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Col. Jonathan D. Stevenson s regiment of N. Y. Vols., in 
 service in California dnrijig the Mexican War, 1847 .'8: 
 
 No. 3S CoRTLANDT ST., New Yokk, June 20, 1882. 
 Cdmk.'VDE : 
 
 After a delay prolonged beyond the period anticipated, I am enabled to for- 
 ward the accompanying volume pertaining to our old regiment. Should it fail to 
 realize your expectations the fault is not mine, the endeavor being to make its pages 
 as complete and interesting as the material at my command would permit. 
 
 The funds contributed up to the date of the commencement of its publication 
 hardly justified my proceeding to place it into print, but a reliance upon the good 
 feeling and generosity of my former comrades, who are fairly endowed with this 
 world's goods, induced me to assume the responsibility, but did not permit of the 
 extension of its pages beyond that of its present size, and notwithstanding the care 
 and economy exercised, the expense has exceeded the estimate made at the outset. 
 Only four hundred copies of the work have been published. Gen'l Nelson Taylor 
 and Lieut. J. Sherwood (my advisers in this publication) were consulted as to the 
 advisability of printing a larger number, and it was decided, under the circumstances, 
 imprudent to incur an additional expense, as more than four hundred copies might 
 not be required. Ej'cry survivor of tin- regiment wh.os^ •^osX.-o^o.^ address is known 
 will be forwarded a copy, and its receipt should be immediately acknowledged ; fifty 
 copies will be distributed among historical and other societies of the Empire and 
 Golden States for preservation, and a limited number will be furnished to the press of 
 California. This will exhaust two hundred and fifty copies. The remaining one 
 hundred and fifty will be held for future consideration, either to be distributed among 
 the contributors of the " Publication Fund," or disposed of to eomrades only at a fixed 
 rate per copy, thereby enabling them to furnish relatives or friends with copies should 
 such be their desire. All money received either by voluntary offerings from comrades 
 or the sale of the books will be credited to the " Publication Fund," and the excess, 
 if any, used in the issue of an appendix in January next. While every survivor will 
 receive a copy, only those who are <i/>le and -cuilling to contribute towards the expense 
 incurred are expected to do so ; that is left for each one's own consideration, but 
 whatever amount it is decided to contribute should be forwarded without delay. 
 Those who are residents of San Francisco and vicinity may place the money in the 
 hands of Col. Stevenson. 
 
 Please note carefully any omission of deaths, and in those cases where the 
 report says, " Date and place unknown," if you can furnish the information do so. 
 It is /(?;Y/<:«/(?/-/i' my «t'j'/'«'(/ of all to send whatever information they are able to give 
 re,garding those under the desi,gnation " Whereabouts Unknown." 
 
 F"raternally Yours, 
 
 FRANCIS D. CLARK, 
 1/ Formerly Private in Co. D. 
 
'^^S^C>-c<^../<^^,^:^^^ti^<Ljg.C<^i0^ -/^^^^I^^ 
 
1846-1882. 
 
 The First Regiment 
 
 Hew York Yolusteers 
 
 COMMANDED BY 
 
 Col. JONATHAN D. STEVENSON, 
 
 IN THE MEXICAN WAR. 
 
 NAIMES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE REGIMENT DURING ITS TERM OF 
 
 SERVICE IN UPPER AND LOWER CALIFORNIA, 1847-1848, WITH A 
 
 RECORD OF ALL KNOWN SURVIVORS ON THE 15TH DAY 
 
 OF APRIL, 1882, AND THOSE KNOWN TO HAVE 
 
 DECEASED, WITH OTHER MATTERS OF 
 
 INTEREST PERTAINING TO THE 
 
 ORGANIZATION A'n:d:' ^ _, 
 
 SERVICE OF THI- ;,='?%/' 
 
 REGIMENT. 
 
 COMriLED BY THEIR COMRADE, 
 
 FRANCIS D. CLARK 
 
 NetD fork: 
 
 Geo. S. Evans & Co., Printers, 38 Cortlandt Street. 
 
 1882 
 
NOTE. 
 
 The names recorded in this work have been 
 furnished by General R. C. Drum, Adjutant- 
 General of the Army, from the official rolls of 
 the regiment on file in the War Department. 
 The record appended to each name has been 
 prepared with great care, notwithstanding which 
 inaccuracies may be discovered. Those survivors 
 to which an * is attached, the information was 
 derived directly from themselves by letter or 
 personal interview — to those reported deceased., 
 the date and place of death is given, where the 
 information could be obtained ; in all cases where 
 the State. ijsjnbt designated, the place mentioned 
 is in California.' Comrades in perusing the rolls 
 qrc' particularly .requested to report any error or 
 i;a'tornT«'ltion' ^tqilted. 
 
 F. D. C. 
 
 5 ^ C 
 
 t)3 
 
 
OU<(UJ 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Comrades: 
 
 In presenting this Liliputian volume no apology is offered. 
 It contains all the information and facts possible in a space 
 of necessity limited by The funds contributed therefor by a few 
 of our comrades. You will find, however, a record that may 
 prove interesting and valuable to all — the names of those who 
 served in the regiment during its term of service in California, 
 a record of those known to be living, also of those known 
 to have deceased. This information, while not as complete as 
 desired, has been acquired during a period of eleven years, 
 requiring over one thousand written communications, and the 
 distribution, during that period, of some fifteen hundred printed 
 circulars and postal cards addressed to comrades, involving 
 labor and expense of which this little waif fails to give. the 
 reader an adequate idea ; the labor, however, was one of love, 
 and I trust it may prove an acceptable offering to my surviv- 
 ing comrades and their friends. 
 
 Thirty-five years have elapsed since our regiment landed 
 on the soil of California, and over thirty-three years have 
 passed since the Government dispensed with our services, leav- 
 ing each member of the regiment free from further military 
 service, and thereafter to assume the responsibility of citizen- 
 ship, each for himself to carve out his own future. In one 
 respect we were favored beyond any other regiment serving 
 during the Mexican war, in being discharged in California the 
 same year that gold was discovered at Sutter's saw-mill, but a 
 few months subsequent to that event, and it is to be regretted 
 
8 
 
 that so few of us are enjoying the benefits resulting from 
 that wonderful discovery. Yet it is a question whether that 
 discovery was not as unfortunate for ourselves, as it proved 
 to be for many others in the country, including that noble old 
 pioneer, General John A. Sutter, through whose instrumentality 
 the discovery was made. Is it not a matter of fact, that it 
 somewhat rudely invaded happy homes, and interrupted the 
 peaceful, prosperous, and contented lives then being led by the 
 native population of California. 
 
 I will make no attempt to lay before you the difificulties 
 experienced in obtaining the information presented in these 
 pages. The long period that elapsed since the discharge of 
 the regiment, had erased from the memory of the majority of 
 our comrades the recollection of events, many died within a 
 few years subsequent to their discharge from the service, many 
 were scattered to remote parts of the world, and too many 
 were disinclined to take up the pen to transmit a record of what 
 their memory may have retained, but others freely contributed 
 such information as they possessed or could obtain. 
 
 My own experience regarding the surviving members of the 
 regiment has undoubtedly been that of others. In 1870 — 
 when I first entered upon this self-imposed task — I knew of 
 only two other members of the regiment living in New York — 
 notwithstanding my having been engaged in business there for 
 the fifteen years prior to that date, I ascertained that during 
 that time twelve others were also residents of the city ; but 
 considering the fact that the members of the regiment were 
 conveyed to California in six transports, and while in California 
 were stationed in eight towns, it is not to be wondered that 
 to a great extent they were almost strangers to each other, 
 many acquaintances being formed subsequent to their discharge 
 from the service. 
 
 A homely but familiar adage says: "Self praise is no recom- 
 mendation;" all that is given in these pages in commendation 
 of our old organization comes from those who were in nowise 
 
connected therewith; and from that evidence may our fellow- 
 citizens judge of its character; to these impartial critics may 
 we safely entrust our record, which now forms part of the 
 history of our beloved country. 
 
 In 187 1, and again in 1874, you were furnished with a 
 pamphlet giving the result of my researches up to those dates. 
 With this publication I bring my labors to a close, trusting 
 they have not been altogether in vain ; should they be the 
 means of renewing old acquaintance, after so long a separation, 
 or of reviving old associations of those eventful days, I shall 
 feel amply repaid for the time and labor expended thereon. 
 
 In conclusion, I beg to tender my sincere thanks for the 
 courtesy, kindness and assistance granted to me by the Hon. 
 Robert T. Lincoln, Secretary of War — General William T. 
 Sherman, U. S. A. — who, having served contemporaneous 
 with us in California, has upon many occasions in late years 
 exhibited his friendship for the members of our regiment — Gen. 
 R. C. Drum, Adjutant General U. S. Army, Col. Jonathan D. 
 Stevenson, (our Colonel), Col. Thomas C. Lancey, and John Q. 
 Adams, Esq., and to the press of the Golden State. 
 
 Francis D. Clark, 
 
 Late Co. B, First Regt., N. Y. Vols. 
 
RETROSPECT. 
 
 In 1846, the year war was declared between the United States 
 and Mexico, the question of a journey to the Territory of CaU- 
 fornia, was one for no little consideration, as it seemed some- 
 what like being exiled from the civilized world; and in those 
 days few had occasion or desire to visit that distant land ; 
 whether the choice was a voyage by sea or overland the time 
 required to reach Verba Buena, now San Francisco, was from 
 five to six months. A few Americans were residents of the 
 country at that time, having found their way there by vessels 
 trading for hides and on whaling voyages; others following the 
 course of the setting sun across the plains, scaling the Rocky 
 Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, found themselves upon the 
 Pacific coast, and becoming infatuated with the life of ease and 
 plenty afforded by its delightful climate, and the opportunity of 
 securing a livelihood with little or no toil, by engaging in stock- 
 raising, they were influenced in making California their home. 
 For a time Americans were highly esteemed by the native Cali- 
 fornians, and, with rare exception, received with the warmest 
 hospitality. In a few years, however, the Mexican officials be- 
 gan to look upon the Americans with jealousy and suspicion, and 
 . to assume an attitude of hostility, so serious, indeed, that on the 
 14th day of June, 1846, the Americans banded themselves to- 
 gether for self-protection under the celebrated " Bear Flag," and 
 had not the declaration of war between the two countries been 
 proclaimed at the time it was, open hostilities would soon have 
 waged between the American settlers and the Mexican forces on 
 duty in the territory. 
 
Early in the summer of 1846, President Polk decided upon 
 sending a force of volunteers by sea to the Pacific Coast, also 
 Co. F of the 3d U. S. Artillery, by the U. S. storeship Lexing- 
 ton. Among the lieutenants of this company were the present 
 General of the Army, William T. Sherman, and General E. O. C. 
 Ord, U. S. A. ; also the late General Henry W. Halleck, then 
 captain in the engineer corps. General Stephen W. Kearny was 
 ordered to proceed overland with a squadron of dragoons, via 
 New Mexico. Captain John C. Fremont, with a surveying party, 
 having arrived in California during the month of January, 1846, 
 remained upon the soil of Mexico with his small command, no 
 doubt under the instructions of our Government, and upon the 
 outbreak of hostilities took a very prominent part. These move- 
 ments on the part of the army were for the purpose of taking 
 possession of and holding California, with a view to its acquisi- 
 tion on the cessation of diiificulties between the two countries. 
 Mr. Polk little suspected what a store of wealth he was securing 
 to the future benefit of his country when he conceived this 
 purpose, for scarcely two years elapsed ere the discovery of gold 
 at Sutter's Saw-mill proclaimed to the world that the El Dorado 
 had been found within the domain of our great Republic; wealth 
 for centuries laid hidden, 'had now been revealed through the in- 
 domitable spirit of progress, civilization, and enterprise which 
 ever follows the footsteps of the American pioneers of the West. 
 Nearly thirty-six years have elapsed since President Polk directed 
 the organization of that regiment of volunteers in the Empire 
 State for duty in California; a body selected with great care, the 
 intention of the Government being that these volunteers, the 
 majority of whom were under twenty-one years of age, should be 
 discharged in that country at the close of the war, thus forming 
 a colony, around which would cluster Americans then in the 
 country, as well as those who would afterwards find their way to 
 that distant land in search of homes. Many Americans had 
 already settled in the neighboring territory of Oregon, and at- 
 tention was being drawn to California, not simply on account of 
 
its fine climate, but in anticipation of it soon becoming the prop- 
 erty of our own Government. 
 
 This regiment of New York Volunteers was organized in 1846, 
 under the direction of Jonathan D. Stevenson, a gentleman whose 
 subsequent administrative ability proved his eminent fitness for 
 the position, and upon assembling on Governor's Island, New 
 York harbor, he became its colonel. On the 26th day of Sep- 
 tember, 1846, the regiment sailed for its destination in the ships 
 "Thomas H.Perkins," "Susan Drew," and "Loo Choo," fol- 
 lowed a few months later by the ships " Brutus," " Isabella," and 
 " Sweden," with additional men to fill up the command. Few of 
 those now residents of the Empire City and State have any re- 
 collection of the youthful and hardy band that sailed from their 
 State to play so important a part in the organization and settle- 
 ment of a then far-off country. What a contrast between the 
 California of 1846 and that of 1882 ! — then an almost unknown and 
 sparsely settled Mexican territory; now one of the constellation of 
 States, teeming with populous cities and enterprising, industrious, 
 law-abiding citizens — then it required 1 80 days to make the tedious, 
 tiresome voyage between New York and San Francisco, now it is 
 performed with ease and pleasure in six days and a few hours. 
 
 The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848, caused the 
 rapid influx of thousands upon thousands, by sea and land, not 
 only from the Atlantic States, but from all parts of the globe, 
 thereby adding largely to the population (floating, in a great 
 measure) of California. Towns sprang up in every portion of 
 the mountains comprising the mining regions, and thus these 
 volunteers, destined by the Governmerft to be the nucleus of the 
 settlement of this remote land, were almost insensibly absorbed 
 by the masses then rapidly pouring into the country. Yet this 
 body of early pioneers has contributed some of California's most 
 enterprizing and worthy citizens, and during the late civil war 
 many of them proved their patriotic devotion to their country, 
 filling honorable and distinguished positions as generals, colonels, 
 and other officers in the volunteer army. 
 
13 
 
 In this little volume are recorded the names of all who were 
 members of the regiment while on duty in California, — March 
 6th, 1847, to October 26th, 1848 — showing who were living on 
 the 15th day of April, 1882, also those known to have deceased 
 prior to that date, with other matters of interest pertaining to 
 the organization known as the " First Regiment of New York 
 Volunteers," commanded by Col. Jonathan D. Stevenson, in the 
 service of the United States during the Mexican war. 
 
 In connection with the organization and fitting out of the 
 regiment during the summer of 1846, the following editorials 
 from the New York Herald., presents the facts and incidents in 
 a clear and concise shape, and, from the impartial character of 
 that journal, truthfulness may be relied upon. 
 
 From the Herald of August j, 1846. 
 
 Its issue of August 3, 1846, says — "We yesterday paid a 
 visit to Governor's Island for the purpose of seeing if the 
 good reports given of the body of volunteers there, soon 
 to embark for California, were true ; indeed, we were agreeably 
 surprised in finding everything so different from what we 
 expected in a number of men so lately collected together. 
 They are encamped on the south-western side of the island, and 
 their new white tents, pitched with military supervision presented 
 a fine appearance. There are now on the ground eight com- 
 panies, comprising about 600 men, which will be increased to the 
 full regimental number of 770 by the arrival of two companies 
 from the interior of the state. In watching the men as they 
 stood in line we could not but notice the excellent material com- 
 posing them. Some companies, indeed, are like picked men; 
 strong, able-bodied mechanics generally, in prime of life, and 
 already somewhat schooled in the discipline of the service. The 
 officers of the regiment are gentlemen of high abilities, and well 
 qualified for their task. Colonel Stevenson's enterprising char- 
 acter is well known. Lieut. -Col. Henry S. Burton, Major James 
 A. Hardie, Captains Shannon and Folsom, are all graduates of 
 West Point, and have till lately held professorships at that insti- 
 tution. Lieut. -Col. Burton is a talented and experienced ofiicer, 
 and Major Hardie is a gentleman who, though always using 
 necessary decision, will endear himself to the soldiers by the 
 
14 
 
 kindness of his disposition. The Adjutant of the regiment, 
 Lieutenant Stevenson, a son of the Colonel, is a graduate of West 
 Point, and is every inch a soldier. The uniform of the regi- 
 ment will soon be completed, designed by Major Hardie, is very 
 neat and serviceable; pantaloons of dark, mixed grey, with scar- 
 let strip or' cord up the seam of the leg, blue coats with scarlet 
 trimmings, a new style of French cap, very becoming; the first 
 dress parade of the regiment will take place next Sunday. One 
 company, under command of Captain Seymour G. Steele, is com- 
 posed entirely of temperance men. If this body of men, under 
 such ofificers, and of such stamina themselves, do not create a 
 new state of things in the region to which they go, we are much 
 mistaken. Success attend them." 
 
 From the Herald of August 4, 1846. 
 
 " A company from Steuben county, under command of Cap- 
 tain Shannon, a fine looking body of men, belonging to the regi- 
 ment of volunteers on Governor's Island, arrived in this city 
 yesterday." 
 
 From the Herald of September 6, 1846. 
 
 "The California Expedition. Its Object and Purpose. 
 — The preparations and outlay for this expedition have been 
 the cause of much noise, speculation and vituperation among 
 certain portions of the community, who have echoed the half- 
 fledged opinions of a few presses whose conductors have no souls 
 of sympathy with any movement, however advantageous to the 
 country at large, unless it yields directly to the glorification of 
 their peculiar party. 
 
 " Again and again it is asked, what is the object of this expe- 
 dition ? and more particularly now, as the war is supposed to 
 be virtually at an end, and the country to which it is destined is 
 really in the possession of the United States. Briefly as possible 
 we will give our ideas of the objects, intended operations and 
 advantages of this expedition. 
 
 " The rich and beautiful region of California will without doubt 
 come into formal possession of the United States, without any 
 further fighting for it. Far removed as it is from our seat of 
 Government, inhabited in a measure by a half-civilized people, 
 it will be absolutely necessary, if we intend to hold it, that mili- 
 tary possession be taken of it, and that a territorial government 
 be established there, and what is the class who, under such cir- 
 cumstances, are best fitted to do this ? Not mere soldiers, whose 
 only knowledge is a military one. Not politicians, who can 
 theorize most beautifully, but whose schemes burst like gas- 
 bubbles when tried by the fire of practice; but the sound, hardy 
 mechanics of our country — the men whose" hands know useful 
 labor — the artizan, at whose touch the rough metal is moulded 
 
15 
 
 into implements of use — the men who transform the material 
 into the necessaries and luxuries of human existence. The hard- 
 handed, honest laborer, the farmer, the blacksmith, the tailor, 
 the shoemaker, the hatter, the carpenter, the mason; these are 
 men under whose auspices a country rich in soil, healthy in cli- 
 mate, and possessing local advantages of a rare nature, will grow 
 up and flourish. Precisely of this class are the men whom our 
 Government are about sending to California. Nearly every man 
 in the regiment is a mechanic, and may carry his implements of 
 trade with him. Should the regiment be disbanded immedi- 
 ately upon its arrival, it contains within itself the elements of 
 prosperity, wealth and greatness. A great harmony of feeling 
 exists between both officers and men, and a fortnight more will 
 probably find these pioneers in the cause of the advancement of 
 human freedom, civilization and prosperity, on their way to the 
 lancf of their hopes and future prospects. Arrived there, they 
 will cause the '■wilderness to bud and blossom as the rose tree,' and 
 plant the standard of the American Government and enterprise 
 upon the soil of California." 
 
 From the Herald of September 14, 1846. 
 
 " The troops comprising the expedition for the conquest, 
 settlement, or annexation of California, will, in a few days, em- 
 bark for their destination; and in spite of all the difficulties and 
 opposition attending their progress from the commencement, 
 they will sail, admirably adapted for the purposes intended by 
 the Government to be effected. If their path in a foreign country 
 is to be cut by the sword, strong minds guide and strong arms 
 carry the weapons wit-h which to overcome all obstacles. If they 
 are to settle down quietly in the posssession of the soil, there 
 are hands used to toil, and implements of husbandry and me- 
 chanism are ready to be devoted to the improvement of the 
 ground they occupy. In either case, whether their cause is to 
 be one of conquest and just retaliation or of peaceful occupa- 
 tion, the expedition is composed of material well provided with 
 men and means, and one that will do credit to the State which 
 is honored in the selection of her sons for the first body of troops 
 sailing from the United States to a foreign land. 
 
 "Much has been said, and much unjustly, relative to the or- 
 ganization of the regiment, and many have been the sneering re- 
 marks thrown out, predicting that a corporal's guard would be 
 all remaining, by the time that the day appointed for embarka- 
 tion came round. The present actual condition and force of the 
 regiment is the best answer to all such aspersions. Ten com- 
 panies, the full complement of the force, show a muster roll of 
 over 700 men, being as many as are allowed to enlist ; a band of 
 excellent musicians is organized; the ships to convey the troops 
 to their destination are chartered, prepared, and ready for sea; 
 a powerful armament of cannon, guns, mortars^ and, in fact, of 
 
i6 
 
 every thing necessary for either a regiment of dragoons, artillery, 
 or infantry has been furnished; clothes, provisions, and necessary 
 equipments of every sort have been provided. The men them- 
 selves are contented and anxious to start ; the officers generally 
 are men of military knowledge and experience — some of them, 
 and indeed all of the field officers, with the exception of the 
 colonel, have held situations as professors at West Point, which 
 is the best evidence of their fitness for the duties assigned them; 
 and now that this whole body of American citizens, mechanics, 
 and farmers, commanded by able men, are about to go from 
 among us, it is wrong that any of the press of the State which 
 calls them her own, should endeavor to mar the good results and 
 good feeling to be derived from their effects, on account of 
 political or personal prejudice against one or more of the 
 officers. 
 
 " Col. Stevenson, who commands the expedition, has a most 
 admirable opportunity of displaying his perseverance and fitness 
 of character to enter upon a bold enterprise, from the commence- 
 ment of the organization of the regiment up to the present time; 
 probably there are but few men in the country who could design 
 and carry through a project so complicated, and in as successful 
 a manner as he has done. Attacked on every side by political 
 enemies, or disappointed for an approach to the rank which he 
 holds; retarded by the non-action of the Governor of this State, 
 who seems, for some private reasons, to have granted unwillingly 
 and but by degrees, the aid which his station enabled him to 
 afford; encumbered with the supervision and necessary discipline 
 of 700 or 800 men unused to restraint of any kind, he has dis- 
 played an energy and boldness which qualify him in a super- 
 eminent degree for a commander of a body of troops, which de- 
 parts upon a business requiring the utmost acumen and per- 
 severance. To Colonel Stevenson, and to his Lieutenant-Colonel, 
 Major, and Adjutant, the whole credit is due for carrying to a 
 prosperous crisis an expedition fraught with interest to every 
 American citizen. 
 
 " We say nothing of the ultimate results to be effected from 
 this expedition. " The United States Government is fully aware 
 of their importance, judging from the liberal manner in which all 
 necessary outfits have been granted, and we can but wish them 
 that success which seems almost certain to arise from the 
 elements composing their power. We have perfect confidence in 
 the judgment and skill of the superior officers; and as for the 
 men, they are, and all must have, too much at heart the honor 
 of their country ever to disgrace her flag. The fifteen or twenty 
 of them that took advantage of the baby act and left the regi- 
 ment, could well be spared — their places were filled by better 
 men, and at a future day we hope that the expedition which is 
 soon to sail, will, by their deeds of honor, acquire a name which 
 no one would be unwilling to have bestowed upon himself." 
 
17 
 
 From the Herald of September 2<p, 1846. 
 
 Referring to those who had been left behind by the 
 SHIPS, the issue of September 29, 1846, says — " According 
 to notice, a meeting was held yesterday, in the Trophy Room 
 connected with the City Armory, of those who were left behind 
 attached to the California regiment. Captain Nelson Taylor, 
 of Co. E, was confined to his bed by sickness. Lieutenant 
 Geo. F. Penrose, of Co. A, presided, and Lieutenant Thos. L. 
 Vermule acted as secretary. After some remarks from 
 the secretary, he read a letter from Colonel Bankhead, who, as 
 soon as he heard of the situation of those who were prevented 
 sailing, immediately offered to supply them with rations and 
 quarters on the Island till he could hear from the Adjutant- 
 Cieneral at Washington; a letter was also read from the daughter- 
 in-law of Secretary (War) Marcy, and wife of the. commissary 
 of the regiment, containing information of a cheering character. 
 The secretary stated that those who wished to follow the for- 
 tunes of their companions in arms to California would un- 
 doubtedly have an opportunity of shortly joining them, as a fast 
 vessel would undoubtedly be dispatched which would overtake 
 the convoy at Rio Janeiro. A series of resolutions were then 
 read and passed unanimously. The purport of them declared 
 their own regret and distress at being left behind. That they 
 wished to join the regiment as soon as possible; that they re- 
 turned their thanks to Col. Bankhead, and would immediately 
 proceed to the Island ; that they had been legally enlisted, and, 
 detesting the name of deserter, would serve their country even 
 as they had sworn to do. Thereupon the whole body, consist- 
 ing of two lieutenants, four sergeants, and about thirty privates, 
 took up their line of march to the Battery. The whole affair was 
 an excellent comment on those who through the columns of the 
 press have stated that so many were dissatisfied and would desert 
 the first opportunity. These men, one and all, were anxioijs by 
 any means or in any way to place themselves under the com- 
 mand of Col. Stevenson, in whom their confidence^ has never been 
 impaired." 
 
 After remaining upon Governor's Island some six weeks, the 
 little band of stragglers embarked on board the ship ' Brutus,' 
 Captain Adams, which vessel had been chartered by the Govern- 
 ment for that purpose, as also to convey a cargo of stores to Cali- 
 fornia for the use of the command, and on the 13th of November 
 sailed from the port of New York for their destination. ■ 
 
From the Herald of November 13, 1846. 
 " The ship which was to have sailed yesterday for the Pacific 
 with Government stores, etc., and having on board those of Col 
 Stevenson's California Regiment who were lef behind on the 
 departure of the main body in September last will sail this day. 
 
 ^'^ We have received the following card, with a request for its 
 publication, which we comply with, especially as it evinces a 
 proper feeling for a most gallant officer: 
 
 "'Ship Brutus — New York Harbor, 
 
 " ' November 12, 1846. 
 
 - The undersigned, a committee on behalf of the detach- 
 ment of the California Regiment, who sail this day for their 
 destination, (with the approbation of their ^^l^'^l^^^^^^^^^l 
 the only opportunity that occurs of tendering to Col. Bankhead, 
 CommandFng at Governor's Island, the grateful acknowledge- 
 mentT for the kind treatment received by them since the de- 
 
 ^^r^:'^:^^^. behalf of their comrades,while express- 
 ing the gratitude^ indulge the hope that Col. Bankhead may 
 long enjoy health, Lnd the good will of the citizens of New York. 
 " ' James Queen, ist Sergt., Co. F. 
 " ' Ab'm Van Riper, ist Sergt. Co. E. 
 '" J. S. Baldwin, ist Corp., " I- 
 " ' John Rose, " "^ ^• 
 
 " <■ Tynman Upson, Private, " G.^ 
 <' ' J. E. Nuttman, " " ^- 
 
 u This we believe is the conclusion of the after ?•«;. f°"°*; 
 
 '"'^''^;?'^^'l'^fral?hisnrTs%^^e\tS^°wtn'wfn2:.t 
 Expedition, as far as this port 1 ^^^ ^^^_ 
 
 S'and r:i^i:J^^^ o. soM... ^teditahle 
 to the city from which they went forth. 
 
 IN the Spring of 1847, Captain James M. Turner, of Co. B, 
 who sailed in the ship << Thomas H. Perkins," at the time the ex- 
 pedition took its departure, having left the vessel upon its arrival 
 at Rio Janeiro, returned to New York City, and upon the author- 
 ity of the War Department commenced the enlistment of a de- 
 tachment of two hundred men as recruits for the regiment, and 
 which men, it was announced, would proceed overland to Cali- 
 fornia, but it was subsequently determined that they also should 
 proceed to California by the same route as the expedition. The 
 
19 
 
 detachment was stationed at Fort Hamilton, opposite the Nar- 
 rows of New York Harbor, and on the i6th day of August, 1847, 
 one hundired of the men embarked for Philadelphia, under the 
 command of Lieut. Thomas J. Roach, accompanied by Lieut. 
 John S. Norris, and upon arrival at Philadelphia, the ship 
 '* Isabella " (which was ready for sea, and only awaited the 
 arrival of the detachment), received the men on board, and on 
 the following day sailed down the Delaware on her long voyage. 
 The s.econd detatchment of one hundred men, under com- 
 mand of Lieut. Thomas E. Ketchum, sailed from New York 
 some weeks after the departure of the " Isabella," on board the 
 ship "Sweden." These two vessels reached California in 
 February, 1848. 
 
 This new accession filled up the regiment to nearly 900 men; 
 Companies E and G received a portion of the recruits, but the 
 greater portion upon their arrival in Alta-California were sent to 
 Lower California, and assigned to Companies A, B and D. 
 
 In the month of March, 1847, the transports "Thomas H. 
 Perkins," " Susan Drew," and "Loo Choo," arrived at San Fran- 
 cisco, and the following month the " Brutus " put in an appear- 
 ance, and in the month of February, 1848, the "Isabella" and 
 *'■ Sweden " arrived at Monterey. The average voyage of these 
 vessels was 165 days, and with one exception, the vessels 
 touched at South American ports, thereby relieving the mono- 
 tony of the long and tedious voyage. The health of the men re- 
 mained good on those vessels that visited ports on the eastern 
 and western coasts of South America, as they were amply pro- 
 visioned with fresh supplies of vegetables in each port, and the 
 evil effects of the salt provisions furnished at sea was in a meas- 
 ure counteracted, and even the health of those who were aboard 
 the " Brutus," which vessel made no port between New York and 
 San Francisco, remained good until within a few weeks of the 
 termination of the voyage. 
 
 At the date of the arrival of the regiment the whole of Upper 
 California was in the possession of the United States authorities, 
 
naval and military combined, and among the ofificers of 
 the army were the present General W. T. Sherman, Major- 
 General Edw. O. C. Ord, as also the late Major-General 
 H. W. Halleck, l,ieutenants in the regular service. Upon 
 the arrival of the regiment it was assigned by companies 
 to various portions of the country for the purpose of 
 holding possession and maintaining order under military 
 rule. 
 
 In the Spring of 1S48 gold was discovered by Marshal, 
 at Sutter's Mill, (Coloma), and although the temptation of 
 earning hundreds of dollars per day in the mines instead of 
 the twenty-three cents received from the Government was 
 almost irresistible, still, to the honor of the command, few 
 were the number who deserted, preferring an Honorable Dis- 
 Lhare;;e and EiMPty pockets to the golden ////j^^i^'-c/s and a braiide.a 
 name. 
 
 The Fall of that year witnessed the disbandment of the or- 
 ganization, the last companies discharged were A, B and D, at 
 Monterey, on the 24th of October, by Captain Henry S. Burton, 
 3d U. S. Artillery, (late Lieut. -Col. of the regiment), and Major 
 Henry Hill, Paymaster U. S. Army, having liquidated the claims 
 of both officers and privates, preparations were immediately in- 
 augurated for the departure to the mines. Oxen, carts of the 
 Mexican pattern, horses, mules, saddles, etc., were in great de- 
 mand, and all in the market found ready purchasers at liberal 
 prices. The distance to the mines at that date (Mokelumne 
 Hill) was about 250 miles, and it was necessary to transport 
 the provisions required for the winter, as the prospect of 
 procuring them at the mines were uncertain, and even if 
 they were to be purchased, the amount required to provide 
 a person with subsistence until they were enabled to perfect 
 their plans for digging would soon deplete their already limited 
 purses. 
 
 The writer passed the winter of 1848-9 on the Mokelumne 
 river, about one mile be'ow the hill, and the subjoined were some 
 
of the prices demanded and paid for clothing, provisions, &c., in 
 that locality: 
 
 Flour, per lb $i oo Blankets, per pair $ 50 00 
 
 Sugar " 2 00 Flannel shirts 25 00 
 
 Coffee " 3 00 Common boots, per pair 100 00 
 
 Pepper in grain per lb 5 00 " shoes, " 32 00 
 
 Salt pork " 5 00 Mexican serapas (shawls) 100 00 
 
 Salt " r 00 
 
 And a mixture, denominated brandy, whiskey, or gin, of the 
 vilest quality, was retailed at $2 per drink, or $20 per bottle. 
 Canned oysters (one pound), ;|i6. The yield of gold being 
 liberal, these prices were cheerfully paid by the dwellers in the 
 mountains. 
 
 As incredible as the above prices may appear they are never- 
 theless strictly true. 
 
 The discovery of gold in California opened up a field of 
 labor and profit which amply repaid the volunteers for their 
 long separation from friends and home in that then far-off 
 distant land, yet 'tis sad to contemplate how few of those ad- 
 venturous youths and brave pioneers benefited themselves as 
 they had the opportunity offered. A few are at this day (1882) 
 wealthy, but the majority of the survivors are little more than 
 earning a livelihood, and there are, no doubt, among them some 
 who are in destitute circumstances, but the greater part of the 
 men who were discharged in 1848 have ceased to exist, except in 
 the memory of their old comrades and others who in California's 
 early days were numbered among her pioneers. 
 
 At the present date the old organization has nearly passjsd 
 from memory except as one of its former members is borne to 
 the grave, and then his name is mentioned, and on the morrow 
 forgotten, but let us hope that Caifornia's early pioneers, those 
 men and women who wended their way over the rugged 
 mountains or the trackless ocean ere the alluring temptation 
 of gold was presented, may ever live in the history of the Colden 
 State. 
 
1^0 li Lf . 
 
 ijiclb (Dt&ccrs. 
 
 Surbibor a^ril I51i), ISS2. 
 *Col. JONATHAN D. STEVENSON . . - - 
 
 V. S. Shipping Commissioner at S. F. since 1^7^. 
 
 Sail Francisco. 
 
 iDtccascb. 
 Lieut Col HENRY S. BURTON . • At Fort Adams, R. L, April 4tli, '69. 
 
 ■ ■ Major General of Vols, late war. t^,, iAth'TG 
 
 T*ATT7« A U4«mF •■ Washington, D.C., Dec. 14tli, <b. 
 
 Ma or JAMES A. HARDIJ^ • • • f 
 
 Brig. General of I ols. late ivai . 
 
 Staff (IDffxccrs. 
 
 .Surbibors, Slpril I5tii, ISS2. 
 
 New York City. 
 
 *Surgeon ALEXANDER PERRl • ■ ■ • • " " ' ^ ^^ g ^^^^ 
 
 Ass't Surg. ROBERT MURRAY .- •■ • • Q^j^i^^^cal. 
 
 . .< WILLIAM C. PARKER • •• • ^^j^^^^^,^ CaL 
 
 (^ + ^viTTTAMG M ARC Y, Commissar J .. ■• •• 
 
 '^^'- ''"^^wl"; state constitutional Contention at — -' ^^ ^^.,,^ ,,^.. 
 
 :.T- fir EONNYCASTLE, Adjutant •• •• LomsMiie, ^ 
 
 '^""'- '• • OM^r^ftUe Regular A rly fro,n Oet. .S,S to May .SOr. 
 
 ©cctastli. 
 C-apt. JOSEPH L. FOLSOM, A. Q. M. At San Jose Mission, July 15tli, '55. 
 
 Non-€ommis6ioncb Staff. 
 
 ©tccascli. 
 .. • AT T^v f- Mcdonald .. Near Cloverdale, April Sth, '80. 
 
 ■ Date and riaee nn/.-no7vn. 1 ,+ 'A« 
 
 . Q.M.S«g,.«EORGEG.BEI.T . . A„g^ m„. '47 ,o ,,uU- 1st, 48. 
 
 Q. M. Sergt. JAMES C. LOW • • • • • 
 
 Died at San Rafael in iS . 
 
23 
 
 Regimental jSanb. ' 
 
 SitttnabDUts ^Enknoinit. 
 
 COHX, MORITZ ; HEHN, HENRY 
 
 DUXITCH, ERNEST F. KRAUSS, CHARLES 
 
 ECKER, JOHN KLEINBROTH, JOHN 
 
 ESCHERICK, CARL MARX, ERNEST 
 
 FETZCHOROR, CHRISTIAN MOSSL\, ANTONIO 
 
 FAUFTER. JOHANN ROANE, JOHN 
 
 HUCHAS, HEINRICH . WEHLER, EDWARD 
 
 HAUFF, ERNEST | YOUXG, CHARLES D. 
 
 *Dium Major GEORGE BATCHELOR 
 
 Chief Musician, JOSEPH VEVIS . . Sept. 26tli, '46 to Dec. 20tli, '47. 
 
 FREDERIC GRAMBIS . . Dec. 23d, '47 to Oct. 26th, '48. 
 
 Date and Place of Death y of above three tinknoivii. 
 
 Musican AXTON ROSENTIEL .. At San Francisco, April 4th, '55. 
 
 JOHN WHALEN .. .. At Los Angeles, Dec. 7th, '53. 
 
 Sutlers' JHe^iartment. 
 
 Surbibor, Slpril Uti), IS82. 
 *JAMES C. L. WADSWORTH, clerk San Francisco. 
 
 2d Alcalde of Stockton ^ iS4<;. 
 
 ©cccascJi. 
 SAMUEL W. HAIGHT, sutler 
 
 (to. '^a" 
 
 Was recruited by Seymour Ci. Steele, at "Stoneall's Hotel," on 
 Fulton Street, near Nassau Street, in the City of New York. 
 The first recruits were enrolled on the evening of the 6th of 
 July, 1846. Early on the morning of the ist of August, the men 
 formed at this rendezvous and took up their line of march for 
 the foot of Whitehall Street, en route for Governor's Island. 
 The Battery was thronged by thousands of citizens to witness 
 the departure of the men, who were to compose the " California 
 Expedition" from the city. On the 2d of September the men 
 were sworn and mustered into the service of the United States. 
 On the 23d of September, the Company embarked on board the 
 ship " Loo Choo," which sailed for California three days later, 
 arriving at San Francisco on the 26th day of March, 1847, six 
 
24 
 
 months to a day from New York. On the 31st of March the 
 Company embarked on board the bark "Moscow," accompanied 
 by Companies "B" and "F,"and sailed for Santa. Barbara, at 
 which place they landed on the 8th of April. They encamped 
 on the beach for several days, before going to their barracks in 
 the town of Santa Barbara. On the 4th of July this Company 
 and Company "B" embarked on board the U. S. Storeship 
 " Lexington," and sailed for La Paz, Lower California, a port on 
 the Gulf of California, at which place the Company landed on 
 the 2ist of July, 1847. While in the Lower Country, Companies 
 "A" and "B " withstood a siege of some thirty days at La Paz 
 by the Mexican Forces doing duty in Lower California, and upon 
 the arrival of the ship "Isabella" with Company "D" and 114 
 recruits, in March, 1848, the whole command, under Lieutenant- 
 Colonel' Burton, marched into the interior and dispersed the 
 Mexican forces, which outnumbered the Americans five to one. 
 On the 31st day of August, 1848, the Company embarked on 
 board the U. S. Ship of the Line, "Ohio," and sailed September 
 ist for Monterey, stopping at San Jose, del Cabo, near Cape San 
 Lucas for Company " D," and on the 14th of October following 
 arrived in Monterey, Upper California. 
 
 Comrade William H. Rogers of Company "A," under date of 
 Brooklyn, N. Y., December 6th, 1881, in writing his experiences 
 while in the Army, says : 
 
 "After a pleasant sail down the Coast, in the Storeship 
 " Lexington," in the month of July, 1847, we rounded the Needle 
 Rocks, off Cape St. Lucas, passed San Jose, and were soon 
 coasting up the Gulf of California, and on July 21st entered the 
 Harbor of La Paz, and came to anchor two miles off shore. 
 Towards sunset we commenced to land in boats. When within 
 three-quarters of a mile of the shore, we took to the water, which 
 was about four feet deep, and waded ashore, with our clothes, 
 muskets and accoutrements on our shoulders. One of our 
 number had his foot badly cut by a pearl shell. After reaching 
 the beach we put on our clothes and fell into line. Captain 
 Steele inquired for the Quartel, and he either mistook the answer 
 or some wag gave hifh the wrong directions, for in a short time 
 we halted in front of the village grave-yard ; but we were soon 
 righted and about-face for the Quartel, which we reached toward 
 twilight ; found it to be a dilapidated old ruin, full of dirt, fleas 
 and vermin, but the boys soon scattered around the town, leaving 
 
25 
 
 only the guard in full possession. Next morning discovered a 
 closet full of wooden stocks for the head, arms and legs, with 
 iron manaclae, chains and hand-cuffs. We soon destroyed these 
 relics of barbarism and tyranny by making a good bon-fire of the 
 wooden stocks, and destroying the manacles, chains and cuffs." 
 
 -Surfaibovs, ,^pril IJtij, ISS2. 
 
 *Capt. SEYMOUR (i. STEP^LE 
 
 BAETHROP, EDWARD 
 
 CAHILL, MARTIN 
 
 *CLAMP, RICHARD 
 
 DENKERS, CHARLES W. ^ 
 
 *DEAN, GILBERT E. *. 
 
 EHLERS, AUGUST 
 
 HOUGHTON, SHERMAN O. (Sergt.) 
 
 Ex-Mayor of San Jose. Ex-Recorder of Santa Clara Co 
 
 HILL, THOMAS J. 
 
 MacDONOUGH, JOSEPH 
 
 Capt. in General Meaglier's Brigade, late -war. 
 
 *MYERS, RUSSELL 
 
 Major Jid A'. 
 
 MUNSON, LEONARD A. 
 NOYES, MICHAEL S. 
 O'SULLIVAN, JAMES 
 
 San Diego. 
 
 San Francisco. 
 
 Stockton. 
 
 Chinese Camp. 
 
 . . . . Sacramento. 
 
 . . Fort Lee, N. J. 
 
 . . Los Angeles. 
 
 . . San Jose. 
 
 Ex-Metnber of Congress. 
 
 San Francisco, 
 f . San Francisco. 
 
 New York Citv, 
 
 N. v. I'ols.y late itn 
 
 Two Rocks, Sonoma Co. 
 
 Eureka, Nevada. 
 
 San Francisco. 
 
 Ex-Editor "Herald" — Sonoma. Toulnttine Co. 
 
 POST, FREDERICK L 
 
 Clerk S. E. Post Office, f>ast 20 years. 
 
 *PARVIN, JOHN B 
 
 *PERRY, MOSES W 
 
 *ROGERS, WILLIAM H 
 
 *SCOLLAN, JOHN 
 
 *SCHOONMAKER, JACOB J. 
 
 *SAUNDERS, THEODORE R 
 
 *THOMPSON, JAMES 
 
 *THOMAS, JOHN W 
 
 *WOOLEY, WILLIAM 
 
 *WILLIAMS. WILLIAM II 
 
 San Francisco. 
 
 Monticello, Minn. 
 
 Tucson, Arizona. 
 
 Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 Santa Barbara. 
 
 . . Vineland, N. J. 
 
 New York City. 
 
 . . Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 San Jose. 
 
 Camp Seco, Calaveras, Co. 
 
 Nvack, N. Y. 
 
 .Suijposcti to lit i-ibing. 
 
 TAIT, JAMES A. 
 FLOOD, JOHN 
 WILLARD. ISAAC 
 r& WELLER, EDWARD II. 
 
 L 
 
 Was at Santa Cruz, Cal., 1874. 
 
 " " San Francisco, " 
 . " in Mendocino Co. , " 
 
 " at San Francisco, " 
 
gEbtrcaioutjs mnfenotan. 
 
 Lieut. ammE f. Penrose 
 
 Lieut. CHARLES B. YOUNG 
 ALBERGER, JOHN 
 BECKER, JOHN 
 BONCHALTZ, THEODORE 
 BURKE, JAMES 
 CHIPMAN, WALTER (Sergt.) 
 DOLLMAN, FREDERICK 
 FOSTER, WM. S. 
 FENLEY, DANIEL 
 HOFFMAN, GEORGE W. 
 HATHAWAY, JAMES M. 
 IRWIN, EDWARD (Sergt.) 
 HAMILTON, JAMES 
 LEWIS, JOSEPH B. (Mus.) 
 MORSE, HENRY 
 
 MURRAY, EDWARD 
 MORTON, FREEMAN 
 PEASLEY, NESMITH H. 
 PENNY, MOSES H. 
 RYAN, P. H. W. 
 SKINNER, JOHN 
 
 SUTPHEN, WILLIAM 
 
 SCHOONMAKER, M. C (Corpl.) 
 
 SEIDER, GEORGE F. 
 
 THURSBY, LEWIS P. (Corpl.) 
 
 TAIT, WILLIAM G. 
 
 TIPSON, WILLIAM H. 
 
 WILSON, JAMES 
 
 WALSH, JAMES 
 
 WETTERMARK, CHARLES P. 
 
 WEIRGEN, CHRISTIAN 
 
 Lieut. GEORGE F. LEMON, 
 
 City Assessor of S^ F. in '5'- 
 
 BROHAN, JOHN 
 CURREN, EDWARD 
 CARR, STEPHEN 
 DARREN, HENRY E. 
 DIXON, JAMES F. 
 HEYLAND, JOHN 
 HART, HENRY L. 
 LUSKEY, JOSEPH 
 McDONOUGH, NICHOLAS 
 MURRAY. WALTER 
 
 StctasJll. 
 
 ( From wounds received in battle of 
 ] Crampton Gap, Sept. 14, l»b~-. 
 
 r- , r„i o^r/ RL"rt N Y . Vols . at datc of dcatli . 
 Lieut. -Col. 32a t^'-S'-- ^"^ ■■ • iQ:^n 
 
 At Stockton, 1»'^^- 
 
 • ■ ■ ■ "At Cal. I860. 
 
 At Taylor's Ferry, Stanislaus River, Sept. -- 1849. 
 
 . Drowned in Sacramento River, Nov^9, 184J. 
 
 Drowned in Gold Lake,|January 30, 1880. 
 
 At Stockton, Nov. 27, 185^. 
 
 ■■ ■■ ■' AtLaPaz, L. C.,Aug.20, 1848. 
 
 ■ ■ ■ ' . . Date and place unknown. 
 
 Accidently killed at La Paz, L. C. 
 
 At San Luis OMspo, October 6, 1875 
 
 ) KUAX . vv ----;; .i^f^ture, and .vas the District Judge 0/ First Judicial 
 E..Me,n,er of the Cal. Legislatu^^,^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^_ ^^.^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ 
 
 McGILL, PATRICK ■■ ■ " " ' ' ^^ Monterv, Nov., 1848. 
 
 POWELLS, WILLIAM E. ■• •• j^^p^^^C August 18, 1848. 
 
 SWORDS, ALLEN J. •• ■• •• Los Angeles, July 31, 1879. 
 
 Killed by Mokelunme Indians, Dec. 1848. 
 
 Date and place unknown. 
 
 ' Drowned in San Joaquin River/ 1849. 
 
 San Francisco, , 1849. 
 
 Date and place unknown. 
 
 an/c uiiloiown. 
 
 THOMPSON, PETER 
 TALMADGE, ABIJAH D. 
 VELSOR, STEPHEN . . 
 WHITLOCK, MERVIN R. 
 WHITLOCK, JACOB H. 
 HUXLEY, J. MEAD 
 
 Officer in the Army during the late li'a, 
 
 TRANSFERRED FROM CO. 
 
 ADAMS, JAMES H. 
 GRAHAM, GEORGE . . 
 MERRILL, JOHN H. 
 SULLIVAN, CORNELIUS 
 
 To Co' 
 
 G. 
 
 F. 
 
 K. 
 
 I. 
 
27 
 
 This Company was recruited by James M. Turner, at 
 Harmony Hall, No. 17 Centre Street, New York. On the 
 morning of the ist of August the men assembled at this place 
 and proceeded to the foot of Whitehall Street, en route to 
 Governor's Island. When the regiment embarked in September 
 for California, this Company was assigned to the ship "Thomas 
 H. Perkins," in which ship they were conveyed to California, 
 arriving at San Francisco on the 6th of March, 1847. After the 
 arrival of the Company in California, its history is coincident 
 with that of Company "A," given on another page. 
 
 Upon the departure of Captain Turner for New York, from 
 Rio de Janeiro, the command devolved upon Lieutenant Henry 
 C. Matsell, which he retained until the discharge of the Company 
 at Monterey, on the 24th of October, 1848. 
 
 While the Company was stationed at La Paz, Lieutenant 
 Thomas E. Ketchum (who came out in command of the recruits 
 on the "Sweden"), reported for duty, and a part of the recruits 
 by the "Isabella" were assigned to this Company to fill up its 
 ranks. Lieutenant Ketchum and the recruits arrived at La Paz 
 on the 15th of March, 1848, by the ship "Isabella." 
 
 OIo. "!3." 
 
 -Surbibors, .Xlpril lotlj, ISS2, 
 *Lieut. THOMAS E. KETCHUM Stockton. 
 
 Captain in the jd Regiment California Volunteers, late lunr, no7U Brig.-Oeneral 
 National Guard, State of California. 
 
 AMES, JOSIAH P. Half Moon Bay, San Mateo Co. 
 
 Ex-Member of Californiau Legislature^ noiv Warder of the Cal. State Prison. 
 
 BADER, CHRISTOPHER Cherokee Flat, Butte Co. 
 
 *CATTS, SAMUEL A.* Stockton. 
 
 CUNNINGHAM, ALEXANDER S Fresno County. 
 
 DRYER, JOHN Santa Cruz, Cal. 
 
 *FARLEY, GEORGE The Dalles, Oregon. 
 
 FARLEY, THOMAS P. Portland, Oregon. 
 
 GALLAGHER, JOHN St. Helena, Cal. 
 
 GREEN, ALFRED A San Francisco. 
 
 Ex-Member Californian Legislature, now Attoriiey-at-Laiv at S. /•'. 
 
 *HEINRICH, CHARLES Sacramento. 
 
 Merchant fast 3^ years at Sacramento. 
 
 *HORNDELL, JOSEPH St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 LYNCH, PATRICK San Francisco. 
 
28 
 
 *MOORE, ANDREW J. 
 
 Member of th 
 
 OSTWALDT, AUGUST . . 
 *PEARSALL, SAMUEL W. • . 
 *THURSTON, CHARLES H. . - 
 *McPHERSON, CHARLES J. (Mus.) 
 *NUTTMAN, JAMES E. 
 
 ■J2nd Regiment^ Pcnn. I 'ols 
 
 . . Philadelpliia, Pa. 
 
 , /ate war. 
 
 . . , Sacramento. 
 
 . . Mokelumne Hill. 
 
 Marysville. 
 
 New York City. 
 
 New York City. 
 
 £r.cAh'/£ngazeer of Fire DeP .rtmcnt at Stockton. 
 
 ^ . San Francisco. 
 
 SStiin-tatoutB mnknoton. 
 
 Lieut. HENRY C. MATSELL 
 
 ADAMS, WASHINGTON - 
 
 BOULANGEN, FRANCIS 
 
 BRADY, JOHN R. 
 
 BRKtHAM, E. R. 
 
 BALDWIN, JAMES H. 
 
 BLECKSMITH, LEOPOLD 
 
 CASEY, NEIL 
 
 COFFIN, WILLIAM 
 CARTER, GEORGE 
 CONNELLY, WILLIAM 
 FITCH, WORTHINGTON L 
 GUILD, H. M. (Corpl.) 
 HELMSTADLER, JAMES 
 IHRIE, GEORGE 
 LUDLOFF, CHARLES 
 LAIDLAW, GEORGE 
 MASON, JOHN 
 McAULLY, ALEXANDER 
 
 McGUIRE, JOHN 
 MOUNICH, WILLIAM 
 PECK, CHAUNCEY L. (Corpl.) 
 PARSONS, ALONZO P. 
 PAY^ON, SAMUEL 
 RICHARDSON, CHARLES (Sergt.) 
 RITER, HENRY 
 RANDALL, CHARLES G. 
 RYAN, EDWARD 
 
 STARK, HENRY (Corpl.) 
 
 SMITH, LEWIS 
 
 SOMERS, FREDERICK 
 
 STONE, HEBER 
 
 ST. JOHN, AUGUSTUS A. 
 
 TURNER, LOAMMI 
 
 TINSON, JOHN 
 
 WEISS, WILLIAM (Corpl.) 
 
 WALI#, RICHARD 
 
 T. r-^TTT T^ ViT-KFUM • • at Paris, France, Dec. 24, 1867 
 
 Lieut. E. GOULD BL t b U M . • • ofcleat/i 
 
 yournatistan,a.tnor: ^^^^^^ ^-'-^-''-^ ^^^JlZ^^^^^O. Slough, 185 
 
 CARNES, THOMAS 
 CLARK, DANIEL P. 
 CONNELLY, MICHAEL 
 CLIFFORD, CORNELIUS 
 DENNISTON, JAMES G. (Sergt.) 
 
 Drowned in Stockton Slougli, 1851. 
 at San Diego, Sept. 24, 1879r 
 Date and place unknown. 
 
 . at San Juan Mission, , 185—. 
 
 at San Francisco, June 17, 1869. 
 
 E.v-Mcn,ber Californian Legisiaturc. 
 
 HIPWOOD, THOMAS^,dUedi„.s.»,.-SanA„^mo^L^ M»^M^^^^^ 
 HARPER, THOMAS W banta mi oai , 
 
29 
 
 LAWSON, JOHN . . 
 McGHEE, JOHN 
 MAXWELL, WILLL\M H. 
 MELVIX, JAMES W. 
 MITCHELL, Wn.LIAM . . 
 MURPHY, JOHN 
 OGDEN, BENJAMIN . . 
 
 PECK, CHARLES L 
 
 PIERCE, CHARLES 
 
 SCOTT, CHARLES G. (Sergt.) 
 
 JEx-Treasuri 
 
 STAYTON, JAMES (Sergt.) 
 SPATZ, CONRAD (Fifer) . . 
 VAN BUSSUM, J. V. . . 
 WHITEHOUSE, BENJxiMIN 
 WHITE, CHRISTOPHER S. 
 WEEKS, ELBERT . . . . 
 
 Monterey, , 1849. 
 
 . . San Francisco, Feb. 23, 1861. 
 
 New York City, Oct. 26, 1876. 
 
 San Francisco, May 18, 1874. 
 
 Australia, N.S.W., . 
 
 Stockton, , 185 — . 
 
 at New York, 18 — . 
 
 . . Date and place unknown. 
 
 Date and j)lace unknown. 
 
 . . Date and place unknown. 
 
 >■ o_fSa>! Fj-ajuisco County. 
 
 near Calaveras River, Jan. 22, 1852. 
 
 . . Killed at La Paz, Nov. 16, 1847. 
 
 Date and place unknown. 
 
 Stockton, , 185 — . 
 
 Date and place unknown. 
 . . . . Date and place unknown. 
 
 Sransfcrrci from (Co. 13. 
 
 BURGESS, EDWARD 
 CAMPBELL, PETER 
 CLOUSSEN, HENRY 
 LANKOW, EDWARD 
 SMITH, JAMBS 
 STOLTZE, ADOLPH 
 TOYE, H. H. F. 
 WILT, JOHN (Sergt.) 
 VEAVIS, JOSE 
 
 to Co. G. 
 
 " H. 
 
 " G. 
 
 Regimental Band. 
 
 to Co. F. 
 
 " F. 
 
 " G. 
 " F. 
 " E. 
 
 QTo. "€." 
 
 This Company was enlisted by John E. Brackett in the City 
 of New York, and conveyed to CaHfornia in the ship " Loo 
 Choo," arriving at San Francisco on the 26th of March, 1847, 
 and took post at Sonoma in the early part of April, at which 
 place it remained until May, 1848, when the Company was 
 ordered to San Jose near Cape San Lucas, Lower California, and 
 had proceeded as far as Monterey, when the order was counter- 
 manded, and the command returned to Sonoma. On the 5th of 
 August, 1848, the Company proceeded to the Presedio, San 
 Francisco, exchanging posts with Company " H," stationed at 
 that point. During the summer and Fall of 1847, a detatchment 
 of 35 men from this Company was stationed at Fort Sacramento 
 (Sutter's Fort) for five months. 
 
3° 
 
 ^„ old resident of Sonoma, writing to tlte "Cab orman, 
 at San Francisco-at that time tlie only newspaper published m 
 CaMornia-under date of August 5th, .848, among other sub- 
 jects, pays the following compliment to this command : 
 
 " The military company under command of Captain J. K 
 Brackett are to-day exchanging posts wkh Company H -^de- 
 command of Captam Frisbie, both of the New York Volunteers^ 
 Company " C " ias been stationed w4th us more than a year, and 
 mnch mlise is due .ts members, not only for the md: ary and 
 Told erdike manner in which they have aoqu.ted themselves as a 
 corps but for their gentlemanly and orderly deportment urd.v.d- 
 ua fy and collectivefy. We regret to part with them, and canno 
 let Ihem go wkhout expressing a hope that, when peace shall 
 h V been'declared, their regiment drsbanded, -^^ the.r comrUy 
 no lon.'er needs their services, they may have fallen surficently 
 Llovetith o.r healthy climate and our beautiful valley to come 
 back and settle." 
 
 (Ho. ^^01." 
 
 Surbibors, Spril 1st, ISS2. 
 
 San Fjancisco. 
 
 AURWELLER JOIKs •• ^^i^^^^^^.i^o City. Cal. 
 
 *r,OX ALEXANDER J .0 
 
 DOTTER, WILLIAM C. ; • 
 
 Ex-Mcmber Californian Legislature. _ 
 
 ^-* Mendocino. 
 
 DOW, JOSEPH G. .. •• •• •• ■• San Francisco. 
 
 HUEFNER, WILLIAM .' . ' ' /c' a- 
 
 Marskal, Society ofCaliforma P,oneers, at S. . ^^^^^^^ 
 
 KAMP.HUROLD CentreviUe, Alameda Co. 
 
 NORRIS, DA\ID(Corpl.) San Francisco. 
 
 ^TORY^GEORgI' ■■..■■..■ 'on Hussian River/near Healdsburg. 
 STORl , GEOKtri^ . . • • g Francisco. 
 
 WASHBURN, LYSANDER E • • 
 
 Captain, 3d Rcsi»"'"t, C'^'- ''''^'-^ ^''^' '"'"'■ 
 
 Supposed to b£ ilibins. 
 
 Lieut. THERONR., PER LEE .. •• ^^ ^'^ ^.^" ^f^^ ^f l^ Igo 
 AMES, THADDEUS M. was M.D. at Indian Reservation^ Men. C. n 860. 
 JONES, WILLIAM •• .- ■• •• was m Sonoma Co. m 1874. 
 
31 
 
 ®3i)crtafioutj5 SEitknoixin. 
 
 BARRET, FRANCIS H. 
 BERTRAND, EMILE 
 BALLARD, JOHN 
 CROSBY, EDMUND P. (Sergt.) 
 CAMERON, JOHN 
 
 Ex-]Mayor of Sonoma. 
 
 CONRAD, HENRY 
 DELEHAYE, CHARLES 
 DE ST. QUINTAIN, JOSEPH 
 DONEGfAN, JOHN 
 DOUGHERTY, JAMES 
 ELB, FREDERICK 
 GLOSS, JOHN 
 HIGGINS, SILAS G. 
 HOW, OLIVER H. 
 JOHNSON, WILLIAM (Sergt.) 
 KIESLER, LAFAYETTE 
 KLENGEL, FRANCIS 
 KENTZBURY, ADOLPHUS 
 
 KROHN, JOHN M. 
 KAPrtS, GEORGE 
 LYNCH, FERDINAND 
 MINARD, THOMAS A. 
 MILLER, FRANCIS 
 NAGLE, FERDINAND 
 PETERSON, FREDERICK 
 PRENTICE, CHARLES 
 RUB, GEORGE 
 ROEDER, LOUIS 
 SCOTT, WILLIAM 
 SMITH, GERARD D. 
 STRANGE, JOHN 
 TIMEANS, CHARLES (Mus.) 
 WEAVER, WILLIAM J. 
 WELDER, ANTHONY 
 WILLHART, LOUIS 
 ZETSCHSKY, CHARLES 
 
 jBmascii. 
 Capt. JOHN E. BRACKETT Date and place unknown. 
 
 Ex-Mcmber Cali/ornian Legislature^ 1S50; Ex-M ajor-Grnl . Cat. State Militia. 
 
 Lieut. THOMAS J. rqaCH, -j ^^^^^^^^i "«^^,T°i«f? ^*'''^'' '''' ^^^^"'''''^ 
 
 ' ( River, Nov. 11, 1852. 
 
 Ex-Deputy Collector Port of San Francisco ; County Judge elect o/ Klaviath Co. 
 at time of death. 
 
 Lieut. CHARLES C. ANDERSON . . at San Francisco, Sept. 13, 1847. 
 
 CUSHING, BELA (Corpl.) . . 
 
 conway, john p. 
 foster, benjamin f. . . 
 green, william g. . . 
 konig, w.lliam .. 
 kinns, alexander . . 
 layden, william 
 Mccarty, david c. . . 
 Mccarty, edward 
 rand, joshua . . 
 richardson, artemus. . 
 
 RUMSCHOTTEL, RICHARD 
 RUSS, J. C. CHRISTIAN . . 
 
 Sonoma, Jan. 13, 1848. 
 
 San Francisco, , 18 — . 
 
 Portsmouth, N.IL, July 21, 1865. 
 
 San Rafael, Aug. 1, 1871. 
 
 Drowned in Sacramento River, June 11, 1847. 
 
 . . Found dead near Sonoma, Dec. 19, 1847. 
 
 . . Date and place unknown. 
 
 San Francisco, Sept. 9, 1868. 
 
 Santa Barbara, April 5, 1852. 
 
 Date and place unknown. 
 
 Somona, Cal., July 12, 1854. 
 
 Drownad at Stockton, July 10, 1874. 
 
 San Francisco, June 4, 1857. 
 
 First yeiveler atid Watchmaker established at S. F, 
 
 iBtttastJl en Voyage. 
 Lieut. WILLIAM R. TREMMELS . . . . off Cape Horn, 
 
 -, 1846. 
 
32 
 
 giransftrrtt) from (!to. ^. 
 
 Lieut. GEORGE D. BREWERTON *^^"- J^' 
 
 ROBINSON, GEORGE (Sergt.) ■• •• ^^ ^• 
 
 MORRISON, RODERICK M „ •' ' n t. i 
 
 WEHLER, EDWARD to Regimental Band. 
 
 WADDELL, ARCHIBALD ^ •' ' ! i tT' i 
 
 YOUNG, CHARLES D to Regimental Band. 
 
 (Ho. ''mr 
 
 This Company was enlioted at La Fayette Hall, Broadway, 
 opposite Nibble's Garden, New York City, in the summer of 
 1846. Many of its members came from Philadelphia, Captain 
 Henry M Naglee himself being a Pennsylvanian. Upon the 
 embarkation of the regiment for California, the Company was 
 assigned to the ship "Susan Drew," which reached San Francisco 
 March 19th, 1847. On the ist of April the Company embarked 
 on board the U. S. Storeship "Lexington," and on the 3d sailed 
 for Monterey, reaching that port on the 4th. While stationed at 
 Monterey, portions of the Company were mounted and sent upon 
 several expeditions in quest of Indian horse-thieves in the San 
 Toaqum VaUey and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. These men tra- 
 veled many days and encamped at nights upon the same ground m 
 which were afterwards found such rich gold deposits. On the 5th 
 of March 1848, the Company sailed in the ship "Isabella' for La 
 Paz Lower California, arriving there on the 22d of the same 
 month At La Paz the Company was filled up to 100 men, from 
 recruits which had recently arrived by the ships "Isabella" and 
 '< Sweden " One week after their arrival at La Paz, Lieut.-Col. 
 Burton with Companies A, B and D, made a march into the 
 interior, had an engagement with the Mexican Forces at Todas 
 Santos, completely dispersing the enemy and driving them from 
 the peninsula After an absence of two weeks the command re- 
 turned to La Paz, and, on the 15th of April, Co. D embarked on 
 board the U S Storeship "Southampton" for San Jose del Cabo, 
 and within three days relieved the Naval Forces stationed at that 
 town which they continued to garrison until the 6th of Sept 
 1848 upon which date the Company hauled down the stars and 
 stripes and evacuated Mexican soil. The Company embarked 
 on the U S Ship of the Line " Ohio," which conveyed them to 
 Monterey, Upper California, where they were discharged. T/ns 
 Company was without doubt the last command of American troops 
 to leave the soil of Mexico after the close of the Mexican War. 
 
33 
 
 Surbifaors, iXl^iril Utij, ISS2. 
 (a])t. IIEXKY M. XAGLEE San Jose. 
 
 Brig.-Gcncral 0/ I 'ois. late loiir. 
 
 -"t'llANDLEK, JOHN A Boston, Mass. 
 
 •>'('OK(TiAN, GEORGE A Cliicago, 111. 
 
 I'ictr-Prcs. .Iss'/i. I'eis. of the Me.v. War, Chicago. 
 
 *CLARK, FRANCIS I). New York City. 
 
 Justice of the Peace San Joaqiiin County iSj2,j! and 4: Major and Military Secretary, 
 Department of North Carolina, under Hon. Edward Stanly, late ivar. 
 
 *DEAN, GEORGE C Visalia. 
 
 GRAY, JAMES A Salinas City. 
 
 E.v-Me:nber of California Legislature. 
 
 --HARRON, JAMES M Sentinel, Fresno Co, 
 
 HAVF:Y, JOHN West Point, Calaveras Co. 
 
 ^JOHNSON, WILLIAM S Salinas City. 
 
 E-i-County Recorder, E.v-County Clerk and E.x-County Treasurer of Monterey Co..: 
 noil' cashier Salinas City Bank. 
 
 *L1PP, CARL Yalleja. 
 
 MOORE, ANDREVY Gilroy. 
 
 MYERS, GEOR(tE Mount Eden, Alameda Co. 
 
 *NORRIS, JACOB VY Newark, N. J. 
 
 Now Sergeant of Police, Newark, N. J. 
 
 PHILLIPS, JOHN B. 
 
 REAUSSEAU, CHARLES 
 
 *ROBINSON, WILLIAM I). 
 
 *SIMS, JOSEPH 
 
 TOMBS, GEORGE \Y 
 
 Ejc-Treastn'er of Stanislaus Co. 
 
 WOODSIDE, PRESTON K 
 
 Ex-Clerk Supreme Court, State of California. 
 
 *WOLFE, JOHN New York City 
 
 YOUNG, ALPHIAS San Francisco 
 
 San Francisco. 
 
 . . San Francisco. 
 
 Monterey. 
 
 Sacramento. 
 
 Modesto. 
 
 Tucson, Arizona. 
 
 HILL, JOHN E. 
 BUDD, CHARLES K. 
 
 .SupposciJ to \t iibin^. 
 
 was at Pendleton, Umatilla Co., Oregon, in 1878. 
 Sonoma County in 18G8. 
 
 SSJljcrtaijouts Slnknolxin. 
 
 ATKINSON, CHARLES A. 
 AMES, EDWARD T. 
 ATHERTON, GEORGE D. 
 BUCKBEE, FLAVIUS (Corpl.) 
 BARTELS, LEWIS 
 BOND, WILLIAM 
 BARGEMAN, AUGUSTUS 
 
 3 
 
 BOSTWICK, JAMES C. 
 BOCHON, PROCOPI 
 CLAUSEN, WILLIAM (Mus.) 
 CASTON, GEORGE R. 
 COHN, PHILIP 
 DELICK, JOHN 
 DARRAH, DECATUR 
 
34 
 
 DOOLAN, JOHN 
 ELLIS, THOMAS W. 
 ENNIS, JOHN 
 FORBES, HECTOR M. 
 TERMOR, EDWARD 
 GRAY, ALONZO 
 HETHERINGTON, WILLIAM E. 
 HAYDEN, GEORGE W. 
 HEYDENRICH, WILLIAM 
 HARRINGTON,.JOHN 
 HAAG, FREDERICK 
 HACKETT, PATRICK 
 HUGHES, JOHN 
 HAGEMAN, CHARLES K. 
 JENKINS, WILLIAM K. 
 JAMES, ALDEN W. 
 KUTCHBACK, CHARLES 
 KEAPNELL, FREDERICK 
 KENNEDY, EDWARD P. 
 LOCKWOOD, ISAAC 
 LEICK, CHARLES 
 3IARKET, AUGUSTINE 
 3IcCARRAN, JOSEPH 
 MULHOLLAND, DOMINPX' 
 McCLUSKY, PHILIP 
 MILLER, HENRY 
 McINTYRE, TERANCE 
 JMAGER, ADAM 
 
 MUNROE, JOHN 
 MORIN, JOHN L. 
 MILLER, JOHN 
 MOFFITT, WILLIAM B. 
 NEWITT, SAMUEL 
 NEWMAN, JAMES 
 NEIMAN, HENDRICK 
 OGLE, CHARLES A. 
 PATTERSON, JOHN A. 
 POINEER, JACOB A. 
 ROBINSON, WILLIAM 
 RILEY, JAMES 
 ROBB, JAMES B. 
 SANFORD, SAMUEL 
 SEARLES, GEORGE 
 SCOTT, ANDREW 
 SINCLAIR, ARCHIBALD 
 SHOOTER, CHARLES 
 SCHRAELOR, GEORGE 
 SWEET, CHARLES C. 
 SOHNS, JOHN 
 TURNER, DAVID 
 VAN AUKEN, PHILANDER 
 WILSON, HENRY J. (Sergt.) 
 WILSON, JOHN 
 WALZ, GEORGE 
 WARRINGTON, JOHN 
 
 JDcccasctJ. 
 
 Lieut. GEORGE A. PENDLETON . . . . San Diego, March 3, 1871. 
 
 County Clerk of San Diego Co. at date of death. 
 
 Lieut. HIRAM W. TIIEALL . . . . Hamilton, White Pine, Nevada. 
 
 Lieut. JOSEPH C. MORE HEAD . . . . Date and place unknown 
 
 ACTTm/MVT /.irrior-w i-TT?xrT?\' '» I^i^l^d by Indians in the San Joaquin 
 ASHTON, GEORGE HENRI • Valley 1847. 
 
 ANDERSON, FRANCIS P. 
 BOWERS, JAMES H. . . 
 CLAPP, CHARLES D. 
 CLARK, FRANCIS C. . . 
 EDWARDS, JOHN S. 
 FRIUND, HENRY J. 
 HART, JOHN . . 
 HARLEY, HENRY 
 HILTON, BENJAMIN 
 IVEN, ALFRED . . 
 JUDSON, HENRY 
 
 San Francisco, Oct. 5, 1881. 
 
 Stockton, Cal., , 185—. 
 
 Sydney, N.S.W., ,185—. 
 
 Camp on Merced River, 1853. 
 
 Drowned in San Joaquin River, April 4, 1854. 
 
 Date and place unknown. 
 
 Date and place unknown. 
 
 near Sacramento, , 187 — . 
 
 Monterey, Sept. 23, 1847. 
 
 Acapulco, Mexico, , 1851. 
 
 ... . . Mokelumne Hill, , 1849. 
 
35 • 
 
 KEHOE, JOSEPH H Monterey, Oct. 18, 1848. 
 
 LYONS, AARON (Sergt.) Monterey, Oct. 3, 1865. 
 
 E.v-She}-iff of JMontcrey Co. 
 
 LASKEY, ALEXANDER B. . . ' . . Killed by Indians, , 1848. 
 
 McKEE, JAMES M Monterey, Dec. 21, 1847. 
 
 MOORE, JOHN \V Killed by Indians, Mariposa, 1851. 
 
 MORAN, JOHN II San Francisco, Feb. 17, 1871. 
 
 McCLASKY, WILLIAM J San Francisco, Oct. 24, 1866. 
 
 MOUSER, JOHN . . Drowned in San Joaquin River, June 3, 1847. 
 
 PURDY, SAMUEL L San Jose, L. C, June 11, 1848. 
 
 EOACH, WILLIAM (Sergt.) Monterey Co., Sept. 3, 1866. 
 
 Ex-Sheriff' of Monterey Co. 
 
 EYAN, WILLIAM REDMOND New Orleans, , 1852. 
 
 A Tithor of ''^Personal Recollections in i'fi/er and Lower California,^^ published 
 in London., iSj2. 
 
 SIREY, JAMES Date and place unknown. 
 
 SrCKET, LEON San Francisco, Aug. 29, 1871. 
 
 TILEE, DANIEL E New York, , 187—. 
 
 WHEELER, WILLIAM H. H San Jose, L. C, Aug. 12, 1848. 
 
 STransfcvrfb from (Co. O. 
 
 McDonald, Alexander C Promoted to Sergeant-Major. 
 
 GRAY, ALONZO . . to Co. E. 
 
 GUIBAL, EUOENE " I. 
 
 KEMPT, GEORGE W "I. 
 
 MITCHELL, WILLIAM " B. 
 
 RUSSELL, WILLIAM " G. 
 
 MASSE, ANTONIO to Regimental Band. 
 
 This Company was recruited by Nelson Taylor, Thomas H. 
 Ferris and William E. Cutrell, who were upon its organization 
 elected, and subsequently commissioned, respectively, its captain 
 and first and second lieutenants. Ferris, before the regiment 
 left New York, resigned, and Edward Williams was commissioned 
 in his stead. Thomas L. Vermule was also commissioned an 
 additional second lieutenant. 
 
 The men who formed this Company were principally from the 
 East side of New York City, while many came from the Ninth 
 Ward on the West side, headed by Sergeants Van Riper and ^ 
 O'Neil. 
 
 On the ist of July, 1846, recruiting for the Company com- 
 menced at the old Seventh Ward Democratic Head-quarters, 
 then kept by Daniel Hughes in Madison Street. Another office 
 
36 
 
 was also opened for a few days at the corner of Fulton and 
 Nassau Streets. On the ist day of August the Company was 
 marched to the regimental rendezvous on Governor's Island, in 
 New York Harbor, and a few days subsequently were mustered 
 into the service by Colonel Bankhead. 
 
 Upon the embarkation of the regiment in September it was 
 found necessary to divide one of the Companies into three 
 sections, there being ten companies in the regiment and only 
 three transports, the honor therefore of being represented on 
 each of the ships fell to this Company. Captain Taylor was 
 lying sick at his home at the time of the embarkation of the 
 regiment ; he had, however, arranged to be carried on board the 
 ship " Thomas H. Perkins," but owing to the negligence of the 
 officer having the matter in charge, he failed to be notified, and 
 the fleet sailed, leaving him in New York. Captain Taylor was 
 subsequently assigned to the command of about fifty officers and 
 privates who had been left behind, and sailed for Californic" 
 in the transport "Brutus," arriving at San Francisco one month 
 later than the regiment. 
 
 This Company also embarked on board the U. S. Storeship 
 "Lexington," and arrived at Monterey, April 4th, 1847, at which 
 place they were stationed until the 5th of May, when they again 
 sailed in the "Lexington" for San Pedro, and reached Los 
 Angeles on the 9th, which post was made the Head-quarters of 
 the regiment. The Company remained at Los Angeles until the 
 1 8th of September, 1848, when it was mustered out of the ser- 
 vice. The good health of the Company during its whole term 
 of service was remarkable — not a member was lost by sickness 
 and but two from injuries. 
 
 Colonel Stevenson compliments thus the soldiers of Cos. E 
 and G. He says, "the two companies of Los Angeles were noted 
 for. their orderly and soldierly bearing, and for their prompt and 
 faithful discharge of their militar}^ duties." 
 
 €0. ''(£r 
 
 Suxhihoxs, .ilpril. IJtIj, ISS2. 
 *('apt. NELSON TAYLOK South Norwalk, Conn. 
 
 Ex-Member California Legislature; President of the First Board of Trustees^ 
 
 State Insane Asylum, Stockton Cal.; E.x-Sheriff of San Joaquin Co.; 
 
 Brig.-Genl. of I'ois. late ivai-. 
 
 Lieut. EDWARD WILLIAMS Oaklar.d. 
 
 BOYERS, WILLIAM (Corpl.) San Francisco. 
 
 BULLOCK, EZEKIAL San Francisco. 
 
37 
 
 BRIGGS, CASTOR 
 *BARTLETT, JOHN A. 
 *C AN FIELD, GEORGE W. . . 
 GRAFF, GEORGE J. 
 *JOHNSON, ISAAC C. . . 
 *LEONARD, GEORGE W. M. 
 ■*0'NEIL, JOHN M. (Sergt.) . . 
 
 Major 2nd Cal, Cavalry late 
 
 *WELSH, JOHN H. 
 WOHLGEMOUTH, HENRY J. 
 
 . . San Francisco. 
 
 Canibridgeport, Mass. 
 
 Pliiladelpliia, Pa. 
 
 San Francisco. 
 
 . . Astoria, Oregon. 
 
 New York City. 
 
 San Francisco. 
 
 noiv Officer of the Customs, S. F. 
 
 New York City. 
 San Francisco. 
 
 Su^)})oscl) to ti{ ilibing. 
 
 LOVVERY, ANTHONY W 
 
 SNYDER, ELIJAH 
 SOUERVOIT, ALEXANDER 
 
 (Jltiitrtatiouts 
 ACKLEY, HENRY (Corpl.) 
 BURTON, JAMES C. (Mus.) 
 BLAIR, CHARLES D. 
 BAXTER, WILLIAM 
 BRUSLE, ^VASHINGTON 
 BROWN, CHARLES 
 BOGART, HENRY 
 BUCKLE, ROBERT. 
 BALL, FRANKLIN 
 BARRY, BENJAMIM 
 BALDWIN, TIMOTHY 
 CALDER, LAVVSON M. (Corpl,) 
 CAMPBELL, JAMES T. 
 CLARK, GEORGE 
 CHICHESTER, HENRY T. 
 DEAS, JAMES 
 DRIEHER, JA(;H)B 
 FORBES, ELI B. 
 FOLEY, ALFRED 
 GOLDEN, EDWARD 
 HAMLEN, MORTIMER J. 
 HENRY, JAMES 
 HUTCHEON, WALTER 
 HEARN, THOMAS 
 HITCHCOCK, JOHN C. 
 HUMPHREY, BENJAMIN F. 
 HALL, JOHN 
 
 JAMIESON, GEORGE WILLIAM 
 KINTRING, CHARLES M. 
 KIEKNAN, JOHN B. 
 KENNERSLY, A. J. 
 LAMBERT, JOHN A. 
 LEGARE, BURNETT 
 
 was at San Francisco in 1878. 
 
 Trenton, N. J., in 1875. 
 
 Los Angeles in 1877. 
 
 ^luknokin. 
 
 linton, james 
 Mcpherson, (tIEorcje (Mus.) 
 
 MORTON, HENRY S. (Sergt.) 
 McMANUS, JAMES (Sergt.) 
 McGILL, JAMES 
 MITCHELL, WILLIAM H. 
 MILLIKEN, JOHN 
 MORRISON, LUDLAM 
 MOORE, JOHN H. 
 MURPHY, THOMAS 
 McGRANAdfHAN, WILLIAM G. 
 OWENS, ALEXANDER 
 OLPSTAY, JACOB 
 PERKINS, CHARLES 
 PARKER, EDWARD 
 PLUNKETT, JAMES 
 PLUMMER, WILLIAM 
 RICHARDS, JAMES 
 RAMSEY, JOHN W. 
 ROBERTS, SAMUEL 
 SMITH, JOHN M. 
 SWARTS, JOHN S. 
 SNITTER, LEWIS 
 STACK, GARRETT 
 VAN RIPER, ABRAHAM (Sergt.) 
 YORHEES, JOHN 
 VINSON, WILLIAM 
 WINNIE, WILLIAM 
 WHITE, MOSES 
 WYLIE, JOHN 
 WADDELL, ARCHIBALD 
 WEIFENBACK, PHILIP 
 YEAMANS, EDWARD 
 
38 
 
 Lieut. WILLIAM E. CUTRELL . . . . San Francisco, May 28, 1868. 
 Lieut. THOMAS L. YERMULE . . . . . . San Jose, '- , 18—. 
 
 Mfinbcr pf the State Constitttiional Convention at Monterey in lS4g: Ex-Meniber 
 of the California. Legislature. 
 
 BRUSLE, JACKSON Contra Costa Co., Feb. 14, 1854. 
 
 BLAIR, NICHOLAS . . Los Angeles, Sept. 26, 1855. 
 
 BARTLETT, CHARLES H San Francisco, May 15, 1881. 
 
 BROCKEE, JOSEPH . . Drowned in Stanislaus River, March, 1849. 
 
 DEY, NATHAN B Los Angeles, July 7, 1848. 
 
 EARLE, PETER Sacramento, Jan. 12. 1871. 
 
 FORD, PATRICK . . . . Killed by Rogue River Indians, , 18G6. 
 
 LEGARE. WILLIAM II Los Angeles, Dec. 9, 1847. 
 
 MARK, LOUIS Date and place unknown. 
 
 MFFHAV THOATAS M^il^^d by Steamboat Explosion on tlie San Joaquin 
 ' " ^ ' ^ " *■ "j River, Oct. 19, 185o. 
 
 MEEHAN, DENNIS Killed at Stockton, Fall of 1849. 
 
 PARKER, LEWIS Date and place unknown. 
 
 TAYLOR, JOHN New York, April 28, 1879. 
 
 THAFFER, ANDREW San Franci.sco, May 3, 1879. 
 
 A^AN PELT, JACOB San Francisco, Nov." 15, 1849. 
 
 2'rausfcrrcll from (Co. ic. 
 
 GILLINGHAM, HENRY to Co. I. 
 
 McKAY, JOHN H . . " K. 
 
 WHALEN, JOHN to Regimental Band. 
 
 (JTo. "f." 
 
 At the date of the embarkation of the regiment at New York, 
 this Company was assigned to the ship "Thomas H. Perkins,"' 
 and reached San Francisco on the 6th of March, 1847. On the 
 8th of the following month the Company reached Santa Barbara 
 (see Co. A), at which place it did garrison duty until their 
 discharge from the service on the 8th of September, 1848. 
 
 . oio. ''sr 
 
 5urbibors, .Hpril Litli, ISS2. 
 *Capt. FRANCIS J. LIPPITT Washington, D.C. 
 
 Member of tite State Constitutional Contention at Monterey, iS^Q ; elected Colonel 
 
 jst Reg't California I'olunteers, June 2y, iSbj. 
 
 *Lieut. HENRY STORROW CARNES San Buenaventura. 
 
 Ex-District Judge 2d Jud. District, California ; E.x-Memher Legislature, Cat.; 
 Postmaster at Santa Barbara, 1^0 to 1SJ4. 
 
 *ENGELBERG, AUGUST E San Francisco. 
 
 FLYING, ANDREW Santa Barbara. 
 
39 
 
 *LYNCH, JAMES 
 MILLHAUSE, GUSTAVE 
 RUSS, AUGUST 
 *KUSS, CHARLES C. E. . 
 SCHLOTTHOUER, CARL 
 SESSER, PETER . . 
 "W'HITAKER, AMISON 
 
 Jolon, Monterey Co. 
 
 Santa Barbara. 
 
 San Francisco. 
 
 San Francisco. 
 
 Rough and Ready. 
 
 . . San Francisco. 
 
 Sacramento. 
 
 .Supposcti to it li'bing. 
 
 LOPEZ, TPIEODORE 
 MILFORD, EDMUND N. 
 WILLIS, OTTIS W. 
 
 was at Tuolumne Co. in 1874. 
 
 Bodie, Mono Co., in 1880. 
 
 San Andreas in 1874. 
 
 i5li)crtaI)outs Slnknolun. 
 
 Lieut. WILLIAM H. WEIRICK 
 CARPENTER, CHARLES R. 
 COOPER, JAMES F. 
 COE, JOHN J. 
 DOULEVY, JAMES 
 EVANS, RANDOLPH 
 FLEETWOOD, ROBERT 
 FIELD, JOHN 
 FIELD DANIEL 
 FULLER, WILLIAM M. 
 GALUSHA, ELON A. 
 GRAHAM, GEORGE 
 HUGHES, WILLIAM (Corpl.) 
 JORDAN, PHILIP 
 KING, WILLIAM 
 KONTZ, JOHN G. ' 
 LEE, JOHN C. 
 LEFORT, GEORGE 
 MULVEY, JAMES (Sergt.) 
 McSPADDEN, JAMES 
 
 McMillan, charles 
 Mccracken, william r. 
 
 McLEOD, FRANCIS J. 
 MASON, ALFRED 
 POWER, EDWARD (Corpl.) 
 PULIS, JOHN C. (Sergt.) 
 POWER, JOHN A. 
 RIGBY, GEOR(JE F. (Corpl.) 
 SMITH, THEODORE 
 SARGENT, JAMES K. 
 SHURTS, WATSON 
 SMITH, JAMES G. 
 SMITH, HENRY J. 
 STEPHENS, PETER 
 STOLZE, ADOLPHUS 
 TROUTMAN, JAMES B. 
 TROUTMAN, JOHN (Drummer) 
 VIDAL, JOHN A. 
 WINDMEYER, RICHARD 
 
 Lieut. JOHN M. HUDDART. 
 BATHGATE, GEORGE . . 
 DELANEY, RICHARD E. . 
 GANNON, THOMAS 
 GORMLY, MARTIN F. 
 HEFFERNAN, CHARLES 
 HASKELL, JOHN W. 
 LEE, CORNELIUS R. V. 
 
 LEWIS, JOHN 
 
 OAKLEY, ROBERT 
 
 iDtfcasci). 
 
 at Sandwicli Islands, , 185 — . 
 
 Date and place unknown. 
 
 at San Francisco, Sept. 20, 1876. 
 
 at Santa Barbara, Dec. 30, 1855. 
 
 Killed by Steam Explosion, April 15, 1854. 
 
 at San Francisco, , 18 — . 
 
 at Santa Barbara, A^jril 13, 1878. 
 
 at Santa Barbara, Jan. 11, 1 863. 
 
 at Santa Barbara, April 27, 1 848. 
 
 at Santa Barbara, Jan. 1, 1848. 
 
4° 
 
 ROxlNE, ARCHIBALD 
 STOCKTON, WILLIAM B. 
 STOTHERS, JOHN E. 
 SCHRIVES, DANIEL B. 
 TINDALL, WILLIAM 
 WILT, JOHN 
 QUEEN, JAMES (Sergt.) 
 WEBSTER, JOHN H. . . 
 MAXFELD, WILLIAM C. 
 
 at Georgetown, D. C, Sept. 8, 1879. 
 Date and place unknown. 
 
 Oakland, , 187—. 
 
 Date and place iinlcnown. 
 
 at San Francisco, , 18 — . 
 
 Date and place unlinown. 
 
 at Napa, Dec. 7, 1879. 
 
 at Stockton, June 10, 1881. 
 Date and place unknown. 
 
 QTransftrrci) from (ITo. IF. 
 
 Lieut. JEREMIAH SHERWOOD 
 
 ECHER, JOHN 
 
 HIP WOOD, THOMAS (Sergt.) 
 LOW, JAMES C 
 
 to Co. G. 
 
 . . to Regimental Band. 
 
 . . to Co. B. 
 
 Promoted to Quarter-Master Sergeant. 
 
 OTo. "©." 
 
 This Company was organized under the direction of 
 Matthew R. Stevenson, a son of the Colonel, to which he 
 was subsequently elected Captain, and made the voyage to 
 San Francisco in the ship " Thomas H. Perkins." On the 
 3d of April in company with " D," "E" and "I" sailed 
 for Monterey in the U. S. Storeship " Lexington." In 
 May the Company with Co. " E " re-embarked in the 
 " Lexington " for San Pedro, taking post at Los Angeles 
 (Head-quarters of the regiment), where the Company remained 
 until discharged from the service on the iSth of September, 
 1848. 
 
 €0. ''(&r 
 
 Surbibors, 2lpril IJHi, ISS2. 
 *Lieut. JOHN McH. HOLLINGS WORTH 
 
 A/evifiei- of State Constittitiotial ComY'iition at Moiit. 
 
 *Lieut. JEREMIAH SHERWOOD 
 
 Ex-Meinbcr of N. } '. Legislature. 
 
 *ADAMS, JAMES H 
 
 JANTZEN, FREDERIC 
 
 KLEINSHOOTH, JOHN 
 
 *NISBITT, THOMAS 
 
 SHIRLAND, E. D. . , 
 
 Capt. of J'oPs^ late ivar ; Ex-Coimiy Clerk ami 
 
 SCHUMAKER, JOHN 
 
 Georgetown, D. C. 
 
 ■ey in iS4g. 
 
 . . New York Citv. 
 
 San Francisco. 
 
 San Francisco. 
 
 (lermany. 
 
 Scott River, Siskiyou Co. 
 
 Auburn, Placer Co. 
 
 order of Sacramento Co. 
 
 Los Angeles. 
 
41 
 
 SHROTER, CHARLES 
 PFIESTER, ADOLPH 
 
 San Francisco. 
 San Jose. 
 
 Ex-May07- of San Jose, >ioiu Capitalist and MercJiant. 
 
 TIEROFF, AUGUSTUS . . 
 WELLS, THOMAS JEFFERSON 
 *WILSON, ROBERT 
 
 . San Francisco. 
 
 New York City. 
 
 . . Vallejo. 
 
 Suppostl) to tc ilibiuig. 
 
 CHAQUETH, HERMAN was at San Francisco in 1874. 
 
 COYAN, FREDERICK was at Vallejo in 1874. 
 
 FALKNER, JAMES Y. (Corpl.) was in Oregon in 1878. 
 
 FRESCHE, FRANCIS was at San Francisco in 1874. 
 
 STEVENS, JOHN H was at Stockton in 1874. 
 
 ^i)crtatiouts 
 BOINGER, FREDERIC 
 BENNETT, TITUS 
 BURGEMAN, EMILE 
 CONNELL, JOHN (Sergt.) 
 CAULTFIELD, PATRICK 
 CAULTFIELD, DAVID 
 CLARK, JOHN 
 CUMMINGS, JAMES 
 COLGAN, JAMES A. 
 COPENGER, CHARLES 
 CORNING, OTTO 
 CUVELLIER, EMIL 
 COMSTOCK, CORTEY 
 DUNNE, JOHN 
 DOOLEY, THOMAS 
 DIDDLESON, AUGUSTUS 
 EDMONSON, ALFRED 
 EUTH, JOHN 
 EATON, GEORGE 
 FARR, PHILIP 
 FITZSIMMONS, JAMES 
 GOODWILL, JAMES T. 
 HANTON, ilATTHEW O. 
 JACKSON, GEORGE (Sergt.) 
 JACKSON, GEORGE (2ud) 
 JOHNSON, FREDERICK (Corpl.) 
 JONES, JOHN 
 KAUFMAN, JULIUS 
 KENNEDY, WHLLIAM A. 
 KURTZ, LEWIS 
 LAWRENCE, HENRY (Mus.) 
 LIPPER, AUGUSTUS 
 LELONG, MARTIN 
 LEWIS, HENRY 
 
 ^Jnkiiolxin. 
 
 LYNCH, JOSEPH P. (Corpl.) 
 LINDER, FRANCIS 
 MALCOLM, ALEXANDER B. 
 MONTRIEL, HERMAN 
 MILLER, EDWARD 
 MILLER, VALENTINE 
 MILLER, CHARLES 
 MARK. JOSEPH 
 MCDONALD, WILLIAM 
 MYERS, JOHN ■ 
 NORTHMAN, CHARLES 
 OSBORNE, CHARLES 
 PFEIFFER, MAX WILLIAM 
 PHILLIPS, JAMES 
 RUTH, JOHN 
 RUSSELL, W'lLLIAM 
 ROSE, JOHN M. 
 REISH, JACOB 
 ROWAN, JAMES 
 ROBINSON, GEORGE (Sergt.) 
 SW^\B, EMANUEL 
 SHISLYLIND, GUSTAFF (Mus.) 
 SHULTZE, FREDERIC 
 SILTZER, HENRY 
 SCHIMER, EARNEST 
 SAXTON, CHARLES 
 TAYLOR, WALTER (Sergt.) 
 TINKERMANN, MICHAEL 
 UPSON, TRUEMAN 
 VALLELY, JOHN 
 WARREN, JAMES 
 WELLS, WILLIAM 
 WHEELER, WILLIAM M. 
 WEBSTER, CHARLES A. (1st) 
 
42 
 
 i9tctttst&. 
 
 Capt. MATTHEW K. STEVENSON 
 ANDREWS, ALLEN 
 BOSQUE, THOMAS 
 BULTICE, ,VINCENT 
 GRINXELL, CHARLES C. . . 
 
 HART, JEROME 
 
 HOPPER, AYILLIAM 
 
 HAMMER, ROBERT 
 MEHAN, JAMES (Sergt.) 
 OSBOURN, WILLL\M B. 
 
 SULLIVAN, JOHN 
 
 TRAVERS, WILLIAM B. (Sergt.) 
 THORNER, FRANCOIS 
 
 TOYE, H. F. H 
 
 TITTLE, AUGUSTUS 
 UIIRBROOK, HENRY . . 
 VANDERBECK, JAMES . . 
 
 WF:ST, THOMAS J 
 
 WEBSTER, CHARLES A. (2nd) . 
 WORT, GEORGE . . . . 
 
 at Sackett Harbor, Jan. 3, 1863. 
 
 at Los Angeles, Dec. 9, 1847. 
 
 . . at Los Angeles, Aug. 7, 1847. 
 
 . . Date and place unknown. 
 
 Date and place unknown. 
 
 at Shasta, Feb. 4, 1852. 
 
 . . at Los Angeles, July 12, 1847. 
 
 at Spanish Bar, American River, 1849. 
 
 Killed at Los Angeles, , 185 — . 
 
 at Los Angeles, July 81, 1867. 
 
 at San Luis Rev, Aug. 25, 1848. 
 
 at Los Angeles, l;ec. 10, 1847. 
 
 . . at Los Angeles, July 31, 1848. 
 
 Date and place unknown 
 
 . . at San Francisco, Feb. 1, 1868. 
 
 . . at Santa Clara, , 1875. 
 
 at San Francisco, Sept. 23, 1849. 
 
 Date and place unknown. 
 
 . . at Los Angeles, Aug. 17, 1847. 
 
 at San Francisco, April 5, 1847. 
 
 STraitsfcrrcb from (&q. (G. 
 
 Lieut. WILLIAM H. WEI RICK 
 Lieut. WILLIAM 11. SMITH 
 BROWN, PHILIP 
 CARR, STEPHEN 
 COOPER, SAMUEL . . 
 DUNITCH, ERNEST F. . . 
 FETSCHOROR, CHRISTIAN 
 GRAMBIS, FREDERICK 
 HASKELL, JOHN W. 
 HARRIS, STEPHEN 
 HAUFF, ERNEST 
 KRAUSS, CHARLES 
 KLEINBROTH, JOHN . . 
 LANKOW, EDWARD 
 MURRAY, JOHN FRANCIS . . 
 POWERS, EDWARD 
 POWERS, JOHN 
 RICHARDSON, ARTEMUS W. 
 ROANE, ARCHIBALD 
 STALL, ALFRED . . 
 TITTLE, (iOODLIP . . 
 TESHNER, CHRISTIAN 
 
 to Co. F. 
 
 I 
 
 " H 
 
 "A. 
 
 .. " F. 
 
 to Regimental Band 
 
 to Co. F. 
 
 Promoted to Qr.-Mr. Sergeant, 
 to Reg-imental Band. 
 
 to Co. B. 
 
 .. .. " H. 
 
 " F. 
 
 " F. 
 
 " C. 
 
 " F. 
 
 "I. 
 
 I. 
 
 to Reo-imental Band. 
 
43 
 
 This Company was recruited at Albany, N. Y., by John B. Frisbie 
 and Edward Gilbert, who upon its organization were elected res- 
 pectively its captain an-', first lieutenant. On the evening of the 
 31st of July, 1846, the Company left Albany by steamboat, 
 reaching New York early the following- morning. The Company 
 was escorted from the steamboat to the foot of Whitehall Street 
 by Captain Cooke's Company of Artillery and the Albany Wash- 
 ington Riflemen ; the latter Company fired a salute upon the 
 embarkation of the Company at the Battery for Governor's Island, 
 the rendezvous of the regiifient. 
 
 Upon the embarkation of the regiment this Company was 
 assigned to the ship " Susan Drew," and arrived at San Francisco 
 on the 19th of IMarch 1847, 'ii"'d was stationed at the Presedio 
 until the 5th of Aug., ] 848, when it exchanged post with " C " at 
 Sonoma. A few weeks later the Company returned to San 
 Francisco, and was mustered out of the service on the 25th of 
 August, 1848. 
 
 (£0. '' i)." 
 
 .Suvbibors I\\mi IJti), 1SS2. 
 *C"apt. JOHN B. FRISBIE City of Mexico. 
 
 Nominated for Lieut. Gin', -ivith Gen. Jcilin A. Sutter for Goi'eriior <xt t/ie 
 first election for State OJ/icers in California. 
 
 *CORNWELL, GEORGE N Napa. 
 
 E.x-Pre/eet of Sonoma District; Ese-Postmaster of Napa, {S years); Ilx-Member 
 
 of the California Legislature,servcd several terms: j years 
 
 Supervisor, and 6 years Under Slieriff^ Sonoma Co. 
 
 EDMONSON, ■ San L'rancisco. 
 
 FRISBIE, ELEAZER(Sergt.) Vallejo. 
 
 *F()LSOM, WILLIx\M H New York City. 
 
 *GOLDWAITE, RICHARD M Albany, N.Y. 
 
 GUTHRIE, WILLIAM Coulterville, Mariposa Co. 
 
 LAMPMAN, WILLIAM L Republic of Mexico. 
 
 *LAPPEUS, JAMES H Portland, Oregon. 
 
 Ex-City Marshal of Portland, Oregon ; for the past tivclve years has been 
 Chief of Police, same city. 
 
 LEE, JAMES R Vallejo. 
 
 *MERRILL, SQUIRE G. (Mas.) . . . . . . . . Washington, D. C. 
 
 REID, JOSEPH Napa. 
 
 *Y AN YECIITEN, GEORGE New Brunswick, N. J. 
 
 *YATES, JOHN D Albany, N. Y. 
 
44 
 
 .SupposciJ to tc iLibing. 
 
 BENJAMIN, FORDYCE I was at Sonoma in 1874. 
 
 GROW, WILLIAM (Sergt.) was at Yreka in 1878. 
 
 E-x-Sheriff' of Siskiyou Co.; E.x--Postiiiastcr at Yrcka. 
 
 HUMPHREY, GEORGE L was at C'oulterville in 1874. 
 
 Mi)crcatouts SEnknoton. 
 
 AGNEW, HUGH 
 BRAUN, PHILIP 
 COUTAN, GUSTAVUS J. 
 CARRKt^AN, THOMAS 
 CAMPBELL, PETER 
 DAVIS, BENJAMIN B. (Corpl.) 
 GORDWELL, JAMES F. 
 GERRINGER, ANDREW 
 HUMPHREY, GEORGE L. 
 HARNES, HENRY 
 LATHROP, GEORGE W. 
 LAWSON, HENRY 
 
 leggett, william 
 leddy, michael 
 McCartney, Bartholomew 
 maple, john 
 norton, martin 
 newman, john 
 
 RAMSEY, DAVID (Corpl.) 
 SHULTERS, JOHN 
 WISSELL, FREDERICK 
 WILLIE, HENRY 
 WIERZBICKIE, F, P. 
 
 JSfccastI). 
 
 Lieut. EDWARD GILBERT at Oak Grove, near Sacramento, Aug. 2, 1852. 
 
 Member o/ the State Constitutional Convention at Monterey in iS^g; Ex-Mcinher 
 of Congress; Ex-Editor and Piiblislicr o/tlie ^^Alta California.''' 
 
 at Chicago, 111., Oct. 14, 1851. 
 
 at San Francisco, , 1849. 
 
 at San Francisco, May 10, 1849. 
 
 at San Jose, Dec. 18, 1848. 
 
 at Mission Dolores, S. F., 1850. 
 
 Date and place unknown. 
 
 Dry Creek, Stanislaus Co., June 23, 1874. 
 
 San Francisco, Jan. 22, 1866. 
 
 San Francisco, — — , 1850. 
 
 i at Sea, near Acapulco, Mex., Mav 
 
 5, 1853. 
 
 E.v-Collector, Port of Sacramento. 
 
 SHERMAN, HERAN V. S Date and jilace unknown. 
 
 SLADE, WILLIAM D Date and pk\ce unknown. 
 
 Ex-City Marshal of Yi-eka. 
 
 SMITH, HENRY . . . . Drowned in Feather River, , 1849. 
 
 TKiHE, JOHN Date and place unknown. 
 
 VEEDER, PETER G Date and place unknown. 
 
 WINNE, JAMES (Sergt.) Date and place unknown. 
 
 Lieut. JOHN S. DAY 
 BEATTIE, BELDEN (Corpl.) 
 CRAFTS, ALBERT B. 
 DAVIS, DAVID A. 
 LANDERS, WILLIAM . . 
 MURRAY, FRANCIS . . 
 MARTIN, WILLIAM H. . . 
 
 O'CONNELL, ANTHONY F 
 
 PURCELL, MATTHIAS 
 
 SCHOOLCRAFT, HENRY A. (Sergt.) 
 
45 
 
 QTransfcrrcti from (CompauD Jl\. 
 
 FULLER, WILLIAM M. to Co. F. 
 
 HART, JEROME " U. 
 
 HOHN, HENRY to Regimental Band. 
 
 ROANE, JOHN 
 
 LOCKWOOD, ISAAC to Co. G. 
 
 PFEIFER, MAX W. " G. 
 
 (SIO. "J." 
 
 This Company was organized at Bath, .Steuben Co., N. Y., 
 on the 26th da}' of June, 1846, and took its departure from that 
 place on the ist of August en route for Governor's Island, N. Y. 
 Harbor. The '■'■ Fanners Advoeate'' of Bath, under date of 
 August 5th, 1846, says — " The Steuben Volunteers, under Captain 
 Shannon, left Bath for New York on Saturday morning. We 
 cannot refrain the repetition that we never saw a finer Company, 
 all intelligent and vigorous young men, of many different trades, 
 excellent habits, urbane manners and enterprising spirits. The 
 mutual farewell echoed the best wishes and hopes, and a large 
 number of our citizens volunteered carriages and escort to cheer 
 them on board the Steuben steamer, which took its departure 
 amid the acclamations of the mass of people assembled- at the 
 wharf." On the 26th day of September they left New York for 
 California in the transport " Susan Drew " and arrived at San 
 Francisco, on the 19th of March, 1847 ; from thence embarked 
 on the " Lexington," in company, with Companies " D," "E " 
 and "G," and reached Jv'Ionterey on the 4th of April, where the 
 four companies went into camp on the green in front of the 
 Catholic Church, which in honor of General Stephen W. Kearney 
 ( commanding the Military forces in California), was called 
 "Camp Kearney." Upon the departure of Companies "E" 
 and " G," for Los Angeles in the '' Lexington " on the 5th of 
 May — (Company " D " having been mounted were sent out 
 to hunt for Indian horse thieves on the Tulare Plains), 
 Company " I " took post at the barracks in the town. On the 
 
 28th of December the Company embarked on board the 
 
 and sailed for San Deigo, which place they continued 
 
 to garrison until their discharge from the service on the 25th of 
 September, 1848. 
 
46 
 
 oio. ''Mr 
 
 -Surbibors, Xlpril IJlii, 
 Lieut. PALMER B. HEWLETT 
 
 ISS2. 
 
 Bath, 
 
 £:c-Br!g.-Ge>!i., National Guard State of Cal!/cr>iia. 
 
 *EVANS, JOSEPH (Sergt.) 
 
 *EVANS, PLUMMER B. (C'orpl.) 
 
 Lieut, of ]'ols. late II' 
 
 *EMERSON, JOHN CALVIN 
 
 *UUIBAL, EUGENE 
 
 HITT, CALVIN 
 
 *OSGOOD, HENRY M 
 
 SMITH, ELIJAH M 
 
 SULLIVAN, CORNELIUS 
 
 VINCENT, JOSHUA S. (Sergt.) . . 
 
 *\VARD, ANDREW J. 
 
 WOOD, JOHN 
 
 *SHARKEY, FRANK L 
 
 Sonoma Co. 
 
 Newark, N. J. 
 Hampton, Va. 
 
 Steuben Co., N.Y. 
 
 (jilroy. 
 
 Winona, Minn. 
 
 San Luis Obispo. 
 
 Aurora, Mono Co. 
 
 Lompoc, Santa Barbara Co. 
 
 Linn Creek, Camden Co., Mo. 
 
 Madison, Wis. 
 
 . . Hanford, Tulare Co. 
 
 . . Norwich, Conn. 
 
 Supposcb to i)C libin^. 
 
 Lieut. HENRY MAGEE was at San Diego in 1874. 
 
 Lieut. WILLIAM H. SMITH was at Algerine Camp, Tuolumne Co. , in 1874. 
 
 BUND. JOHN .. was on Calaveras River in 1874. 
 
 HARMON, DE WITT J. . . was at Murphy's, Calaveras Co., in 1874. 
 WYBOURN, ROBERT (Corpl.) was in Calaveras Co. in 1874. 
 
 9Ml)trcabouts SSnitnolun. 
 
 BLACK, JAMES 
 BROOKS, EDWARD J. 
 CASEY, MICHAEL (Corpl.) 
 DOODY, PATRICK 
 GILLINGHAM, HENRY (Mus.) 
 HAUGHTY, MICHAEL 
 JOHNSON, IRA 
 KEMPST, GEORGE W. 
 KELLY, JAMES (Mas.) 
 KELLY, PHILIP 
 
 LUKER, WILLIAM 
 MA PES, WALTER B. 
 MORACE, ERASTUS 
 NICKERSON, THOMAS 
 PERRIN, JAMES 
 SMITH, CHARLES 
 SEXTON, LORIN 
 WIDGER, BENJAMIN 
 WITTAM, ISAAC 
 ZITTLE, MICHAEL 
 
 Capt. WILLIAM E. SHANNON .. .. Sacramento, Nov., 1850. 
 
 .{Icaldc of Coioiua Distriet in 1S4C: Mciiiher of the Constitutional Cpni'eiitioyt 
 at Monterey, lS4q. 
 
 City Point, Va., March 2, 1864. 
 
 Monterey, Sept. 9, 1847. 
 
 San Jose, Oct., 1850. 
 
 . . Burrell Spring, Fresno Co., May 12, 1879. 
 . . Date and place unknown. 
 
 ALDRICH, JAMES .. 
 BARNUM, EDGAR M. 
 BALDWIN, JOSIAH.L. 
 CLARK, JOHN N. 
 CHASE, HIRAM 
 
47 
 
 CONNELL, JOHN . . . . at Sea, between California and Oregon. 
 
 DOMER. PETER San Diego. June 24, 1S48. 
 
 HARDMOUNT, WILLIAM Date and place unknown. 
 
 KANE, PETER Date and place unknown. 
 
 LOGAN, JOSEPH B. (Sergt.) . . Springfield, Tuolumne Co., Oct., ISoT. 
 
 LOI'NT, SETH H. . . . . Killed l)y Rogue River Indians in 1855. 
 
 MILLER, AUGUSTUS Date and place unknown. 
 
 MURCH, WILLIAM B. (Corpl.) . . . . Monterey, Oct. 27, 1847. 
 
 SHARP, MATTHEW W near Coloma, in 1850. 
 
 SMITH, CHARLES F Date and place unknown. 
 
 STALL, ALFRED B Date and place unluiown. 
 
 VAIL, JAMES M. Killed by Indians in Weaver Creek, El Dorado Co. , in 1848. 
 
 VANKEUSP:N, JEREMIAH Aroca, N. Y., Sept., 1855. 
 
 WARBECK, HENRY R San Francisco, , 185—. 
 
 UNDERWOOD, G. L Portland, Oregon, Nov. 15, 1881. 
 
 MAPES, GEORGE W Date and place unknown. 
 
 QTransfcrrct) from Co. 3. 
 
 Lieut. J. McH. HOLLINGSWORTH to Co. G. 
 
 ERATH, JOHN " G. 
 
 GRAFF, GEORGE J " E. 
 
 JACKSON, JAMES M " G. 
 
 MOUSER, JOHN " D. 
 
 SEARLES, GEORGE " D. 
 
 SHIRLAND, E. D. " G. 
 
 STALL, ALFRED B. :: G. 
 
 Co. *'H." 
 
 This Company was recruited in Chenango County, N. Y., 
 by Kimball H. Dimmick, a lawyer of Norwich, N. Y., who was 
 subsequently elected captain. On the 3d of August, 1846, the 
 Company left Chenango Co. for the rendezvous of the regiment 
 on Governor's Island, at which place they arrived on the follow- 
 ing morning. When the regiment embarked for California 
 this Company was assigned to the transport " Loo Choo," 
 arriving at San Francisco March 26th, 1847. Upon its arrival 
 in California the Company was stationed at the Presidio, 
 near San Francisco, at which post the Company remained on 
 duty until its discharge from the service on the 15th of August, 
 1848. 
 
do. ''nr 
 
 .Surbibors, ^pril IJtii, IS82. 
 
 *ABBOTT, AUSTIN R. (Corpl.) 
 
 *CHRISTIAN, WILLIAM H 
 
 Drig.-Gcnl. of Vols, late War. 
 
 KNIUHT, JOHN 
 
 MERRILL, JOHN H 
 
 MERRITT, ROBERT G 
 
 O'NFIL, THOMAS 
 
 RVGGLES, JOHN 
 
 STOW, AARON 
 
 Sacramento. 
 . . Utica, N. Y. 
 
 Ukiali. 
 
 . . Wasliington, 1). C. 
 Hopville, Mendocino Co. 
 
 , Nevada. 
 
 Sacramento. 
 Davenport, Iowa. 
 
 REMINGTON, DARIUS ('. 
 RODRIAN, CHARLES . . . 
 W^ALTHER, GEORGE 
 
 Suppose!) to lit iibinc;. 
 
 . . was at Wasliington Territory in 1874. 
 
 . . was at San Francisco in 1874. 
 
 was at Los Angeles in 1874. 
 
 (JSJilcrtaliouts SHnknolwn. 
 
 BROOKS, CHARLES W. 
 BANNARD, GEORGE 
 BRADY, JAMES 
 BROW^NING, JOHN W. 
 CROWLEY, MICHAEL 
 CARTER, JOHN 
 DYE, HAZZARD 
 DURKUE, ANTHONY 
 FRINK, DANIEL 
 FORRESTER, GEORGE H. H. 
 FREEBORN, JOHN 
 GUILE, WILLIAM (Mus.) 
 GRAY, WILLIAM D. 
 HUDSON, BENJAMIN 
 HOYT, DANIEL C. 
 HUNTLEY, EZRA 
 JOHNSON, CHARLES F. 
 KENDALL, ALVA 
 KLOPPER, MICHAEL 
 
 KELLY, JOHN 
 KOB, GEORGE 
 
 LEACH, FREDERK^K N. (Mus.) 
 LOUGHRAY, ANDREW 
 LOVELAND, CYRUS C. 
 McKAY, JOHN H. 
 MAXWELL, JAMES Vv. 
 MURRAY, EDWARD 
 RAUSCH, NICHOLAS J. 
 SELLERS, JACKSON (Sergt.j 
 SMITH, JAMES M. 
 STOPPARD, MOSES 
 SLEIGHT, PETER 
 WHITE, PHILANDER (Corpl.) 
 WHLKES, JOHN 
 WOOLARD, HENRY 
 WHEELOCK, LYMAN 
 WEIDNEY, ANTHONY 
 WHEELER, JOHN 
 
 iDcccasci). 
 Capt. KIMBALL H. DIMMICK . . . . Date and place unknown. 
 
 Mfjiiber of the State Constitutional Convention at Monterey ^ lS4g. AJ>J>ointed 
 by Gov. B. Riley, Judge First Superior Tribunal of Cal., Nov. I, jS4g. 
 
 Lieut. JOHN S. NORRIS in Central America in 1856. 
 
 Lieut. GEORGE V. HUBBARD . . . . Illinois, 185— 
 
 Lieut. RODERICK M. MORRISON . . at Carson Creek, April 18, 1849. 
 
49 
 
 CAMPBE^LL, WILLIAM . . 
 CALLENDER, MILLS L. . . 
 HOMMITCH, JOHN 
 LIVINGSTON, PETER F. . . 
 MARCH, EDWIN 
 
 NEEB, JOHN 
 
 SISSON, RUEBEN (Corp'l) . . 
 WILLL^MSON, THOMAS DENT. 
 
 San Jose, Dec. 18, 1848. 
 
 . .Brooklyn, N. Y., Feb. 21, 1871. 
 
 San Francisco, Dec. 26, 1876. 
 
 Sonora, Tuolumne Co., Sept. 30, 1873. 
 
 Pleasant Springs, Nov. 2d. 1860. 
 
 Sonoma, Feb. 20, 1874. 
 
 . . Mission, San Rafael, Nov. 30, 1849. 
 
 Santa Rosa, Sonoma Co., 187 — 
 
 ilransferrtli from (Co. t{. 
 
 Lieut. THERON R. PER LEE 
 
 fLieut. GEORGE, D. BREWERTON 
 
 AMES, THADDEUS M 
 
 FORBES, ELI B 
 
 MILLER, VALENTINE 
 
 PFIESTER, ADOLPH 
 
 + Now a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 to Co. C. 
 
 to 1st U. S. Dragoons. 
 
 to Co. C. 
 
 " F. 
 
 to Regimental Band. 
 
 (flliaplain. 
 
 Rev. T. M. LEAVENWORTH 
 
 now residing in Sonoma Co. 
 
 RECAPITULATION. 
 
 
 Survivors 
 
 1 
 6 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 136 
 
 Supposed 
 to be 
 Living 
 
 Where- 
 abouts 
 Unknown 
 
 Deceased 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 4 
 16 
 4 
 5 
 
 181 
 
 TOTAL 
 
 3 
 
 7 
 
 9 
 30 
 
 4 
 21 
 
 770 
 
 Field Officers 
 
 3 
 
 30 
 
 4 
 
 16 
 423 
 
 Staff Officers 
 
 Captains 
 
 Lieutenants 
 
 Non-Commissioned Staff, 
 
 Regimental Band 
 
 Non-Com. Officers and 
 Privates 
 
 
 
 155 
 
 33 
 
 443 
 
 213 
 
 HU 
 
5° 
 
 The te7i companies ciwiprising the Regiment zvere 
 musiej'cd out of the service of the United States, 
 as follows : 
 
 By Lieut. Jas. A. Hardie (Late Major of the Regiment), 
 3d U. S. Artillery. 
 
 Company " C," Capt. J. E. BracJ^ett, 
 
 at San Francisco, August 15th, 1848. 
 Company "K,"Capt. K. H. Dimmick, 
 
 at San Francisco, August 15th, 1848. 
 Company " H," Capt. J. B. Frisbie, 
 
 at San Francisco, August 25th, 1848. 
 
 By Capt. A. J. Smith, 
 1st U. S. Dragoons. 
 
 Company "F," Capt. F. J. Lippitt, 
 
 at Santa Barbara, September 8th, 1848- 
 Company "E," Capt. Nelson Taylor, 
 
 at Los Angeles, September i8th, 1848. 
 Company "G," Capt. M. R. Stevenson, 
 
 at Los Angeles, September 18th, 1848. 
 Company "I," Capt. W. E. Shannon, 
 
 at San Diego, September 25th, 1848. 
 
 By Capt. Henry S. Burton (late Lieut. Col. of the Regiment), 
 jcl U. S. Artillery. 
 
 Company "A," Capt. S. G. Steele, 
 
 at Monterey, October 23d, 1848. 
 Company " B," Lieut. H. C. Mattsell, 
 
 at Monterey, October 23d, 1848. 
 Company " D," Capt. H. M. Naglee, 
 
 at Monterey, October 24th, 1848. 
 
 The Field Officers of the Regiment were mustered out of 
 service by Capt. H. S. Burton, at Monterey, Cal, October 26th, 
 1848. 
 
51 
 
 THE TRANSPORT FLEET. 
 
 The following named vessels conveyed the Regiment to Cali- 
 fornia, and the information relative to their subsequent career 
 has been kindly furnished by the ''Sun Mutual Insurance Company 
 of Ne7u York,'' as also the "-Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company 
 ^f Ne%v York.'" 
 
 Ship "Thomas H. Perkins," 697 tons burden, Arthur, Mas- 
 ter, with Companies B, F, G, and a portion of Co. E, Col. J. D. 
 Stevenson commanding troops. 
 
 This ship was sold during the late civil war to a merchant of 
 London, England; name changed to the " Anstruther " of London. 
 On the 5th day of December, 1872, this vessel was at Pensacola, 
 Florida. 
 
 Ship " Loo Choo," 639 tons burden, Jas. B. Hatch, Master, 
 with Companies A, C, K, and a portion of Co. E, Major Jas. A. 
 Hardie, commanding troops. 
 
 This ship was at New York in 1865, no trace of vessel since 
 that date. 
 
 Ship "Susan Drew," 701 tons burden, Putnam, Master, with 
 Companies D, I, H, and a portion of Co. E, Lieut. Col. Henry S. 
 Burton commanding troops. 
 
 This ship was sold to British owners, name changed to " Mag- 
 dalena," and sailed from San Francisco, February 4th, 1852, for 
 Panama; in April, 1852, she was reported at Panama. 
 
 Ship " Brutus," 463 tons burden, Adams, Master, sailed from 
 New York November 13th, 1846, with the ofilicers and men who 
 were left at New York at the date of the sailing of the Regiment; 
 Capt. Nelson Taylor, of Co. E, commanding detachment. 
 
 This vessel was last recorded as lying in the port of New 
 York in the month of July, i860; for the three years previous 
 she had been on a whaling voyage. No record of the vessel can 
 be traced since that date. 
 
 Ship " Isabella," 649 tons burden, Geo. Briggs, Master, 
 sailed from Philadelphia on the igth day of August, 1847, with 
 TOO recruits for the Regiment, in charge of Lieut. Thomas J. 
 Roach. 
 
 The "Isabella" was sold in 1863 to parties of Liverpool, 
 England, name changed to " Lilla Mansfield; " the year following 
 her sale and change of flag she was wrecked on the coast of 
 Ireland. 
 
 Ship "Sweden," 616 tons burden, Knott, Master, sailed from 
 New York in the month of September, 1847, with 100 recruits for 
 the Regiment, in charge of Lieut. Thomas E. Ketchum. 
 
 This vessel put into Gibraltar while on a voyage from Leghorn 
 to Philadelphia in the month of January, i860 (another report 
 says April, i860), was there condemned as unsea worthy. 
 
52 
 
 The following interesting article is from tlic pen of 
 Col. Thos. Crosby Lanccy, of San Francisco : — 
 
 The history of the causes which led to and the manner in 
 which the acquisition of Cahfornia was made by the United 
 States are at this date almost unknown to perhaps the majority of 
 the people who now dwell in this State. To many the events of 
 the years before the great influx of the gold seeking population 
 who came here in 1849-50 have been unrevealed, and even to 
 those who have been cognizant of the thrilling drama enacted 
 here, the remembrance has all but faded out. The story of those 
 brave and adventurous spirits who — long before the cry of gold 
 reached the East, borne upon the winds that blew over the Sier- 
 ras from ocean to ocean — conceived and carried out the idea of 
 adding California, then a province of Mexico, as another jewel 
 to the star en-crowned United States, has never yet been given to 
 the world in its completeness, and so to-day, grateful Californians 
 know not to whom they are indebted for their fair heritage. 
 Without seeking to wrest a single laurel from the many gallant 
 men who were here before the war with Mexico (in 1846) broke 
 out, the " Post " must concede to the famous Stevenson's Regi- 
 ment, which arrived in this State from New York during that 
 period, a generous share of the honors of the conquest. The 
 causes which led to the formation of that command; the trials of 
 its commander in selecting suitable men; the purposes for which 
 it was organized; its sailing; the voyage, and landing here — all 
 of these are interesting facts. When the war with Mexico broke 
 out Colonel Stevenson was a member of the New York Legislature, 
 on the closing session of which he made a speech warmly sup- 
 porting the Government in its action. Soon after Colonel Steven- 
 son had business in Washington City, where he called upon his 
 old friend, Amos Kendall, then Post Master-General. At the 
 house of the latter he was introduced to a prominent Mormon, 
 who had just secured permission from President Polk to organize 
 a regiment at Council Bluffs to march to California under the 
 command of a United States officer. During the conversation 
 Colonel Stevenson remarked that he had heard much of Califor- 
 nia, and would like very much to go there. Mr. Kendall in 
 reporting the matter of the organizing of the Mormon regiment, 
 incidentally mentioned that Colonel Stevenson was in the city, 
 and also mentioned what he said relative to California. The 
 
53 
 
 President immediately said to Mr. Kendall: " See Colonel Steven- 
 son, and tell him that if he is disposed to go to California I will 
 give him authority to raise a regiment of New York volunteers." 
 Colonel Stevenson was informed of this offer by Mr. Kendall, 
 and soon after Gen. J. A. Dix, then Senator from New York, 
 also came to his hotel, and told him the President had asked his 
 opinion regarding the idea of sending a detachment by way of 
 Cape Horn. He approved of the measure and of the commander 
 chosen, as, had he the nomination, he would name Col. Stevenson 
 before any other citizen soldier that he knew. ' Hon. Daniel S. 
 Dickinson, also a Senator from New York, likewise tendered'his 
 congratulations to Colonel Stevenson, and wished him success. 
 Colonel Stevenson felt much delicacy in calling upon the Presi- 
 dent, and therefore delayed doing so until he should receive an 
 invitation from him. The next day, after Secretary Marcy had 
 told him of what President Polk had said, Colonel Stevenson 
 visited the mansion grounds, where on one day in each week, a 
 grand out of door musical soiree was given by the band, which 
 generally attracted some 5,000 people, and while there a servant 
 approached with a request from President Polk who was on the 
 rear portico, that the Colonel should step around and see him. 
 The Colonel did so, and the President in person requested him 
 to call upon him the next day. In the interview on the following 
 day the President questioned Colonel Stevenson closely as to his 
 previous pursuits and his experience in business. These the 
 Colonel answered satisfactorily, and then the President added 
 that he had heard him spoken very highly of as a commander 
 and a man of ability by Secretary of War Marcy and others, said 
 that he was satisfied he would do honor to himself in the 
 matter, and thereupon gave him authority to raise the regiment. 
 Colonel Stevenson then left the executive chamber with orders to 
 the Secretary of the Navy, Quartermaster and Commissary Gen- 
 eral for the necessary arms, supplies and transportation of the 
 regiment. The Cabinet approved of the appointment of Colonel 
 Stevenson, and heartily entertained the idea of the conquest of 
 California. Gen. Winfield Scott, who was also present, thought the 
 appointment a good one, and assented to it. Col. Stevenson then 
 left for New York, and in the morning the mail brought him the 
 official permission to raise the regiment, signed by W. L. Marcy, 
 and dated June 26, 1846. The instructions from the Secretary 
 were that the regiment should be composed of unmarried men, of 
 
54 
 
 good habits and varied pursuits, and such as would be Hkelv to 
 remain in CaUfornia or adjoining territory at the close of the war. 
 It was understood that the recruits must be informed that they 
 were to go a long distance, and that they were to enlist f<^r the 
 war and no shorter length of time, and that they also might be 
 mustered out of service at any point within the United States 
 that the commandant named at the conclusion of the war. The 
 notification also read that the command would be expected to 
 start early in August, 1846. Upon receipt of this Colonel 
 Stevenson, in a communication dated June 30th, wrote to Silas 
 Wright, the Governor of New York, for the necessary permission 
 to raise a regiment in the State. To this the Governor graciously 
 consented. Up to this time nothing was known of the intended 
 movement, and Colonel Stevenson himself had the pleasure of 
 announcing it at the usual gathering of all the officers of the 
 citizen soldiery of the city of New York, at the Governor's room, 
 upon the 4th of July, 1846. The following day the newspapers 
 contained full accounts of the new movement, and on the 7th of 
 July Colonel Stevenson took up his head-quarters at the old State 
 Arsenal in White street, and began receiving recruits for the 
 seven companies to be raised in New York City, which, with 
 three companies to be recruited in the interior of the State, would 
 make ten companies of a regiment of 1,000 men. Colonel 
 Stevenson had arranged that his own commission, as well as 
 those of his staff, should be issued by the State of New York, 
 and he also had determined that his field and staff should, if pos- 
 sible, be composed of officers of the regular army or graduates of 
 West Point. His reason for desiring that his principal officers 
 should be graduates of West Point was that he intended to bring 
 the regiment out in three detachments, and he wanted able men 
 to command and drill them. Colonel Stevenson had especially 
 requested the Secretary of War not to appoint any one to accom- 
 pany him, except in a military capacity, and then not unless he 
 was under his control. As soon as it became generally known 
 that a regiment was to be raised for service in California numer- 
 ous applications for positions were made to the President and 
 Secretary of War, all of which were referred to Colonel Steven- 
 son. Many applications were made for the positions of Surgeon 
 and Assistant-Surgeon to the regiment. The applications were 
 referred to the United States Board of Medical Examiners, who 
 recommended Alexander Perry for Surgeon and William C 
 
55 
 
 Parker for Assistant-Surgeon. Colonel Stevenson, having suc- 
 ceeded in getting the officers of his choice for the field and staff, 
 felt assured of the success of the expedition, and at once turned 
 his attention to the organization of the several companies. The 
 various officers recruiting these companies had been given full 
 and special instructions, and in a very short time ten full compa- 
 nies of splendid men had been recruited, seven of which were 
 from New York, one from Albany and the other two from the 
 interior counties of the State. These companies were on the ist 
 of August gathered together in general encampment on Govern- 
 or's Island, N. Y. Harbor, the tents being pitched on a lawn 
 between Fort Columbus and Castle Williams. Here, on the first 
 day of August, 1846, the regiment was mustered into service by 
 Colonel Bankhead, commanding the Second Regiment of Artil- 
 lery, as the Seventh New York Volunteers. 
 
 There were 38 commissioned officers and 729 non-com- 
 missioned officers and privates, making a total of 767, rank and 
 file. 
 
 The regulations of the service provided that all recruits 
 should be surgically examined within four days of their ap- 
 plication, but at that time the ex^miining physicians were so 
 busy elsewhere that it was not until the 20th of August that 
 the Regiment was examined. So strict were the examining 
 surgeons that out of the 800 men there, 150 were rejected. 
 When it became known that so many had been rejected, over 500 
 applications were made for the vacancies within two days. Very 
 few members of the Regiment were over twenty-one years of age, 
 and no married men, excepting those whose wives accompanied 
 the regiment as laundresses, were taken. Some of these rejected 
 men were very bitter against Colonel Stevenson, and talked of 
 suing him for false imprisonment in keeping them on Governor's 
 Island for twenty odd days without having them examined, but 
 when the matter was fully explained to them a greater portion at 
 once saw that he was not to blame, and relinquished the idea. 
 
 At about this time one Thomas Jefferson Sutherland, who 
 had in earlier days organized a band of men to co-operate with 
 some discontented spirits in Canada, who were trying to create a 
 revolution there, appeared on the scene. This Sutherland, dur- 
 ing the trouble mentioned, had gathered about 100 men, and had 
 taken possession of Navy Island, in the Niagara river, above the 
 Falls, and so alarmed the Canadians that they requested the 
 
56 
 
 United States to remove them. This was accordingly done by a 
 detachment of United States soldiery. From that time until the 
 breaking out of the war with Mexico he led a wandering, vaga- 
 bond life, and when he heard of Colonel Stevenson's intended de- 
 parture he applied to the Secretary of War for a position in that 
 Regiment. The Secretary directed him to Colonel Stevenson, 
 without, however, recommending him, or even giving him a note 
 to the Colonel on the subject. A few days after he appeared 
 before Colonel Stevenson, at Governor's Island, and, although 
 a perfect stranger to him asked for a position on his staff. When 
 told there was no vacancy, he, with a sublimity of cheek truly 
 refreshing, said that while he would prefer going as a military 
 man, still he would accept the position of "adviser " to Colonel 
 Stevenson, which position he could fill with ability, owing to his 
 great military experience. Upon the Colonel's refusing the 
 proffered counsel, Sutherland waxed indignant, and saucily told 
 that gentleman that he had much powerful influence, and that he 
 (the Colonel) would be made to feel the weight of his displeas- 
 ure, before the command left, if, indeed, he did not entirely pre- 
 vent its departure. At this the patience of Colonel Stevenson 
 became exhausted, and he ordered him from the tent and off the 
 camp ground. Nothing more was heard of the would-be 
 ''adviser" until, some fifteen days before the time appointed for 
 the command to sail, the Colonel received a communication from 
 the Secretary of War, inclosing a communication from some 
 prominent politicians of Philadelphia to President Polk, advising 
 him that matters' were so shaping at New York that Colonel 
 Stevenson might be prevented from going to California in com- 
 mand of the expedition, and that in case he did not go all of his 
 field officers would resign on account of their attachment to him. 
 The communication also went on to say that they would recom- 
 mend for the Colonel's position a certain captain in the New York 
 volunteers, and graduate of West'Point. This communication, al- 
 though coming without a word of comment, created quite a dis- 
 turbance in Col. Stevenson's mind, and he set himself to work care- 
 fully reviewing his whole life, to see if he could find aught objec- 
 tionable that his bitterest enemy could point to with scorn or con- 
 tempt. Although in his forty-sixth year, he could find nothing 
 in his whole life, nearly all of which had been passed in New 
 York, which he could not justify before the whole community. 
 Feeling assured also of the respect and friendship of both the 
 
57 
 
 President and Secretary of War, he immediately telegraphed the 
 latter that the command would sail on the 25th or 26th of Sept- 
 ember. Preparations for departure were hurried to completion. 
 
 The ships Thomas H. Perkins, Loo Choo, and Susan Drew, 
 having been chartered by the Secretary of War and their lower 
 holds filled with naval stores, munitions of war, grist and saw 
 mills, and everything that was considered necessary for the con- 
 quest and retention of California, were only awaiting the em- 
 barkation of the troops to sail. 
 
 A meeting of the junior commanders with their superiors was 
 held the day after the dispatch had been sent, which was on the 
 23d of September, and then Colonel Stevenson informed them of 
 his determination to sail on the 25th. To this the officers de- 
 murred, they arguing that both the soldiers and sailors, beipg 
 superstitious, would be greatly dissatisfied sailing on a Friday. 
 Finally, these unexpected objections having due weight, the 
 Colonel made the day of sailing one day later. This arrangement 
 was to be kept an entire secret from both the line officers, soldiers, 
 and the sailors. The conference then adjourned. At its close a 
 young friend of the Colonel's, for whom he had secured a position 
 in the Sheriff's office, New York, came into the tent laboring 
 under much suppressed excitement, and began revealing a most 
 dastardly and cunningly-contrived plot designed to prevent 
 Colonel Stevenson from accompanying his Regiment. This young 
 man, whom the Colonel had benefitted so much, had not forgotten 
 his benefactor, and now, when he found opportunity to do him 
 a service, it was eagerly embraced. The startling intelligence 
 that he brought was that some seventy or eighty of the dis- 
 contented rejected applicants previously mentioned had been 
 induced by some influence to bring suits for false imprisonment 
 against Colonel Stevenson, the damages claimed aggregating 
 $80,000. The young man begged Colonel Stevenson not to re- 
 veal his informant's name, for if he did it would result in his 
 losing his pl^ce. The whole matter was held as a secret in the 
 Sheriff's office. In this the Colonel thought he discerned the 
 work of the artful Sutherland and his Pennsylvania friends, and 
 at once asked his informant if he had ever seen Sutherland in the 
 Sheriff's office. He answered that he had, and that an officer of 
 Colonel Stevenson's regiment had also been seen there. The 
 writs of attachments in these suits were all ready to be served, 
 and the Sheriff's officers were only waiting for the actual day of 
 
sailing to serve tliem upon the defendant. Having placed his 
 friend upon the look-out the young man bade him adieu, after 
 promising that if anything new transpired he would inform him 
 of it. Immediately after the departure of his young friend orders 
 were issued to break camp and to embark, and by nine o'clock on 
 Thursday morning, the 24th, the entire command was aboard the 
 transports, and the commander of the squadron's flag floated at 
 the masthead of the Colonel's ship, where he had his head-quarters. 
 The first order issued on shipboard was that no one should be 
 permitted to board or leave the ship, except by the written per- 
 mission of the commanding officer. On Wednesday, after making 
 all the arrangements for embarking, the Colonel sent word to his 
 motherless daughters, residing at home, in Rutger's place, to 
 meet him at twelve o'clock that night at the house of Frank Geroe, 
 a friend in Brooklyn, to bid him good-by, as he would be unable 
 to visit his home before sailing. Shortly before that hour the 
 Colonel stepped into his boat, manned by six trusty men and a 
 coxswain, all armed, including the Colonel, with pistols and 
 cutlasses, and gave orders to pull for Brooklyn. The night being 
 dark and the oars having been muifled the boat reached Brooklyn 
 unobserved, and Colonel Stevenson had the pleasure of being 
 with his three daughters for an hour, when he bade them a fond 
 and an affectionate farewell. The parting was most painful, but 
 the young ladies, being cast in a heroic mold, strove to hide their 
 feelings of sorrow from, their sire and not add to his keen grief. 
 Fondly and lovingly he kissed them good-by, then hastened to 
 leave the soil of New York, which he has never since then set foot 
 upon, and board his vessel. After the command had been gotten 
 aboard the greatest precautions were at once taken to prevent any 
 of the Sheriff's employes from serving any writs upon Colonel 
 Stevenson. The Colonel's boat, with four well-armed men in it, 
 was stationed at the foot of the rope ladder, and orders were 
 given that any person wanting to come on board should send up 
 his card and business from this boat, and if any one attempted to 
 force his way on board he should be seized and ironed. 
 
 Men were also stationed at four different parts of the vessel 
 with a 32 pound shot within reach, with orders to sink any boat 
 that persisted in making fast to the vessel after being ordered off. 
 Several attempts were made by the Sheriff's officers to get on 
 board to serve their writs, by means of sending up false messages, 
 giving other than their own names, and other devices, not one of 
 
59 
 
 which deceived the grim Colonel, who was not to be caught .with 
 chaff. One party made a forcible attempt to get aboard, but a 
 shot dropped between their boat and the ship by a guard, who 
 immediately seized another shot, as if to be more accurate, caused 
 the adventurous craft to hastily pull away. All day Thursday 
 and Friday this strict guard was kept up. On Thursday afternoon 
 Colonel Stevenson called an old man-of-war's-man into his cabin, 
 and, knowing that he could rely upon him, explained the situation 
 to him, and placed him in charge of the ship's cannon, with in- 
 struction to select a corps to man each gun and to see that the 
 cannons were carefully loaded with grape and cannister and kept 
 ready for instant service. Through the Quartermaster at New 
 York, Colonel Stevenson had ordered four steamers (tug-boats 
 were then unknown) to be in readiness to tow the flotilla out at 
 a given signal, which was to be two cannon shots in quick suc- 
 cession. These orders were given the captains of the steamers 
 under the promise of secrecy, and no other soul on them knew of 
 the duty they were to perform. Friday was, perhaps, the most 
 anxious day of Colonel Stevenson's life. Still it is doubtful if 
 living man could have learned it from his immobile features, calm 
 voice or undisturbed manner. He gave audience to many of his 
 friends, transacted business with others, and at half-past two 
 closed his audience for the day and went on deck to make 
 arrangements for doubling guards. Gathering a few of his trusty 
 friends about him he explained the situation to them also, and 
 told them that he intended to resist arrest at all hazards, even if 
 the Sheriff's boat had to be blown out of the water. At about 
 three o'clock a small steamer was sighted coming down East 
 river, and apparently heading for the vessel. As she approached 
 nearer and nearer the Colonel called Captain Turner's attention 
 to it, and instructed him, in case she attempted to come along- 
 side, to hail her and notify the man at the wheel that if he did 
 not keep off he would be shot dead where he stood. 
 
 A young German, formerly a soldier in the Prussian army, 
 prompt and faithful, was placed in an advantageous position, and 
 these orders given: At the word " Ready ! " he was to raise his 
 piece — which, with but a cap on it, combined with the snap of 
 the lock, made a report loud as a derringer — and cock it. At the 
 word " Aim! " he was to bring down his piece and to draw a bead 
 upon the man in the pilot-house of the approaching steamer. All 
 these directions were given the man in a loud tone, and could be 
 
6o 
 
 distinctly heard on b'oard the steamer. A tinkle of the bell, and 
 she slowed down to come alongside, driven by her acquired force. ■ 
 Just then the ofificer of the day gave the sentinel the command of 
 "Ready!" and up went the gun, the cocking of which sounded 
 clear and determined. The order to aim immediately followed, 
 when Captain Turner sung out to the steamer's pilot: " I will 
 give you five seconds to back your steamer; if she does not move 
 you are a dead man! " The pilot looked but one second at the 
 captain, another second was taken in glancing down that threaten- 
 ing gun barrel, and then clang went the bell, and the wheels of 
 the steamer began rapidly to back water, and she moved off as 
 quickly and as silently as she came, the man at the wheel not 
 taking his eyes off that terrible gun until he was well out of range. 
 That was the last attempt made to arrest Colonel Stevenson on 
 that day. That evening he notified Captain Shields of the United 
 States sloop of war " Preble," which vessel was to accompany his 
 command, that he should sail early the following morning, the 
 26th, and also gave him a dispatch to be sent the President and 
 Secretary of War containing the same notification. That same 
 evening Colonel Stevenson sent a messenger to notify the steamers 
 he had engaged to be alongside at daylight to tow him out, and 
 also to tell Deputy Sheriff A. M. C. Smith, who was on the steamer 
 which attempted to come alongside of the "Perkins" that after- 
 noon, that he (Colonel Stevenson) would never be arrested in that 
 harbor, and that he intended to leave at the head of his command, 
 peaceably if he could, forcibly if he must. The deputy then said 
 to the messenger that the Sheriff was out of town. He had been 
 telegraphed the failure to arrest Colonel Stevenson, and had re- 
 plied that he would return to the city by eight o'clock the ne.xt 
 morning. The return of the messenger with this report quieted 
 Colonel Stevenson's apprehensions, and he turned in, hoping that 
 he could leave New York without bloodshed. At dawn on the 
 26th he was up and on deck awaiting the coming steamers. While 
 thus waiting, an answer to the telegram sent to the President and 
 Secretary of War was received. It read as follows: "Your tele- 
 gram received. Our answer is, God bless and speed you safely 
 to your new home;" signed by President Polk and Secretary 
 Marcy. 
 
 While this was being read, Robert Martin, news collector for 
 the Neiv York Herald^ and personal friend of Colonel Steven- 
 son, came on board, bringing with him the State flag and two 
 
6i 
 
 guide colors, parts of a stand of colors that the officers of Colonel 
 Stevenson's old militia regiment that he had commanded for 
 twenty years, learning that the fleet was about to sail, had sent 
 on board. Colonel Stevenson received the colors with thanks, 
 and taking leave of Martin, gave orders to weigh anchor, and 
 in a few moments, the steamers having come along side, the 
 little flotilla began moving out down the Narrows. Just at this 
 moment, as Colonel Stevenson was looking through his glass, at 
 the immense concourse of people gathered on the Battery, he 
 saw a large column of men moving along pier No. i to the 
 steamer lying at the end of the pier. This he correctly surmised 
 to be a Sheriff's posse to arrest him. Towing the "Perkins," 
 which had all sails set, were two powerful steamers, and with the 
 advantage of an ebb tide it was hoped that she could not be 
 overtaken. As the fleet passed out the Narrows, Fort Lafayette 
 saluted and the ships responded. As the smoke of the canonad- 
 ing cleared away, the little steamer with the Sheriff's posse on 
 board was seen rounding Governor's Island. She did not con- 
 tinue the chase long, for when the fleet rounded Sandy Hook 
 naught could be seen of her, even through a glass. At about five 
 miles out Colonel Stevenson signalled the vessels to heave to, 
 and taking one of the steamers, visited in succession each one of 
 them, bidding good-by to his captains, and leaving orders with 
 them to rendezvous at Rio de Janeiro. When the steamer ranged 
 alongside the ''Susan Drew," he noticed that the officer intended 
 as his successor by the Philadelphia politicians, and the same 
 who had been seen at the Sheriff's oflice was in the mizzen chains, 
 to be the first to have a parting clasp of the hands with Colonel 
 Stevenson, who, however, in boarding, did not choose to notice 
 his extended hand. When, however, this gentleman placed his 
 hand in his. Colonel Stevenson looked him steadily in the eye. 
 The officer at that glance flushed guiltily, and knew then that the 
 Colonel was aware of his perfidy towards him. Slowly the check- 
 mated villain withdrew his hand and slunk away. 
 
 As a final salute, each of the ships manned the yards and 
 their crews gave three vigorous cheers; then all sail was spread, 
 and thus the Regiment left New York for the far western shore. 
 When it is remembered that this was the first army ever sent by 
 the United States to subjugate and occupy a foreign territory, 
 and that never before in the history of the world did a detach- 
 ment of soldiers go so far to reach the enemy's country, the event 
 
62 
 
 becomes one of great historical interest. As the returning steam- 
 ers faded from view, the brave and undaunted commander sought 
 the sohtude of his cabin, where, kneeling, he devoutly thanked 
 his Creator for aiding him safely through the troubles of the few 
 days past. 
 
 Always a sufferer from sea-sickness when at sea, Colonel 
 Stevenson, admonished by premonitory symptoms of that un- 
 welcome visitant, as the " Perkins " lost sight of land, hastened 
 to make all preparation to resign himself, with as good grace as 
 possible, to its consequences. Every part of the vessel was vis- 
 ited and orders given the officers for a week ahead. None too 
 soon were these precautions taken, for Colonel Stevenson had 
 the inevitable attack which confined him to his state-room for 
 three days, and when he reappeared on deck he was but the 
 ghost of his former self, and was so weak that for many days he 
 had to be supported by two sturdy soldiers. Others of the com- 
 mand also suffered from the same infliction. Another of the evils 
 of a long voyage is scurvy. This was well guarded against, how- 
 ever, great care being taken that plenty of wholesome food, and 
 in variety, should be served out. The result of this was that 
 nothing of the kind appeared. All the officers messed together, 
 with the exception of the master of the ship, Captain Arthur. 
 This officer, an eccentric personage, was a German by birth, but 
 he had mingled so freely with the people of all nations, that his 
 nationality was a matter of speculation. He was also most penuri- 
 ous' and ill tempered, and when out of humor, which happened 
 often, he was perfectly unbearable. 
 
 Previous to sailing, he asked permission to join the officers' 
 mess, adding that he could purchase a supply of pigs, chickens 
 and ducks, cheaper than its members could. The proposition was 
 acceded to, and the captain proceeded to lay in much live stock 
 and poultry. He, however, delayed joining the mess until well 
 out to sea, and when, about a week after sailing, it was proposed 
 that he should unite with the mess, and that the event should be 
 celebrated by a chicken dinner, he cooly informed the astonished 
 officers that he had changed his mind, and had concluded not to 
 join the mess. If they wanted any chickens, however, he would 
 sell the mess any number at fair prices. The officers, disgusted 
 at his conduct, did not press him to join the mess, but they bar- 
 tered for his chickens. Here again they were astonished, for the 
 price asked for the chickens was fully three times that which he 
 
63 
 
 had paid for them, so they concluded not to purchase, consigning 
 both the captain and his fowls to hades. This unexpected deter- 
 mination on the part of his intended victims proved unfortunate 
 for the petty speculator; for, the soldiers and crew, learning the 
 trick he had served the officers, also declined to buy a single 
 fowl from him. This was not the extent of his loss, either; for, 
 although he did not sell a chicken, he soon witnessed them 
 rapidly disappear, owing to numerous midnight raids, until at 
 last not a feather of them was left. The young and succulent 
 pigs, too, grew so large and fat, that they had to be killed and 
 salted down. No other instance of pilfering on the part of the 
 command was recorded on the voyage. During the passage the 
 best of discipline was maintained, and there were few viola- 
 tions of the rules. The command, with one exception, paid strict 
 attention to them. This exception was a sergeant of one of the 
 companies. An order had been issued that each soldier should 
 be in his bunk by nine o'clock, ready to turn in at the tap of the 
 drum. This sergeant, in giving the order to his detachment, 
 supplemented it with the remark, " I have given you the order 
 and I don't care a whether you obey it or not." This re- 
 mark was repeated to Colonel Stevenson, who at once reduced 
 the man to the ranks and detailed him for police duty, which was 
 to clean up the ship. This duty he refused to perform, and so 
 he was ordered triced up by the thumbs and wrists; and the 
 order was also given to keep him in that position "until he was 
 ready to make a proper apology for his conduct. This he refused 
 to do, and when his captain tried to reason with him he cursed 
 and swore like a pirate. He was then left alone to come to his 
 senses, but was visited hourly by the ship's surgeon, who, from 
 time to time, reported on his physical condition. 
 
 As might have been expected, the punishment of the fractious 
 sergeant caused a murmur of discontent forward, until at length, 
 seeking to frighten Colonel Stevenson into relaxing his severity. 
 Captain Folsom, who had before presumed on his superior's 
 friendship, entered his cabin and in rather an insolent manner 
 said to him: " Colonel Stevenson, do you know that there will be 
 a mutiny on this vessel this afternoon ?" 
 
 "No, sir," replied Colonel Stevenson, "but I do know that 
 there will not be a mutiny on board this ship this afternoon; and 
 further. Captain Folsom, you know that I sleep over nine hundred 
 tons of gunpowder, but you do not know, sir, that I have a train 
 laid from that powder to my berth ? " 
 
64 
 
 "What?" stammered the captain. "Colonel Stevenson, you 
 surely do not mean to say " 
 
 " Yes, sir, I do, and you can rest assured that before I will 
 suffer the command of this vessel to pass from me there will not 
 be a plank left for a soul on board to cling to; and now, sir, let 
 the mutiny proceed! " 
 
 Pale as a spectre, and with his eyes fairly emerging from their 
 sockets, the thoroughly alarmed officer hastily excused himself 
 and hurried forward, where he, no doubt, imparted the fearful 
 threat he had just heard to the malcontents waiting there, who, if 
 they had ever entertained mutinous ideas, quickly discarded 
 them. The feeling of discontent, however, was not crushed. At 
 roll call that evening, and while the men, mustered on deck, were 
 being inspected, the soldier undergoing punishment moaned as if 
 in pain. At this his bunk-mate, who was .standing in line close 
 by, brought his piece to the deck in a forcible manner and ex- 
 claimed, " By G — , I would like to see the man that would serve 
 me — " whack came a blow, given quick as lightning by Colonel 
 Stevenson, who, in passing, had caught the sentence ere it was 
 finished, and, with a thud, the mutinous soldier fell doubled up 
 in a heap upon the deck. Then calmly ordering a sergeant 
 to incarcerate the fallen man in the ship's prison and keep 
 him on bread and water for ten days. Colonel Stevenson quietly 
 proceeded with the inspection. This display of courage and 
 firmness had a wholesome effect on the discontented men and on 
 the triced-up sergeant, who soon after sent word to Colonel 
 Stevenson that he was anxious to make the apology demanded, 
 and, on that officer's appearing, did so most humbly He was then 
 released, and from that time on both he and the rest of the rebel- 
 lious spirits behaved themselves as well as the most orderly of 
 the command. Thus ended the mutiny predicted by Captain 
 Folsom. 
 
 The next event of any importance was the birth of a female 
 child. This was born to the wife of Quartermaster-Sergeant 
 Stephen Harris. On the same day, also, the "Perkins" fell in 
 with her convoy, the sloop "Preble," Captain Shields. The 
 officers and crew of this vessel, on learning of the infantile arrival, 
 requested permission to name the little stranger, which, being 
 granted, the name of Alta California was chosen for her, and so 
 three vigorous cheers were given for little Miss Alta California 
 Harris by both ships' crews. A few days later, on the 20th of 
 
65 
 
 November, the two vessels having in the meantime parted com- 
 pany, the *' Perkins " entered the bay of Rio de Janeiro, where the 
 "Susan Drew," the "LooChoo" and the "Preble" were found to 
 have arrived xnd were at anchor. Here was also the United 
 States man-of-war, "Columbia," flagship of Commodore Rosseau, 
 commanding the Brazilian Squadron. When the "Perkins' 
 dropped anchor all the vessels manned yards and saluted in 
 man-of-war style. Shortly after, an officer was sent from the 
 " Perkins " to report to Commodore Rosseau, who soon afterwards 
 visited Colonel Stevenson. The "Perkins" was also boarded 
 by the Brazilian authorities, who requested that the commander 
 of the " Perkins " would honor them by exchanging salutes 
 with their forts. 'I'heir exchange of courtesies was agreed 
 upon, to take place the following day. A communication 
 received soon after from Commodore Rosseau, however, made it 
 necessary to cancel the arrangement. This communication was 
 to the effect that owing to a difficulty between the Brazilian Ciov- 
 ernment and Hon. H. A. ^^'ise, United States Minister at Rio de 
 Janeiro, all diplomatic intercourse between the two nations had 
 been suspended. The communication ended by saying that as 
 Colonel Stevenson commanded an independent expedition, he 
 could act as he pleased in the matter. That commander, without 
 hesitation, resolved to support Minister Wise, and so sent a mes- 
 senger ashore to the Brazilian officials to say that it would not be 
 desirable to exchange salutes as agreed upon. The following 
 day the United States officers in port in a body, upon invitation, 
 visited tne various foreign Embassies in that city, but no notice 
 was taken of the Brazilian officials. 
 
 This slight did not serve to mollify the people of PJrazil in the 
 least, and the breach was further widened in the christening of the 
 protege of the expedition, w'hich took place the next day. JLxtensive 
 preparations were made for that event. The officers of the 
 " Preble " selected an elegant silver cup, suitably engraved, and 
 i.-;sued' invitations to all of the United States officials to attend the 
 christening of Miss Alta California Harris, to take place on board 
 the " Columbia," the fleet chaplain officiating. The vessel selected 
 was gaily decorated for the occasion, and, at the hour set, all in- 
 vited were present to participate in the honor to be done the 
 daughter of an humble soldier of a great republic. All were aware 
 that the child was born famous, for was she not the first child ever 
 born whose father formed part of the first expedition of armed 
 5 
 
66 
 
 American emigrant s®ldiers ever sent by their Ciovernment to 
 conquer and occupy a foreign province ? Minister Wise was to 
 stand god-father, and he and the child's parents, Commodore 
 Rosseau, Colonel Stevenson and the chaplain, occupied a central 
 position on the deck. The interesting ceremony was performed 
 and Minister Wise followed in a speech. Unfortunately, in con- 
 cluding, he drew a comparison between the christening of a 
 daughter of an American soldier and a similar event which had 
 taken place on shore a few days previous in which the " royal 
 bantling of the Brazilian Nation," as he termed the child, had been 
 the principal. The ceremony on the "Columbia" was con-eluded 
 by hearty cheering and the firing of salutes from every vessel in the 
 fleet. The insult — so regarded-^offered by Minister Wise, coming 
 to the knowledge of the Court of Brazil, a cabinet meeting was 
 called and the question of ordering every American vessel out of 
 the port was debated. Learning of this proposed action. Colonel 
 Stevenson visited first the most distant vessel of his fleet, and in 
 a speech to the officers and men, countermanded the order allow- 
 ing a portion of the command liberty on shore each day, and ex- 
 plaining matters, said that he expected that Commodore Rosseau 
 would refuse to obey the order. In that case it would be his duty 
 to stand by him, and that a conflict between their vesselsand the 
 vessels and batteries of Brazil would be inevitable. That being 
 the case, he said that the next time they went ashore it would be 
 with fixed bayonets. This announcement had an electrical effect 
 upon the men. They jumped into the rigging and uttered cheer 
 after cheer. Those on the nearest vessel, while not understand- 
 ing the cause of the cnitburst, became excited also, and they, too, 
 joined in the enthusiastic hurrah. And thus, from vessel to ves- 
 sel, cheer followed cheer, and when Colonel Stevenson was rowed 
 to each ship in turn, and they also were told the news, the men, 
 knowing the cause of the outburst, cheered louder than before. 
 All this time the scene on shore was of the liveliest nature. 
 
 Upon the quay fully 20,000 people had gathered, curious to 
 know what the Americans were growing so demonstrative about. 
 Then, after waiting till the excitement had subsided on ship- 
 board, the swarming piers gradually grew less crowded, until 
 finally the docks resumed their wonted appearance. A few hours 
 after Commodore Rosseau thanked Colonel Stevenson, in person, 
 for his proffered aid, and told him that he (Colonel Stevenson) had 
 interpreted ('orrectly what his action would be in case the decree 
 
67 
 
 was made. No such summary step as. contemplated by the 
 Brazihan authorities was ever taken, for the Emperor of Brazil 
 opposed the issuance of such an order, but insisted on demanding 
 the recall of MinisterWiseby the United States Government, which 
 demand was subsequently acceded to. A careful and complete 
 report of his own action in the affair was forwarded the Secretary 
 of War by Colonel Stevenson, an acknowledgment, without com- 
 ment, of the receipt of which was duly received by him when he 
 arrived in California. A few days after this episode the sailing 
 orders were given to the fleet, and the four vessels once again 
 breasted the ocean with all sail set, bound round the Horn. 
 Nothing further of importance transpired on board the " Per- 
 kins" during the remainder of the voyage. The health and dis- 
 cipline of the Command were perfect. Favored with fair weather 
 and fresh breezes the good ship rapidly neared her destination, 
 until in the latter part of February, 1847, the welcome shores of 
 California appeared in the horizon. A few days sail along the 
 coast brought the vessel off the heads, and on the 6th of March, 
 1847, the "Perkins" sailed proudly through the Golden Gate, 
 and at three o'clock rounded to and came to an anchor opposite 
 the little town of Yerba lluena. The United States sloop-of-war, 
 " Cyane," Captain Dupont, was in the harbor, and from its officers 
 Colonel Stevenson learned that the town was held by a detach- 
 ment of the United States Marine Corps, under Lieutenant Tan- 
 sell. General Stephen W. Kearney, commanding the r)ep;irtment 
 of the Pacific was at Monterey, and to him Colonel Stevenson 
 sent a courier announcing his arrival. 
 
 The " Perkins," " Loo Choo," and " Susan Drew " reached 
 Rio de Janeiro the same day, Nov. 20, and sailed together* 
 on the 29th ; at Rio de Janeiro, Captain James M. Turner 
 resigned and returned home, and in the " Loo Choo," off 
 Cape Horn, First Lieut. William R. Tremmels died. The 
 "Perkins" reached San Francisco, March 6, 1847, 165 days 
 from N. Y., having lost four by death and gained two^by birth. 
 The " Susan Drew" reached San Franci.sco March 19, 1847. 
 
 The " Loo Choo " struck a calm near the tropics which 
 lengthened her passage, and it was during this calm that the poet 
 of the ship wrote these lines which were published in the early 
 papers of San Francisco. I only remember the following line, 
 
 " The old Loo Choo seemed dreaming- 
 So idly did she lay." 
 
68 
 
 The following, which was written on board, Feb. 25, 1847, 
 setting forth the objects of this visit to California, will be, I 
 think, welcomed by all the survivors of that Regiment. 
 
 COLUMBIA'S GREETING TO CALIFORNIA. 
 
 BY W. M., FIRST REG'T N. Y. S. V. 
 
 California, awake ! arise ! 'tis time to sleep no more, 
 
 Tlie bright warm sun is even now the mountains peeping o'er ; 
 
 Awake ! the night is speeding fast, the clouds have passed away. 
 
 Already break the first faint beams of the fast coming day. 
 
 And yet, though dark and heavy night has shrouded o'er the mind. 
 
 Fair nature in material things has bounteous been and kind. 
 
 Thy sleep was in defiance of each rich and saving boon, 
 
 A dull and deep Siesta, 'neath the broad full light of noon ! 
 
 But now the waking hour is nigh, we come to set thee free. 
 
 We come as doth the else unfruitful sea, 
 
 To speed upon thy bosom, the barks of wealth and peace, 
 
 To multiply a thousand fold the bounteous land's increase ; 
 
 Wc come to bring thee blessings rare, which freedom's age hath shed, 
 
 O.utgushing rich and plenteous as a mighty river head; 
 
 We come to scatter then abroad, rich seed, which sown, shall be, 
 
 Productive of a happy race, a people wise and free. 
 
 Columbia sends her people on a message unto thee, 
 
 She would that you were happy, she would that ye were free ; 
 
 Receive from her, her people, receive from her, her laws, 
 
 Receive from her the spirit of His great and glorious cause, 
 
 And when the Future shall mature, what now receives its birth, 
 
 When California stands among the mighty powers of earth, 
 
 When knowledge. Freedom, and the arts, have bro't forth glorious fruit, 
 
 Each rivaling the other in one common grand pursuit. 
 
 Then, Calif ornians, pause to think, who brought these blessings rare, 
 
 Think who it was first pealed the note of freedom on the air. 
 
 And you will learn with heartfelt praise, to bless the happy day. 
 
 When freedom took its westward flight to California. 
 
 U.S. Transport Ship, "Loo Choc," Feb. 25, 1847. 
 • Andrew J. Cox in the Napa Register of October i.i, 1879, 
 says: "When Stevenson's Regiment arrived at San Francisco, in 
 March, 1847, there were only four practical printers in California. 
 They were Robert Semple, Edward C. Kemble, Sam. Brannan 
 and P. H. Dunne, who froze his feet in attempting to rescue the 
 Donner party. That the Regiment added 13 more. They 
 were Edward Gilbert, G. C. Hubbard, Walter Murray, James 
 O'Sullivan, David Norris, B. F. Foster, Joshua Rand, William 
 J. Weaver, \\'illiam Layden, Bela Gushing, Wm. Slade, J. D. Yates 
 and Andrew J. Cox. Kemble and Yates were living in New 
 York in J 879, Norris and Sullivan, Brannan and Cox were living 
 in California 1879-80, and all the rest are dead except, perhaps, 
 Weaver. 
 
69 
 
 RESCUE OF PRISONERS OF WAR AT SAN 
 ANTONIO, L. C. 
 
 Captain Steele's Report 
 
 La Paz Barracks, 
 Lower California, March 20, 1848. 
 
 Sir: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with your 
 order, I took command of the mounted force destined for an in- 
 cursion into the interior. On the 15th, and between the hours of 
 9 and 10 p. M., we started. On examination, I found our whole 
 force consisted of 27 non-commissioned officers and privates, 
 three officers (Surgeon Alexander Perry, Acting Lieut. Scott, B 
 company and myself), Lieut. Halleck, United States Engineers, 
 who kindly volunteered his valuable experience and services, and 
 Messrs. Herman Ehrenberg and Taylor, residents of this place, 
 and three guides, Californians — -(aggregate 34). On conferring" 
 with the officers, we were unanimous in the conclusion to pro- 
 ceed with all possible speed direct to San Antonio (the head- 
 ([uarters of the enemy), instead of attacking the advance party 
 at the ranche of Noviellas, with the principal object of rescuing 
 the American prisoners of war confined there, and doing all else 
 we could. 
 
 We took the route by the ranche of the Tuscalamas. Proceed- 
 ing cautiously, we passed an outpost of some fifty men, without 
 being t)bserved by them, and reached the top of the mountain, 
 overlooking and eight miles distant from San /\ntonio, at day- 
 light on the following morning, where we captured one of the 
 " enemy's pickets," and quickening our speed, we descended and 
 passed up the arroyo to the east of the town, and, arranging the 
 men, we charged into the town at full speed. A small party 
 having been previously detailed to secure the persons of the 
 officers of the enemy ; the rest were directed against the building 
 occupied as a cuartel for the soldiers; and not finding any there, 
 one of the liberated captives directed my attention to a building 
 on the other side of the arroyo, to the east of the town, distant 
 from the Plaza about 150 yards, and commanding it (to which I 
 afterwards learned the soldiers had been removed but the day 
 
70 
 
 previous, thereby deranging all our previous plans of attack), 
 from which, with a small force of the enemy drawn up in front, a 
 brisk fire of musketry opened upon us. 
 
 Having first gained our object in rescuing our men, besides 
 taking two of their officers prisoners, I ordered the men to dis- 
 mount and rail}' under cover of the church on the east side of 
 the Plaza. 
 
 The party sent to secure the officers were unsuccessful in 
 securing the commandant — (he escaped in his night clothes, 
 having just arisen from his bed) — but the second in command, 
 Captain Calderon, and the Adjutant Lieutenant Arsse, were 
 taken, their flag and the private and public papers secured. 
 When a sufficient number of our men had rallied, we sallied out 
 and charged the enemy in position, and drove them in all direc- 
 tions to the adjacent hills, killing three of their number and 
 wounding seven or eight. The rout of their force being com- 
 plete, which we learned amounted to some fifty men, and being 
 too tired to pursue them, we collected all the arms they aban- 
 doned (some thirty), their trumpet, bullet-moulds, etc., destroyed 
 them and left them in the Plaza, as it was impossible to carry 
 them with us. 
 
 I have to record the loss of one of our number. Sergeant 
 Thomas M. Hipwood, of B company, who fell dead in the charge, 
 pierced by a bayonet and two balls. '' A better and a truer man 
 never fell in his country's service or the performance of his duty; 
 and his loss will ever be lamented by those who knew his worth." 
 Pantaloons, cravats, hats, horses, saddles, attest the numerous 
 narrow escapes, but none wounded. 
 
 Not more than half an hour elapsed before we were on our 
 way back. We halted at a ranche after travelling some ten miles 
 (owing to the accession of our number of men, and but one or 
 two horses, many had to walk that distance), for the first time, to 
 refresh. In two hours we were on our way again, but little 
 recruited in strength. Proceeding slowly, we reached the moun- 
 tain pass of Trincheras a little before sunset, and were just enter- 
 ing an arroyo, bordered by elevated banks and a thick growth 
 of underbrush, when a fierce fire of musketry opened upon us in 
 front; a dismount and rally in front was but the work of an 
 instant, the men standing fire like veterans. I ordered the 
 advance guard to deploy to the right and left, who drove them 
 from tree to tree and hill to hill, while the main body proceeded 
 
71 
 
 slowly, leading their horses, until we had passed the dangerous 
 ground, when we mounted and took a different road, diverging 
 to the right, which would make the distance much further, but 
 the travelling much safer. 
 
 There was none wounded on our side. One of the captives, 
 Captain Chalderon, received a severe wound from a rifle ball in 
 the right breast from the fire of the enemy, which did not prevent 
 his riding, however; the horses received several wounds, but not 
 so as to disable them. The loss on the part of the enemy was 
 some five or six killed and wounded. We continued our march, 
 proceeded some three miles further, when our rear guard was 
 attacked; but on firing one musket at them they scampered of¥, 
 and scarcely a charge ensued. We proceeded cautiously, but our 
 horses were getting now so fatigued that they would lie down, 
 and it was with the greatest perseverance and exertion that we 
 continued advancing, but finally arrived at the barracks on the 
 morning of the 17th at 2 p. m. 
 
 Having accomplished the extraordinary distance of 120 miles 
 (the route we took) in less than thirty hours on the same horses, 
 with but little food or refreshment, stopping but once to feed, 
 through the most rocky country and the roughest road that can 
 be travelled, and by men, many of them, totally unused to riding, 
 and without any previous preparation, I cannot express in terms 
 too commendatory the coolness and bravery displayed by the 
 men of my command. Acting Lieutenant Scott, B company. 
 Sergeant Peasley, A company, and Sergeant Denniston, B com- 
 pany, were conspicuous. 
 
 To Surgeon Alexander Perry, Lieutenant Halleck, United 
 States Engineers, most sincere thanks are due for their counsel 
 and assistance. And to Mr. Herman Ehrenberg, "my volunteer 
 aid," to say that he fully sustained that reputation for gallantry, 
 coolness and bravery that has been awarded to him on former 
 occasions, is enough. 
 
 And to Luz, Morano, and to Juan de Dios Talamantis, our 
 Californian guides, I am greatly indebted; their bravery and 
 fidelity deserve to be duly appreciated. 
 
 Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 SEYMOUR G. STEELE, 
 Captain ist New York Regiment, eoinmanaing. 
 To Lieut. Colonel Henry S. Burton, 
 
 United States Ann\\ coininanding U. S. forees^ &-'e. 
 
72 
 
 [Letter of Col. Stevenson to Col. Mason in behalf of the Men of his 
 Regiment.] 
 
 Hkad-quarters Southern Military District, California, 
 
 Los Angeles^ California, August 20, /S^S". 
 
 Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 several communications of the 8th, and proclamation of the 7th 
 instant, together with department orders Nos. 50 and 52, announc- 
 ing the conclusion of a treaty of peace between the United States 
 and Mexico, and containing instructions for the disbanding of 
 the First Regiment New York Volunteers under my command. 
 Earnestly as all have desired such an event, the very sudden and 
 unexpected termination of our service has surprised us all, and 
 found many a poor fellow, who has served his country faithfully 
 for more than two years, without a dollar beyond the small 
 amount of pay that will be due them at the time of their dis- 
 charge; and if they pay the few small debts they owe here, they 
 will not have money sufficient to buy a pair of shoes; and I know 
 that many, if not all at this post, possess so high a sense of honor 
 that they would go barefooted rather than leave in debt to any 
 t)ne in the town. Thank (Tod, all here have acted honorably 
 and fairly to the people of the country, and I trust they will do 
 so to the end. Yet, hard as their case is, the}' do not complain 
 of the want of anything but the means of defence; for when they 
 are disbanded, not ten men will have either a gun or pistol; and 
 I assure you, great fears are entertained, and not without just 
 cause, that they will be wanted, as well for their defence against 
 Indians as against some miserable wretches of the country, who 
 already threaten not only to attack all Americans, but the fami- 
 lies of the people of the country who have been friendly to us. 
 My men complain that the Mormons retained their arms, and 
 were allowed transportation to the Salt Lake, for seven months* 
 service, and supplied with twenty rounds of cartridges each, 
 while they, who have served more than two years and travelled 
 thousands of miles on the ocean to come here in the service of 
 their country, are to be discharged without an arm for their de- 
 fence, or a dollar of commutation; and some of them (the last 
 recruits) had their arms taken from them at Monterey, which, 
 unless you have sent them down in the " Anita," they will, in all 
 human probability, never receive. Soon after I arrived in this 
 countrv, in a frank conversation with Cieneral Kearnv on this 
 
73 
 
 very subject, he assured me that my men should be allowed to 
 retain their arms, as he had no doubt if it had been suggested to 
 the authorities at home before sailing, it would have been author- 
 ized, as they were intended for, and would become, permanent 
 residents of the country. He said he made the stipulation with 
 the Mormons, and he felt authorized to make it with me for my 
 men; and the day he left here for the United States he assured 
 me that he would leave such instructions with you as would 
 insure it. A very large number of my men here must remain 
 until they can raise the means of reaching the upper country, or 
 go up on foot; which would be a most toilsome and perilous 
 journey, unarmed as they will be. Under these circumstances, I 
 have deemed it my duty to present you their most earnest appeal 
 that you will allow them to retain their arms, and that fifteen 
 days' rations of such stores as are at the post may be served 
 out to them on the day they are disbanded. They would 
 not ask this favor of the Government if they could in any manner 
 dispose of the land or money scrip. I present this, their petition, 
 most cheerfully, because I feel that they more than deserve it at 
 the hands of their Government; for no soldiers, either regulars 
 or volunteers, have ever surpassed them in correct, honorable 
 and manly deportment, or in a most faithful and diligent dis- 
 charge of the duty required of them as soldiers. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient 
 servant. 
 
 J. D. STEVENSON, 
 Colonel 1st Netv York Rcgii)icut, 
 CoiinuaihUiii:; Soutlicrn Military District. 
 
 To Colonel R. B. Mason, 
 
 1st United States Dragoons, Governor of California. 
 
 [Extract from Letter of Col. Mason to the Adjutant-General of the Army.] 
 
 Head-quarters, Tenth Militarv Department, 
 Monterey, California, June 17, 1848. 
 ******* 
 
 This regiment, you are aware, had been strung from Sonoma 
 in the north to San Jose, in Lower California, during their whole 
 
74 
 
 time of servace in this quarter. The companies stationed at 
 La Paz (Steele's and Matsell's) held that town for many weeks 
 against four times their numbers; and the very moment they 
 were reinforced by Naglee's company with additional recruits, 
 they took the field under the command of Lieutenant Colonel 
 Burton, routed the enemy, completely dispersed them, and restored 
 peace to the peninsula. Colonel Burton speaks highly of the 
 courage and coolness of his men and officers under fire ; 
 and r refer you to his report for individual acts of gallantry. 
 Lieutenant Colonel Burton, throughout his whole conduct 
 whilst in command of the forces in Lower California, 
 completely executed his instructions, which were based upon 
 the orders from the War Department ; and as his reports 
 and copies of his instructions are already in your office, 1 
 need only add my present approval of his conduct. He is 
 now on duty at this place, in command of his company F, 3d 
 Artillery. 
 
 Colonel J. 1). Stevenson, since April, 1847, has been in com- 
 mand of the district of country embracing Santa Barbara, Los 
 Angeles, and San Diego, has by energy and good management, 
 maintained most excellent discipline amongst his men, and has 
 preserved harmony amongst the population of that district, which 
 is composed mostly of the native Californians. This required 
 peculiar tact and firmness — qualities possessed by him in a pecu- 
 liar degree. I will warrant that at no previous time in that dis- 
 trict were life and property so secure, the magistrates of the 
 country so effectually supported, and industry so encouraged, as 
 during the past two years; one common cry of regret arose at 
 the order for their disbandment; the little petty causes of com- 
 plaint were forgotten in the remembrance of the more substan- 
 tial advantages they had enjoyed under the protection of the 
 military. Subalterns and men are entitled to share with their 
 commander the honor due for this creditable state of feeling 
 on the part of a people nominally conquered. That part 
 of California lying on the bay of San Francisco has been 
 under the command of the Major of this regiment, 
 James A. Hardie, who has effectually aided the civil 
 authorities, dispelled the fears t)f the threatened Lxlian 
 incursions, and guarded the heavy depot at San Francisca — 
 duties which were performed to the best advantage with the 
 limited force at his command. His officers and men were gen- 
 
75 
 
 erally attentive to their duties, and anxious to serve the United 
 States. 
 
 R. B. MASON, 
 
 Colonel Jst Dragoons, Cornnianding. 
 To Brig. Gen. R. Jones. 
 
 Adjutant General, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C. 
 
 [Extract from letter of Lieut. .Sherman to Lieut. Colonel Burton.] 
 
 Head-quarters Tenth Military Department, 
 Monterey, California, June 17th, 1848. 
 
 Hs H= * * =H * * 
 
 I take great pleasure in communicating to you Colonel Mason's 
 great satisfaction at hearing of your dispersing the enemy's forces 
 at Todos Santos, and of the previous rescue of the American 
 prisoners at San Antonio, by the party under the immediate com- 
 mand of Captain Steele, First New York Volunteers. These 
 operations were alike creditable in their conception and execu- 
 tion. 
 
 Colonel Mason wishes you to convey to the officers and men 
 under your command his thanks for their gallantry and good 
 conduct displayed on those occasions. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant. 
 
 W. T. SHERMAN, 
 
 1st Lieut, jd Artillery, A. A. A. General. 
 
 To Lieutenant Colonel H. S. Burton, 
 
 Commanding in Lower California. 
 
 [Extract from a letter written by General Nelson Taylor, of .South Norwalk, 
 Conn. Many of the facts related in the letter of General Taylor having already 
 appeared in other parts of this work, are omitted here.] 
 
 South Norwalk, Conn., February ist, 1882. 
 
 Friend Clark — In response to your request, asking for in- 
 formation in relation to our old regiment, or more particularly, 
 that portion of the command with which I served, has been 
 
76 
 
 received, and I will endeavor to comply with your wishes, not- 
 withstanding thirty-five years have nearly elapsed since our dis- 
 charge from the service on the Pacific coast, and only memory to 
 rely upon. 
 
 During the summer of 1848 an order was received by Col. R. 
 B. Mason, commanding Tenth Military Department, from the 
 War Department, directing that Col. Stevenson's regiment should 
 be designated thereafter the " First Regiment New York Volun- 
 teers," instead of the Seventh, as heretofore. This fact was never 
 generally known outside of California, and the regiment, subse- 
 quently organized and commanded by Colonel Ward B. Burnett, 
 which served in Mexico, has always been known as the First 
 Regiment New York Volunteers, when it should have been desig- 
 nated as the Second, and was so designated in an official order 
 issued by the War Department in 1847. There were but two 
 regiments organized in the State of New York during the Mexi- 
 can war, ours being the First. 
 
 On the night of December 7th, 1847, a casualty occurred at 
 Los Angeles which cast a gloom over the entire garrison, and so 
 impressed the commander, that its influence seemed to be felt to 
 the end of the organization. An old lady called on the Colonel 
 that afternoon, and informed him that a large body of Californians 
 had organized, and intended to attempt the re-taking of the city 
 that night. Being the officer of the day, I was summoned to the 
 Colonel's quarters and informed of the substance of the lady's 
 story, and, as a consequence, special vigilance was enjoined on the 
 officer of the guard and each sentry on post. At midnight I 
 visited the guard, as also each sentry on post, and finding every- 
 thing quiet, and believing this story to be as groundless as a 
 hundred other similar ones which had preceded it, I went to my 
 quarters, and in about twenty minutes, certainly not more than 
 half an hour afterwards, I was brought suddenly to my feet by 
 the report of a terrible explosion. Believing that an attack had 
 actually been made, the whole command were promptly got 
 under arms at the barracks; and after waiting a reasonable time, 
 and hearing nothing further, I proceeded to the guard-house, 
 situated on a side hill overlooking the city, and never will the sad 
 spectacle which presented itself to my view, as I approached its 
 precincts, be forgotten. The night was (juite dark, and before I 
 
77 
 
 could fairly see what had occurred, I was startled with the sound 
 of voices giving expression to the most intense suffering, and, on 
 approaching nearer, I found a portion of the guard-house blown 
 down; one or two men were lying dead on the ground; a number 
 slightly, a number seriously, and two or three mortally injured, 
 and the remainder in the greatest confusion. 
 
 On an investigation it was ascertained that private Earl, of 
 Company E, on post a short distance from the guard-house, 
 challenged a horseman, who made a response, but continued to 
 ride towards the sentry, when the challenge was repeated with no 
 better success, and, thinking an attempt was being made to ride 
 him down, ELarl fired his musket and retreated towards the guard- 
 house. The report of the gun having been heard at the guard- 
 house, the guard was promptly turned out and formed, when a 
 soldier of Company G lighted a port fire to use .on a piece of 
 artillery stationed at the guard-house, if the emergency of the 
 case demanded. The officer of the guard retained the men 
 under arms until he satisfied himself that Earl's horseman was 
 an imaginary one, or that he had been frightened away by the 
 shot from Earl's musket, when he ordered the ranks broken, 
 and directed the man with the port fire to extinguish and return 
 it to the arm chest froni whence it had been taken. 'I'he arm 
 chest was kept in the room of the officer of the guard, and was 
 well filled with amunition. The man, not understanding the 
 almost impossibility of extinguishing a lighted port fire without 
 cutting off the lighted end, stamped it until it was black, and, as 
 he doubtless thought, extinguished the fire, when he threw it 
 back into the chest, and closed the lid. In a very few minutes 
 the hidden spark rekindled, fired and exploded the amunition, 
 causing the painful and distressing scene which ensued. The 
 poor fellow, who had so unwittingly caused the sad casualty, was 
 not found until the next day; he had paid the full penalty of his 
 ignorance or carelessness, or both. The loss in men fell on Com- 
 pany G of our regiment, and Company C, First U. S. Dragoons. 
 Three or four of Company E were injured, and they but slightly. 
 
 In closing this brief sketch of my recollection of that portion 
 of the regiment with which I served, it is my desire to pay a well 
 merited tribute to a worthy officer, that was the Colonel of the 
 regiment, Jonathan D. Stevenson. 
 
78 
 
 Doubtless, with the experience he now has, if called upon to 
 organize and command another regiment he would leave undone 
 many things which he felt called upon to do, and do many others 
 which he left undone. Such, I believe to be the feeling of most 
 men having had the experience of organizing and commanding 
 regiments; but upon a careful review of his colonelcy, I entertain 
 the opinion that few volunteer officers who served during the 
 Mexican war, acquitted themselves with more advantage to the 
 Government, or greater credit to themselves, 
 
 It is true he performed no brilliant military achievement in the 
 field, where honor is sought at the cannon's mouth; his lines 
 happened t(^ fall in more i)leasant places; yet, if occasion had 
 called for it, and opportunity offered, there is no doubt but that 
 his field services would have been as distinguished and credita- 
 ble as was his civil administration satisfactory to the citizens of 
 his military district. To his superior administrative and execu- 
 tive ability is due, in my humble opinion, the peace and good 
 order that prevailed so uninterruptedly throughout the lower 
 portion of Upper California after he assumed the command of 
 that district. 
 
 His intercourse with those who were brought in contact with 
 him officially or otherwise, was ever characterized with the easy 
 and agreeable courtesy which betokens a well-bred gentleman, 
 and which deservedly made him popular, both with the soldiers 
 of his command and the citizens of his military district. 
 
 It is man)^ years since it was my good pleasure to meet the 
 Colonel, whom, I learn, stiil remains a citizen of the Golden 
 State, and which he has never left for a single day, since he first 
 landed on its shores in command of our regiment. Let him 
 reside where he may, he has my best wishes for all the worldly 
 prosperity and mental contentment which can fall to the lot of 
 
 man. 
 
 Truly yours, NELSON TAYLOR, 
 
 Formerly Captain Co. E. 
 
 The military forces in Cal. in April, 1847, were about as folows: 
 One Company 1st U. S. Dragoons, . . . 88 men. 
 
 One Company 3d U. S. Artillery, . . . . 107 men. 
 Ten Companies N. Y. Volunteers, - - - 550 men. 
 
 Five Companies Mormon Battalion, . - - - 314 men. 
 
 Total, - 1,059 
 
79 
 
 MEXICAN CALIFORNIA. 
 
 The following chapter from a work recently published by Major 
 Bell, entitled "Reminiscences of a Ranger," gives to those who 
 are unfamiliar with California prior to its acquisition by the 
 Americans, a truthful account of the simple, pastoral life of its 
 inhabitants. Major Bell says: 
 
 " If I am correct, before the coming of the gringo in '46, the 
 Mexican province of California contained a population of 30,000, 
 not counting the Indians. This population extended along the 
 coast from San Diega to Sonoma, a distance of say 600 miles. 
 There being only a few towns, San Diego being first, then Los 
 Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Luis, Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz, 
 San Jose, Verba Buena, and last of all, going north, Sonoma. 
 I, OS Angeles was the largest, containing a population of about 
 2,000. Next came Santa Barbara and Monterey, mere villages. 
 Now, it is quite easy for the reader to perceive that the major 
 part of the population dwelt on the ranchos. These ranches 
 ranged in size from one to eleven leagues — that is, in round 
 numbers, from five thousand to fifty thousand acres. The owner 
 of each rancho possessed from one thousand to ten thousand 
 head of horned cattle, and from one or two hundred to three or 
 four thousand head of horses, broken and bronco. The country 
 even when the value of a bullock was his hide, tallow and horns 
 was prosperous, and money plenty. The rancheros dressed well 
 were well housed, and had an abundance of store — home produce 
 and foreign importation. 
 
 " The hospitality of the California ranchero was a proverb. A 
 person, though he may have been a stranger to the country born 
 could start from San Diego and journey to Sonoma without it 
 costing him a dollar, and be furnished with a fresh horse at every 
 rancho, leaving instead the one of the previous day's ride. Such 
 a thing as charging a traveler for what he received would have 
 been considered an act of excessive meanness. The social inter- 
 course and amusements of these isolated people were in keepino- 
 with their situation. Religious fiestas were celebrated at the 
 Pueblos and Missions with great pomp and ceremony, and 
 afforded a pleasant recreation and relief from the monotony of 
 ranch life. When the daughter of a ranchero married, the family 
 either gave a grand fiesta at the rancho or a baile at the Pueblo or 
 
8o 
 
 Mission, to which the whole country were invited, except the 
 lower classes, and to which the people came sometimes a distance 
 of forty leagues or more, families traveling in their elaborately 
 fixed up carretas, and the beaux transporting the belles before 
 them on their elegant saddles, the beau occupying a seat on the 
 croup, with his bridle arm resting on the shoulder of his fair 
 passenger, or encircling her slender waist. While the families 
 were absent on these social expeditions nothing would go amiss 
 on the ranchos. The major-dcmio and the Indian vaqueros 
 would look out for the herds as though the patron were present; 
 the grass would grow and the cattle would thrive and multiply. 
 These marriage feasts would be of three or four days' duration. 
 Dancing at night and horse racing during the day, and generally 
 winding up with bull-fighting. The religious feasts, celebrated 
 at the churches, were brilliant, pompous, expensive and imposing, 
 the most important of which were the feast of the Holy Week, 
 Corpus Christi and St. John's Day, the latter being devoted to 
 cock-fighting and kindred amusements, one of which was to take 
 a live cock, and, after plucking the feathers from and thoroughly 
 greasing his neck, his body would be buried in the middle of the 
 street or road, the greased neck alone being exposed above the 
 ground. Now, the game was to dash past the buried cock at full 
 speed on horseback, and lean over and seize the neck and pull 
 the cock from the ground — a most difficult performance. The 
 feast of Corpus Christi was one of peculiar religious observance 
 — one of processions, parades and displays. The feast of the 
 Holy Week always ended with a tragedy on the Saturday of 
 Glory, in the annual execution of that eminent traitor, Judas 
 Iscariot, which was done by first erecting a gibbet; then an effigy 
 of Judas was brought forth from an imaginar}' prison, mounted 
 on a cart, with the arms pinioned, and being guarded by a file of 
 soldiers, was drawn around the plaza and principal streets, fol- 
 lowed by the excited crowd, hooted at, insulted and pelted by 
 the boys and others, and finally, in a most dilapidated and dis- 
 graceful condition, was halted in front of the gibbet. Now, an 
 orator from the crowd comes forward and delivers a solemn lec- 
 ture to Judas, and gives him fits, makes his bow and retires, and 
 is succeeded by another orator, who gives Judas another berat- 
 ing, and accuses him of crimes so contemptible and manifold 
 that, as an impartial judge, one feels constrained to take sides 
 with the old sinner, and declare one's utter disbelief in those 
 
divers and many crimes charged against him — such, for instance, 
 as robbing hen-roosts, of steaUng old clothes, of dealing cards 
 unfairly in the national game of monte, of being a cheat, a vaga- 
 bond, Jew, and worst of all, a gringo. Poor old Judas stands this 
 without a word of denial, and by standing mute is deemed to 
 have pleaded guilty, is taken from the cart, raised to and bound 
 on the gibbet. The crowd again commence to insult and pelt 
 him, all of which old Judas endures without a word of remon- 
 strance; stands like a martyr. The tragedy is about to end as 
 the shades of eve fall upon the scene. 
 
 Now we hear the strains of martial music, the solemn tap of 
 the drum, and the heavy tramp of military feet, as a platoon of 
 infantry file into line and halt in front of the doomed traitor. 
 Now the judgment of the court is read and the death warrant 
 recited, and Judas is given an opportunity to speak for himself, 
 but remains as mute as a dead mutton, which is taken as an 
 acknowledgement that the judgment is just, and that he ought to 
 die. Now the military commander orders his men to "load! 
 shoulder arms! ready! aim! fire! " and poor Judas, for the eigh- 
 teen hundredth time or more suffers a public execution. The 
 volley riddles him. Then "load and fire at will," and the sol- 
 diers take huge delight in firing at Judas until there is not a piece 
 of him left large enough for a cigar wrapper. In the meantime 
 the band plays, the crowd yell and hoot in triumphant glee, and 
 Judas is sent to the devil until Saturday the year coming, when 
 he is again disposed of in the same way. 
 
 After the gringo nation had nailed its flag to the mast in this 
 angel land, the ceremonies attending the annual execution of 
 Judas became less inspiriting and satisfactory, because of there 
 being no military to blow the old traitor into the next year. 
 
 Some of the great ranchos of the country were baronial in their 
 extent and surroundings. Their proprietors being great digni- 
 taries, maintaining large numbers of vassals — for such really they 
 were — mostly Indians, who, under Mexican major-domos, did all 
 of the labor for the ranch. The chief major-domo, under the 
 immediate direction of the patron, had entire supervision of the 
 business; then there was the major-domo de la casa, or steward; 
 the major-domo del campo had charge of the vaqueros, or 
 mounted herders in the field; the major-domo de las caponeras 
 had full control of the gentle horses; the major-domo de las 
 mandas was in charge of thousands of wild mares and their foals, 
 6 
 
82 
 
 and attended to the branding of colts, others to the marking and 
 branding of cattle. There were hair-rope and halter makers, 
 others who made cinches or broad hair girths, makers of raw 
 hide riatas, the curers of hides, the triers out of tallow, the 
 hewers of wood and the carreta men, all of whom amounted to 
 hundreds of people dependent upon the ranchero or lord of the 
 manor. At morn you hear the clatter of horses' feet and the 
 jingling of spurs, as the mounted men, hat in hand, report for 
 duty to the major-domo-in-chief, and then, in detachments, 
 dash off at a full gallop in all directions to their respective 
 duties. By this time coffee is served in the dining-hall, and the 
 patron, members of his household, and guests take their morning 
 cup. At nine or ten o'clock the vaqueros begin to return from 
 the field, and a herd of gentle horses are driven into the corral, 
 fresh ones are caught, and thbse of the day before are turned 
 loose, may be not to be used again for a week; the fresh ones are 
 saddled, and then the under major-domos report to the chief, who 
 in turn, hat in hand, reports to the patron, and then the whole 
 ranch, goes to breakfast, which being disposed of, the duties of 
 the day are resumed. 
 
 [The following extract, taken from the work entitled "The Natural Wealth 
 of California," by Titus Fey Cronise, published at San Francisco in i86S, 
 twenty years subsequent to the disbandment of the regiment, thus speaks of 
 the character established in later years by the former members of Col. Stevenson's 
 regiment. It says:] 
 
 " Another valuable accession to the early settlers was made by 
 the arrival of Colonel Stevenson's Regiment of California volun- 
 teers, consisting of nearly one thousand rank and file, in anticipa- 
 tion of movements which were subsequently developed. In 1846 
 President Polk authorized Colonel J. D. Stevenson to raise a 
 regiment of infantry volunteers in New York, for the purpose of 
 protecting the interests of the United States on the Pacific coast. 
 The men comprising this regiment were selected particularly 
 with the object of their becoming settlers in the country; many 
 of them have become permanent and honored citizens of the 
 State. In its ranks, as privates, were sons of senators and repre- 
 sentatives in Congress, lawyers, doctors, editors, printers, and 
 representatives of nearly every trade, who were all permitted to 
 
83 
 
 bring tools and material for carrying on their respective occupa- 
 tions — being in striking contrast to the soldiers sent here by the 
 Mexican Government, who were generally the worst convicts 
 from the jails, and such refractory, turbulent characters as it was 
 most desirable to get rid of. 
 
 The California regiment left New York on the 26th of October* 
 1846, on board the ships, "Thomas H. Perkins," "LooChoo," 
 and " Susan Drew." The first division, under command of Colonel 
 Stevenson, on board the " Thomas H. Perkins," arrived at San 
 Francisco March 6th, 1847. The regiment was mustered out of 
 service in the summer of 1848. Nearly three hundred of its 
 members were alive, in California, in July, 1867. Among its 
 commissioned officers were Captain Folsom, Lieutenant Harrison 
 and Captain Taylor, whose names are connected with streets 
 formed on land they acquired. Captains H. M. Naglee and J. 
 B. Frisbie held prominent positions in the history of the State. 
 W. E. Shannon, the delegate from Sacramento to the State Con- 
 stitutional Convention, was Captain of Company I of this, 
 regiment. The volunteer service of the United States has been 
 honored by the exemplary conduct of the members of Col. Stevenson s 
 regiment." 
 
 The following account of the explosion of the magazine at Los 
 Angeles, Cal., is furnished by Col. John McH. Hollinsworth, from 
 a journal kept by him while on duty at that post: 
 
 " December 9TH, 1847. 
 
 " The magazine has blown up and killed some of our brave 
 fellows. We were informed by native Californians, friendly to 
 our cause, that we should be attacked last night. Accordingly, 
 every preparation was made to receive the enemy. When night 
 came on I felt very anxious, and, though not on duty, and no 
 responsibility resting upon me, yet I could not sleep. At mid- 
 night I put on my side arms, and, in company with Captain 
 Stevenson, patroled the town. We met Sergeant Travers of 
 the guard, one of my company, going around with a patrol, to 
 see if all was right. He halted us, and, upon recognizing who 
 
 * The author is in error — the month was September. He also omits mention of the 
 subsequent arrivals of ships " Brutus," " Isabella," and " Sweden," with detachments of the 
 regiment. 
 
84 
 
 we were, made the customary salute. I had not long returned to 
 our quarters, when we heard the report of a musket from the 
 furthermost outpost of the redoubt. Another report followed in 
 rapid succession, and then a bright blaze lit up the heavens, fol- 
 lowed by a deafening roar, which seemed to come from the centre 
 of our guard. Meanwhile we heard the drum rolling, and horses 
 moving around our quarters. We armed ourselves, and passed 
 out the back way, concluding we were surrounded, and must fight 
 our way out. I opened the gate. No one was there; but I 
 passed as rapidly and silently as I could along the shadow of the 
 wall, to reach my company, for, as no one doubted but that the 
 long expected attack had come. Horsemen were riding up and 
 down the street in every direction. I looked back to see if any- 
 one was following, and found my Captain (Stevenson) next to 
 me, with his broad, white belt passed across his shoulder and 
 breast. I advised him to take it off instantly, unless he wished 
 to be a target for the enemy's bullets. Upon reaching the com- 
 pany it pressed forward; we were at the same moment joined by 
 Captain Nelson Taylor and his men, and together we ran up the 
 hill. All was still and dark when we set off, and we asked each 
 other, ' Had the guard been overpowered? or had the ground 
 been undermined and all blown into the air? ' As we neared the 
 scene of action, a spectacle presented itself which I hope never 
 again to witness. The magazine had been opened to man the 
 battery, when a spark from a port fire had fallen into it, through 
 the carelessness of one of the men. The groans and shrieks of 
 the wounded and dying, the shouting of the officers to the men, 
 and the incessant roll of the drum, while everything was envel- 
 oped in a dense cloud of smoke, formed a terrible scene of con- 
 fusion. I heard the Colonel calling for me to take command of 
 a party of soldiers who had already dug seven bodies out of the 
 ruins. I hastily collected some men to convey the injured to the 
 hospital. Three of them were burnt to a crisp, three burnt black, 
 but with life still left, -calling upon God to give them back their 
 eyesight, which was gone forever It was thought at the time 
 that at least twenty men were killed. All were knocked down 
 who were near, though many were unharmed by it. The guard- 
 chair, where I had so often sat, was shattered into a thousand 
 atoms. The Lieutenant, although not in the chair at the time, 
 was thrown some distance, but picked up unhurt. I saw a dra- 
 goon dug out from under the wall of the guard-house. He lived 
 
85 
 
 but a few minutes. I heard one of the poor fellows calling for 
 Lieut. H.; I went to him directly, and, though burnt black, I 
 instantly recognized the poor Sergeant (Travers) I had met but 
 an hour before. He said: 'Lieutenant, tell me, as a man, can I 
 live until morning? ' I told him I hoped to see him get well. 
 One of the men said: ' The iron hinge of the magazine chest is 
 driven into his body.' I said, 'Hush; do not alarm him.' The 
 poor man said: * Lieutenant, you cannot deceive me; I am mor- 
 tally wounded; I have lost my leg; my eyes are gone, all is dark 
 to me. Oh, that my poor mother were here to pray for me! ' 
 He then said: 'Doctor, I am sleepy; if I go to sleep will I wake 
 again?' The doctor said, 'It is doubtful.' Travers then said: 
 ' Do not frighten my wife; tell her to be a good girl; I die 
 content.' " 
 
 [From the Daily Examirier (San Francisco), March 27th, 1872. 
 T WENT Y- FIFTH ANN I VERSAR V. 
 
 Stevenson's Regiment Reunited. 
 
 The Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the landing of that famous 
 body of pioneers, Stevenson's Regiment, was celebrated last 
 evening at Martin's Restaurant. The following survivors were 
 present : Colonel Jonathan D. Stevenson. Co. A — Frederick L. 
 Post, John Flood, Joseph McDonough, James O'SuUivan, 
 Edward Barthrop, J. P. Hawkins. Co. B — James E. Nuttman, 
 Patrick Lynch, James W. Melvin, Lieut. Thomas E. Ketchum. 
 Co. C — Adolphus G. Russ, A. J. Cox, James G. Dow. Co. D — 
 William S. Johnson, James Sirey, Frank P. Anderson, Charles 
 Rosseau. Co. E — Castor Briggs, Major John M. O'Neill, Ezekiel 
 Bullock, Henry J. Wolgemuth. Co. F — Sergeant James Queen, 
 Emil A. Engelberg, Peter Sesser. Co. G — James H. Adams, 
 John Kleinschroth, Robert Wilson, Frederick Coyan. Co. H — • 
 Captain John B. Frisbie, Sergeant Eleazar Frisbie, George N. 
 Cornwell, Alfred Guthrie. Co. I — George J. Graff. Co. K — 
 None. Dr. William C. Parker, Surgeon ; James C. L. Wads- 
 worth, Clerk to Sutler ; John Q. Adams, " at Large." 
 
86 
 
 Letters were received from a number of absentees, expressing 
 their regret at being unable to attend the re-union. The tables 
 were well supplied, the wines excellent, and at a late hour the 
 toasts came in and were responded to most happily. 
 
 The Third toast, "The Army and Navy," was drank amid 
 great enthusiasm. The band played the "Red, White and Blue." 
 
 General Schofield, U. S. Army, commanding Department of 
 the Pacific, responded. He said it afforded him great pleasure 
 to meet the members of the pioneer regiment of California, and 
 congratulate them upon their re-union. I am surprised, said he, 
 to see so many of the gallant band together, after a lapse of 
 twenty-five years, and so goodly a number of young men, too. I 
 scarcely believe there is, among you, an older man than I am, 
 and I am not yet twenty-five years in the service. It shows the 
 character of our early soldiers, that they were men of vigor, of 
 good habits and of good character. I assure you it gives me 
 pleasure to witness the re-union of those who are of our early 
 pioneers, and who have done so much to develop our country. 
 I wish you many long years of prosperity. (Cheers.) 
 
 " The Press " was the fifth regular toast. It was responded to 
 by that venerable pioneer, Hon. Philip A. Roach, in a pertinent 
 and happy speech. He returned thanks for the honor conferred, 
 and said that the subject could be better handled by younger 
 members of the press present. He said, with your regiment, and 
 as one of its number, a member of the press came to our shores, 
 who established a free, fearless and independent paper in this 
 city, and who was not afraid to speak out boldly. When it was 
 dangerous to give utterance to his sentiments, he stood up for 
 the people's rights, and by his fearless and brilliant character 
 built up a paper of influence, talent and ability in this city — the 
 Alta. This gentleman's name, you well know, is Edward Gilbert, 
 who laid down his life for what he believed were the principles 
 of liberty we now enjoy and for the liberty of the press. His 
 portrait very properly hangs in the Council Chamber of the city. 
 He lost his life in maintaining his idea of what was right and 
 combatting what was wrong. 
 
 Mr. Roach's address was warmly received. A brother of Mr. 
 Roach was a lieutenant in the regiment. 
 
 The Volunteer toasts were happily proposed, and their responses 
 in every instance full of kindly sentiment and good fellowship. 
 At a late hour the re-union broke up. 
 
87 
 
 i847— RE-UNION AT NEW YORK— 1874. 
 
 The twenty-seventh anniversary of the landing of Stevenson's 
 Regiment in California was celebrated by a dinner at the Sturte- 
 vant House on the evening of the 26th of March, 1874. 
 
 The following survivors were present: Surgeon Alex. Perry, 
 Capt. James M. Turner, Lieut. Jeremiah Sherwood, James E. 
 Nuttman, Russell Myers, William H. Christian, George M. 
 Leonard, William H. Rogers, Jacob J. Schoonmaker, Francis D. 
 Clark and John Taylor. 
 
 Letters of regret were read from the following comrades: 
 Major-General James A. Hardie, U. S. A., Gen. Nelson Taylor, 
 Gen. Francis J. Lippitt, John Wolf, Esq. and Hon. Sherman O. 
 Houghton, M. C. 
 
 Among the many old Californians present were, Hon. C. K. 
 Garrison, ex-Mayor of San Francisco, Gen. Thomas B. Van Buren, 
 Gen. H. G. Gilson, U. S. A., James Stark, Esq. (the pioneer actor), 
 and Major William W. Leland, (founder of the Pacific News at 
 San Francisco in 1849). 
 
 The New York Herald, in its issue of August 10, 1846, 
 contains an engraving entitled " The Encampment of the 
 California Regiment on Governor's Island," showing the regi- 
 ment on parade, and its issue of September 6 has another 
 entitled " Presentation of Bibles to the New York Legion or 
 California Regiment," on Governor's Island, by Rev. Dr. 
 McVicar. 
 
 [From the Albany Argus, August ist, 1846.] 
 
 Yesterday Governor Wright issued commissions to the field 
 officers of the Seventh Regiment of U. S. Volunteers from the 
 State of New York, viz. : Jonathan D. Stevenson, Colonel ; 
 Henry S. Burton, Lieutenant-Colonel ; James A, Hardie, 
 Major. 
 
88 
 
 MUSTERED OUT IN 1873. 
 
 To Lieutenant Jeremiah Sherwood of Company G, the honor 
 belongs of having been the last ofificer holding a commission in a 
 volunteer regiment enrolled for service during the Mexican war, 
 to be mustered out of the service of the United States. Lieut. 
 S., at the date of the discharge of Company G, at Los Angeles, 
 Cal., September i8th, 1848, was absent upon detached service 
 under Lieut. George Stoneman, U. S. Dragoons. Upon the 
 news of the discharge of a portion of Stevenson's Regiment 
 reaching Lieut. Stoneman, who was then in the neighborhood of 
 San Francisco, he gave Lieut. Sherwood an indefinite furlough. 
 Twenty-five years subsequent Lieut. Sherwood recalled this fact 
 that he was still in the United States service; he addressed 
 several communications to the War Department on the subject, 
 and after he had assured the Department that no claim for pay 
 would be made upon the Government, was the least attention 
 given to the communications. Then the Adjutant-General of the 
 Army issued an order to Gen. Winfield S. Hancock, U. S. A., 
 commanding the Military Division of the Atlantic, with Head- 
 quarters at New York, directing that ofhcer to have Lieut. Sher- 
 wood properly mustered out of the service of the LTnited States; 
 and upon the muster-out roll of Company G, the War Depart- 
 ment has appended opposite to the name of Lieut. S., the follow- 
 ing in 7-ed ink: "A. G. O. Discharge furnished to date from 
 September i8th, 1848, per Special Order 93, par. 3, Head- 
 quarters Military Division of the Atlantic, series of 1873." The 
 remarks made by Capt. Smith, U. S. Dragoons, who mustered 
 out the company at Los Angeles, opposite the name of Lieut. 
 Sherwood being: "Absent on detached service by Special 
 Order No. 40, Headquarters Southern Military District, Los 
 Angeles." 
 
 L.cFC. 
 
CONCL USION. 
 
 Comrades: 
 
 This publication was delayed some four months to enable addi- 
 tional facts regarding surviving, as also deceased comrades to be 
 obtained, thereby affording the opportunity of recording herein 
 information that must otherwise have been omitted. Every effort 
 was used to learn who of those who are recorded under " where- 
 abouts unknown," were living or deceased. In some instances 
 the result was favorable. Undoubtedly many others will be 
 accounted for after this record refreshes the memory, by recall- 
 ing familiar names to those who were their associates in the 
 regiment, or afterwards identified with them in civil life. 
 
 Some twenty names have been received who are reported to 
 have been members of the regiment, but as the official rolls of 
 the respective companies fail to substantiate the fact, it is evident 
 that some mistake has been made, in nearly every instance the}" 
 are reported as deceased. 
 
 Want of space has prevented the publication herein of 
 communications written by our comrades, Captain Seymour G. 
 Steele, Lieutenant John C. Bonnycastle, John B. Parvin, William 
 H. Rogers and William H. Christain, containing interesting 
 reminiscences relating to the old regiment. 
 
 The printing, binding and distribution by mail of four hundred 
 copies of this little volume necessitates an expense of over three 
 hundred and fifty dollars, it being intended for private distribu- 
 tion among comrades, and through them to personal friends and 
 relatives (excepting those copies which will be forwarded to 
 historical and other societies in the Empire and the Golden State 
 for preservation), the funds for the liquidation of this expense 
 is derived solely from the voluntary contributions of survivors of 
 
9° 
 
 the old regiment, the small number of copies required greatly- 
 increased the cost of each book ; and, in response to my appeal 
 for funds to defray this expense, it affords me pleasure to 
 acknowledge the receipt of one half of the amount required from 
 the following comrades : 
 
 Colonel JONATHAN D. STEVENSON. 
 Lieutenant J. C. BONNYCASTLE, Adjutant. 
 
 Co. A. 
 
 WILLIAM H. ROGEKS. 
 ANDREW J. MOORE. 
 RUSSELL MYERS. 
 WILLIAM H. WILLIAMS. 
 JOHN W. THOMAS. 
 WILLIAM WOOLEY. 
 JOHN B. PARVIN. 
 THEODORE R. SAUNDERS. 
 MOSES W. PERRY. 
 
 Co. B. 
 
 Lieut. THOMAS E. KETCHUM. 
 JAMES E. NUTTMAN. 
 CHARLES H. THURSTON. 
 CHARLES HEINRICH. 
 SAMUEL CATTS. 
 
 Co. D. 
 WILLIAM S. JOHNSON. 
 JAMES M. HARRON. 
 JOHN WOLFE. 
 GEORGE A. CORGAN. 
 FRANCIS D. CLARK. 
 
 Co. E. 
 
 Capt. NELSON TAYLOR. 
 JOHN M. O'NEIL. 
 JOHN H. WELSH. 
 GEORGE CANFIELD. 
 
 Co. F. 
 Capt. FRANCIS J. LIPPITT. 
 CHAS. C. E. RUSS. 
 JAMES LYNCH. 
 AUGUST E. ENGELBERG. 
 AMISON WHITAKER. 
 
 Co. G. 
 Lieut. JEREMIAH SHERWOOD. 
 " J. McH. HOLLINGSWORTH. 
 ROBERT WILSON. 
 E. D. SHIRLAND. 
 THOMAS NISBITT. 
 
 Co. H. 
 
 Capt. JOHN B. FRISBIE. 
 
 SQUIRE G. MERRILL. 
 GEORGE VAN VECHTEN. 
 JAMES H. LAPPEUS. 
 
 Co. I. 
 
 JOSEPH EVANS. 
 
 EUGENE GUIBAL. 
 
9> 
 
 The Legislature of the State of New York has recently passed 
 an act appropriating the sum of fifty thousand dollars for the 
 purpose of granting to each survivor of the First Regiment of 
 New York Volunteers, which served in the Mexican war, the sum 
 of twelve dollars per month for a period of two years. The act 
 only awaits at this date, (June ist, 1882,) the signature of the 
 Governor to become a law. At the first glance it would be sup- 
 posed that this allowance was for the survivors of the regiment 
 under Colonel Jonathan D. Stevenson. Such is not the fact. 
 
 Disputes having arisen, and more or less confusion still exist- 
 ing in the minds of many, with reference to the proper designation 
 of our regiment, it seems not inappropriate to here state a few 
 facts, giving a clear and better understanding of the matter. 
 
 At the outbreak of the Mexican war an attempt was made to 
 organize six regiments in the State of New York, and while these 
 were in the course of completion the War Department issued 
 authority to Colonel Jonathan D. Stevenson to organize a regi- 
 ment in the State of New York for service in California, and 
 naturally, this latter regiment took the designation of " Seventh 
 Regiment New York Volunteers," under which title it was mus- 
 tered into the service, and took its departure for its field of duty. 
 The effort to organize the six regiments, above referred to, was, 
 subsequent to the sailing of the regiment under Col. Stevenson 
 for California, abandoned, owing to the fact that the War Depart- 
 ment declined to accept only one other regiment from the State 
 of New York for duty in Mexico. Out of these six partly organ- 
 ized regiments, owing to a compromise made between several of 
 the would-be colonels, was formed the regiment which served in 
 Mexico under the command of Colonel Ward B. Burnett, which 
 was the second and last New York regiment organized and mus- 
 tered into the service of the United States during the Mexican 
 war. Colonel Stevenson's regiment having been mustered into 
 the service as the Seventh, and having sailed for California, the 
 State authorities designated the regiment under Colonel Burnett 
 the First. 
 
 The War Department subsequently corrected this erroneous 
 designation of New York regiments, by an order directing Col. 
 Stevenson to thereafter designate and muster his regiment as the 
 "First Regiment of New York Volunteers," which order, upon its 
 receipt by Col. Stevenson at Los Angeles, Cal., early in 1848, 
 through Col. R. B. Mason, ist LT. S. Dragoons, commanding in 
 
92 
 
 California was immediately complied with. An order was also 
 issued by the War Department and forwarded to Col. Burnett, 
 through the headquarters of Gen. Winfield Scott, commanding 
 the U. S. Army in Mexico, directing Colonel B. to thereafter 
 designate and muster his regiment as the " Second Regiment of 
 New York Volunteers." Col. Burnett, in an interview with the 
 writer in the Fall of 1873, gave the following as his reason for 
 declining to obey the order: 
 
 Col. B. said: "An order was received from Gen. Winfield 
 Scott, commanding the Armies of the United States in Mexico, 
 directing me to discontinue mustering my regiment as the First, 
 and returning the rolls for correction. I maintained that by so 
 doing I would invalidate my commission, received from the 
 Governor of the State of New York, by which I was designated 
 Colonel of the First Regiment of New York Volunteers, under 
 which designation it was mustered into the service of the United 
 States, and that only under the authority of the State of New 
 York could the designation of my regiment be changed."* 
 
 Col, B. was, however, required thereafter to muster his regiment 
 upon the muster rolls as the Second. Col. Stevenson, on the con- 
 trary, who held his commission under the same authority, never 
 questioned the right of the Government to change the designation 
 of his regiment from that of the Seventh to the First. 
 
 Col. B. still holds to the disputed title, and on all public occa- 
 sions or parades in the City of New York the survivors of his 
 regiment floats at their head a flag upon which is inscribed: " First 
 Regiment of New York Volunteers, Mexican war — Col. Ward B. 
 Burnett." 
 
 Not a member of the regiment under the command of Colonel 
 Jonathan D. Stevenson, from the State of New York, in the Mex- 
 ican war, would deprive the members of Colonel Ward B. Burnett's 
 regiment of one iota of the glory they so nobly achieved upon 
 many well fought battle fields in the valley of Mexico. To the 
 contrary, the members -of Col. Stevenson's regiment are proud of 
 the record gained in Mexico by their brother New York regiment; 
 but the confusion that continually arises through the same desig- 
 nation to both regiments ought not to exist. The members of 
 Col. Stevenson's regiment have never received nor asked for any 
 special favor from the National, or any State Government, while 
 the present is the second instance in which the State of New York 
 has granted to the members of the regiment under Col. Burnett 
 
93 
 
 a gratuity; and yet the survivors of Col. Stevenson's regiment 
 are none the less soldiers of the Empire State who went forth 
 under her banner for service in the Mexican war. 
 
 The following letter, received from the War Department, is 
 evidence that Col. Stevenson's regiment is recognized in that 
 office as the First : 
 
 War Department, Adjutant General's Office, 
 Washington, November i8, 1881. 
 
 Francis D. Clark, Esq., 
 
 38 Cortlandt street. New York City. 
 
 Sir — In reply to your several letters, addressed to the Secretary 
 of War, the General of the Army, and to General Lippitt, of the 
 Department of Justice, I respectfully transmit herewith skeleton 
 copies of the muster out rolls of the First Regiment of New York 
 Volunteers, Mexican War. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 H. C. CORBIN, 
 
 Asst Adjutant Geno-al. 
 
 Letters having been received from comrades who are now 
 residents of the Atlantic States expressing a wish that arrange- 
 ments might be effected for a re-union, in the near future, of 
 survivors of the old command at New York. The suggestions 
 were submitted to comrades residing in the City of New York, 
 and met with a favorable response, accordingly a call will be 
 issued inviting those comrades who can possibly attend to 
 assemble in the City of New York, on Tuesday, the 26th day of 
 September next, the Thirty-sixth Anniversary of the sailing of 
 the regiment from this port bound for California, upon which 
 occasion a dinner will be given by the New York survivors to 
 their visiting comrades from neighboring cities. The suggestion 
 is therefore made that our surviving comrades at San Francisco 
 might also inaugurate a movement for a re-union upon the same 
 date in that city — among whom they have our old and venerable 
 colonel, to whom such a meeting would without doubt prove of 
 the greatest possible pleasure. Let all, therefore, who possibly 
 can, make the 26th day of September next a joyous day for the 
 survivors of the old regiment. A few years hence our roll will 
 undoubtedly be greatly diminished. 
 
94 
 
 I am persuaded to recall these words, " with this publication I 
 bring my labors to a close," which appear in my introductory 
 remarks, feeling that the labor of the past eleven years should 
 not close until at least 07te more effort was made to learn who of 
 those under "Whereabouts unknown" are living or deceased, 
 and, within a few months after this little waif reaches our com- 
 rades, information ought to be received that will unravel the 
 mystery surrounding those names, all are therefore asked to fur- 
 nish such facts in relation thereto as a refreshed memory will 
 permit, which facts will be compiled in a circular sheet and for- 
 warded to comrades, thereby forming an appendix to the present 
 issue. Let the information that is furnished h& positive. 
 
 To those comrades from whom letters of encouragement have 
 been received within the past few months, expressive of their 
 thanks and satisfaction at the effort being made through my 
 humble labors to once more re-unite old acquaintances, I can 
 only reiterate, the labor was one of pleasure and love. The 
 action of those comrades whose names appear on folio 90 is con- 
 clusive, that those labors are appreciated. What greater reward 
 than those kindly expressions for such humble efforts could be 
 asked for a self-imposed duty ? With the hope that the result 
 will contribute an hour of pleasant reflection to those v.'ho were 
 my associates on the Pacific Coast in years ante-dating "The 
 days of old, the days of gold, the days of '49." 
 
 Fraternally yours, 
 
 FRANCIS D. CLARK. 
 
 No. 38 Cortlandt Street, 
 New York, June ist, 1882. 
 
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