Los Angeles

County History

An Illustrated History of Southern California - The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago - 1890

THE ABORIGINES.

        THE valleys of California, on the arrival of the Spaniards, were found to be densely populated with Indians, the tribal characteristics varying in relation to the different sections, yet with strong general similarities. Some of the dialects were commonly understood by various tribes, while others were completely isolated by lack of a common medium of communication. They had many liquid sounds, and even the gutturals were so softened as to be agreeable to the ear.

        The government was in the hands of the chiefs, each captain commanding his own lodge; this command was hereditary. Laws in general were made as required, with the exception of some few standing ones. Robbery and thieving were unknown among them, and murder, which was of rare occurrence, was punished by shooting to death with arrows. This form of execution was practiced as a penalty for certain offenses against morality, which they held in as deep abhorrence as does our civilization. Intermarriage between kindred was forbidden; a husband had the right to put to death his wife, if adulterous; party quarrels were decided by the chieftains, on the testimony produced; and there was no appeal from their decision. Whipping was never resorted to for a punishment; restitution for damages sustained was made in money, food, and skins. Their money was shell-beads, flat, and about one-third of an inch in diameter. Chiefs had one to three wives, at inclination; their subjects, only one. The men wore no clothing; the women of the interior wore a short waist-skirt of deerskin, while those of the coast wore otter-skin. Rabbit-skin coverlets were used for bedding. The women wore earrings, the men passing a piece of reed or cane through the earlobe. The earrings of the women were made of four long pieces of whale's tooth, ground smooth and round, about eight inches in length, hung with hawk's feathers, swung from a ring of abalone shell. Their necklaces were very large and heavy, and consisted of their money beads, or other beads made of a dark greenish-black serpentine, and of pieces of whale's tooth, ground round and pierced. They used bracelets of very small shell beads, worn on both wrists. The shell beads were usually made of Haliotis and Trivialola. Most of the shells required for use were obtained at Santa Catalina, which, as well as the islands opposite Santa Barbara, abound in these shells at the present time. The serpentine used in making beads, ollas, and large rings was also obtained at Santa Catalina.

        After the birth of a child, it and the mother were subjected to processes of purification, comprising steaming, fasting, etc. Funeral observances were marked by howlings and wailings of dirge-like character. The body was kept until signs of decay appeared. Its disposal was by inhumation. If the deceased was the head of a family, or a favorite son, his hut, and all his goods and chattels were burned, save only, perhaps, some article with which to make a feast at the end of twelve months. In some instances, gravestones were erected. They had "shamans" or medicine men, rain-makers, etc. Nearly all the tribes between the Pacific ocean and the Rocky mountains had more or less knowledge of plants, insects, or other material substances, which enabled them to produce septicaemia in persons or animals wounded by them. That the shamans prepared arrow poison, there is no doubt. The medicine men were esteemed as wizards or seers; for they not only cured disease, but also caused or created illness, poisoned people, brought rain at need, consulted the Great Spirit, and received his answers, changed themselves into the forms of diverse animals, and foretold coming events. They pretended to know not only poisons which destroyed life if taken, but also others whose contact alone was fatal; again some that were instantaneous and others which took effect only after weeks or months subsequent to their administration. Rheumatism was the principal ailment; syphilis was unknown until introduced by the Spaniards. Toothache seldom troubled them. Rheumatism was treated by the application of rows of small blisters to the affected parts; the blisters were made from the fur off the dry stalks of nettles, rolled up, compressed, applied with saliva, and fired, it burning like punk upon the skin. They employed sweatings, and bedding in hot ashes, for lumbago; fever was treated by the administration of wild tobacco, mixed with lime of shells, as bolus, to produce vomiting, besides the administration of other herbs, and manipulation somewhat like massage. Local inflammation was scarified with

pieces of sharp flint, to draw as much blood as possible from the part. Paralysis, stagnation of the blood, etc., was treated by whipping for a long time the affected part with bunches of nettles, and by producing drunkenness with the juice of thornapple. Shell lime was well known, but none made from limestone. For an emetic, lime was given as a bolus, mixed with wild tobacco. Snake-bites were cured by the application to the wound of ashes and herbs, with the internal remedy of the fine dust found at the bottom of ants' nests. To prevent the hair from splitting, red clay was applied, covering it all over for twenty-four hours. For baldness, chilicotes (a small wild bean, of a bright scarlet color) were burnt to charcoal, and applied morning and evening. They had few games, and these were of a gambling order; football was played by children, or by the swift of foot, and the spectators bet on the result. They had many legends and traditions on various subjects, some of which were very ingenious, and even poetical. Many of these Indians developed, under the instructions of the padres and other contact with the Spaniards, faculties of a surprising order.

THE EARLY SPANISH EXPLORATIONS AND MISSION SETTLEMENTS.

SAN GABRIEL.

        The first white man who ever saw, if he did not tread, the soil of Los Angeles County, was Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese navigator in the service of Spain, who in 1542 sailed up the coast of California. Leaving San Diego bay on October 3, three days later he discovered the islands of San Clemente and Santa Catalina, and a few days after, he was at San Pedro bay, which he named "The Bay of Smokes or Fires," from what he saw thereabouts. He described this as a good port, with good surrounding plains, groves, and valleys. On October 9 he anchored in Santa Monica bay, and the next day sailed on, northward; but before the conclusion of the voyage he died, and was buried on the island of San Miguel. The expedition was continued as far north as latitude 42.

        In 1603 came sailing hither Sebastian Vizcayno, who staid at San Diego bay from November 10 to 20, and then went to San Pedro, which he named for the Bishop of Alexandria. At that time, Catalina Island had a large Indian population, who lived with some degree of comfort.

        As it is not known positively whether Cabrillo or Vizcayno actually set foot on the soil here, the credit of that achievement must be given to Gaspar de Portolá and his party, who arrived within the present limits of this county on July 30, 1769.

        Partly to guard against the encroachments of the Russians, on the north, and the possible attempted occupation of it by the English, the Spanish Government had at last decided to occupy Alta California, and so instructed the viceroy, who put the management of the matter into the hands of Don Jose de Galvez, the Visitador-General. This official, from the peninsula of Baja California, arranged for two expeditions to go to Monterey, one by sea, the other by land. Accordingly, the two detachments duly set out, and in July they were united at San Diego, whence, leaving Padre Serra to found a mission, Portolá pushed on by land, northward, to rediscover, if possible, the bay of Monterey, described by Vizcayno, 166 years earlier. Following the shore, they turned inland at about the present town of San-Juan-by-the­Sea, and came along the way where now is the Santa Fé Railway. On July 28 they passed the Santa Ana river, which they named Rio Jesus de los Temblores, from several sharp shocks of earthquake felt there. They came on the first day of August, to the place where now stands the city of Los Angeles. The next day was the feast of the church dedicated to " Nuestra Señora Reina de Los Angeles " (Our Lady of the Angels), and accordingly mass was celebrated, and the place named in her honor. Such was the origin of the name of the present city. On August 3 Portolá continued his journey in search of Monterey bay (which he then failed to find, it may be remarked, en passant). In 1771 two of the projected missions, San Diego and Monterey, had been established, and on the reception of the news in Mexico, it was immediately determined that five more than the three originally contemplated should be established at once. A re-enforcement of missionaries was sent to Monterey, and on June 7, Friars Angel Somera and Pedro Benito Cambon, chosen by President Serra for the San Gabriel mission, sailed for San Diego, whence, after some delays the party, comprising twenty persons, set out for San Gabriel. Instead of stopping at the Santa Ana (Rio Jesus de los Temblores), as at first intended, they went on twenty-five miles farther, to a spot near an Indian village called Sibagna, whose inhabitants received them with most hostile demonstrations, which were presently checked in what seemed to them a miraculous manner. For no sooner did the Indians behold a banner on which was painted the Virgin Mary—a Dolorosa—than they threw down their weapons and ran to lay their ornaments at the feet of her whom they called a "beauti­ful queen," while the women brought nuts and seeds in offering to her. On September 8, 1771, the cross was raised, and the formal ceremonies performed which solemnly founded the mission of San Gabriel Arcangel. The Indians had willingly assisted in building the houses and stockades for the mission, being perfectly friendly and pacific in their behavior. But the outrageous conduct of the soldiers, here as elsewhere, provoked the savages to retaliation, and brought on a conflict which kept the Indians aloof from the mission for a long time thereafter. The first Indian child baptized here received the rite on November 27, being, strangely enough, a son of the chief killed in the first combat. The first attempts at farming here were not successful, the first year's crop being drowned; but the second yielded heavily, and at the end of the second year this mission had also a very considerable increase of cattle. About 1775 the mission was removed to another site not far away, which was much more desirable. In 1797 the present stone church was begun, although it was not finished until after 1800. In 1774, and again in 1776, San Gabriel was visited by " the Spanish Pathfinder," Captain Juan Bautista Anza. The second time he brought with him over 200 immigrants for the

northern district, who, with their stock, made sad inroads upon the resources of the mission.

        In 1777 the abuses of the soldiery caused an uprising of the Indians, which, the fathers said, was subdued by a sight of the image of the Virgin. Here as elsewhere in the province, there was not a little friction caused by disagreements between the clergy and the military. In 1785 there was an Indian revolt, promoted by a woman, which was promptly subdued, however. In 1806 there came to this mission from San Fernando Father Jose Maria Zalvidea, whose wise administration brought it to its highest degree of prosperity. He it was who planted large vineyards, orchards, and gardens; built a mill and a darn, a fence, and other material improvements. He remodeled, too, the system of administration, and revised, so to speak, the code of morals. System, order, method,—such were the forces he brought to bear upon his flock; and he taught them various industries that added vastly to their comfort and the wealth of the mission. At this period San Gabriel had dependent ranchos at San Pasqual, Santa Anita, Azusa, San Francisquito, Cucamonga, San Antonio, San Bernardino, San Gorgonio, Yucaipa, Jurupa, Guapa, Rincon, Chino, San Jose, Ybarras, Puente, Mission Vieja, Serranos, Rosa Castillo, Coyotes, Jaboneria, Las Bolsas, Alamitos, and Cerritos. In 1830 occurred at San Gabriel the trial of Henry D. Fitch, of San Diego, for "scandalizing the church" by eloping with the Señorita Josefa Carrillo; this was a cause célébre, and the penance imposed for the offense was that Fitch should give a bell of at least fifty pounds weight to the church at Los Angeles.

        In 1830 or 1831 the minister at San Gabriel bought a brig to trade with South America and Mexico; and in 1831 he encouraged five Americans to build at San Pedro a schooner for the hunting of sea-otter. The general statistics of San Gabriel mission for its period of existence, of sixty-three years, are as follows: Total number of baptisms, 7,854, of which 4,355 were Indian adults, 2,459 Indian children, and 1 adult and 1,039 children of gente de razon, that is, Spaniards and their descendants. Total of marriages, 1,955 of which 241 were gente de razon.

        Total deaths, 5,656, Indian adults being 2,896, Indian children 2,363, adults 211, and children 186, of gente de razon. The annual average was eighty-eight; the annual average death rate, 7.61 per cent of the population. The largest population was 1,701 in 1817. The males were in excess, notably after 1803. The proportion of children varied from one-eighth per cent at first to one-tenth per cent at the last. The largest number of cattle was 26,300 in 1828; of horses, 2,400 in 1827; mules, 205 in 1814; asses, 6 in 1794; sheep, 15,000 in 1829; goats, 1,380 in 1785; swine, 300 in 1802; also in 1822; all kinds, 40,360 animals in 1830. The total product of wheat was 225,942 bushels; yield, 16-fold; barley, for eleven years only, 1,250 bushels, yield, 10-fold; maize, 154,820, yield, 145-fold; beans, 14,467 bushels, yield, 28-fold. In the year 1834, at the time of secularization, there were 163,579 vines, in four vineyards, and 2,333 fruit trees. After the initiatory movement toward the secularization of this mission in 1834, there was no further keeping of statistics.

SAN FERNANDO MISSION.

        The mission of San Fernando was the second established within the present limits of Los Angeles County. It was founded September 8, 1797, at a place called by the natives Achois Comihavit, on land claimed as a private ranch. It was dedicated to San Fernando, King of Spain. The church, of adobes with a tile roof, was consecrated in December, 1806. The earthquake of December, 1812, somewhat damaged the building. From 1816 to 1818 a large number of neophites deserted. The greatest population was 1,080 in 1819, after which it began to decline. This mission was never nearly so important as that of San Gabriel, and its history is therefore much shorter. San Fernando was secularized in 1834, with other missions, when Lieutenant Antonio del Valle was commissioned to its charge. In 1840 there were still about 400 Indians in the ex-mission community. At one period of its history there were nearly one and a half miles of buildings connected with this mission, in its various branches of industry. The church building, whose ruins are still standing, measured 45 x 150 feet within its walls. The total number of baptisms at this mission was 2,839, 1,415 being Indian adults, 1,367 Indian children, 57 children de razon. The marriages were 849, 15 being de razon. Of 2,028 deaths, 1,036 were Indian adults, 965 Indian children, 12 white adults and 15 white children. The sexes were nearly equal; children from one-fourth to one-third. The largest number of cattle was 12,800 in 1819; horses, 1,320 in 1820; mules, 340 in 1812; sheep, 7,800 in 1819; goats, 600 in 1816; swine, 250 in 1814; all kinds, 21,745 in 1819. The total product of wheat was 119,000 bushels; yield, nineteen-fold; barley, for only six years, 3,070 bushels, fourteen-fold; maize, 27,070 bushels, eighty-three-fold ; beans, 3,624 bushels, fourteen-fold. The mission had 32,000 vines and 1,600 fruit trees in the year 1835.

        In 1846 the California Legislature authorized Governor Pio Pico to sell at auction the secularized mission estates, devoting the proceeds to the maintenance of the priests, the expenses of public worship, and the surplus, if any, to distribution among the Indians. Before this decree was carried into effect, an order from Mexico arrived, suspending the sale of all mission property. Of the several missions that had already been sold, the title of San Fernando, sold to Celis for $14,000, was ultimately confirmed by the United States Land Commission; but the Supreme Court decided, in the case of San Gabriel, after American occupation, that Pico had no right to make the sale.

THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES,

FROM THE FOUNDING UNTIL THE MEXICAN WAR.

        On August 26, 1781, Felipe de Neve, Governor of the Californias, acting on the regulations of 1779 for the government of that province issued a proclamation containing instructions for the foundation of the pueblo of Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles, with additional particulars for the survey and the distribution of lots. The site selected was on the bench of land where now stands that portion of the city called "Sonoratown," overlooking the river Porciuncula, then changed to Los Angeles. Here, on September 4, 1781, with very little ceremony, was founded the pueblo of Los Angeles. The founders of the pueblo, who had been enlisted in Sinaloa, were as follows: 1. Jose de Lara, a Spaniard, fifty years old; had an Indian wife and three children. 2. José Antonio Navarro, a meztizo, forty-two years old, with a mulatto wife and three children. 3. Basilio Rosas, an Indian, sixty-eight years old, with a mulatto wife and six children. 4. Antonio Mesa, a negro, thirty-eight years old, with a wife and two children. 5. Antonio Felix Villavicencio, a Spaniard, thirty years old, with a wife and one child. 6. Jose Vanegas, an Indian, twenty-eight years old, with an Indian wife and one child. 7. Alejandro Rosas, an Indian, nineteen years old, with an Indian wife. 8. Pablo Rodriguez, an Indian, twenty-five years old, with an Indian wife and one child. 9. Manuel Camero, a mulatto, thirty years old, with a mulatto wife. 10. Luis Quintero, a negro, fifty-five years old, with a mulatto wife and five children. 11. Jose Moreno, a mulatto, twenty-two years old, with a mulatto wife. Thus the original founders of Los Angeles consisted of eleven families, comprising forty-four persons. Exclusive of their children, there were two Spaniards, nine Indians, one meztizo, eight mulattoes, and two negroes,—certainly a " rather mixed " community. Not one of them could write, and only one had a trade; Navarro was a tailor. Poor in purse, poor in learning and poor in blood, they were from the very scum of Mexico. They had been engaged as colonists at $10 per month for ten years, with daily rations of one real (12½ cents) per day for the same period. Two of the original recruits had deserted before reaching the country, and three of the "founders," Lara, Mesa and Quintero, were sent away in 1782 as "useless to the town and to themselves." But the rest went to work pluckily enough, and the Government soon had satisfactory reports of their progress. An irrigating ditch was constructed, and mud-roofed huts of palisades, which were shortly replaced by adobe houses; a few public buildings had been erected also, and an adobe church was in progress. The moving cause for the founding of Los Angeles was its intended use as an agricultural colony, to help supply the northern establishments. From " An Historical Sketch of Los Angeles County," by Colonel J. J. Warner, is taken the following description of the place in 1831, the date of the author's arrival: "For the center of the town, a parallelogram, 100 varas (a vara is 33 1/3 inches) long and 75 varas wide, was laid out as a public square. Twelve house lots fronting on the square occupied three sides of it, and one-half of the remaining side of 75 varas was destined for public buildings, and the other half as a vacant space. The location of the public square would nearly correspond to the following lines: The southeast corner of Upper Main and Marchessault streets for the southern or southeastern corner; the east line of Upper Main street for the above-named corner 100 varas in a northerly direction for the east line of the square; and the northern line of Marchessault street for the southern line of the square. The present plaza was first used for a cemetery. At a short distance from the public square, on the alluvial bottom of the river, easily irrigable, were laid out thirty fields of 40,000 square varas each, separated by narrow lanes."

        The municipal government devised for these settlers was a compound of political and military power, the latter predominating largely. The municipal power was vested in an alcalde, appointed by the governor, or by the military commander of the district. The absence of municipal records for the first half century after the founding of Los Angeles warrants the presumption that the local officers exercised but little authority during that time. The system adopted by the government for the formation of pueblos and the granting of building lots and farming lands within the limits of a pueblo did not require a record of the grant. After the allotment of house lots and fields to the original twelve settlers, only nine of whom received land grants, no record appears to have been kept of either house lots or farming lands until 1836. The settler who erected a house upon a lot, or cultivated and fenced a field, assigned to him, did not become vested with the title of ownership to either; but, if he left either species of property in a condition of abandonment, it became subject to denouncement and acquisition by another. In September, 1786, Ensign Jose Arguello, of the Spanish army, was commissioned by Governor Fages to survey the pueblo and put the settlers in possession of their lands. This formality was duly exercised with regard to nine of the settlers, none of whom could sign the documents with other signature than a cross. Being recruited from the soldiers who had served out their time, the pueblo grew quite rapidly in the next four years, increasing from nine to twenty-eight families, or a total of 141 souls. In 1790 the large stock numbered 2,980 head; the small stock 438; and that year's crop amounted to 4,500 bushels. Events were rare for the next ten years. In 1800 the white population was 315, chiefly increased by the maturity of children and the advent of retired soldiers. The horses and cattle now numbered 12,500; sheep, 1,700; the year's crop was 4,600 bushels, mostly maize. There is no record of any town official for the first nine years of the nineteenth century. In 1810 the population was 365, and moreover, some fifty people had been recruited from the town for soldiers for the presidios. Deliberate slaughter had diminished the large stock about one-half; the sheep were still less than 2,000; the crops of wheat and maize varied from 4,500 to 6,000 bushels. The increase of vices was becoming alarming. In 1810 there was a quarrel between the pueblo and the mission of San Gabriel, chiefly caused by the water question. During the decade closing in 1820 the population varied as follows: 1811, 354; 1815, 478; 1818, 586; 1820, 650, including the outlying ranchos. In 1817 there were 53,186 vines planted in the city. In August, 1814, was laid the corner-stone of the present church on the plaza, on which nothing further was done for seven years. The citizens contributed cattle toward the building fund, and the priests of the various missions gave seven barrels of brandy. By 1821 the church was built as high as the window arches, and it was completed and dedicated December 8, 1822.

        There was a very destructive flood in April, 1815, in which month occurred the ratification by the Angeleños of the Federal Constitution of the Mexican Republic.

        The first school here was kept by Maximo Piña, a retired soldier, who received $140 a year for his services.

        In the year 1818, the "Year of the Insurgents," there were captured from the the force of the invading Bouchard, at a battle between his troop and the Spaniards, at Monterey, two prisoners, one of whom, Joseph Chapman, was afterward the builder of the mill at the San Gabriel mission, and an assistant on the church at Los Angeles. During the great alarm of Bouchard's appearance on the coast, Los Angeles raised a company of men who went to Santa Barbara, and took part in the action at Ortega's Ranch. From 1820 to 1830, the municipal authorities were making strenuous efforts to eradicate the vices which had strengthened in the community, and they rigorously enforced the penalties for offences against law and order, and morality. There exists no complete list of the town officers for this decade.

        In the autumn of 1827 Duhaut-Cilley, the first foreign visitor, came to Los Angeles. He found eighty-two houses, built of adobe, and roofed with asphaltum, in the midst of cultivated gardens, on alluvial land. In his account he noted the inability of the authorities to keep the peace and preserve order. It was during this year that Don Juan Bandini introduced in the provisional legislature a proposition to change the name of the town to Villa Victoria de la Reina de Los Angeles, and make it a city and the capital of California. The matter was submitted to the national Government, but no action was thereby taken upon it. In 1829 the debt of the city council was $49. The tax on wine and brandy was $339, and on vines $158; the expenditures for the year amounted to $642. In 1830 the population was 1,000 white people, and 200 or 300 Indians.

        In 1830 Manuel Victoria was appointed Governor to succeed Echeandia, and his arbitrary and illegal dispositions soon fomented a revolution in Southern California, whose citizens now comprised many people of intelligence and culture, as well as of a free and independent spirit. The outbreak was headed by such men as Carrillo, Bandini, Stearns, and Pio Pico, whose brother, Andres Pico, was one of the citizens unlawfully imprisoned by Victoria. Issuing a proclamation against the governor, they organized as a military body and set out from San Diego northward to depose him. The Angeleños joined them with great enthusiasm, and some 150 revolutionists marched out of Los Angeles on December 5. Meanwhile, Victoria had reached San Fernando with about thirty men, on his way to subdue his refractory subjects, the full extent of whose insubordination was not known to him until late on December 4, so that it was with a very insufficient force he set out to meet them the next morning. The two bodies met at the Cahuenga Pass, some twelve miles west of the city, and an encounter ensued, in which Romualdo Pacheco, of the governor's party, and Jose Maria Avila, of the revolutionists, were killed. Victoria was wounded and captured, and one or two soldiers wounded, in a struggle of not over three minutes' duration. Four days later Victoria surrendered his office to Echeandia at San Gabriel, and soon after went to Mexico.

        The legislature, which met at Los Angeles, January 1, 1832, chose Pio Pico as Governor, but the town council and Echeandia refused to recognize him, and Pico decided not to attempt to retain the office. On March 7, 1835, about fifty Sonorans, who had lately come to California, marched from Los Nietos to Los Angeles, took possession of the town hall, and caused the alcalde to assemble the town council, to whom they proposed to remove Governor Figueroa, who, they claimed, had exceeded his powers. Pablo de la Portilla, who had commanded at the action of Cahuenga Pass, was proposed to succeed Figueroa, but it was understood that the ultimate purpose was to make Governor José Maria Híjar, who had brought these people to Los Angeles as colonists, under a commission from the vice-president to assume the governorship of California. This power President Santa Ana had revoked between Híjar's departure from Mexico and his arrival in California. The town council replied that it had no authority to act in such a matter, and expressed disapproval of the revolution; whereupon, after deliberation, the leaders informed the council, that, in consequence of this disapprobation, they had decided to abandon the project, give over the instigators, and trust to the mercy of the authorities.

        By a decree of the Mexican Congress dated May 23, 1835, Los Angeles was made a city, and the capital of California, as proclaimed by Governor Gutierrez, January, 1836. But the citizens did not provide even temporary buildings for the occupancy of the government officials, and so the capital always remained at Monterey. As far back as this period and this year, the subject of State division was entertained, and also, in this year, the legislature at Monterey issued a decree tantamount to a declaration of independence from Mexico. The same legislature temporarily divided the State into two cantons, one including Monterey, San José, and San Francisco; and the other Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Bárbara. This arrangement was thwarted by opposition from the southern district. Extra sessions were held of the town councils at Los Angeles and San Diego, which rejected the project advanced at Monterey; and Santa Bárbara also forwarded expressions of disapproval, but later withdrew, declaring an intention to remain neutral, although her citizens gave Alvarado, the " Monterey Governor," welcome and support when he reached there late in the year with a small army. There was much resolving and counter-resolving, and interchange of messages, but at last Alvarado marched into Los Angeles on January 23, 1837, and fairly imposed terms upon the malcontents. Nevertheless, both here and at San Diego, opposition brooded, with frequent outbreaks, until finally news came from Mexico that California had been made a department, with Alvarado as Governor ad interim, by virtue of his position as first member of the legislature.

        In February, 1831, arrived at Los Angeles the Wolfskill party, whose leader, William Wolfskill, and others of its members, had no small share in the occurrences of early days.

        On December 5, 1831, arrived some members of the Jedediah S. Smith party, among them that favorite pioneer and picturesque figure, J. J. Warner.

        In April, 1832, came Ewing Young, with some seventy men, eight or ten of whom remained in Los Angeles.

        At this period, 1835, there was much lawlessness in and about Los Angeles, and the conditions in this respect led to the organization, on April 7, 1836, in direct consequence of an adulterous murder, of the first vigilance committee in California.

        In 1838 Ygnacio Coronel, the father of Don Antonio F. Coronel, aided by his wife and daughter, opened a primary school in Los Angeles.

        In 1840 Los Angeles had a population of 1,100. There was an epidemic of sensational crimes this year, in which also occurred the arrest and exile, by order of Alvarado, of about fifty Americans. Isaac Graham, who had been a loyal and most useful friend to the Governor, who owed to this man his present prominence, was among the Americans who were conducted in chains to Mexico and treated with cruel and shameful severity. After finally obtaining their release, owing to the intervention of the British Government, some of whose subjects were among them, a number of these men found their way again to Los Angeles about a year later.

        In the '40's, American immigration began to be quite extensive.

        On October 19, 1842, Commodore Jones, of the United States Navy, who had heard that there was war between his own country and Mexico, captured the fort at Monterey; but, learning his mistake, he hauled down the American flag two days later, and saluted the Mexican colors.

        In the meanwhile, Micheltorena, the newly-arrived Governor of California, had hastened to fortify Los Angeles, on hearing of Jones' exploit. Three months later Jones visited Micheltorena at Los Angeles, and quite occupied the position of the guest "whom the king delighted to honor."

        Remaining in Los Angeles the first half of 1843, Micheltorena became daily more unpopular, mainly on account of the misbehavior of his "convict battalion." The disaffection grew until open revolt began at Monterey, in November, 1844, followed by a general uprising throughout California. Micheltorena, having secured the not disinterested support of about twenty Americans, marched toward Los Angeles where the American residents had organized a company for their own protection, ender the captaincy of William Workman. The Californians had a force of about 400 men. On February 20, 1845, the two armies came moderately close together, and bombarded each other all the afternoon with bloodless results. The next day Micheltorena was abandoned by his foreign allies, and he then surrendered, ceding the governorship to Pio Pico, and promising to return to Mexico. His captors looked to it that he promptly fulfilled his agreement.

        With Pio Pico as Governor, and a majority of the legislature southern men, Los Angeles remained the capital of California during the year and a half that California was still under Mexican rule; and on March 2 the legislature met in that city. There were still local disturbances, but of a nature to be adjusted without great difficulty.

        In 1842 gold was discovered on the San Francisquito Rancho, thirty-five miles west of Los Angeles. Investigation showed that it was placer gold, and a number of people, mostly Sonorans used to mining, remained at these mines, which they worked with fair success until the party returned to Sonora in 1846. While work was continued they took out $6,000 or $8,000 per year.

        In 1845 the town council appointed a committee to name the streets and number the houses. The population was now 1,250.

        The annals of Los Angeles prior to the Mexican war close in 1846 with the meeting in that city of the provincial legislature, to which Pio Pico communicated that the Mexican President had appointed him constitutional Governor of the Californias. Before that body and a large concourse of citizens and officials, on April 18, he took the oath and delivered his inaugural address.

THE WAR WITH MEXICO, 1846–'47.

        The beginning of the Mexican war in California found John C. Frémont in charge of an exploring expedition in the Upper Sacramento valley, en route to Oregon, whence he was hastily recalled by Lieutenant A. H. Gillespie, a special messenger from Washington. In June, 1846, the American settlers captured the town of Sonoma, and raised the famous "Bear Flag." On July 7, Commodore Sloat, of the United States Navy, raised the flag of the United States at Monterey, proclaiming that California thenceforth would be a portion of the United States. On July 15, Commodore Stockton arrived from Honolulu, on the ship Congress and on the 23d assumed command of all the United States forces on land. On the same day he perfected an arrangement with Frémont by which 160 members of the Bear-Flag revolution were received as a battalion of volunteers, and Frémont made Major. On the 26th the ship Cyane, commanded by Captain Dupont, was sent to San Diego, with the Frémont battalion on board.

        On July 16, Governor Pico convened the Legislature in special session at Los Angeles, where little was done save initiating the formation of an army, encampment being made near. On August 6, Stockton reached San Pedro, landed a force, raised the flag, and prepared to march inland. After some attempt at negotiations, Governor Pico and General Castro, commanding the Los Angeles force, decided that as a successful defense was impossible with the elements available, it was better to abandon the field. The legislature, approving Pico's propositions, adjourned sine die on August 10, and that night both Pico and Castro left the country, though not together. Pico, after some time spent in concealment, escaped into Mexico, rejecting Frémont's proposition to convoke the legislature and go through the form of turning the country over to the United States, on assurance of security. Pico did not return to California until about the middle of July, 1848.

        Stockton commenced his march to Los Angeles August 11. His cannon were drawn by the sailors and by oxen. Just outside the town he was joined by Frémont, from San Diego, and at four o'clock on the 13th the army entered California's capital, with band playing, and raised the flag of its country with all due ceremonies. The people appeared to feel more curiosity than hostility. Stockton mounted a few guns on the hill, and issued to the people a proclamation announcing that the country now belonged to the United States, and that it would be governed for a time by military law. He assured them of the safety of their lives and their property, and invited them to choose their own civil officers, ordering an election of local officers to be held in the several towns and districts on September 15. Then organizing a garrison under command of Lieutenant Gillespie, and forwarding to Washington by the fatuous scout, Kit Carson, a full report of his doings, he embarked at San Pedro for Monterey, while Frémont marched overland to the Sacramento valley.

        Gillespie may have been a good soldier, but he was not fitted for a ruler. As soon as he was left in charge, he began to issue decrees which interfered needlessly with the old customs of this conservative people; he also made arbitrary and unwarranted arrests, and otherwise offended by arrogant and high handed behavior. The citizens, originally well-disposed, developed under such treatment a natural resentment and irritation. Shortly after the Mexican Independence day, September 16, a party of celebrators, in a drunken frolic, made an attack, which was easily dispersed, on the barracks of the Americans. Gillespie, bent on finding objects for punishment, caused the arrest of a number of Californians who were on parole, and who, moreover, were at home and asleep when the disorder mentioned took place, although he was warned that he would stir up to rebellion the whole population. Among the men thus unwarrantably put under restraint were General Andres Pico, one of the most popular men in the country; Don Jose Carrillo, ex-deputy to the Mexican Congress, and ex-Captain Jose Maria Flores. As had been predicted, the whole Mexican population at once arose in arms and seized such Americans as had not been able to enter the barracks. Gillespie, becoming alarmed, released his prisoners, when the Californians freed theirs also. But those Californians whose liberty had been outraged were naturally furious at their seizure and the attempt to hold them responsible for the acts of a few drunken vagabonds; and as Gillespie had violated the promise of personal liberty made them when they gave their parole, they refused to be bound by it longer.

        Within a day some 400 men had collected; they went into camp near the river, choosing Flores for commander. They were badly off for firearms and ammunition, but every man had his lance and his sword. On the day after the outbreak, a proclamation was issued, reciting the wrongs which had been inflicted, appealing to Mexican patriotism and threatening vengeance.

        Benito D. Wilson, who had been put in command of twenty Americans to protect the San Bernardino frontier, heard at the Jurupa Rancho of the revolt at Los Angeles, and, going to the Chino Rancho of Isaac Williams, where they were disappointed by finding no powder, they were there besieged by some fifty Californians under Barelas, who had excited the original uprising at Los Angeles; he was joined here by about twenty other Mexicans from around San Bernardino. The Americans took refuge in a large adobe ranch house, having few openings, and fairly well protected by an asphaltum roof, a ditch, and an adobe fence. At daylight on September 27, the Californians made a rush for the house, this being accompanied by a discharge of firearms from either party. Many of the riders were thrown at the ditch, and one was killed by a rifle-ball. Several Americans were seriously wounded. The assailants reached the wall and fired the roof, demanding the surrender of the Americans, under promise of protection as prisoners of war. The terms were accepted, the fire was extinguished, and the victors, with their captives, moved toward Los Angeles. The commander kept faith with his prisoners, in spite of incendiary urging from violent partisans, and they were turned over to General Flores, who subsequently exchanged them.

        Meanwhile, Gillespie and his men were posted on Fort Hill, having there some guns, the history of whose mounting is not a little stirring. J. W. Marshall, of gold-discovery fame, had been transferred to Los Angeles from the company left at San Diego. He early discovered the trouble impending from the arbitrary conduct of Gillespie, and he also found that the Californians had in reserve a brass six-pound cannon which had not been unearthed when Stockton made requisition for all the arms and weapons in the vicinity. Gillespie ridiculed these suggestions, yet Marshall's foresight in strengthening the gates of the American quarters undoubtedly saved the Americans from a general massacre, when the Californians tried to storm them. Repulsed here, the Mexicans, having gathered a force of 500 men, prepared for a siege.

        A hill in front of the American quarters commanded a view of the court-yard and buildings, so that by mounting a gun on the hill, the enemy would have the Americans at their mercy. And with a gun the Mexicans were presently seen to be moving up the hill, and the gun was the brass six-pounder, at whose existence Gillespie had scouted. Marshall, whose office as chief carpenter, seems to have by no means exhausted his resources, at once hastened to make available two or three old cannon lying spiked and useless in the court-yard. Others quickly fashioned cartridges for these guns, and then the Americans sallied from their citadel and made a run for the top of time hill, hoping to distance the Californians, who, ignorant of the movement against them, were climbing more leisurely from another direction. If the Californians should reach the top first, the Americans would be just in position to be mowed down by the six-pounder. Neither party could see the other, and the Americans could only strain every nerve to be first at the summit; which they did to such good purpose that when they at last staggered to the very top, they saw the Mexicans still at some distance. Planting the gun, they trained it upon the enemy, who were forced to a speedy retreat by its discharge. To guard against further attack, the position on the hill was held, a guard placed over the guns, and sentries were posted about the eminence. After the return of Barelas with the captured Americans, Flores sent B. D. Wilson to Gillespie to say that the Americans might retire to San Pedro unmolested, if they would abandon the city. Gillespie accepted the offer, and on September 29 marched out with all the honors of war, drums beating and colors flying, and taking with him the four cannon.

THE BATTLE OF DOMINGUEZ RANCHO.

        On October 6, Captain Mervin reached San Pedro, immediately landing 350 men, who, joined by Gillespie's men, began the march to Los Angeles, taking neither cannon from the ship, nor horses. In the afternoon they exchanged a few shots with a body of some fifty mounted Californians under José Antonio Carrillo. At night the Americans occupied the buildings of the Dominguez Rancho. Before midnight Carrillo was joined by Flores, who brought the brass six-pounder and sixty more men; he returned the next morning to Los Angeles, leaving the gun and forty of his men with Carrillo, whom he instructed to harass the Americans as much as possible, without risking a general engagement. Carrillo divided his men into three bodies, about forty on either flank, and ten with the gun in the center. The American force also, which was composed of marines and seamen, was in three divisions, a solid square in the center, with Gillespie's men in skirmishing parties on the right and the left. As the Americans advanced, the cannon was discharged upon them, and then dragged rapidly away after the Mexicans, by ropes attached to the riders' saddles; when at a safe distance, a halt was made to reload. At first the gun did no harm, but as the Mexicans became more expert at loading, they killed six Americans, and wounded as many. No one was hurt of the Californians. The Americans behaved bravely, but Mervin, realizing that foot-soldiers could never overtake cavalry and flying artillery, retreated, and re-embarked at San Pedro. Detachments of Mexicans were stationed at ranchos in the vicinity, to keep watch upon the Americans.

        Summoned by Flores, the Legislature met and re-organized at Los Angeles, October 26, appointing Flores to the united offices of Governor and Commander-in-Chief, made vacant by the flight of Pico and Castro.

        Stockton, being informed of the state of affairs in the South, sailed in the Congress for San Pedro, where he arrived October 23, to learn of Mervin's defeat the day before. The horses had all been driven away from this section, rendering it impossible for Stockton to convey his provisions to Los Angeles by march. Moreover, Carrillo so maneuvered his 400 men as to make them appear to be more than 2,000. Hence, Stockton decided to attack Los Angeles by way of San Diego, for which port he sailed the first of November. While engaged in preparing for the impending struggle he was advised of the overland approach of General Kearny, of the United States army, with an armed force, to meet whom he sent Lieutenant Gillespie with a detachment.

        On December 6 was fought the battle of San Pasqual, between Kearny's force and that of General Andres Pico. Kearny had eighteen men killed, three mortally wounded, sixteen badly wounded, and one missing. On hearing of the battle Stockton sent a force to the assistance of Kearny, who reached San Diego December 12. On December 29 Stockton left San Diego for Los Angeles, he being Commander-in-Chief, with Kearny in command of the division.

        Progressing by slow stages, the army was met on the way by emissaries from Flores, proposing a truce, pending confirmation of a report that peace had been declared between the United States and Mexico. At first refusing to hear of aught but an unconditional surrender, Stockton at last consented to issue a proclamation offering amnesty to all but Flores, on condition that he should be given up as a prisoner. Moving from Los Coyotes Rancho on January 8, 1847, Stockton turned aside from the most direct route to Los Angeles, owing to information given him, and went to the upper ford, Paso de Bartolo. 'The Mexicans, finding that the Americans knew of their presence at the lower ford, hastily marched to the upper, where Flores posted his men, nearly 500 strong, shortly before the appearance of the Americans.  His men were so placed as to command most advantageously the situation, and the ford was dominated by two nine-pound cannon. The Americans approached the ford in broken files They drove before them the detachments of the enemy sent across to harass them, and the Mexicans took up a position several hundred yards back from the river, opening fire from their two guns without effect, probably owing to the poor quality of the powder of the Mexicans, which was homemade. In a few moments the passage of the whole force was effected, with only one man killed and one wounded.

        Taking tactical position upon the bank, the American artillery opened upon the Mexicans, and with such precision that in an hour and twenty minutes from the start across the river, the Mexican guns were silenced. The Mexicans now retreated, now charged, and now attempted flank movements; but the Americans checked them at every turn; and at last, owing mainly to the superior artillery skill of the Americans, the Mexicans retreated and retired from the field, thus ending the second battle of the Mexican war in Los Angeles County. The engagement had lasted something less than two hours. The Americans had two men killed and eight wounded, of whom one died the next day. The Mexicans had the same number killed.

        The Americans now went into camp, while the Mexicans returned to Canada de los Alisos, near the main road to Los Angeles, where they posted themselves favorably to await the approach of the American army.

        At nine o'clock the next morning, January 9, 1847, the Americans resumed the march for Los Angeles, turning from the main road to the open plains as soon as they learned the position of the Mexicans, who at noon approached, firing their cannon, to which the Americans replied. By four o'clock this long range artillery duel, together with two charges by the Mexicans, had resulted in the killing of one, and the wounding of several Mexicans, and the wounding of five Americans. Then the Mexicans, realizing that they were unable to cope with the Americans, retired, and the battle of the Mesa was ended. The next morning, the 10th, Stockton's army entered Los Angeles, the city having sent a flag of truce to ask for kind treatment, promising submission.

        A strong detachment, with artillery, was posted on the hill, and the American flag was raised over the old quarters. The next day Stockton issued a proclamation congratulating his officers and men on their triumphs, and on once more taking possession of the city of Los Angeles.

THE CAPITULATION OF CAHUENGA.

        Commander Commodore Stockton, by virtue of his rank and his position as conqueror of the country, was now Governor of California and Commander-in-Chief. Between him and Frémont there had been made an agreement that the latter should become Governor of California, on the subjugation of the Mexicans. Meanwhile, Kearny had been sent from Santa Fé to conquer California, and establish a civil government; but, after his disaster at San Pasqual, from which he was virtually rescued by Stockton, he could hardly make, at least at once, pretensions to the commandership. These causes had led to a feeling of rivalry, if not a stronger sentiment, from both men toward Stockton.

        Frémont, on his way south, arrived in San Fernando on the night of January 11, there receiving a letter from Kearny, informing him of the occupation of Los Angeles, and the defeat of the Mexicans. He at once sent Jesus Pico, his firm adherent and a man of influence among the Mexicans, to a camp of the Mexican army at the Verdugo Rancho; Pico urged his countrymen to teat with his friend Frémont, instead of with Stockton, the conqueror of the the country. The Mexicans were convened to a final council, wherein it was decided to follow Pico's advice. Flores was present at this council, and the same night, resolving to go to Mexico, he turned ever the command to Andres Pico. Two representatives were sent to Frémont, who received them, and then marched his main battalion to the Cahuenga Rancho, whither the Mexican camp was removed also; and where, on January 13, 1847, General John C. Frémont signed a treaty with a pretended army, of whose utter defeat he had knowledge for almost forty-eight hours. The document signed on this occasion was by Frémont forwarded to Kearny at Los Angeles. On January 14, Frémont marched with his battalion to the city. Not knowing the true circumstances, Stockton wrote in his report to the government, on January 15: "Not being able to negotiate with me, and having lost the battles of the 8th and 9th, the Californians met Frémont on the 12th instant, on his way here, who, not knowing what had occurred, entered into the capitulation with them which I now send you; and although I refused to do it myself, I thought best to approve it."

OTHER PROCEEDINGS.

        On January 14, Stockton tendered to Frémont and Major Russell their respective commissions as Governor and Secretary of State. By this time Kearny was disputing Stockton's right to organize a civil government, and on the 16th he ordered Stockton to show his authority from the Government, or else take no further action in the matter of a civil organization. Stockton declined to obey this order, on the ground that the conquest had been completed, and the civil government put in operation before his arrival. He also suspended Kearny from the command of troops conferred on him at San Diego, as he had a right to do, so far as concerned sailors and marines. Kearny then ordered Frémont to make no changes in his battalion, but Frémont declined to obey this order, stating that he had received his appointment from Stockton, and that on his arrival at Los Angeles, Kearny had recognized Stockton as the commander. Kearny privately offered to make Frémont Governor if he would espouse Kearny's cause, but Frémont declined; and Kearny, finding his authority ignored on all sides, and having no troops with which to enforce his orders, started on the 18th with his dragoons for San Diego.

        On January 22, Commodore W. B. Shubrick arrived to succeed Stockton as commander of the Pacific squadron; and in consequence of orders received on February 12 from Washington, he issued on March 1, a circular in which Kearny was announced to be Governor, and Lieutenant-Colonel Cook Military Commandant of the Southern District; the headquarters was fixed at Los Angeles, and Monterey was named as the capital. Frémont was ordered to deliver in person at Monterey all documents appertaining to the government of California; and it was on this occasion that he made his famous ride. Accompanied by his faithful friend Jesus Pico, and a servant, he rode from Los Angeles to Monterey, a distance of about 400 miles, March 22-25, and back again by the 29th, traveling over 800 miles in eight and a half days, and keeping the saddle continuously for about 100 hours.

        Colonel R. B. Mason arrived at Los Angeles from Monterey on April 7, as inspector of troops, and to settle any accounts against the Government. The great friction between him and Frémont led to preparations for a duel, which was prevented only by Kearny's positive orders.

        On May 9, 1847, Kearny returned to Los Angeles, accompanied by two companies of the New York Volunteers, with their organizer and commander, Colonel Jonathan D. Stevenson, who succeeded to the commandership of the Southern District, on Cook's resignation. Kearny returned to Monterey, whence he went East, taking Frémont with him under military orders, when followed the court martial which is a detail of national history.

        Lieutenant-Colonel Cook arrived from San Luis Rey March 23, 1817, with the dragoons and four companies of the Mormon battalion, the latter of whom were at once set to building a fort on the hill which had already seen so many notable occurrences.

        On July 4, 1847, the Mexicans heard for the first time the Declaration of Independence, which Stephen C. Foster translated into Spanish.

        In July, 1848, Pio Pico returned to San Gabriel; as he had no passport, he was, after certain deliberations, imprisoned for a short time at Los Angeles, but was released August 8, on receipt of the news of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which put an end to the war with Mexico, and gave California to the United States.

        It was the policy of the American Government, after obtaining possession of California, to make as few changes as possible in the methods of ruling the people, to which they had been accustomed for generations. Thus, after the treaty of peace had become operative, the laws of Mexico were retained in full force, and under them were appointed civil officers, having exactly the same titles and the same functions as formerly. The natural good temper of the people favored a speedy and complete reconciliation, the American officers were pleased with their material surroundings, and they soon found themselves welcome and happy among the Spanish element. Social and sporting diversions of mutual interest were organized, and the affiliation was complete.

        The first year the city was ruled by the restored Ayuntamiento (town council), which had closed its sessions at the notes of war; and in December, 1847, the people elected a new ayuntamiento, to take office the following January. But the gentlemen elected to the offices of first and second alcalde ceded their rights, on the expression of the wish of Colonel Mason, then military governor of California, that the civil offices throughout the territory should thenceforth be filled, at least in part, by Americans. Accordingly, Stephen C. Foster and José Vicente Guerrero were appointed respectively first and second alcalde of Los Angeles, the other offices being filled by the parties elected by the people.

        The newly-elected alcaldes were instructed to make no grants of land, but to attend only to criminal and civil business and current municipal affairs. The new corps displayed superior skill in the business of the office, which was of a various and often difficult nature. The irrigation system had long been a source of perplexity to the officers, and inconvenience and losses to the people. Foster's administration put it in a condition that was not disturbed until the great freshet of 1861–'62. This civic military rule lasted from January, 1848, to May 21, 1849; on the 17th of that month, under an order of Major Graham, Los Angeles ceased to be a military station of the United States. In December, 1848, by order of Governor Mason, Mr. Foster had called an election under Mexican law, for an ayuntamiento to replace that then in office; but as no attention was paid to the notice the officers were instructed to hold over until such time as the people should be willing to hold an election; and in May, 1849, a new ayuntamiento was elected and inaugurated accordingly.

        The discovery of the gold mines in 1848 carried away many of the native population; created a new demand for the horses and cattle which the rancheros could so abundantly supply ; brought a multitude of immigrants from Sonora, as well as from the United States; and kept, those who did not leave Los Angeles in a state of continual exaltation and excitement. During the summer of 1849 and the winter and spring of 1850, Los Angeles was a thoroughfare of travel. No one could be induced to stop long, as every one was bent on reaching, as soon as possible, the northern El Dorado. Many of the immigrants reached this point almost destitute, but such were generously aided by the Lugo family at San Bernardino, by Isaac Williams at Chino, by Rowland and by Workman at La Puente,—in fact, by Californian liberality everywhere.

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.