and rolling.
The soil is poor, the grass short, and no trees or
shrubs are visible. The trail descends into the valley
of the north fork of the Platte, through a pass known
as Ash Hollow. There is but one steep or difficult
place for wagons in the pass, and in the valley will be
found a spring of pure cool water. At this place,
there is a sort of post office, where letters are left by
emigrants, with requests that they shall be taken to
the States by those who pass this way.
For several miles from Ash Hollow the trail passes
over a sandy soil, which is very soft, but which after-
wards becomes firmer. The scenery then presents
the aspect of barrenness and desolation. Sand and
208 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
rocks are all that meet the view for many miles. The
landscape then assumes a greener and more refresh-
ing appearance, and groves of trees relieve the emi-
grants from pursuing their way any farther during
the day. Farther on, the well-known landmark, called
the ‘“‘ Chimney Rock,’’ which can be seen at a great
distance, is met by the emigrants. It is composed of
soft rock, and is several hundred feet high. The
scenery in the neighbourhood of the rock is very
remarkable and picturesque. There are a number of
rocky elevations which present the appearance of
vast temples and pyramids, with domes and spires
partially in ruins. Over a sandy soil, the trail is
pursued for about twenty miles, the surrounding
scenery being of the most sublime and singular char-
acter. Near a remarkable rocky conformation, called
“ Scott’s Bluff,” the trail leaves the river, and runs
over a smooth valley in the rear of the bluff It
there ascends to the top of the dividing ridge, from
which the Rocky Mountains can be seen. Descending
from the ridge, it passes over a barren country, broken
by deep chasms and ravines, for about twelve miles,
when Horse Creck is reached. From that creck, the
trail is followed to the Platte River, where a place for
encampment is found, though the grass is very in-
different. Continuing for several miles through a
barren country, the trail is followed to “Fort Ber-
nard,” a small building, rudely constructed of logs,
used as a trading-post. Eight miles farther on, is
Fort Laramie, or Fort John, as it is sometimes called.
This fort has been the principal trading-post of the
American Fur Company. It is situated in the Lara-
mie River, near its junction with the Platte, and is six
hundred and seventy-two miles from Independence.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 209
The building is quadrangular, and is constructed of
adobé, or sun-dried bricks. Its walls are surmounted
by watch-towers and its gate is defended by twe
brass swivels.
From Fort Laramie, the trail continues on through
a broken country, to the Platte River, a distance of
twenty miles. Crossing a small creek which empties
into the Platte, it proceeds through the dry bed of
one of its branches, over a deep sand for six or cight
miles, and reaches the summit of a high ridge. From
thence it descends into a narrow valley, through
which flows a small stream of pure water. Another
ridge of hills is then ascended, and a wild, desolate,
but picturesque scene is presented to the view. Nu-
merous lofty mountain peaks, barren rocks, and a vast
prospect of low conical hills are the principal features.
Through a country, the principal features of which
are of this description, the trail is followed, and the
monotony of the journey is only relieved by an occa-
sional stoppage at a refreshing spring of water. The
trail gradually ascends towards the summit of the
Rocky Mountains, and the country becomes more
broken and sterile, till it reaches Beaver Creek, a
tributary of the Platte. There the grass and water
are good, and the wood is abundant. The country
exhibits every indication of fertility upon the trail lead-
ing from Beaver Creek, and pure and limpid streams
are frequent, until the Platte River is again struck
and followed upon its southern bank, for the distanco
of about eighteen miles. The river is then forded,
and the trail ascends the high bluffs overlooking the
valley, and proceeds over several miles of table-land
till the valley of the Platte is again reached. At
this point, the trail finallv leaves the Platte, and,
210 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
ascending the bluffs on the right, passes over an arid
plein diversified with immense piles of rocks, deep
ravines and chasms, and presenting a wide-spread
sterility and desolation, for the distance of forty
miles. Water is to be obtained in very small quanti-
ties and at few places on this part of the trail, and,
therefore a scarcity should be provided for before
leaving the Platte. At the end of that distance, tha
trail descends into a small valley, where spring water
can be obtained and some refreshing shade. Ascend-
ing from this valley, the trail gradually ascends to
the summit of a dividing ridge, from which a view of the
Sweetwater River Mountains can be obtained. De-
scending from the ridge, a small stream, the grassy
banks of which serve for an encampment, is soon
reached. Farther on is a well-known landmark among
the mountains, called Independence Rock. It is an
isolated elevation, composed of masses of rock, about
one hundred feet in height, and a mile in circum-
ference, standing near the northern bend of the Sweet-
water River, and between the ranges of mountaing
which border the valley of that stream.
The trail proceeds up the Sweetwater River, and
passes a remarkable fissure in the Rocky Mountain
wall, which is called the Devil’s Gate. The fissure is
about thirty feet in breadth, and the perpendicular
walls on each side of the channel of the stream which
flows through it, are nearly three hundred feet high.
The trail leaves the river about twelve miles from
where it first strikes it, and then returns to it after
traversing about sixteen miles. It again diverges from
the river and crosses a broken and arid plain, which
presents but few signs of vegetation. Passing through
a gap between two ranges of granite mountains, the
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 211
first view of the Wind River Mountains is obtained.
The trail then proceeds through a narrow valley
several miles in length, the surface of which is white
with an alkaline efflorescence, and then returns to the
Sweetwater River. Continuing up the valley of the
Sweetwater, occasionally leaving the bank of the
stream and passing over the rolling and barren table-
lands, it crosses two small creeks which present good
places for encampment. Several miles farther on, the
trail crosses the Sweetwater River, and then leaves it
finally, making a gradual ascent to the South Pass of
the Rocky Mountains, or the dividing ridge which
separate the waters of the Atlantic und Pacific.
After the summit of the ridge is reached, the trail
passes two or three miles over a level surface, and
then descends to the spring, well known to emigrants
as the “ Pacific Spring.” The water from this spring
is emptied into the Colorado River of the West, which
river empties into the Gulf of California. This Pacific
Spring is two miles west of the South Pass, and nine
hundred and eighty-three miles from Independence,
Missouri.
From the Pacific Spring, the trail passes over an
arid, undulating plain, in a west-by-north course, for
about twenty-eight miles, when the “ Little Sandy”
River, a branch of the Green or Colorado River, pre-
sents itself, and furnishes the first water after leaving
Pacific Spring. From the Little Sandy River, the
trail passes over a plain of white sand or clay, and
within twelve miles reaches the Big Sandy River, and
passes along it for about eighteen miles, and then
strikes off and crosses the Green River, or Colorado
of the West. This river is shallow and only about
seventy yards broad. ‘The trail then continues down
212 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
the Green River a short distance, and then, making a
right angle, ascends the bluffs bordering the valley of
the stream, in nearly a west course. The country
then becomes still more broken and barren, and the
trail ascends gradually to the summit of a ridge, from
which it descends to the banks of the Black Fork, a
tributary of the Green River. This Black Fork is
crossed several times upon the route, but is not more
than sixty yards wide and is very shallow. The trail
leaves it to cut off the bends and then returns to it.
The scenery along this part of the route is interesting,
but the soil is frightfully sterile. Diverging from the
stream the trail passes over a barren plain with no
vegetation upon it except the wild sage, so common
even in the most sterile country, and then passes
througk a bottom of grass, offering a good place for
an encampment.
Near this place is Fort Bridger, a small trading-
post established by a Mr. Bridger. The buildings
are two or three rudely constructed log cabins, and
they are situated in a handsome fertile bottom, on the
banks of a small stream. This fort is about eleven hun-
dred miles from Independence, Missouri. From Fort
Bridger, many parties anxious to explore the country,
take the route by way of the south end of the great
Salt Lake. But the scarcity of water and the other
difficulties encountered in crossing the sterile plains
and the great Salt Desert should be sufficient to deter
emigrants with families from taking that direction.
Oxen cculd not travel fast enough from one watering-
place to another, and must necessarily perish from
thirst. Besides, the route is but poorly defined, and
may be wandered from very easily.
The trail of the old route, and the one taken by
NI SHHLOIN ONIHSYM JO Fa0K
VINUOAITVO
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 213
most of the emigrants, leaves Fort Bridger, and pur-
gues a north-westerly course, through the Bear River
valley, which it leaves at a remarkable landmark
called Sheep Rock, and crossing a dividing ridge
reaches Fort Hall, by the valley of the Portneaf
River. This fort was established by the Hudson
Bay Company, and it is the seat of a considerable
trade in furs with the Indians and trappers. From
Fort Hall the trail continues on till it reaches the
valley of Mary’s River. There a tolerably fertile soil
and refreshing vegetation greets the eye of the travel-
worn emigrant. The trail crosses the river five or six
times in as many miles, in order to take advantage of
the narrow bottoms made by the windings of the
stream. The bottom is skirted by very high ranges
of mountains to where the trail leaves it, and turning
to the right ascends over low, gravelly hills. Descend-
ing from the summit of a ridge of hills, it passes
through a valley where good grass and water can be
obtained—the valley containing several springs of
pure cold water. Emerging from this valley through
a narrow gap, the trail passes into another still more
extensive, and pursues a south-westerly direction for
about twenty miles, keeping near the margin of Mary’s
River. A succession of low hills are crossed, and
another valley is reached. During the journey through
these valleys, the emigrants are exposed to the fiery
rays of the sun, and the hot winds from the desert
are very oppressive. The trail then follows the course
of the river in a direction nearly north-west, through
valleys, or plains of great extent, and mountainous
defiles, occasionally following a bend of the river
towards the south-west. The greater portion of these
valleys is barren, but there are frequent fertile spots
16 K
214 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
near the boiling springs. The only Indians met on
this part of the route are the diggers, and they do
not possess the power to do much harm, if they even
were hostile; but they are friendly. The want of
water is the principal annoyance.
Passing over the desolate valleys and hills that
border Mary’s River, the trail descends into a large
circular basin, in which a place for encamping is
found, but with little water. From this basin, it
crosses some considerable elevations and then a totally
barren plain ten miles wide. Beyond this, water and
grass of tolerable quality are soon found; and there,
if possible, a supply should be obtained sufficient to
last for a long day’s journey. Rounding the base of
a mountain, the trail takes a south-west course, across
a totally barren plain. No sign of the river, or the
existence of any water is exhibited. Near the southern
edge of the plain, which is twenty miles in extent,
some pools of standing water are found, and the place
is known as the “Sink of Mary’s River.” From
these pools to the Truckee, or Salmon Trout River,
the distance is forty-five miles. The trail is followed
over the hills of ashy earth, in which the mules often
sink to their bellies, and over a ground destitute of
any vegetation, except occasional clumps of wild sage.
A ridge of mountains is then ascended by an easy
inclined plain, and a view of the distant range of
Sierra Nevada is obtained on reaching the summit.
The intervening valley presents as barren a prospect
as the country immediately preceding it. Descending
into it, numerous boiling springs are found, which
often serve to delude the thirsty emigrants. But by
damming up the streams which flow from them, the
water may be cooled, and, although impregnated with
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 215
salt, sulphur, and magnesia, it may quench the thirst.
The phenomenon of mirage is frequently presented to
the view of the emigrants, and it very often assumes
the appearance of things unknown to that desert
region, such as lakes, cascades, and foaming and
tumbling waters. About twelve miles from the
springs, a ridge of sandy hills, running across the
valley, is ascended, and then an elevated plain of
about ten miles in extent is crossed by the trail. Over
this plain the travelling is very laborious—the sand
being very deep. But at length the Truckee River is
reached, and water, grass and trees, larger than any
upon the former part of the route for five hundred
miles preceding, greet the wearied and thirsty
emigrant.
The Truckee River is about fifty feet in breadth
with a shallow but rapid current of clear water. The
bottom land is exceedingly fertile, and game is some-
times to be obtained in its neighborhood. The trail
crosses the Truckee very frequently, in its winding
course, but the country being agreeable, this is not
considered toilsome by the emigrant, after traversing
the barren plains in the vicinity of Mary’s River. The
course of the Truckee is nearly from the south-west to
the north-east, and in some places it passes between
very high mountains, affording scarcely room for tra-
vellers to pass. Sometimes the trail is followed
through fertile valleys and then over barren hills and
rocky passes till the summit of a gap in the moun-
tains is reached, and a pleasant valley opens to the
view, offering a fine place for encampment. The trail
then turns to the left, and proceeds in a southerly
direction, crossing the Truckee severa) times, until
the Truckee Lake breaks upon the view. This small
216 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
sheet of water is surrounded by lofty mountains, ex
cept upon the side where its outlet flows from it. The
trail strikes the shore of the lake at its eastern end,
and continues around its north-eastern side over a
very diffeult, boggy road. Having reached the upper
end of the lakes, the trail leaves the shore on the
right hand, ascends over some rocky hills, and, cross-
ing some deep ravines and swampy ground, arrives at
the base of the crest of the Sierra Nevada. Then
comes the ascent of the steep pass—a work of diffi-
culty and danger. The mules are compelled to leap
from crag to crag, and, when heavily laden, are often
precipitated backward in climbing the almost perpen-
dicular rocks.
Having attained the summit of the pass, the view
is inexpressibly grand and comprehensive. r, taking care that no bubbles
of air are left in, and weigh the quantity of water it
contains: afterwards empty the bottle and dry it
inside.
Next fill the bottle about two-thirds full of the
powder to be examined, weigh this and record the
weight. Then fill the bottle once more with water,
taking care, as before, that all bubbles are expelled
and none of the powder washed out. Once more
weigh it.
We have then to make the following calculation:
Weight of powder and water in grains
Deduct weight of powder alone
I tl
Difference (weight of water left in bottle)
Weight of bottle full of water in grains
Weight of water left in bottle
qt
Difference (weight of water displaced ) _
by, and equal in bulk to, powder) \ —
weight of powder in air
+f eo
The Sppetes eranty weight of water displaced.
It may be useful to know the specific gravity of
various erbarantey at all resembling gold in weight or
238 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
appearance, and we therefore append the following
short table. The specific gravity of water is assumed
to be unity :—
Osmium. . . . 214
Platinum . . . 194—22 not hammered.
Tridium. . . . 1875
Gold. . . . « 153-19} ditto
Mereury. . . . 183}
Palladium . . . Ilyy
Lead. . . . . 11}
Rhodium . . . 103
Silver. . . . . 10
Copper . . . . 73-8
Brass ... . 8}
Lead ore (galena) 7}
Copper pyrites 5
Tron pyrites . . 4
Diamond ie ae SOR
Sand . .. . 23—3
By the help of this table the value of auriferous
sand may also be in some degree estimated, since, ag
will be seen, the specific gravity of most of the sands
is under 3, while that of the most impure gold is 12;
so that if the specific gravity of the sands them-
selves, when experimented on, is much greater than
that of ordinary sand, it is likely that the excess will
be for the most part gold, in a district otherwise known
to be auriferous: the greater the specific gravity, too,
the greater probability there is, of this being the cause.
It may also be worth while to mention here, that the
specific gravity of those pepitas or lumps of gold which
present a fine yellow color varies generally from 14,4
to 18,8;; but when much paler they may range as low
* A very rough estimate of the value of specimens of native gold
may be obtained by multiplying the specific gravity by 4; the result
gives the value in shillings nearly.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 239
a3 123, which is that of a mineral called electrum,
which will be described presently, and which is a mix-
ture of silver and gold.
When a piece of gold is broken (which is not done
without difficulty—greater in proportion to its purity,)
the fractured edges are very uneven and torn, exhibit-
ing a peculiar fibrous appearance, known to mineralo-
gists as “fine hackly.”’ This fracture indicates that
the mineral is tern asunder and not really broken,
and is a proof of considerable toughness.
The form in which gold is found is various. It is
sometimes crystalline, in eight or twelve-sided regular
figures, passing into cubes, but the crystals are gene-
rally small and rare. In case of such crystals being
found, it is well worth knowing that they possess a
value as mineral specimens far beyond that of the
gold which they contain.
More frequently the metal is found in lumps or
grains, called by the Spaniards pepitas, varying in
size from that of a pin’s head to masses weighing, as
has been already mentioned, nearly one hundred
pounds troy. The term pepita is only applied to
grains of some magnitude, and the most common
limits of size are from that of a small pin’s head to
that of a nut or gooseberry.
When much smaller and still rounded, they are
called gold dust, and when flattened, scales or span-
gies. In nature, and when seen in veins of quartz,
gold often occurs foliated, or in leafy expansions of
extreme thinness, or in branchy (dendritic) forms,
probably made up of minute crystals. It is in the
form of very minute grains that the metal is generally
disseminated through rocks and auriferous ores of
various metals, and these are reduced according to
240 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
circumstances in methods that will be alluded to ma
future chapter. In pepitas and small grains it is car-
ried down by streams and deposited in their beds, the
pepitas being usually most abundant where there is
reason to suppose considerable disintegration of the
surface, and where the action of denuding causes to a
great extent is evident. The coast of Africa and the
rivers of Europe are examples of the former case,
while the Siberian deposits and those of California
would appear to belong to the latter.
The following are examples of the constituent parts
of various specimens of gold obtained from different
gold districts, and will form a useful guide for com-
parison.
Table showing the Composition of Native Gold.*
f Locality. | Gold. | Silver] Copper. | Tron.
0-16 0°35 | 0-05
523 0-39 | 0.04
Auriferous sand of Schabrowski, near ey 98-76
rinenburg, Siberia (Gi. Rose). +++++rsererr ah
Boruschka, 1 near Nijny. k, Siberia (Rose)--+| 94-41
Brnzil (Darcet):---- + es eee re cee ee eee eee ees 94-00
Kervsovsk, Siberia (Rose): - e
Sand near Mias kK, Siberia (Rose)---
Bogota (Boussings
Washings near Miask, Siberia (Rose)-
Gold of ‘Senegal (Dar cet)
Auriferous sand, Nijny-Tagilsk, Siboris (Rese) - a 85 | 16.15
Trinidad gold, (Bonssingauit) renee tree eeeree ees 2-40 | 17-60
Transylvanian gold (Ditto) settee eeeee +| 6452 | 35-48
Mine of Sinarowski in the Altai (Rose) coD8 38-33 0.33
a
oe
nn
SoH 0-08
"| 9247 7-27 6.06 | 603 |
8697 | 10°55
-| 89°35 | 10°65
The gold from California, according to the assay
of Mr. Warwick of New York, yields 89-58 per cent.
pure gold, and is therefore, about equal to that ob-
tained from the washings of Miask (the richest district
in Western Siberia, and that producing the largest
pepitas,) and superior, as the assayer remarks, to the
gold dust from Senegal.
There is a remarkable mixture of native gold with
+ Abridged from Dufresnoy’s “Mineralogie.”
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 241
silver occasionally found in Siberia, and known under
the name of electrum. Its color is pale brass-yellow,
passing into silver-white. It occurs in small plates
and imperfect cubes, and possesses many of the charac-
ters of gold, but it consists only of 64 per cent. of that
metal, and 36 per ccnt. silver. It is at once known
by its low specific gravity, which does not exceed 12.
Other mixtures of gold are (1) a rhodium-gold
found in Mexico, and containing 34 to 43 per cent. of
rhodium, having a specific gravity of 154—16-8, and
a clear, dirty yellow color; and (2) a palladium-gold
(containing 9.85 per cent. palladium, and 4°17 per
cent. silver) found in Brazil and elsewhere in South
America, in small crystalline grains of pale yellow
color. The auriferous ores of tellurium, including
silver, have hitherto only been found in Transylvania.
Their color is steel-gray, and they tarnish on exposure-
The variety called graphic-gold, or graphic tellurium,
consists of about 60 per cent. of tellurium, 30 per cent.
gold, and 10 per cent. silver, and is worked chiefly
as an ore of gold. Another variety, “yellow gold
glance,” yields somewhat less tellurium, gold and
silver, and as much as 20 per cent. of lead.
Having now explained at some length the more
manifest characteristics of gold, namely, its color,
hardness, and specific gravity, it is necessary, before
explaining the mode of separating it from associated
minerals, that we should here give some account of
the behavior of this metal under the blowpipe, and
when exposed to simple chemical tests. The assay
of gold and its accurate analysis, we postpone for the
present.
The method of blowpipe analysis, although exceed-
ingly useful, is not absolutely necessary in the case
242 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
of gold, because of the many readier ways of deten
mining the metal, but it seems advisable to state the
appearances presented. All the varieties are readily
fusible into a globule, which when the gold is pure, is
unaltered by the continuance of the heat. In this
respect it differs entirely from iron and copper pyrites,
which, on being exposed to the flame, give off sulphur
fumes and undergo considerable change. In the case
of gold containing other metals, these, with the ex-
ception of silver, may generally be got rid of by con-
tinuing the heat in the exterior flame with the addi-
tion of a little nitre. Before the oxy-hydrogen blow-
pipe, the metal is volatilized in the form of a purple
oxide.
Gold is not acted on by any of the acids alone.
When exposed to the mixture of nitric with hydro-
chloric acid (in the proportion of one part nitric to four
of hydrochloric) called agua regia, it dissolves without
residue, the solution giving a purple precipitate with
protochloride of tin, and a brown precipitate with pro-
tosulphate of iron. Electrum, the mixture of silver
with gold above alluded to, is only partially soluble in
aqua regia, giving a residue of chloride of silver. The
solution is acted on by protosulphate of iron, as already
explained.
The following simple mode of detecting attempts
at imposition in gold dust is worthy of being recorded
in this place.
Place a little gold dust in a glass tube or earthen-
ware saucer, and pour nitric acid upon it; then
hold the glass or saucer over a flame, or upon a few
embers, until red flames (nitric vapors) arise; if it
be pure gold, the liquid will not become’discolored ,
kut if pyrites or brass-filings should have been mixed
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 243
with it, the acid will become turbid, grecn, and black,
discharging bubbles of gas. After the ebullition has
ceased, the residue should be washed with water, and
acid again poured upon it, when the same effect may
be observed, but in a less degree; and if the cxperi-
ment be repeated till all effervescence ceases, it will
finally leave the gold dust pure.
CHAPTER XIV.
ADDITIONAL RECENT EVENTS.
Tue history of the laws of a State affords the best idea
of its social condition—present and prospective; for
they are framed from the necessity of circumstances
and the demands of the inhabitants. We may, there-
fore, see the condition and the progress of the Cali-
fornians in their lecislative transactions.
The California Legislature adjourned on the 22d
April. They have passed a law creating a State
assayer, until a mint be established in California.
Among the one hundred and forty-three acts and
joint resolutions passed, we notice the following:
To incorporate the cities of Benecia, San Diego, San
Jose, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sonoma, and Santa
Barbara, and a general act for the incorporation of
cities; concerning the State revenue, etc, and its man-
agement; creating loans temporarily, appropriations,
and other fiscal acts; relating to the appointment of
pilots, regulating the duties of harbor masters, declar-
ing certain rivers, etc, uavigable, creating health
244 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
officers for San Francisco, creating a marine hospital,
regulating quarantine at San Francisco, providing for
the inspection of steamboats; subdividing the State
into counties, establishing county seats and providing
for the complete organization of all the counties; or-
ganizing the supreme court, providing for the early pub-
lication of the laws, organizing district courts through-
out the State, establishing a municipal court in San
Francisco, abolishing all laws in force in the State, ex-
cept such as were passed by this Legislature, adopting
the common law, regulating the interest of money,
public ferries, notaries public, jails and jailers,
limited partnerships, roads and highways, public elec-
tions, volunteer companies, wills, militia, liens of
mechanics and others, descents and distributions, bills
of exchange and promissory notes, constables, coro-
ners, guardians, fraudulent conveyances and contracts,
the rights of husband and wife, incorporation of col-
leges, marriages, auctioneers, government and protec-
tion of the Indians, settlement of the estates of de-
ceased persons, proceedings against debtor by attach-
ment; creating the office of State assayer, melter
and refiner of gold, to regulate Senatorial and As-
sembly districts, prescribing the mode of maintaining
and defending possessory actions on lands belonging
to the United States; to prevent the importation of
convicts ; for the better regulation of the mines and the
government of foreign miners, the national Washington
monument, pay of chaplain, the Pacific railway, and
concerning grants of land by the General Govern-
ment to commissioned officers who served in the late
war with Mexico.
Here we have all the machinery necessary for the full
regulation of a large, commercial, agricultural, manu-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 245
facturing, and mining community. The session of the
Legislature must have been laborious, indeed; but
the members have acquitted themselves of their ar-
duous duties rapidly and well. One great measure
adspted by the Legislature was the substitution of
the common law for the uncertain civil law which
existed in California when ceded to the United States.
The whole legal administration will now conform to
that of most of the other States of the Union. The
provisions in the Constitution for the purpose of edu-
cation, have been nobly carried out by an act for the
incorporation of colleges.
Agriculture in California appears to be improving,
and as it is getting to be as profitable as any thing
else, it is attracting increased attention. Boxes of
garden seeds which had cost nine dollars, have been
sold for one hundred dollars, and scythes which cost
three dollars, sold for forty-five dollars. The seeds
which were sent around Cape Horn, were almost use-
less, while those which went over the Isthmus, her-
meticully sealed, came up first. One man near San
Jose, has made fifty thousand dollars by raising pota-
toes. What toil in digging and washing gold would
be necessary to realize that amount!
Among the recent mining incidents, the following
is remarkable:—Last winter, three men accidentally
struck upon a rich deposit of gold, in a guleh about
twelve miles from Knight's Ferry, on the Stanislaus
River, and four or five miles back from it. They
worked this vein with great success, managing to keep
it a secret, until an Indian, wandering through the
locality, discovered the secret, and communicated it
to his tribe. The next day, several hundred Indians
fell to work, with the same success; but as they spent
Le 18
246 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
their earnings in gambling and drinking at night,
they incautiously let out the secret, and it spread
among the whites. The latter, without scruple, took
possession of the ground, and set the Indians adrifs.
An alcalde was elected, the ground staked off, and
allotted to the several claimants. This gulch, although
rifled of its richest treasures, afforded good digging
for a large number of persons, for some weeks, many
carrying away, when the water failed, a thousand
dollars and upwards, as the result of their labors.
The three discoverers of the gulch, took away with
them about forty pounds of gold to each man, ali
scraped up in the short space of seven wecks.
Imitation lumps of gold have been made and brought
into circulation in California. The State Assayer
states that above forty specimens have been brought
to his notice. They are generally in size from four
to five ounces to a pound in weight—quartz, and every
thing else necessary to make them look right, properly
intermixed.
It has been definitely settled that gold docs exist in
the vicinity of San José. Specimens have been taken
to San Francisco.
Several artesian wells have been constructed at San
Francisco, since the second great fire, and it is thought
that others will soon add to the comfort and conve-
nience of the people of that city. The want of good
water for drinking purposes, has been the most serious
objection to San Francisco as a place of residence ;
and additional incentive to exertion in the matter is
furnished by the constant apprehension of destructive
fires.*
* The Alta Californian, of the 1st of May, 1850, furnishes us with
an interesting account of the origin and meaning of the names of
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 247
Coal has been discovered in California, in various
places, and is reported to abound in considerable
quantities in the neighborhood of San Francisco.
Every day developes some new wealth of this land of
places in the new State. We have elsewhere alluded to the name
California, as being derived from caliente and fornalla, two Spanish
words, together signifying hot furnace.
Pueblo de los Angeles—City of the Angels. So named from the fer-
tility of the soil, the geniality of the climate, &c.
San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Santa
Cruz, San Francisco, were all originally Catholic missionary stations
and were so named by the priests.
Monterey signifies literally king of forests, and was so called in
honor of Count Monterey, as well as from the neighboring forest of
massive pines and other trees.
Contra Costa, the name of a county, signifies opposite coast, from
its being opposite San Francisco. Mount Diablo, which is in this
county, was named from the following circumstance:
In 1806 a military expedition from San Francisco marched against
the tribe “ Bolgones,” who were encamped at the foot of the mount 3
the Indians were prepared to receive the expedition, and a hot en-
gagement ensued in the large hollow fronting the western side of the
mount. As the victory was about to be decidedin favor of the Indians,
an unknown personage, decorated with the most extraordinary plu-
mage, and making divers movements, suddenly appeared near the
combatants. The Indians were victorious, and the incognitio (Puy)
departed toward the mount. The defeated soldiers, on ascertaining
that the syurit went through the same ceremony daily and at all hours,
named the inount “Diablo,” in allusion to its mysterious inhabitant,
that continued thus to make his strange appearance, until the tribe
was subdued by the troops in command of Licutenant Gabric!l Mo-
raga, in asecond campaign of the same year. In the aboriginal
tongue “Puy” signifies “ Evil Spirit ;” in Spanish it means Diablo,
and Devil in the Anglo-American language.
Calaveras signifies skulls, and the creek thus styled was named from
the fact of three thousand skulls having been found lying onits banks
by its early discoverers. They were the remnants of a great battle be-
tween the Indians.
Tuolumne, which has been spelt so many different ways in the
letters from California, is a corruption of the Indian word “talma-
lamme,” a cluster of stone wigwams.
Mariposa means butterfly. The river was so named in 1807, by a
hunting party of Californians, from the fact of their encampment
there having been surrounded by myriads of most gorgcous butterflies,
Solano was so named after a celebrated Catholic missionary.
Yolo is a corruption of the Indian word “ Yoloy,” and means a place
abounding with rushes.
248 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
treasure, and we regard the discovery of the abundance
of coal as in the highest degree important to the resi-
dents of California. Even amid the news of the
extraordinary yield of the gold region during the
present year, 1850, when a single vessel, in one trip,
brings $2,000,000 worth of gold dust to the United
States, we can pause to notice the discovery of the
more useful substances.
The Trinity River and Humboldt Harbor, in the
north-western part of California, have lately become a
resort for the superfluous population of the Sacramento
and San Joaquin regions. The harbor is pronounced
a very good one, and the discovery of abundance of
gold on the branches of Trinity River, will, doubtless,
contribute to the building of a large town upon its
shores.
In the middle of June, there was much excitement
in San Francisco, caused by the reported discovery
of a gold lake, among the mountains between the South
Fork of Feather River and the Yuba. One man was
said to have got $7000 in four days, and a party of
ten Kanakas were reported to have got $75,000 in a
Marin was so designated after a great Indian chief, who made war
so desperately against the Spaniards.
Sonoma is an Indian word, signifying valley ofthe moon. The In-
dians so named the valley in which the present town of that title is
situated.
Napa was the name of the Indian tribe who inhabited the valley
of the same name.
Mendocino was so named after the first Viceroy of Mexico.
Yuba, a corruption of “uba,” originally alluded to the immense
quantities of vines which shaded the river.
Butte is a French word signifying hill, and was given by a party
of hunters from the Hudson Bay Cumpany to a range of high hills
in the valley of the Sacramento. From thence the county is named
Coluse county was so called after an Indian tribe of which it waa
the name.
Shalta county is so stylea after an Indian tribe also.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 249
week. A vast number of people were by this means
attracted to the sources of the Feather and Yuba
Rivers, and though they found the lake story a hoax
of a vile character, they found tolerably fair diggings,
which would consyle them for their disappointment.
The following extract from the Placer Times of
the 17th of July, 1850, under the head of “ Great
Discoveries of Gold—Gold Lake,” will afford the
reader a lively conception of the degree of excitement
caused in California by every new announcement of
a newly discovered locality abounding in gold:
“We were inclined to give only an average degree
of credit to stories that have reached us during the
past few days, of the unprecedented richness which
this locality has developed. A few moments passed
in Marysville on Saturday, convinced us that there is
much more show of reality in this last eureka report,
than usually attaches to the like. In a year’s experi-
ence of local excitements from the same cause, we
have seen none equal to what now prevails in that
town. It has visited all the inhabitants indiscrimi-
nately, lawyers, doctors and judges, traders, teamsters,
mechanics and gamblers. Our readers know we are
the last to justify the circulation of unfounded or
exaggerated reports, but we deem it right to conceal
nothing of what may prove (for aught that we can see
to the contrary) one of the most astounding discoveries
in the modern history of diggings. The specimens
brought into Marysville are of a value from $1600
down. ‘Ten ounces is reported as no unusual yield to
a panfull, and the first party of sixty, which started
out under the guidance of one who had returned suc-
cessful, were assured that they would not get less than
$509 each per day. We were told that the previous
250 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
morning two hundred had left the town with a full
supply of provisions and four hundred mules. Those
who could not go were hiring others in their stead.
‘Lhe length of the journey and tho quantity of prov:
sions required, there being no stores in the region,
rendered an outfit rather expensive. Mules and
herses had doubled in value, and $400 were considered
no more than enough to furnish a proper start.
The distance to Gold Lake was first reported two
hundred miles; the best informed, however, say that
it is but little more than half of that. It lics at a
very considerable elevation among the mountains that
divide the waters of the South Fork of Feather from
those of the north branch of the Yuba. The direction
from Marysville is a little north of east. The story
has of course spread ere this far and wide among the
miners high up on the Feather and Yuba, and the
spot will be as crowded as all other good places are,
ere the tardy adventurer from this region could reach
it. The region of the Gold Lake wonders is a new
one, however, and lies between what are established
to be diggings of unsurpassed richness. It is our
belief that it is better for one who has got some initia-
tion into the gold mysteries, (if there be any,) not to
be content in old ‘used up’ localities, but to push along
to the great field yet unexplored; and that, though
the search be long and laborious, the big Uft is ulti-
mately pretty sure for those who are patient and per-
severing.
The same paper of July 18th, contains additional
particulars, having a tendency to add plausibility to
the reports. Among other things, aman by the name
of McLelland came into Marysville on the 17th, with
$7000, the result of four days’ labor at Gold Lake.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 251
Whatever may be the truth of the reports, there is no
doubt of one thing—the whole population of Marys-
ville and its vicinity have become infected by the news,
and are taking up their march thitherwards in crowds.
The Transcript speaks rather doubtingly on the
subject ; it says—“‘ The reports come as a general
thing, through teamsters and other persons whose
interest it is to give as favorable accounts as possible.
The statements are very conflicting.”
To this we may add the statement of a gentleman
who reached this city from Marysville, direct, on
Tuesday night. The excitement, he says, is great;
but no one could give any definite information of the
locality or of its productiveness. Yet all seemed to
think there was no doubt in the matter, and as many
as could get away were starting, or getting ready to
push for the new El Dorade. Upon his way down, on
board the boat, he conversed with a man who professed
to have explored that region lately, although he did
not claim to know where Geld Lake was. But between
the North Fork of the Yuba and Feather Rivers, at
the foot of the great chain of mountains, he reported
a series of lakes of various dimensions, and “two
thousand people,” prospecting all about. The snow
was very decp— six feet’ —and but little gold.
The following extract from the Placer Tunes, is the
most positive information within our knowledge.
On the arrival of the “ Lawrence,” yesterday, from
Marysville, we received more news of the Gold Lake
excitement, now prevailing in those parts. It pro-
mises to spare no one. Many who would not be
understood to have yielded to it, seek, under various
pretences, to get away—some pleading business in
other quarters of the mines; others desiring the recrea+
252 TVISTURY OF CALIFORNIA.
tion of a country jaunt. It is reported that, up to
Thursday last, two thousand persons had taken up
their journey; that many who were working good
claims, and had made considerable progress, were
deserting them for the new discovery. Mules and
horses were almost impossible to be obtained. A
supply from this quarter was expected daily, and most
anxiously awaited. Although the truth of the report
rest on the authority of but two or three who have
returned from Gold Lake, yet but few are found who
doubt their marvellous revelations. The first man
who came into Marysville took out a party of forty as
guide, on condition they paid him one hundred dollars
each if his story was verified, and offering his life as a
forfeit for any deception.
“This party, itis understood, came near losing their
way, from the difficulty the guide found in retracing
his path, after the snow had melted. Fortunately,
however, they encountered another man, who was on
his way returning, and he showed the track. The
second person has since left with a much larger party,
who are to give him two hundred dollars each, and
the same forfeit is provided. The spot is described
as very difficult of approach, and it is feared that
many will lose their way. A party of ten Kanakas
are reported to have wintered at Gold Luke, subsist-
ing chiefly on the flesh of their animals. They are
said to have taken out about $75,000 the first week.
The lake is not large, and, after the wet season ceases,
has no outlet; at present, however, the water runs
over the basin, and finds its way into the North Fork
of Feather River. At a lower stage, it admits of
easy drainage, and the undertaking is already pro-
jected.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 2538
“Of course the most extravagant anticipations are
founded on the result of this work, induced by the
yield from the borders of the lake which have already
been realized. The “ placer” proper is very limited,
and little encouragement is given as to the character
of the surrounding country; indeed, it is probably
entirely unexplored, as the region lies about as far
up among the snows as the most adventurous have yet
penctrated.”
The Yuba River is destined to be thoroughly riflea
of its wealth. Three miles above the new town of
Lina, a company has turned the river from its course,
and made it run through a lateral slough. Prospect-
ing of the bed has proved very satisfactory, and the
shares in the company’s stock have sold at a high rate.
As was apprehended, various difficulties have oc-
curred between the owners of land at Sacramento City,
and a large number of squatters upon it. The ground
was bought and surveyed, and the title to ownership
was perfect. But the number of emigrants who
arrive at Sacramento at particular seasons forces
them to encamp outside of the regularly built town,
and when thus encamped, they consider themselves
as settlers, and are unwilling to give up possession of
the ground. The power of the law has been called
into requisition several times to eject these squatters.
The emigrants to California by way of the Great
Salt Lake route have endured terrible hardships during
the present year. The rigors of the scason, and the
want of water, have been but secondary matters. The
Indians, always unfriendly, have been particularly
hostile, and several battles between them and the emi-
grants have taken place. In one of the battles, thirty
Indians were killed, while the whites had several]
22
254 HIST. RY OF CALIFORNIA.
wounded, but none killed. It is supposed that the
assailants belonged to the Utahs. The Salt Lake
City is the great refuge of the belated emigrants upon
that route, and the Mormons are hospitable to all who
visit them for shelter, or for mere curiosity.
The great body of the emigrants continue to take
the old route, which we have elsewhere described, and
find that it is the safest and shortest of the land
routes. Judging from the statements of the number
of emigrants who have passed Fort Laramie this sea-
son, we should say, that the route could scarcely be
called a wilderness, when it is impossible to travel
thirty miles without meeting with parties and familics
of whites. Part of this tide of emigration will flow
to Oregon, no doubt, on account of the fertile lands
to be there obtained ; but the golden land will get the
bulk of it.
In a recent tour through the rezion bordering on
Moqueleme River, in California, a couple of gentle-
men from Stockton, discovered a cave or grotto of
great extent. They found that it contained large
quantities of stalactite, and saw evidences of gold.
The Indians who accompanied the gentlemen were
horror stricken at their audacity, when they entered
a cave which tradition said no man returned from
alive. The skeleton of a human being was found at
some distance from the opening.
An event has occurred which will no doubt exercise
a great influence on California affairs. This is the
discovery of the existence of abundance of gold in
Oregon territory. The discovery created great ex-
citement through the various citics and towns of
Oregon, and the northern towns of California. That
wicb is exhibited, shows an eutircly different charac-
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HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 255
ter to any of that dug in the mines of California. It
contains large quantities of platina, and is said to be
of a richer character. The mines just discovered are
situated about two hundred miles from Oregon City.
‘The consequences of this discovery may be easily ap-
prehended. Oregon will secure a larger share of the
emigration from the Atlantic States than she had
before, aud her progress will be rapid, for her soil and
climate render the country an attractive place of re-
sidence. But will the progress of California be less
rapid in consequence of this? We think not. The
united attractions of the two terr‘tories will ope:‘ate
for the benefit of both, and only tend to increase the
quantity of emigration.
CHAPTER XV.
A GENERAL VIEW OF CALIFGRNIA AT THE PRESENT TIME.
Wu have followed the narrative of the events in the
history of California up to the present time. We
have traced her progress from her first settlement up
to the time when she appears as a sovereign republican
State; and we have seen the effects of her vast
metallic wealth working wonders in a short space of
time. We have seen her towns before and after the
gold discovery, and marked the contrast; and we have
seen her territory become thickly peopled, and her
resources developed in a space of time which other
territories less favored, would require for an infancy.
We have also considered her soil, climate, productions,
and population, and exhibited cach subject as fully as
256 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
our information warranted. But in order to give 4
clear conception of the general character of Califor.
nia and her resources and capabilitics, and to enable
the reader to obtain an idea of the bright future to
which she is destined, we have concluded to adi
another chapter upon the general state of things there
at the present time.
California is now a State—in organization at least,
if not in being a member of the Union. The countr7
has become thoroughly American in its governmen’
and laws. A Constitution is adopted as a State organi-
zation, which bears the impress of enlightened senti-
ment and just principles. The most liberal provisions
have been made in that instrument for the grand end
of publie education. The power and capability of the
people to rule themselves has been recognized in the
matter of eleeting nearly all the officers of the govern-
ment—ineluding the judges of the various courts over
which the State has control. The Legislature, in the
course of a laborious session, has abolished the old civil
law which ruled the country under the Mexican govern-
ment, and continued after the acquisition of the terri-
tory by the United States, and have substituted the com-
mon law of England and many of the States in the
Union. In taking this step, they were actuated by
sound pelicy. Few of those who were subjected to be
tried, or to have their suits decided by the rules of
this civil code were aware of the nature of these
rules; and from their crude and unintelligible charac-
ter, it would have been a long time before they could
have been fully or certainly informed. The old com-
mon law is that to whose rules they have conformed
in the older States, and which is better suited to their
habits and principles of action.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIaz. Zot
But with her complete State organization, California
has applied for admission into the Union, and from
various causes, without reason, as we conceive, has not
yet been admitted to her claim. This delay, continued
through a long session of Congress, has somewhat
irritated the Californians, who are anxiously watching
the doings of Congress. The state of feeling on the
subject is clearly stated in one of the California papers ;
and it is worthy of attention. We extract it.
“SHALL CALIFORNIA BE ADMITTED ?—We desire
once more to state calmly and firmly the grievances
under which the State of California labors, in order
that Congress, in her hesitation, which may terminate
in an open refusal to admit us as equal sharers in the
benefits, as we are of the burdens of the general
government, may not act in ignorance of the true state of
feeling existing here upon a point so vital to our future.
“ California feels that she has been made the sport
of gambling politicians long enough. This is the uni-
versal sentiment of one hundred thousand citizens of
tlris State, expecting daily reinforcements which will
swell the number to an aggregate of two hundred and
fifty thousand before the second session of the present
Congress.. She feels that such a mass of men, born
under the flag of the Union, have a right to some of
the privileges which they were taught to suppose
it typified. She feels that she has no right to be
taxed and not protected—to be taxed, and not
represented, to be taxed, and nothing but taxed.
Nothing else has been done for her. We hear of
no Indian agent in the country. American citizens
are slaughtered weekly if not daily by savages on
our border. An agent of the Postoffice Depart-
ment has becn sent here, but his power to put into
258 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
successful operation a thorough mail system, com-
mensurate with the wants of the people, has been
effectually crippled from the want of an appropriation
to meet the necessary expenses. We are without
admiralty courts; yet the interests of the commerce
of the Pacific are centring in the Bay of San Fran-
cisco. We are paying millions into the treasury of the
United States yearly. Our custom-house is thronged
daily with captains and consignees of vessels, paying
government dues, which eventually come from the
pockets of the citizens of the whole State; yet there
is hardly a possibility that one dollar in a thousand
will ever be expended for our benefit.
“This state of things is unnatural—too much so for
a quiet endurance, unless stern necessity is at the
bottom. Were there any reason why we should be
treated thus, we could patiently suffer on. But there
isnone. And now asentiment is fast gaining ground
here, that it is the intention of Congress—or a portion
of Congress, to throw us back upon a territorial organi-
zation. It may not be amiss to state that California,
under no circumstances, will give up her State organi-
zation. She has just escaped from the crudities and
unintelligibilities of the Mexican code. Under it, she
would still be laboring, had the action of Congress been
awaited. Neither to this state of vassalage to institu-
tions foreign to the habits and education of her citizens,
nor toasecond vassalage of territorial government under
Congress, will she submit now. She knows her interests
too well for this. If we are driven to take matters into
our own keeping, the responsibility rests not upon us,
neither should the odium, if any attaches. Should
Congress ever come to its senses, and do what naked
justice demanded months ago, California will ever be
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 259
ready and proud to form one of the States of the
Union ; but it is asking too much that she should oirer
herself a willing sacrifice on the altar of demagogues.”’
This is strongly and firmly said; and we hope that
it will exercise some influence on those to whose atten-
tion it is directed. Nothing can be more unjust in
politics than taxation without a due compensation of
protection and of law. There is scarcely any pres-
pect, however, that California will be required to go
back to a territorial organization. Such a request
would be absurd in the highest degree, and none but
ultras recommend it.
Whether California be admitted into the Union at
the present session of Congress, or not, we may con-
sider her Constitution and many of her laws necessary
for carrying out the provisions of the Constitution, as
fixed and operative. We have then, in a knowledge
of thcir laws, a view of the character of society in
California, in many particulars, but there are others
which require further observation. One feature strikes
the observer at first glance. It is the variety of nation
which marks the population of the principal cities of
California. There may be seen the rapid, yet prudent.
Yankee, with a sharp eye to the main chance, and a
ready comprehension of the consequences of a bargain
or a speculation; the cool, slow, and heavy-moving
Englishman, wishing to be sure of his game, and,
therefore, late in grasping for it; the lively and sociable
Frenchman, contrasting appearances and manners
with things in Paris; the coarse-looking German, with
a lively conception of the wealth of the country, and
a deep consideration of the means of grasping a goodly
share of it; the half-Spanish native of California, with
his love of indolence, and easy of satisfaction ; the
260 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
Chilian, with the ferocity and the cowardice of tha
descendants of the Spaniards, and loving fandangoes
and riding horses, as intensely as the Californians;
the Chinese, with dirty, but industrious habits, and
the native Indians—a mean, degraded specimen of that
noble race that once were lords of the American forests.
At the present time, it is a matter of doubt,
whether the Americans or the forcigners predominate
in the population of California. It is certain that
the former have things pretty much their own way in
the various cities and in the mines. But that may be
from a want of unity of action among the foreigners.
The habits and modes of life belonging to the Ameri-
cans are generally prevalent in the cities; but in the
smaller and older towns, the native Californians con-
duct every thing in the old Spanish mode. The differ-
ence between the society of Los Angeles and Sacra-
mento City, is wide, and affords a good contrast be-
tween the restless, enterprising, utilitarian spirit of
the Americans, and the indolent, pleasure-loving spirit
of the Californians. With the Americans, in the
cities where they are in the majority, business is the
uppermost consideration upon all occasions, and profit
and loss, and chances of obtaining a competency, the
constant subject of thought. With the Californians,
the enjoyment of the present, which alone is theirs,
is at all times a matter of prime importance; and
gambling, drinking, dancing, guitar-playing, and riding
on horseback, are the principal sources of their plea-
sures. Which of these modes of passing away life
is the most philosophical, we leave to the speculative.
But it is apparent in California, that the energy of
the American character is exercising a great influence
on the descendants of the Spaniards. Their spirit is
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 261
infectious. In some of the towns upon the coast, one
half of the buildings are occupied by persons who
have emigrated from the Eastern States; and the
contrast between their log and brick houses, and the
adobé houses of the Californians, is singular, and
secms as if the old dead looking trunk of the tree
had suddenly sent out new branches full of life and
freshness.
All the vices consequent upon a heterogeneous
population, suddenly thrown together and stimulated
to an extraordinary degree of activity, have fully ex-
hibited themselves in California. Nearly every body
in the mining regions carries deadly weapons of some
sort, and with the promptings of avarice, and the ex-
citement of passion, many shocking, secret murders,
and many open, revengeful encounters are continually
occurring. ‘The practice of carrying deadly weapons
can only be abolished when a stronger feeling of
security, induced by a confidence in the protection of
the laws, shall take the place of constant dread. The
mining population is of as mixed a character as that
in the commercial cities; and national jealousies will
occur occasionally. The elation consequent upon suc-
cessful gold digging and speculating, leads to excess
in drinking and gambling, and these lead to frequent
quarrels and deadly encounters. The remedy for
these things is only to be found in the reaction to
which a few years will lead, when the power of the
jaw shall be supreme throughout the gold region.
The principal thing which has contributed in some
degree to influence the prospect and the labors of the
miners, is the government tax upon the foreigners
who wish to work upon the public lands in digging
and washing gold. The tax is ey a just ong
262 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
but many are of opinion that it is too high. A lighter
tax would more readily receive the assent of the mass
of foreigners; but whether it is not just that they
should pay a tax of eight dollars for every ounce of
of gold they obtain from the land of others, is another
question. The greater portion of the gold region
belongs to the government, and was paid for by the
government. The people of the United States should,
therefore, have the sole right to occupy it; and it is
but just, that those people of foreign nations who wish
to reap a profit from it either by digging gold or culti-
vating the ground, should pay for the use of it. The
effect of the tax is, that those who must pay it, either
must give up mining or work harder to reap sufficient
profit. In either case, the country is benefited.
The mining region is constantly increasing in ex-
tent. The placers first worked still yield a profit suffi-
cient to reward the gold seeker for his labor, and the
frequent discovery of new ones by parties prospect-
ing, keeps up the heat of excitement. The region is
constantly extending towards the north. The vicinity
of Trinity River is the most northern part of Cali-
fornia where gold is obtained in any considerable
quantity, and the source of the San Joaquin, is the
most southern. The entire region embraced between
these two points is known to abound in the precious
metal, and is traversed by the gold “ prospecters.”
Of the gold obtained, a great quantity—a third, at
least, remains in the country. Another is carried
out of California by the foreigners, and the remainder
is sent to the Atlantic States of the Union. This is
but a rough estimate; but it seems warranted by the
facts of the number of foreigners in the country, and
the necessary current money of the residents. Cer-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 263
fain it is, that were we to judge of the quantity of
gold obtained in California, by the amount received
in the United States, we would fall far too short of
the truth.
The growth of the commerce of California neces-
sarily carries with it the growth of all those cities
and towns which have any commercial advantages,
or which are connected with the various ports. Not
only has San Francisco constantly in her harbor a
tremendous fleet of merchant vessels from all parts of
the world, pouring into her lap the commodities neces-
sary to a new country and a rapid building city, and
Sacramento, the commerce of the mines continually
passing throughit, but all the towns along the coast have
felt the impulse, and have become the seat of a traffic
of some sort. San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Pedro,
and Monterey, are all commercial ports, which have
become the resort of those traders who wish to
escape the crowd of competitors to be met with at the
more northern towns, and to have a pleasant place
of residence besides. Los Angeles, twenty-five miles
from the port of San Pedro is the centre of an ex-
tensive inland trade, and from its being a delightful
place of residence, will contribute to the building up
of San Pedro in a greater degree than the commerce
of San Pedro can influence it.
At present, San Francisco is a city of about thirty
thousand inhabitants, and in spite of the repeated
visitations of the calamity of destructive fire, it has
suffered no stoppage in its rapid progress. On the
contrary, these fires seem to give a new impulse to the
energy and enterprise of its inhabitants, and, by im-
pressing upon them the utility of building their houses
and stores of the more substantial brick, to have
264 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIa.
been of permanent benefit. Like the water of a
rapid river, which, meeting with a serious obstacle in
its course, is checked for the moment and then, having
gathered new strength, surmounts the barrier and
springs forward with renewed energy, San Francisco
has pursued her course. The late fire, decidedly the
most disastrous the new city has experienced, produced
for awhile a general stand in business. But the go-
aheadative principle was too strong for a continuance
of a stagnation; and all the sufferers set about doing
their utmost to retrieve their fortunes. Success must
wait upon such persevering energy.
Sacramento City is fast treading upon the heels of
her commercial sister city. Improvements are con-
stantly being made to the appearance of the city and
the comfort of its inhabitants. A levee is in course
of construction, which, it is thought, will effectually
protect the city from being flooded during the season
of the rise of the river. The overland emigration
of which Sacramento is the goal, contributes to swell
the population rapidly; and, during the rainy season,
the greater portion of the population of the northern
mines flock into the city for refuge till the digging
season commences.
Stockton, Benicia, San José, and Sutter are cach
increasing the number of their residents and their
trade very fast. The first is the depot of the south-
ern mines; the second, the military and naval station,
chosen by the government officers; the third is the
capital of the State; the last is a thriving town, near
Sacramento, but in a better situation.
One of the most interesting features of California
is the number of the missions in various parts of the
State. They are and will continue to be interesting,
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 265
because of their age, and the self-denying and ener-
getic labors with which they are connected. They
were the centres, established by a few Catholic priests,
from which the rays of enlightenment and civilized
enjoyment were spread to the native Indians of Cali-
fornia. Each mission was a little principality, with
many leagues of land attached, with some thousand
head of cattle, and all the neighboring Indians sub-
ject to the control of the padre, and cultivating the
land for their own and the padre’s benefit. In 1800,
these missions were sixteen in number, and three only
have been added since that time. They are named
and located as follows:—San Rafael and San Fran-
cisco Solano, north of San Francisco Bay; Dolores,
near San Francisco; Santa Clara and San José,
near Pueblo San José; San Juan, Santa Cruz and
Carmel, near Monterey; Soledad, San Antonio, and
San Miguel, in the valley of Salina River; San Luis
Ohispo, La Purisima, Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara, and
San Buenaventura, near Santa Barbara ; San Gabricl
and San Fernando, near Los Angeles; and San Luis
Rey, San Juan Capistrano and San Dicgo, on the
coast, south of Los Angeles.
The wealth and power of these missions have ficd,
and they are all, more or less, ina state of decay.
The Indians who were prospering under the care of
the priests have either taken refuge in the mountains
or linger about the old mission buildings, in a de-
graded and ignorant state. The immense quantity
of land which was once attached to them has been
taken from them from time to time, and now they but
seem the ruins of former greatness. The beauty of
the country surrounding those of the missions which
are still existing, and the picturesque appearance of
266 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
those which are in ruins make them well worthy a
visit to the lover of the antiquated.
The usual attendant of the American enterprise,
the printing press, has found its way to California, to
contribute to the information and convenience of the
people. Several papers are in extensive circulation
in the cities and towns, and projects for others have
been formed. The principal are the Alta Californian,
the Paeifie News, the Courier, and the Placer Times.
The three first are published in San Francisco, and
the last at Sacramento.
The want of facilities for transportation must be
severely felt in the interior settlements of California.
Steam vessels of the swiftest and most commodious
character are the means of easy communication and
transportation between San Francisco and the towns
on Suisan Bay and the Sacramento, as far as Sacra-
mento City. Communication by the same means will
doubtless, soon be established between the different
ports on the coast. But railroads and canals are
requisites for increasing the social communication and
drawing the people of all parts of the State more
closely together. These, however, will not be long in
demand, after the State has been admitted into the
Union. The companies for such purposes will feel
secure in their charter, and receive assistance from
the government. There is nothing more efficacious
in binding a people together and maintaining peace
and harmony of action, than the mechanical facility of
communication. The Atlantic States of the Union
afford plentiful illustration and evidence of this asser-
tion. Mark the differences of habit and sentiment in
those States, where the means of intercourse between
the inhabitants are comparatively few and far between.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 267
The interests of the different sections of a large State
are of course, dissimilar, and produce the widest
separation of feeling and opinion, which cannot be
harmonized without the facilities of intercourse afford-
ed by railroads and canals. In no State are there
greater means of communication between the people
of the different sections, than in Massachusetts; and
in no State is there a more harmonious action in the
Legislative department of the government. Let the
railroads and canals be so constructed in California
as soon as possible, and the effect will be the same.
We have elsewhere mentioned and characterized the
different harbors of California. There has been one
other surveyed and pronounced excellent, and the
beginning of a town made upon its shores. This is
called Humboldt, after the distinguished traveller. Jt
is about one hundred and seventy-five miles north of
San Francisco. The river formerly called Pigeon, but
now Trinity, empties into it. The harbor is sheltered
from the south-west winds, but is exposed to the north-
west. The north-west winds prevail from November
till March, and are severe; but the south-west winds
during the remainder of the year, are violent, and the
harbor that is sheltered from them is considered a
good one.
The Indians who inhabit a large portion of Califor-
nia, have been, and will be, the subject of considerable
trouble to the white residents. It is a matter of the
first importance for their safety, and that of the
Indians themselves, that agents should be sent among
them, with power to negotiate and settle all claims
made by them and disputes arising between them and
the whites, else, a destructive war will be the con-
sequcnce They should be induced to relinquish their
268 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
claims to the soil of California as far as the Sierra
Hevada, and receive due compensation therefor. But
for the want of properly constituted agents from the
government, they have been either driven from their
old haunts by the mountaineers and other settlers, or
remain amongst the whites to be a constant source of
trouble. ‘The Shosonees, or Snakes, are the most
numerous tribe to be found within the limits of the
tate, but there are others which are more warlike and
untameable. They have all suffered considerably from
the aggressions of the white emigrants, and their
attacks upon individuals and parties are but tho
promptings of revenge, which should be’ taken into
consideration. Lately, a war of extermination against
the whole number of certain tribes was commenced on
account of the doings of one or two of them. Few of
them are provided with better weapons than bows and
arrows, and, of course, they can make but a poor
resistance to the rifles of the white men. In illustra.
tion of the treatment of the Indians, we quote an
account of the doings of a war party against them,
described in the work of a California tourist :—
“A few days before our arrival in the mines, five
men from Oregon, named Robinson, Thompson,
English, Johnson, and Wood, were murdered by Indians
while engaged in gold digging. Having but one rifle,
they imprudently left itin their tent. This the Indians
some thirty or forty in number, first secured, and then
commenced their attack with bows and arrows. The
Oregonians defended themselves some time, repeatedly
driving the Indians with no other weapons than the
stones they found on the bar where they were at work,
but upon reaching the edge of the bar, they were each
time obliged again to retreat. At length three of
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 269
them, stuck full of arrows, were exhausted with loss of
bluod and overcome; while the other two attempted
to escape by crossing the fork, one succeeding in
reaching the other side, but both finally meeting the
fate of the others. One of the warriors of the tribe
who participated in these murders was afterwards taken
prisoner, and furnishing the above narration, his life
was spared on condition that he should guide the
whites to their rancheria.
“ Accordingly, on the 16th of April, a war party
was made up of about twenty young mountaineers,
mostly Oregon men, and including also the young
Greenwoods. Well mounted, and equipped with the
cnormous gingling California spurs, they rode up to
Old Greenwood’s for a review from the old man pre-
paratory to starting. Each man carried besides his
inseparable rifle, along Spanish knife usually mounted
with silver, and stuck in the folds of his deerskin leg-
gings; and many were also provided with a brace of
pistols or bowie knife, worn in the red Mexican sash
around the waist. Old Greenwood shouted ‘ Mind the
scalps and squaws for me, and be sure you bring ‘em
all in, boys,’ and away they went, at a thundering
lope, eager for revenge.”
The day afterwards, the party returned. They
were preceded by a party of Peruvians and Chiliaus,
with a number of their peones, or slaves.
“ Following closely this motley group, came on foot
a body of about sixty California Indians. Warriors
and boys, squaws with papooses tied on boards and
slung at the back, all were prisoners. Clustered to-
gether like sheep driven to the slaughter, they hastened
through the gorge with uncertain steps, the perspira-
tion rolling off their faces now pale with fright. Many
M*
270 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA,
of them were quite naked, and the men and boys
especially, looked more like ourang-outangs than
human beings.
“In flank and rear rode the war party, which had
left the Culloma Valley two days previous. Every
man’s rifle lay across the pommel of his saddle, and
dangling at both sides hung several reeking scalps.
Among them was a dashing young mountaineer named
John Ross, who had two scalps for his share, and
sticking in his sash was the red-sheathed bowie knife,
which the writer had sold him a few days previous for
an ounce of gold dust. Used previously to sever the
rinds of pork, or shovel in rice and frijoles, it had now
been ‘ wool gathering’ or collecting wigs for old Green-
wood’s fancy stores.
“¢ Well done, boys,” shouted Grover, ‘you have
given it to them this time; now, what’s the news ?’
In reply to this inquiry, we learned that the captured
Indian had led them the night before according to
promise, to their rancheria, on Weber’s Creek, where
some of them showing fight and others attempting
escape, they were fired upon and some twenty to thirty
were killed. Their chief fought until shot the third
time, rising cach time to his knees and discharging
his arrows, Ross finally killing, cutting off his head
and scalping him. Their rancheria was then searched
and burned ; the Indians delivering up the papers of
the Oregon men, obtained at the time of their murder,
and confessing that they had afterwards burned their
bodies to ashes on the mountains.
“The subsequent facts were related to the writer
by his highly esteemed friend, Mr. Donald Grant, a
native of bonnie Scotland, who was one of our party
to the mines, and an eye witness to the scene; not
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 271
having left on his return to San Francisco till the
following day.
“ Arriving in the Culloma valley with their prison-
ers, the mountaineers and miners had a grand revel
and jollification to celebrate their achievement. During
the day most of the prisoners were released, but a few
squaws and seven warriors were retained. The latter
were questioned and examined relative to their parti-
cipation in the murder of the Oregonians. Nothing
‘being elicited to prove their guilt, it was nevertheless
determined that they should die; because being bad
looking and strong warriors, it was belicved they were
participators in the murders. Accordingly the con-
sumption of champaigne and brandy continued till
sunset. At that hour the seven Indians were brought
forth, and knowing well their fate, one of them put up
his hand as a signal, and all leaped along the valley
in rapid flight. Quick as thought the rifles began to
crack in every direction, while old Greenwood raving
around his cabin remonstrated at the deed, tossed his
arms aloft with violent denunciation; and stooping
down gathered the dust in his palms, and sprinkled it
on his head, swearing he was innocent of their blood.
Meantime, John Greenwood stood beside the old man
in stoic silence, too brave to participate in the massacre,
but too much of a crow to utter his disapproval. But
frantic with excitement the others thought only of
revenge, and the balls whistling in every direction laid
five of the warriors dead in the valley and mortally
wounding another, only one escaping unscathed. The
dying rays of the sun deserting the bloody scene, yet
lingered on the mountain top, and the smoke of the
discharge rolled in thick volume, like a pall over the
corpses of the slain, while that solitary warrior turned
272 ISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
from his distant height, to gaze after his compani ns,
a moment in vain. But his heart quivered with ven-
geance, and the thin white locks of the old man in the
valley, still mingled with the gray twilight, like the
sackeloth and ashes of despair.
“ And this is what they call fighting the Indians!
A few days before only, we saw a young mountaineer
wild with rage, threaten the life of an American who
had ventured to suggest, that the murders committed
by these Indians were provoked by many previous
murders by the whites, and that they should be avenged
by the death of the gudlty among the Indians, and not
by an éndiseriminate slaughter.”
We cannot think highly of the civilization of the
white men who take such unmerciful and indiscriminate
revenge as this. Such are not the means to gain the
Indians over toa peace. Revenge only breeds revenge ;
and those who commit such slaughter in retaliation
for the murder of one or two men must look to the
consequences.
The great body of the travel to California is at
present by way of the Isthmus of Panama; but those
who intend to settle permanently in the State, and
who will increase the real population of it, take the
overland route from Independence, Missouri. The
shortest and best route for commercial purposes will
soon be opened across Nicaragua. This will have
many advantages over the old Isthmus route, but will
not cause that one to be abandoned altogether. Chagres
has become somewhat Americanized, and so have
Grorgona, Cruces, and Panama. Travel has been some-
what facilitated by the addition of American boats on
the Chagres River, and the provision of the mountain
mules for the rough road to Panama, in sufficient
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 273
number to lower the price of travel and decrease the
delay.
The facilities of intercourse between California and
the States east of the Rocky Mountains will tend to
ecment her to the Union by all the ties of trade and
mutual interest. The people of that State, being at
so great a distance from the rest of the States, would
seem to be alien te them in interest, and, therefore,
that an independent government would contribute
most to their prosperity. But mechanical influences
—the telegraph—the railroad and the steam vesscl—
annihilate distance, and will be the means of attaching
the Californians to the confederacy. In her union
with the other States, there isher strength. She will
add much to their wealth and power, but her free
institutions—entirely American, require the support
of the confederacy which produced them—at least,
until the State has reached her maturity.
What will be the future California is a question
which admits of a ready answer. If she retains her
present boundaries, with her extensive sea coast, and
her progress bears any proportion to that since the
conquest, in fifty years—it is a warranted conclusion—
the State will surpass any of those upon the Atlantic
coast. For, what State has such united commercial
facilities and vast resources? Whcre are such in-
ternal wealth and such splendid harbors to be found
united? It is probable, however, that the State may
be divided, after the population has reached a sufli-
cient number. It is the opinion of some of the mem-
bers of the present Congress, that there is too much
sea coast for one State to possess, and that has been
made an objection t> her admission into the Union, with
ner present boundaries. But it is of little weight at
274 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
this time. After the State has existed a few years,
the utility of such a division as is proposed will be
manifest or disproved. In the mean time, let Cali-
fornia be admitt:d into the Union as her people have
created her, and then she will have every thing neces-
sary for her to go on in the fulfilment of a glorious
destiny.
The gold discoveries in New Mexico and Oregon
will have but a slight influence on California affairs.
Yet for that slight influence, they deserve to be men-
tioned. The recent discoveries in New Mexico, would
seem to indicate that the El Dorado of the early
Spanish voyagers has been found, and nearly in the
place to which their attention was directed by the
Indians. A late number of the Houston Telegraph,
says:
‘“‘That preparations are in progress in all parts of
the State, for a grand expedition to the gold region
that has been discovered in New Mexico, not far from
the ruins of the celebrated city of Grand Quivira.
Gold mines have been found all along the great chain
of mountains extending from the sources of the Ar-
kansas and Platte Rivers, by Santa Fe, to the Puerto.
Immense excavations are shown along the feet of these
iountains, and the ruins of vast cities indicate that
these mines were once worked by millions of people.
The geographical formations of this region are so
similar to those of the gold regions of California, that
they appear to be identical, and contain similar de-
posits of the precious metals. These facts have
been made known throughout Texas, and the Tele-
graph would not be surprised to find that the emi-
gration to the gold region of Texas, in the ensuing
autumn, should exceed the emigration tv California.
ey
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 278
The “consummation devoutly to be wished’’ has
been attained. California has at length been admitted
to take her place as a star of the confederated repub-
lic. The bill for that object passed the House of
Representatives on the 7th of September, 1850, by a
vote of yeas, one hundred and fifty, nays fifty-six. It
had previously passed the Senate by a no less decisive
majority. The announcement of the passage of the
bill was received with the greatest enthusiasm by its
friends, and considerable excitement upon the part
of its opponents. The most constant exertions were
made by members from the Southern States to defeat
the bill by adjournment and by numerous amendments,
but they were unavailing. California triumphed.
CHAPTER XVI.
EVENTS IN CALIFORNIA FROM THE ADMISSION OF THE
STATE INTO THE UNION TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF
1858.
Since the foregoing chapters were written, events
of considerable importance have transpired in Cali-
fornia. Remarkable political steps have been taken,
and disastrous accidents by flood and fire have hap-
pened.
The crimes of robbery and murder becoming of
so frequent occurrence in San Francisco that all
security of person and property was threatened with
destruction, a meeting of citizens was called, and it
was resolved to organize a Vigilance Committee, for
276 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
the summary trial and execution of offenders. This
wus an open manifestation of contempt for the consti-
tuted authorities, and they protested against it. But
a majority of the citizens of San Francisco, feeling
that extraordinary measures were necessary, sup-
ported those persons who were appointed upon the
Committee. Such officers generally abuse the exten-
sive authority conferred upon them; but justice
requires that we should say, that the members of the
San Francisco Vigilance Committee acted throughout
with a due appreciation of an awful responsibility.
Several persons were arrested, tried, convicted and
hung. One or two were notorious criminals, who had
often been up before the regular courts, and always
contrived to elude justice. By the certain and sum-
mary measures of the Committce, sccurity was in a
great measure restored, and the members then sur-
rendered their authority—acknowledging the entire
supremacy of the courts.
In October, 1851, the State elections occurred.
The contest was spirited. The Democrats were gene-
rally successful. John Bigler, their gubernatorial
candidate, was elected by about thirteen hundred
majority over Mr. Reading, the candidate of the
Whigs. At the succeeding session of the Legislature,
John B. Weller, formerly of Ohio, was elected to the
Senate of the United States, to succeed John C. Fre-
mont, who had resigned his seat. Mr. Weller had
long been a prominent member of the Democratic
party. He commanded the Ohio regiment in the
Mexican war. It was believed that he would be an
efficient colleague of the industrious and practical
Senator Gwin.
The Chinese portion of the population of California
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HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 277
has gradually become quite numerous. They have
proved themselves steady, energetic and useful citi-
zens. Gov. Bigler, however, had a different estima-
tion of them. As they do not respect the oaths and
forms established by law for the regulation of busi-
ness in California, he thought they could not be
bound sufficiently in their bargains to suit the busi-
ness community; and accordingly he recommended
to the Legislature, that some measures should be
adopted for checking Chinese immigration. This
called forth a spirited remonstrance from the Chinese
citizens of San Francisco. They argued with much
reason, that they had conducted themselves properly
ever since they had entered California, and that there
was no real ground of complaint against them. The
methods of binding them were explained, it is believed,
to the general satisfaction of the busincss community.
We should think that Chinese labor would be in great
demand in California, as the ‘“ Celestials’” not only
work for less than the Americans, but can endure
more toil and exposure.
In October, 1852, events occurred in the Mexican
State of Sonora, which the Californians could not but
regard with much interest. Count de Raousset-Boul-
bon, a French adventurer, was the prime actor, in a
brief but stirring drama, in that quarter. He had
come to California in search of fortune. Being
unsuccessful, he went to Mexico.
At the period of his arrival there the Province
of Sonora was devastated by the Alpaca Indians, who
committed all sorts of depredations with impunity.
Count de Raoussct-Boulbon presented himself to the
Mexican Government, and offered to deliver Sonora
from the red-skins with which it was infested. The
24
278 TIISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
Mexican Government was ready to fall upon the neck
of M. de Raousset-Boulbon. ‘I am a Frenchman.
I know the country. I understand war. I will an-
swer for every thing,” said the Count. ‘ Good,” said
the government, “we will place an army of ten thou-
sand men at your disposal.” “Thank you,” said
M. de Raousset-Boulbon, “‘keep.your army; it would
only get in my way. Give me some muskets, and
two hundred thousand francs, and leave the rest to
me.” He received the required sum, returned to
Sonora, organized a corps of Frenchmen, resolute
men like himself, and proceeded to hunt down the
Indians. The merchants of the country, delighted
with the successes obtained by their defender against
a set of rascals who had so long been masters of their
provinces, sent subsidies to M. de Raousset-Boulbon,
put themselves under his protection, and assured hirn
that neither he nor his troops should ever want for any
thing if he would only continue the war. The Count
closed with the offer. But the popularity of the
young general, and the success of his little army,
alarmed the Mexican Government.
They issued an order requiring him to quit the
country with his forces. Count de Raousset-Boulbon
replied, that the merchants and land-owners of the
country having placed Sonora under his immediate
protection, he felt it due to his honor not to abandon
them, and consequently he distinctly refused to obey
the order. The Mexican Government then sent a
frigate to blockade the principal port of Sonora.
Count de Raousset-Boulbon took the frigate. The
government sent Gen. Blanco, at the head of an
army, against the French commander. A battle was
fought, and after a short but fierce struggle, superior
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 279
numbers triumphed, and the French were defeated.
A treaty was then negotiated, by the terms of which,
Count Boulbon agreed to quit Sonora, in considera-
tion of receiving a large sum of money.
It is the prevailing opinion that this movement
originated in a mere restless spirit of adventure.
But there are some sagacious statesmen at Washing-
ton and some keen-eyed politicians in California, who
regard it as having had the object of organizing a
powerful French state, which might check the pro-
gress of the great North American confederacy.
Senator Bell, of Tennessee, predicted that such a
design would be entertained, and such a movement
executed by the French. It is well that the people of
California should be upon their guard. A republic
can have no safe neighbors but republics. There are
a large number of Frenchmen in California; but if
the Americans are vigilant there is nothing to be
feared from them.
On the 2d of November, 1852, the presidential
election was held throughout the United States.
The Democrats carried California for their electoral
ticket, pledged to vote for Franklin Pierce, of New
Hampshire, and William R. King, of Alabama. The
state election occurred at the same time, and in this,
also, the Democrats were completely successful.
About the same time, destructive fires occurred in
various parts of California. The greater part of the
city of Sacramento was laid in ashes by a conflagra-
tion, which occurred on the 2d of November. Of this
terrible disaster, the San Francisco Herald of the
4th of November, gives the following account :—
At 114 o'clock on Tuesday evening, a fire broke
out in the millinery shop of Madam Lanos, on
280 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
J street, near the corner of Fourth. The inspectors
were counting the votes, and a numerous crowd were
awaiting the decision of the judges, so that no time
was lost in delay. With astonishing rapidity the fire
spread from building to building—up, down and
across the street, in five minutes. The Crescent
City Hotel, on the opposite side of the street, was in
flames, and being of inflammable materials and of
large size, sent the fiery torrent in every direction.
The hardware store of Pawoth, Eels & Co. com-
municated the flames to the brick block adjoining,
_ which was speedily burned to the ground, and carried
the fire up street on both sides, until it reached Eighth
strect, and on the south side of J street. On the
corner side, from Brown, Kenny & Co.’s brick block,
which caught from the Crescent City fire, there was
nothing to stay its progress but the Overton Block,
on the corner of Third and J streets, on the one side,
and Scudder, Carroll & Co. on the other. For a
time the superhuman exertions put forth seemed to
check, and it was hoped would entirely subdue the
fire, and the boom of the powder, like artillery, that
was deposited in every building, by the hook and
ladder boys, was deemed the signal for the arrest and
staying of the fire on this line. In vain, however;
the wind, heretofore blowing towards the levee, in-
creased to a gale and changed to the north, thus
turning the fire broadside on, and in five minutes it
had spread to M. street.
From J and Third, the fire curled around Scud-
der & Carroll’s, and extended to Dr. Morrell’s drug
store, on the south side of J street, which proved a
barrier for a time. These buildings, of wood, were
built in 1849, and as combustible as powder. The
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 281
flames caught the wooden building opposite, and
spread to the rear on I street. At this time, W. R.
McCall & Co.’s building caught on the roof. The
burning of their building sealed the fate of all to the
levee, on both sides of the street, and bearing down
the length of the city, the flames extended, soon
wrapping the Orleans Hotel. The buildings all around
were blown up with the rapidity of magic, carts stand-
ing ready with 25lb. kegs of powder. The Union
office next fell, the proprietors saving two presses,
type and paper sufficient for a few days’ supply.
The Tahama block, containing Page, Bacon & Co.'s,
Swift’s and Grimes’ banking offices, saved, wind
changing, blowing directly south from them. J. B.
Starr’s store also made a wall to prevent the further
spread of the fire in that direction. At this moment
the fire reached, from the levee, J and K street to
Tenth, one sea of fire, crumbling every thing to ashes,
The large brick store of J. A. Haines, the brick blocks
on K—with the exception of that of the Lady Adams
Co. on K, between First and K streets—are a pile of
ruins. The L. A. Co.’s buildings stand prominent and
erect this morning, a monument to the proprietor’s
sagacity and good sense. The families on the line
below K street, were busy removing their valuables
and furniture, when the flames crossed the brick bar-
rier, and swept with remorseless fury down and across,
licking with its forked tongue from street to alley,
apparently shrivelling the wooden buildings with a
single breath. The inmates of the hospital, seventy
in number, were taken in season to the levee, and
from thence to a suitable house, by Drs. Briarly and
Williams. The City market, filled with hay, and the
hospital, were the last on that line of the fire, where
24*
282 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
the citizens effectually stopped its farther progress,
On F street the brick building of Reynolds & Co.
made but a light barrier, the roof falling in almost
immediately, with three of No. 3’s engine men, who
were burned to death. Every thing to Highth street,
on the north, and Ninth Street on the south side of
J street to Twelfth street, on K down to N street on
the southeast, through N and M to the levee—the
El Dorado, supposed impregnable hitherto, as also
Merritt's, Dr. Morrill’s, Scudders’, and Case & Co.’s
are completely gutted.
Thus far the number of lives ascertained to be lost
are six. Three of No. 3’s Engine Company’s men,
who fell with the roof of Reynolds & Co.’s building,
were swallowed up alive; the confusion of the morn-
ing, and the scattering of people, prevented a roll cel!
to ascertain the names of the gallant but unfortunate
firemen. A lady, next door to the place where the
fire originated, is also reported burnt. The number
scorched is enormous, all of whom, however, are care-
fully attended to by surgeons on board the Camanche.
Every assistance possible was proffered by the captains
and agents of the steamers, whose vessels were soon
crowded with females. The levee was strewn with
merchandise of every description, and the wind blow-
ing from the northwest threw the sparks from the
goods and saved them all. At 5 a.m., the fire had
nearly ceased, the smouldering embers throwing huge
clouds of smoke and lurid flashes, bringing desolation
to the hearts of all who witnessed the sickening sight.
The losses cannot be less than $5,000,000.
On the evening of the 9th of November, another
great fire occurred at San Francisco. Of this the Cali-
fornia Whig of Nov. 10, gives the following account :—
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 283
Last evening, at half past eight o’clock, our citizens
were alarmed by the dreadful cry of fire, which proved
to be too well founded, for in less than five minutes
the whole city was illumed by the lurid glare of the
flames.
There is much contradiction as to where the fire
originated, but it is pretty generally conceded that
it was in the upper story of the frame building on
the corner of Merchant and Kearny streets, occupied
by some lodgers.
In a very short time all the buildings on the corner
of the street were in a blaze, and wholly beyond the
power of human aid to save. The close proximity of
the building to the Union, on the opposite corner,
rendered the probability of its destruction almost
certain. In a very few minutes the latter building
caught. In the meantime the frame buildings on
Merchant, and between that and Clay streets caught,
and were in a blaze.
The whole force of the fire department were
promptly on the spot, with their apparatus, and put
into the most effective service. Never since they
have been in organization have they displayed their
unequalled energy and training as they did on this
occasion.
Fortunately for the safety of the lower part of the
city, there was but little air stirring, and a slight
misty rain had fallen during the day and evening,
which checked the tendency of the fire to spread
towards the bay. Had it not been for this, the mass
of sparks falling upon the roofs of the frame buildings
on the east side of Montgomery street, must have
extended it to the whole lower side of the city.
These buildings were covered with men provided with
284 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
wet blankets, buckets of water, and every thing
necessary to extinguish the flames, should they com-
municate to their roofs.
The fire burnt eastward to the buidings of Messrs.
Austin & Lobdell, fronting on Clay street, and that
of Mr. Naglee, fronting on Merchant street. On
the north side of Merchant it took the Union Hotel,
and all the buildings fronting on that street, down
towards Montgomery, to Bolton and Barron’s build-
ing. It did not cross over to Washington in any
instance. This is the second time that the building
of Messrs. Austin & Lobdell has proved an effectual
barrier to the progress of a fire, and without receiving
the least injury itself, or damaging the goods within it.
Nothing but the determined and unparalleled efforts
of the firemen prevented the fire from extending to
the south side of Clay street; as it was, some $10,000
damage was done to goods and buildings upon that
side.
The fire broke out, as we have said, at half past
eight o'clock, and it was not until a quarter past ten
that it was checked or its further spread prevented,
and the engines worked for some time longer.
The records of the different courts in the old City
Hall were removed, but thrown into the utmost
confusion.
In the midst of the excitement, Mr. Masalski, a
gentleman well known to the community as the former
keeper of the Sacramento House, rushed to the scene
of disaster, and shortly afterwards returned to his
dwelling. He was immediately seized with the most
alarming symptoms, and in a few moments breathed
his last. Dr. Guatier, who attended him in his last
moments, says that it is difficult to pronounce upon
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 285
the cause of his death, other than that it was brought
about by congestion of the brain, but what was the
immediate cause of this congestion he is unable to say
at present.
It is of course impossible for us to give a correct
estimate of the losses sustained, but we have heard it
variously estimated as from $150,000 to $200,000.
Other destructive fires occurred at Marysville,
Sonora, Stockton, San Diego and in the agricultural
districts, an immense amount of property being
destroyed. In the cities, the damage was repaired,
with an astonishing rapidity, but some individuals
were utterly ruined—the results of years of labor
being swept away in a single night. The cities of
California are now generally supplied with fire en-
gines and hook and ladder companies. But these
machines are not always available.
The mining news contained in California papers
of November, 1852, is very interesting.
A letter dated Nevada, Oct. 24, says that the con-
tinued dry weather has given unusual opportunities
and facilities to miners now working in the river
channels. At the best these operations are very pre-
carious in their nature—neeessarily attended with a
vast outlay, and frequently, where the most sanguine
hopes were entertained, the results have been most
unfortunate. The time for working in the rivers is
usually confined to a very limited period, the water
being seldom or never sufficiently low to work to
advantage earlier than September; it follows, there-
fore, that every additional week of dry weather is
of the utmost value to such as are thus engaged.
Luckily for them, the present dry season has been
unusually protracted, consequent upon which, the
286 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
rivers are at an exceedingly low stage, and the success
of the miner proportionate to this advantage. On the
other hand, those interested in ravine and hill mining
(by far the greater proportion of the miners,) are
anxiously awaiting the wet season for a supply of
water-—without which, all their labor is fruitless.
The Bear River and Auburn Water Company’s
canal is so far completed as to be available to the
miners by the first rains, notwithstanding the great
expense and time attending its construction, arising
from a want of experience, and so far beyond the
calculations of its projectors. This work traverses an
extensive and rich mining country, totally dependent
upon the canal for water, which cannot be exhausted
for many years.
The discovery of a continuation of the celebrated
Coyote lead, in Nevada, from which so many millions
of the precious metals were extracted in 50 and ’651,
is now established beyond a doubt. As yet it is not
developed to any great extent, but enough, however,
to give employment to a goodly number of miners.
The character of the lead continues to be similar to
the old mines, in appearance and _ productiveness.
A few weeks’ further investigation of the locality will
no doubt give a new impetus to mining operations
here, which have latterly been somewhat stagnant.
The Sacramento Journal says:—We.have been
shown a lot of the gold taken out of the Mokelumne
run, valued at $2,500, which was superior to any
thing we ever examined before. The pieces of glitter-
ing ore were of sizes varying from a cucumber seed
up to a pumpkin seed, and all in that flat, oval shape
so peculiarly characteristic of Mokelumne gold. It
was sent down from the store of D. L. Angier, in
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 287
Calaveras county, and we are informed that the same
company of six men that disposed of it, have taken out
of the claim $36,000 of the same kind of specimens.
Gold has been found in considerable quantities in
the mountains back of San Buenaventura. The
existence of the gold was made known by the Indians
+o some white men, who, on visiting the spot indicated,
were rewarded with six ounces of the precious metal.
The prospect is said to be good.
Three quartz mills have recently commenced ope-
rations in Scott valley. We have not received any
definite information as to what these mills have ac-
complished, but are informed that one of them is pro-
ducing gold in great abundance.
The Columbia Mining Company took ont 12 Ths.
of gold in one day, and 8 Ibs. at night—making in all
20 lbs. The same gentleman informs us that miners
generally in that vicinity are doing remarkably well.
New diggings have been discovered near the Ame-
rican ranche. Those working there are getting weil
paid, in coarse, heavy gold. They are making from
$12 to $20 per day to the man. The diggings are
ravine diggings, and can be worked all winter.
A convention of the quartz miners of Nevada
county was to have been held at Nevada on the
13th of November, to adopt measures having for their
purpose more unity of operation and greater sccurity
of labor and capital.
The San Francisco papers of Jan. 1, 1853, contain
most interesting intelligence of the state of the gold
region. The following is the most important :—
The present winter is conceded to be the mosé
severe experienced in this country since it has been
populated by Americans. During the last fortnight
288 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
it has been raining and snowing continually in the
mountains and valleys, and we are daily in the
receipt of accounts of disasters and suffering in all
parts of the state. The waters have been unusually
high, and communication through the mining regions
almost entirely cut off, either by snow or overflowed
streams. The rivers have been swelled to such an
extent as to inundate all the low lands, causing
immense damage, destroying stock and agricultural
products.
The whole country between Tehama and Sacra-
mento city was entirely under water, whilst Marys-
ville was partly inundated, and though Sacramento
city was well protected by a levee, the lower portions
were submerged. The waters at the present time
have subsided, although the rains still continue. On
the mountain streams, the loss of mining implements
has been great, and all work for the present is sus-
pended. Bridges have been swept away, and ferries
destroyed, and some few lives lost. The southern
portion of the mining district has suffered equally
with the northern. Stockton has been inundated
partially, and property to a considerable amount
destroyed. The bridges on the Calaveras, Stanislaus,
and other streams have been swept away, and com-
munication with the mining towns for a while sus-
pended. The flood has been universal, and the waters
higher than in the memorable winter of 1849.
The great scarcity of provisions, and the conse-
quent high prices, have. occasioned much suffering
and distress already, and it is feared that many will
actually die from starvation. Many miners subsist
entirely on beef and potatoes, whilst in other portions
of the mines there are hundreds who have nothing at
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 289
all but barley and potatoes. In portions of Yuba
and Sierra county the snow was already ten feet deep,
and still falling, and the miners actually reduced to
absolute want.
In one place they held a meeting and forced a
trader to sell what flour he had on hand at 45 cents
per pound, and all who were able to leave did so,
thus leaving the provisions for those who were unable
to find their way through the snows to the valleys.
In some places cabins are entirely covered with snow,
and the roofs of many have been crushed in, thus
cutting off the last chance of protection. The accounts
received may be greatly exaggerated—nevertheless,
there is much suffering and distress, and it is not
improbable that some may perish by starvation.
A few days since, we were visited with a terrible
southeast gale, which prevailed for two days. Several
light tenements were blown down, and some injury
done to the shipping in the harbor. For a day or
two, communication by stage with San Jose was cut
off, owing to the sudden rise of the intermediate
streams.
Several important 4ccisions have been rendered in
our courts, among which is the decision of the State
Supreme Court, recognizing the right of native claim-
ants of land to the summary remedy of ejectment
where they are disturbed by squatters. This applies
to parties who are in possession of their claims, and
relieves them from what, by a previous decision of the
court, was a necessity, that they should incur first the
expensive process of a writ of right in order to prove
their title.
The Land Commission are making considerable
progress in the adjudication of claims. Of these, the
25
290 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
most important, perhaps, is that of Mr. Fremont, to
a large tract of land on the head waters of the Mari-
posa river. The Commission recognizes his claim to
the land, but does not undertake to decide upon his
title to the mineral wealth, which, as is well known,
is embraced within the limits of the grant.
A convention of Quartz Miners, held at Nevada,
have adopted a code of laws for the government of
those working quartz veins in that country.
Barley has been used for bread in some places in
the interior, and is found to be a good substitute for
flour.
Farmers are getting their lands ready for the crops
of the next year, and it is understood that considera-
ble quantities of wheat will be sown. Preparations
are also being made for the erection of grist mills,
and it is not likely another season will find us so
dependant upon foreign supply for breadstuffs.
There was considerable excitement in California,
during the latter part of December, about a supposed
monopoly of flour. The article had been very scarce
and high for some time, and the exorbitant rates it
commanded were attributed in a great measure to an
organized effort to force up prices. Indignation meet-
ings were held in the interior, and in San Francisco
several of the public prints endeavored to expose the
supposed plots of the speculators. The timely arrival
of cargoes from Chili and elsewhere, however, soon
caused a decline, and the excitement on the subject
consequently abated.
Vallejo has been made the capital of the state. It
possesses many advantages of situation, and promises
to bea large city. If the government should continue
MISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 291
to have its seat there, Vallejo may prove a formidable
rival to San Francisco.
At Sacramento city much alarm prevailed, in con-
sequence of the rise of the water in the river and its
tributaries. The papers say :—
The warm and unprecedented heavy rains of the
last forty-eight hours have brought down upon us an
avalanche of water from the snowy regions skirting
the forks of the American River, and swollen the
latter stream toa greater height than at any former
period of the present season.
At 9 o’clock, yesterday morning, the water was
eyen with its natural banks, and soon after com-
menced percolating through the unfinished embank-
ments at the gaps of the old levee. These were
speedily torn away by the force of the current, and
the water, now running on unobstructed through the
breach of the new levee, and so on down towards the
city.
By dusk last evening, that portion of the town
lying south of J and east of Fifth street, was entirely
submerged, to the depth of from one to three feet.
During the whole of yesterday the rain poured down
in torrents, and the weather was warmer than we
have known it for a month past. The American
river continued to rise, up to a very late hour, and,
at last accounts, was eleven and a half feet higher
than on Wednesday.
It is useless to deny the fact that the highest mark
has not yet been reached, for there is a great body
of snow that, under the influence of the present
storm, must dissolve, and find its way to the Sacra-
mento. The latter sircam also rose steadily during
292 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
Thursday, but still lacks some two feet of being up to
the top of the levee.
There is no danger whatever of the embankment
yielding at any point in front of the city—the only
danger to be apprehended is that it may not prove
sufficiently high to retain the stream within its appro-
priate bounds.
A small breach was discovered early yesterday
morning in the new levee, near Dudley’s farm, but it
was repaired before any damage was done.
There was a rumor prevailing last evening that
Lisle’s bridge had been swept away, but could be
traced to no reliable source.
Every body is busily engaged in making prepara-
tions to meet the anticipated flood. Merchants and
shopkeepers, and all having property on the ground
floor, are raising them above high water mark—boats
are moored at the doors—vehicles of every descrip-
tion, stock, grain, tents, hay, provisions and people,
are crowded together on the public square, and every
available dry nook and corner is occupied.
The Marysville Express of the 20th, says: ‘“‘The
water is within three or four inches as high as it was
at the last flood, when it was 64 inches higher than
ever known before. The rain is still falling heavily,
and when we consider the enormous, almost frightful,
quantity of snow in the mountains, the most alarming
fears may most reasonably be entertained. All seem
to join in the belief that the present will exceed any
previous flood known.
The accounts we receive from the mining districts
are really heart rending; death by cold and starva-
tion has visited many poor unfortunates, while as yet
the tale of horrors is but half told. It was feared
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 293
that as intelligence should be received from the moun-
tains, we shall have to record the sad fate of many
more.
Great quantities of gold are still obtained in Cali-
fornia. The average value of the gold dust brought
by each steamer of the Panama line is about $500,000.
This is an astonishing production; and we are almost
ready to believe the enthusiastic declarations of the
first adventurers in this El] Dorado, that the gold re-
gion is inexhaustible.
Emigration to California continues to be extensive.
Most of those who intend to become permanent settlers
proceed by the overland route, from Independence,
Missouri, to Sacramento City. Late in the summer
of every year, a relief train is sent from the settled
portion of California, to meet the emigrants. Many
persons are thus saved from death by starvation.
The expense of the relief train is a consideration of
little importance, when its object is borne in mind.
Had the same measure been adopted soon after the
gold discovery, many of those whose bones are bleach-
ing on the plains, would have survived to become use-
ful citizens of California.
Interesting proceedings have taken place in the
United States Senate, in regard to the Tehuantepec
route to California. The Mexican government has
shown a disposition to prevent the construction of a
road across Tehuantepec, which some senators think
should be promptly rebuked. In a recent speech
upon the subject, Mr. Mason, of Virginia, said that
the acquisition of California and the intervening terri-
tory, placed this Government in the position of having
some of its dependencies almost inaccessible. The
discovery of the gold in California, made the subject
21
294 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
of a communication with that region, of the deepest
importance, and has naturally drawn the eyes of the
world to the necessity of securing some safe, reliable,
and speedy right of way to the Pacific Ocean. Pana-
ma has been sought, and it has been used as a place
of transit, without any serious objection on the part
of any government there. Mexico alone has intcr-
posd an obstacle to this desired communication with
the Pacific. Mexico, from whom our territory was
derived, and who is our neighbor and sister Republic,
has alone refused the right of way to the world, and
has not only refused the right of transit to other
nations, but has also set aside an existing grant of
that right. For years, enterprises have been pro-
jected to connect the two Oceans at Tehuantepce.
In view of the vast importance of this connection, the
minds of the people of the United States have been
concentrated upon the discovery of that plan which
shall be the least expensive, and at the same time the
most certain and efficient, to unite the two Oceans by
means of travel or transportation. Mr. Mason read
a table showing the distance between New York and
San Francisco by the Chagres route, to be 6650 miles ;
between New Orleans and San Francisco, by way of
Chagres, 5675 miles; between New York and San
Francisco, by the Tehuantepec route, 4970 ; between
New Orleans and San Francisco, by the Tehuantepec,
3740 miles. The average time from New York to
San Francisco, by the Chagres route, was 28 days,
and the shortest 24 days.’ The average time by the
Tehuantepec route was 19 days, and the shortest 15.
From New Orleans, by way of Tehuantepec, the
average time would te 14 days, and the shortest
12 days.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 295
It is believed that spirited action on the part of our
government will secure from Mexico the recognition
of aright of way across Tehuantepec, which, accord-
ing to Senator Mason’s able representation, is but a
matter of justice. Mexico is at present almost ready
to fall to pieces, most of its states, or provinces, being
in successful rebellion. She is not, therefore, in a
condition to resist a formidable foreign power. It is
lamentable, when a government is weak, and yet
dares to be unjust. The people of California have a
considerable stake in the decision of the Tehuantepec
question.
The gold region is constantly being extended by
new discoveries—especially in the north-eastern sec-
tion of the state. In the meantime the old mines
continue to yield a good profit to industrious laborers.
Before the recent flood, the mining news from the
Mariposa diggings was very favorable—the miners
averaging from $25 to $30 a day. On Cottonwood
Creek, Shosta Valley, operations were also well re-
warded—one company making $100 per day to the
hand. The number of persons engaged in mining and
crushing the gold-bearing quartz is very large, and
the yield rewards the toil.
The miners still occasionally take upon themsclves
the punishment of offenders. Recently, a half-breed
Mexican, named John Bathus, having stolen $800 in
gold dust from 8. B. Star, on the Klamath, was
caught, tried by the miners of the district, convicted,
sentenced to be shot, and executed accordingly.
About the same time, a man named Morrison, having
committed a theft among the miners on Humbug
Oreck, was caught, and received twelve lashes on his
bare back. These cases, however, occurred in wild
296 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
districts, where the laws of the State are but imper-
fectly executed, and where summary measures can
alone secure the miner in possession of his hard-earned
property.
The Indians in the State are very troublesome, in
spite of the strong regular force kept in vigilant ser-
vice. The most recent disturbances have occurred in
Trinity County, whither Gen. Hitchcock was com-
pelled to despatch a company of United States troops.
Prompt and vigorous measures being adopted, the
savages were quieted. Other disturbances in that
section of the country about the mouth of the Kla-
math, were terminated as promptly.
A late number of the Shasta Courier says, the
Indians on Churn Creek, on the east side of the Sac-
ramento river, have become very annoying to the
whites. They have stolen a great many mules, and
are constantly watching for opportunities to take
human life. But recently, a man named Henry Wel-
den, was pursued for several miles by a band of these
Indians, and narrowly escaped with his life. In con-
sequence of these outrages, a company of miners was
formed for the purpose of driving the savages to a
safer distance, or exterminating them. The company
was equipped for efficient service in the mountains.
The Indians fled before them, and could not be over-
taken.
Several months previous the Indians on the Gila
were incited to war by some reckless Mexicans.
Several expeditions were sent against them from Fort
Yumas, and recently the savages have been so far
quieted, that the country is now considered safe for
emigrants.
Among the new and most remarkable placer's, are
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 297
the gold bluffs, situated near the mouth of the Kla-
math river, about thirty miles north of Trinidad.
The approach to them by land is over a plain of sand,
into which the traveller sinks ankle-deep at every
step. The bluffs stretch along some five or six miles,
and present a perpendicular front to the ocean of
from 100 to 400 feet in height. In ordinary weather
the beach is from 20 to 50 feet in width, composed
of a mixture of gray and black sand, the latter con-
taining the gold in scales so fine that they cannot be
separated by the ordinary proccss of washing; 80
that resort must be had to chemical means. The
beach changes with every tide, and sometimes no
black, auriferous sand is to be seen on the surface.
By digging down, it is found mixed with gray sand,
which largely predominates. The violence of the
surf renders landing in boats impracticable. When
the beach was discovered early in 1851, several tons
of goods were landed from a steamer despatched
thither, by means of lines from the vessel to the
shore. The Pacific Mining Company have made good
profits in working the bluffs and the sand of the
beach.
Tunneling has been carried on quite extensively in
the mining region. Some of the tunnels through
solid rock are wonderful achievements. At Duggan’s
Flat, a party bored 150 feet in the solid rock before
finding the gold.
Professor Forrest Shepherd, of New Haven, has
made some remarkable discoveries of thermal action
in California. In one place where there was nothing
on the surface to attract attention, on digging down
the heat increased so rapidly that at the depth of two
feet he could not bear his hand in the earth, and the
298 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
thermometer indicated a temperature of 130 degrees.
At another place, after wandering for four days
through dense thickets, he came upon a chasm a thou-
sand feet deep, through which flowed a stream, the
banks of which, on the 8th of February, were covered
with vegetation. Following up the stream, the earth
grew so hot as to burn the feet through the boots.
There was no appearance of lava, and the rocks were
being dissolved by a powerful catalytic action. From
innumerable orifices steam was forced to the height
of two hundred feet. The number of spouting geysers
and boiling springs, on a half mile square, excecded
two hundred. The Professor, in the course of a lec-
ture delivered at San Jose, said he did not doubt that
silver, lead, and iron abounded in California.
The legislation of Congress in regard to California
has sometimes been of a very unsatisfactory cha-
racter. By an act passed in 1850, the Secretary of
the Treasury was authorized to contract upon the
most reasonable terms with the proprietors of some
well-established assaying works then in successful
operation in California, who should perform such
duties in assaying and fixing the value of gold in
grains and lumps, and in forming the same into bars,
as should be prescribed by the Secretary of the Trea-
sury, and the assayer was to fix the stamp of the
United States, indicating the degree of fineness and
value, upon each bar or ingot. This was a measure
of convenience, and the merchants of the California
ports had then ample means of paying their custom
house duties. In 1852, however, Congress passed
an act, creating a branch mint of the United States
in California: and to this act was appended a clause,
repealing the act which authorized the office of As-
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HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 299
sayer, a3 soon as public notice was given of the erea-
tion of the branch mint. In consequence of this
legislation, the Assayer’s office was abolished, and
yet there was no mint for coining in the golden land.
Time was required for making the necessary appro-
priation of money, erecting buildings, and construct-
ing machinery, all of which had not been considered.
The clause of the former act which made the stamped
ingots receivable for duties was repealed. The mer-
chants of California had no means of paying their
duties at the custom house, and great excitement and
confusion ensued. Finally, an arrangement was made
with the Collector of San Francisco, under which un-
coined gold could be received in payment of duties,
and then business went on as usual. Care is one of
the first essentials of beneficial legislation. The cir-
cumstance that the peeple of California are so far from
the seat of the federal government, requires a strict
attention in legislators, to prevent evils which cannot
be quickly remedied.
The people of California seem to be deeply inte-
rested in the construction of a great railroad from
the Mississippi to the Pacific. At San Diego, seve-
ral mectings have been held, and reports adopted,
advocating and exhibiting the advantages of a south-
ern route for the proposed railroad. The route which
the meetings favored is to start from the Gulf of
Mexico or some of its tributaries, and passing through
Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico te California, and
strike the Pacific at San Diego. Its entire length
would not exceed sixteen hundred miles, whilst it
would have the advantages, as alleged by the report,
of passing through a section in which universal sum-
800 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
mer prevails, and of affording opportunities for late-
ral roads connecting with the cities of Mexico, through
which a large trade might be obtained. The subject
has been brought to the consideration of Congress,
and that body has prudently appropriated a large
sum for a survey of the various routes proposed.
APVENDIX.
APPENDIX A.
CONSTITUTION OF CALIFORNIA.
PROCLAMATION TO THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA
THE delegates of the people assembled in Conven-
tion, have formed a constitution, which is now pre-
sented for your ratification. The time and manner
of voting on this constitution, and of holding the
first general election, are clearly set forth in the sche-
dule. The whole subject is, therefore, left for your
unbiassed and deliberate consideration.
The Prefect (or person exercising the functions of
that office) of each district, will designate the places
for opening the polls, and give due notice of the elec-
tion, in accordance with the provisions of the consti-
tution and schedule.
The people are now called upon to form a govern-
ment for themselves, and to designate such officers as
they desire, to make and execute the laws. That
their choice may be wisely made, and that the govern-
301
302 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
ment so organized may secure the permanent welfare
and happiness of the people of the new State, is the
sincere and earnest wish of the present Executive,
who, if the constitution be ratified, will, with pleasure,
surrender his powers to whomsoever the people may
designate as his successor.
Given at Monterey, California, this 12th day of
October, A. D., 1849.
(Signed) B. RI ey,
Brevet Brig. General, U. 8. A., and Governor of
California.
(Official) H. W. Hatvecx,
Brevet Captain and Secretary of State.
WE THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA, GRATEFUL TO AL-
MIGHTY GOD FOR OUR FREEDOM, IN ORDER TO
SECURE ITS BLESSINGS, DO ESTABLISH THIS CON-
STITUTION :-—
ARTICLE T.
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.
Sec. 1. All men are by nature free and indepen-
dent, and have certain inalienable rights, among
which are those of enjoying and defending life and
liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property,
and pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness.
Sec. 2. All political power is inherent in the peo-
ple. Government is instituted for the protection, se-
curity, and benefit of the people; and they have the
right to alter or reform the same, whenever the pub-
lic good may require it.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 303
Sec. 38. The right of trial by jury shall be secured
to all, and remain inviolate for ever; but a jury trial
may be waived by the parties, in all civil cases, in the
manner to be prescribed by law.
Src. 4. The free exercise and enjoyment of reli-
gious profession and worship, without discrimination
or preference, shall for ever be allowed in this State;
and no person shall be rendered incompetent to be a
witness on account of his opinions on matters of reli-
gious belief; but the liberty of conscience, hereby
secured, shall not be so construed as to excuse acts
of licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with
the peace or safety of this State.
Src. 5. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus
shall not be suspended, unless when, in cases of rebel-
lion or invasion, the public safety may require its
suspension.
Sec. 6. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor
excessive fines imposed, nor shall cruel or unusual
punishments be inflicted, nor shall witnesses be un-
reasonably detained.
Src. 7. All persons shall be bailable, by sufficient
sureties: unless for capital offences, when the proof is
evident or the presumption great.
Src. 8. No person shall be held to answer for a
capital or otherwise infamous crime (except in cases
of impeachment, and in cases of militia when in ac-
tual service, and the land and naval forces in time of
war, or which this State may keep with the consent
of Congress in time of peace, and in cases of petit
larceny under the regulation of the Legislature,) un-
less on presentment or indictment of a grand jury;
and in any trial in any court whatever, the party ac-
cused shall be allowed to appear and defend in person
27 R*
804 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
and with counsel, as in civil actions. No person shall
be subject to be twice put in jeopardy for the same
offence; nor shall he be compelled, in any criminal
case, to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived
of life, liberty, or property, without due process of
law; nor shall private property be taken for public
use without just compensation.
Sec. 9. Every citizen may freely speak, write, and
publish his sentiments on all subjects, being respon-
sible for the abuse of that right; and no law shall be
passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or
of the press. In all criminal prosecutions on indict-
ments for libels, the truth may be given in evidence
to the jury; and if it shall appear to the jury that
the matter charged as libellous is true, and was pub-
lished with good motives and for justifiable ends, the
party shall be acquitted: and the jury shall have the
right to determine the law and the fact.
Sec. 10. The people shall have the right freely to
assemble together, to consult for the common good, to
instruct their representatives, and to petition the legis-
lature for redress of grievances.
Sec. 11. All laws of a general nature shall have a
uniform operation.
Sec. 12. The military shall be subordinate to the
civil power. No standing army shall be kept up by
this State in time of peace; and in time of war no
appropriation for a standing army shall be for a
longer time than two years.
Sec. 18. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be
quartered in any house, without the consent of the
owner; nor in time of war, except in the manner t9
be prescribed by law.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 205
Src. 14. Representation shall be apportioned ac-
cording to population.
Sec. 15. No person shall be imprisoned for debt
in any civil action on mesne or final process, unless
in cases of fraud; and no person shall be imprisoned
for a milita fine in time of peace.
Sec. 16. No bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or
law impairing the obligation of contracts, shall ever
be passed.
Src. 17. Foreigners who are, or who may here-
after become, bona fide residents of this State, shall
enjoy the same rights in respect to the possession, en-
joyment, and inheritance of property, as native born
citizens.
Sec. 18. Neither slavery, nor involuntary servi-
tude, unless for the punishment of erimes, shall ever
be tolerated in this State.
Sec. 19. The right of the people to be secure in
their persons, houses, papers and effects, against un-
reasonable seizures and searches, shall not be violated;
and no warrant shall issue but on probable cause,
supported by oath or affirmation, particularly describ-
ing the place to be searched, and the persons and
things to be seized.
Sec. 20. Treason against the State shall consist
only in levying war against it, adhering to its enemies,
or giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be
convicted of treason, unless on the evidence of two
witnesses to the same overt act, or confession in open
court.
Sec. 21. This enumeration of rights shall not be
construed to impair or deny others retained by the
people.
3806 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
ARTICLE II.
RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE.
Sec. 1. Every white male citizen of the United
States, and every white male citizen of Mexico, who
shall have elected to become a citizen of the United
States, under the treaty of peace exchanged and rati-
fied at Queretaro, on the 80th day of May, 1848, of
the age of twenty-one years, who shall have been a
resident of the State six months next preceding the
election, and the county or district in which he claims
his vote thirty days, shall be entitled to vote at all
elections which are now or hereafter may be autho-
rized by law: Provided, that nothing herein contained
shall be construed to prevent the Legislature, by a
two-thirds concurrent vote, from admitting to the
right of suffrage, Indians or the descendants of Indians,
in such special cases as such a proportion of the legis-
lative body may deem just and proper.
Sec. 2. Electors shall, on all cases except treason,
felony, or breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest
on the days of the election, during their attendance at
such election, going to and returning therefrom.
Sec. 3. No elector shall be obliged to perform militia
duty on the day of election, except in time of war or
public danger.
Sec. 4. For the purpose of voting, no person shall
be deemed to have gained or lost a residence by rea-
son of his presence or absence while employed in the
service of the United States; nor while engaged in
the navigation of the waters of this State, or of the
United States, or of the high seas; nor while a student
of any seminary of learning; nor while kept at any
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 807
almshouse, or other asylum, at public expense; nor
while confined in any public prison.
Sec. 5. No idiot or insane person, or person con-
victed of any infamous crime, shall be entitled to the
privileges of an elector.
Sc. 6. All elections by the people shall be by
ballot.
ARTICLE III.
DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS.
The powers of the government of the State of Cali-
fornia shall be divided into three separate depart-
ments: the Legislature, the Executive, and Judicial ;
and no person charged with the exercise of powers
properly belonging to one of these departments, shall
exercise any functions appertaining to either of the
others; except in the cases hereinafter expressly
directed or permitted.
ARTICLE IV.
LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT.
Szc. 1. The legislative power of this State shall
be vested in a Senate and Assembly, which shall be
designated the Legislature of the State of California,
and the enacting clause of every law shall be as fol-
lows: “ The people of the State of California, repre-
sented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows.”’
Src. 2. The sessions of the Legislature shall be
annual, and shall commence on the first Monday of
January, next ensuing the election of its members ;
unless the Governor of the State shall, in the interim,
convene the Legislature by proclamation.
Sec. 3. The members of the Assembly shall be
308 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
chosen annually, by the qualified electors of theit
respective districts, on the Tuesday next after the
first Monday in November, unless otherwise ordered
by the Legislature, and their term of office shall be
one year.
Src. 4. Senators and Members of Assembly shall
be duly qualified electors in the respective counties
and districts which they represent.
Src. 5. Senators shall be chosen for the term of
two years, at the same time and places as Members
of Assembly; and no person shall be a Member of the
Senate or Assembly, who has not been a citizen and
inhabitant of the State one year, and of the country
or district for which he shall be chosen six months
next before his clection.
Sec. 6. The number of Senators shall not be less
than one third, nor more than one half, of that of the
Members of Assembly; and at the first session of the
Legislature after this Constitution takes effect, the
Senators shall be divided by lot as equally as may be,
into two classes; the seats of the Senators of the first
class shall be vacated at the expiration of the first
year, so that one half shall be chosen annually.
Sec. 7. When the number of Senators is increased, .
they shall be apportioned by lot, so as to keep the
two classes as nearly equal in number as possible.
Sec. 8. Each house shall choose its own officers, and
judge of the qualifications, elections, and returns of
its own members.
Sec. 9. A majority of each house shall constitute a
quorum to do business; but a smaller number may
adjourn from day to day, and may compel the attend-
ance of absent members, in such manner, and under
such penalties as each house may provide.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 309
Sec. 10. Each house shall determine the rules of
its own proceedings, and may with the concurrence
of two-thirds of all the members elected, expel a
member.
Sec. 11. Each house shall keep a journal of its own
proceedings, and publish the same; and the yeas and
nays of the members of either house, on any question,
shall, at the desire of any three members present, be
entered on the journal.
Sec. 12. Members of the Legislature shall, in all
cases except treason, felony, and breach of the peace,
be privileged from arrest, and they shall not be subject
to any civil process during the session of the Legisla-
ture, nor for fifteen days next before the commence.
ment and after the termination of each session.
Sec. 18. When vacancies occur in either house, the
Governor, or the person exercising the functions of
the Governor, shall issue writs of election to fill such
vacancies.
Sec. 14. The doors of each house shall be open,
except on such occasions as in the opinion of the house
may require secrecy.
Sec. 15. Neither house shall, without the consent
of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to
any other place than that in which they may be sitting.
Sec. 16. Any bill may originate in either house of
the Legislature, and all bills passed by one house may
be amended in the other.
Src. 17. Every bill which may have passed the
Legislature, shall, before it becomes a law, be pre-
sented to the Governor. If he approve it, he shall
sign it; but if not, he shall return it, with his objec-
tions, to the house in which it originated, which shall
enter the same upon the journal, and proceed to re
22
810 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
consider it. If, after such reconsideration, it again
pass both houses, by yeas and nays, by a majority of
two-thirds of the members of each house present, it
shall become a law, notwithstanding the Governor's
objections. If any bill shall not be returned within
ten days after it shall have been presented to him,
(Sunday excepted,) the same shall be a law, in like
manner as if he had signed it, unless the Legislature,
by adjournment, prevent such return.
Suc. 18. The Assembly shall have the sole power
of impeachment ; and all impeachments shall be tried
by the Senate. When sitting for that purpose, the
Senators shall be upon oath or affirmation; and no
person shall be convicted without the concurrence of
two-thirds of the members present.
Sec. 19. The Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Se-
eretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney-
General, Surveyor-General, Justices of the Supreme
Court, and Judges of the District Courts, shall be
liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor in office ;
but judgment in such cases shall extend only to re-
moval from office, and disqualification to hold any office
of honor, trust or profit, under the State; but the
party convicted, or acquitted, shall nevertheless be
liable to indictment, trial and punishment, according
to law. All other civil officers shall be tried for mis-
demeanors in office, in such manner as the Legislature
may provide.
Sec. 20. No Senator or member of Assembly shall,
during the term for which he shall have been elected,
be appointed to any civil office of profit, under this
State, which shall have been created, or the emolu-
ments of which shall have been increased, during such
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 811
term, except such office as may be filled by elections
by the people.
Sec. 21. No person holding any lucrative office
under the United States, or any other power, shall be
eligible to any civil office of profit, under this State ;
provided, that officers in the militia, to which there is
attached no annual salary, or local officers and post-
masters whose compensation does not exceed five
hundred dollars per annum, shall not be deemed lucra-
tive.
Sec. 22. No person who shall be convicted of the
embezzlement or defalcation of the public funds of th-s
State, shall ever be eligible to any office of honor,
trust, or profit, under the State; and the Legislature
shall, as soon as practicable, pass a law providing for
the punishment of such embezzlement, or defalcation
as a felony.
Sec. 23. No money shall be drawn from the Trea-
sury but in consequence of appropriations made by
law. An accurate statement of the receipts and ex-
penditures of the public moneys shall be attached to,
and published with, the laws, at every regular session
of the Legislature.
Sec. 24. The members of the Legislature shall
receive for their services, a compensation to be fixed
by law, and paid out of the public treasury; but no
increase of the compensation shall take effect during
the term for which the members of either house ehall
have been elected.
Src. 25. Every law enacted by the Legislature,
shall embrace but one object, and that shall be ex-
pressed in the title; and no law shall be revised, or
amended, by reference to its title; but in such case,
312 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
the act revised, or section amended, shall be re
enacted and published at length.
Sxc. 26. No divorce shall be granted by the Legis-
lature.
Szo. 27. No lottery shall be authorized by this
State, nor shall the sale of lottery tickets be allowed.
Src. 28. The enumeration of the inhabitants of this
State shall be taken, under the direction of the Legis-
lature, in the year one thousand eight hundred and
fifty-two, and one thousand eight hundred and fifty-
five, and at the end of every ten years thereafter ;
and these enumerations, together with the census that
may be taken, under the direction of the Congress of
the United States, in the year one thousand eight
hundred and fifty, and every subsequent ten years,
shall serve as the basis of representation in both
houses of the Legislature.
Ssc. 29. The number of Senators and Members of
Assembly, shall, at the first session of the Legislature,
holden after the enumeration herein provided for are
made, be fixed by the Legislature, and apportioned
among the several counties and districts to be esta-
blished by law, according to the number of white in-
habitants. The number of Members of Assembly
shall not be less than twenty-four, nor more than
thirty-six, until the number of inhabitants within this
State shall amount to one hundred thousand: and
after that period, at such ratio that the whole number
of Members of Assembly shall never be less than thirty,
nor more than eighty.
Sec. 30. When a congressional, senatorial, or
assembly district, shall be composed of two or more
counties, it shall not be separated by any county bo
longing to another district; and no county shall b
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 313
divided, in forming a congressional, senatorial, or
assembly district.
Ssc. 81. Corporations may be formed under gene-
ral laws, but shall not be created by special act, ex-
cept for municipal purposes. All general laws and
special acts passed pursuant to this section may be
altered from time to time, or repealed.
Sec. 32. Dues from corporations shall be secured
by such individual liability of the corporators, and
other means, as may be prescribed by law.
Sec. 838. The term corporations, as used in this
article, shall be construed to include all associations
and joint-stock companies, having any of the powers
or privileges of corporations not possessed by indivi-
duals or partnerships. And all corporations shall
have the right to sue, and shall be subject to be sucd,
in all courts, in like cases as natural persons.
Sec. 34. The Legislature shall have no power to
to pass any act granting any charter for banking pur-
poses ; but associations may be formed under general
laws, for the deposit of gold and silver; but no such
association shall make, issue, or put in circulation,
any bill, check, tickets, certificate, promissory note,
or other paper, or the paper of any bank, to circulate
as money.
Sec. 85. The Legislature of this State shall pro-
hibit, by law, any person or persons, association, com-
pany, or corporation, from exercising the privileges
of banking, or creating paper to circulate as money.
Sec. 36. Each stockholder of a corporation, or
joint-stock association, shall be individually and per-
sonally able for his proportion of all its debts and
liabilities.
Sec. 87. It shall be the duty of the Legislature to
314 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
provide for the organization of cities and incorporated
villages, and to restrict their power of taxation, as-
sessment, borrowing money, contracting debts, and
loaning their credit, so as to prevent abuses in assess-
ments, and in contracting debts, by such municipal
corporations.
Sec. 88. In all elections by the Legislature, the
members thereof shall vote viva voce, and the votes
shall be entered on the journal.
ARTICLE V.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
Src. 1. The supreme executive power of this State
shall be vested in a chief magistrate, who shall be
styled the Governor of the State of California.
Src. 2. The Governor shall be elected by the
qualified electors, at the time and places of voting for
Members of Assembly, and shall hold his office two
years from the time of his installation, and until his
successor shall be qualified.
Sec. 8. No person shall be eligible to the office of
Governor (except at the first election) who has not
been a citizen of the United States and a resident of
this State two years next preceding the election, and
attained the age of twenty-five years at the time of
said election.
Src. 4. The returns of every election for Governor
shall be sealed up and transmitted to the seat of gov-
ernment, directed to the Speaker of the Assembly,
who shall, during the first week of the session, open
and publish them in presence of both houses of the
Legislature. The person having the highest number
of votes shall be Governor; but in case any two or
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 315
more have an equal and the highest number of votes,
the Legislature shal by jomt-vote of both houses,
choose one ot said persons, so having an equal and
the highest number of votes, for Governor.
Sec. 5. The Governor shall be commander-in-chief
of the militia, the army, and navy of this State.
Sec. 6. He shall transact all executive business
with the officers of government, civil and military,
and may require information in writing from the
officers of the executive department, upon any subject
relating to the duties of the respective offices.
Sec. 7. He shall see that the laws are faithfully
executed.
Sec. 8. When any office shall, from any cause, be-
come vacant, and no mode is provided by the constitu-
tion and laws for filling such vacancy, the Governor
shall have power to fill such vacancy by granting a
commission, which shall expire at the end of the next
session of the Legislature, or at the next election by
the people.
Sec. 9. He may, on extraordinary occasions, con-
vene the Legislature by proclamation, and shall state
to both houses, when assembled, the purpose for which
they shall have been convened.
Suc. 10. He shall communicate by message to the
Legislature, at every session, the condition of the
State, and recommend such matters as he shall deem
expedient.
Ssc. 11. in case of a disagreement between the
two houses, with respect to the time of adjournment,
the Governor shall have power to adjourn the Legis-
Jature to such time as he may think proper; Provided
it be not beyond the time fixed for the meeting of the
next Legislature.
316 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
Szc. 12. No person shall, while holding any office
under the United States, or this State, exercise the
office of Governor, except as hereinafter expressly
provided.
Sec. 13. The Governor shall have the power to
grant reprieves and pardons after conviction, for all
offences except treason, and cases of impeachment,
upon such conditions, and with such restrictions and
limitations, as he may think proper, subject to such
regulations as may be provided by law relative to the
manner of applying for pardons. Upon conviction
for treason he shall have the power to suspend the
execution of the sentence until the case shall be re-
ported to the Legislature at its next meeting, when
the Legislature shall either pardon, direct the execu-
tion of the sentence, or grant a further reprieve. He
shall communicate to the Legislature, at the begin-
ning of every session, every case of reprieve, or par-
don granted, stating the name of the convict, the
crime of which he was convicted, the sentence and its
date, and the date of the pardon or reprieve.
Sec. 14. There shall be a seal of this State, which
shall be kept by the Governor, and used by him
officially, and it shall be called “The Great Seal of
the State of California.”
Ssc..15. All grants and commissions shall be in
the name and by the authority of the people of the
State of California, sealed with the great seal of the
State, signed by the Governor, and countersigned by
the Secretary of State.
Src. 16. A Lieutenant-Governor shall be elected
at the same time and place, and in the same manner
as the Governor; and his term of office, and his qua-
lifications, shall also be the same. He shall be Pre-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. R17
sident of the Senate, but shall only have a casting
vote therein. If, during a vacancy of the office of
Governor, the Lieutenant-Governor shall be im-
peached, displaced, resign, die, or become incapable
of performing the duties of his office, or be absent
from the State, the President of the Senate shall act
as Governor, until the vacancy be filled, or the dis-
ability shall cease.
Src. 17. In case of the impeachment of the Go-
vernor, or his removal from office, death, inability to
discharge the pewers and duties of the said office,
resignation or absence from the State, the powers and
duties of the office shall devolve upon the Lieutenant-
Governor for the residue of the term, or until the
isability shall cease. But when the Governor shall,
with the consent of the Legislature, be out of the
State in time of war, at the head of any military force
thereof, ke shall continue commander-in-chief of all
the military forces of the State.
Sec. 18. A Secretary of State, a Comptroller, a
Treasurer, an Attorney-General and Surveyor-Gene-
ral, shall be chosen in the manner provided in this
Constitution; and the term of office, and eligibility
of each, shall be the same as are prescribed for the
Governor and Lieutenant-Governor.
Sec. 19. The Secretary of State shall be appointed
by the Governor, by and with the advice and conscnt
of the Senate. He shall keep a fair record of
the official acts of the Legislature and Executive
Departments of the Government; and shall, when
required, lay the same, and all matters relative there-
to, before either branch of the Legislature: and
shall perform such other duties as shall be assigned
him by law.
318 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
Sec. 20. The Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney.
General and Surveyor-General, shall be chosen by
jeint vote of the two Houses of the Legislature, at
their first session under this Constitution, and there-
after shall be elected at the same time and places,
and in the same manner, as the Governor and Lieu-
tenant-Governor.
Sec. 21. The Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Se-
cretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney-
General, and Surveyor-General, shall each at stated
times during their continuance in office, receive for
their services a compensation, which shall not be in-
creased or diminished during the term for which they
shall have been elected; but neither of these officers
shall receive for his own use any fees for the perform-
ance of his official duties.
ARTICLE VI.
JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT.
Sec. 1. The judicial power of this State shall be
vested in a Supreme Court, in District Courts, in
County Courts, and in Justices of the Peace. The
Legislature may also establish such municipal and
other inferior courts as may be deemed necessary.
Sec. 2. The Supreme Court shall consist of a
Chief Justice, and two Associate Justices, any two of
whom shall constitute a quorum.
Src. 8. The Justices of the Supreme Court shall
be elected at the general election, by the qualified
electors of the State, and shall hold their office for
the term of six years from the first day of January
next after their election; prov‘ded that the Legisla-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 319
ture shall, at its first meeting, elect a Uhief Justice
and two Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, by
joint vote of both houses, and so classify them that
one shall go out of office every two years. After the
first election, the senior Justice in commission shall
be the Chief Justice.
Sec. 4. The Supreme Court shall have appellate
jurisdiction in all cases when the matter in dispute
exceeds two hundred dollars, when the legality of
any tax, toll, or impost, or municipal fine is in ques-
tion: and in all criminal cases amounting to felony,
or questions of law alone. And the said court tnd
each of the Justices thereof, as well as all district and
county judges, shall have power to issue writs of ha-
beas corpus, at the instance of any person held in
actual custody. They shall also have power to issue
all other writs and process necessary to the exercise
of the appellate jurisdiction, and shall be conserva-
tors of the peace throughout the State.
Sec. 5. The State shall be divided by the first
Legislature into a convenient number of districts,
subject to such alteration from time to time as the
public good may require ; for each of which a district
judge shall be appointed by the joint vote of the
legislature, at its first meeting, who shall hold his
office for two years from the first day of January
next after his election; after which, said judges shall
be elected by the qualified electors of their respective
districts, at the general election, and shall hold their
office for the term of six years.
Sec. 6. The District Courts shall have original
jurisdiction, in law and equity, in all civil cases where
the amount in dispute exceeds two hundred dollars,
exclusive of interest. In all criminal cases not other
Ss
320 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
wise provided for, and in all issues of fact joined in
the probate courts, their jurisdiction shall be unlimited.
Sec. 7. The Legislature shall provide for the elec-
tion, by the people, of a Clerk of the Supreme Court,
and County Clerks, District Attorneys, Sheriffs, Coro-
ners, and other necessary officers; and shall fix by
law their duties and compensation. County Clerks
shall be, ez-officio, Clerks of the District Courts in
and for their respective counties.
Sec. 8. There shall be elected in each of the or-
ganized counties of this State, one County Judge
who shall hold his office for four years. He shall
hold the County Court, and perform the duties of
Surrogate, or Probate Judge. The County Judge,
with two Justices of the Peace, to be designated ac-
cording to law, shall hold courts of sessions, with
such criminal jurisdiction as the Legislature shall pre-
scribe, and he shall perform such other duties as shall
be required by law.
Sec. 9. The County Courts shall have such juris-
diction, in cases arising in Justices Courts, and in spe-
cial cases, as the Legislature may prescribe, but shall
have no original civil jurisdiction, except in such spe-
cial cases.
Sec. 10. The times and places of holding the
terms of the Supreme Court, and the general and spe-
cial terms of the District Courts within the several
districts, shall be provided for by law.
Sec. 11. No judicial officer, except a Justice of the
Peace, shall receive to his own use, any fees, or per
quisites of office.
Sec. 12. The Legislature shall provide for the
speedy publication of all statute laws, and of such
judicial decisions as it may deem expedient; and all
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 321
laws and judicial decisions shall be free for publica
tion by any person.
Sec. 13. Tribunals for conciliation may be esta-
blished, with such powers and duties as may be pre-
scribed by law; but such tribunals shall have no
power to render judgment to be obligatory on the
parties, except they voluntarily submit their matters
in difference, and agree to abide the judgment, or
assent thereto in the presence of such tribunal, in
such cases as shall be prescribed by law.
Sec. 14. The Legislature shall determine the num-
ber of Justices of the Peace, to be electcd in each
county, city, town, and incorporated village of the
State, and fix by law their powers, duties, and respon-
sibilities. It shall also determine in what cases
appeals may be made from Justices’ Courts to the
County Court.
Sec. 15. The Justices of the Supreme Court, and
Judges of the District Court, shall severally, at stated
times during their continuance in office, receive for
their services a compensation, to be paid out of the
treasury, which shall not be increased or diminished
during the term for which they shall have been elected.
The County Judges shall also severally, at stated
times, receive for their services a compensation to be
paid out of the county treasury of their respective
counties, which shall not be increased or diminished
during the term for which they shall have been elected.
Sec. 16. The Justices of the Supreme Court and
District Judges shall be ineligible to any other office,
during the term for which they shall have been elected.
Sec. 17. Judges shall not charge juries with respect
to matters of fact, but may state the testimony and
declare the law.
322 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
Sec. 18. The style of all process shall be “The
People of the State of California ;” all the prosecu-
tions shall be conducted in the name and by the autho-
rity of the same.
ARTICLE VII.
MILITIA.
Ssc. 1. The Legislature shall provide by law, for
organizing and disciplining the militia, in such manner
as they shall deem expedient, not incompatible with
the constitution and laws of the United States.
Sec. 2. Officers of the militia shall be elected, or
appointed, in such manner as the Legislature shal}
from time to time direct; and shall be commissioned
by the Governor.
Src. 8. The Governor shali have power to call forth
the militia, to exeeute the laws of the State, to sup-
press insurrections, and repel invasions.
ARTICLE VIIL
STATE DEBTS.
The Legislature shal] not in any manner ereate any
debt or debts, liability or habilities, which shall singly,
or in the aggregate, with any previous debts or liabili-
ties exceed the sum of three hundred thousand dollars,
except in case of war, to repel invasion, or suppress
insurrection, unless the same shall be authorized by
some law for some single object or work, to be distinctly
specified therein, which law shall provide ways and
means, exclusive of loans, for the payment of the
interest of such debt or liability, as it falls due, and
also pay and discharge the principal of such debt or
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 323
liability within twenty years from the time of tha
contracting thereof, and shall be irrepealable until the
principal and interest thereon shall be paid and dis-
charged ; but no such law shall take effect until, at a
general election, it shall have been submitted to the
people, and have received a majority of all the votes
cast for and against it at such election; and all money
raised by authority of such law shall be applied only
to the specific object therein stated, or to the payment
of the debt thereby created; and such law shall be
published in at least one newspaper in each judicial
district, if one be published therein, throughout the
State, for three months next preceding the election at
which it is submitted to the people.
ARTICLE IX.
EDUCATION.
Suc. 1. The Legislature shall provide for the elec-
tion, by the people, of a Superintendent of Public
Instruction, who shall hold his office for three years,
and whose duties shall be prescribed by law, and who
shall receive such compensation as the Legislature may
direct.
Sec. 2. The Legislature shall encourage, by all suit-
able means, the promotion of intellectual, scientific,
moral and agricultural improvement. The proceeds
of all lands that may be granted by the United States
to this State for the support of schools, which may be
sold or disposed of, and the five hundred thousand
acres of land granted to the new States, under an act
of Congress distributing the proceeds of the public
lands among the several States of the Union, approved
A. D. 1841; and all estates of deceased persons whe
324 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
may have died without leaving a will, or heir, and
also such per cent. as may be granted by Congress on
the sale of lands in this State, shall be and remain a
perpetual fund, the interest of which, together with
all the rents of the unsold lands, and such other means
as the Legislature may provide, shall be inviolably
appropriated to the support of Common Schools
throughout the State.
Sec. 3. The Legislazure shall provide for a system
of Common Schools, by which a school shall be kept
up and supported in each district at least three months
in every year: and any school district neglecting to
keep up and support such a school, may be deprived
of its proportion of the interest of the public fund
during such neglect.
Sec. 4. The Legislature shall take measures for the
protection, improvement, or other disposition of such
lands as have been, or may hereafter be, reserved or
granted by the United States, or any person or per-
sons to this State for the use of a University ; and the
funds accruing from the rents or sale of such lands, or
from any other source, for the purpose aforesaid, shall
be and remain a permanent fund, the interest of which
shall be applied to the support of said university, with
such branches as the public convenience may demand
for the promotion of literature, the arts and sciences,
as may be authorized by the terms of such grant.
And it shall be the duty of the Legislature, as soon aa
may be, to provide effectual means for the improve-
ment and permanent security of the funds of said
University.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 825
ARTICLE X.
MODE OF AMENDING AND REVISING THE
CONSTITUTION.
Sec. 1. Any amendment or amendments to this
Constitution may be proposed in the Senate or Assem-
bly; and if the same shall be agreed to by a majority
of the members elected to each of the two houses, such
proposed amendment or amendments shall be entered
on their journals, with the yeas and nays taken thereon,
and referred to the Legislature then next to be chosen,
and shall be published for three months next preced-
ing the time of making such choice. And if, in the
Legislature next chosen, as aforesaid, such proposed
amendment or amendments shall be agreed to by a
majority of all the members elected to each house, then
it shall be the duty of the Legislature to submit such
proposed amendment or amendments to the people, in
such manner, and at such time, as the Legislature shall
prescribe; and if the people shall approve and ratify
such amendment or amendments, by a majority of the
electors qualified to vote for members of the Legisla-
ture voting thereon, such amendment or amendments
shall become part of the Constitution.
Sec. 2. Andif, at any time, two-thirds of the Senate
and Assembly shall think it necessary to revise and
change this entire Constitution, they shall recommend
to the electors, at the next election for members of the
Legislature, to vote for or against the convention ;
and if it shall appear that a majority of the electcra
voting at such election have voted in favor of calling
a convention, the Legislature shall, at its next session,
provide by law for calling a convention, to be holden
28
826 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
within six months after the passage of such law; and
such convention shall consist of a number of members
not less than that of both branches of the Legislature.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
Sec. 1. The first session of the Legislature shall ba
held at the Pueblo de San Jose, which place shall be
the permanent seat of government, until removed by
law; provided, however, that two-thirds of all the
members elected to each house of the Legislature
shall concur in the passage of such law.
Src. 2. Any citizen of this State who shall, after
the adoption of this Constitution, fight a duel with
deadly weapons, or send or accept a challenge to fight
a duel with deadly weapons, either within the State
or out of it; or who shall act as second, or knowingly
aid or assist in any manner those thus offending, shall
not be allowed to hold any office of profit, or to enjoy
the right of suffrage under this Constitution.
Src. 3. Members of the Legislature, and all officers,
executive, and judicial, except such inferior officers as
may be by law exempted, shall, before they enter on
the duties of their respective offices, take and sub-
scribe the following cath or affirmation.
“JT do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may
be,) that I will support the Constitution of the
United States, and the Constitution of the State of
California: and that I will faithfully discharge the
duties of the office of , according to the best
of my ability.” And no other oath, declaration, or
test, shall be required as a qualification for any office
or public trust.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 827
Sec. 4, The Legislature shall establish a system of
county and town governments, which shall be as
nearly uniform as practicable, throughout the State.
Sec. 5. The Legislature shall have power to pro-
vide for the election of a board of supervisors in each
county ; and these supervisors shall, jointly and indi-
vidually, perform such duties as may be prescribed
by law.
Sec. 6. All officers whose election or appointment
is not provided for by this constitution, and all officers
whose offices may hereafter be created by law, shall
be elected by the people, or appointed as the Legisla-
ture may direct.
Sec. 7. When the duration of any office is not pro-
vided for by this constitution, it may be declared by
law; and of not so declared, such office shall be held
during the pleasure of the authority making the ap-
pointment; nor shall the duration of any office, not
fixed by this constitution, ever exceed four years.
Sec. 8. The fiscal year shall commence on the first
day of July.
Sec. 9. Each county, town, city, and incorporated
village, shall make provision for the support of its
own officers, subject to such restrictions and regula-
tions as the Legislature may prescribe.
Sec. 10. The credit of the State shall not in any
manner be given or loaned to, or in aid of, any indi-
vidual, association, or corporation; nor shall the
State, directly or indirectly, become a stockholder in
any association or corporation.
Src. 11. Suits may be brought against the State,
in such manner, and in such courts, as shall be directed
by law.
Src. 12. No contract of marriage, if otherwise
S*
828 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
duly made, shall be invalidated, for want of confor-
mity to the requirements of any religious sect.
Sec. 18. Taxation shall be equal and uniform
throughout the State. All property, in this State,
shall be taxed in proportion to its value, to be ascer-
tained as directed by law; but assessors and collectors
of town, county, and State taxes, shall be elected by
the qualified electors of the district, county, or town,
in which the property taxed for State, county, or
town purposes is situated.
Sec. 14. All property, both real and personal, of
the wife, owned or claimed by her before marriage,
and that acquired afterwards by gift, devise, or
descent, shall be her separate property; and laws
shall be passed more clearly defining the rights of the
wife, in relation as well to her separate property, as
to that held in common with her husband. Laws
shall also be passed providing for the restoration of
the wife’s separate property.
Sec. 15. The Legislature shall protect by law, from
forced sale, a certain portoin of the homestead and
other property of all heads of families.
Sec. 16. No perpetuities shall be allowed, except
for eleemosynary purposes.
Sec. 17. Every person shall be disqualified from
holding any office of profit in this State, who shall
have been convicted of having given or offered a bribe,
to procure his election or appointment.
Sec. 18. Laws shall be made to exclude from office,
serving on juries, and from the right of suffrage, those
who shall hereafter be convicted of bribery, perjury,
forgery, or other high crimes. The privilege of free
suffrage shall be supported by laws regulating elec-
tions, and prohibiting, under adequate penalties, all
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 399
undue influence thereon, from power, bribery, tumult,
or other improper practice.
Szc. 19. Absence from this State on business of
the State, or of the United States, shall not affect the
question or residence of any person.
Sec. 20. A plurality of the votes given at any elec-
tion shall constitute a choice, where not otherwise
directed in this constitution.
Sec. 21. All laws, decrees, regulations and provi-
sions, which from their nature require publication,
shall be published in English and Spanish.
ARTICLE XII.
BOUNDARY.
The boundary of the State of California shall be as
follows :—
Commencing at the point of intersection of the 42d
degree of north latitude with the 120th degree of
longitude west from Greenwich, and running south on
the line of said 120th degree of west longitude until it
intersects the 39th degree of north latitude; thence
running in a straight line in a south-easterly direction
to the River Colorado, at a point where it intersects
the 35th degree of north latitude; thence down the
middle of the channel of said river, to the boundary
line between the United States and Mexico, as esta-
blished by the treaty of May 30th, 1848; thence run-
ning west and along said boundary line to the Pacific
Ocean, and extending therein three English miles;
thence running in a north-westerly direction, and follow-
ing the direction of the Pacific coast to the 42d degree
of north latitude; thence on the line of said 42d
degree of north latitude to the place of beginning.
8380 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
Also all the islands, harbors and bays, along and
adjacent to the Pacific coast.
SCHEDULE.
Sec. 1. All rights, prosecutions, claims and con-
tracts, as well of individuals as of bodies corporate,
and all laws in force at the time of the adoption of
this Constitution, and not inconsistent therewith, until
altered or repealed by the Legislature, shall continue
as if the same had not been adopted.
Sec. 2. The Legislature shall provide for the re-
moval of all causes which may be pending when this
Constitution goes into effect, to courts created by the
game.
Sec. 3. In order that no inconvenience may result
to the public service, from the taking effect of this
Constitution, no office shall be superseded thereby, nor
the laws relative to the duties of the several officers
be changed, until the entering into office of the new
officers to be appointed under this Constitution.
Sec. 4. The provisions of this Constitution con-
cerning the term of residence necessary to enable
persons to hold certain offices therein mentioned,
shall not be held to apply to officers chosen by the
people at the first election, or by the Legislature at
its first session.
Sec. 5. Every citizen of California, declared a le-
gal voter by this Constitution, and every citizen of the
United States, a resident of this State on the day of
election, shall be entitled to vote at the first general
election under this Constitution, and on the question
of the adoption thereof.
Sec. 6. This Constitution shall be submitted to the
people, for their ratification or rejection, at the
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 331
general election to be held on Tuesday, the thirteenth
day of November naxt. The Executive of the exist-
ing government of California is hereby requested to
issue a proclamation to the people, directing the Pre-
fects of the several districts, or in case of vacancy,
the Sub-Prefects, or senior Judge of First Instance,
to cause such election to be held, on the day afore-
said, in their respective districts. The election shall
be conducted in the manner which was prescribed for
the election of delegates to this convention, except
that the Prefect, Sub-Prefect, or senior Judge of First
Instance ordering such election in each district, shall
have power to designate any additional number of places
for opening the polls, and that, in every place of hold-
ing the election, a regular poll-list shall be kept by the
judges and inspectors of election. It shall also be the
duty of these judges and inspectors of election, on
the day aforesaid, to reccive the votes of the electors
qualified to vote at such election. Each voter shall
express his opinion, by depositing in the ballot-box a
ticket, whereon shall be written, or printed “ For the
Constitution,” or “Against the Constitution,” or
some such words as will distinctly convey the inten-
tion of the voter. These Judges and Inspectors shall
also receive the votes for the several officers to be
voted for at the said election, as herein provided.
At the close of the election, the judges and inspec-
tors shall carefully count each ballot, and forthwith
make duplicate returns thereof to the Prefect, Sub-
Prefect, or senior Judge of First Instance, as the
case may be, of their respective districts; and said
Prefect, Sub-Prefect, or senior Judge of First Instance
shall transmit one of the same, by the most safe and
rapid conveyance, to the Secretary of State. Upon
332 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
the receipt of said returns, or on the tenth day of
December next, if the returns be not sooner received,
it shall be the duty of a board of canvassers, to con-
sist of the Secretary of State, one of the Judges of
the Superior Court, the Prefect, Judge of First In-
stance, and an Alcalde of the District of Monterey,
or any three of the aforementioned officers, in the
presence of all who shall choose to attend, to compare
the votes given at said election, and to immediately
publish an abstract of the same in one or more of the
newspapers of California. And the Executive will
also, immediately after ascertaining that the Consti-
tution has been ratified by the people, make proclama-
tion of the fact; and thenceforth this Consitution
Shall be ordained and established as the Constitution
of California.
Sec. 7. If this Constitution shall be ratified by the
people of California, the Executive of the existing
government is hereby requested, immediately after
the same shall be ascertained, in the manner herein
directed, to cause a fair copy thereof to be forwarded
to the President of the United States, in order that
he may lay it before the Congress of the United
States.
Sec. 8. At the general election aforesaid, viz:
the thirteenth day of November next, there shall
be elected a Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, mem-
bers of the Legislature, and also two members of
Congress.
Sec. 9. If this constitution shall be ratified by the
people of California, the Legislature shall assemble
at the seat of government, on the fifteenth day of
December next, and in order to complete the organi-
zation of that body, the Senate shall elect a Presi-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 333
dent pro tempore, until the Lieutenant-Governor shall
be installed into office.
Sc. 10. On the organization of the Legislature, it
shall be the duty of the Secretary of State, to lay
before each house a copy of the abstract made by the
board of canvassers, and, if called for, the original
returns of election, in order that each house may judge
of the correctness of the report of said board of can-
vassers.
Src. 11. The Legislature, at its first session, shall
elect such officers as may be ordered by this Constitu-
tion, to be elected by that body, and within four days
after its organization, proceed to elect two Senators
to the Congress of the United States. But no law
passed by this Legislature shall take effect until signed
by the Governor, after his installation into office.
Sec. 12. The Senators and Representatives to the
Congress of the United States, elected by the Le-
gislature and people of California, as herein directed,
shall be furnished with certified copies of this Consti-
tution, when ratified, which they shall lay before the
Congress of the United States, requesting, in the name
of the people of California, the admission of the State
of California into the American Union.
Sec. 18. All officers of this State, other than mem-
bers of the Legislature, shall be installed into office
on the fifteenth day of December next, or as soon
thereafter as practicable.
Ssc. 14. Until the Legislature shall divide the
State into counties, and senatorial and assembly dis-
tricts, as directed by this Constitution, the following
shall be the apportionment of the two houses of the
Legislature, viz: the districts of San Diego and Los
Angeles shall jointly elect two senators ; the districtg
334 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo shall jointly
elect one senator; the district of Monterey, one sena-
tor; the district of San Jose, one senator; the
district of San Francisco, two senators; the district
of Sonoma, one senator; the district of Sacramento,
four senators; and the district of San Joaquin, four
senators :—And the district of San Diego shall elect
one member of assembly; the district of Los Angeles,
two members of assembly; the district of Santa Bar-
bara, two members of assembly; the district of San
Luis Obispo, one member of assembly; the district
of Monterey, two members of assembly; the district
of San Jose, three members of assembly; the district
of San Francisco, five members of assembly; the
district of Sonoma, two members of assembly ; the
district of Sacramento, nine members of assembly ;
and the district of San Joaquin, nine members of
assembly.
Sec. 15. Until the Legislature shall otherwise di-
rect, in accordance with the provisions of this Consti-
tution, the salary of the Governor shall be ten thousand
dollars per annum ; and the salary of the Licutenant-
Governor shall be double the pay of a state senator ;
and the pay of members of the Legislature shall be
sixteen dollars per diem, while in attendance, and
sixteen dollars for every twenty miles travel by the
usual route from their residences, to the place of hold-
ing the session of the Legislature, and in returning
therefrom. And the Legislature shall fix the salaries
of all officers, other than those elected by the people,
at the first election.
Sec. 16. The limitation of the powers of the Le-
gislature, contained in article 8th of this Constitution,
tution, shall not extend to the first Legislature elected
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 335
under the same, which is hereby authorized to nego-
tiate for such amount as may be necessary to pay the
expenses of the State government.
R. SEMPLE,
President of the Convention
and Delegate from Benecia.
Wo. G. Marcy, Secretary.
J. Aram,
C. T. Botts,
E. Brown,
J. A. Carillo,
J. M. Covarrubias,
E. 0. Crosby,
P. De La Guerra,
L. Dent,
M. Dominguez,
K. H. Dimmick,
A. J. Ellis,
5. C. Foster,
E. Gilbert,
W. M. Gwinn,
H. W. Halleck,
Julian Hanks,
L. W. Hastings,
Henry Hill,
J. Hobson,
J. McH. Hollingsworth,
J. D. Hoppe,
J. M. Jones,
T. O. Larkin.
Francis J. Lippitt,
B. 8. Lippincott,
M. M. McCarver,
John McDougal,
B. F. Moore,
Myron Norton,
P. Ord,
Miguel Pedrorena,
A. M. Pico,
R. M. Price,
Hugo Reed,
Jacinto Rodriguez,
Pedro Sansevaine,
W. E. Shannon,
W. 8. Sherwood,
J. R. Snyder,
A. Stearns,
W. M. Steuart,
J. A. Sutter,
Henry A. Tefft,
8. L. Vermule,
M. G. Vallejo,
J. Walker,
O. M. Wozencraft,
336 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
B.
ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA,
The undersigned, delegates to a convention autho-
rized to form a Constitution for the State of California,
having, to the best of their ability, discharged the
high trust committed to them, respectfully submit the
accompanying plan of government for your approval.
Acknowledging the great fundamental principles, that
all political power is inherent in the people, and that
government is instituted for the protection, security
and benefit of the people, the Constitution presented
for your consideration is intended only to give such
organic powers to the several departments of the pro-
posed government, as shall be necessary for its efficient
administration: and while it is believed no power has
been given, which is not thus essentially necessary, the
convention deem individual rights, as well as public
liberty, are amply secured, by the people still retain-
ing not only the great conservative power of free
choice and election of all officers, agents, and repre-
sentatives, but the unalienable right to alter or reform
their government, whenever the public good may
require.
Although born in different climes, coming from differ-
ent States, imbued with local feelings, and educated,
perhaps, with predilections for peculiar institutions,
laws, and customs, the delegates assembled in conven-
tion as Californians, and carried on their deliberations
in a spirit of amity, compromise, and mutual conces-
sion for the public weal.
It cannot be denied that a difference of opinion was
entertained in the convention, as to the policy and
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 337
expediency of several measures embodied in the Con-
stitution ; but looking to the great interests of the
State of California, the peace, happiness, and pros-
perity of the whole people,—individual opinions were
freely surrendered to the will of the majority, and,
with one voice, we respectfully but earnestly recom-
mend to our fellow citizens the adoption of the Con-
stitution which we have the honor to submit.
In establishing a boundary for the State, the con-
vention conformed, as near as was deemed practicable
and expedient, to great natural Jandmarks, so as to
bring into a union all those who should be included by
mutual interest, mutual wants, and mutual dependence.
No portion of territory is included, the inhabitants of
which were not or might not have been legitimately
represented in the convention, under the authority by
which it was convened ; and in unanimously resolving
to exclude slavery from the State of California, the
great principle has been maintained, that to the people
of each State and Territory, alone, belongs the right
to establish such municipal regulations, and to decide
such questions as affect their own peace, prosperity
and happiness.
A free people, in the enjoyment of an elective
government, capable of securing their civil, religious,
and political rights, may rest assured these inestimable
privileges can never be wrested from them, so long as
they keep a watchful eye on the operations of their
government, and hold to strict accountability those to
whom power is delegated. No people were ever yet
enslaved, who knew and dared maintain the co-relative
rights and obligations of free and independent citizens.
A knowledge of the laws—their moral force and effi-
cacy, thus becomes an essential element of freedom.
338 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
and makes public education of primary importance.
In this view, the Constitution of California provides
for, and guarantees in the most ample manner, the
establishment of common schools, seminaries and col-
leges, so as to extend the blessings of education
throughout the land, and secure its advantages to the
present and future generations. Under the peculiar
circumstances in which California becomes a State—
with an unexampled increase of a population coming
from every part of the world, speaking various lan-
guages, and imbued with different feelings and preju-
dices, no form of government, no system of laws, can
be expected to mcet with immediate and unanimous
assent. It is to be remembered, moreover, that a con-
siderable portion of our fellow-citizens are natives of *
Old Spain, Californians, and those who have volun-
tarily relinquished the rights of Mexicans to enjoy
those of American citizens. Long accustomed to a
different form of government, regarding the rights of
person and of property as interwoven with ancient
usages and time-honored customs, they may not at
ence see the advantages of the proposed new govern-
ment, or yield an immediate approval of new laws,
however salutary their provisions, or conducive to the
general welfare. But it is confidently believed, when
the government as now proposed shall have gone into
successful operation, when each department thereof
shall move on harmoniously in its appropriate and
respective sphere, when laws, based on the eternal
principles of equity and justice, shall be established,
when every citizen of California, shall find himself
secure in life, liberty, and property—all will unite in
the cordial support of institutions, which are not only
the pride and boast of every true-hearted citizen of the
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 339
Union, but have gone forth, a guiding light to every
people groping through the gloom of religious super-
stition or political fanaticism—institutions, which even
now, while all Europe is agitated with the convulsive
efforts of nations battling for liberty, have become the
mark and model of government for every people who
would hold themselves free, sovereign, and independent.
With this brief exposition of the views and opinions
of the convention, the undersigned submit the Constitu-
tion and plan of government for your approval. They
earnestly recommend it to your calm and deliberate
consideration, and especially do they most respectfully
urge on every voter to attend the polls.
The putting into operation of a government which
shall establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity,
promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings
of civil, religious, and political liberty, should be an
object of the deepest solicitude to every true-hearted
citizen, and the consummation of his dearest wishes.
The price of liberty is eternal vigilance, and thus it is
not only the privilege but the duty of every voter to
vote his sentiments. No freeman of this land who
values his birthright, and would transmit unimpaired
to his children an inheritance so rich in glory and
honor, will refuse to give one day to the service of
his country. Let evory qualified voter go early to
the polls, and give his free vote at the election ap-
pointed to be held on Tuesday, the 13th day of Novem-
ber next, not only that a full and fair expression of
the public voice may be had, for or against a constitu-
tion intended to secure the peace, happiness and
prosperity of the whole people, but that their numeri-
cal and political strength may be made manifest, and
the world see by what majovity of freemen California,
840 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
the bright star of the West, claims a place in the
liadem of that glorious republic, formed by the Union
of thirty-one sovereign States.
(Signed)
Joseph Aram,
Chas. T. Botts,
Elam Brown,
Jose Anto. Carillo,
Jose M. Covarrubias,
Elisha O. Crosby,
Lewis Dent,
Manuel Dominguez,
K. H. Dimmick,
A. J. Ellis,
Stephen G. Foster,
Pablo De La Guerra,
Benj. 8. Lippincott,
M. M. McCarver,
John McDougal,
Benj. F. Moore,
Myron Norton,
P. Ord,
Miguel De Pedrorena,
Rodman M. Price,
Antonio M. Pico,
Jacinto Rodrigues,
Hugh Reed,
John A Sutter,
Edw. Gilbert,
Wn. M. Gwin,
Julian Hanks,
Henry Hill,
J. D. Hoppe,
Joseph Hobson,
H. W. Halleck,
L. W. Hastings,
J. McH. Hollingsworth,
Jas. McHall Jones,
Thomas O. Larkin,
Francis J. Lippitt,
Jacob R. Snyder,
W. Scott Sherwood,
Wm. C. Shannon,
Pedro Sansevain,
Abel Stearns,
W. M. Steuart,
R. Semple,
Henry A Tefft,
M. G. Vallejo,
Thos. L. Vermule,
Joel P. Walker,
O. M. Wozencraft.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 341
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
STATES,
Transmitting information in answer to a resolution of the House
of the 31st of December, 1849, on the subject of California and
New Mexico.
To tHE House oF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
Unitep Srares.—I transmit to the House of Repre-
sentatives, in answer to a resolution of that body
passed on the 31st of December last, the accompany-
ing reports of heads of departments, which contain
all the official information in the possession of the
Executive asked for by the resolution.
On coming into office, I found the military com-
mandant of the department of California exercising
the functions of civil governor in that Territory; and
left, as I was, to act under the treaty of Guada-
lupe Hidalgo, without the aid of any legislative pro-
vision establishing a government in that Territory, I
thought it not best to disturb that arrangement, made
under my predecessor, until Congress should take
some action on that subject. I therefore did not
interfere with the powers of the military commandant,
who continued to exercise the functions of civil
governor as before; but I made no such appointment,
‘conferred no such authority, and have allowed no
increased compensation to the commandant for his
services.
With a view to the faithful execution of the treaty,
so far as Jay in the power of the Executive, and tu
enable Congress to act, at the present session, with ag
24
842 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
full knowledge and as little difficulty as possible, on
all matters of interest in these Territories, I sent the
honorable Thomas Butler King as bearer of despatches
to California, and certain officers to California and
New Mexico, whose duties are particularly defined in
the accompanying letters of instruction addressed to
them severally by the proper departments.
I did not hesitate to express to the people of those
Territories my desire that each Territory should, if
prepared to comply with the requisitions of the Consti-
tution of the United States, form a plan of a State
Constitution and submit the same to Congress, with a
prayer for admission into the Union asa State; but I
did not anticipate, suggest, or authorize the establish-
ment of any such government without the assent of
Congress; nor did I authorize any government agent
or officer to interfere with or exercise any influence or
control over the election of delegates, or over any
convention, in making or modifying their domestic
institutions, or any of the provisions of their proposed
Constitution. On the contrary, the instructions given
by my orders were, that all measures of domestic
policy adopted by the people of California must
originate solely with themselves; that while the Exe-
cutive of the United States was desirous to protect
them in the formation of any government republican
in its character, to be at the proper time, submitted
to Congress, yet it was to be distinctly understood
that the plan of such a government must, at the same
time, be the result of their own deliberate choice, and
originate with themselves, without the interference of
the Executive.
I am unable to give any information as to laws
passed by any supposed government in California, or
MONTEREY.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 343
of any census taken in either of the Territories men-
tioned in the resolution, as I have no information on
those subjects.
As already stated, I have not disturbed the ar-
rangements which I found had existed under my
predecessor.
In advising an early application by the people of
these Territories for admission as States, I was actu-
ated principally by an earnest desire to afford to the
wisdom and patriotism of Congress the opportunity
of avoiding occasions of bitter and angry dissensions
among the people of the United States.
Under the Constitution, every State has the right
of establishing, and, from time to time, altering its
municipal laws and domestic institutions, independent-
ly of every other State and of the general govern-
ment; subject only to the prohibitions and guarantics
expressly set forth in the Constitution of the United
States. The subjects thus left exclusively to the
respective States were not designed or expected to
become topics of national] agitation. Still, as, under
the Constitution, Congress has power to make all
needful rules and regulations respecting the Territories
of the United States, every new acquisition of terri-
tory has led to discussions on the question whether
the system of involuntary servitude which prevails in
many of the States should or should not be prohibited
in that Territory. The periods of excitement from
this cause which have heretofore occurred have been
safely passed ; but during the interval, of whatever
length, which may elapse before the admission of the
Territories ceded by Mexico as States, it appears
probable that similar excitement will prevail to an
undue extent.
S44 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
Under these circumstances, I thought, and still
think, that it was my duty to endeavor to put it in
the power of Congress, by the admission of California
and New Mexico as States, to remove all occasion for
the unnecessary agitation of the public mind.
It is understood that the people of the western part
of California have formed a plan of a State Constitu-
tion, and will soon submit the same to the judgment
of Congress, and apply for admission as a State.
This course on their part, though in accordance with,
was not adopted exclusively in consequence of,
any expression of my wishes inasmuch as measures
tending to this end had been promoted by the officers
sent there by my predecessor, and were already in
active progress of execution before any communica-
tion from me reached California. If the proposed
Constitution shall, when submitted to Congress, be
found to be in compliance with the requisitions of the
Constitution of the United States, I earnestly recom-
mend that it may receive the sanction of Congress.
The part of California not included in the proposed
State of that name is believed to be untnhabited, ex-
cept in a settlement of our countrymen in the vicinity
of Salt Lake.
A claim has been advanced by the State of Texas
to a very large portion of the most populous district
of New Mexico. If the people of New Mexico had
formed a plan of a State government for that Terri-
tory as ceded by the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo,
and had been admitted by Congress as a State, our
Constitution would have afforded the means of obtain-
ing an adjustment of the question of boundary with
Texas by a judicial decision. At present, however,
no judicial tribunal has the power of deciding that
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 845
question, and it remains for Congress to devise some
mode for its adjustment. Meanwhile, I submit to Con-
gress the question whether it would be expedient,
before such adjustment, to establish a territorial
government, which, by including the district so
claimed, would practically decide the question ad-
versely to the State of Texas, or, by excluding it,
would decide it in her favor. In my opinion, such a
course would not be expedient, especially as the peo-
ple of this Territory still enjoy the benefit and pro-
tection of their municipal laws, originally derived
from Mexico, and have a military force stationed
there to protect them against the Indians. It is un-
doubtedly true that the property, lives, liberties, and
religion of the people of New Mexico are better pro-
tected than they ever were before the treaty of cession,
Should Congress, when California shall present her-
self for incorporation into the Union, annex a condi-
tion to her admission as a State affecting her domes-
tic institutions, contrary to the wishes of her people,
and even compel her temporarily, to comply with it,
yet the State, could change her Constitution at any
time after admission, when to her it should seem
expedient. Any attempt to deny to the people of the
State the right of self-government, in a matter which
peculiarly affects themselves, will infallibly be re-
garded by them as an invasion of their rights; and,
upon the principles laid down in our own Declaration
of Independence, they will certainly be sustained by
the z.eat mass of the American people. To assert
that they are a conquered people, and must, as a
State, submit to the will of their conquerors in this
regard, will meet with no cordial response among
Amer‘can freemen. Great numbers of them are na
346 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
tive ‘itizens of the United States not inferior to the
rest. Cf our countrymen in intelligence and patriotism ;
and no language of menace, to restrain them in the
exercise of an undoubted right, guarantied to them
by tne treaty of cession itself, shall ever be uttered
by we, or encouraged and sustained by persons acting
under my authority. It is to be expected that, in the
residue of the Territory ceded to us by Mexico, the
people residing there will, at the time of their incor-
poration into the Union as a State, settle all questions
of domestic policy to suit themselves. No material
inconvenience will result from the want, for a short
period, of a government established by Congress over
that part of the Territory which lies eastward of the
new State of California; and the reasons for my
opinion that New Mexico will, at no very distant pe-
riod, ask for admission into the Union, are founded on
un-official information, which, I suppose, is common to
all who have cared to make inquiries on that subject.
Seeing, then, that the question which now excites
such painful sensations in the country will, in the end,
certainly be settled by the silent effect of causes inde-
pendent of the action of Congress, I again submit to
your wisdom the policy recommended in my annual
message, of awaiting the salutary operation of those
causes, believing that we shall thus avoid the creation
of geographical parties, and secure the harmony of
feeling so necessary to the beneficial action of our
political system. Connected as the Union is with the
remembrance of past happiness, the sense of present
blessings, and the hope of future peace and prosperity,
every dictate of wisdom, every feeling of duty, and
every emotion of patriotism, tend to inspire fidelity
and devotion to it, and admonish us cautiously to avoid
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 347
any unnecessary controversy which can either en-
danger it or impair its strength, the chief element of
which is to be found in the regard and affection of tha
people for each other.
Z. TAYLOR.
Wasuineton City, D. C., January 21st, 1850.
D.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA,
Monterey, August 30, 1849.
GENERAL :—I have the honor to transmit, herewith,
copies of civil papers and letters issued by me since
my despatch of June 80, and to continue my report
on the civil affairs of this country from this date.
Accompanied by Captain Halleck, Secretary of
State for California, and Major Canby, Captain Wes
cott, and Lieutenant Derby, of my military staff, I
left this place on the 5th July for the purpose of in-
specting the military posts in the interior, and of
learning from personal observation the actual state
of affairs in the mineral regions, and also of allaying,
so far as I could, the hostile feeling which was said to
exist between the Americans and foreigners who were
working in the gold placers. My report on the state
of the troops and a more detailed account of my tour
will be forwarded with my military papers.
Passing the mission of San Juan Bautista, we
srossed the coast range of mountains near the ranche
of Senor Pacheco, and struck the San Joaquin River
near the mouth of the Merced; and, after visiting
Major Miller’s camp on the Stanislaus, we proceeded
to examine the principal placers on the tributaries of
348 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
that river and of the Tuolumne. These washings or
diggings have been among the richest and most pro-
ductive in California.
They are situated within a circuit of some twelve
or fifteen miles, and are known as Jamestown, Wood’s
Creek, Sonoranian Camp, Sullivan’s Creek, Curtis’s
Creek, French Creek, Carson’s Creek, and Angelo
Creek. Some of these have become places of consi-
derable business, particularly the Sonoranian Camp,
which presents the appearance of a city of canvas houses,
Passing the Stanislaus River in the mountains, we
proceeded to Major Kingsbury’s camp near the mouth
of the American River, crossing in our route the
Calaveras, Moquelume, Seco, and Cosumnes Rivers;
all of which kave rich washings near their sources,
and on their bars and islands. From Major Kings.
bury’s camp we ascended the American River to Cul-
lamo Hills, where the first placer was discovered by
Captain Sutter’s employees in the spring of 1848.
From Cullamo we crossed the country to Stockton, a
new town on an estero some distance above the mouth
of the San Joaquin, and thence proceeded to Colonel
Cazey’s camp at the straits of Carquinnes; returning
via San Francisco to Monterey, which place we
reached on the afternoon of the 9th instant.
We found the country at this season dry and
parched by the sun, the heat of which became very
great the moment we crossed the coast range of moun-
tains. The thermometer ranges as high as 113° Fah.
in the shade, and above 140° Fah. in the sun. A
great portion of the valley of the Joaquin is so barren
as scarcely to afford subsistence for our animals, and
can never be of much value for agricultural purposes.
There, however, is, some excellent land on the east
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 349
side of that .iver, bordering its large tributaries. A
considerable portion of the valleys of the Moquelume,
Seco, Cosumnes, and American Rivers is also well
adapted to agriculture; and the broad plains lying
between them furnish abundant pasture for raising
stock. But the amount of good arable land, as com-
pared with the extent of country which we passed
over, is small, and I am inclined to believe that the
richness and extreme fertility of certain localities
have led to erroneous conclusions respecting the
general character of the country. Certain it is, that
while there may be found sufficient arable lands to
support, if well cultivated, a numerous population,
here is also a very great extent of rough and moun-
tainous country and sandy and barren plains which
are of little value. The great difficulty to be en-
countered in agricultural pursuits in some portions of
California is the want of water for irrigation; but
possibly this difficulty may be overcome in part by
resorting to artesian wells. If so, much of the public
land which is now unsaleable may be brought into
market, and the settlement of the country greatly ac-
celerated. I would, therefore, suggest whether it
may not be advisable for our government to direct
some experiments to be made at the public expense in
sinking wells of this character, for even if unsuccess-
ful as a means of irrigation, their construction will
greatly assist in determining the geological character
of the country. At present nearly all agricultural
labors are suspended in the general scramble for gold;
but the enormous prices paid for fruit and vegetables
in the towns will undoubtedly induce many, during
the coming year, to turn their attention to the cultiva-
tion of the soil. The failure on the part of Congress,
350 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
at its last session, to authorize the sale of public lands
in California, has proved detrimental to the agricul-
tural interest of the country.
A large number of those who have recently emi-
grated to California are desirous to locate themselves
permanently in the country, and to cultivate the soil,
but the uncertainty which exists with respect to the
validity of land titles in California, and to what actu-
ally constitutes the public domain, serves as a serious
check to the forming of new agricultural settlements ;
moreover, speculators are purchasing up fraudulent
and invalid titles to large tracts of the public domain,
and selling them off in parcels, and at enormous profits,
to those who have recently arrived in the country, and
who are necessarily ignorant of the real state of the
case. All the mission lands in California were secu-
larized, or made government property, by a law of
Mexico, dated August 17th, 1833, and the territorial
government of California, under the authority of the
Mexican laws, leased and sold a portion of these lands
and mission property. Another portion of this pro-
perty, however, still remained unsold when the Ameri-
cans took possession of the country, and it has since
been left in the hands of government agents for pre-
servation. Erroneously supposing that these lands are
subject to pre-emption laws, some of the recent emi-
grants have attempted to settle upon them.
But I cannot deem myself justifiable in permitting
this, for I do not conceive that lands which have been
under cultivation for half a century, and now belong
to government, can be subject to the pre-emption
claims of private individuals, in the same manner as
the uncultivated lands of the public domain. It is,
however, important for the interest of the country that
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 851
these mission lands be brought into market with the
least possible delay, and also that provision be made
by law for the settlement and sale of other public lands
in California. And as disputes are almost daily occur-
ring between individuals respecting the extent of
their several claims, and the validity of their titles, 1
would urge upon our government the necessity of
immediately taking measures for the speedy and final
settlement of these titles upon principles of equity and
justice. This is absolutely essential for the peace
and prosperity of the country.
For information connected with this subject, I beg
leave to call attention to the report of Captain Hal-
leck, Secretary of State for California, which was
forwarded to Washington by my predecessor, in thc
early part of April last.
Before leaving Monterey I heard numerous rumors
of irregularities and crimes among those working in
the placers ; but, on visiting the mining regions, I
was agreeably surprised to learn that every thing was
quite the reverse from what had been represented,
and that order and regularity were preserved through-
out almost the entire extent of the mineral districts.
In each little settlement, or tented town, the miners
have elected their local alealdes and constables, whose
judicial decisions and official acts are sustained by the
people, and enforced with much regularity and energy.
It is true, that in a few instances certain local ques-
tions have produced temporary excitements and diffi-
culties, but none of these have been of a very important
character, or led to serious results. Alcaldes have
probably in some cases, and under peculiar circum-
stances, exercised judicial powers which were never
conferred upon them by law; but the general result
L* 30
352 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
has been favorable to the preservation of order and
the dispensation of justice.
The old placers are still exceedingly productive, and
new ones are almost daily discovered in the smaller
streams running from the western slope of the Sierra
Nevada into the great valleys of the Sacramento and
San Joaquin Rivers.
I am satisfied, however, from personal observation,
that very exaggerated accounts have been sent to
the United States respecting the ease with which the
precious metal is extracted from the earth, and that
many who come to this country with the expectation
of acquiring sudden wealth, with little or no labor, will
be sadly disappointed. It is true that the reward of
labor in the mines is very high ; but it should not be
forgotten that gold digging and gold washing in that
climate require strong constitutions and great physical
exertions, and very few need expect to acquire for-
tunes by working the placers, without severe labor
and fixed habits of industry and temperance. The
yield of different localities is, of course, very different,
some of the placers being exceedingly rich, while the
product of others is scarcely sufficient to pay the
expenses of working. But Ithink the general averages
per diem, for those actually employed in washing for
gold, will not vary much from an ounce or an ounce
and a half per man; some make much more than that
sum, while those who are less fortunate fall much short
of it. The actual number of persons working the
placers will not vary much from ten thousand. The
entire population now in the mining district is much
greater than that number; but many are engaged in
mercantile pursuits and in transporting goods and
provisions, while others employ much of their time in
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 853
“prospecting,” or looking for newer and richer locali-
ties.
IT also found that the reports which had reached me
of hostilities between Americans and foreigners, in
the mining districts, were greatly exaggcrated, and
that, with a few individual exceptions, every thing hac
remained quiet and orderly. In some of the northern
placers a party of Americans and Europeans, urged
on by political aspirants, who seem willing to endanger
the peace and tranquillity of the country, in order to
promote their own personal interest, have assumed the
authority to order all Mexicans and South Americans
from that part of the territory. Their orders were
quietly submitted to by the foreigners, a portion of
whom removed to the mines further south, where the
American population manifested a very decided dispo-
sition to afford them protection should they be further
molested. The more intelligent and thinking portion
of Americans regard this measure as illegal and inju-
dicious, and will discountenance any repetition of
movements so well calculated to disturb the public
tranquillity, and to create bitter and exasperated feel-
ings, where it is evidently our policy to cultivate those
of the most friendly character. Some of the English,
Trish, and German emigrants, in the northern placers,
assisted in this movement against the Mexicans, Peru-
vians, and Chilians, and probably exerted themselves
much more than any of our own citizens to create a
prejudice and excitement against the Spanish race.
They were probably actuated by pecuniary interest.
The great influx of people from the southern portion
of this continent was diminishing the price of labor in
the towns near the northern rivers, and the large
number of pack animals brought from Lower Califor.
854 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
nia and Sonora was producing a corresponding reduc.
tion in the expenses of transportation.
For example, the price of a pack mule in some
parts of the mining districts a few months ago was
about $500, whereas they can now be purchased for
less than $150. The cost of transportation from the
principal landing on the San Joaquin River to the
Sonoranian camp was $75 per hundred, whereas at the
present time it is only about $7.
This has reduced the prices of provisions in the
placers one and two hundred per cent. Some of the
merchants who had large stocks of goods in the mines,
and those who were engaged in transportation at the
prices formerly paid, have suffered by the change,
and it is natural that they should feel incensed against
that class of foreigners who have contributed most to
effect it.
But it is thought by others that the great majority
af the laborers and consumers in the mining districts
have been benefited by this change, and that it would
be injurious to the prosperity of the country to restore
things to their former state by the expulsion and pro-
hibition of foreigners from the mines.
Americans, by their superior intelligence and
shrewdness in business, generally contrive to turn to
their own benefit the earnings of the Mexicans,
Chilians, and Peruvians in this country, and any
measure of exclusiveness which is calculated to diminish
the productive labor of California would be of exceed-
ingly doubtful policy.
When applied to by the different parties for my
opinion on the question of expelling foreigners, I have
uniformly told them that no persons, native Americans
or foreigners, have any legal right to dig gold in tha
HISTORY Of CALIFORNIA. 855
public lands ; but that, until the government of the
United States should act in the matter, they would
not be molested in their pursuits; that I could not
countenance any class of men in their attempts to
monopolize the working of the mines, and that all
questions touching the temporary right of individuals
to work in particular localities, of which they were in
actual possession, should be left to the decision of the
local judicial authorities.
I cannot close my remarks on this subject without
again calling the attention of government to the
importance of establishing a mint in California at the
earliest moment.
This measure is called for by every consideration
of natural policy and of justice to the mercantile
mining population of California.
General Kearny, during his administration of affairs
in this country, appointed, by virtue of his authority
as governor of California, two sub-Indian agents, who
have ever since been continued in office, and their
services found of great utility in preserving harmony
among the wild tribes, and in regulating their inter-
course with the whites.
They have been paid from the “civil fund” very
moderate salaries, which will be continued until arri-
vals of agents regularly appointed by the general
government. Notwithstanding every effort on the
part of those agents and of the officers of the army
here, it has not been possible at all times to prevent
aggression on the part of the whites, or to restrain
the Indians from avenging these injuries in their own
way.
In the month of April last, the agent in the Sacra-
mento valley reported that a body of Oregonians and
356 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
mountaineers had committed most horrible barbaritieg
on the defenceless Indians in that vicinity.
Those cruel and inhuman proceedings, added, per-
haps, to the execution of a number of chicfs some year
and a half since by a military force sent into the San
Joaquin valley by my predecessor, (the facts of which
were reported to Washington at the time,) have neces-
sarily produced a hostile feeling on the part of the
natives, and several small parties of whites, who, in
their pursuit of gold, ventured too far into the Indian
country, have been killed.
My correspondence with the Indian agents and
military officers established in the Sacramento and
San Joaquin valleys will inform you of the measures
taken to prevent a repetition of these difficulties.
I would respectfully recommend that at least three
sub-Indian agents be appointed for this country, and
stationed in the valleys of the Sacramento and San
Joaquin.
These agents should receive ample pay in order to
enable them to defray the expenses of living in that
part of the country, and should be men of the highest
moral character; for otherwise they would not resist
the temptation to engage in illicit trade with the
natives, or to employ them for the individual benefit
of the agents in washing for gold.
The election called by me for the 1st instant was
held on that day, and has been attended with the
most happy results.
Every district has elected its local officers, and
appointed delegates to meet in general convention at
this place on the Ist proximo, to form a State Con-
stitution or plan of territorial government, which will
be submitted to the people for their ratification, and
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 357
transmitted to Washington for the action of Con-
gress.
Most of the local and judicial officers named in my
proclamation of the 3d of June, have already entered
upon their duties, and the interest which was taken
by the people in every part of the country in this
election, and the zeal manifested by those elected and
appointed to office, afford strong hopes that the exist-
ing government will be able to preserve order and
secure the administration of justice until a new one
shall be put into regular and successful operation.
In my former despatch I mentioned that the civil
officers of the existing government would be paid their
regular salaries from the “civil funds,” which had
been formed, under the direction of the governor of
California, mainly out of the proceeds of the temporary
custom-houses established by my predecessors on this
coast.
It will also be necessary to use a portion of this
fund in the immediate construction of jails for the
security of civil prisoners.
The want of such jails has already led to the most
serious inconveniencies; prisoners have so frequently
effected their escape, that, on several occasions, the
people have risen in masses and executed criminals
immediately after trial, and without waiting for the
due fulfilment of all the requisitions of the laws.
In many cases it has been found necessary to confine
civil prisoners on board vessels of war, and in the
guard-houses of the garrison; but in towns, at a dis-
tance from the coast and the military posts, the diffi-
culty of retaining prisoners in custody has led, in some
instances, to immediate and summary executions.
This evil calls for an immediate remedy, which wil)
25
358 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
be afforded, so far as the means at my lLisposal will
adinit.
I beg leave, in this place, to add a few remarks on
the use which has been, and will continue to be, made
of this “civil fund.”
In the instructions from Washington to Gencral
Kearny, in 1846, for his guidance in California, the
establishment of port regulations on this coast was
assigned to the commander of the Paczfie squadron,
while it was said “the appointment of temporary col-
lectors at the several ports appertains to the civil
governor of the province.”
It was also directed that the duties at the custum-
houses be used for the support of the necessary
officers of the civil government. This division of
duties, and this disposition of the proceeds of the
customs were continued during the whole war.
On the receipt of the Treasury Department regu-
lations respecting the collection of military contri-
butions in Mexico, officers of the army and navy
were made collectors at some of the ports, but at
others the civil collectors appointed by the Governor
of California were retained.
At the close of the war, Governor Mason, for rea-
sons already communicated, determined to continue
the collection of revenue in the country, on the au-
thority which had previously been given to him, until
Congress should act in the matter, or orders to the
contrary be received from Washington. He, there-
fore, as governor of California, again appointed civil
collectors in the ports where railitary officers had tem-
porarily performed those duties, and collected the
customs on all foreign goods, in accordance with the
provisions of the tariff of 1846, while the commander
HISTORY OF CALIFuRNIA. 859
of the Pacific squadron contmued the direction of
all matters relating to port regulations. A double
necessity impelled the governor to this course. The
country was in pressing need of these foreign goods,
and Congress had established no port of entry on thig
coast. The want of a more complete organization of
the existing civil government was daily increasing, and,
as Congress had made no provisions for supporting a
government in this country, it was absolutely necessary
to create a fund for that purpose from the duties col-
lected on these foreign goods. It is true that there
were no laws authorizing the collection of these
luties; but at the same time the laws forbade the
landing of the goods till the duties were paid. Gov-
ernor Mason, therefore, had no alternative but to
‘pursue the course which he adopted. He immediately
communicated to Washington his action in the case;
and as the receipt of his despatch was acknowledged
without any dissent being expressed, it must be pre-
sumed that his course met the approbation of the
government. When I assumed command in this
country as civil governor, I was directed to receive
these communications and instructions from Governor
Mason, for my guidance in the administration of the
civil affairs of this Territory. I have accordingly
continued the collection of the revenue, and added
the proceeds to the “civil fund,” using that fund for
the necessary expenses of the civil government. The
expenses of employing civil officers in this country
are very great; and asI have no authority to lay
taxes, this fund forms my only means of carrying on
the government. The necessity of employing these
officers, and of paying them the full salaries authorized
by law under the existing state of affairs, is too ob-
064 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
vious to require comment. I have pledged myself te
pay these salaries from the ‘civil fund,” unless for-
bidden to do so by direct orders from Washington ;
and that pledge will be fulfilled. This “civil fund”
was commenced in the early part of 1847, and has
been formed and used in the manner pointed out in
the carly instructions to the governor of the Terri-
tory. This money has been collected and disbursed
by the “Governor of California’ and by those ap-
pointed by him in virtue of his office. He is, there-
fore, the person responsible for this money, both to
the government and to the parties from whom it is
collected, and it can be expended only on his orders.
None of the military departments of the army, nor
any army officer simply in virtue of his commission,
can have any control, direct or indirect, over it. It is
true that some of this money has, from time to time, as
the wants of the service required, been transferred to
the different military departments; but this transfer
was in the form of a loan, and the money so trans-
ferred will be returned to the “civil fund” as soon as
arrangements can be made for that purpose. The in-
creased expenditures for the support of the existing
government will soon render the restoration absolutely
necessary ; especially as the transfer of the custom-
houses to the regular collectors appointed by the
general government, will now cut off all further means
of supplying the civil treasury. These collectors have
not yet arrived, but are daily expected.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BENNET RILEY,
Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. Army,
and Governor of California.
Major-General R. Jones,
Adjutant-General of the Army, Washington, D. ©.
HISTORY GF CALIFORNIA. 361
The following official despatch of General Persifor
F, Smith, contains an opinion of the position of San
Francisco totally different from that of the numerous
California tourists. It is a valuable opinion, never-
theless, and led to the selection of the town of Benicia,
_ on the Straits of Karquinez, as a military and naval
station.
Heapquarters THIRD Division,
San Francisco, April 5, 1849.
GENERAL:—Since my last communication no troops
have arrived to change the strength of the force here;
but the steam transport Edith arrived on the 21st of
March, and reports that the transports Iowa and
Massachusetts, the former having General Riley with
a part of the 2d infantry, and the latter having the
command of artillery for Oregon on board, left Val-
paraiso about the 8th of February. The former is
expected here every day, and the Edith is held in
readiness to convey the troops south to the position
they are to occupy.
There will be great difficulty in establishing and
maintaining a post at the mouth of the Gila,
until more knowledge is acquired of the naviga-
tion of the head of the gulf of California and the
lower part of the Colorado. Transportation by land
from San Diego is impossible for large quantities
of stores.
In the gulf, the winds blow in the winter almost
invariably from the northward; and in the summer,
when they come occasionally from southward, it
is in violent gales, with severe squalls and thun-
der, rendering it very dangerous to be in the
gulf then. In other words, it is always difficult to
362 HISTURY OF CALIFORNIA.
run up the gulf, but almost always easy to run south.
These circumstances render the employment of steam
vessels very advantageous. If the navigation of the
gulf permits the Edith to be used she will answer,
having both sails and steam. If sne draws too much
water, others of lighter draught could be procured.
I mention this now, as the boundary commission will
commence their labors on this end of the line, and
will be on the Gila next season. I should have ob-
served that the Colorado is supposed to be navigable
only for boats drawing three or four feet.
I see no reason for posting troops on any other
point out of rcach of the ports on the Pacific. The
Indians in the interior do not make it necessary, and
it would be useless to place them near the mines to
maintain order there. Nothing but the establishment
of a regular civil government, to be carried on by
those most interested in the existence of good order,
will answer that end.
Such detachments as go to the southern part of the
Territory will accordingly be placed, as heretofore
mentioned, in healthy and convenient positions, and
those on this bay at such points as will combine good
climate, convenience of supply, and facility of move-
ment. I propose, when such a point is found, to have
removed all the public stores there, both from this
place and Monterey, leaving the heavy ordnance and
stores.
The town of San Francisco is no way fitted for
military or commercial purposes; there is no harbor,
a bad landing-place, bad water, no supplies of pro-
visions, an inclement climate, and it is cut off from
the rest of the country, except by a long circuit
around the southern extremity of the bay. In time
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 363
of war, enemies’ troops could be landed for many
miles south of the entrance of the bay on the sea
beach, and thus cut it off by a short line across the
peninsula on which it stands. There are points on
the bay, more inland, having good harbors and land-
ings, good water, and open to the whole country in
rear, and accessible without difficulty to ships of the
largest class. One of these should be the point at
which the future depots should be established; and I
propose to go to-morrow in the Edith, in company with
Commodore Jones and other officers of the army and
navy, to examine tbe straits of Karquinez, said to
combine most advantages. I hope to return and
report the result of our examination before the next
mail boat leaves, (on Monday, 9th,) but at any rate
by the succeeding boat, a few days afterwards.
I hope that in fixing the port of entry, capital, or
other public places, the law will leave to the President
the selection; otherwise, private interests already
involved in speculation here, will, by misrepresenta-
tion, lead to a very bad choice.
If Congress has not provided by law for the govern-
ment of this Territory, or its admission as a State, I
would be very glad that the government would official-
ly promulgate its views as to the civil authority now
exercised here. Some important questions of law,
involving both life and property, are now depending ;
and judges and jurors, without experience in these
difficult questions, are called upon to act under great
responsibility.
It appears to be the opinion of merchants in many
of the ports of the Pacific—and they allege in sup-
port of it the advice of some of our consuls—that in
virtue of the circular of the Secretary of the Treasury
bot MISTORY OF CALIFOnNIA.
of October 30, as the Treasury Department could not
collect duties on imports in California, their goods,
though dutiable, could be imported without paying
duty. I have held that this was not the construction
proper to be given to the circular, but only that the
law had not provided the means of collecting duties
here, that law being still in force which prohibits cer-
tain goods being introduced into the United States,
unless they pay duties as prescribed; that conse-
quently no dutiable goods can be landed in California
unless they shall have paid their duties elsewhere—the
effect of which would be, that they could not be ad-
mitted at all from foreign ports.
Under the circumstances, which showed a very hard
case, I thought it proper that the parties should be
allowed to deposit the amount of duties and land the
goods; but, lest this should be construed as giving
them a right for the future, and as the president may
think proper to put an end to this indulgence, I have
addressed a circular to all our consuls on these seas,
warning them of this possibility—a copy of which is
inclosed.
I was directed, when coming here, by the Secretary
of War, to do all I could to facilitate the arrival of
the civil officers of government in Oregon, as the
public service required their presence there. The
steamer in which we came here could go no farther
north, and there was no possible way of those gentle-
men getting there, except on a small vessel about sail-
ing, on which there were no accommodations.
Commodore Jones kindly sent carpenters from the
fleet to put up some berths, and on General Adair’s
(the collector’s) representation, that no bedding vould
be procured, I directed the quartermaster to issue him
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 365
the necessary number of blankets for the voyage, and
take his receipt for them. I respectfully ask that
this may be approved, and the amount charged to
General Adair. The quartermaster could not tell him
the price of the blankets when he took them.
As the rainy season has ended, people are again
repairing to the mines. New discoveries farther
south are said to have been made; and it is now
pretty certain that the whole slope of the Sierra Ne-
vada, comprised within the head waters of the San
Joaquin to the south and those of the Sacramento to
the north, contains gold. These two rivers, forming,
as it were, a bracket, join to enter the bay of San
Francisco; and their tributaries from the east, in
their beds, expose the deposits of gold as they descend
from the mountains. It is on the banks and branches
of these streams that adventurers are now at work ;
but some excavations elsewhere, to a depth equal to
that worn by the creeks, have disclosed quantities simi-
lar to those most gencrally found. There appears to
be a line parallel to the summit of the main ridge,
and some distance down the slope, at which the pro-
duct of gold is at its maximum; but whether this be
from the quantity deposited, or from the different
position as relates to the surface, or from the diffi-
culty of working it, I have not the means of knowing
The gold is found in small particles: the largest I have
scen, but such are rare, weighs seventy-one ounces troy.
The appearance invariably is as though it had been
spurted up when melted through crevices and fissures
in drops, which have often the form of the leaves and
gravel on which they have fallen. I speak of this
ag an appearance, not as a theory or hypothesis. The
extent ascertained within which gold is thus found is
366 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
at least four hundred miles long by forty wide; in ale
most every part of which, where the surface is de-
pressed by the beds of rivers, gold has been obtained
without digging more than ten feet below the surface,
and very seldom that much.
It is impossible to furnish any grounds for estima-
ting the number -f people engaged in mining, or the
amount they have produced. Persons engaged in
trading with the miners say they amount to about ten
thousand, but I cannot say with what reason. They
can better judge of the amount produced, which the
lowest estimate places at $4,000,000. More than
three thousand persons have been added to the miners
up to this time,—chiefly from Mexico and South
America.
When the mines were first discovered, all the ports
of South America on the Pacific, and of the Sand-
wich islands, sent the merchandise eolleeted and stored
there to be sold here. They realized enormous profits,
before any competition from our eastern States could
meet them ; and these goods were generally owned by
European houses, who thus became possessed of the
first fruits of the mines, which were shipped to Eu-
rope on their account; and it is thus that s0 little
gold has reached the United States.
When the merchandise now on its way from our At-
Yantic States arrives, and is sold, the current will set
that way; but the profits will be much diminished by
competition, and still more by the enormous expenses
here for Jabor, storage, &e. These are almost incredi-
ble; the ordinary wages for the poorest laborer is $6
per day; many receive $10.
The extent and richness of the gold region have
not been exaggerated; and the exorbitant prices raid
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 867
for labor, rent, and subsistence, have hardly been
fully set forth. But all the estimates of the amount
actual’y produced are but mere suppositions, which
may surpass or may fall short of the truth.
I have already directed that the men to whom their
commanding officers may give short leaves of absence
may be employed by the quartermasters at the usual
rates here. This will be an encouragement to the
men and an advantage to the public service, as labor
ishard to get. But I doubt the propriety of yielding
to the current of gold-seeking, and allowing large
bodies of the men to go to the mines. It may be
permitted to reward good conduct, as any other indul-
gence is; but to make it general, would be either to
acknowledge the right of the men to modify their
obligations as they please, or to confess our inability
to enforce their fulfilment. For the sake of principle
and preciseness, it would be better to adhere to what
is right now, though the effect here in this particular
instance would be the desertion of the men.
J am, with respect, your obedient servant,
PERSIFOR F. SMITH,
Brevet Major-General, commanding 3d Division.
Brigadier-General R. Jonzs,
Adjutant-General,
U 31
368 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
APPENDIX F.
The following despatch contains instructions to Gen-
eral Kearny concerning the conquest of California,
contained in a despatch from the Secretary of War,
marked confidential. But a portion of these instruc-
tions were carried out, in consequence of the antici-
pation of the conquest by Commodore Stockton and
Colonel Fremont.
[Confilential.]
Wak VELARTMENT,
Washington, June 8, 1846.
Sir: I herew'ra send you a copy of my letter to
the governo: ot Missouri for an additional force of
one thousand mounted men.
The gbject of thus adding to the force under your
command is not, as you will perceive, fully set forth
in that letter, for the reason that it is deemed prudent
that it should not, at this time, become a matter of
public notoriety; but to you it is proper and neces-
sary that it should be stated.
It has been decided by the President to be of the
greatest Importance in the pending war with Mexico
to take the earliest possession of Upper California.
An expedition with that view is hereby ordered, and
you are designated to command it. To enable you to
be in sufficient force to conduct it successfully, this
additional force of a thousand mounted men has been
provided, to follow you in the direction of Santa Fe,
to be under your orders or the officer you may leave
in command at Santa Fe.
It cannot be determined how far this additional
force will be behind that designed for the Santa Fe
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 369
expedition, but it will not probably be more than a
few weeks. When you arrive at Santa Fe with the
force already called, and shall have taken possession
of it, you may find yourselves in a condition to garri-
son it with a small part of your command (as the
additional force will soon be at that place), and with
the remainder press forward to California. In that
case you will make such arrangements as to being
followed by the reinforcement before mentioned, as in
your judgment may be deemed safe and prudent. I
need not say to you that in case you conquer Santa
Fe, (and with it will be included the department or
state of New Mexico), it will be important to provide
for retaining safe possession of it. Should you deem
it prudent to have still more troops for the accom-
plishment of the objects herein designated, you will
lose no time in communicating your opinion on that
point, and all others connected with the enterprise, to
this department. Indeed, you are hereby authorized
to make a direct requisition for it upon the governor
of Missouri.
It is known that a large body of Mormon emigrants
are en route to California for the purpose of settling
in that country. You are desired to use all proper
means to have a good understanding with them, to
the end that the United States may have their co-
operation in taking possession of and holding that
country. It has been suggested here that many of
these Mormons would willingly enter into the service
of the United States, and aid us in our expedition
against California. You are hereby authorized to
muster into service such as can be induced to volun-
teer ; not, however, to a number exceeding one-third
of your entire force. Should they enter the service
3870 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
they will be paid as other volunteers, and you can allow
them to designate, so far as it ean be properly done,
the persons to act as officers thereof. It is under-
stood that a considerable number of American citizeng
are now settled on the Sacramento River, near Sutter’s
establishment, called ‘Nueva Helvetia,’ who are
well disposed towards the United States. Should
you, on your arrival in the country, find this to be
the true state of things there, you are authorized te
organize and receive into the service of the United
States such portion of these citizens as you may think
useful to aid you to hold the possession of the coun-
try. You will in that case allow them, so far as
you shall judge proper, to select their own offi-
cers. A large discretionary power is invested in
you in regard to these matters, as well as to all
others, in relation to the expeditions confided to your
command.
The choice of routes by which you will enter Cali-
fornia will be left to your better knowledge and
ampler means of getting accurate information. We
are assured that a southern route (called the caravan
route, by which the wild horses are brought from that
country into New Mexico) is practicable, and it is
suggested as not improbable that it can be passed
over in the winter months, or at least late in autumn.
It is hoped that this information may prove to be
correct.
In regard to the routes, the practicability of pro-
curing needful supplies for men and animals, and
transporting baggage, is a point to be well considered.
Should the President be disappointed in his cherished
hope that you will be able to reach the interior of
Upper California before winter, you are then desired
HIFTORY OF CALIFORNIA. vi
to make the best arrangement you can for sustaining
your forces during the winter, and for an early move-
ment in the spring. Though it is very desirable that
the expedition should reach California this season,
{and the President does not doubt you will make
every possible effort to accomplish this object), yet
if, in your judgment, it cannot be undertaken with
a reasonable prospect of success, you will defer
it, as above suggested, until spring. You are left
unembarrassed by any specific directions in this
matter.
It is expected that the naval forces of the United
States which are now, or will soon be in the Pacific,
will be in possession of all the towns on the seacoast,
and will co-operate with you in the conquest of Cali-
fornia. Arms, ordnance, munitions of war, and pro-
visions to be used in that country, will be sent by
sea to our squadron in the Pacific for the use of the
land forces.
Should you conquer and take possession of New
Mexico and Upper California, or considerable places
in either, you will establish temporary civil govern-
ments therein—abolishing all arbitrary restrictions
that may exist, so far as it may be done with safety.
In performing this duty, it would be wise and prudent
to continue in their employment all such of the exist-
ing officers as are known to be friendly to the United
States, and will take the oath of allegiance to them.
The duties at the custom-house ought at once to be
reduced to such a rate as may be barely sufficient to
maintain the necessary officers, without yielding any
revenue to the government. You may assure the
people of those provinces, that it is the wish and de-
sion of the United States to provide for them a free
372 HISTORY OF JALIFORNIA.
government with the least possible delay, similar to
that which exists in our territories. They will then
be called on to exercise the rights of freemen in
electing their own representatives to the territorial
legislature. It is foreseen that what relates to the
civil government will be a difficult and unpleasant
part of your duty, and much must necessarily be left
to your own discretion. In your whole conduct you
will act in such a manner as best to conciliate the in-
habitants and render them friendly to the United
States.
It is desirable that the usual trade between the
citizens of the United States and the Mexican pro-
vinoes should be continued, as far as practicable,
under the changed condition of things between the
two countries. In consequence of extending your
expedition into California, it may be proper that you
should increase your supply for goods to be distributed
as presents to the Indians. The United States super-
intendent of Indian affairs at St. Louis will aid you
in procuring these goods. You will be furnished with
a proclamation in the Spanish language, to be issued
by you and circulated among the Mexican people on
your entering into or approaching their country.
You will use your utmost endeavors to have the
pledges and promises thercin contained carried out to
the utmost extent.
I am directed by the President to say that the rank
of brevet brigadier-general will be conferred on you
as soon ag you commence your movement towards
California, and sent round to you by sea or over the
country, or to the care of the commandant of our
squadron in the Pacific, In that way cannon, arms,
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 313
ammunition, and supplies for the land forces will be
sent to you.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. L. MARCY,
Secretary of War.
Colonel S. W. Kearny.
Fort Leavenworth, Missouri.
APPENDIX G.
The particulars of the conquest of Upper Cali-
fornia, as well as the suppression of the insurrections,
we have already given in substance as they are in the
despatches of General Kearny and Commodore Stock-
ton. But we have said nothing of the transactions
in the Peninsula, as that afterwards was surrendered
to Mexico. All that is interesting in the conquest of
Lower California, will be found in the following
despatches from the commander of the New York
regiment of volunteers, which with a number of
marines were the only troops employed in that quar-
ter. We premise, that, after the United States
marines had taken San José, the natives rose, and
they were reduced to the necessity of taking refuge
in an old fort, or cwartel, in the town.
Barracks, LowER CALIFORNIA,
San Jose, February 20, 1848.
Sir: I continue my report from the 22d ultimo,
from which time my force consisted of twenty-seven
marines and fifteen seamen, of whom five were on the
sick report, besides some twenty volunteers, Califor-
nians, who at least served to swell the numbers. From
26
874 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
that date the enemy were continually in sight of us,
intercepting all communication with the interior, and
driving off all the cattle from the neighborhood. A
party of our men who went out to endeavor to obtain
cattle, were driven in and narrowly escaped being cut
off. We succeeded in obtaining a few cows, however,
which were very necessary to us in the reduced state
of our provisions, as, in addition to our garrison, we
were obliged, in humanity, to sustain some fifty women
and children of the poor, who sought our protection
in the greatest distress. I found it necessary, as
soon as our fresh beef was consumed, to put all hands
on half allowance of salt provisions. We had no
bread. On the 4th of February, the enemy closed
around us more, and commenced firing upon all who
showed themselves at our port-holes, or above the
parapets. On the morning of the 6th the enemy ap-
peared to be a little scattered, a considerable force
being seen riding about some distance from the town,
and at the same time a strong party of them posted
at the lower end of the street were keeping up an
annoying fire upon us. I judged this a favorable
opportunity to make a sortie upon them, and taking
twenty-five men with me, closed with them and dis-
lodged them, driving them into the hills without the
loss of a man on our part, and returned to the cuartel.
On the morning of the 7th it was reported to me that
the enemy had broken into the houses on the main
street, and there was some property exposed which
might be secured. I took a party of men and went
down and brought up a number of articles belonging
to the Californians, who were in the cuartel; some
distant firing took place, but no injury was sustained.
On the same day, hearing there were some stores of
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 387¢
rice and tobacco in a heuse some three hundred yarde
down the main street, I determined upon an effort to
obtain them, and sallied out with thirty men: these
were immediately fired upon from several different
quarters, and some fighting ensued, resulting in the
death of one of my volunteers—shot through the
heart. We charged down the end of the street, and
drove the enemy to the cover of a cornfield at the
outside of the town, where they were considerably
reinforced, and recommenced a hot fire; but we were
enabled to save a part of the articles which we were
in search of, though we found that the enemy had an-
ticipated us in this object, having forced the building
from the rear. On the afternoon of the following
day, Ritchie’s schooner, having provisions for us from
La Paz, came in sight and anchored, but a canoe
which was enticed toward the shore by a white flag
displayed by the enemy, was fired upon, and the
schooner immediately got under way.
On the 10th the enemy had entire possession of the
town: they had perforated with port-holes all the ad-
jacent houses and walls, occupying the church, and,
hoisting their flag on Galindo’s house, ninety yards dis-
tant, held a high and commanding position, which ex-
posed our back yard and the kitchen to a raking fire,
which from this time forth was almost incessant from
all quarters upon us, the least exposure of person creat-
ing @ target for fifty simultaneous shots. The enemy
appeared to have some excellent rifles, among other
arms; and some of them proved themselves tolerably
sharp shooters, sending their balls continually through
our port-holes. On the 11th the fire was warm, but
on our part it was rarely that we could get a sight of
them. In the afternoon of this day we had to Jament
U*
376 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
the death of Passed Midshipman McLanahan, attached
to the United States ship Cyane; a ball striking him
in the right side of the neck, a little below the thyroid
cartilage, lodged in the left shoulder. He died in
about two hours. He was a young officer of great
promise, energetic, of much forethought for his age,
and brave to temerity. All lamented his untimely
fate, and all bear willing testimony to his worth.
On the morning of the 12th, at daylight, we dis-
covered that the enemy had thrown up a breastwork
upon the sand, about one hundred and fifty yards to
the north-east of the cuartel, and entirely commanI-
ing our watering place. We fired several round shot
at it, with little effect. We succeeded in getting in
being in strong force, and kept a close watch upon us.
Their force was over three hundred, speaking within
bounds. I immediately commenced digging a well in
the rear of Mott’s house, which is the lowest ground.
I found that we had to go through rock, and judged
we should have to dig about twenty feet. I thought
1t imprudent to blast, as the enemy, suspecting our
intention, would throw every obstacle in our way. The
men worked cheerfully on this and the succeeding
day against all difficulties. Our situation was becom-
ing now an imminently critical one, having with the
greatest economy but four days’ water. On the 14th
we continued digging for water. We found that the
enemy had thrown up a second breastwork more to
the westward, giving them a cross-fire upon our water-
ing place: there was a continual fire kept up upon the
cuartel during the day. At three o’clock, 80 minutes
P.M., a sail was reported in sight, which proved to be
the United Ship Cyane. She anchored after sun-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 37
dewn. It was of course a joyful sight to us to see
friends so near; but I was apprehensive that they
could render us but little assistance, the enemy being
so vastly superior in numbers. The enemy continued
their firing upon us during the night. On the 15th at
day-light, we became aware that the Cyane was landing
men. They soon commenced their advance, which for
a few moments was opposed only by a scattering fire ;
then the enemy opened upon them in earnest. They
had concentrated nearly their entire force near San
Vincente. We saw the flash of musketry through ali
the hills above the village. There was the odds of
three to one against our friends. Steadily they came
on, giving back the enemy’s fire as they advanced.
There was still a party of the enemy occupying the
town, firing upon us. I took thirty men, and sallied
out upon them, drove them from cover, killed one
and wounded several of them, and marched out to
join the Cyane’s men, who, with Captain Dupont at
their head, had now drawn quite near to us. There
were small detached parties of the enemy still hover-
ing about them, and firing at them, but the main body
of the enemy had been broken, and retired to “Las
Animas,” distant two miles. The march of the
Cyane’s men to our relief, through an enemy so vastly
their superior in numbers, well mounted and possess-
ing every advantage in knowledge of the ground, was
certainly an intrepid exploit, as creditably performed
as it was skilfully and boldly planned, and reflects
the greatest honor on all concerned. It resulted most
fortunately for us in our harassed situation. They
had but four wounded; this cannot be termed any
thing but the most remarkably good luck, considering
the severe fire that this heroic little band were cx.
318 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
posed to. The loss of the enemy we have not post
tively ascertained: we hear of thirteen killed, with
certainty, and general report says thirty-five ;
wounded not known. Of the total loss of the enemy
in their attack upon the cuartel, I cannot speak with
certainty; we have found several graves, and know
of a number wounded, one of whom we have in the
cuartel a prisoner. I suppose their total loss to be
not far from fifteen killed, and many wounded; I am
sure it could not be less than this. Our own total
loss was three killed and four slightly wounded. After
the death of Passed Midshipman McLanahan, there
remained but one officer to my assistance, Passed
Midshipman George A. Stevens, to whom, for his
coolness and indefatigable zeal at a time when so
much devolved upon him, I am most happy to accord
the highest credit; and at the same time I must
honorably mention the conduct of a volunteer, Ku-
gene Gillespie, Esq., who, although suffering from ill-
ness, never deserted his post, and was with me in the
sortie of the 7th. The non-commissioned officers and
men went through privation, unceasing watchfulness,
and danger, without a murmur. I cannot express too
highly my satisfaction in their conduct. Cuptain
Dupont immediately upon his arrival here, becoming
aware of our situation as regards provisions, took mea-
sures for our supply. The day after the battle of San
Vincente he despatched a train, which brought us by
hand (the enemy having driven off all the mules and
horses) a quantity of stores and articles of which we
stood most in need, among the rest, bread, and has since
been unceasing in his exertions for our relief. I cannot
too earnestly express the obligations which we are under
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 319
ter the prompt and efficient assistance which Captain
Dupont, his officers, and crew have rendered us.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. HEYWOOD,
Lieutenant U. S. Navy, com’g., San Jose.
Lieut. Col. Henry §. Burron,
U.S. Army, com’g. troops in Lower California.
W. T. SHERMAN,
First Lieutenant 3d Artillery, A. A. A. Generat.
H.
Unitep STATES BARRACKS,
La Paz, California, April 18, 1848.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter of March 1, 1848, and to report the
arrival of the army storeship “ Isabella” at this place
on the 22d of March, 1848, with Captain Naglee’s
company (D) New York volunteers, and one hundred
and fourteen recruits for the detachment of New York
volunteers stationed at this place.
The rescue of the prisoners of war on the 15th ultimo
caused great excitement among the enemy, and tended
very much to disorganize their forces, and the import-
ant arrival of the reinforcements to my command
determined me to take the field as soon as possible;
accordingly, I left this place on the morning of the
26th instant with two hundred and seventeen officers
and men; Lieutenant Halleck, United States en-
gineers, acting chief of staff, and Passed Midshipman
Duncan, United States navy, temporarily attached te
the mounted portion of Captain Naglee’s command.
880 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
The afternoon of the 27th, a party of fifteen men
captured, in San Antonio, Pineda, the commander of
the Mexican forces, with his secretary, Serrano.
The morning of the 29th, having received informa-
tion that the enemy had concentrated their forces in
Todos Santos, we pressed on with all speed, fearing
they might evade us, by retreating towards Magdalena
Bay. The morning of the 30th, about ten o’clock,
having received accurate information respecting the
enemy, Captain Naglee with forty-five mounted men
was despatched to intercept the road leading from
Todos Santos to Magdalena Bay, and, if practicable,
to attack the enemy in the rear at the same time our
main body made its attack in front.
The road leading from Todos Santos to La Paz, for
some distance before reaching the first named place,
passes through a dense growth of chaparral, (very
favorable for an ambush), and in this the enemy made
their arrangements to receive us. We left the road
about five miles from Todos Santos and marched along
a ridge of high land on the north side of the river,
having full view of the enemy’s operations.
They then took possession of a commanding hill
directly in our route, between three and four miles
from Todos Santos, with their Indians in front. Com-
panies A and B, under the direction of Lieutenant
Halleck, were deployed as skirmishers in such a man-
ner as to expose the enemy to across-fire. The enemy
opened their fire at long distance, but our force ad-
vanced steadily, reserving their fire until within good
musket range, when it was delivered with great effect,
and the enemy retreated very rapidly, after a short
but sharp engagement. At this time, Captain Naglee
being near Todos Santos, and hearing the firing,
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 881
uttacked the enemy in rear, and after a severe action
completed their dispersion. Our men and horses being
too much fatigued by their long march to pursue
the scattered enemy, we marched on to Todos San-
tos.
The loss of the enemy in this engagement cannot
be ascertained with any accuracy; we know of ten
killed and eight wounded. Our loss was nothing ; one
man and the horse of Acting Lieutenant Scott were
slightly wounded, the enemy, as usual, firing too high.
Our officers and men fully sustained the character
they won on the 16th and 27th of November last.
My warmest thanks are due to Lieutenant Halleck,
for his assistance as chief of staff, and I present him
particularly to the notice of the colonel commanding,
for the able manner in which he led on the attack on
the 30th ultimo.
Captain Naglee also deserves particular notice for
the energetic and successful manner in which he ful-
filled his instructions.
On the 31st ultimo, Captain Naglee, with fifty
mounted men of his company, was ordered to pursue
the enemy in the direction of Magdalena Bay. He
returned to La Paz on the 12th instant, having pur-
sued the enemy very closely, capturing five prisoners:
and some arms.
Lieutenant Halleck started for San José with a
party of mounted men, consisting of one officer and
twenty-five non-commissioned officers and privates, on
the 5th instant, for the purpose of communicating
with Captain Dupont, commanding United States
sloop-of-war Cyane. He returned here on the 11th
instant, having captured ten prisoners on his march,
and taken a number of arms.
382 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
From him I learn that the naval force at San Jos¢
have thirty odd prisoners, and among others “ Mau-
ricio Castro,” the self-styled political chief of Lower
California. Lieutenant Selden, with a party from the
Cyane, made a most opportune march on Santiago,
where he captured a number of the enemy who had
fled from the field of Todos Santos. Castro, who
commanded the enemy’s forces in the action of the
30th, was arrested near Maria Flores by the civil
authorities and delivered up to Lieutenant Selden.
During the stay of our main body at Todos Santos
fourteen prisoners were captured; among them two
sons of the reverend padre Gabriel Gonzales, officers
of the Mexican forces.
We left Todos Santos on the 5th instant, and arrived
at this place on the 7th. The result of this short
campaign has been the complete defeat and dispersion
of the enemy’s forces.
We have captured their chief and six officers, an
one hundred and three non-commissioned officers and
privates; and others are daily presenting themselves
to the civil authorities in different parts of the country.
The captured arms have been given to those ran-
cheros known to be friendly to the interests of the
United States, for their protection.
I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant,
HENRY 8. BURTON,
Lheutenant Colonel New York Volunteers.
Lieutenant W. T. Suerman,
Act. Ass. Adjt. Gen. Tenth Mil. Dep.
W. T. SHERMAN,
First Lieut. 3d Artillery A. A. A. General.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 385
APPENDIX I,
The following despatch from Governor Mason, zives
en account of the state of affairs in Upper California,
in October, 1847:
Heapquarters Tenta Mititary DEPARTMENT,
Monterey, Calofornia, October 7, 1847.
Siz: [returned from San Francisco yesterday, and
found here Mr. Toler, with despatches from Washing-
ton, the receipt of which I have the honor to acknow-
ledge. Iam also informed by Commodore Shubrick
that the sloop-of-war Preble is ready to sail for
Panama, with Passed Midshipman Wilson as bearer
of despatches for the United States. I therefore avail
myself of the opportunity to send you my letter of
the 18th of September, with its several packages, and
now have to communicate the result of my visit to
San Francisco.
I found the town flourishing and prosperous, with a
busy, industrious population of Americans, and refer
you to the copies of my military correspondence for the
steps adopted to give them a good town government.
The Bay ef San Francisco, you are well aware, is a
spacious, elegant harbor, susceptible of the most per-
fect defence; but as yet nothing has been done
towards fortifying it, or even placing any of the heavy
guns in position at the old fort. It is found almost
impossible to get much work out of the volunteers;
and all that I can now expect of the two companies
of Major Hardie’s command wil] be to improve their
quarters at the old presidio. This they are at present
engaged upon, using lumber made at the horse saw-
mill, under direction of the assistant quartermaster,
OSE TISTORY OF VALIFORNIa.
Captain Folsom. All this labor is done by the volun-
teers, so that the inprovements will be made at very
little expense to the government. The price of lum-
ber at San Francisco is $50 per M.; but Captara
Folsom says that he has it sawed and delivered, by
the labor of the volunteers and his own machinery, at
about $16. The mill is placed in the timber known as
the Red Woods, near the mission of San Rafael, on
the west and north sides of the bay, where any amount
can be had. If the government design to ereet per-
watent structures to any exicnt in this country, it
would be advisable to send out a steam engine, with
all the necessary frames and iron-work to adapt it to
immediate use in connexion with the saw and grist
mills now in possession of the quartermaster’s depart-
ment here. The site at present selected by Captain
Folsom is well adapted, as easy water communication
is had with the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers as
well as the parts of the country south of San Francisco.
At San Francisco I found all the powder, arms,
accoutrements, and perishable ordnance property well
stored in a building prepared for the purpose at the
presidio barracks; but the guns, mortars, carriages,
shot, and shells are in the town in the open air, pro-
tected by paint alone. The great difficulty of hauling
such articles over the rugged hills between the town
and presidio will prevent their being hauled to the
latter place this season.
I did design to continue my tour of inspection to
Sonoma and the Sacramento River, but was recalled
by hearing of the arrival of the bearer of despatches
at Monterey.
When on my way up to San Francisco, I was over-
taken by Captain Brown, of the Mormon battalion,
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 335
who had arrived from Fort Hall, where he had left
his detachment of the battalion, to come to California
to report to me in person. He brought a muster-roli
of his detachment, with a power of attorney from all
its members to draw their pay; and as the battalion
itself had been discharged on the 16th of July, Pay-
master Rich paid to Captain Brown the money due the
detachment up to that date, according to the rank
they bore upon the muster-rolls upon which the batta-
lion had been mustered out of service. Captain
Brown started immediately for Fort Hall, at which
place and in the valley of Bear River he said the
whole Mormon emigration intended to pass the winter.
He reported that he had met Captain Hunt, late of
the Mormon battalion, who was on his way to meet
the emigrants and bring into the country this winter,
if possible, a battalion according to the terms offered
in my letter to him of the 16th of August, a copy of
which you will find among the military correspondence
of the department.
In my letter I offered Captain Hunt the command
of the battalion with the rank of lieutenant-colonel,
with an adjutant; but I find, by the orders lately
received, that a battalion of four companies is only
entitled to a major and acting adjutant. I will notify
Captain Hunt of this change at as early a moment as
I can communicate with him. Iam pleased to find
by the despatches that in this matter I have antici-
pated the wish of the department.
Last season there was a great scarcity of provisions
on the coast of California; but when the stores are
received that are now on their way, there will be
an ample supply for the coming winter. The crops in
this country have been very fine this scason, and at
386 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
present wheat is plenty and cheap at San Franciseo,
Beef is also plenty. Beans can be purchased at tha
southern ports, and sugar imported from the Sand-
wich Islands; but for all other subsistence stores we
are dependent upon the South American ports or
those of the United States. I have directed Captain
Marcy, acting commissary of subsistence at this post,
to supply the chief of his department with the market
price of all kinds of provisions, with such other facts
ag may enable his department to act with the proper
economy. The want of good clothing for the regulars
and volunteers is already felt in California; and unless
a supply has already been despatched, many of the
garrisons will be without shoes and proper clothing
this winter. The price of such articles here is so
exorbitant as to place them beyond the reach of the
soldiers. The volunteer clothing brought by Sutler
Haight has already been disposed of to citizens and
soldiers, and there are no means of his renewing the
supply except by sending to the United States. Justice
to the soldier demands that he either be comfortably
clad by the government, or that it should be within
his power to clothe himself on the allowance provided
for that purpose by law.
I respectfully recommend, if it has not already been
done, that a large supply of infantry undress winter
clothing be sent immediately to this country, to be
distributed, so as to enable each volunteer to purchase
for his own immediate use at cost prices. No summer
clothing is needed, as the climate is too severe, sum-
mer and winter. Such articles as good blankets, clotk
overcoats, caps, jackets, overalls, stockings, and shoes.
with stout shirts and drawers, are the only ones that
will ever be needed here.
Se MQ agg ‘
RQ WI
SS S
CLOSSING THE ISfHMUS.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 387
General orders No. 10, of 1847, promotes Liente-
vant Loeser, third artillery, and orders him to join
Liscompany. Ircgret that at this moment his services
cunot be spared, and I am compelled to retain him
on duty with company F, third artillery, because the
absence of Captain Tompkins, the death of Lieutenant
Minor, and Lieutenant Sherman being detached as
acting assistant adjutant general, has reduced the
number of officers of that company to but two—
Lieutenants Ord and Loeser. I trust that the two
companies of regulars in this country will be kept with
a full supply of officers, that an officer, upon being
promoted, may be enabled to join the army in the
field, and participate in the active operations to which
he lovks for distinction and expericnce.
Captain II. M. Naglee, seventh New York volun-
teers, with a strong detachment of his company, is
now absent in pursuit of Indians in the valley of the
San Joaquin. He has with him Lieutenant Burton’s
company of California volunteers, which is expected
to return to Monterey before the end of this month;
in which case I shall cause it to be mustered out of
service, and discharged on the 81st day of October.
Again I have to report the death, by sickness, of
an oficer of my command—Lieutenant C. C. Ander-
son, seventh New York volunteers, who contracted a
fever when on duty at Fort Sacramento, and died in
consequence at San Francisco on the 18th of Septem-
ber. He was buried with military honors by the troops
at San Francisco, under direction of Major Hardie.
This death reduces the number of officers in Captain
Brackett’s company, seventh regiment New York
volunteers, to one captain and one second lieutenant.
Commodore Shubrick will sail for the west coast of
388 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
Mexico from this harbor next weck ; and having made
application to me, I have directed Lieutenant Halleck,
of the engineer corps, to accompany him, and shall
give Lieutenant Colonel Burton, in command at La
Paz, Lower California, authority to accompany Com-
modore Shubrick, should the latter design an attack
upon any point or points of the west coast of Mexico,
with orders, of course, to resume his position at La
Paz as soon as the object is accomplished for which
his command is desired.
Notz.—Colonel Burton will be directed to leave a
sufficient number of men at La Paz to keep the flag
flying.
Tt affords me much pleasure to assure the depart-
ment that the most perfect harmony subsists between
the members of the naval and land forces on this coast,
and that the most friendly intercourse is kept up
between the officers. Ihave had frequent occasion
myself to ask assistance of Commodores Biddle and
Shubrick, and my requests have been granted with
promptness and politeness; and in return I have
afforded them all the assistance in my power. Our
consultations have been frequent and perfectly harmo-
nious, resulting, I hope, in the advancement of the
common cause of our country.
Lhave the honor to be, your most obedient servant,
R. B. MASON,
Oolonel 1st Dragoons, Commanding.
To General R. Jones,
Adjutant-General, Washington, D. @.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 389.
APPENDIX J.
We have already given the substance of Governor
Mason’s despatch to. the government, giving an ac-
count of the gold discovery and a visit to the placers.
There is, therefore, no necessity for inserting that
official document. The appearance in Upper Cali-
fornia, in July 1848, of Don Pio Pico, the former gov-
ernor of the territory, gave rise to serious apprehen-
sions of another insurrection. The despatch of Col.
Stephenson, the commander of the garrison at Los
Angeles, to Colonel Mason, contains an account of the
matter, together with a description of the ex-governor.
HEaDQuaRtEeRS SoutHeRN Miirary District,
Los Angeles, California, July 20, 1848.
Sir: By the last mail I informed you of the ar-
rival of Don Pio Pico in this district. I subsequently
learned that he had passed through San Diego with-
out presenting himself to Captain Shannon, or in any
manner reporting his arrival. Immediately after his
arrival, rumors reached me of conversations had by
him with his countrymen, in which he stated that he
had returned with full powers to resume his guberna-
torial functions, and that he had only to exhibit his cre-
dentials to you to have the civil government turned
over to him. [I found the people becoming very much
excited, and some rather disposed to be imprudent. I
sent for Jose Ant. Carrillo and some others in the
town, who were giving currency to these reports, and
informed them that I should hold them responsible
for any imprudent or indiscreet act of their country-
men, and that, at the first appearance of any dis-
respect to the American authorities, I should arrest
and confine them in the guard-house. This had the
27
390 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.
effect to check all excitement here; but as Don Pie
removed up the country, the same excitement began
to spread among the rancheros. In the mean time,
his brother Andreas informed me that he, Don Pio,
would come in and report to me in person in a few
days, as soon as he had recovered from the fatigue
of his journey. On Saturday, the 15th instant, he
reached the ranch of an Englishman named Work-
man, some eighteen miles from here. This man has
ever been hostile to the American cause and interest,
and is just the man to advise Pico not to come in and
report to me.
On Sunday and Monduy I was advised that many
Californians had visited Pico at Workman’s, and that
the same story had been told them of his having re-
turned to resume his gubernatorial functions, &c., and
also that he should not report to me, but go direct to
San Fernando, from whence he would communicate
with you. The moment I became satisfied that he
intended to adopt this course, I issued an order (copy
inclosed) requiring him to report to me immediately
in person. I sent my adjutant with a detachment of
men to the ranch of Workman to deliver to Don Pio
in person a copy of this order, with instructions to
bring him in by force, in case he refused or even
hesitated to obey. The adjutant returned here at
twelve o’clock on Monday with information that the
Don had left for San Fernando. I immediately de-
spatched Lieutenant Davidson with a detachment of
dragoons and a copy of the order, with instructions
similar to those given Adjutant Bonnycastle. About
five o’clock on Tuesday morning I received a visit
from a gentleman named Reed, living at the mission
of San Gabriel, who informed me that Don Pio Pics
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 891
had arrived at his house quite late in the evening of
Monday, on his way to San Fernando. Reed inquired
if he did not intend reporting to me in person; he
answered in the negative; when Reed assured him,
if he attempted to pass my post without reporting, I
would cause him to be arrested, and that he was
aware of my being displeased at his passing through
San Diego without reporting to the commandant of
that post. Don Pio Pico, upon receiving this infor-
mation, became alarmed, and requested Reed to come
in and see me, to say he intended no disrespect, and
would come and report at any hour I would name.
Reed is a highly respectable man, and has ever been
friendly to the American cause; and I gave him a
copy of the order I had issued in regard to Don Pio,
requesting him to deliver it, and say to Don Pio, he
could come in at any hour he chose, within twenty-
four hours. Accordingly about eight P. M., the same
evening, the ex-governor came in. He was unaccom-
panied even by a servant, evidently desiring it should
not be known he was in town. I received him kindly,
told him I had no desire to treat him harshly, but that
the American authorities must be respected, and if he
had not come in I should certainly have arrested him.
He informed me that he left Guaynas on the 22d of
May, crossed to Mulive, which he left for California
on June third, and arrived at San Diego, July sixth.
He says that when he left Guaynas nothing had been
heard of the action of the Mexican Congress upon
the treaty, but it was generally supposed it would be
ratified. He says the Mexican government did not
answer any of his communicatious; and the mom