The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-10-08
From u,s Golden Ira
AMERICAN MILITARY OPERATIONS IN CALIFoR-
NIA-THE TRUTH OF HISTORY INDICATED.


the history OF the first discovery, settlement progress,
and present condition of California, &C. &c Svo. D.
Appleton Co, New York.
A very handsome book, elegantly gotten up, showing
much labor the part Of the writer's and good taste aud
Judgment in the publishers and heartily concur in the
remarks Of the reviewer contained in the last number OF
the Ponee in relation 10 the research arrangement OF
matter the perspcuity and interest of STYLE and also that
the various subjects Of which treats interestingly but
in recommending the work California book, which
every Of literary taste interested IN the early and true
history Of the State should read SUCH Obliged 10
differ and for the best ia the world in the first
place the chapters upon the American and military opera
lions of this country almost entirely incorrect and in
the second that they state facts which did
take place and give credit and renown where II Is
wholly undeseryed.
The first seven chapters of the Annals very interest
ing and correspond with every account OF the earliest
settlement of California but when come to the eighth
we read without wonder and amazement how
author could have been egregousy imposed upon when
there many to be found in all parts OF the
country ready and willing to tell the TRUTH and to give
faithful version Of the events OF that tmethe spring and
of 1896 But suppose that the cry first raised
in the halls of the Capitol at Washington city, and echoed
across the Rocky mountains by his friends and worship
pers that Fremont hero, made II necessary for the
writer of this part of the work TO take for truth the gen
eray receyed impression that Col Fremont the con-
queror OF California and TO add that This exploits under
taken with small force, and against such superior
numbers place him par with the famous heroes OF the
days Of chivalry" This is extraordinary, indeed We
have yet learn exploit during the with Mexico
wherein Fremont showed any chivalry where he
contact with superior numbers We desire to be inform
where it he crossed lance with the native Caior
MAN forces when and where he smet their guupow
where no did battle when there was opportunity
| offered him by the enemy
In the days of chivary it required many and remarka
instances of unexamped bravery to entte the warrior
TO the crown of laurel but here in this day. have
awarded without the first distinguishing mark Of chiva
| ric action, either in the field or elsewhere
The day has arrived when the truth OF history
must be set right and regret that the authors OF this
new publication had not made little inquiry, and
corrected public opinion grossly deceived in relation to
Col Fremons connection with the early operations in this
country for they would have discovered that to Others
the credit due for what did take place. that but for
the great daring and courage Of Others Fremonts name
would have been associated with the conquest of
California in any way and that the first of the
with Mexico would have been received by him upon the
plains at the western frontiers of States
And they would have learned further that Fremont
in solitary battle skrmish during the war; and
that all the praise and honor he has received for military
organizations operations and exploits in this country
due, only to Commodore Stockton but to other
whose plumes he SO quietly
Upon Fremonts arrival in California, in the prosecution
of his explorations and his journey through the country
the Colorado and the Ga he kindly received and
treated with hospitality and permission was granted,
rather the military authorities silently submitted to Ere
monts passage through the Territory Gen. Castro being
fully satisfied of the friendly and scientific object of the
petition In consequence Of having revoked this acquies
ced permission Gen. Castro has been harshy dealt with
and the inference drawn from the remarks in this eghth
chapter would be that Castro had been guilty of want of
faith but any acquainted with the occurrences that
happened at the rancho of respectable Spanish gentleman
the mission of San Juan de-, wherein four of
Fremonts figured in most disreputable manner not
say thing of what took place San Jose would APP
plaud the military commandant for the he pursued
and for the he used to enforce his authority,
wthstandng he greatly merits reproach for subsequent
conduct Nor did Gen Castro think better the sub
ect after accommodating the American position deter
mine to leave those foolish obstinate people alone but
with increased forces he preparing surround the
base OF the coneshaped mountain San Juan to whose
summit Fremons had taken refuge, when that party
fed in haste in the night leaving behind instruments
OH ne apdgo tho Tula arlai
The author goes and states that Fremont thus freed
from moestaon proceeded his proposed route Ore
gon. He had gone but little way when he found that
hostile Indians supposed to have been urged by Mexi
authortes) barred his further progress and learned
with extreme surprise and ndgnaton that Castro intend
ed TO attack the American settlers and expe them from
the country Upon ascerainng this fact Fremont took
the bold resolution OF declaring against California
and of carrying it, too into the very camp of the enemy
An monstrousy has the appearance of
design but satisfied that this misrepresent
give no harsher came from, originated in the
source whence the information derived for the pur
pose Of continuing the deception siugulary unnotced
until the present time.
The facts these: Fremont upon leaving the Tuares
proceeded up the Sacramento valley and approaching
Suffers Fort uncertain he of the position Capt
Suffer might take in the then changed condition OF affairs
he scouts In advance ascertain fthat gentleman
still friendly On being assured that there no change
in Captain Suffers sentiments Fremont after a short do
lay quietly proceeded up the valley to Lassens rancho,
lat that time the most northern setemen) where he
campd for days drying beef and made the
of April the march begun.
A week after Fremonts departure, United States Of
fcer In the character of merchant arrived Lassens
search of him and being satisfied upon inquiry, that he
could overake the camp the officer proposed for vol
accompany him in the pursuit. although he
advised and begged not to undertake IT, In consequence OF
the great hostility Of the Indians 1t then that the
gallant and daring Sam Neal lat that time and a
farmer upon Butte creek in the Sacramento Valley
upon the field n whose name has appeared in
print till this momen-whose services have never been
acknowledged, whom Fremont In
debted for his figuring in the annals Of these
times. Neal, with bold judgment, and courage truly
chvaric, (tor he was animated by dsnterested
spirit the noblest might envy) led this officer and
his small party Of FIVE through the hostile tribes OF
Indians Of the north where since that time Warner Frea-
ner and hundreds of Others have been slain prairie
and mountain, rivers and mountain torrents for
six days when finding II necessary ride faser than a
the horses could endure he selected of the best
away and by extremely fast riding and hiding In the
bushes-wth the Indian yell everywhere around-he
took Fremont at the northern end Of the Klamath lake
the Of crossing the mountain dvide-Neal and Sig
Ter not having tasted food for ortyegh hours Neal inn
mediaely urged Fremont TO return quickly II he would
the lives Of the small party In search Of him The
next day the camp retraced its road twenty FIVE miles and
with party OF fourteen This and eight Della
ware Indians Fremont rode twenty FIVE miles further and
having been ferred the lake by the Indians canoes
at of that day, its road to this place and
little after sunset greeted with shout from the hunt
announcing its As proof Of the very great
hazard and danger Neal and Sigler had run and the
certain death that awaited the others had they not met
with Fremonts that evening" the small camp was at
tackled at twelve o'clock the night by two hun