Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-07-23
FREMONT /:
Or the Ride OF the One Hundred.

In the early part of the year 1S47 business
called me to Alta, California. Having been
long resident on the Pacific coast, and being
familiar with the language and customs of the
people, was selected to effect large con-
tract of hides for one of our Eastern firms, the
trade being nearly paralyzed at the time by
the war then in progress between our country
and Mexico; where a handful of noble men
were accomplishing deeds which have given
them place in history by the side of Leoni-
das and his braves. The Californians had be-
come to us a desideratum although their
mineral wealth still slumbered, waiting for
the enchanter of modern days, Yankee enter
prise, their splendid harbors, the contiguity
of our possessions in Oregon, and the facili-
ties for trade with China, were sufficient in.
centive. Commodore Stockton had hurried
up from Calloa in the frigate Congress and
Gen. Kearney had crossed the plains from
the Missouri River; with force OF armed
hunters, for the purpose Of taking the country
and holding it us gage for satisfactory
treaty.
The native Californians, who had long groan-
ed beneath the imposts OF a distant Govern
ment aud venial Governors, had themselves
invited our overtures ; but few of their lead
ors, with a deadly hatred toward the Yankees,
and hope Of personal reward from Mexico,
were assiduously endcayoring to stir the peo-
pie up to revolt---in many cases with too
great success. Manuel Castro, wealthy and
influential ranchero, noted for his determined
opposition to all change, and enmty TO the
sEGringos," had arranged for an attack on the
Pueblo los Angeles, the headquarters of kear-
ney, held by small force of marines and vol
untecrs. His agents were i'll all parts of the
country, indaming the inhabitants and urging
them to join him. By some means his plan
leaked out.
l was at this time at the ranch of my old
friend, Gen. Martinez Vallejo, on the Sonoma
Creek my companion was Capt D., who
has since cspoused one of our hosts daugh-
ters. Vallejo was one of the largest landhold-
crs in California, owning some sixty square
miles, with forty thousand head of cattle and
several hundred horses, cattle and horses at
that time being mans available wealth.
He had boen formerly Military Governor OF
the country, and was considered fair spoil by
people, though in justice [ must state that he
was kindly disposed toward the Americans
The house was a substantial edifice OF two
stories, surrounded by corall, with strong
gateway the household consisted of some
twenty persons.
We had retired to rest, and were wrapped
in slumber, when the loud barking OF dogs
and hallooing of men aroused us suddenly
from our dreams. Expecting an attack from
the bear party a band of lawless desperados
who inCest the colntry,) all rushed to the
courtyard armed as well as the time permit
ted. and in costumes the most picturesque, as
primitiveness is usually considered So. The
cap.ral sabre in hand, came last; he chal-
! lenged the intrudcrs with
s.Oafcr es la 20 (Who is there.)
u4mericanos anJos, obra Ii paerta'' Amer
1 leans and friends, open the !gate,) was the re-
| sponse, blow accompanying the words that
made the floor shake again.
The demand was perforce complied with