S5 E2 February 1847 Yerba Buena

It’s February 1847, and this is Girlina reporting to you from Yerba Buena, in Upper California. Where the population is small, the gossip is plentiful, and the mud is ankle deep. February’s headlines include local disputes, questionable reporting, and some life advice — all delivered with equal seriousness.

News of the desperate situation of the Donner Party just reached Yerba Buena which was officially renamed San Francisco at the end of January. 

And now, dear listeners, let’s see what’s happening on the sandy streets of Yerba Buena, or San Francisco, February 1847. 

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Transcript

I’d like to thank Marnie in Monterey for being a long-time listener and a regular supporter of the Monkey Block project. And to Michael, who gifted me the amazing book that contains every issue of the California Star. Thank you, Michael. 

And a quick apology, dear listeners. I always aim to release an episode every month, but then the triple checking of facts, and my need to refine the script gets in the way. Every. Single. Time.

It’s February 1847, and this is Girlina reporting to you from Yerba Buena, in Upper California. Where the population is small, the gossip is plentiful, and the mud is ankle deep. February’s headlines include local disputes, questionable reporting, and some life advice — all delivered with equal seriousness.

First a fast recap of January 1847. Alcalde Bartlett was taken prisoner by his Californio friend, Jose de La Cruz Sanchez and his brother Francisco to address their stolen horses, land and cattle. 

News of the desperate situation of the Donner Party just reached Yerba Buena which was officially renamed San Francisco at the end of January. 

And now, dear listeners, let’s see what’s happening on the sandy streets of Yerba Buena, or San Francisco, February 1847. <harp>

The California Star, Yerba Buena, February 6, 1847, Issue No. 5

This issue starts with two curious pieces which are a mix of moral advice meets public service announcement.  

“It is said that the Emperor of China has recently discovered that ‘all is not gold that glitters’. This we lay before our readers as one of the many rumors that are constantly afloat, disturbing the peace and harmony of our little community.”

Interestingly, real gold will glitter in our little community this time next year with “Gold, gold, gold from the American River”. 

Now for the moral advice. Here’s a bit of context before I report on the moral PSA:

July 7th 1846, Commodore John D. Sloat arrived in California with a restrained approach to occupation. Later in July, Commodore Robert F. Stockton arrived, more aggressively shifting towards a Navy occupation. And then, six months later, in January 1847, Brigadier General Stephen W. Kearny, replaced Stockton’s command with formal Army hierarchy.

The conflict between Stockton (Navy) and Kearny (Army) made this moment a politically charged drama for all to see. The shift in personnel became a public contest of competing authority, ego, and official control over the same territory.

Okay, the next piece.

“A Hint – We say to those who have a little power and influence at the present time, not to attempt to trample upon the people, for the time is not distant when all power will be in the hands of the hard-fisted yeomanry of the country.”

Summarized, this is saying, “behave fairly now, because once ordinary U.S. citizens gain political control, they will hold those currently in power accountable.” 

This hints at early tensions between Californios and the U.S. government, and even between U.S. military branches, and also between the U.S. government and U.S. emigrants in California. It’s a rocky start for the U.S. occupied Yerba Buena. 

Turning the page, we have C.E. Pickett Attorney at Law in Yerba Buena, and also Elbert P Jones, Attorney and Counselor of Law advertising their services. Look at us. Two attorneys.

Another story capturing the town’s attention. 

The Battle of Santa Clara ended in early January, and this February issue of the California Star published what I describe as an American exceptionalism slant of the battle. History has since challenged the account I’m about to read, and is a reminder that reading newspapers of this time is not a reliable or clear view of what actually occurred. It was captured in the moment. But that doesn’t guarantee it was captured correctly. Fact-checking wasn’t a thing and someone’s word was enough. But that’s why you have me. 

By the way, Bartlett being taken prisoner was the reason for the battle. 

Battle of Santa Clara

“The following particulars of the recent expedition from this place we have received from an authentic source. We believe it be the most correct list of the officers and men composing the expedition; and the most correct account of the movements of our troops and the enemy, and of the final settlement of the difficulties, yet given to the public.”

They list the names of all U.S. personnel involved.

“The above total 101, left Yerba Buena on the 29th of December in search of the enemy, which they discovered on the 2nd of January about 100 in number in the plains of Santa Clara under the command of Francisco Sanchez.”

<ding>

Fact check: Bartlett was taken prisoner on December 16th and the troops left to rescue Bartlett on December 29th. Dorothy Regnery, author of “The Santa Clara Battle,” says Bartlett’s fellow military lacked sympathy for Bartlett, believing he had walked into capture after being warned not to go to current-day San Bruno, Rancho Buri Buri, which is why it took two weeks to gather a party to find him.

“An attack was immediately ordered - the enemy was forced to retire, which they were able to do in safety, after some resistance, in consequence of their superior horses.”

<ding>

Two weeks = not “immediately.” And, superior horses might have more to do with superior horsemanship. If the allegations are true, the U.S. should possess these superior horses.

“The affair lasted about an hour, during which time we had one marine slightly wounded in the head and one volunteer of Captain Webber’s company, in the leg, and the enemy had one horse killed and some of their forces supposed to be killed or wounded.”

<ding>

Dorothy Regnery says both U.S. injuries were from friendly fire. And, it is possible one Californio horse was injured.

“In the evening, the enemy sent in a flag of truce with a communication requesting an interview with the commanding officers of the expedition, the next day, which was granted, when an armistice was entered into preparatory to a settlement of the difficulties.”

<ding>

Fact check: On January 2nd, an armistice was declared when the Californios requested a meeting with the U.S. command. On January 3rd, it was the United States that approached the Californios under a white flag, much to the surprise of Francisco Sanchez, who led the Californios, and an agreement was reached that the Californios would release the prisoners in exchange for the return of any horses and cattle not bearing a U.S. or Captain Weber brand. Recall that retrieving their stolen horses and cattle was the sole purpose of taking Bartlett as a prisoner. Do we have your attention now? We have your Alcalde. 

The entire conflict centered on the accusation of U.S.-sanctioned seizure of horses, land, and cattle from Californios.

When both sides met to exam the horses, and … it turned out that 100% of the horses Captain Weber and his San Jose company rode were branded Californio horses. 100%. Per the armistice, in front of a large audience, Weber was forced to return every single horse his 101 soldiers rode, validating the reason for taking Bartlett as a prisoner. 

Weber and his troops walked back to San Jose from Santa Clara.

Skipping a few lines.

“Since the above was put in type, we have learned from persons from Santa Clara that it has been ascertained that four Californians were killed and five badly wounded.”

<ding>

Fact check: No injuries or burials were reported at the local missions in the following days, according to Dorothy Regnery, who researched the Mission records.

And, Bartlett returned to friendly terms with Jose de la Cruz Sanchez after this affair. I have a two-part series, S3 Ep1 and Ep2, regarding the Battle of Santa Clara if you want more detail on this event.

Moving on.

Yerba Buena, February 13, 1847 Issue No. 6

We have two mentions of the Donner Party. This story resonated in Yerba Buena, because many of its new residents had recently made the same difficult journey to “the farthest west.” The Donner story felt personal in Yerba Buena, reinforcing how easily travel to California could turn into a disaster. 

Also, some of the new emigrants in Yerba Buena were actively waiting for family members still in transit.

The first Donner piece isn’t an article, but a note. A manicule symbol of a finger pointing at a paragraph. 

“A company of twenty men left here on Sunday last for the California mountains with provisions, clothing &c. for the suffering emigrants now there. The citizens of this place subscribed about fifteen hundred dollars for their relief, which was expended for such articles as the emigrants would be most likely to need – Mr. Greenwood, an old mountaineer, went with the company as pilot. If it is possible to cross the mountains, they will get to the emigrants in time to save them.” 

That’s $55,000 today, which, think of this like a Go Fund Me. 

The second Donner piece is an article about a letter that arrived in Yerba Buena.

Distressing News

“By Capt. J.A. Sutter’s launch, which arrived here a few days since from Fort Sacramento -  we received a letter from a friend at that place, containing a most distressing account of the situation of the emigrants in the mountains, who were prevented from crossing them by the snow – and of a party of eleven who attempted to come into the valley on foot. The writer who is well qualified to judge, is of the opinion that the whole party might have reached the California valley before the first fall of snow, if the men had exerted themselves as they should have done. Nothing but a contrary and contentious disposition on the part of some of the men belonging to the party prevented them from getting in as soon as any of the first companies.”

This is a small snippet from the long letter, and I don’t disagree with what was written. Some of the first companies traveling with the Donner Party included our friend, Edwin Bryant, who’s name comes up later in this episode.

I have a two-part series of Edwin Bryant’s overland travel to California, where he speaks of his travel with the Donner Party. You can relive that history in Season 3 Ep 5 and 6. It’s a good story. 

And, now for a curious little piece that is amazing for a few reasons.

“Judging from the anxiety of the people in the western states to sell their property and remove to California and Oregon, we are of the opinion that there will be a very large emigration from that part of the United States, to this country, next fall.” (Keep in mind, despite U.S. military occupation, this is still legally Mexico.) “ In our journey through those states last winter, we found at least half of the people anxious to sell and remove to the Pacific. They all seemed to prefer California, and if they get the news of the conquest of this country by the United States forces, but few will go to Oregon. Nothing but the belief that California was still under the Mexican flag prevented the entire overland emigration from coming last fall – The overland emigrants next fall to this country will not be less than fifty thousand persons.”

This captures a distinct moment of 1847 anticipation, describing the already existing strong U.S. interest in mass migration to California a year before … gold.

<ding>

Fact check: Even after gold was discovered in January 1848, it’s unlikely that even close to fifty thousand people arrived in California by the fall of 1848. But just wait until 1849!

It’s not the inaccuracy of the number that stands out to me, but the confidence behind it. The United States saw California as a destination for large-scale settlement and there was an active push (aka Manifest Destiny), to populate and reshape this newly acquired territory.

And, the next article takes us to…

Sloat’s Proclamation (read at Portsmouth Square on the day of official occupation, July 1846)

On the last page of Issue number 6, the newspaper dedicates space to reprint Sloat’s proclamation to the people of California. You know, the proclamation that said the United States comes as Mexico’s best friend. And their property and religion will be protected. And that the government will not confiscate their property for official use without being properly reimbursed first? 

<ding>

Fact check: There were numerous contested seizures and armed demands of livestock and supplies during this period, including incidents involving Californio landowners such as Francisco Sánchez who had his horses taken at gunpoint in current-day Pacifica, Rancho San Pedro.… hence, the Battle of Santa Clara. I do wonder if this was moral brow-beating from Sam Brannan to the U.S. government. Speculation.

This next story is important to literally reshaping Yerba Buena. Now, then, dear listeners, moving on.

The California Star, Yerba Buena, February 20, 1847, Issue No. 7

Public Meeting

“A large and respectable public meeting of the citizens of Yerba Buena was held on Monday evening last, on the corner of the Portsmouth Square, opposite the Portsmouth House for the purpose of taking into consideration a proper disposition of the public beach lands in front of the town. Mr. W.S. Clark was called to the chair and Hugh Reed Esq appointed Secretary. In answer to a call from a number of citizens, we explained the object of the meeting and offered the following resolution:”

<gavel>

“Resolved that we will use every effort to induce the governor and council to divide the beach lands in front of the town into convenient business lots and to sell them for the benefit of the town, or the Territorial government.”

“We made a few remarks in support of the resolution, in which we alluded to the attempt of a few designing individuals to appropriate the whole of this valuable property to their use for the purpose of speculation. When we concluded, Parson Dunleavy rose and commenced a heated personal attack upon us. He did not touch the subject before the people and wound up with an attempt to break up the meeting in a row.”

That’s the shortened version. Dunleavy was accused of being the mouthpiece for a “nasty little clique.” George Hyde was offended because he believed he was being accused of being part of that clique. The meeting organizers responded to Hyde with these exact words, “If the cap fits, you might want to wear it.” That’s a great idiom.

This is speculation on my part, but I believe Dunleavy was concerned with insider coordination and the possibility of preferential deals for those with influence. What’s interesting is that Hyde would later be accused of just that. But that’s a story for the future.

The meeting is just letting out. Let’s get input from someone who attended.

“Excuse me. Sir? Can I get a moment of your time? 

“You want to hear what I think?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll tell you, miss. They speak about improving the town, but over half the men in that room already know which lots they want. At this pace, we’ll have more lawyers than horses by next week.”

“Thank you for your perspective, Mr. Jenkins, regarding your concern about insider favors and political wrangling. I hope your suspicion doesn’t come true.”

“Ma’am? Can I talk to you? I want to say something.”

“Yes.”

“The Americans held a meeting about land that didn’t belong to them six months ago. Meanwhile, Californio families are listening carefully. To Americans, land appears to be something to buy and sell quickly. But, to Californio families, these ranchos are our history, our livelihood, our inheritance. We know it’s just a matter of time before they come for our ranchos.”

“Thank you, Senior Reyes. That’s an important perspective you shared. How your countrymen relate to the land differs from what was just discussed. I hope the changing times don’t interrupt your ranchos. But, … they will.”

As you can see, things are quickly progressing in Yerba Buena (officially renamed San Francisco). 

The discussion about selling the beach-front land along Yerba Buena Cove, present-day Montgomery Street, between Clay and Jackson, will literally reshape our town.

And, having just relayed that news…you know what appears right after the discussion of beach land? An ad for … “L.W. Hastings, Attorney and Consul at Law, having located himself permanently at San Francisco, and having made arrangements to procure an extensive Law Library, (this is the important part), including the laws of Mexico, relative to the department of California (uh huh), hopes to be fully prepared to investigate the titles and claims to land and to conduct all the various branches of his profession, with efficiency and success.”

Attorney number 3 and this one specializes in the law for Mexican land titles. Mr. Jenkins might be on to something.

And, the last issue for February. The major story is the change of town leadership.

The California Star, Yerba Buena, February 20, 1847, Issue No. 8

“Appointment – Edwin Bryant Esq. is herby appointed Alcalde of the Town of Yerba Buena and the District of San Francisco, vice Lieut. W.A. Bartlett, who returns to his naval duties.”

“Given at Yerba Buena, Upper California, this 22nd day of February, 1847, and in the 71st year of independence of the United States. Signed S.W. Kearny”.

Please note the use of Yerba Buena for the town, and the District of San Francisco that Yerba Buena sits within. 

A Recap of February 1847

We see change to a community, and multiple governing systems, happening faster than people can describe it. Meanwhile, Californios and U.S. emigrants are expected to adjust to the political and administrative changes. Tensions rise for everyone.

February 1847, Yerba Buena, is a town in transition; politically, geographically, and even in name. The focus this month is the future sale of the beach-front land along Yerba Buena Cove. Competing interests begin public discussions around selling the most valuable property in the emerging town.

The appointment of Edwin Bryant as alcalde represents another example of how quickly authority is changing.

And speaking of, the military authority shifted from the Navy to the Army, and even the town’s identity remains split between “Yerba Buena” and “San Francisco”.

Little do they know what else will also reshape the town. Oh, no, no, no. Our (mostly) quiet town is already standing on the edge of history. 

<curious music>

“Judging from the anxiety of the people in the western states to sell their property and remove to California and Oregon, we are of the opinion that there will be a very large emigration from that part of the United States to this country next fall.”

That’s all for today. This is Girlina, reporting from the sandy streets of Portsmouth Square, Yerba Buena, in the District of San Francisco. Stay curious, dear listeners. 

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You can find today’s transcript and cited sources at https://monkeyblocksf.buzzsprout.com. Or, you can engage on Facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/MonkeyBlockSF/. Or, email me directly at monkeyblocksf@gmail.com. I like hearing from my dear listeners. Don’t be shy. 

Thank you for listening, this is Monkey Block. Retelling forgotten stories from San Francisco’s golden past. 

Suno and Udio.