The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-07
FREMONT, THE PATHFINDER.

How He Took Possession of California NJ
Monterey-A wife's Intercesston.
Los Angeles Tribune.
YES intend to locate here or in the imme-
reporter. Most probably Los Angeles will be
our future home II was always attached to
this part of the country, it was the scene OF
some of the most stirring and pleasantest ex-
perences of my early life.
Mr. Gontey, one of the gentlemen who was
with me when we conquered Californis. called
to see me this afternoon. It was great pleae-
ure to see one with whom I had braved the
dangers or so many years ago"
After short pause, in which the General
seemed to be reviewing the episodes of the past,
he continued: In 1872 was detailed by the
government to make survey of California,
with instructions to pick my own men, and to
seize the country if the English made any hos
tile demonstrations. I proceeded TO the borders
of Missouri and Kansas, which was then consid-
cred the extreme western frontier. and recruited
my men. At that time Kansas City had only
two or three houses-if you could call them
houses-at the foot of the bluff. There were
about ninety of us all told: but when we had
proceeded little westward weeded out about
thirty of them whom L thought would do better
on more peaceful mission We arrived
at Monterey and found British fleet
in the vicinity. immediately hoisted
California in the name of the United States. l
was informed continued General Fremont,
that had waited three days would have been
too late. Hostilities first commenced in Sonora
county. near Sacramento. l first saw Los An
gees in 1916. It was then a very small town. Of
about, should judge five hundred inhabitants.
Fernando. My command had captured Jose
Jesus Pico, prominent Californian, who had
broken his parole After being tried by court
martial. he sentenced to be shot, but his
wife came to me pleaded strong for his
life that had not the heart to refuse her.
sent for him, and he came, evidently believing
that he was about to hear the order for his exc
cution. I told him that he was at liberty owing
it to the intercession of his wife. After that ks
was one of my most faithful friends, and we
travelled over the State together.
1.-THE treaty giving California to the Ameri-
cans was signed Jan. H. 1847, between myself
and Gen. Andres Pico. At the time the treaty
Kearney were in Los Angeles. Some little dis
pute had arisen between them as to who was in
command 1t had been settled by Kearney ac-
knowledgine Stockton as his superior officer. as
there was proviso in our Constitution at that
time stating the commander of feet at port
should have command of all naval and land
forces At Los Angeles the dispute broke out
afresh, and they put the responsibility upon me
to decide by both issuing different orders. AS
consequences, was sent to Washington and court
martialed the officers who tried me said that
under the circumstances it would have taken
man with much more experience than had had
to determine whom to obey. Right back Of the
hotel where we now are" continued the distin-
guished gentleman, 81 had thrown up FORT
and about one hundred yards from here were
our headquarters. 1t was large adobe build
ing, surrounded by large galleries. We used to
get huge pieces of canvas and inclose them, and
there would give balls. The California
signoritas would come from miles around and
they were a jolly. lively set. We would dance
until sunrise, when gun would be fred from
the fort, ana the guests depart just
before the festivities would end q native
dance would be given. and as the pretty
girls would wind gracefully in and out in the
mazes of the dance they would keep time to
their movements by singing snatches of songs
CHARACTERISTIC of the people present. It was
beautiful sight, and it scarcely seems more than
yesterday when the old building filed with
their merry laughter The first volume Of m,
My Life has met with success beyond my most
sanguine expectations. The second volume viii
be published within the next year"
General Fremont. though his hair and beard
are as white as snow is as bright and active AZ
a boy in his teens Whom relating his ex-
periences his eyes sparkled and danced, and hif
voice was as strong as that of many q man halt
his age