Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-03-01
Deeds Of the Dauntless-Fremont's Deeds
in California.

At the date of some ofthe stirring tran
sactions, detailed in recent sketches
the beginning of lS47-General Fremont,
then Colonel in the regular army, who
already had won the proud popular desig-
nation Of the Path Finder" by three
expeditions across the present path of
empire to the Rocky Mountains, was
military governor or commandant of
CALIFORNIA; position TO which he. had
been commissioned by Commodore Stock
ton.
In the sunni mer Of that year Commo-
dore Stockton sailed from San Francisco,
proceeding first to Monterey aud then to
San Diego. His departure left the re-
Gently established government--if gov
ersment it could be truthfully called
In great peril, plot for an insurrection
against ii having beer matured, aud only
held back for a favorable opportunity.
One of the chief of the plotters and the
principal leaders of the insurrection
which followed was Don J. Pico, one of
two brothers. he had been taken pris-
oner, and was at large on parole. This
he, Of course, yiolat ID by joining the in
surgents.
By a rapid march. of fifty miles, con-
Quoted with admiral lie tact and secrecy,
Fremont surprised and captured him. In
consideration of his perfdy, q court
martial sentenced bim to death.
Fremont, with a p resience which proved
favorable to future purposes, remitted
Pco's sentence, for he thereby won his
gratitude aud cooper alton in his efforts
to secure tranquility to his own adminis-
tration of affairs in California. And,
further showing his desire for concilia.
ton rather than expulsion, although hos
tile parties were found lowering about his
march, be avoided attacking them un-
necessarily, as brave and magnanimous
officer, edch as be INSIGHT be expected 10
do. Enceuntering Don Andreas Pico
(brother Of the iRsurgent leader of that
name whom he had pardoned) at the
head Of band Of insurgents, he sum
moned him to q surrender. This was
promptly complied with by the delivery
Of arms and a return to peaceful pur-
suits. No oath Of allegiance was to be
required until treaty of peace should be
concluded between the United States and
Mexico.
During the fall Of the year whose tran
sactions / have been sketching, Commo-
dore Stockton had become aware of the
anproach of lhe gallant General Kear-
new. who had experienced many difficult
ties and perils in his expedition thither-
ward. which extended into the winter
season. At San Pasoual he was indeed
placed in circumstances most desperate.
His horses were dead, his mules dis
abled, most of bis soldiers on the sick
list, and his provisions exhausted, while
his camp was surrounded by the enemy
In strong force and in full possession Of
the passes Of the country
Only by the voluntary iuterposition of
that wonderful frontie. guide. Kit Car
SON. Lieutenant Bes les of the United
States Navy. and a friendly Indian.
whose name | regret TO be unable to
write. these dauntle "a men made their
wav to San Diego. thirty miles distant.
and informed Coumodore Stockton of
the state of affairs. He promptly for
warded reinforcernents. Their appear.
anoe was the signal for the enemy TO re-
lire. so that Kearpey could proceed TO
San Diego without further hindrance.
which Mace he reached on the twelfth
dav of December. l847.
On the 2sth of December. General
Kearney and Commodore Stockton.
with Eve hundred men. mostly marines
and sailors. and battery Of artillery.
left Sau Diego for Los Angeles. then in
the nossession of the enemv On tie
8tb of January. 1913. the enemy was
discovered. numbering about six hum
dred. oecunyinr a strong position on 3.
rising ground. commandiup the massage
Of the river San Gabriel The troops
were soon formed in order of battle. the
river forded. the nights carried after
abont an hours fighting. when the
enemv were oompelled to retreat Next
dav the enemy appeared in force on the
front and tanks of the Americans.
barassipq and calling them with their
artillery for about two hours. AT
Ianotb arriving At the nlains of the
Mssa thew concentrated their forces.
and made a fierce charge uuon the
american left. This beipr repulsed
with loss, they retired.
Gsnaral Flores chief Of the insur-