S2 E9 Bear Flag Revolt Preceding Events 1846

 The Bear Flag Revolt is a pivotal point in California’s history, and the events that led up to the actual revolt are … just as complex as the actual event. Today we take a look at a few preceding storylines leading to the Bear Flag Revolt, give some backstory, some subplots, describe a few main characters, in not enough time to tell them all. There’s too much to know, so I’ll never know all there is to know about this event.

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Transcript

Intro

What if I told you California was an independent nation? That for a short time, California was a republic. It’s true. If you grew up in California, you were taught something about the Bear Flag Revolt, but how much do you really know about this event? 

Was the Bear Flag Revolt a display of American bravery? Or, a stain on Mexico’s California and United States history? It turns out, there’s nuance to this event, and therefore, more to consider when it comes to the Bear Flag Revolt. 

Decades of social perspective, and newly gathered information, allows researchers to evaluate the additional sources, and create an updated opinion that’s hard to do in the moment. The Bear Flag Revolt is a complicated story to tell. And, I am struggling to parse out the interesting and important parts versus the time I have time to tell it.

In 1914, Dr. Planton Mariano Vallejo, that’s General Mariano Vallejo’s son, wrote “It is strange indeed how often lies are accepted without examination and go thundering down the ages, while the truth is rejected and disappears.” I agree, Dr. Vallejo.

The Bear Flag Revolt is a pivotal point in California’s history, and the events that led up to the actual revolt are … just as complex as the actual event. Today we take a look at a few preceding storylines leading to the Bear Flag Revolt, give some backstory, some subplots, describe a few main characters, in not enough time to tell them all. There’s too much to know, so I’ll never know all there is to know about this event.

Are you ready? Here we go. 

Early Interest in California

In 1841, six expedition vessels reach the San Francisco Bay, under the command of Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, with special instruction from the US government to “make careful surveys of that harbor”.

Around this time, Waddy Thompson writes to the Secretary of State Daniel Webster, saying “the bay of San Francisco is capacious enough to receive the navies of all the world while the neighboring forests could supply lumber sufficient to build all the ships of these navies.” 

Thompson felt California, more than Texas, was worth the United States efforts. And, more specifically, he felt the United States should be interested in the Alta California for the San Francisco Bay.

Cleland, Robert Glass. “The Early Sentiment for the Annexation of California: An Account of the Growth of American Interest in California, 1835-1846, I.” The Southwestern Historical Quarterly 18, no. 1 (1914): 1–40. http:/ww.jstor.org/stable/30234620.

In June of 1842, Secretary of State Daniel Webster writes a letter back to Waddy Thompson, giving Thompson, who was a US government Minister to Mexico, full authority to move forward, when he felt the time was right, to initiate negotiations with Mexico to cede California, or a portion of it, but to proceed cautiously to avoid the impression the United States was eager to purchase, California. (Good advice. You never want to look desperate in a negotiation.)

In Webster’s letter to Thompson, twice, Webster states the ‘Saint Francisco Port and Harbor’, was the “prominent object to be obtained”, but if possible, wants the purchase of California (Alta and Baja), which would by default include the ‘Saint Francisco port and harbor’. The idea was for Mexico to decide on their own, to sell California to the United States, to settle its debt. The intention was meant to this to be peaceful and retain goodwill between the United States and Mexico. 

I want to point out, in 1842, non-locals know the port and harbor as San Francisco, or ‘Saint Francisco’, even though Yerba Buena was established previously, in 1835, and would not have its name officially changed to San Francisco until 1847 … to match the name everyone, except locals, refer to the area by. 

Sidenote: Yerba Buena was a town either inside, or just outside of, the District of San Francisco. And, since 1776, the name ‘District of San Francisco’  was used to describe the entire area surrounding Mission San Francisco de Assis. So, San Francisco’s original name was not Yerba Buena. 

But I digress, in 1842, Webster gives Thompson the authority to negotiate the sale of the California Province.  But, you know what happens later that same year, on October 1842? The Accidental Annexation of California. Commodore Thomas Ap Catesby Jones mistakenly thinks Mexico has declared war on the United States, based on information he received from someone else in the United States government, and takes over Monterey, CA, mistakenly flying the American flag over Monterey for 24 hours. 

But, since Mexico had not declared war on the United States, this mistake would strain relations between the two countries, and delay the United States plans, that is to say Webster’s plan, to peacefully purchase California for a few years, to let the dust settle on that embarrassing situation. S2 E5 is about this Accidental Annexation of California if you want to know more about this story or revisit this story, with a different ear. 

The Webster-Thompson story is a story worth telling, that I don’t have the time to tell. Short version, a few years later, Webster writes several letters to Thompson asking/chastising Thompson about why he never ‘thought the time was right’ to initiate a negotiation for the sale of California after Thompson was given permission to move forward with California negotiations. That, had Thompson acted, his actions would have eliminated the accidental annexation snafu with the authority Webster had given him, in addition to totally avoiding the Bear Flag Revolt, had the United States gained possession of California in a peaceful manner, in 1842. Webster remained angry at the lack of Thompson’s action for many years. There is more to the story, but that’s the short version. 

The importance of this story is it illustrate Yerba Buena, better known as the ‘San Francisco Port and Harbor’ as an early reason the United States is interested in California. (Actually, it came up before 1841, a few more times in government documentation/letters, but I’m choosing to tell this storyline for its touchpoint to the Bear Flag Revolt.)

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Thomas Larkin Well Situated in Alta California

Thomas Larkin, or, Don Tomas Larkin, is an interesting character in Alta California history. He arrives in California in 1832 from Massachusetts. Unlike other immigrants arriving from the East Coast, Larkin is less educated and has fewer financial resources, or connections, compared to other men arriving from the East Coast. Also, interesting, Larkin never becomes a Mexican citizen, and he never marries into a Californio family, yet he becomes one of the wealthiest men in Alta California. He adamantly wanted to retain his United States citizenship and he did. Larkin was well respected, honest, and trusted by all levels of Californios. He integrates quickly into the society and becomes fluent in Spanish, acting as an interpreter for several of his business and for others. 

As a successful, well liked, bilingual businessman, Larkin is made an American Consul to Alta California because … he is still a United States citizen.

In 1842, Larkin’s writes his sentiments regarding Alta California and Mexico, “I am remarkably well situated with this Government and its people; I never meddle seriously in their politics: I never speak against their laws, modes or religion. In my travels, I have found almost all the people have some habits to be praised as well as to blame. They appear to be satisfied with me and why should not I be so with them.”

This is from “The Affair at Monterey, October 20 & 21, 1842 a letter written by Thomas Larkin to his friend Faxon dean Atherton, regarding the Accidental Annexation of California, where he became the facilitator to Captain Jones realizing Mexico had not declared war on the United States.

The importance of this story is it describes Thomas Larkin and his place in Mexico’s California history including the accidental annexation of California. 

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Californios Sentiments

By 1844, Mexico has neglected the Californias (Alta and Baja) territory for so long, that the Californios feel disconnected from Mexico culturally, financially, and politically. You have some Californios in favor of becoming part of the United States. Some Californio’s in favor England, or France, and some Californio’s who feel it’s best to stay with Mexico. Let’s look into that.

The Rancheros, in general, have an interest in furthering their existing business, and desire a more stable government to what they currently have. So, rancheros feel the United States will offer the protection and governance currently lacking from Mexico. Not all rancheros, but the majority. 

And, California government officials, acting on behalf of Mexico, mostly view staying with Mexico as the best idea. 

Self-preservation on all sides. No real surprises there.

The importance of this story is to point out Californios aren’t happy being under Mexican rule, being ignored, or witnessing Mexico’s disinterest in developing the Californias. But, there are differing opinions on the country of future governing preference.

Beginning of the US Expansion

Also in 1844, the United States Manifest Destiny, President Polk’s policy stating it was God’s will to expand the United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, is in full swing, and Californios are watching the westward expansion happen as they are also witnessing the increasing numbers of arriving Americans. 

Historically, American foreigners entered California, became Mexican citizens, were granted land after a year, adopted the religion, culture, language, lifestyle, and often married into Californio families. But, these new immigrants were entering illegally, staying illegally, and openly declaring they have no intention of assimilating to their new country. And, that concerned Californios who found these new foreigners “difficult” to deal with. 

The United States immigrants are trekking over the Sierra Nevada and entering Mexico’s Alta California, arriving at John Sutter’s Fort in New Helvetica (now called Sacramento), where they are warmly welcomed. 

In 1845, six wagon trains arrive at Sutter’s Fort. One or two wagon trains in a year won’t raise eyebrows. But, six, in one year, added to the United States westward expansion, and Californios have real concern. The Californios can see what is coming. The signs are there. But, this isn’t happening how they imagined. (Well, Califorinios, a lot more that will happen outside of the expectations you, and even the United States, imagine.)

In Season 1, Episode 7, I mentioned a letter, written by Alexander Leidesdorff to Thomas Larkin, in 1845, regarding these new foreigners, and their Christmas Eve visit to Yerba Buena “There are several of the new emigration in town, among them one great blaggard, Mr. Subliz.” The short version is on Christmas Eve, a group of the newly immigrated men, who had arrived at Sutter’s Fort, a week earlier, show up in Yerba Buena, firing their guns, and making a ruckus, all through the night, and after midnight. 

Californios are not teatotalers, and love their three-day fiestas, but, they were, in general, not heavy drinkers and typically went to bed by 8 p.m. Celebrations were done respectfully, and out in ‘el campo’ and not in the towns. So, getting drunk, and celebrating after midnight, in a pueblo, was considered disrespectful, and disruptive. The new immigrants had no intention of assimilating, or being respectful, to their new country and the Californios found them bothersome.

John Sutter, a week before the ruckus, describes this same group, this way, “Yesterday, Sublette arrived here with his party of fifteen men. Not one company has arrived, before, to this country, which looked as respectable as this.”

It’s worth mentioning both Sutter and Leidesdorff openly favor a US takeover of California, but their experience with the same group of immigrants differs. 

The importance of these two stories is it illustrate the change in attitude of arriving immigrants, as Manifest Destiny is underway.

Captain John C Freemont/Pacific Coast

Also, in 1845, Captain John C. Freemont, as a Captain with the U.S Engineers Exploring Expedition, is instructed to travel west to the Pacific Coast, and quietly take note of California, under the guise of ‘scientific research’. Freemont was a map maker, so, out of context, this guise of ‘scientific research’ is believable. But, in context, the Californios see his visit as suspicious given everything else happening around them. 

Texas Situation 

Now we have the Texas annexation. 

On May 1846, in Texas, United States General Taylor strategically waited for Mexico to fire the first shots and cause a causality. Now, this was different from Webster’s plan, but precisely how Taylor wanted the Mexican American War for California to begin. We are seeing the shift from friendly sale of California to an act of defense. But, that’s not what happened, or we wouldn’t have the Bear Flag … Revolt.  

John Sutter

Next up, we have the polarizing, John Sutter. 

Mexican Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado granted Sutter a huge land grant to keep Russian fur traders, American settlers, and natives away from the northern interior of California. Yet, Sutter intentionally becomes a rest stop for Americans coming over the Sierras, and a major trading post for local natives. To be fair, he did keep the Russians from establishing outposts in the area. 

Sutter lacked a national allegiance to anyone except himself and went about creating a colony within the California province. Seriously, that’s what New Helvetica/Sacramento was supposed to be and why he wanted land so far away from anything. He wanted to create his own colony. Even if unrealistic, you have to give Sutter credit for being ambitious.

The importance of these two stories is to outline the shift in American strategy to gain possession of California, and Sutter’s role in welcoming illegally entering Americans into California just prior to the Bear Flag Revolt.

Mariano at La Junta

After Sutter, we have Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo.

Also, like Sutter, Vallejo is warmly welcoming the American immigrants, much to the growing unhappiness of the Mexican government. Vallejo has the authority to deport the immigrants when they entered and stayed here illegally, but instead, Vallejo makes their entrance more comfortable. 

An example of Vallejo’s generosity. Vallejo helped Sutter after gaining his vast land grant, and several other newcomers, with gifted heads of stock, and guidance, to establish themselves on their new land, in their new country. Vallejo strongly believes a United States takeover was in California’s best interest, and does everything he could to maintain friendly relations, and given the favorable treatment he’s given them, he expects the same in return. 

Now, recall, running in parallel with the United States westward expansion is the Californios growing exasperation with the Mexican government, a desire to join another country, and, their growing annoyance with the new immigrants. Why won’t someone do something> It was an uncomfortable time to be a Californio.

In May 1846, the original ranchero families of Baja and Alta California, from San Diego all the way up to Sacramento, secretly gather in Monterey, for a junta/assemblage, to discuss the obvious tensions between Mexico and both Californias. Their overall wish is an annexation from Mexico. But, which country should take over California is up for discussion and exactly the reason for this secret meeting. 

A few favor Russia. Very few. Several favor England for their maritime power, and some France because they are of Latin decent like the Califorinios. But, many, just like Mariano Vallejo, strongly favor a United States annexation…part 2, I guess? 

Vallejo viewed George Washington as one of the world’s greatest figures and looked forward to being in partnership with such a great leader. Vallejo assumed a United States takeover would preserve his military position and influence. Oh, dear…

Vallejo’s words that day, “Joined to any European power, California could never hope to be more than a province - a remote stepchild-certain to be overlooked. Only by union with the United States could we hope to be a real part of the great nation. Sooner than anyone thinks, the American continent will be thickly peopled from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and of that great country, we Californians must form a part.” Ultimately, Vallejo wasn’t wrong, but on that day, his son, Planton Mariano Vallejo wrote people in that room laughed at his father’s impassioned speech. 

Californios lack a formal plan to invite the inevitable United States take over, despite the obvious signs the United States is positioning to take California, apparent to everyone since the Accidental Annexation. Even those who favored England or France know the United States is likely to take over California. 

The importance of this story is despite the varying opinions regarding which country we would do best under, most Californios know a United States take over is a matter of ‘when’ and not ‘if’. If there is a time for Californios to create a formal plan with the United States, for a friendly takeover, which is what the United States and California is hoping for, this is the time. But, neither of those things happen. 

Thomas Larkin, In-between Worlds

In 1846, while still living in Monterey, Alta California, Thomas Larkin is made a secret agent for the United States, while also serving as an American Consul in Mexico’s Alta California. Larkin’s instructions are, “By all means in your power, continue the good will and friendship of the Californios, to avoid friction … should the United States occupy California”. The United States wanted “A peaceful transfer of sovereignty and an era of good will”.

Larkin is only a U.S. Consul for Alta California, if California is Mexican territory. If California becomes the United States, he’s just a merchant, who’s business has been dependent on his Mexican and Californio relationships and friendships. 

Larkin, for various reasons, wants a peaceful U.S seizure of California, among those reasons is to maintain his existing business relations, and friendships with everyone. 

Larkin is walking a fine line. His business relationships and friendships will suddenly become his national enemies once the United States takes possession of California and his work as a secret agent is revealed. Good luck navigating those waters.

SFH 198 Larkin, Thomas Larkin Letter to William Heath Davis, April 28, 1846.

I’m going to make this my last story in this episdoe as it’s a pivotal one.

Larkin, now a secret agent for the United States, writes to Davis saying there is likely to be a war and if Davis flies a neutral flag on his ship, he will do well with trade. That means don’t fly a Mexican flag, and don’t fly a United States flag on your ship, and both sides will continue to trade with you before, during, and after what is likely to happen. As a secret agent, Larkin is aware war is about to happen and says as much in this letter, providing Davis with advice to stay profitable. 

Sidenote, I held this original letter in my hands at the San Francisco main library. Amazing, amazing history discussing the upcoming war. 

The importance of this last story is to show Larkin is placed between two worlds as a secret agent for the United States, aware that war will soon break out, in a Mexico’s California, where his existing business depends on his relationships with Californios. 

Epilogue

The United States, going back, at least until 1841, has expressed an interest in California, specifically their interest in Alta California, and more specifically, their interest in the Yerba Buena harbor. 

In parallel, Californios have tired of Mexico’s neglect, and desire a new, stronger government, even if that means alliance with a new country. California Mexican officials, however, want to stay with Mexico.

Manifest Destiny is spreading westward, and despite Californios differing opinions regarding which country they should align with, they understand a Untied States takeover is the most likely outcome. 

United States immigrants are entering illegally and staying illegally, in California, expressing no interest in assimilating to their new land. Sutter and Vallejo, are welcoming these new immigrants, upsetting the Mexican government. 

John Freemont is scouting California not as secretly as he thinks, on behalf of the United States, and Thomas Larkin, a United States citizen living and doing business in Mexico’s Alta California as an American consul, is now also a United States secret agent, providing insider intelligence for the eventual takeover of California, while risking his existing business relationships. 

To the United States, it was certain a Mexican and United States war will soon occur, and if all goes to plan, it will be peaceful transfer and retain goodwill with the Mexican government. The majority of Californios want to be under United States, and even those who don’t, understand this is the most likely scenario. Everyone wants a peaceful transfer of power. 

But, we have a Bear Flag Revolt, so something clearly did not go to plan. Stay tuned for the next episode. I am describing parallel storylines, that become perpendicular, and trying to pick a few of ‘the most interesting storylines will be hard.

Heads up Dear Listeners, I will be delayed in releasing next month’s episode … because … I am working on a presentation for the San Francisco Historical Society which I will be giving on September 13th. I’ll be speaking on smuggling in Yerba Buena. You can purchase tickets to watch my presentation in person, and see their new museum, located in San Francisco’s first Branch Mint in the West, and is just a three minute walk from the High Horse and ‘the wall’. Or, you can stream the presentation live on YouTube. 

The website is https://www.sfhistory.org/events/

I also have a direct link in my transcripts. 

I’m really excited, and a little nervous, about this opportunity. I need time to research my topic and create the presentation, which is why I probably won’t release anything next month. Monkey Block is still here. Just taking a month off for a very good reason. 

Wish me luck!

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Thank you for listening. This is MonkeyBlock, retelling forgotten stories from San Francisco’s golden past.