Sixty years in California, a history of events and life in California; personal, political and military, under the Mexican regime

Front matter

Book Tl] ^^

Coipght N°_

COPyRIGIlT DEPOSIT.

Preface

The author came to California in 1831, seventeen years before the discovery of gold in Sutter's mill-race, and married into a native California family of Spanish extraction. He has continued to reside in the department and State ever since, except when absent from it on business.

He has had an extended experience in the manners and customs of the people, their methods of trade, of the social and political history of the department and of its successor, the State, as that history was evolved through all the stirring events of that period, to the American occupation, down to the present date. There is an under-current in social life abounding in genial interchange of amenities, which is preserved only in tradition, to be recited in family circles, and from this source the author has obtaineci much valuable information. All this has enabled him in these personal recollections, to rescue from oblivion events that are herein recorded, narrations of which cannot be found elsewhere. Many of them are instructive, interesting and amusing. Instructive, in portraying the vast resources of the Department ; its well stocked haciendas and its extended commerce. Interesting, in its incidents of personal matters ; and amusing in the natural humor characteristic of many of the inhabitants.

PREFACE.

They also present an insight to the energy, enterprise, trials, misfortunes and triumphs of those men who laid the foundation of that prosperity which now places California in the front rank, among the most favored States of the Union. Many of the participants in those occurrences, have passed away from life's duties and exertions. The survivors will be able, from the perusal of these pages, to attest to the verity of the author's representations.

It has been his sole intent to set forth the facts in a clear and distinct manner, consistent with the adage: " Truth is mighty and will prevail."

San Francisco, Cal., May, 1889.

CHAPTER I. Page

Author's first arrival in California — Engages in local trade and commerce with Sitka and the Hawaiian Islands — Appearance of Sitka — Government Officers — Social Amenities — At Monterey — Prominent Foreign Residents — Author's Second Visit to the Coast — An English Brig Discovered — A Race between the Brig and "Volunteer" — The latter Victorious — In Port a "Good Time " ensues between the officers of the Respective Vessels — List of Trading Vessels — Forts, Military Officers and other Residents of the Bay Shores — Sea Otter plenty in San Francisco Bay— Trade Ventures in Different Directions i

Chapter II

The San Francisco Mission — The Padres as Instructors — Their Possessions in Live Stock and Natural Productions — Hostile Indians Captured, Civilized and Christianized — Goods sold to the Padres, for Hides, Tallow, Peltries and Money — Other Missions — San Francisco in 1 833^X1 arriage of Thomas O. Larkin on board the "Volunteer," at Santa Barbara — Festivities that followed — The "Volunteer" trades to Honolulu — The Author Sails on Board to that City 8

Chapter III

The Author Returns May. 1838, on the "Don Quixote" — A Protracted Battle without Human Bloodshed — At Monterey on the " Don Quixote " — Further Enumeration of Trading Vessels — The Voyage to Sacramento — The Author's Schooner the Flag Ship — Captain Sutter on Board — He unfolds to the Author his Future Plans — The Nativity of Captain .Sutter— A Plague of Mosquitos — Captain Sutter Landed — A Salute which Astonishes the Indians and Wild Beasts — The Salute Answered with Cheers — Return Voyage — Provisions Scarce — Unexpected Food Supply Received 13

Chapter V

Station of the Russian P\ir Company, anil its Officers — The Force engaged Hunting Sea Otters — Value of the Otter .Skins and where they were .Sold — Captain .Sutter Purchases the Russian Buildings and Outfits— A Fourth of July Celebration in 1839 — Parties in Attendance — Vessel Arrivals in 1839 24

Viii CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VI. Page

Thousands of Elk on Mare Island — Elk captured with the Lariat by the

Rancheros — Dangers of the .Sport — Ranchos with Large Herds of Live .Stock —

Ranches around the Bay in 1838 — Wealth of Bay Residents in Land and

Live Stock — Indians as Farmers and \'^aqueros — Indian .Steam Baths 28

Chapter VII

How the Missions were supported — Cattle Slaughtered mainly for their Hides and Tallow — The Portions Preserved for Food — Milch Cows in no Demand — The use of Florses — The Gangs into which they were Divided, and their Habits while running at large — Wild Horses in San Joaquin Valley — Sport had by the Young Men in their Capture with the Lasso 36

Chapter VIII

The Cattle tamed by frequent Rodeos — Manner of Collecting the Cattle together — Neighboring Rancheros attend the Rodeos to look after their own Brands— The Pursuit of Break-away cattle — The Novel Method of Reducing them to Obedience — A Rodeo Described — Beef the Chief Food of Californians, which accounts for their Health and Longevity 41

Chapter IX

Horse Breeding — Instinct of Attachment between the Equine Se.ves — Their Uneasiness at .Separation — Grain and Bean Threshing by Mares — A Primitive Method 50

Chapter X

How Taxes were Imposed for the Support of the Department — Governor Alvarado's Order for the Arrest of Americans — The Arrests that were made — Verba Buena placed under Martial Law by General Vallejo — Disposition of the Arrested Parties- — News of the Arrests sent by Consul Larkin to Washington — Action of the United States Government — The Principal Rancheros Anticipate the Annexation of California to the United States — The Question only one of Time — Their Reasons for not Earnestly Opposing the Measure. 54

CHAPTER XL

Arrest and Release of Nathan Spear — The Author is one of the Arrested — While a Prisoner attends an Entertainment — An Attractive Hostess — Further action of the Government of the United States concerning the Arrests — A General Delivery of Prisoners — An E.vplanation and Disclaimer — The Latter probably Insincere 60

Chapter XII

Population of the Department in l838-'39, and its Composition — A Prominent Frenchman Arrives — His Nervous Impatience causes him to take an Impromptu Cold Bath — His Mission Suspected of being one of Observation

CONTENTS. IX

Page. for the French Govertimenl-He makes a Round of Visits-Captain Sutler is Pleased with him-Mutual Respect-His Opinion of the Country and its Destiny

Chapter XIII

The Priests and the Missions-The Work of Converting Indians-Missions under rule of the Mexican Republic-Culture and Attainments of the Priests- Father Gonzales-Horses Supplied Gratuitously to the Traders by the Rancheros and Padres-The Supercargo sometimes owned his own Horses —Manner of Trading with Incoming Vessels-Comforts of the Adobe Dwelling-Family Traveling Equipages-Houses and IIouse-keeping-A Word of Praise for Native California Ladies-Educational Facilities Scarce —Sites Selected for Dwellings ^i

Chapter XIV

Indian Treachery-Fighting the Indians-An Indian Arrow Wound ultimately causes the Death of Comandante Juan Padro Mesa-The Californians Early Risers-Daily Customs of the Rancheros-Dress of the Leisure Season -Customs of the Native Californian when Mounted-Trappings of his Horse-C;allantry in the Saddle-Habits of the Household-Gray-headed Persons Scarce-A Contented People-Class Distinctions-Courtesy a Common Thing-Home Entertainments-The Dancing Endurance of the Native California Women-The Author takes a Whirl in the Waltz-Surprising Feats of Horsemanship-Upsetting a Bull-Concerning the Double Marriage of Don Jose Martinez-He proves a True Philanthrophist-Dies, ^^ and has an Immense Funeral

Chapter XV

Horse Racing as an A.nusement-Bull Fighting-Lassoeing Bears by the Wholesale-A Night of Horror to the Author-Don Vicente exhibits his skill in Throwing Cattle-Gambling not a Vice with the Native Californians-Their Promptitude in Business Transactions-Pride Supported their Honesty 9S

Chapter XVI

Rank of the Mexican Civil Officers and their Powers-Military Officers- Their Duties-The Junta Departmental-Land Grants, Why and How Bestowed-Officers appointed for San Francisco-How Justice was Adm.nistered-The Governor's Powers-The Alcaldes were Capable Officers-Their Insignia of Office-Governor Alvarado-IIe is held in Esteem by the I-oreign Residents-General Castro as a Military Man-General Vallejo-His Courtesy to Visitors and Strangers-A Sleep on a Cold Night without Blankets- General Vallejo skilled as a Horseman, and expert with the Lasso-Allusion to Don Pablo de la Guerra, Don Jose Antonio Carillo, Mr. Alfred Robinson and Don Manuel Jimeno-Dona Augusta Jimeno, a High-spirited and Patriotic Lady-Dona Ramona Wilson, a Lady of great Hospitality. . . . 103 oc CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XVII. Page

A Post erected at Yerba Buena in 1841 by the Hudson's Bay Company — Rae

occupies a Portion of the Building — Rae a Genial Man — A Particular Game

of Cards — Favorite Games of the People — The Hudson's Bay Store as a

Place of Resort — A Wrestling Contest — Rae Vanquished — Rae held in much

Respect — Bob Ridley and his Doings — Brandy gets him in the End — Rae

proves an Unfaithful Husband — Ends his Life by .Suicide — A new Agent at

the Post, who closes out the Business to Melius & Howard 115

Chapter XVIII

Commodore Wilkes and Fleet visit the Pacific Coast Waters in 1841 — A Survey of the Sacramento River is made — Captain .Sutter Visited — He Entertains the Surveyors Bounteously — Commodore Wilkes as Gentleman and Officer ■ — General Vallejo visits Wilkes — He receives a Salute — The Commodore has other Distinguished Visitors — The Commodore gives Interesting Descriptions of his Pacific Explorations — Interchange of Visits between the Officers of the Fleet and of Fort Ross — The Fleet Secures its Supplies from Spear, which enables the Author to become Intimate with its Officers — A Jolly .Set — Commodore Wilkes is too Busy to Participate in the Current Festivities — Spear and the Commodore become Intimate — .Spear was the First Merchant in Yerba Buena — He is Profuse in his Praises of the Country's Resources and Climatic Advantages to his Eastern Correspondent — He Declines to become a Mexican Citizen — Visit of British War .Ships to the Bay — A Design Suspected of Prompting the Visit — Movements that are watched by Commodore Wilkes. . . 122

Chapter XIX

Captain Eliab Grimes — The Mexican Government has no Revenue Cutters to prevent Otter Hunting — Captain Bancroft presumes too much upon the forbearance of his Alaskan Hunters — Reprimands them Severely and Loses his Life — The Hunters are Pacified — The Mate takes the Vessel to Alaska — Discharges the Hunters and proceeds to Honolulu — A British ship Arrives in San Francisco Bay on a .Surveying Expedition — The result of the Captain's Labors is kept Secret — The Object Apparent^ — Captain Wm. A. Leidesdorff" comes to California in 1841, in the Schooner "Juliann" — The Author becomes Supercargo of the "Don Quixote," Captain John Paty — Sails to Honolulu with a Vessel Load of Hides — That City a Central Mart for the Pacific Ocean Trade 135

Chapter XX

The " Don Quixote " returns to San Francisco, and becomes a Coast Trader — A Misunderstanding with the Customs Officers — Smuggling Operations Discovered but not Reported — Escape from the Surveillance of the Sub-Prefect — A Profitable Night's Work— Explanation why the Merchants at one time Violated the Mexican Revenue Laws — Clever Tricks to avoid the Customs Taxes — The First Steam Saw Mill — It is Located in the Bodego Lumber Region — A New Firm Established at San Diego — The Author leaves the " Don Quixote," and becomes an Agent of the Firm at Yerba Buena — Business Lively 141

CONTENTS. xi

CHAPTER XXI. Pagb

The American Occupation of Monterey, in 1842, by Commodore Jones— A Graphic Description of the Capture— A Mistake- -Relinquishment of the City— The Commodore's Action Sustained by the Government— A Mexican Vessel brought to by a Shot across her Bow— Flying False Colors— A Surrender—Lady Prisoners of War— The Author's Wife was One of Two— She Describes the Situation — Surrender of Monterey — A Wail in the Town — Commodore Jones gives to the People Assurances of Protection to Life and Property — A Pleasant Interview with the Commodore — He Relates the Story of 'his Proceedings at Monterey— The Great Responsibility he Felt led to his Mistake— Glad there was no Occasion for Hostilities— Favorably Impressed with California— Proud of being the First to Raise the American Flag over the Soil— Felt Assured the Country would Some Day pass into American Possession 'S'

Chapter XXII

Stay at Monterey— A Musical Treat— A Present of Wine to the Naval Officers— A Consular Entertainment at Monterey— The Enjoyment General —Commodore Jones the Right Man in the Right Place— His Popularity — Leniency Improperly Bestowed— Base Ingratitude— Fast trip of the Frigate "United States" to Honolulu and Back— A Family Party visits the Ship "Cyane" — An Agreeable Surprise— Hearty Congratulations— An Enjoyable Feast— Commodore Jones as a Hunter of Small Game— The " Cyane" Leaves for Monterey 102

CHAPTER XXIIL

Commodore Jones and Officers make a Visit to Governor Micheltorena at Los Angeles— A Talk about the Capture of Monterey— An Amicable Understanding arrived at — A Grand Banquet Succeeds — The Officers, by Invitation, call on Don Louis Vigne — They Inspect his Cellars, Vineyards, and Sample his Wine— They are Presented with Several Barrels of the Same — Nativity of Don Louis — A Pioneer, and the Most Noted Viticulturist — The First to Raise Oranges in Los Angeles — Devoted to His Business — Extent of his Vineyards Nine Years after— His Predictions of California becoming a Wine-producing Country — Don Louis as an Old Man— A Pride to the State, Generous to the Poor, and Liked by Every One — Impossible to Bestow too much Praise on his Memory 168

Chapter XXIV

A Few Names of the Earliest Comers to California— A Homely Husband and Handsome Wife— A Lady with Long and Beautiful Hair- Race Improvement by Intermarriage — Captain Thomas M. Robbins and His Cook — J.J. Warner — He becomes a Prominent Man in the State 173 xii CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXV. Page

A Revolution — General Castro Joins Alvarado — Troops at their Old Tricks — A Skirmish and a Retreat — Los Angeles taken by Alvarado — A Division of Sentiment — The Leaders of the Separate Columns — The People Opposed to Strife — Alvarado its Moving Cause — Why and Where he found his Allies — Alvarado resorts to Impressment — General Vallejo Non-committal — • Micheltorena is joined by General Sutter with Fifty or Sixty Riflemen — The Author Custodian of Alexander Bell's Treasure and Goods — Cannonading Heard — A Battle Ensues — Apprehension of the People for the Safety of Relatives — Anguish of the Women — A Long but Bloodless Battle — Micheltorena Capitulates and Agrees to Leave the Country 178-

CHAPTER XXVL

After the Battle — Intermingling of the Hostile Parties — The Author has another Interview with Captain Sutter — A Talk over Old Times — James McKinlay becomes a Mediator between the Hostile Leaders — Condition of the Settlement — General Vallejo Supplanted as Commander-in-Chief by General Castro — Generous Forbearance of General Micheltorena — Reason why the Conflict was Bloodless — Don Pio Pico becomes Provisional Governor of the Department — The "Don Quixote" Chartered as a Transport — Micheltorena and Troops Depart upon Her — The Author on Board as Supercargo — Micheltorena Talks about the Battle — His Appearance as a Soldier — His Accomplishments — Reflections on what has been Related — Alvarado as an Intriguer — The Voyage to San Bias — Micheltorena Wishes to Amend Paty's Fortunes — The Governor's First Arrival in the Department —Diversions Coming North from San Diego 185.

Chapter XXVII

Native Cahfornians and Indians seldom Intermarried — The Padres at the Missions had a Care over Unfortunate Children — Settling Book Accounts at Santa Anita — A Singular Vow — Fine Looking Native Californians — An Eccentric Octogenarian — He is the Head of a Numerous Family — Continued Enumeration of Noted Caliiornians— A Skilled Markswoman — Limantour appears on the Scene — His Vessel goes Ashore near Point Reyes — His Silks flntl Ready Sale— A Cargo of Cattle Shipped to Marquesas and Society Islands, for Breeding Purposes — A Drunken Brawl —The old Mission of San Luis Rey and its Priests — Penance Performed in Food-mixing — A Sententious and Devout Octogenarian 195.

CHAPTER X.W III.

William Sturgis Hinckley Arrives in 1838 — He and Governor Alvarado become Good Friends — A Good Joke — Hinckley goes to Callao — He Returns as the owner of the Brig " Corsair" — 1 le becomes a Permanent Resident, and Marries — Is Elected Alcalde of San Francisco District — Makes a Capable and Popular Officer — He Constructs a Much-needed Bridge — A Survey of

CONTENTS. xm

Page.

Verba Buena is Ordered and Streets laid out— Dies in June, 1846— Francisco Guerrero "becomes an Alcalde— Is afterwards Appointed Sub-Prefect— His Good Nature to Spear and the Author while under Arrest— Ilis Efficiency and Impartiality as an Officer— He Secures a Land Grant at Half Moon Bay —Is one of the Real Founders of San Francisco— His Murder and the Reason for it ^°5

Chapter XXIX

A Record of Vessel Arrivals at Verba Buena and Monterey— Method 'of Collecting Cargoes— How Hides were Cured and Loaded Aboard— \Yhalers come into Port for Water and other Supplies— The sort of Vegetables to be Planted for the Whalers— Reception given to Deserters from on Shipboard- Farmers Anticipate the Arrival of the Whaleships— Local Trade with them —Ingenious Manner of Concealing Goods from Custom House Inspection- Politics Excitedly Discussed— Captain Eliab Grimes Relates an Experience —An Expression of Yankee Pluck— The Captain Secures a Land Grant— His Death ^'^

Chapter XXX

The First Discovery of Gold— Where and by Whom Discovered— It serves as Currency— Large Amounts of the Metal in Circulation— Promoting the Immigration of Women to Equalize the Sexes— Inducement for Young Men to Marry Early— The Draft of Voung Men for the Army Relentless— An Anecdote of the Draft— A Flight to Avoid it-The Draft Deemed Needless —Salmon Catching— The Occupation made Profitable— Nathan Spear the Originator of Salmon Fishing for Commerce— Parrott's 111 Luck— His Vessel Wrecked— No Lives Lost— Part of the Cargo Saved— The Benefit of Packing Goods Securely— Looting Goods— Captain J. B. R. Cooper's Share in the Spoils ^^^

Chapter XXXI

Gold known to Exist in the Sacramento Valley long before the Discovery at Sutter's Mill— Indians brought it into the Missions— They told the Padres Where it was Found— A Couple of Priests— They Differ in Character— Are Both Friendly to the Author— Father Mercado Understood Good Living— Both Priests speak Concerning the Existence of Gold— They could not be Convinced that it would be Proper to Publish the Secret to the World— An Old and Faithful Aboriginee gives Information of an Intended Indian Outbreak— The Report Doubted— It is Confirmed by a Sudden and Unexpected Attack— Three Men Killed— Indians Break into the House— The Mistress saved by the Interposition of the Old Indian Woman— She is Disrobed and Turned Loose— The Daughters taken into Captivity—The Mother's Brutal Treatment— Her Little Son Spreads News of the Savage Performances— Further Fiendish Acts Threatened— The General Consternation xiv CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXXII. Page

How the Freaks of an Inebriated Man Frightened the Indians Off — The Indians Pursued — An Indian Spy is Captured — Tells of the Fright Occasioned to the Indians, and is Shot — An Attempt to Recapture the Daughters Fails — The Brothers Wounded and compelled to Retreat^The Girls Never Recovered — Further Indian Exploits — The Savages are Chastised — Residents at San Diego in 1838 — Miss Alvarado — Her Knowledge of the Indian Language Enables Her to Detect a Fiendish Plot — The Indian Plan for a Massacre— A Company Organized for Defense — The Conspirators Lassoed and Secured — They Confess their Guilt and are Shot — A Cannon Borrowed by the Californians for Defense — Another Confession by a Spy, after Mutilation — His Subsequent Fate — The Indians are Surprised — A Battle in which they are Defeated — An Indian Night Attack upon the Residence of Don Santiaguito Arguello — It is Unsuccessful — Indian Depredations — James Berry gets a Land Grant, and Stocks it — A Bay and Shore Celebration of the Fourth of July 238

Chapter XXXIII

A Cargo of Panocha brought by Captain Dare in the Ship " Dread naught " — John Perry Tells Interesting Stories of Central America — Precautions against Smuggling^Spear Influences Perry for a Motive — Privileges Granted to Merchants by Governor .-Mvarado — Perry Dies at Realejo — Pisco and other Goods Arrive from Peru — Hinckley Talks too Much and is Arrested— Nothing is Proved against Him, and He is Discharged — The First Grist Mill at Verba Buena — The Manner of Operating it — The Second Mill at San Jose — Native Mode of Grinding Flour — Something about the Verba Buena Miller — Captain Miguelon — His Characteristics and Cargo — An Offer Declined— Dangerous Passage of a Swollen Stream— A Thrilling Incident of the Crossing — Stetson in Peril — He has a Narrow Escape — More High Water— Detention of a Bridal Party in Consequence — The First Steamer on the Bay— Something about "Jim Crow Smith," an Eccentric Character— His Dexterity as a Pistol Shot— He makes a Savage Misuse of the Weapon — Dies by Suicide 246

Chapter XXXIV

Remembrances of Doiia Encarnacion Altamirano — The Discovery of Blossom Rock — An East Indian Trader Strikes on the Rock — Gets off without Material Injury — Respect of Native California Children for their Parents — The Cigarito Smoking Habit — Cases in Point — Wine Drinking Permitted — Filial Affection — Further Concerning Native California Habits — Relating to Courtship and Marriage — The Division of Horses into caponcias, on Account of Color — Incidents connected with a Bridal Party— The Dull Season — Camping on Goat Island — How the Islana Derived the Name — The Author's Losing Speculation — Old Jack Fuller as Cook and Story Teller 260

CONTENTS. XV

CIIArTER XXXV.

Page.

Camping at the Ocean beach— Strawberry Patches— Don Francisco Guerrero

gives a Grand " Blow-out" — Howard Amuses an Audience — His Talent as an

Amateur Actor — Strawberry Campings Popular — Paty becomes Prominent

in Business Transactions— He establishes a Line of Packets between San

Francisco and Honolulu -His Hundredth Voyage between San Francisco

and Honolulu Celebrated— Theodore Cordua Arrives— Becomes a Mexican

Citizen and obtains a Grant of Land — He is a Genial Companion — Wm. C.

Flugge's Movements— Change in Character of the Native Californians —

Reasons Therefor — Litigation Involved by Change of Government— The

Natives Fleeced by Sharpers — Demoralizing Effect of their Outrageous

Treatment — An Interview with Widow Paty — A Coincidence of Names —

More of Captain and Mrs. Paty— The Husband had been Christened

" Commodore" by the Hawaiian King — Discriminating l)etween Debtors —

A Generous-hearted Creditor- -The Hunters and Trappers Reliable ]SIen —

Wilkes and Paty — The Incident of a Dancing Party 270

Chapter XXXVI

A Self-assertive Woman, but Good and Honest— The Carnival Season — The Amusement of Breaking Egg-shells over the Head— Entertainments of the Carnival Season— Observance of the Holy Days— An Evening on Board the "Alert," with Captain Wm. D. Phelps— The Latter gives an Account of his Journey to Jerusalem — His High Appreciation of the Visit— Captain Phelps as a Hunter— He often Writes East in Praise of California— He also becomes a Favorite with Commodore Wilkes— Boston the First to Learn of the Country's Vast Resources 286

Chapter XXXVII

Observing Christmas Eve by Turkey Shooting— The Rash and Dangerous Folly of Captain Phelps — The Author's Father Arrives on the Coast — Some time after. His Mother also— The Former trades between Honolulu and China —He opens a Lively Trade on this Coast at Refugio— The Padres chief among the Traders — Otter Hunting — The Russians Manifest a Disposition to encroach upon the Rights of the Padres— The Vessel Visited by a Military Official in full dress— The Goods of the Vessel bring in a Golden Harvest — How Captain Meek's Herds Increased from the Gift of Four Cattle — His Manner of Improving the Herds — Great Age Changes a Horse's Color — Captain Meek makes a Quick Trip with the " Don Quixote " from Callao, Peru, to Honolulu— The Ship Noted as a Fast Sailer 294

Chapter Xxxviii

The Mi.-,sions Well-Stored — The Padres good at Bartering— Reciprocity of Interests between tlie Missions — A Community of Property — A Word of Praise lor the Padres — Best Otter Hunters from the Southern States — Names of Some of the Early Hunters and Trappers — A Trade in Otter Skins — The Method of their Preservation — Constant Hunting Diminished the Otter Skin Supply— The Christian Name used as a Designation — A Sketch of a Surgeon xvi CONTENTS.

Pag .

— He Visits and Explores the Hawaiian Islands — His Sudden Disappearance — His Body Found in a Cattle-pit — Purity of Character in Native California Women— Punishment for a Stain on it — Indian Mode of Bear-hunting — A Well-preserved California Lady — Her Plan and Offer of Aid to Presidentelect Juarez is Gratefully Appreciated — The Lady's Husband proves Valorous in Battle 304

Chapter XXXIX

Concerning Wm. D. M. Howard, an Early Comer to the State, who Afterwards made his Mark — Displays his Superior Business Qualifications — Becomes a Trader Up and Down the Coast — Is a Humorist — Fond of His Joke — Engages in Business with Melius — The American Flag Hoisted on Portsmouth Square — It is Run Up at Other Places, but Compelled to be Taken Down — The Author and Howard Overhauled —Taken to the Guard House — Hospitably Entertained as Prisoners —Howard as a Mimic— Full of Innocent Mischief — The Merry Gift of Commodore Biddle — -Howard as a Generous Host — Remarkable Results of Drinking water from the Polin Spring — Mrs. Howard Dies at Honolulu — Howard Marries a Second Time — A Child by this Marriage still Survives — The Firm of Melius, Howard & Co. — It does an Immense Business — Sam. Brannan Manages a Branch of the Establishment at Sutter's Fort 314

Chapter XL

Foresight of Quartermaster Folsom — He Slips Off to the West India Islands and Purchases from the Heirs the Entire Leidesdorff Estate in California — The Author Becomes a I^ocal Officer of San Francisco — Howard Forms a Military Company — An Incident of Recognition — Disputing a Man's Identity — Howard Crippled Financially by the Great Fire of 1851 — The Increase in Real Estate Values Restores Ilim to Wealth — A Spiteful Lawsuit Instituted by Melius Against Howard — It is Soon Abandoned for Good Cause — Howard a Generous Contributor to Charity — He and Melius Present the City a Fire Engine— A Fire Company Organized with Howard as Foreman — Howard Dies in 1855 — Tokens of Respect to His Memory 322

Chapter XLI

Some Political History— The First Wharf — Privileges Granted to it — A vast Fleet of Trading Vessels in the Bay — A Splendid Spectacle — The Business Bustle on Shore — The Scene as a Panorama — A Patriarchal mode of Governing the Mission Indians — Their Cleanliness under Discipline — Yoscolo, an Educated Indian, proves Treacherous — Outbreak of the Savages — Yoscolo their Leader — They Break into the Mission Convent, and carry off 200 Indian Girls — Yoscolo joins Stanislaus, another Educated Chief, in the Mariposa Mountains — Their United Forces Formidable — The Indians break into, and Plunder tlie Mission of Santa Clara — The Savages retire to the Santa Cruz Mountains — Prado Mesa musters a Hundred Men to March against Them — A Battle PInsues — Mesa gains a Victory — Yoscolo is Taken and Beheaded on the Spot— The Killed and Wounded — Yoscolo's Head displayed as a Trophy 330

CONTENTS. xvu

CHAPTER XLII. Page

Chief Stanislaus is Pursued and Overtaken by Castro — An Outbreak of the Indians at Clear Lake — They are Slaughtered without Mercy — Arrow Poisoning — The Methods of Counteracting its Effect — The Trouble of Land Squatters — A Timely and Skillful use of the Reata, and a Fortunate Rescue — Dangers and Benefits of the Reata — Two Illustrative Incidents — A Wealthy Land, Horse and Cattle Owner — Members of his Family Designated — A Close Dealer — Pompous on First Acquaintance, but Easily Softened — Exhibits his Moneyed Treasures to the Author — The Owner tells how he Acquired Them — Does a Bartering Business on his own Account — The Wealthy Man makes Further Purchases from the Author — Robbed by his Sons — His Character as a Money Broker — The sort of Security he Required on Loans-rTime and Manner of Herding and Transferring Cattle 34^

CHAPTER XLIH.

Several Arrivals from Boston by Sea — A Party on Shipboard — Sad Fate of Captain Vincent — Thomas B. Park comes out to San Francisco — Dies Soon After — Active Competition in the Vessel Trade of the Port — First Arrival of Melius — Robinson's Dislikes — Melius goes East and Returns — His Precision and Caution as a Business !Man — Melius gets Married — Sells out his Business ■ — Goes East again — Returns and Locates at Los Angeles — A Constructive Insult Offered his Wife at a Dancing Party, by an Officer of the Army named Bonnycastle — Melius Challenges Bonnycastle — A Friend offers Himself as a Substitute to Fight for Melius — The Duel Comes Off— Bonnycastle Shot in the Hand — Melius Fails in Health — Changes in the Melius Business Firm. . . 352

Chapter XLIV

Sharp Practice in Trade — The Rancheros' Favoritism between Bidders — Drying Hides Extempore — Expedients adopted by a Ranchero to Fill an Order — Business Rivalry no Cause for Ill-feeling — Frank and George Melius come to California — ^The Former Marries Here — A Lady's Sarcastic Response — List of Vessels sent out to Melius — Don Jose Antonio Aguirre as a Trader on the Coast — Other Incidents in his History — He gets an Insight into the Animus of Professional Quarrels among American Lawyers, and other American Customs — He Opposes the Annexation of Cuba in Vigorous Language 359