Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-08-21
FR EMONT
OR, THE RIDE OF THE ONE HUMID,

OR, THE RIDE OF THE ONE HUNDRED
In the early part of the year lS47, business
called me 10 Alta California. Having been
long resident on the Pacific coast, and be-
ing familiar with the language and customs
OF the people, was selected to effect LARGO
contract for hides for one of our eastern firms.
the trade being nearly paralyzed at the time
by the war then in progress between orr conn
try and Mexico; where a handful of noble
men were accomplishing deeds which have
given them place in history by the side If
Lincoln and his braves. The CALIFORNIA; had
become to us a desideratum although their
mineral wealth still slumbered. WAITING for
that enchanter of modern days, Yankee en-.
terprise their splendid harbors, the contiou.
ity Of our possessions in Oregon, and tbe fao
cllltles Tor trade with China, were sufficient
incentive. Commodore Stockton had hurried
up rom Callao IN the frigate Congress, and
General Kearney had crossed the plains from
the Missouri River, with a force of armed
hunters, for the purpose of taking the country
and holding 1t as gage for Satistactoyv
trenty
The native Californians, who had lonu
groaned beneath the imposts of distant gov
eminent and venial governors, had themselves
invited our oyertures; but few of their
leaders, with deadly hatred towards the
hahkees, and hopes of personal reward from
MEXICO were assldiously endeavoring to stir
the people up to a revot--in MANY cases With
too much success. Manuel Castro. a wealthy
ana influential ranchero, noted for his deter.
mined opposition to all change. and epmitv to
the 'Gringos," had arranged for an attack on
the Pueblo los Angeles the headquarters of
zen. hoarneg, held by small force of ma
rlhes ana volunteers. His agents were in all
parts OF the country, infaming the inhabi-
tahts, ana urgi' them to join him. Bysom
means his Ian eaked out.
was at this time at the ranch of NV old
friend General Martinez Vallejo. ON the So
noma Greek my companion was Captain ID
VINO has since espoused one of our hosts
daughters. Vallejo was one of the laroast
landholders in California owning some si2tv
square miles, with forty thousand head of cat.
tile, and several hundred horses cattle ana
horses at that time being a mans available
wealth. lie had been formerly military GOV.
ernor OF the country, and was considered fair
spoil by our people, though in Justice l must
state That he was kindly disposed toward the
americans The house was a substantial ed
lice OF two stories, surrounded bv a corral
with stout gateway; the household consist
ed OF some twenty persons.
We had all retired to rest and wranned in
slumber, when the loud barking of dogs and
halloing OF men aroused us suddenly from
our dreams. Expecting an attack from the
bear party Ga band of lawless desperadoes
who infest the country all rushed to the
court yard, armed as well as tho time hermit
ted, and in costumes the most picturesque. as
primitiyeness is usually considered so. mo
General sabre in hand, came last he ebal.
lenged the ntruders with:
"Qatcn eS hP (Who is therel
"Americaiioes amigos, a5ra Ia D,,oyl, -
lAmericans and friends, open the gate. VIVA
the response blow following the words tbat
made The floor shake again.
Inc demand was perforoe COMPLIED with.
ana band OF fifty men was presented 10 onr
view, mounted and arrayod as trappers md
hunters, and armed to the teeth. Foromos,
among them, on black mustang, WINS smon
slnewy' dark man, evidently their leador
with ian eye like Mars to threaten and com
mand, eountenance expressive Of tho front.
est determination and bearing, that. notyitb.
standing his rough dress, stamped him as one
born to commando TO lead.
This was Fremont.