# California Historical Society Quarterly/Volume 22/A Doctor Comes to California

A Doctor Comes to California
The Diary of John S. Griffin, Assistant Surgeon with Kearny's Dragoons, 1 8^6-4.^
Edited by George Walcott Ames, Jr.
(Concluded)
Mth— This has been a most disagreeable day, raining constantly. About 1 2 M. Fremont with his forces made their appearance, some mounted on sorry looking animals, and some on fine fat horses— The men all armed with the Rifle, and a fine looking set of fellows they were— stout and healthy, they had several pieces of Artillery, and among the rest, we saw the howitzer we lost at San Pascual— the only regret I had in seeing this was that the Enemy should have delivered it up,bef ore we had an opportunity of taking it, or some other piece from the Mexicans; a treaty or state of truce no doubt now exists between the enemy and our forces. We took the wind out of Fre- monts sails by capturing the Puebla— and whipping the enemy on the 8*^^ & 9*^^, but he has shown himself the better politician by negociating first with the enemy— What the terms of the treaty may be— has not yet been divulged— but report says, that the stipulations are i^^ that the Calif ornians shall lay down their arms and retire to their occupations, and that all passed offences will be forgiven, and they will enjoy all the rights of American citizens^°* This is certainly most favourable terms for the Californians, considering the great force we now have against them— at the lowest estimate some 1 100 men —and they cannot raise over Rvq hundred, with their Artillery in such a state that it could be captured the very first time we got in action with them, Lt McLean of the Navy, commanding Fremonts artillery, Major Redding Pay- master,^^^ & Col Russell were the negociators on our side. Picot was the head of the California Commissioners. This treaty, truce or whatever it may be is as I understand negociated without the knowledge of Commodore Stockton or Gen^ Kearny. The fact is, it is said that the Californians would not have negociated with Stockton on any terms, in consequence of the proclama- tion he sent them from the Mission of St. John's^^®— [Here the paper is torn. ] he sent by, the commissioners to Flores who met us below the Mission— The junior officers have opinions of their own, and like all Americans will express them. They are decidedly opposed to the treaty and the terms granted to the Californians as not a man among them believes it will be ob- served on the part of the Californians with good faith, the only thing that can be said to justify their superiors, is that they are anxious to send a des- patch home, to inform our government that California is now ours, so soon ​as the Forces are withdrawn, which they must be from the nature of things in a short time, being composed chiefly of sailors & Volunteers for 3 & six months— there being only one company of regular troops in the concern— The people will rise again, and we will have the same scenes enacted over again, it is reported however that Cook is at Warners pass— here we have some six hundred men who can be kept in service a short time then the New york regiment may arrive in the mean time. Two of our vaccaroes got into a fight today— one attempted to run the other through, he with the lance, got a pistol shot in the breast, right side, between the 7*^ & 8*^ ribs, the ball ranging downwards and backwards & came out about 3 Yz inches to the right of the spine— When the fellow came in [the] hospital his pulse was ex- tremely feeble— & perspiration on his forehead, he was in a very depressed state, simple dressing applied to the wound with a roller & a little Brandy & Tinct opii^^^ given, about 4 P M he had a passage from his bowels and passed about a quart of blood— at ten P.M, I examined him his pulse was good- breathing easy, and his surface [Paper torn.] the rest of the wounded are doing well, suppuration in most of the wounds has been established and in one or two the sloughs begin to come away and granulations to form.
As our fighting is all over it is well as one thinks of the scenes previous to the fight and during the action to note them down. On the morning of the 8^^ I accompanied the old Gen^ around to every division of the force on the field. The old fellow I believe had been informed that we would certainly have a fight that day. He appeared in fine spirits, and was particularly gay- he made a short speech to each corps as he passed, he did not fail to remind the men of the day, that it was the 8^^^ of Jany— and that we had a right on that day to flog any thing that we might come in contact with— that after the fight that the Jack tars would have a good long yarn to spin to each other on the subject— and that then we would have a good fat bullock for our supper. Jack got the fight, as promised, licked the enemy— had an oppor- tunity of spining a short yarn by the camp fire— but swore that the beef was not what had been promised— our Commissary seemed to have a desire to reserve the fat ones for some special purpose— We heard today that Gen^ [Zachary] Taylor was at [blank] & that Santa Anna was at San Luis Potosi determined to give battle, that the Americans had taken Tampico, and that a large reinforcement was marching by that place to join Gen^ Taylor— that our army was exclusive of the reinforcement some 25,000 or 30,000 men; and that the Mexican force was about the same. The Californians had hung out in hopes of obtaining aid from Mexico, but when they were told of what had taken place they gave up all ideas of assistance— They declared that they had but two men killed— & 1 2 wounded, and 1 8 horses killed in the two actions, and what is singular, all of their wounded are officers. This report is not believed by us, they treat their soldiery with great brutallity— and hide them away when wounded— this we know, as we found six wounded men ​at the Mission of San John's, badly hurt, who had been shot in the action of San Pascual and Picot— declared he had no wounded. We heard when we arrived here— that they brought to this place 1 2 wounded, & 2 dead, these were probably persons of some property.
1 5 Jany. Everything in town going on, in the most quiet, and orderly man- ner, one would not suppose that there was in town more than the ordinary staid and quiet citizens, instead of over 1000 devil may care Jack tars and back woodsmen with thousands of gallons of liquor, to be had for the search- ing—not an outrage of any magnitude has been committed, nor half the dis- order that would have been on any public day in the states— the terms of the treaty still remain enveloped in mystery and what will be our future course no one knows, nor do they seem to know, whether peace or war actually exists, such an uncertain state of affairs to say the least is very disagreeable to the uninitiated— Picot and several of the Mexican leaders have been in town nearly all day. Many believe that Picot is an honorable man and can be trusted, many believe that all of them are a pack of scoundrels, that fear alone can controle and that now they are only brought [to] terms by abject fear, and that the very first chance they get will turn against us. I heard that the leaders were in conference with the commodore. It is reported outside, that Flores has run off for Sonora, with one hundred men, 2 1 [ ? ] pieces of artil- lery, and four hundred horses— Others say that he has burnt the gun carriages and cashed the guns. None of these stories are believed by us outside barbari- ans, except that Flores may have run off, and stolen 400 horses. I have not seen Picot yet— but any way a despatch goes to the U.S. tomorrow— I un- derstood that Col Fremont had told the Californians to disperse, and then deliver up their arms I wonder why they could not have been made to march in and deliver up their arms in a body, it would seem that it was a much more convenient way of obtaining them— and much more certain also. —My wounded still continue [to] improve— nothing like violent inflamma- tion in any of the cases— Childs I look upon as being in the most critical situ- ation, and at this present time I cannot discover a single bad symptom, the Indian who was shot yesterday, is in a very bad condition, his breathing is laborious— & quick, his pulse weak, and as far as I can comprehend him, he labours from excessive pain over the chest and abdomen. The man who shot himself, McNealy of C Company, ist Drags, at the camp of the Alcytos is rapidly recovering. Two deserters have been found in Fremonts ranks, these men ran off from their companies G & F ist Dragoons— at Fort Leavenworth last spring, one stole a fine horse belonging to Uncle Sam, the other stole nothing,— I forgot to mention that Dr. Henderson^ °^ thinks he discovered bilious matter oosing out of the wound on the Indians back— when the ball came out, judges that it was bile by the color & taste— It was discharged in considerable quantities— It is said in town that the Californians are in arms to the north, in Fremonts rear, that they threaten to attack Monterey. This of ​course will continue to be the case, until a sufficient military force is sent to occupy the country— and harsh measures are taken by our commanding officers.
Some artist among the Californians, drew a picture of the action of the 9*^— which represented us in square, three deep, and our cattle & baggage in the centre. Under it was written "The infernal Yankee Coral"— They came into town after the fight, and said they would have broken our square when they charged, but that we stretched ropes or chains around us, using the Jack tars, as posts. This of course was an absurd story— but at the same time, I think is a great compliment to Jack— as it shows how steadily he met the charge. It is reported today that they acknowledge 70 killed & wounded in the two actions.^^^
1 6*^ Quietness and peace still reigns over the city of the angels, except a little drunkenness, nothing going on, the Jack tars begin to talk about their ships again, and going home. I understand from the officers that the time for which, many of them shipped has long since expired, yet they remain doing duty— and that too of a sort, that they are unaccustomed to, and moreover it is hard service for they have to dig and labour, at the fort on the hill— and yet Jack does not grumble very much— some of the volunteers absolutely re- fused to work at the fort. I wonder who the patriots are in this case— Many of the Men who came with Fremont only enlisted for 3 months, their time has expired and in some instances I understand for several weeks. They have done their duty cheerfully, I understand— yet from all accounts there was some discont[ent] shown to day. This I think goes to show the policy of making the treaty we did with the Californians, so long as the men had an enemy before them they thought of nothing but whipping him— now he has disappeared. No one as yet knows exactly how. All hands begin to get im- patient—and in a short time our forces must be scattered, and then the enemy will have the country again— for what confidence can be placed in men— who have broken their honor, and their commander Picot has twice done so.— The terms of the treaty have not been made public— but the delivery of arms it is understood was a sine qua non— yet they come in slowly— another can- non given up to day, they yet have two with them. Picot and his chief men have been in town all day, in close conference with Col Fremont, and con- sultations seems going on among all of our big guns— what may be in the wind I know not— I understand that the Gen^ had sent or was sending an express, to see if there was any truth in the report of the arrival of Capt Cook at Warners Pass.
A ship of war is said to be at San Pedro. Mr. Thompson U.S.N, was des- patched this evening to communicate with her.^^^ Lt Gray, of the Navy, started as bearer of despatches for the U.S. this morning. One of Capt Fre- monts captains, Jacob, accompany ed Mr Gray.^^^
Child complained of more pain this evening than usual, I discovered a little ​fluctuation this morning just below the internal Maleolus [Malleolus]— the discharge from the wound is bloody and extremely foetid. The Sloughs from Copes wound has come away, and the surface is clean and filling up with fine healthy granulations— The Indian who was shot a few days since died this morning— I was sent for and went immediately to the hospital ward. There I found a priest— who I suppose had come to give the poor fellow a safe con- duct to the next world. The padre had a little silver vessel around his neck— the contents of which he seemed anxious to put upon the dying man. The virtues of the remedy seemed to depend entirely, upon there being a spark of life remaining— if the vital spark were extinct— the powers of the fluid seemed to be nul— he therefore wished my opinion as [to] whether there was not a spark remaining; I did not at first understand what the padre wished. I therefore examined the man and told him it was no use— the man was dead. This seemed to give great distress to those around— who I judged were rela- tions, as they seemed to be firmly convinced that the padre could have ab- solved the poor fellow from all sins, by the miraculous virtues of the fluid. The man who committed the murder was placed in double irons and under guard— A heavy snow fell last night on the mountains, yet in the day it is pleasant down here in the valley— everything is green, and presents the ap- pearance of Spring— the contrast between winter and spring is very great— and quite agreeable— the nights are rather cool— and none or very few of the houses have fire places in them.
if^ Jany: This has been a most beautiful clear day. I wish I could say it was the same in our political afiFairs, but they seem to be in the greatest state of confusion. This morning report says, that Commodore Stockton com- menced organizing a civil government, his first act was to appoint Col Fremont governor, to this Gen^ Kearny is said to have objected, as the Presi- dent had sent him to this country as governor, and with powers to organize a government for the country, the General did not object to the man, as I have frequently heard officers say that Gen^ K had said if Col. Fremont, would accept the appointment he should have it— to the General's com- munication the only reply the Commodore gave was an order suspending Kearny from all command.^^^ Previous to this the General had given Fre- mont orders to make a report of the State of his command, and several other orders, the nature of which I do not recollect, all of which the Col utterly refused to obey, or disregarded. In the opinion of some Fremont's conduct has laid him liable to the charge of mutiny— at all events I think no other Lt Col. in the service would have paid so little attention to the orders of his commanding officer— As I predicted the whole force now assembled here will vanish, and we will have another revolution in the country in less than two months, tomorrow Gen^ Kearny marches to San Diego, with what is left of his Dragoons, all told I do not believe we can muster over fifty men. On Wednesday it is said the Commodore marches with all of the naval force ​for San Pedro, leaving Fremont, with what will remain of his battalion. They are to be reorganized, and Gillespie [is] to act as Major. Mr McLean is to act as Major of Artillery—
I think our march on San Diego, in the present state of affairs is a mere fact of so many persons thrown out to be murdered, for our enemy is not conquered— They have not complyed with the treaty entered in with Fre- mont, their arms have not been delivered up— we found by accident the remainder of their cannon, loaded and mounted, and I have no doubt unless the military force expected here from the U.S. quickly arrives that a revolu- tion will take place in a few months— and if it does every bit of it is to be attributed to Fremonts thirst for glory, and Stockton's— I wont say what— but I only wish I could marry a Senators daughter; I might then set at de- fiance the orders of my superiors and do as I pleased. Of course as affairs are now Kearny has no forces at his command, and must submit— I do no like the march— for setting all danger aside, and I regard the chance of attack as being at least two to one in favour of it— I have had enough of march without any particular object— When we arrive at San Diego, I do not see that we have bettered our condition, and what is to become of us I know not. The vessel seen at San Pedro proved to be the Stonington, from San Diego— with provisions &c. She brought no news, nothing had been heard of Cooks arrival, so I suppose the report was false. The forces of the Enemy seems to have vanished no one knows, where or how, nor is there apparently any great attention paid to it— Arms I understand have not been given up in any numbers, and no one seems to care a damned. This [thus] it is to have men of doubtful positions— and command in camp— Gen^ Kearny has been most outragiously used both by Fremont and Stockton, they are both men of political influence, and of course they will go scot free and in all probability throw the whole blame on Kearny— and succeed in doing it too— ^^^
Jany- i8*^ We left the puebla this morning, that is to say the General, Capts Turner, Emory, Lt. Davidson, myself and some forty five or fifty non commissioned officers and privates— of C. Company, ist Dragoons. Our hearts were heavy and forebodings of misfortune not wanting, I believe that all of us are opposed to the movement except the General and Turner— As to myself I fully confess that it is nothing but my sense of duty as an officer that compels me to take the trip— A great majority of the men have as good as no shoes— some none atal— already they begin to complain of sore feet— a falling house it is said, will be deserted by the rats— so with us— Some of the servants refused to accompany the officers— upon whom they had been in attendance. Commodore Stockton said that he did not consider that peace was made with these people until they complyed with the terms of their treaty— that it had rendered up their arms, this they have not done— nor do they evince any disposition so far as I have heard— of doing so. They do not carry themselves as a people conquered or even overpowered— On ​the contrary they boast of having compelled us to make terms, and there is not an American who had been a resident in the country but expects another revolution— and yet we are exposed with this small force to be cut off— when a few days since it was not considered safe for a man to move without an army at his heels— I never in all my life undertook an expedition with so much reluctance, I feel as if misfortune was before me. I hope my forebod- ings may be without foundation— and when we arrive at San Diego, I do not see that we have bettered our condition. We have encamped on a tributary of the San Gabriel— below the point where the battle took place some four or five miles.
Jany 19*^ We left camp early. Considering that we are new hands at in- fantry the men march well. We crossed the Santa Anna river some miles below the town, and encamped on a Ranch near the bank of the stream- On the plain some distance from the river we met a couple of young Calif or- nians. They approached us with great caution, and showed any thing but confidence in our friendship They professed utter ignorance of any treaty; and were by no means certain in their own minds that peace did actually exist— We asked them if they would sell us horses— and a beef- to this they replied that they did not know that they were at liberty to do so —When we arrived at the camp— near the ranch— the owner was badly frightened— and from his maner I have now [no] doubt expected to be plun- dered. In this he was agreeably disappointed, as the officers assured him nothing should be touched that was not paid for— and now I think he begins to believe it— We got a bullock— and now seem on quite friendly terms— the hospitallity however is evidently forced— the country passed over, was an extensive plain in a great measure I think untillable from the want of water- No timber except on the stream and that Sycamore— The puebla is the best built town I have seen in the Mexican country— Many of the houses are good —but belong principally to foreigners— and the most of them Americans— the population is about 1000— the vineyards in the vicinity are extensive— and the grounds are beautiful— extensive orchards of pears & peaches— and taking it all in all it must be a very pleasant place— we found it so lived well & had the best of wine—
Jany 20^^ We are improving in our gait— we travel well and fast, but the men are decidedly tender footed. We heard to day of the arrival of Capt Cooks party, or rather the advance of it— at Warners Ranch. It is said that there are 8 men, with a member of Congress^^* come ahead— and are now at San Diego— It is reported that the Commodore is some eight miles in our rear, and sent an express ahead for us to wait for him— The country seems quiet
2 1^* We camped last night near the Mission of San Johns— About Dark the Commodore and staff came up, and staid all night at the Mission— We left camp early, and after passing San Matteo the Commodore passed us— ​We went ahead— and did nothing more than a passing salute. Mr Hall & Le Roux^^^ joined us— they were sent ahead by Capt Cook— who they left at the Pimas villages, he had got along finely— and took a town in Sonoro"^— he had fifteen wagons with him, when he was left at the Pimas— The men get along with difficulty— their feet being very sore— We have encamped this evening at Los [Las] Flores— in sight of the ocean— whose roar we can hear—
2 2^^ Jany— We left camp early; marched hard— passed the Mission of San Louis Rey, when we saw the Commodores party at a distance— and en- camped at a place called bitter water— this is well named— We marched some 18 or 20 miles to day—
23^ Jany to 3^^ Febry. On the 23^^ we left our camp at the bitter water, and marched out hoping to get to San Diego— it threatened rain— and as we had no tents pushed out accordingly. We arrived late in the evening at San Diego in a heavy storm of rain— We found everything had gone on quietly during our absence. No enemy appeared.— I found Streeter still alive— but extremely emaciated. The abcess on the back & side had returned, and discharged greatly. At first the discharge was extremely foetid, and mixed with air— his respiration much affected— When I returned, he was evidently improving— the discharge continuing, but of a more healthy appearance— his appetite good, night sweats, and hectic— The wound on the Sacrum had improved vastly— it had assumed a healthy appearance— granulations having filled up the cavity, with the exception of a small point on the right side— Carious pieces of bone had been discharged— and still continues to be— small pieces present- ing themselves at every dressing— This discharge is not very great and is healthy— at present the Dressings to the sacrum are Solut nit argent, & Ung Resens. With a bandage— to the abscess nothing but cleanliness— No medicine given except Sul morphia & Acid Sul aromat^^^— at night and Wine or Brandy ad lib— with nourishing diet— his appetite now is good, little or no hectic— and very little night sweat— until yesterday he had no passage from his bowels for two weeks, an enema had been given but produced no effect- yesterday it was repeated and produced a slight effect, the retention of the faeces had produced no ill effects— his appetite is good, digestion good and respiration easy— no inconvenience in breathing from lying on back or either side. Child is about the same as when I left him at the Puebla— he was brought from that place on a ship— and came into Hospital on the 27*^ of Jany— the discharge is not healthy from the wound— being thin and rather foetid, there is a slight swelling of the ankle, and some pain and swelling, about each Malleolus— I think a slight fluctuation upon careful examination— he can move the Ankle joint and complains of little or no pain— With the probe hard substances can be detected which I think, are pieces of bone— he felt something move yesterday as if it were a piece of bone on the ball— his gen- eral health is good— appetite good, bowels regular— poultices & cold to the ​ankle has been the only dressing up to this time, McNealy— has nearly re- covered- Brown has anchylosis of the left arm, at the Elbow joint— and Crabb of the right Elbow and loss of power of movement, and numbness of the index finger of the right hand— the wounds have all healed— Osbornes [James A. Osbourne's] neck has got straight— and [John? or Amasa?] Palmer— has numbness and some pain about the right hip from his wound- Col Cook arrived with his battalion of Mormons at the Mission of San Diego— Jany 29—1847— Gen^ Kearny, with Capt Turner and Lt Warner sailed for the north— on the Sloop Cyane on the 3 ist of Jany— We are all getting along here very agreeably. Cook has marched with his men to the Mission of San Luis Rey— where he will remain— I am now in charge of Hospital with our wounded it not being considered safe to remove Streeter— The Sloop Portsmouth sails to day for the coast of Mexico— Emory went as bearer of despatches from General Kearny— to the US— via Panama— in the brig Maleckadel [Malek Adhel]^^»
zy^h Febry. I still remain at San Diego— in charge of the Hospital— having only two sick dragoons Streeter and Child— Streeter has continued to im- prove—not rapidly however— his strength is much increased— appetite good —and not so much emaciated— the wound on the sacrum presents a healthy aspect— but does not heal fast in consequence of his being obliged to lay on his back— occasionelly— particularly when he has a passage— after being constipated for several days— he suffers greatly from twitchings in and around the wound— for the last few days the surface of the sore has been smooth, and no speculae of bone presented— The abcess in the side and back continues to discharge freely— an old cicatrix— near the spine— opened— and discharged freely— a few days since— his breathing is not affected— in what- ever position he may assume, there are two or three little gatherings under the arm in the axilla— presenting much the appearance of bladders— these do not pain but have to be carefully washed, as they are apt to excoriate— the Sacrum & hip both excoriated— curing under the effects of Emplast Sap- onis^^^— to procure sleep it is still necessary to continue the Morphine and Acid Aromat— his diet is of the most nourishing quality & he has brandy, wine, & milk punch ad lib. Dressings to sacrum slightly stimulating- band [a] ge— cleanliness alone to abscess— Child upon the whole is better— The wound has closed— it discharged several pieces of bone from the heel— and some small pieces could be felt when the wound closed— The inflamed part is entirely confined around the internal Malleolus— two small abcesses have burst just below this point— and two days since I made free incisions near this point— but nothing of the ball could be discovered— the pain and inflammation is entirely confined to a small place around the internal Malle- olus No appearance of swelling or pain at any other point— he cant move his ankle without causing pain— and hobbles about on his crutch— A man ​by name [Eugene] Russell— a Volunteer has been in hospital for two weeks— with Typhoid Fever— he had been sick for some time previous to being ad- mitted. When he was admitted his pulse slow— skin cool— tongue dry and glossy— Mind much affected— not being able to fix his attention at any time upon any subject. When questioned answered slowly and frequently not to the purpose— deaf— picking at bed clothes &c— his treatment Cal[omel] — purgatives— Wine— Quinine— blistering &c&c— cups to Spine— & abdomen & shaving head, his gums touched with mercury— on the 24*^^ he had low mut- tering delirium passing urine & faeces unconsciously in which state he is at present— his gums have been touched with mercury but I do not see that it has done any good. This fever I should judge was common to the country as it is the fourth case I have seen of it.
As to public affairs we know little or nothing— The Sloop Dale passed by here some time since— on her way to Panama, by this vessel we learned of the arrival of Commodore Shubrick in the Independance— at Monterey— and also of the arrival of the Lexington, with the artillery from the U.S. That Commodore Biddle in the line of battle Ship Columbus would soon be here^^^— We have also had a visit from the Secretary of State, Co^ RusselP^^ —who arrived at this place from the Puebla— on the 22^^ of February— he was received on the Congress with a salute of five guns— from this gentleman we learned that all was peace and quietness about the puebla— that the Cali- f ornians were well contented— The Co^ had with him a Calif ornian— named Boneea (I believe) [Jose Mariano Bonilla? ] this man was appointed a Cap- tain by Fremont— he is said to be a fellow of notorious bad character— a gambler and the very first man who entered into the last revolution— two Californian gentlemen, who have been our friends since we landed here— who have contributed as much as any men in the country to the success of our flag— and had been appointed captains by Commodore Stockton, offered their resignations upon hearing of the appointment of this fellow Boneea, one of the above mentioned persons Don San lego, offered to resign.^^^ Don Miguel Pedreorano^^^— did not offer to resign, but informed me that he would do so if thrown in contact with Boneea. The Secretary of State [Colonel Russell] entered into conversations with the different officers freely and seemed to me to be very anxious to get their opinions as regards Fremonts controversy with Gen^ Kearny— The Co^ & myself had quite a hot discussion entering unpremeditated on my part but the whole tenor of his conversation seemed to invite argument and discussion— from this dis- cussion I learned that Fremonts commission as Governor had been dated back to November 1846— Now I know from having heard Commodore Stockton so style himself— particularly on the occasion when the Flag of truce was received from Flores, near San Matteo— that he (Stockton) re- garded himself as the Governor and Commander in chief of Calif ornia— and ​I believe every officer so understood it— and moreover he was so regarded up to the day previous to Gen^ K's leaving the puebla.
About the 20^^ of this month Beale & Carson left for the U.S. via the Gila route and Santa Fe— they carryd despatches and a minister extraordinary from Fremont— from this place Russell sent a courrier to Carson, who had orders to remain at Warners pass until he received further instructions from Fremont, Engineering is a great trade— all of our big guns are by the ears— and how the war [?] will terminate we shall see— Major Swords arrived from the Islands (Sandwich) on Feby [19]— he brought some provisions, but no money, for this article we are all suffering much— When we shall get away the lord knows— as neither the paymaster or Quarter master have one cent— On the 22^ the Commodore gave an elegant blow out on board of the Congress. The decorations were the flags of different nations, and the deck of the ship made decidedly the finest ball room I ever saw. We had all the ladies from San Diego, and everything went off in fine style— We have a little dance every evening at Senor [Juan] Bandini's, and upon the whole our time passes off agreeably— Last night I dreamed that there was another revolution, in my sleep I distinctly saw the Mexican flag— This dream has made a Strong impression on my mind— I do not put faith in dreams— but I thought I would note this—
10*^ March— The man Russell died of the fever— the Wounded men, Streeter & Child have continued to improve. Journalizing is rather dull work in these piping times of peace— The other day— the JuHa arrived from the Puebla, bringing the report of the arrival of the Sloop Erie— at Monterey with a Co^ Mason on board^^^— this is supposed to be Co^ Mason of the is^ Drags who comes out here it is said to take the command of Stevensons Regiment— Stevenson to be Governor— several papers called the Califor- nian published in Monterey by a chaplain of the navy called [Walter] Colton— were received^ ^^— These papers contain, what I think will be the commencement of a violent paper war between Kearny and Stockton— the piece referred to is a letter from the Angeles, giving an account of the march on that place and its being taken, by the forces under Commodore Stockton, Kearny is left out of the question entirely— and dirt thrown on his and Mervine's head for the Action of San Pascual & Domingos [Dominguez] Ranch^^^— A report from Gillespie was received, stating that he had been informed in the Puebla by a Californian who was in both actions— that they lost 27— killed and wounded at Pascual and 85 killed & wounded— (55 of whom have since died) at San Gabriel & the Mesa—
The weather has been excessively cold of late. The mountains to the south are covered with snow— and it hailed quite hard— a few days ago.
The influenza prevails at present as an Epidemic— It is attended with considerable fever— it seems to be from accounts very severe about San Luis & the puebla— Up to this time none of the Dragoons have had the disease— ​though they are nearly naked— and quite barefooted— The disease seems to be confined almost entirely to natives of the country— I believe I have not recorded here as I intended the honesty of my friends the Pimas Indians— the goods & mules that were left with them by General Kearny for Cooks command were untouched— although they had been advised to take them by the Mexicans—
14*^ March— We have had two arrivals from the Puebla in the last two days— the first the little French doctor^^"^- who had been an assistant Surgeon in the California Battalion— he did not bring much news except that the Governor was extremely polite to all the natives— attended balls of all de- scriptions and that he was very popular, he said that there had been drank at a ball at that place— a health to the Independance of California— this how- ever was denyed by the second arrival— these were Mr. Dent [? ] , clerk to Paymaster Cloud^^^ and Paymaster Redding [Reading] of the California battalion. The news brought by these gentlemen was very important— first it seems that Fremont has heard that there is a force marching from Sonora —some two thousand strong under the Command of General Castro and Pio Pico— This seems to have some foundation— as Fremont has sent a force to Warners pass of one hundred and seventy five men, and four pieces of Artillery. There seems also to be apprehensions of another rising in the country— the movements of persons who would likely be leaders seems to have attracted attention— The disappearance of large numbers of the best horses in the country— would seem to give farther confirmation to the re- ports—Major Redding says that a large band of horses have been discovered in the mountains— "cashed"— At this time our men are certainly not in a fit situation to take the field— no blankets— clothing or shoes— it is rather a bad showing for a march— Fremont sent an express to the north— so we will certainly have an arrival in a few days— he spoke of the suffering of an Emigrant party in the mountains— 18 of whom attempted to come in— 12 men and 6 women— The men all perished— all of the women were brought in on the backs of Indians— they were forced to eat of the bodies of those who were dead— in one case a woman eat part of her brother.^^® The weather has become warmer— but is still disagreeably cold in the shade— the cattarrhal fever that prevailed so extensively begins to abate— this epidemic seems con- fined to natives of the country or persons who have resided here a long time.
17^^ March— On the 15^^, Lt Halleck of the Engineers arrived from Mon- terey^^^— he came around Cape Horn with the Artillery— he brought orders from the General— it seems that the Government stood up to the General— and Fremont give up. The troops at San Luis Rey are to garrison that point— the Puebla— and this place One Company— B— of the Mormon Battalion got in to day. Major Swords, Cloud & Lt Halleck left for the north this morning — Lt Stoneman^^^ with his detachment of Dragoons also left for the puebla de los Angeles— where the dragoons are to be stationed— Halleck informed ​us of the arrival of Commodore Biddle in the Columbus— It seems the report of the invasion of the Sonoranians, was all as I thought it would turn out— for Buncombe Fremont I suppose did not wish to go to Monterey, so the report originated and the men were not sent to Warners pass
I believe that the fruit trees about here are in bloom. There are precious few of them, however. I mean of the trees not of the bloom— The wild oats are heading out, but are not more than 6 or 8 inches high— The animals are getting quite fat, but a horse is a most useless animal to a man situated as I am here— if he is kept up for riding he will starve to death— and if he is allowed to run out you will lose him— so I think they are most useless— My sick men continue to improve— Streeter's wounds are healing— but he has a bad cough —which I am fearful will ultimately carry him off— Child is nearly well so far at least as appearances go—
2f^ Yesterday the Frigate Savanah left this port for *-he U.S. she had been laying off this harbour for two or three days— last from Monterey— does not bring much news— However a portion of Stevenson's regiment has ar- rived^ ^^— and the rest may be expected shortly. Many reports reach here but no great faith should be placed in them. The dispute for the governorship seems to have ceased, although efforts are being made yet to retain Fremont in power. He Fremont seems to have become immensely popular with the Californians, at least one would be led to believe so— A petition, remon- strance or something of the sort was received here— brought by Don San Jego [Santiago Argiiello], on the bark Julia from the Puebla. I did not see this paper, but so far as I could learn the purport of it was, a remonstrance against Kearnys taking upon himself the office of governor. This has been circulated at all the towns. This paper created much excitement here— An order was also received by Don San Jeago— directing not to turn over horses —Guns &c to any officer or Corps unless by special order from Fremont or, to an agent of his— Commodore Stockton did not go home on the Savanah—
The health of the place has improved since I last wrote in my journal. The weather has become warm and pleasant— and the influenza has passed off- Among the Mormons I have two cases— one of Dysenteria the other Febris —quite severe Streeter has suffered very much of late— his wounds con- tinue to heal— but his appetite is bad, bowels irregular— Colliquetive sweats —and about the same hour every day suffers greatly from pain. This seems to be over the whole back— Morphia relieves him when he remains com- paratively easy for the next twenty-four hours— Child continues about the same— not much improvement—
20*^ [ 30th? ] March. Journalizing continues to be a most dull and profitless employment. Nothing of private or public interest going on, and take it all in all I am heartily tired of life in San Diego. A mail route from hence to San Francisco, to be carried by soldiers has been established to arrive every 15 days— This goes to show that there has been some improvement. The estab​lisment of the Capital at Monterey seems to give great dissatisfaction to the Californians— We have had many rumors of combats with the Indians, about the Puebla— according to these reports the dragoons have been thrashed, killed &c without doing much injury— We have heard since that all reports are false, with the exception that the Dragoons killed four Indians & took two or 3 prisoners— and one or two Dragoons slightly injured— These reports seem to be originated about the Puebla by some malicious persons for the purpose of annoying— There seems to have been quite an excitement at the puebla, upon the arrival of Cook with his battalion at that place. Capt Owens then in command of the California Battalion refused to deliver up artillery &c as he had reecived orders from Fremont^^^— orders not to give up until he Fremont returned from Monterey— The Captain held out, and quite a sparring match took place— so far as wit and badinage was concerned —and from all I hear the Captain in this contest, got rather the better of Cook. Col Mason arrived and put all things to rights— What has become of the California Battalion— we have not learned— or what course will be taken by Fremont— or what will be done with him seems to be uncertain. We have had a little official correspondence here between Santiego E Arguello, and our Mormon Captain [Jesse D. ] Hunter, Fremont had given to Santiego as a Captain in the California Battalion an order, not to deliver up horses, artillery &c &c at this point. This order he signed— not as Lt Co^ or Governor, but with his name alone— When called upon by Mason to know whether he had ever given such an order— he denied it— Dr. Sanderson wrote to me by Col Masons request to obtain this order if possible or a copy of it— Cook at the same time ordered Hunter to obtain it— Of course I merely gave my assistance to Hunter— Santiego would not give the order or copy—
The prejudice against the Mormons here seems to be wearing off— it is yet among the Californians a great term of reproach to be called Mormon— yet as they are a quiet, industrious, sober, inoffensive people— they seem to be gradually working their way up— they are extremely industrious— they have been engaged while here in digging wells, plastering houses, and seem anxious and ready to work— The Californians have no great idea of their soldier like quallities and in action would not dread them much— this arises in a great measure from their dress— carriage &c— which is as unlike any soldier— as any thing could possibly be— Yet I think if brought into action they would prove themselves good men— as I am told they are generally fine shots— and they drill— tolerably well— They are barefooted and almost naked— several of them are sick— with Intermittent fever— The day before yesterday a merchantman named the Moscow, arrived in port from the north— no news— She is in a leaky condition— and with difficulty was brought into port— she applied to Commodore Stockton for assistance, and it was at once given— The Commodore had appointed this day for leaving the port— but in consequence of the necessity of giving the Ship assistance ​it is said he will not go for several days. A Vessel came into port from the North this morning— believed to be the Julia— though not certainly known yet— Streeter has improved rapidly since I last noticed his case— his cough has ceased in a great measure little or no pain on the back— abscess healed up & I believe solid & well Wound on sacrum nearly healed Child has also improved—
23^^ April— Last night an express arrived from the Puebla de los Angeles— and went aboard the Congress immediately— Report says there is a duel on the tapis between Co^ Mason & Fremont— the latter challenged Mason— who accepted. The affair was to have come off at the Puebla but for some cause, was postponed until the arrival of the parties at Monterey; the weapons chosen double barrell shot guns;^^* no other news—
25 April— This evening another express arrived from the Puebla— and went immediately aboard, what the contents of the despatches were I have not learned— a report reached here from the Puebla that 1 500 Mexicans were marching on us— and the commanding officer directed to be vigilent— and also that munitions of war had been landed some place or other— from all I can learn from the Puebla there seems to be some doubt whether Fremont ever gave Santiego Arguello the orders— spoken of by me in a letter to Dr Sanderson. S wrote me that when called on by Mason to know whether or not he had issued orders to Santiego, that Fremont denied having done so, as Commander of the California Battalion— The following is a true copy- word for word of the order. Lt Maddox^^^ of the Marine Corps has a certi- fied copy—
Cuidad de los Angeles— 18 March 1847. Sir,
You are hereby ordered to take especial care of all the public arms, & muni- tions of war including artillery &c &c for which I am liable & turn them over to no Corps without my especial order, or the order of some authorized acting under me.—
Very Respectfully To Capt Don Yr Obdt Servt
Santiego Arguello (Signed) J. C. Fremont.
Calif. Battln.
Sir
Cuidad de los Angeles. 18 March 1847.
You are hereby ordered at your most convenient opportunity and with as little delay as possible to collect all the horses belonging to government— ​between this point and San Diego, and keep them subject to my order, or the order emenating from some officer under my orders- Very Respectfully
Your Obdt Servt—
(Signed) J. C. Fremont. To Capt D
Santiego Arguillo Calif Battln.
If the above be not orders then I have never seen one. They are not signed officially, but they are directed so— and it v^ould seem that the whole tenor of the order was that a superior, the commander, was giving the most positive instructions to an inferior— It is said the Congress leaves here to- morrow—
27 April. Last night the wife of Captain Hunter died of Typhoid fever— or rather I think a malignant form of Quotidian fever. The attack was issued [ushered] in with severe rigors, some six days ago— with great difficulty of breathing and oppression, followed by high fever. About 1 1 A M each day the same attack came— with cramps & irregular nervous twitchings— serous diarrhoea— mind affected— purgative of Calomel, Massa ex Hyd &c given until slight ptyalism produced— her breasts became inflamed, and before death suppurated. The nervous twitchings were stopped by the use of small doses of morphia & Assafoetida. The chill checked by Quinine— her brain became very much excited Delirium for two days previous to death— and deafness— She finally died last night about i o P M in great pain— This was the first American woman who ever bore a child in San Diego—
The Frigate Congress got out of the harbor yesterday. She sails today for the South, if there be any truth in the report of the arrival of a Mexican force to the South. Commodore Stockton proclaimed his intention of fight- ing them, if there was any chance of success— his object is also to ascertain if there be any truth in the report as to arms having been landed— San Vin- cente [Vicente] & San Tomassa [Santo Tomas] are said to be the points where they were landed— it is said a French brig brought them there from Acapulco. Stockton made a speech to his men before sailing yesterday— it seems from what he says that if pushed to the last, he will make the pass of San Vincente as renowned as Termopylae [Thermopylae]. Ye Gods what gass—
6^^ May— So little happens at San Diego, that journalizing is a most dull business, one naturally takes notice of all the reports— and considering the communication we have a plenty of them, on the 28*^ the Merchant Ship Vandalia, arrived from the north. She created quite an excitement as she is so large and fine a vessel, that she was taken for a Man of War. On the 2^ of May, payniaster Cloud arrived and payed the Troops— on the 4**' this has ​created some excitement— and then the Captain of the Mormon Company, arrested a fellow— an Englishman named Johnson, servant to the priest at San Tomassa, as a spy— This man professed to have been aboard of the ship, said to have brought arms— he reported that the Captain had told him there were arms aboard— but he has told so many stories that one does not know what to credit— I think there is little doubt however that arms have been landed— but whether they will be used or not is another question— A man arrived from lower California a few days since— who reported all things were quiet there— he says the Commodore, with Santiego Arguello, Don Miguel [Pedrorena] & twenty men had gone from Santa Vincente to San Tomassa to look for the arms— that no Mexican troops had been heard of— On the 4*^ a man named Walker arrived from the Aqua Calliente— who re- ports that the Indians from the Corasita, had come in— reporting that a large body of people were coming in by that route. What they were the Indians did not know— The reports of Mexican troops coming caused the greatest alarm and uneasiness among the residents of this place— they have been ex- tremely friendly to the American cause— in fact the only place in California where natives are really friendly, and if the Mexicans should come and gain only a temporary advantage— they would suffer very much— from the movements of the Californians some faith seems to have been placed, in the reports, and it was believed that mischief of some sort was intended— On the 5*^ Mr. Norris^"^ Secretary to Commodore Stockton arrived via Mon- terey—from the United States— he came on the Sloop of War Preble from Monterey or Callao— he brings little or no news— The determination on the part of the President [James K. Polk] to prosecute the War with great vigour— and the ready compliance of Congress with his views, seems to be the best— flying reports are said to have reached Monterey that the Castle of San Juan De Ulloa has been taken— and that Taylor has had another fight, in which he was victorious— That Santa Anna has been deposed— and Gen- eral [Gabriel] Valencia takes his place— Mr. Norris arrived here from San Pedro in the schooner Julia— If an enemy be coming we are not making very extensive preparations to meet him— The Mormons after their pay- ment took a little spree— some few men drunk and two or three black eyes— or small fights occurred— but much less drinking gambling &c occurred among them than I have ever witnessed among any troops after a payment— They are extremely industrious— and avaricious. They get all the pelf they can— and keep all they get. They are constantly employed by the citizens, and one is engaged in constructing a horse mill— This is looked upon in San Diego— as the greatest feat that has been ever undertaken in these parts. We have an Alcalde named Fitch^^^— an old sea Captain— who knows about as much of law as he does of religion— two Yankees got into a law suit the other day— one accused the other of stealing mules, horses &c— The party accused was defended by a Mormon lawyer— The fellow acknowledged ​several of the charges brought against him— but the Lawyer so confused the judge that he not only found the man guiltless, but ordered the accuser to pay all costs— Therefore the Mormon lawyer and the accused party deter- mined to bring suit against the accuser so that damages might be obtained for slander. When they notified the judge that they wished to bring the suit— he asked who would try the case— You— answered the Mormon lawyer— I'll see you damned first replied the Judge— and what is more if you bother me any more with your damned suits I'll put the whole gang of you to work— and this ended the matter. My patients are all doing well. Streeter begins to walk about— his wounds having healed. The weather is damp and cold and he complains of some pain in consequence. Child is doing well—
1 1^^ May. Yesterday the Congress and Julia came in sight About i AM this morning several of the officers came up to town— diligent search had been made for the arms &c said to be deposited at San Vincente and San Tomassa— but nothing could be discovered. The Ship had been in the port as had been reported, but no arms seems to have been landed. The Commodore despatched Indians to the Rio Colorado, who brought back word that there was no sign of a Mexican force but that the Indians were taken [waging] a small private war out there on their own account. Lt Rowan U S N & Mr Norris, Commodore Stockton's secretary started from here this morning for Monterey by land— The Congress did not enter the port, but will sail di- rectly for Monterey— where it is said the Commodore will take another ship and sail directly for the U.S. The Thos. H. Perkins a transport ship touched us on the 7*^ of May— on her way to Manilla— Last night I was so unfortu- nate as to have a man of the Mormon Battalion to die— Private Albert Dun- ham of B Company died about 3 A.M. this morning— On the 7^^ of May after playing ball— and exercising rather freely— he was suddenly seized with violent pains in the back of the neck & head (he had been subject to Rheu- matic Attacks) he was brought in Hospital May 8*^— The pains were ex- tremely severe in the neck and back of the head, bowels costive, pulse full but not quicker or harder than natural skin natural— was sullen and evinced little disposition to answer question when addressed, ]^ Massa ex Hyd. Ext Colocynth Comp aa x Grs— and apply a stimulating liniment on warm flannel cloths to neck— on the morning of the 9*^ was some better The medicine had operated freely, and the Liniment and external warmth seemed to give some relief— although the pain was still severe. The pulse and skin seemed little affected, J^ Sul Maggj Tart Ant i Gr. Aqua of M [Several illeg- ible words follow, possibly in shorthand.] wine glass full every half hour till free operations are produced— Continue warm applications— in the evening some salts had operated very freely— The pain still continuing cups no 6 applied to back of neck— At bed time warm applications— I^ Massa ex Hyd X Grs— Ipecac i Gr, Opii i Gr— & repeat often & Ipecac if he cant sleep— he has not slept any for two nights— 10— in morning was found to be much ​worse— had rested but little during the night— Inflammation and some dis- coloration around the right eye— Delirium— tongue not coated nor has it been— I^ ol Ricini §j^^^— Apply blister to back of neck— The inflammation of Eye continued to increase rapidly— and the discoloration spread over the temple and part of the forehead, The swelling of the Eye about 2 PM— was enormous and looked as if it would burst— The Tunics much injected, and the pupil apparently perfectly insensible— at least it did not contract or dilate At first an Emolient poultice applied— but could not be retained in consequence of his picking at it— as in fact he was constantly doing at the bed clothing Stimulating Enemas given blisters to Extremities &c— without the slightest effect (when the Inflammation of Eye was first noticed cups applied to the Temple)— At bed time X Grs Calomel given— he rapidly got worse About 3 PM— his Extremities commenced getting cold, his pulse being much depressed— Delirium— breathing with difficulty— and he finally expired about 3AM this morning— he was comatose several hours before death— and could not be roused sufficiently at any time during the day, so as to give a rational answer to any question. Post Mortem, The Brain was care- fuly examined about 10 hours after death The veins of the Dura Mater much distended with blood, the ventricles full of a Bloody serum, and a deposite on the arachnoid resembling coagulable lymph— This could not be removed with a sponge and water- June 5*^ 1847. 1 left San Diego May 1 3 1847, by order of Lt Co^ Cooke— and arrived in the Puebla de los Angeles, in two days and a half. The next day went to duty. Gen^ Kearny left the day before I arrived— for San Pedro where he would embark on one of the U.S. Vessels for Monterey— from thence he would go to the United States as soon as practicable— I was informed of the pleasant news that I might expect to make California my home for some time to come— That is to say if the Californians will allow us to do so— and I think they are great fools if they do— for in a short time our force will be much reduced by the Mormon Battalion being disbanded— and then we leave some points where there is plenty of cannon, San Diego for instance so guarded —that it only invites attack. I found much sickness in the command, and a great disposition on the part of the men of Co^ Stevensons Regiment to shirk work. They are all engaged in building a fort on the hill and this digging goes decidedly against the Stomachs of these valiant volunteers of the 7^^ N. Y. R. V. The fact is they are the poorest material for Soldiers I have ever seen— broken down gentlemen, infirm tradesmen &c &c at least it is so with the two Companies E. & G. stationed here.
On the Morning of the 4*^ of June I was requested to see an old Man at the House of Mr Prior [Nathaniel Miguel Pryor], near this place. The old man had been bitten in several places by a dog on the 2 3 of March last— All the wounds— (which were very severe) had healed up with the exception of one through the right hand— this had continued to discharge but slightly— occa​sionally showing disposition to mortification— a little stimulating ointment had been used which generally caused the hand to assume a healthy appear- ance— The man had been much reduced by the long confinement— though he was still quite corpulent— he had been improving very fast up to the night of the 3'^'^ of June— only complaining of wandering pains— over his body and in the abdomen— This he attributed to Rheumatism— which he had been subject to— during the night he was seized with a desire to drink water— which he found it imposible for him to do in consequence as he described it, of a ball rising in his throat— When I saw him which was about ^Yz A M he was sane, but seemed to be in great distress suffering from the want of sleep— he was extremely sleepy, and thirsty— it seemed to produce violent agitation through out his whole system to even look upon water— I urged him to take some water— he attempted it several times— it seemed a violent effort for him to take the cup— when he brought it to his mouth, it seemed to produce the most violent convulsive movements of the muscles of his throat— abdomen and chest— He did take with a great effort a little thin corn meal gruel— This aversion to fluids increased until he could not bear to hear the word water mentioned— The mention of it causing him the most terrible fright and convulsions— he vomited and strained constantly in efforts to vomit— until he ruptured some small blood vessel— his mind about 1 2 M became flighty but upon speaking he gave a rational answer— his pulse was at each examination gradually weaker and more rapid. The saliva viscid and hard to expectorate— The hand looked as if mortification had taken place to a considerable extent— his eyes blood shot— he gradually grew worse, his mind wandering and confused— A short time before death he became sane— At this time he took a little attole [atole]— mixed with 3 V of Tinct opii— it produced no effect— he died about 8 A.M. on the morning of the
There was no news in the country everything seems quiet— though so far as I can see no particular good feeling among the men— the women seem better contented—
9 July. Since I last wrote, nothing of public importance in the vicinity has taken place, rumors of revolution are constantly afloat, a flagstaff has been erected on the hill, within the Fort. The flag was first hoisted on the 4*^ July, salutes fired, and the work christened Fort Moor. This ceremony seems to have given our friends the Californians great offence— during the time the staff was being erected various threats were made that it would be burned or cut down and supplanted by a better looking one with the Mexican colors— from the tone of feeHng throughout the country, I have no doubt the slight- est cause, would light up another revolution. The arrival of a single hundred men from Sonora would produce this effect— particularly at this time as the Mormon Battalion will be discharged in a few days— and Colonel [Henry S.] Burton of the 7*^ N. Y.R. V. and his companies leave for the South, to occupy ​La Paz— a port in lower California; our Company is at Santa Barbara— and our garrisons seem to be scattered about over the country in like force— San Diego an important point will be left entirely without a garrison and the only force in this section of the country will be one Company of Dragoons dismounted, and two companies of N.Y. Volunteers— We have threats made constantly against us— and yet our governors and Commandants by their acts would seem to invite a revolution— by keeping all their force in the north, both army and Navy— On the morning of the 5*^ of July a most bar- barous assassination was committed on a frenchman [Julien Bertalot] by whom the act was committed is not known but suspicion attaches to one of our Dragoons by name [Samuel E.] Cooper— also a Store was Robbed the same night of a large amount of money— This Robbery was no doubt com- mitted by Soldiers of the Volunteer Regiment, and one Dragoon— On the night of the 4*^ we had a ball given by the ojfHcers in honor of the day,^^^, and also one by the non commissioned officers— everything went off very pleasantly except one little circumstance. Don Jose Antonio Carrillo thought proper to express his decided disapprobation of the mode of dancing of the American officers— and said they were like all the rest of their nation beasts. The officers hearing of this determined to kick up a small fuss— the Colonel Stevenson hearing of the affair determined to call all hands to his quarters next morning and at supper accordingly invited every body— we assembled the next morning had a speech from the Coronel defining our position Sec- One remark he made was not exactly agreed to by the Juniors, that was that an officer receiving an insult from a Calif ornian the affair should be taken notice of by the Authorities— & Vice Versa— This was objected to, as the officers claimed the right of looking out for their own private quarrels- One of the Mormon officers who was more particularly alluded to than the rest had determined to castigate the Don, but the public manner in which the Colonel had noticed it seemed to preclude any course of the kind, and particularly as the persons then and there did take a drink to the said Don Jose Antonio— Jose Antonio acknowledged the soft impeachment of having called us a parcel of beasts but declared he had no intention of making it public a great deal of gass was expended on the occasion— but the affair was settled— and without some farther provocation, I suppose there will hardly be a fight. Col Burton brought us the news of Gen^ Scotts two vic- tories of Vera Cruz and Puenta Nacional, a salute was fired in consequence— and notices stuck up at the alcalde's office which were duly cut to pieces and destroyed during the night. Our friends here have no good will toward us, and would if they only dared cut our throats with great pleasure.
There has been considerable sickness of late among the troops stationed here— an Epidemic Catarrh, very obstinate and attended with fever. On the morning of the 4th of July about 2/2 AM Hammerly [John Hemerle] of Co C ist Dragoons died— of Typhoid Fever— He had been a prisoner, and ​tried by a general court marshal— this seemed to have a great effect on him. 14*^ of August. As to public affairs we have absolutely nothing going on; our friends the Californians, received via Sonora the Mexican papers— detail- ing Scott & Taylors movements in Mexico— the taking of Vera Cruz the levying of taxes by old Taylor for the destruction of his baggage train, and the battle of puente nacional, seems to have acted as a soporific on their war- like feelings— talk of revolt now is not even heard of— every thing in that way is as quiet as possible— rumors of Indian hostilities seems even to have been forgotten— although I think the Californians have done their best to embroil us with a tribe called the St Luis Indians.— These fellows are how- ever our warm friends. An Agent has been recently appointed, Capt Hunter late of the Mormon Battalion, this I hope will have the effect of quieting all reports— The Colonel leaves here to day for the purpose of holding council with all the Indians at San Luis Rey— Occasionally a rumor gets here from the North of disturbance between the Governors and the Ameri- can settlers in the North— The ground of the difficulty seems to be the Mission lands, upon which our western men, following their true instinct and old habit have squatted— and are rather inclined to appropriate the lands &c to their own use— this the Governor objects to as the lands are private property, and as usual in such cases much talk— but no blood as yet—
The Company at Santa Barbara seems to have got in rather a disorganized State— and caused a court martial, the result of which was to send four of the number to Monterey in irons This seems to have quieted every thing— At this place every thing is quiet. Our military guard mounting is quite a show. Robbery has become very common of late— Stores, houses, persons riding & picking pockets. No less than five Robberys have taken place lately to considerable amounts— and the murder that occurred about the 4 of July— The worst of it is— there seems to be no means of finding out who are the authors of the crimes— So long as the Alcaldes supposed that it was a Dra- goon who committed the murder they were excessively energetic— but the evidence being clear that the man was not guilty— no further prosecution was had in the case-
Sickness has prevailed to great extent both among the troops and the popu- lation here among the men— [William] Hopper of Co E died July [blank]. [Thomas] Bosquet Co. E. on 8 of August— [Charles A.] Webster Co E— on the 17^^ of August— all died— with the same fever: ^*^ The attack of this dis- ease is not violent— but gradual— preceeded for some time— (in the two last cases it was so) by Diarrhoea, thin yellow, watery discharges— tongue coated, pulse not exhibiting much signs of disease or febrile action— in a few days the symptoms became worse— the tongue becoming black— chapped— and border around the teeth— slight delirium— nervous twitchings kicking at the bed clothes— position on back— and falling down in bed towards the foot— The Diarrhoea usually continues through the disease ​When checked, it becomes worse in other cases the tongue has been smooth the edges red— the centre dry & chapped, Post Mortem of two cases has shown that inflammation was present in mucous membrane of Small intes- tines Stomach— & large intestines— that ulcers had formed in the Duodenum, illieum, and in the Colon, in Webster there were many points of the intes- tines infected and inflamed as if ulceration were about to commence. The ulcers were large— ragged— and containing in their center a yellow spot- When this yellow substance was removed, the whole mucous and muscular tunics of the intestine seemed to be removed with it— The bowels in both cases contained little but discolored matter— in Webster the gall Bladder full of yellow bile— the liver I do not think was diseased— except it might have been larger than usual— I did not observe that the Spleen was diseased— The pancreas was extremely hard and indurated— the urinary bladder empty and much contracted— Heart and lungs healthy—
The fever seems to take to the remittent form— and keeps to this type through the whole course of the disease— There are many other men who have had the fever— but are now either convalescing or have recovered— I have not remarked that any course of treatment was particularly success- ful— Sul Quinine does not seem to have as good an effect here as I have ob- served in the fevers of the U.S— Mercury seems to be the best remedy— The people of the country are not exempt from the fever— among them however so far as I have seen Quinine answers every expectation. The cause of this difference I cannot account for— except it be that the unacclimated Ameri- cans—from the change of climate are more subject to Gastric enteric affec- tions—from the heat of the climate, and possibly the dryness— as there has not been rain here since May— diseases of the Bowels such as colic— Diar- rhoea, Dysenteria are very common. This I think is no doubt to be attrib- uted to eating fruit— unripe.— The Diet of the Country is almost exclusively fresh meat. Beef— and a coarse Bread— tortillias, &c— made of corn meal or Wheat badly ground— The Diet of the soldiers is 4 times a week Beef— 3 times pork— and Bread of fine American flour— The Bread so far as I have seen is well baked. The men who have died— and had the disease worst- were generally temperate. Stout young men, two of the fatal cases— Ham- merly— the Dragoon— and Webster were taken while in the guard House— the first under sentence of general Court Martial for mutinous conduct— the latter arrested for disobedience of orders— Their situation seems [to] have exercised a bad effect on their minds in both cases— and I have no doubt contributed considerably to the fatal termination of their disease— Some time since I extracted a large tumor (in July) from the shoulder of a Cali- f ornian This tumor must have weighed fifteen pounds— he has recovered rapidly. ​
NOTES
104. The Articles of Capitulation, signed at the rancho of Cahuenga on January 13, 1847, by Jose Antonio Carrillo, squadron commander; Agustin Olvera, deputy; P. B. Reading, major California Battalion; Louis McLane, commanding Artillery California Battalion; W. H. Russell, staff captain California Battalion; and approved by Andres Pico, squadron commander and chief of the National forces in California; and J. C. Fremont, lieutenant-colonel U. S. Army and "military commandant of Calif ornia," were printed in this Quarterly, XIII (June 1934), 135-36. They are also to be found in 30th Cong., 2d sess., S. Exec. Doc. No. 31 (1849), and elsewhere.
105. Louis McLane came to California as a midshipman on the Savannah. After help- ing recruit and organize the California Battalion, he became captain of an artillery com- pany, later ranking as major. Pierson B. Reading served as paymaster of the California Battalion with the rank of major.
106. On January 5, at Mission San Juan Capistrano, Commodore Stockton, at the in- stigation of William Workman, issued a proclamation offering a general amnesty to all Californians except Flores, on condition that he be given up as a prisoner. Bancroft, History of California, V, 387.
107. Tincture of Opium.
108. Andrew J. Henderson, assistant surgeon of the Portsmouth.
109. A consensus of Californian opinion seems to be that three were killed and not many more than fifteen wounded. Bancroft, op. cit., V, 396.
no. William H. Thompson, midshipman on the Congress and acting lieutenant of Stockton's battalion.
111. Lieutenant Andrew F. V. Gray was appointed by Stockton, and Lieutenant Emory by Kearny, to carry dispatches to Washington. Gray was accompanied by Richard Taylor Jacob, a captain in the California Battalion. After some delay they sailed in the Malek Adhel on January 25, 1847. For the Malek Adhel see Note 118.
112. ". . . you will consider yourself suspended from the command of the United States forces in this place." Robert Field Stockton to Stephen Watts Kearny, January 16, 1847, quoted in Thomas C. Lancey's "Cruise of the Dale," San Jose Pioneer, January I, 1 88 1. This order is well known and is printed in many places. It is a good indication of Stockton's attitude toward Kearny throughout the whole controversy. Stockton clearly stepped beyond his authority.
113. This is a clear exposition of the opinion held by most army officers on the coast, of the controversy between Kearny on one side and Stockton and Fremont on the other. There seems to have been no doubt in their minds of the importance of political pull, and their only complaint, as Griffin states above, was that Kearny was too lenient in his treatment of Fremont. As an example of opinion which duplicates Griffin's sentiments, see Captain Turner's letters to his wife. Henry Smith Turner, "Letters about the Mexi- can War," Glimpses of the Past, Missouri Historical Society, II (December 1934-January 1935), 14 et seq. For further details of the difficulties between Kearny, Stockton, and Fremont, see Thomas Kearny, "The Mexican War and the Conquest of California," in this Quarterly, VIII (September 1929), 251 ff.; also A Sketch of the Life of Com. Robert F. Stockton (New York, 1856), pp. 146, 149-56; Appendix, pp. 26-48; Defence of Lieut. Col. J. C. Fremo7it before the Military Court Martial (Washington, 1848) ; and Bancroft, op. r/V.,V, 414-32.
114. The Hon. Willard P. Hall, congressman from Missouri.
115. Leroux, one of the guides for the Mormons. ​
116. The town mentioned as taken by Cooke was Tucson.
117. Nit argent is silver nitrate. Ungs Resens is resin ointment. Sul. morphia and Acid ml aromat. are sulphate of morphia and aromatic sulphuric acid.
118. Malek Adhel, a Mexican brig cut out at Mazatlan by the boats of the Warren^ on September 7, 1846. She was used by the United States Navy as a transport and dispatch boat on the Pacific Coast during the conquest. Log of the U.S.S. Warren (original MS in National Archives, Washington, D. C.) .
119. Soap plaster.
1 20. Commodores William Branf ord Shubrick and James Biddle had been sent to in- crease the naval forces on the Pacific Coast. Shubrick arriving first, on January 22, 1847, superseded Stockton as commander of the fleet, and was in turn replaced by Biddle, on March 2, 1847. With the coming of Shubrick, the lack of cooperation between the Army and Navy forces on the Coast came to an end. Shubrick recognized Kearny as civil governor. The Lexington arrived on January 28, 1847, carrying a company of the 3rd Artillery under Captain Christopher Q. Tompkins, with materiel for building and main- taining fortifications.
121. William H. Russell had been appointed secretary of state to Governor Fremont, by Commodore Stockton.
122. Santiago Argiiello held an honorary command as captain in the California Bat- talion.
123. Miguel Pedrorena acted as Stockton's aide and held the rank of captain in the California Battalion.
124. The U. S. storeship Erie arrived at Monterey on February 13, 1847. Colonel Richard Barnes Mason, ist United States Dragoons, was on board, sent out to replace Kearny as civil governor when the latter should return home.
125. The first copy of the paper is dated August 15, 1846, and, according to Colton, appeared on that date. Walter Colton, Three Years in California (Cincinnati, 1850), p. 32. At least some of the copies were in circulation as early as the 13th. George W. Ames, Jr., "Horse Marines, 1846," this Quarterly, XVIII (March 1939), 79. Commo- dore Stockton is said to have provided the money, out of his own pocket, for establish- ing the newspaper. A Sketch of the Life of Com. Robert F. Stockton, pp. 156-57.
126. For the "paper war" see ibid., Appendix, pp. 43-48.
127. It is difficult to determine the person to whom Griffin refers.
128. James H. Cloud was paymaster for the Mormon Battalion.
129. This, of course, has reference to the ill-fated Donner party. For the best all- around work on this tragedy see George Rippey Stewart, Ordeal by Hunger, the Story of the Donner Party (New York: Henry Holt and Co., 1936).
130. Henry Wager Halleck, lieutenant of Engineers, came with Company F, 3rd U. S. Artillery, to inspect the fortifications on the Pacific Coast.
131. George Stoneman, lieutenant of ist Dragoons, came with the Mormon Battalion. He earned an enviable reputation in the Civil War as a cavalry leader and in the eighties was governor of California. Camp Stoneman, near Pittsburg, California, was recently named for him.
132. The regiment was sent out in four ships, three of which left New York on Sep- tember 26, 1846, and the fourth on November 13. The first three arrived in San Fran- cisco during March of 1847; the Thomas Perkins on the 6th; the Susan Drew on the 19th; and the Loo Choo on the 25th. The fourth ship, the Brutus, arrived on April 18. ​
133. Richard Owens, one of Fremont's original party and captain of Company A, California Battalion. Owens River, Owens Valley, and Owens Lake were named for him.
134. Fremont challenged Mason because he considered himself insulted by the latter's manner in issuing orders. Mason requested that the affair be postponed until he had com- pleted his duties at Los Angeles. The meeting never occurred because Kearny, on learn- ing of the proposed duel, prevented it by official order.
135. William A. T. Maddox, lieutenant of Marines on the Cyane and Congress.
136. J. Parker Norris had been sent east by Stockton with dispatches in September 1846.
137. Henry Delano Fitch, one of the earliest and most popular of the foreign settlers in California.
138. ^ the doctor's instruction to the pharmacist, an abbreviation from the Latin meaning "take thou," or "take thou of." Massa ex Hyd. Ext Colocynth is mercury with extract of bitter apple; the remainder of the prescription is unintelligible. Ol Ricini 3j — two tablespoonfuls of castor oil.
139. For a description of this ball see The Journal of John McHenry Hollingsworth of the First New York Volunteers (San Francisco: California Historical Society, 1923), p. 30.
140. Bancroft lists these men as belonging to Company G, New York Volunteers.