Lot - The Bear Flag Revolt, California 1846!

California

The scene is 1846, California, the outer most reaches of the Wild West:

Though nominally controlled by Mexico, California was home to only a relatively small number of Mexican settlers. Former citizens of the United States made up the largest segment of the California population nearing a population of 1,000, and their numbers were quickly growing. Mexican leaders worried that many American settlers were not truly interested in becoming Mexican subjects and would soon push for annexation of California to the United States. In the spring of 1846, the American army officer and explorer John C. Fremont arrived at Sutter’s Fort (near modern-day Sacramento) with a small corps of soldiers. Whether or not Fremont had been specifically ordered to encourage an American rebellion is unclear. Ostensibly, Fremont and his men were in the area strictly for the purposes of making a scientific survey. The brash young officer, however, began to persuade a motley mix of American settlers and adventurers to form militias and prepare for a rebellion against Mexico. Emboldened by Fremont’s encouragement, on this day in 1846 a party of 33 Americans under the leadership of Ezekiel Merritt and William Ide invaded the largely defenseless Mexican outpost of Sonoma just north of San Francisco. Fremont and his soldiers did not participate, though he had given his tacit approval of the attack.

Merritt and his men surrounded the home of the retired Mexican general, Mariano Vallejo, and informed him that he was a prisoner of war - and so it starts …

Offered here are pages from a highly detailed ships log, circa June 1846 , most of which were written as an in-the-moment memorialization of the history and the story behind "The Bear Flag" revolt, perhaps for submission to superiors back east. We can ascertain that log was likely written by a bi-lingual ships mate with a name that could be Fremer, and is inclusive of transcribed letters between high-ranking officials from the Bay area, some of who were Mexican, others were American. We can be fairly certain that the author of this log was on board the USS Portsmouth in 1846, while in San Francisco Bay, which was commanded by Captain John B. Montgomery. The log shows both the received letter in the native Spanish, or respective native English, and then if in Spanish includes an additional separate translated page which is affixed to the main log page, written in the same hand. Our author is obviously well educated having ability write and read in both languages.

***Please Note: The description of this item is given directly as written by the author. No spelling corrections have been made to the text.

"The following letter from Capt Mongomery to Commander Sloat, will tell the story of the acts of our squadron at San Francisco better than I could in my own language at least it will be more authentic + reliable for the futher historian to writer Fremer"

One of the pages, likely for the first time, has a full color drawing of the "Bear Flag", but not the later official "Todd" "Bear Flag" that became known for the movement which actually was not crafted nor in use until June 17th or 18th, but instead the drawing shows an earlier precursor. What we do know about the Todd flag is that it was the last flag of the California Republic, but only recently has it come to light that there were other versions which are now known to pre-date the Todd flag that was designed by locals. The flag drawing found within this log allows us to date the writing as not only very early, but also very in-the-moment, with the author interested in creating "a authentic and reliable" depiction of the events.

Total of 7 pages, 4 sheets are classic log size of 11" x 16.5" written in English and Spanish with 2 sheets each 8' x 12.5" as translations from Spanish to English in the same hand, and affixed to the larger sheet transcribed in Spanish. Penned on both sides of most all of the pages, representing a total of 9 penned pages. Inclusive of one of the pages being a partial sheet of 11" by 7" (missing the upper section of the page), on which is a hand drawing in color of the California Bear Flag, shown drawn with the 'lone star' and with the date of 1846 sprawled under the Bear who is depicted rearing up on his hind legs. Log pages ruled lines, and remarkably well preserved. Some pages exhibit edge wear or very light soiling. Single center fold. Professional archival repair to small separation at fold. Provenance: The outstanding William J. Burger collection

The USS Portsmouth was launched in 1843 in Portsmouth, NH. She was sent to the west coast of the United States prior to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War. When the war began, Commander John B. Montgomery was under orders to prevent Great Britain from taking advantage of the situation to claim new territory. The Portsmouth arrived at Monterey on April 22, 1846. On the morning of July 9, he sent a detachment of marines to raise the American flag over the town of Yerba Buena. The town was renamed San Francisco after Mexico ceded its California territory to the United States at war's end. The town plaza where the marines raised the flag is now known as Portsmouth Square.

To more fully understand the underlying current leading up to this movement one needs to first assess that California’s development had been influenced by explorers, Native Americans, padres, trappers, whalers, miners, pioneers, ranchers, farmers and inventors from all over the world. Its history is significant in its national and international aspects as it transitioned from a Mexican province to an American state. Hubert Howe Bancroft, noted California historian, carefully researched and recorded the names of every foreigner, nearly 600, who came to California in the early 1800’s. His detailed records showed that by 1840 some 380 remained including John Sutter and other mountain men, many of whom had obtained land grants from the Mexican government. Sutter was a perfect example of the period and was mentioned by name within the body of this log. He was a Swiss immigrant with a tainted image, who wished to station himself in California which at the time was a province of Mexico with a population of only about 1,000 Europeans and an estimated 100,000-700,000 Native Americans. Sutter had to go to the capital (Monterey) to obtain permission from the Mexican, to settle in the territory. Then governor of Mexican Alto California, Juan Alvarado, saw Sutter's plan of establishing a colony in Central Valley as useful in "buttressing the frontier which he was trying to maintain against Indians, Russians, Americans and British." But first required him to become a Mexican citizen, the premise of which supports the first paragraph found within the log of:

"At the time of the taking of Sonoma, Capt Sutter was an official under the Mexican government + through it was not affected that he would take sides against his Countrymen, it was deemed necessary to secure the Fort + transfer its allegiance. He at once complied with the demands of the ….its surrender + they having entered the Fort, provided to haul down the Mexican (Colors) + to raise the Bear Flag."

(Drawing of Flag is shown in the log)

Side note: Captain Sutter was not truly a Captain, it was in fact merely a name he gave himself.

The political situation in California was tense in 1846. Though nominally controlled by Mexico, California was home to only a relatively small number of Mexican settlers. Former citizens of the United States made up the largest segment of the California population, and their numbers were quickly growing. Mexican leaders worried that many American settlers were not truly interested in becoming Mexican subjects and would soon push for annexation of California to the United States. For their part, the Americans distrusted their Mexican leaders. When rumors of an impending war between the U.S. and Mexico reached California, many Americans feared the Mexicans might make a preemptive attack to forestall rebellion. The tension between Mexico, the United States and the fears of Britain jumping in created a state of chaos and rebellion. The verso of the log's first page contains a portion of a letter from Jose Castro who at the time was acting governor of Alta California and Commandant General of the Mexican army in Alta California during The Bear Flag Revolt of 1846:

"… Fellow Countrymen - the defense of our liberty, the true religion which our fathers possessed + our independence calls often as to sacrifice ourselves, rather than loose these inestimable blessings; banish from your hearts all petty resentment, turn you + behold yourselves, these families their (illegible) little ones, which have unfortunately fallen into the hands of our enemies, dragged from bosems of their fathers where prisoners among foreigners + are calling upon us to (illegible) them.

There is still time for us to rise "en masse" as irresistible as retribution you need not doubt but that divine providence will direct as in the way to glory. You should not vacillate because of the smallness of the gerrisin of the (illegible) Headquarters for he who sacrifices himself will be your friend + fellow citizen.

Jose Castro

Headquarters, Santa Clara, June 17th 1846"

Most of the balance of the penned log consists of detailed transcriptions of important letters between high ranking officials which the author used to represent the most authenticate and best representation of the historical facts of the period. Beginning with the second sheet of the log (which is indicated as page 57 to the upper right corner) the author transcribes numerous letters, the first of which is from John Sloat, Commander-in-Chief of the United States Naval Force, of which we located as published in 2006 on the USS military strategic site: Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) as a case study for Ops strategy. The part which appears as shown in this log is below however, we have also included the full transcription of the letter at the bottom of the page:

"…under the government of the United States

Will be allowed time to dispose of their property + to remove out of the Country if they chose without any restriction or remain in it, obscuring strict neutrality

With full confidence in the honor integrity of the Inhabitants of the Country, I invite the judges, alcaldes, + other Civil officers to retain their offices + to execute their functions as heretofore that public tranquility may not be disturbed; at least until the government of the territory can be more definitely arranged.

All persons holding little to real estate, as in quiet possession of lands under a color of right shall have those titles + rights guaranteed to them.

All churches + property they contain in possession of the clergy of California shall continue in the same rights and possessions they now enjoy.

All provisions + supplies of every kind, furnished by the inhabitants for the use of the United States ships + soldiers will be paid for at fair rates, + no private property will be taken for public use without just compensation at the moment.

John D. Sloat

Commander-in-chief of the United States naval forces in the Pacific Ocean.

United States Flag - Ship Savannah

Harbor of Monterey, July 7th, 1846"

(Commodore John D. Sloat had taken Monterey without a fight and officially raised the American flag over California)

"SUMMONS"

United States Ship savannah, Monterey 7th July 1846

Sir: The central government of Mexico having commenced …against the United States of America, the two nations are now actually at war. In consequence I call upon you, in the name of the united States of America, to surrender forthwith to the arms of that nation under my command the (illegible) Military posts + stations under you command together with all troops, arms, munitions of (illegible) + public property of every description, under your control + jurisdiction in California.

The immediate compliance with this summons will probably prevent the sacrifice of human life + the horrors of war, which I must anxiously desire to avoid.

John D. Sloat

Commander-in-chief of the United States naval forces in the Pacific Ocean.

To the Military Commendant of Montery"

Verso of the page is penned includes a neat transcription of a letter from Mariano Silva penned by the author of the log and written in Spanish with an English translation in the same hand on a separate page:

"Military Commanders of Montery

The undersigned, Captain of Artillery in the Mexican army and Military Commendant of this post represents to the Senor[sic] Commadare of the naval forces of the United States in this bay that he is not authorized to surrender the plain having no orders to that effect, ..the said matter may be arranged by the senor Commander with the Commandant general to whom I transmitted the communication delivered to the to the said Senor, the undersigned withdrawing and leaving the town peaceful and without a soldier has according to information per the treasurer is there any public property as munitions.

With which the … of the Senor Commander is answered, and tendering him my respects.

Mariano Silva

God and Liberty! Montery, June (..) 7th, 1846

Senor Commadere

Of the Naval forces of the U.S. in this Bay"

Followed by a transcribed letter from José Antonio Castro (1808 – February 1860) who was acting governor of Alta California in 1835-1836, and Commandante General of the Mexican army in Alta California at the time of the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt and the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848.

"Commanding General of the Department of California

The undersigned commendant General of … California has the honor to represent to the Senor Commendar-in-chief of the Naval forces of the united States in the Pacific Ocean, now in Montery that a band of adventurers headed by Mr. J C. Fremont, a Captain in the army of the United States … took possession of the post of Sonoma, hoisting an unknown Flag, making prisoners of the Ships and Officers .. And committing assassinations and every kind of injury to the lives and property of the inhabitants there. The undersigned is ignorant to what government belong the invaders of that fort of the department, and a .. Of them … in the neighborhood of Santa Clara (Captain ..Fallen of Santa Cruz and about 20 men). And as he cannot believe they belong to the (illegible) commended by the said Senor Commandare, he will be obliged to him if he will be pleased to make him an explanation on this subject, in order that he may act in conformity with his reply, yes neither the undersigned nor a single citizen of the country will permit excesses of any kind to be committed by these bands

God and Liberty! Jose Castro

To the Senor Commander in Chief of the Naval forces of the US in the Pacific Ocean in Montery - Headquarters SanClara de Bastiste July 9 1846"

With the response shown below from John D. Sloat to his excellency Senor Den Pio Pico, Angelus making note on the above letter from General Castro. Pío de Jesús Pico (May 5, 1801 – September 11, 1894) was a Californio rancher and politician, the last governor of Alta California (now the State of California) under Mexican rule.

"To Log- Ship "Savannah"

Bay of Montery, July 9th 1846

I have the honor to enclose herewith to your excellency copies of my summons to General Castro to surrender the Country, + C +C under his jurisdiction, to the United States forces under my command together with a proclamation to the inhabitants of California + the general order issued to the forces and is my commend just previous to my landing, + I assure your excellency that ..the least impropriety has been committed + that the …+ general intercourse of the town has not been disturbed in the slightest degree.

I beg your excellency to feel assured that although I come in arms with a powerful force, I come as the best friend of California + I invite your excellency to meet me at Montery that I may satisfy you + the people if California of the (fact?)

I pledge the .. + honor of an American officer that your excellency will be received with all the respect due to your distinguished situation + that you can de…at any moment you may think.. + feel every confidence that an Amercian officer expects when his word of honor is pledged.

I have already employed all the means in my (illegible) to stop the sacrifice as human life provided there is no farther of jusition.

I .. To your excellency my cordial respect, + high consideration.

John D. Sloat

Commander-in-chief of the United States naval forces in the Pacific Ocean of the Territory of California

It is hard to imagine a scenario where these incredible series of confidential military letters would be shared with any one specific individual other than either a high ranking officer or perhaps a direct report who then had access to the proprietary information 'while the action unfolded' for the purpose of documenting history. The authors command of Spanish is also revealing. But perhaps equally astounding is his depiction of The Bear Flag, which until recently was an unknown version of the Bear rearing up on hind legs. For added intrigue we have included a few newly 'found' early versions that also pre-date the "Todd" flag for comparison.

William Brown Ide was the Commander of the short-lived California Republic. His flag was designed by Captain Henry Ford of Company B of the California Battalion.

In conclusion, the final written page of the log appears to be written several months later. The penmanship still written in the same hand, the ink is now darker and the dates reference Sept 18th, 1846, nearly 3 months later. The page has the number 207 in the upper corner, with many of the written words misspelled. The writer/author is no longer transcribing military letters but now instead is writing "Mr. Edwin Bryant's" depiction of the surroundings. Penned in "first person" prose, the story continues as though Bryant was literally dictating to a secretary, and discussing what he saw on land, a vision which appears quite grim, almost post-apocalyptic in nature:

PAGE 207

"…It was secularized in 1834 + the Old Church bell as if indignant at the change has plunged from its chiming towers.

On the afternoon of Sept 18th 1846 Mr. Edwin Bryant entered through a narrow street the Mission of San Clare, or St. Joseph + thus describes it.

"Passing the squares of one story Adobe buildings, one inhabitant by thousands of buisy Indians, but now deserted, roofless + crumbling into ruins, we reached the Playa ( a Square) in front of the church + the Mexican two story (illegible) occupied by the Padres during the flourishing (illegible) of the establishment, these were in good repair but the doors + windows with the exception of one were closed + nothing of moving life was visible except a donkey or two standing near a foundation which gushed its waters into a (illegible) stone trough.

Belonging to the Mission are two gardins enclosed by high walls of adobe. The green of the enclosure contains 1500 acres of ground the whole of which is planted with fruit trees + vines of grapes. There are about 6 (pear) trees, + a larger number of apple + peach trees all bearing fruit to great abundance in full perfection.

The Mission buildings covers 50 acres of ground perhaps more + are all constructed of adobes with tile roofs. (Illegible) houses as barracks which were occupied by the Indian families are built in compact squares, one story in height. They are generally partitioned into 2 rooms, one (illegible) on the street the other on a coast … the main buildings of the Mission are 2 stories in height with wide corridors in front +rear. The walls are massive + if protected from the winter rains, will stand for ages. I passed through extensive (illegible) houses + immense rooms once occupied for the manufacture of blankets + other articles, with the (illegible) machinery still standing in them, but unemployed. Filth + desolation have taken the place of cleanliness + buisy life"

**Mr. Edwin Bryant arrived in San Francisco in September 1846 and soon involved himself in the affairs of Alta California. He volunteered to serve with Captain John C. Fremont and served as 1st Lieutenant of Company H under Robert T. Jacobs.

Later Bryant wrote a popular book in 1848 called What I Saw in California describing his overland journey to California, his account of the infamous Donner Party, and his term as second alcalde, or pre-statehood mayor, of the city of San Francisco.

In 1848, D. Appleton & Company published What I Saw in California: Being the Journal of a Tour, by the Emigrant Route and South Pass of the Rocky Mountains, across the Continent of North America, the Great Desert Basin, and through California, in the Years 1846, 1847, Bryant's account of his westward journey and his time in California. Coinciding with westward expansion and the California Gold Rush, Bryant's book became immensely popular and many emigrants and gold miners used Bryant's book as a guide.

This incredibly unique accounting is perhaps the earliest known reporting of The Bear Flag revolt, but more importantly is one which is highly accurate, and maybe the only known single record of this series of military letters found on one document. Perhaps the most mind boggling thought is this was California… The now HOT SPOT of the United States, the most thriving agricultural and tech capital of the United States, yet these letters and The Bear Flag revolt occurred a mere 150 years ago when the population was barely a 1000 immigrants.

Ex William Burger collection.

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