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PROCEEDINGS 
 
 GRAND COUNCIL 
 
 UNION LEAGUE OF AMERICA 
 
 FOR THE 
 
 STATE OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 ANNUAL SESSION, 
 
 Held, in San Fx'ancisco, A.n.gnst 4tli and. Stli, 1S63. 
 
 TOGETHER WITH 
 
 A KEPOKT OP ITS TRANSACTIOlSrS SINCE ITS ORGAJSTIZATIOlSr, 
 APRIL 13th, 1863. 
 
 SAN FRANCISCO: 
 PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE GRAND COUNCIL, 
 
 1863. 
 
.e'-^^ 
 
 OFFICERS. 
 
 Qrand President. 
 
 S. H. PARKER. 
 
 Grand Vice Presidents. 
 
 J. W. OSBORN,* WM. H. PARKS, 
 
 R. PACHECO, E. N. TORREY, 
 
 WM. SHERMAN. , 
 
 Grand Secretary. 
 
 ALFRED BARSTOW. 
 
 Grand Treasurer. 
 
 JONAS G. CLARK. 
 
 Grand Marshal. 
 
 M. J. BURKE. 
 
 Grand Herald. 
 
 JEROME RICE. 
 
 Grand Sentinel. 
 
 CALEB T. FAY. 
 
 * Deceased. 
 
 
■' ■ l.i" 
 
 PROCEEDINGS. 
 
 IN GRAND COUNCIL, 
 
 San Francisco, Aug. 4th, 1863. 
 
 The Grand Council of the Union League of America for the 
 State of California assembled this day pursuant to call. 
 
 Present.— Messrs. Parker, Sherman, McLean, Clark, Pease, 
 Dame, Chenery, Lull, Pacheco, Rice, Barstow, Holland, Allen, 
 Dwindle, Abell, Winans, Low, Tajlor, McClatchj, Burton, New- 
 comb, Cobb, Dalton, Billings, Haswell, Gorham, Coffin, Rowley, 
 Stevens, Cavis, Solts, Hilliard, White, Pinkham, Loucks, Pollock, 
 Benton, Perry, Spalding, Smith, Reed, Mann, Taft, Pennell, Abbe, 
 Michelhausen, Sober, Sprague, McGrew, Chandler, Sherwood, Per- 
 kins, McMurtry, Seymour, Rood, Henderson, Rider, Darling, Dyer, 
 Young, West, Cutter, Drake, Cox, Aldrich, Hyde, Easterby, Shep- 
 ard, Richardson, Markley, and Schuyler. 
 
 Grand President Parker in the chair. 
 
 Rev. J. E. Benton read the prayer from the Ritual. 
 
 Secretary read the call for the meeting of the Grand Council, 
 as follows : 
 
 Grand Council of the Union League of America 
 
 For the State of California. 
 
 San Francisco, , 1863. 
 
 To the President of Council, No. — , Located at County 
 
 of . ^ 
 
 Sir — There will be a meeting of the Grand Council U. L. A. 
 for California, at the city and county of San Francisco on Tuesday, 
 
the 4th day of August next, at which it is hoped, every Council in 
 the State will be represented. 
 
 Those Councils therefore that have not already done so will 
 please elect their delegates to the Grand Council and report the 
 same at once to the Grand Secretary. 
 
 It is expected that the delegates from the various Subordinate 
 Councils will be prepared to make an exact and minute report of 
 the strength and condition of their respective Councils, the vote of 
 the precinct where the same is located, and its probable division at 
 the coming election. Such reports will state particularly the mili- 
 tary capacity of the respective Councils with reference to the 
 organized Militia and the Home Guard. 
 
 As no proxies are allowed in the Grand Council, those delegates 
 who will be unable to attend the meeting are respectfully requested 
 to resign their positions and thus allow their respective Councils to 
 elect delegates who will be able to be present. 
 
 Only those Councils that have received their Charters will be 
 allowed to be represented in the Grand Council, and those Subor- 
 dinate Councils that are now working under Dispensations are 
 requested to report immediately to the Grand Secretary and 
 receive their Charters. 
 
 By order of the Grand Council. Respectfully, 
 
 , Grand President. 
 
 , Grand Secretary. 
 
 Secretary then read the Grand Charter. 
 
 Mr. Chenery, from Committee on Credentials appointed at a pre- 
 vious meeting of the Grand Council, made the folio Aving report : 
 
 Mr. President : Your Committee on Credentials appointed at a 
 previous meeting of the Grand Council have attended to the duty 
 assigned them, and ask leave to report the names of the following 
 delegates as entitled to seats in this Council, viz : 
 
 James McClatchy Sacramento Council, No, 2 
 
 C. 0. Burton Stockton " 3 
 
 W. Newcomb Oakland " 4 
 
 J. C. Cobb San Jos^ " 6 
 
A/y 
 
 D. F. Dalton Santa Rosa Council, No. 8 
 
 J. M. Billings Santa Clara " 11 
 
 C. S. Haswell Nicolaus " 12 
 
 Josiah Gorham Woodbridge " 13 
 
 O. C. Coffin Martinez " 16 
 
 A. B. Rowley Alviso " 17 
 
 J. E. Stevens Yuba City " 19 
 
 J. M. Cavis Columbia " 21 
 
 W. K. Solts Suisun " 24 
 
 F. Hilliard San Luis Obispo " 25 
 
 Wm. White Santa Cruz " 26 
 
 J. F. Pinkham Placerville " 28 
 
 Geo. P. Loucks Pacheco " 30 
 
 James Pollock Benicia " 31 
 
 J.E.Benton. Folsom " 33 
 
 E.T.Perry Meridian " 35 
 
 Charles Spalding Colusa " 36 
 
 Wm. Smith Bloomfield " 37 
 
 Thomas Reed Eagle " 41 
 
 P. J. Mann Crescent City . " 42 
 
 P. M. Taft Jackson " 43 
 
 L. A. Pennell Upper Placerville " 44 
 
 S. K. Abbe Butte Creek " 48 
 
 H. Michelhausen Ukiah City " 49 
 
 C. N. Fox Redwood City " 51 
 
 Joel Russell Hay ward " 52 
 
 Lewis Soher Mokelumne Hill " 57 
 
 Thomas Sprague Santa Barbara " 61 
 
 Wm. H. McGrew Noyo " 65 
 
 J. L. Chandler Mayiield " 66 
 
 T. J. Sherwood Marysville " 67 
 
 John A. Perkins Gilroy " 69 
 
 W. S. McMurtry Lexington " 70 
 
 B. N. Seymour Alvarado " 71 
 
 A. N. Rood Lincoln " 72 
 
 J. W. Henderson Cloverdale " 74 
 
 W. M. Rider Sebastopol " 75 
 
 E. Darling Little York Township 77 
 
Barlow Dyer Robinson's Ferry Co'l, No. 80 
 
 James Young Oroville " 81 
 
 D.J. West Antioch " 86 
 
 S. L. Cutter, Jr Sonoma Valley " 88 
 
 L. M. Drake Campo Seco " 90 
 
 Jordon Cox Windsor " 92 
 
 J. P. Ames Ocean " 94 
 
 J. L. Shannon Clayton " 97 
 
 Geo. D. Aldrich Franklin " 99 
 
 S. F. Hyde Trcmont " 100 
 
 A. G. Easterby Napa City " 101 
 
 Joseph Shepard Vallicita " 102 
 
 H. Richardson San Pablo " 103 
 
 John Schuyler Weaverville " 108 
 
 A. J. Markley Somersville " IIB 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 CHENERY, Chairman. 
 
 On motion the report Avas received and adopted. 
 
 The Grand President then delivered the following address : 
 
 (jrentlemen of the G-rand Council of California ; 
 
 In pursuance of what is deemed the usage of the State Councils 
 of this Order in the States and Territories upon the Atlantic side 
 of the continent, I deem it my duty to address you at this time 
 upon the position which we now occupy here, upon the Pacific side, 
 premising what I have to suggest with a few remarks upon the 
 origin and progress of the Union Leagues of America. 
 
 It is only a year since in tlie hour of despondency, and after the 
 reverses to the Union armies, that a few tried Union men in the 
 city of Washington deeming it necessary that some action should 
 be had among Union men, of such a character, as to prevent the 
 secret movements of Government and Union armies from being at 
 once communicated to the enemy, determined upon the organiza- 
 tion of a secret Union League. They were well aware of the 
 fact that a secret society, known by the name of " The Knights of 
 the Golden Circle," had been for years in existence in all the 
 Rebellious States, whose avowed object was the destruction of the 
 
American Union, and which was rapidly extending itself among the 
 Copperheads of the Free States, and especially in the Northwest, 
 the result of Avhich, in the fall of 1862, was the Union reverses and 
 the partial copperhead successes in the elections held in Ohio, 
 Pennsylvania, New York and Illinois. 
 
 They also saw that if something was not done at once to prevent 
 the spread of this pestiferous doctrine of secession, and to unite all 
 true patriots by a firmer tie than mere party organizations, the 
 Copperheads would have the control of the next Congress, and the 
 country would be lost. 
 
 Under this state of things the Union League of America was 
 instituted, and the organization extended throughout the loyal 
 States. The change in public opinion in favor of Liberty and Union 
 one and inseperable, now and forever, became manifest throughout 
 the length and breadth of the land ; and the elections in Connecti- 
 cut and New Hampshire held early in the present year first rolled 
 back the tide of disunion which for a time seemed to threaten to 
 engulph us all in the vortex of anarchy and political death ; and it 
 is to this institution, more than to all other influences, that we are 
 indebted for this result. 
 
 On the return of our members of Congress from their labors at 
 Washington, they brought with them the necessary documents, and 
 on the thirteenth day of April, 1863, this Grand CouncU was 
 installed by the Hon. T. Gr. Phelps, and has held regular weekly 
 meetings from that time to the present. For a detailed statement 
 of its work, I would refer you to the report of your Grand Secre- 
 tary, Alfred Barstow, Esq., whose labors have been entirely devoted 
 to the furtherance of the object of our institution since its establish- 
 ment in this State. 
 
 Applications have been made to the Grand Council for the 
 establishment of subordinate Councils of this Order m the Territo- 
 ries of Nevada and Washington and the State of Oregon. Dis- 
 pensations have been granted for the same, subject however, to the 
 action of the National Grand Council at its next session. 
 
 Some differences of opinion exist among the members of this 
 Grand CouncU as to the secret character of the order, and it is 
 often asked — 1st, if resolutions adopted by a suborduiate Council, 
 in relation to public affairs, may be published in the newspapers ; 
 
8 
 
 2d, must the names of members be kept secret ; 3d, may Subor- 
 dinate Councils as such make pubUc demonstrations ; 4th, is the 
 very existence of the institution to be kept from the pubhc. Some 
 judicious legislation upon this subject, which will secure uniformity 
 in the working of the order, is very desirable. 
 
 It is sometimes asked if the members of the League are bound 
 poHtically to support all the nominations of the Union party for 
 State, district, county, and township officers, and if so, are there 
 any exceptions to this rule ? An answer from this Council would 
 set at rest doubts that some entertain upon this important question. 
 
 By the returns that will be presented to you by the Grand Sec- 
 retary, you will perceive the necessity for and capacity of the order 
 for a more perfect military organization in this State among Union 
 men ; and when it is admitted that there are Avithin the borders of 
 our State some thirty thousand secessionists and rebel sympathizers, 
 who are prepared upon the first opportunity to strike against the 
 peace of the State and under the specious pretense of a Pacific 
 Republic ! create civil war and all its train of woes in our now 
 peaceful homes, it well becomes us " in time of peace to prepare 
 for war." I ask your most careful consideration of this important 
 subject. 
 
 There is no doubt but Avhat there is a large immigration to this 
 State the present season across the plains, and that among them 
 are hundreds, if not thousands, of disloyal men. Many of them 
 may claim the right to vote in our State before having acquired 
 the right to do so by a residence of six months as re(![uired by law. 
 
 Circulars have already been issued to the Councils throughout 
 the State in relation to this matter ; in fact, nearly all the matters 
 to which I have called your attention, have already received some 
 consideration from the Grand Council as organized by the resident 
 charter members, but the full action of the entire State as repre- 
 sented by you would perhaps be more satisfactory to the Order at 
 large. 
 
 It seems to me that the encouragement of Union newspapers, 
 the spread of Union documents and speeches, the full discussion of 
 patriotic questions, the formation of Union Clubs, the encourage- 
 ment given to patriotic sentiment by song and music, the care of 
 the wounded and distressed Union soldiers, are all proper subjects 
 for our consideration in times like these. 
 
9 
 
 In conclusion, allow me to congratulate you upon the success of 
 your institution. In the four months of its organization more than 
 one hundred Councils have been formed, comprising some twenty 
 thousand members, who are true to the Constitution as it is, and 
 the Union as one great republic established upon the broad ground 
 of the Declaration of American Independence " that all men are 
 created free and equal, and have certain inalienable rights among 
 which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." 
 
 The Grand Secretary read the following transcript of the min- 
 utes of the Grand Council from its organization to the present 
 time, and asked further time to make his report of the Subordinate 
 Councils. 
 
 Report of the Grand Secretary of the Transactions of the Grand 
 
 Council. 
 Mr. President: 
 
 At the invitation of Hon. T. G. Phelps a meeting was held in 
 the city of San Francisco on the 13th day of April, A. D. 1863, 
 to take into consideration the propriety of establishing a Grand 
 Council of the Union League of America for the State of Cah- 
 fornia. Mr. Phelps called the meeting to order and briefly stated 
 its object. 
 
 The National Grand Council of the League at Washington had 
 some time pi-eviously granted a dispensation to Dr. J. C. Bronson, 
 of the United States Army, to establish the order in this State ; 
 but circumstances having prevented him from acting in the prem- 
 ises a dispensation was granted to Mr. Phelps. 
 
 After a full discussion it was resolved that the order be estab- 
 lished in this State, and under the authority granted to Mr. Phelps 
 the following named persons thereupon organized a Grand Council 
 of the League for California: 
 
 T. G. Phelps, T. Dame, 
 
 J. W. Osborn, R. Chenery, 
 
 S. H. Parker, J. C. Bronson, 
 
 Wm. Sherman, A. P. Stanford, 
 
 John T. McLean, C. T. Fay, 
 
 R. C. Drum, Louis R. Lull 
 
 J. B. Thomas, Wm. H. Parks, 
 
10 
 
 Albert Dibblee, R. Pacheco, 
 
 Jonas G. Clark, B. W. Hathaway, 
 
 M. J. Burke, E. N. Torrey, 
 
 E. T. Pease, Jerome Rice, 
 
 Alfred Barstow. 
 
 On motion of Mr. HathaAvay a committee of five was appointed 
 by the Chair to report officers for the Grand Council. 
 
 Chair appointed Messrs. Sherman, Lull, Rice, Thomas, and 
 Dame. 
 
 Committee reported as follows : 
 
 Grand President. — S. H. Parker. 
 
 Grand Vice Presidents. — J. W. Osborn and Wm. H. Parks. 
 
 Grand Secretary. — Alfred Barstow. 
 
 Grand Treasurer. — John Sirae. 
 
 Grand Marshal. — M. J. Burke. 
 
 Grand Herald. — Jerome Rice. 
 
 Grand Sentinel. — Caleb T. Fay. 
 
 On motion the report was received. 
 
 Mr. Sime not being a member of the League the Chair decided 
 the presentation of his name as Grand Treasurer as not in order. 
 
 The report was then amended by striking out the name of Mr. 
 Sime. 
 
 On motion the committee to report officers were instructed to 
 report the names of three additional Grand Vice Presidents and 
 a Grand Treasurer. 
 
 Committee reported as follows : 
 
 Grand Vice Presidents. — R. Pacheco, E. N. Torrey, and Wm. 
 Sherman. 
 
 Grand Treasurer, — Jonas G. Clark. 
 
 On motion the report as a whole was then received and adopted.. 
 
 On motion Messrs. Chenery, Lull, and Drum were appointed a 
 committee to draft Constitution and By-Laws for the Grand Council. 
 
 On motion the initiation fee for membership in the Grand Coun- 
 cil was fixed at ten dollars. 
 
11 
 
 April 14th. — Grand Council met, and Mr. Chenery from com- 
 mittee on Constitution and By-Laws reported draft of Constitution, 
 which on motion was received and laid on the table until the next 
 meeting. 
 
 April 15th. — Grand Council met. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Lull, Nathaniel Holland was elected a member 
 of the Grand Council. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Chenery, Thomas Starr King, E. S. Lacy, 
 Frederick Billings, and R. G. Sneath were elected members of the 
 Grand Council ; and on motion of Mr. Fay, A. J. Pope was also 
 elected a member of the Grand Council. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Dibblee the number of charter members of the 
 <Trand Council was limited to thirty-four. 
 
 On motion the report of the committee on Constitution was 
 taken from the table, amended, and adopted, as follows : 
 
 '■'■Constitution of the Crrand Council of the Union League of 
 America for the State of California. 
 
 NAME, 
 
 This organization shall be styled the Grand Council of the Union 
 League of America for the State of California. 
 
 MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 The Grand State Council shall be composed of the thirty-four 
 persons named in the Grand State Charter, and one delegate from 
 each Subordinate Council in this State ; nine of whom shall consti- 
 tute a quorum for the transaction of business. 
 
 OFFICERS. 
 
 The officers of the Grand State Council shall consist of the 
 (jrand President, five Grand Vice Presidents, Grand Secretary, 
 Grand Marshal, Grand Treasurer, Grand Herald and Grand Sen- 
 tinel, who shall hold their offices for one year and until their suc- 
 cessors are elected and qualified. 
 
 CHARTER. 
 
 All Charters for Subordinate Councils shall emanate from the 
 
12 
 
 Grand Council, and shall be issued over the seal of the Council, 
 and shall be signed by the Grand President and Grand Secretary. 
 No Charter shall be granted except in open Council, and upon the 
 application of one or more members of the League, or of a Subor- 
 dinate Council. 
 
 DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 
 
 The Grand President shall preside at the meetings of the Coun- 
 cil, and in his absence the senior Grand Vice President present. 
 
 The Grand Secretary shall keep a full and perfect record of the 
 proceedings of the Council and prepare all charters. The cor- 
 respondence of the Council shall be prepared by the Grand Sec- 
 retary, and shall be over his signature and that of the Grand 
 President. 
 
 Copies of all correspondence shall be kept by the Grand Secre- 
 tary in a book procured for that purpose. 
 
 The Grand Treasurer shall receive all moneys and shall keep an 
 accurate account of the same. 
 
 FEES. 
 
 The fee for a Charter and the Rituals necessary for a Subordin- 
 ate Council shall be twenty dollars, to be collected by the recipient 
 of said papers and paid to the Treasurer of the Grand Council. 
 
 PASS-WORD. 
 
 This Council shall have an independent pass-word, Avliich shall be 
 changed as often as the good of the League may require, and may 
 adopt any forms, ceremonies, or regulations which may hereafter be 
 deemed expedient. 
 
 REPORTS OF SUBORDINATE COUNCILS. 
 
 All Subordinate Councils shall report monthly to this Council. 
 These reports shall include an exact statement of the number of 
 members, names of officers, location, and such other particulars as 
 may be deemed important to a correct and full knowledge of the 
 condition of the League ; also as to the strength and probable de- 
 signs and movements of its enemies. 
 
 DISBURSEMENTS OF FUNDS, 
 
 All disbui-sements of fimds shall be made by the Treasurer, by 
 direction of the Council, on orders drawn by the Grand Secretary, 
 and signed by that officer and by the Grand President. 
 
13 
 
 BUSINESS DEMANDING SPECIAL ATTENTION. 
 
 All matters not provided for in this Constitution, and demand- 
 ing, at anj time, immediate attention, may be fully acted on by the 
 Council at any regular meeting, or at any special meeting duly 
 called — notice of which shall be given by the Grand Secretary. 
 
 MEETINGS. 
 Regular meetings of this Council shall be held on every Satur- 
 day evening ; and special meetings may be called -whenever the 
 Grand President shall deem it necessary ; and it shall be liis duty, 
 and in his absence the duty of the senior Grand Vice President 
 present in the city, or Grand Secretary, to call a special meeting 
 upon the written request of three members. 
 
 AMENDMENTS. 
 
 All amendments and additions to this Constitution shall be pro- 
 posed in writing, and notice given thereof at least one week before 
 action shall be had thereon. A two-thirds vote of the members 
 present at a regular meeting shall be necessary for the adoption of 
 any such amendment or alteration." 
 
 Mr. Lull was appointed a committee of one to report a pass 
 word for the Grand Council. 
 
 Grand Secretary presented a form for charter for Subordinate 
 Councils, and moved its adoption — carried. 
 
 April 18th. — Grand Council met. 
 
 Grand Secretary presented printed Constitution and Ritual, to- 
 gether with a seal for the Grand Council, which on motion Avere 
 adopted. 
 
 Mr. Lull from committee on pass word reported the word 
 
 as the pass word for the Grand Council. 
 Report received and adopted. 
 
 Messrs. Burke, Lull, and Barstow were appointed a committee to 
 report a draft of circular letter of instructions to officers of Sub- 
 ordinate Councils. 
 
14 
 
 On motion a charter was granted to Washington Council, No. 1, 
 located at San Francisco. 
 
 On motion authority was granted to the President and Secretary 
 to issue dispensations for the establishment of Subordinate Councils. 
 
 April 2oth. — Grand Council met. 
 On motion charters were granted to : 
 
 Sacramento Council, No. 2, located at Sacramento. 
 
 Stockton Council, No. 3, " Stockton. 
 
 Oakland Council, No. 4, " Oakland, Alameda, Co. 
 
 Brooklyn Council, No. 5, " Brooklyn, Alameda, Co. 
 
 San Jose Council, No. 6, " San Jos6, Santa Clara, Co. 
 
 The death of Grand Vice President J. W. Osborn was an- 
 nounced. 
 
 Mr. Fay presented the resignation of A. J. Pope, Avhich on mo- 
 tion was received and accepted 
 
 The following named persons were then elected members of the 
 Grand Council : C. L. Taylor, Edward Norton, L. H. Allen, and 
 D. C. McRuer. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Holland, the sense of the Grand Council was 
 taken upon the question of the eligibility of aliens for membership 
 in the League, and the Council decided that under the Grand 
 Charter they could not become members. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Fay, it was decided that ahens, having 
 declared their intention in the proper Court to become citizens, 
 were eligible to membership in the League. 
 
 Mr. Lull, from committee on circular letter of instructions, 
 reported the following draft of letter, which on motion was received 
 and adopted, and committee discharged : 
 
 Union League of America, State of California, 
 
 San Francisco, , 1863. 
 
 To the President of Council, No. — , U. L. A. : 
 
 Sir : — The Grand Council of the Union League for California 
 
15 
 
 have instructed the undersigned to invoke the attention of the 
 Presidents of the several Subordinate Councils of the League 
 throughout the State, to the absolute necessity of observing invio- 
 late the several pledges in the oath contained, especially those per- 
 taining to committing to writing the signs, passwords, debates, or 
 proceedings of any Council of the League. 
 
 And to the end that this necessity may the more effectually be 
 impressed upon the minds of members, have adopted the following 
 charge to be delivered by the Vice President to the candidates for 
 membership, immediately after the administration of the oath. 
 
 Charge by the Vice President. 
 
 " Gentlemen : — Circumstances have arisen since the organiza- 
 tion of the League in this State which, by a resolution of the 
 Grand Council, render it my duty to charge you that under no 
 circumstances is it consonant with the oath which you have just 
 taken, to commit to writing any of the signs, passwords, debates, 
 or proceedings of this or any other Council of the League of which 
 you may become a member. A noncompliance with this obligation 
 will render our association of no avail in preserving the Union, 
 and will justly subject you to the distrust of all loyal men." 
 
 Enjoining upon you the imperative necessity of a strict com- 
 pliance with this regulation of the Grand Council of the State 
 League, 
 
 We remain, Gentlemen, very truly, yours, 
 
 By order. 
 
 -, Grand President. 
 
 ~, Grand Secretary. 
 
 April 29th. Grand Council met. 
 
 On motion charters were granted to 
 Petaluma Council, No. 7, located at Petaluma, Sonoma County. 
 Santa Rosa " 8, " Santa Rosa " 
 
 Sotoyome " 9, " Healdsburg 
 
 u 
 
 May 2d. Grand Council met. 
 
 On motion charters were granted to 
 Woodbridge Council, No. 13, Woodbridge, San Joaquin County. 
 
16 
 
 Linden 
 
 San Luis Obispo 
 
 Woodland 
 
 Georgetown 
 
 Santa Clara 
 
 Folsom 
 
 15, Linden " 
 
 25, San Luis Obispo, San Luis 0. Co. 
 
 32, Woodland, Yolo County. 
 
 10, Georgetown, El Dorado County. 
 
 11, Santa Clara, Santa Clara " 
 
 33, Folsom, Sacramento " 
 
 May 9th. — Grand Council met. 
 On motion charters were granted to 
 
 Nicolaus Council, 
 
 Yuba City 
 
 Sonora 
 
 Columbia 
 
 Jamestown 
 
 Chinese Camp 
 
 Suisu,n 
 
 No. 12, located at Nicolaus, Sutter County. 
 
 " Yuba City " 
 
 " Sonora, Tuolumne Co. 
 
 " Columbia " 
 
 " Jamestown " 
 
 " Chinese Camp " 
 
 " Suisun, Solano County. 
 
 19 
 20 
 21 
 
 22 
 23 
 24 
 
 On motion the Grand President and Secretary were authorized 
 to remit in whole, or in part, fees for charters in cases Avhere the 
 same should appear necessary and proper. 
 
 Messrs. Fay, BilHngs and Taylor were appointed a committee to 
 report a draft of letter of instructions to Subordmate Councils. 
 
 May 16th. — Grand Council met. 
 
 On motion charters were granted to 
 Martinez Council, No. 16, Martinez, Contra Costa County. 
 
 Alviso " 17, Alviso, Santa Clara " 
 
 Coloma " 18, Coloma, El Dorado " 
 
 McCartysville " 27, McCartysville, Santa Clara Co. 
 
 Santa Cruz " 26, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County. 
 
 San Pablo " 103, San Pablo, Contra Costa " 
 
 Pacheco " 30, Pacheco " " 
 
 Placerville " 28, Placerville, El Dorado " 
 
 Lafayette " 14, San Joaquin " 
 
 Mr. Fay, from committee to draft letter of instructions to Subor- 
 dinate Councils, presented a draft of letter which, was adopted 
 as follows : 
 
17 
 
 Grand Council of the Union League of America 
 
 For the State of California, 
 San Francisco, , 186 
 
 To the President of Council, No. — , located at , 
 
 County of 
 
 Sir : — I am instructed by the Grand Council U. L. A. for Cali- 
 fornia, to communicate to you the following resolutions adoi3ted by 
 the Grand Council on the sixteenth of May, 1863 : 
 
 1st. Resolved, That no alien resident of this State is elio-ible 
 for membership in the Union League, unless he shall have first 
 duly declared his intention in the proper Court to become a citizen 
 of the United States. 
 
 2d. Resolved, That Subordinate Councils be instructed not to 
 initiate persons, non-residents of the locality where the application 
 is made, unless the applicant shall make satisfactory proof that 
 there is no Subordinate Council in the district or vicinity where he 
 resides, and that he has not made application for admission to any 
 other Council of the League in the United States ; and also that 
 no such initiation be made except when it shall appear necessary 
 for the purpose of organizing Councils of the League in those 
 sections of the State where the same do not already exist. 
 
 3d. Resolved, That Subordinate Councils be instructed to trans- 
 mit immediately to the Grand Council the names of all persons 
 rejected, and the cause of such rejection. 
 
 4th. Resolved, That all Subordinate Councils be advised to form 
 within themselves a military organization. 
 
 5th. Resolved, That the officers of Subordinate Councils be 
 advised to impress upon members the importance of never allowing 
 private and personal considerations to influence, in the least degree, 
 their action in balloting for new members ; loyalty to the Govern- 
 ment of the United States being the proper and only test for mem- 
 bership. 
 
 6th. Resolved, That Subordinate Councils be advised to make 
 provision in their By-Laws for the impeachment of members who 
 shall at any time be found guilty of disloyal or improper conduct. 
 
 You will please communicate the above to the Council under 
 
 your jurisdiction, and take such steps as in your judgment shall 
 
 2 
 
18 
 
 appear necessary for carrying the suggestions herein contained 
 into eflFect. 
 
 By order. Respectfully, 
 
 , Grand President. 
 
 -, Grand Secretary. 
 
 May 23d.-;-Grand Council met. 
 
 On motion charters were granted to 
 Visalia Council, No. 39, Visaha, Tulare County. 
 
 Putah Creek " 40, Putah Creek, Yolo Co. 
 
 Eagle " 41, Michigan Bar, Sacramento Co. 
 
 Bloomfield " 37, Bloomfield, Sonoma County. 
 
 Crescent City " 42, Crescent City, Del Norte County. 
 
 Benicia " 31, Benicia, Solano " 
 
 Colusa " 36, Colusa, Colusa " 
 
 Meridian " 35, Meridian, Sutter " 
 
 Grand Island " 34, Grand Island, Sutter " 
 
 Jackson " 43, Smith's Flat, El Dorado " 
 
 Upper Placerville " 44, Upper Placerville " " 
 
 Watsonville " 38, Watsonville, Santa Cruz " 
 
 Michigan Bluff " 29, Michigan Bluff, Placer " 
 
 On motion, the Grand President and Secretary were instructed 
 to grant a dispensation to W. E. Melville to establish Subordinate 
 Councils of the League in Nevada Territory. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Clark, a salary of one hundred and fifty 
 dollars per month was granted to the Grand Secretary. 
 
 On motion, a fine of two dollars and a half was levied on resident 
 members of the Grand Council for absence from each regular 
 meeting. 
 
 May 30th. — Grand Council met. 
 
 On motion charters were granted to 
 Yreka Council, No. 46, Yreka, Siskiyou County. 
 
 Farmingtown " 47, Farmingtown, San Joaquin County. 
 
 Butte Creek " 48, Butte Creek, Colusa " 
 
 Ukiah City " 49, Ukiah City, Mendocino " 
 
19 
 
 Pleasant Valley 
 Alvarado 
 Redwood City 
 Hayward 
 Virginia City 
 
 50, Pleasant Valley, El Dorado " 
 71, Alvarado, Alameda " 
 
 51, Redwood City, San Mateo " 
 
 52, Hayward's, Alameda " 
 58, Virginia City, Nevada Territory 
 
 Secretary presented resignation of Mr. Billings, which on motion 
 was received and accepted. 
 
 On motion a committee of five was appointed upon military or- 
 ganization within the League, as follows : Messrs. Drum, Allen, 
 Taylor, Lull, and Brannan. 
 
 June 6th. — Grand Council met. 
 On motion charters were granted to 
 
 Pilot Hill 
 
 Council, No 
 
 . 53, Pilot mi, El Dorado County, 
 
 Montezuma 
 
 
 a 
 
 56, Montezuma, Tuolumne 
 
 a 
 
 Mayfield 
 
 
 a 
 
 QQ, Mayfield, Santa Clara 
 
 u 
 
 Areata 
 
 
 ii 
 
 54, Areata, Humboldt 
 
 a 
 
 Eureka 
 
 
 u 
 
 55, Eureka " 
 
 a 
 
 Nevada 
 
 
 a 
 
 59, Nevada, Nevada 
 
 (( 
 
 Little York Township 
 
 a 
 
 77, You Bet 
 
 u 
 
 Moore's Flat 
 
 
 a 
 
 62, Moore's Flat " 
 
 (( 
 
 Mokelumne Hill 
 
 
 a 
 
 57, Mok. Hill, Tuolumne 
 
 u 
 
 Santa Barbara 
 
 
 a 
 
 61, Santa Barbara, St. Bar. 
 
 a 
 
 Marysville 
 
 
 (( 
 
 67, Marysville, Yuba 
 
 a 
 
 Gilroy 
 
 
 a 
 
 69, Gilroy, Santa Clara 
 
 a 
 
 Mendocino 
 
 
 a 
 
 64, Mendocino City, Mend'o 
 
 a 
 
 Noyo 
 
 
 (( 
 
 Q^, Noyo " 
 
 u 
 
 Auburn 
 
 
 u 
 
 68, Auburn, Placer 
 
 n 
 
 Outside Creek 
 
 
 a 
 
 63, Outside Creek, Tulare 
 
 a 
 
 Mr. Drum, from committee on military organization, made a 
 report which on motion was received and adopted, and Messrs. 
 Drum, Allen, and Barstow were appointed a committee to draft a 
 circular letter embracmg the recommendations contained in the 
 report. 
 
 June 12th. — Grand Council met. 
 
 On motion charters were granted to 
 
20 
 
 Lexington Council, No. 70, Lexington, Santa Clara County. 
 
 Cloverdale " 74, Cloverdale, Sonoma " 
 
 Sebastopol " 75, Anally " " 
 
 Windsor " 92, Windsor " " 
 
 Geyserville " 91, Geyserville " " 
 
 Knight's Landing " 76, Knight's Landing, Yolo " 
 
 Dutch Flat " 73, Dutch Flat, Placer " 
 
 Lincoln " 72, Lincoln " " 
 
 Mr. Barstow, from committee to draft circular letter on military 
 organization, reported the following draft of letter, which on motion 
 was adopted : 
 
 Grand Council^ Union League of America, State of California, 
 
 San Francisco, , 1863. 
 
 To the Officers and Members of the Union League within the State 
 of California : 
 
 Gentlemen : — On the 16th day of May ult., the Grand Council 
 issued a Circular Letter recommending the formation of a Military 
 Organization within each Subordinate Council of the League in 
 this State. 
 
 The necessity for such action has not diminished by time ; on 
 the contrary, there is greater need to-day for the thorough organi- 
 zation of Union men than ever before. A determined effort is to 
 be made at the coming election to array this State against the 
 Administration and the War. To resist such an attempt we have 
 pledged, each to the other, " our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred 
 honor " — a pledge not idly made nor lightly to be broken. 
 
 In furtherance of the spirit of this pledge the Grand Council 
 recommend : 
 
 First. That all able-bodied members of the League unite them- 
 selves with some company of the organized militia of the State. 
 If there be no organized company of the militia at the place where 
 the Subordinate Council is located, that one be immediately organ- 
 ized under the laws of the State, and an application made to the 
 Adjutant-General of the State for arms. It is also recommended 
 that those members of the League who, from age, infirmity, or 
 other cause, are incapable of bearing arms, or who are unwilling to 
 join the organized militia, form themselves into a Home Guard and 
 
21 
 
 perfect themselves in the drill by company and battalion, either 
 using such arms as are accessible or Avithout arms. 
 
 Second. Officers of Subordinate Councils will include, in their 
 monthly reports to the Grand Council, the number of able-bodied 
 men in their respective councils capable of enduring the fatigues of 
 military service ; as also, the number of those who from any cause 
 are incapable ; also, the names of those who have seen military 
 service, when and where, and Avhether in the regular army, in 
 foreign service, or in the organized militia of the State. 
 
 A vigorous effort is being made to induce the General Govern- 
 ment to place at the disposal of the authorities of this State a 
 quantity of arms sufficient to equip all whom in any contingency it 
 may be necessary to call into service. Should this effort prove 
 successful, notice will be transmitted immediately to all Subordinate 
 Councils of the League in the State. An application will also 
 be made for arms for such companies of Home Guards as shall 
 organize themselves ; but from the nature of the circumstances at 
 present existing, without much hope of success — such companies 
 will probably be obliged to supply their own arms and equipments. 
 
 Commending the suggestions herein contained to the considera- 
 tion of the members of the League, we remain. 
 
 By order of the Grand Council. Respectfully, 
 
 , Grand President. 
 
 , Grand Secretary. 
 
 Grand President and Secretary wei-e appointed a committee with 
 power to fix the time for holding a general meeting of the Grand 
 Council, and the Secretary was instructed to issue a circular to 
 each Subordinate Council notifying them to elect delegates where 
 the same has not already been done. 
 
 June 26th. — Grand Council met. 
 
 On motion charters were granted to 
 Robinson's Ferry Council, No. 80, Robinson's Ferry, Calaveras Co. 
 Oro Fino Council, No.- 79, Oro Fino, Siskiyou County. 
 Fort Jones " 78, Fort Jones " " 
 
 Walnut Grove " 83, Walnut Grove, Sacramento County. 
 
 Cacheville " 84, Cacheville, Yolo County. 
 
22 
 
 Diamond Springs " 82, Diamond Springs, El Dorado County. 
 
 Oroville " 81, Oroville, Butte County. 
 
 Excelsior " 107, Sutter Creek, Amador County. 
 
 Alleghany " 96, Alleghany, Sierra " 
 
 Secretary read the notice to Subordinate Councils in relation to 
 meeting of 4th of August, which, on motion, was adopted, and the 
 Secretary was instructed to forward a copy of the same to the 
 Subordinate Councils and to persons holding Dispensations. 
 
 On motion Grand President Parker was appointed a committee 
 to confer with General Wright and others upon the character of the 
 immigration of the present season. 
 
 Kesignation of Mr. Lacy presented and accepted. 
 
 Messrs. Alexander G. Abell, S. H. Dwinelle, Henry Carlton, 
 Jr., and J. W. Winans were duly elected members of the Grand 
 Council. 
 
 On motion it was resolved that resident members of the Grand 
 Council who shall absent themselves from four successive regular 
 meetings without permission of the Grand President shall cease to be 
 members of the Council. 
 
 July 3d. — Grand Council met. 
 
 On motion charters were granted to 
 Damascus Council, No. 89, Damascus, Placer County. 
 Onisbo " 87, Onisbo, Sacramento " 
 
 Sonoma Valley " 88, Sonoma, Sonoma " 
 
 Campo Seco " 90, Campo Seco, Calaveras " 
 
 Los Angeles " 85, Los Angeles, Los Ang. " 
 
 Antioch " 86, Antioch, Contra Costa " 
 
 On motion the Secretary was instructed to extend to the Union 
 State Central Committee such facilities in aid of the Union cause 
 as might be in his power. 
 
 July 10th. — Grand Council met. 
 On motion charters were gi-anted to 
 
23 
 
 Aurora Council, No. 93, Aurora, Mono County. 
 Ocean " 94, Spanish Town, San Mateo County. 
 
 Occidental " 105, Angels, Calaveras " 
 
 Copperopolis " 106, Copperopolis " " 
 
 Vallicita " 102, Vallicita, " " 
 
 Monitor " 104, Murphys, " ' " 
 
 F. F. Low was elected a member of the Grand Council. 
 
 July 17th. — Grand Council met. 
 
 On motion charters were granted to 
 Last Chance Council, No. 95, Last Chance, Placer County. 
 
 Tremont " 100, Tremont, Solano " 
 
 Forest City " 98, Forest City, Sierra " 
 
 Clayton " 97, Clayton, Contra Costa " 
 
 Franklin " 99, Virginia, Placer " 
 
 Napa City " ^101, Napa City, Napa " 
 
 Resignation of Henry Carlton, Jr. presented and accepted. 
 
 Grand President Parker from committee to confer with General 
 Wright and others in relation to the character for loyalty of the 
 immigration at the present season presented a report, which on 
 motion was received and adopted, and the Secretary was instructed 
 to prepare a circular embracing the substance of the report. 
 
 July 24th. — Grand Council met. 
 
 On motion charters were granted to 
 Weaverville Council, No. 108, Weaverville, Trinity County. 
 Centerville 
 Wilmington 
 Sulphur Springs 
 Indian Valley 
 Somersville 
 
 109, Centerville, Alameda 
 
 112, Wilmington, Los Angeles 
 111, Sulphur Springs, Colusa 
 
 110, Indian Valley " 
 
 113, Somersville, Contra Costa 
 
 Resignation of Mr. Sneath presented and accepted. 
 
 Grand Secretary was instructed to telegraph to the National 
 Grand Council for authority to establish Subordinate Councils of the 
 League in the States and Territories on the Pacific coast. 
 
24 
 
 Dispensation granted to Elijah Steele to establish Subordinate 
 Councils in Jackson County, Oregon. 
 
 Grand Secretary presented the following draft of letter on the 
 immigration of the present season : 
 
 Union League of America, Grand Council for California. 
 San Francisco, July 24th, 1863. 
 To the Officers and Members of the Union League of America 
 within the State of California : 
 
 Gentlemen : — Your attention is specially called to the following 
 facts : 
 
 The Grand Council have ascertained from the best authority that 
 about ten thousand male citizens of the United States are now on 
 their way to this State, overland, at least three-fourths of whom 
 are at heart rebels or sympathizers with the rebellion. These per- 
 sons will attempt to vote at the coming election, and will succeed 
 in doing so unless Section I of Article II of the Constitution (which 
 is hereto appended) is rigidly enforced. This section requires an 
 actual residence of six months in the State and thirty days in the 
 county or district to entitle a person to vote. A mistaken idea 
 has very generally obtained that a person's residence in this State 
 dates from the time he left the Eastern States for California, and 
 that our Supreme Court has so held. This is not true. Ex- 
 Attorney-General S. C. Hastings, for certain purposes of his own, 
 which he accomplished, gave as his opinion that such was a proper 
 construction of the Constitution. His opinion is entitled to no more 
 weight than the opinion of any other attorney, and is generally 
 regarded by good lawyers as entirely erroneous and absurd. 
 
 It is possible that this vote, should it pass unchallenged, may 
 determine the patriotic status of California for the next four years. 
 Within that time the history of our Country will be made for cen- 
 turies. No State in the Union can do more towards making glory 
 of that history than can California. Our people to-day are loyal. 
 Let not the dark brand of treason be stamped upon them by a failure 
 to be vigilant. Let every Council appoint good men and true to 
 attend the polls. Let every doubtful vote offered be challenged, 
 and let a record be kept of every vote sworn in. Nine-tenths of 
 
7 
 
 25 
 
 the votes sworn in by the immigrants of this seasons will be rebel. 
 At every precinct carried by such votes let the returns be con- 
 tested. If this is done we are safe ; if not, there is danger. We 
 seek not to alarm ; we only desire to impress upon all Union men 
 the necessity for the same activity and zeal which is displayed by 
 our army in the field. Let us remember that " eternal vigilance 
 is the price of Liberty." 
 
 By order of the Grand Council. 
 
 , Grand President. 
 
 , Grand Secretary. 
 
 Constitution of California, Article II. — Rigid of Suffrage. 
 
 Section 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 ratified at Queretaro on the thirtieth day of May, 
 1848, of the age of twenty-one years, who shall have been a resi- 
 dent 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 
 authorized by law. * * * * 
 
 On motion, the circular was adopted and ordered forwarded to 
 the various Councils of the State. 
 
 July Slst. — Grand Council met. 
 
 On motion charters were granted to 
 Somersville Council, No. 113, Somersville, Contra Costa County. 
 Forest City " 98, Forest City, Sierra " 
 
 Grand Secretary read telegram from the Grand President of the 
 National Grand Council authorizing dispensations to be issued by 
 the Grand Council for Cahfornia within the States and Territories 
 of the Pacific coast. 
 
 On motion Messrs. Chenery, Dwindle, and Pease were appointed 
 a committee on credentials for the meetmg of August 4th. 
 
26 
 
 Messrs. W. C. Ralston and W. B. Farwell were elected mem- 
 bers of the Grand Council. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 ALFRED BARSTOW, 
 
 Grand Secretary. 
 
 Report received and further time granted. 
 
 The Grand Treasurer presented the following report : 
 
 Mr. President: 
 
 I transmit herewith a report of all moneys received and dis- 
 bursed since the organization of the Grand Council. 
 
 Respectfully, 
 
 JONAS G. CLARK, 
 
 Grand Treasurer. 
 San Francisco, August 4th, 1863. 
 
 CASH.— Dr. 
 
 To fees for charters $1,315 00 
 
 To fees for initiation 260 00 
 
 To fines for non-attendance 100 00 
 
 $1,675 00 
 
 CONTRA.— Cr. 
 By cash paid as per vouchers. 1,230 75 
 
 Cash on hand $444 25 
 
 On motion the report was received. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Stevens of Sutter the Grand President's ad- 
 dress was referred to a committee of five. 
 
 Chair appointed Messrs. Stevens of Sutter, Burton of San 
 Joaquin, McClatchy of Sacramento, Sober of Calaveras, and Rider 
 of Sonoma. 
 
 Mr. Cutter of Sonoma moved that the Chair appoint a com- 
 mittee of five on Order of Business. — Carried. 
 
r 
 
 27 
 
 Chair appointed Messrs. Cutter of Sonoma, Cobb of Santa Clara, 
 Pinkham of El Dorado, Schuyler of Trinity, and Hilhard of San 
 Luis Obispo. 
 
 Grand President gave the pass word of the Grand Council. 
 
 Mr. Lull of San Francisco was appointed Secretary pro tern. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Holland of San Francisco, the Council went 
 into committee of the Avhole on the state of the Order in California. 
 Mr. Burton of San Joaquin in the Chair. 
 
 Mr. Parker of San Francisco reported on Council No. 1. 
 
 Mr. McClatchey of Sacramento, for Council No. 2. 
 
 Committee rose and had leave to sit again. 
 
 Mr. Cutter of Sonoma, from committee on order of business made 
 the following report : 
 
 Mr. President : Your committee appointed vipon order of business 
 have had the same under consideration, and ask leave to report in 
 part as follows, and ask further time : 
 
 Order of Business. 
 
 1st. The adoption of a Constitution for the Grand Council U. L. 
 A. for California, recommending the one now published. 
 
 2d. Election of officers, singly and by ballot. 
 
 3d. Reports of the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer. 
 
 4th. General remarks from delegates upon the condition of their 
 respective Councils ; and 
 
 5th. Adjournment until 10 A. M. to-morrow, August 5th. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 CUTTER, Chainnan. 
 
 On motion the report was received, and committee gi'anted 
 further time. 
 
28 
 
 On motion of Mr. Burton of San Joaquin, sections first and sec- 
 ond, relating to the adoption of the constitution and the election of 
 officers, were stricken out. 
 
 Section five was then amended so as to read : " 5th. Adjourn- 
 ment until 9 o'clock, p. M. to-morrow, August 5th." 
 
 On motion the report as amended was then adopted. 
 
 On motion, Mr. Lull of San Francisco was added to the commit- 
 tee on order of business. 
 
 Grand Council went into committee of the whole, Mr. Benton of 
 Folsom in the chair. 
 
 Mr. Burton of San Joaquin reported for Council, No. 3. 
 
 Mr. Newcomb of Alameda " " 4. 
 
 Mr. Cobb of Santa Clara " " 6. 
 
 Mr. Bilhngs of Santa Clara " " 11. 
 
 Mr. Haswell of Sutter " " 12. 
 
 Mr. Gorham of San Joaquin " " 13. 
 
 Mr. Coffin of Contra Costa " " 16. 
 
 Mr. Rowley of Santa Clara " " 17. 
 
 Mr. Stevens of Sutter " " 19. 
 
 Mr. Cavis of Tuolumne " " 21. 
 
 Mr. Solts of Solano " " 24. 
 
 Mr. HiUiard of San Luis Obispo " " 25. 
 
 Mr. White of Santa Cruz " " 26. 
 
 Mr. Pinkham of El Dorado " " 28. 
 
 Mr. Loucks of Contra Costa " " 30. 
 
 Mr. Pollock of Solano " " 31. 
 
 Mr. Benton of Sacramento " " 33. 
 
 Mr. Perry of Sutter " " 35. 
 
 Mr. Spalding of Colusa " " 36. 
 
 Mr. Smith of Sonoma " " 37. 
 
 Mr. Reed of Sacramento " " 41. 
 
 Mr. Mann of Del Norte " " 42. 
 
 Mr. Taft of El Dorado « " 43. 
 
 Mr. Pennell of El Dorado " " 44. 
 
 Mr. Abbe of Colusa " " 48. 
 
 Mr. Michelhausen of Mendocino " " 49. 
 
;^ 
 
 29 
 
 Mr. Sober of Calaveras reported for Council, No. 57. 
 
 Mr. Sprague of Santa Barbara " " 61. 
 
 Mr. McGrew of Mendocino " " 65. 
 
 Mr. Cbandler of Santa Clara " " 66. 
 
 Mr. Sberwood of Yuba " " 67. 
 
 Mr. Perkins of Santa Clara " " 69. 
 
 Mr. McMurtrj of Santa Clara " " 70. 
 
 Mr. Seymour of Alameda " " 71. 
 
 Mr. Rood of Placer " " 72. 
 
 Mr. Henderson of Sonoma " " 74. 
 
 Mr. Rider of Sonoma " " 75. 
 
 Mr. Darling of Nevada " " 77. 
 
 Committee rose and had leave to sit again. 
 On motion adjourned. 
 
 ALFRED BARSTOW, Grand Secretary. 
 
 August 5th, 1863. 
 
 Grand Council met pursuant to adjournment. 
 
 Present — Messrs. Parker, Sherman, Barstow, Clark, Rice, Fay, 
 Drum, Lull, Hathaway, Holland, Taylor, Winans, Low, McClatchy, 
 Burton, Cobb, Dalton, Billings, Haswell, Gorham, Coffin, Rowley, 
 Stevens, Cavis, Solts, Hilliard, White, Pinckham, Pollock, Benton, 
 Perry, Spalding, Smith, Reed, Mann, Taft, Pennell, Abbe, Michel- 
 hausen. Fox, Russell, Sober, Sprague, McGrew, Chandler, Sher- 
 wood, Perkins, McMurtry, Seymour, Rood, Henderson, Rider, 
 Darling, Dyer, Young, West, Cutter, Drake, Cox, Ames, Shannon, 
 Aldrich, Hyde, Easterby, Shepard, Richardson, Schuyler, and 
 Markley. 
 
 Grand President Parker in the chair. 
 
 Minutes of the previous meeting read an approved. 
 
 Committee on order of business made a further report, as follows : 
 Mr. President : Your committee on order of business would further 
 report, as an order of business for the day : 
 
 1st. The appointment of a standing committee of five on resolu- 
 tions. 
 
30 
 
 2d. Report of committee on President's address. 
 
 3d. Introduction of Resolutions. 
 
 4th. Reports of Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer. 
 
 5th. The transaction of miscellaneous business. 
 
 And ask to be discharged. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 CUTTER, Chairman. 
 
 On motion, the report was received and adopted, and committee 
 discharged. 
 
 Chair appointed committee on Resolutions as follows : Benton of 
 Sacramento, Seymour of Alameda, Cobb of Santa Clara, Burton 
 of San Joaquin, Taft of El Dorado. 
 
 Mr. Stevens, from committee on President's address, made the 
 following report : 
 
 Mr. President, your committee, to whom was referred the Grand 
 President's address, have carefully considered the matters and sug- 
 gestions therein contained, and ask leave to report as follows : 
 
 That there should be differences of opinion touching the working 
 policy of the organization in times of jyeace is naturally to be ex- 
 pected ; and could we have assurances that the peace and quiet 
 that now happily prevails in our State would remain unbroken, 
 your committee beheve that the necessity for a secret Union 
 organization would not exist. 
 
 But the existence of the present formidable rebellion and the 
 great number of rebel sympathizers in our midst render it necessary 
 and proper for Union men to band together and work harmoniously 
 and efficiently for the preservation of the Government bequeathed 
 to them by their revolutionary fathers. 
 
 Believing, then, that our organization is calculated to further the 
 object which all Union men have nearest their hearts, and that its 
 efficiency and usefulness will be in proportion to the harmony which 
 exists among its members and the uniformity of the action of the 
 
31 
 
 various Councils, your committee would reply to the questions and 
 suggestions contained in the address in their order as follows : 
 
 First. — May resolutions adopted by a Subordinate Council in 
 relation to public affairs be published in the newspapers as emanat- 
 ing from such Council ? 
 
 This question is answered by the Ritual — No. 
 
 Second, — Must the names of the members be kept secret ? No ; 
 but it is good policy to do so. It is a matter of discretion with the 
 members. 
 
 Third. — May Subordinate Councils, as such, make public demon- 
 strations ? 
 
 No ; but should aid as individual Union men. 
 
 Fourth. — Is the very existence of the organization to be kept 
 secret ? 
 
 Not necessarily. 
 
 Fifth. — Are members of the U. L. A. bound politically to sup- 
 port all the nominees of the Union party for State, district, county 
 and township officers ? 
 
 No ; but they are bound to support good and reliable Union 
 men and no others. 
 
 Your committee most heartily approve the suggestions of the 
 Grand President relative to the propriety of Subordinate Councils 
 aiding in the circulation of Union newspapers, documents, speeches, 
 and the promotion of the success of Union demonstrations. 
 
 Your committBe would further report that they feel incompetent, 
 in the brief time allowed them, to make such report upon the mil- 
 itary portion of the address as its importance demands and as the 
 Grand Council have a right to expect at our hand, we therefore 
 recommend that so much of the address as relates to military 
 
32 
 
 organization be referred to the committee on military organization, 
 with instructions to report at the earhest practicable moment. 
 All of which is respectfully submitted, 
 
 STEVENS, 
 
 Chairman. 
 
 On motion the report was received and the committee discharged. 
 
 On motion the report of the committee was read by sections by 
 Mr. Burton of San Joaquin. 
 
 On motion, section first was adopted as read. 
 
 Section second was then read and on motion so amended as to 
 read as follows : 
 
 Second. — Must the names of members be kept secret ? 
 Yes, so far as practicable. 
 
 Section three read and adopted. 
 
 Section four read and adopted. 
 
 Section five read and adopted. 
 
 The recommendations of the report were then approved, and on 
 motion of Mr. Benton of Sacramento the report as amended was 
 adopted as a whole and the committee discharged. 
 
 Chair announced the next order of business to be the introduc- 
 tion of resolutions. 
 
 Mr. McClatchy of Sacramento in the chair. 
 
 Mr. Rowley of Alviso introduced the following and moved its 
 adoption : 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Chair 
 to wait on General Wright immediately and request of him in the 
 name of this Council to place at the disposition of the State author- 
 ities a sufficient quantity of arms, amunition, and equipments to 
 arm and equip the organized militia of this State, and report his 
 answer to the Grand Council. 
 
 After some debate the resolution was withdrawn by the mover. 
 
^c/ 
 
 \ 
 
 Introduced by Mr. Holland of San Francisco : 
 
 Resolved, That Subordinate Councils of the League be authorized 
 to publish loyal addresses that may be delivered before such Coun- 
 cils from time to time, under the supervision of this Grand Council : 
 Provided, that this resolution be ratified by the National Grand 
 Council U. L. A. at the city of Washington. 
 
 Referred to committee on resolutions. Resolution reported back 
 and passage reconmaended. 
 
 On motion report of committee was adopted and resolution passed. 
 
 Introduced by Mr. McClatchy of Sacramento, by instruction of 
 Council No. 2 : 
 
 Resolved, That the names of all persons known to be disloyal in 
 the respective districts of the Subordinate Councils be canvassed 
 and collected, and reported to the Grand Council for the purpose of 
 collating and pubhshing in book form such of them as it may deem 
 advisable for future reference. 
 
 Referred to committee on resolutions. Reported back and pass- 
 age recommended. 
 
 Amended by providing that, as far as possible, the occupation, 
 age, and birth place shall be reported, together with the fact as 
 to whether the persons named can read and write. 
 
 Resolution as amended adopted. 
 
 Upon suggestion of the Grand President, setting forth the 
 necessity for some legislation in the premises, 
 
 Mr. Pinkham of El Dorado moved that a special committee of 
 three be appomted by the Chair to take into consideration and re- 
 port upon the expediency of allowing Subordinate Councils to 
 adopt an independent pass word for their respective Councils. 
 
 Carried. 
 
 Chair appointed Messrs. Pinkham, McClatchy, and Rider. 
 
 Mr. McClatchy in the Chair. 
 
 Mr. Sober of Calaveras introduced the followmg resolution : 
 3 
 
34 
 
 Resolved, That this Grand Council recommend that there be en- 
 tire uniformity in the secret work of the League in all Subordinate 
 Councils of the State. Adopted. 
 
 Introduced by Mr. West of Contra Costa : 
 
 Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be instructed to prepare 
 and forward to all Subordinate Councils a quarterly report of the 
 transactions of the Grand Council, with the names of persons re- 
 fused admittance into the League, and such other information as he 
 may have in his possession respecting the same. Adopted. 
 
 By Mr. Fox of San Mateo : 
 
 Resolved, That the President of each Subordinate Council is 
 requested to confer with the Presidents of the adjoining Councils in 
 each direction and, as far as practicable, so arrange the boundary 
 of the territory in regard to which each Council shall report to the 
 Grand Council that no two or more Councils shall report in refer- 
 ence to the same territory. Adopted. 
 
 By Mr. Darling of Nevada : 
 
 Resolved, That it is the duty of the Union men of California to 
 place the State upon a war footing ; and we hereby recommend that 
 all able bodied members of the Union League enroll themselves in 
 the organized militia of the State. Adopted. 
 
 By Mr. Fox of San Mateo : 
 
 Resolved, That the Grand President be requested, at some time 
 durmg the session of the Grand Council, to illustrate the secret 
 work of the League or cause the same to be done. Adopted. 
 
 At 1 o'clock p. M., on motion of Mr. Lull of San Francisco, the 
 Grand Council took a recess of thirty minutes. 
 
 Aug. 5th. — Grand Council reassembled. Grand President Par- 
 ker in the chair. 
 
 Mr. Billmgs of Santa Clara introduced the following resolution : 
 Resolved, that this Council recommend to all Subordmate Coun- 
 cils to organize without delay open Union Clubs, and to procure the 
 
35 
 
 delivery of patriotic addresses, songs, etc. before them, and to labor 
 earnestly for the success of the Union ticket at the coming election. 
 Adopted. 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the subject matter of the 
 Grand President's suggestion in relation to pass word, reported 
 back the following resolution and recommended its passage. 
 
 Resolved 1st, That each Subordinate Council be authorized to 
 adopt a quarterly pass word for the use of its own members ; such 
 pass word to be selected by a committee consisting of the President, 
 Vice President, and Secretary. 
 
 2d. Upon the application of persons, not members of the Council, 
 for admission, it shall be the duty of the President to appoint a 
 committee of three, who shall examine such persons in the work of 
 the order, and shall administer a test oath in regard to their mem- 
 bership and standing in the order. The committee shall then re- 
 port the result of such examination to the Council, and if no objec- 
 objection be made such persons shall be admitted upon giving the 
 general pass word and observing the signs of admission. 
 
 3d. Members of the order may be admitted to Subordinate 
 Councils of which they are not members upon being vouched for 
 by any member of the Council in good standing. 
 
 4th. The form of the test oath to be taken by parties applying 
 for admission to Councils of which they are not members, shall be 
 as follows : " I do solemnly swear that I am a member of the Union 
 League of America in good standing." 
 
 PINKHAM AND McCLATCHY, for Committee. 
 
 On motion the report of the committee was adopted and the res- 
 olution passed. 
 
 The Grand Secretary presented a report giving the statistics of 
 the order as far as Subordinate Councils had reported, the number 
 and names of persons refused admittance into the order, and the cor- 
 respondence relative to the publication of speeches, resolutions, etc. 
 
 On motion the report was received. 
 
 Secretary read the resolution presented by Mr. Darling of Ne- 
 
36 
 
 vada and passed by the Grand Council in relation to placing the 
 State upon a Avar footmg, and Col. Drum stated to the Council that 
 General Wright would take the responsibility of issuing arms to 
 organized companies of the militia upon being satisfied of the re- 
 sponsibility and loyalty of the applicants. 
 
 On motion of the Secretary charters were granted to Poland 
 Council, San Joaquin County, and to Lockford Council, San Joa- 
 quin County. 
 
 By request of the Grand President, Mr. Benton of Folsom Coun- 
 cil gave the secret work of the order. 
 
 On motion, the work as given by Mr. Benton was declared cor- 
 rect and adopted, and delegates were instructed to see that the 
 work of their respective Councils conformed to it. 
 
 Mr. Stevens moved that the proceedings of this meeting be pub- 
 lished and transmitted to Subordinate Councils. 
 
 Mr. Lull moved as an amendment that the transactions of the 
 Grand Council be published and forwarded to the National Grand 
 Council and to the Subordinate Councils in this State. Amend- 
 ment accepted. 
 
 Mr. Fox moved as a further amendment that it be left discre- 
 tionary with the President and Secretary to publish such portion of 
 the transactions as they should deem advisable. Amendment 
 accepted and motion carried. 
 
 Mr. Holland of San Francisco, moved that the next annual meet- 
 ing of the Grand Council be held on the first Tuesday of August, 
 A. D. 1864, and that at that meeting ofiiccrs of the Grand Council 
 be elected. 
 
 Mr. Burton of Stockton, moved to amend by striking out August 
 and inserting September. 
 
 Amendment adopted and motion carried. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Billings of Santa Clara, the Grand Council 
 adjourned. 
 
 ALFRED BARSTOW, Grand Secretary. 
 
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