F 864 .B621 c°pv 1 BLACK REPUBLICAN IMPOSTURE EXPOSED FRAUD UPON THE PEOPLE THE ACCOUNTS OF FEEMONT EXAMINED; AN ASTOUNDING DISREGARD OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST, ONLY TO BE AC COUNTED FOR BY EXTRAVAGANCE, RECKLESSNESS, OR AN UTTER WANT OF JUDGMENT ! WASHINGTOxV: 1856. f'SC FREMONT NO STATESMAN. In the pursuance of the painful duly of exposing the impositions at- tempted by the Black Republican l)arty, by presenting for the Presi- dency the name of an individual utterly unfit for the discharge of its responsible duties, we proceed to examine the pretensions of Colonel Fremont as a statesman ; and, as one of his biographers has said . that he " resembles Washington," we will see how far he resembles that man, whom it is profanation to compare with any other, in that first official attribute — accuracy and fidehty in his pecuniary transac- tions. In doing so, we mean no imputation upon the personal character of Colonel Fremont. We shall state recorded facts, and leave the peo- ple to judge for themselves of his motives and merits. COLONEL FREMONT AS A DISBURSING OFFICER. The chief dealings of Colonel Fremont as a disbursing officer arose during the campaign in California whilst he commanded the volunteers. The obligation of the government to pay all the expenses of the mili- tary occupation and conquest of Cahtbrnia, was properly held to relate back to the beginning of the revolution. The term of service of the California volunteers began about the 19th July, 1S46, when they were received into the service of the United States, and ended when they were discharged from its service about the 19th April, 1847.(1.) The California volunteers were then in the service of the United States ten months. (2.) The whole amount of claims for the support of these volunteers, filed before the board appointed to audit them, amounted to $960,614. The whole amount allowed by the board was $157,317. The im- mense proportion of $803,297 was disallowed(3) or suspended. From the authorities to which w^e have'referred, it will appear that Colonel Fremont's command consisted for five months of 160 men, and for five months more of 450 men. This was an average command of 205 men. They cost the government the sum stated, and I'equired for their transportation* about 3,500 horses, and for their support about 3,000 cattle* — being at the rate of seventeen horses and fifteen cows per (1.) Eeport of board at p. — , in MS. (2.) Tliis was not a battalioa. The Ui?e of the term is calculated to deceive. " A batal- lion is a body of infantry, consisting of from 500 to 800 men." This was a mounted company, consisting, during much the largest term of its military service, of less than 200 men, never more than 4-50. It consisted on the 19th July, 1840, of 160 men, and continued at that num- ber until about the 1st November, 1846, when it was increased by recruits from new immi- grants, 250 of whom, says Colonel Eussel, enlisted.— [Ex. Doc. Ho. Reps , No. 175, Ist sess. 33d Con., p. 51.] It then numbered 450, which was the maximum up to the date of its dis- charge. (3.) Doc. No. 13, 33d Congress, 2d session. * Colonel Fremont's deposition. — [Sen. Eep. Com., No. 75, 1st sess. — Con.] man, besides other supplies, and not estimating that they were at sea some six weeks of the time, and it is to be supposed subsisted upon the ship stores. This statement of facts will fully justify the imputation that Colonel Fremont manifested in this campaign great extravagance in the use of public money. We will next publish some of these claims to show that Colonel Fremont evinced either a want of care, judgment, or integrity, as a disbursing o^ctr. On the 3 1st August, 30th September, and 11th November, 1852, Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs, bankers, Washington city, addressed the letters which follow to the Secretary of War : Letters of Messrs. Corcoran Sf Riggs referred to. [Note to report on claim No. 8.] 'Washington, August 3!, 1852. Dear Sir : We beg to enclose the following accounts of Mariano G. Vallejo for supplies furnished to the United States troops under the command of Captain John C. Fremont, and which please place on file for payment to us, as we have the necessary power to collect the same : One account for $S2, 625 One do 24,750 One do 500 107, 875 Yours respectfully, ' CORCORAN & KIGGS. Hon. C. M. CoNKAD, Secretary of War, $fc. Washington September 30, 1852. Sir: At the request of Hon. Rob. M. McLane vre enclose the following accounts for sup- plies furnished to the United States troops under the command of, and certified by. Captain J. C. Fremont, which we request may be filed for examination and payment to him, in virtue of the powers of attorney in his possession : Julio Carulio $17,500 Victor Purdon « 7,390 Damasa Rodi igues 2,675 Jose de la Rosa 5, 040 Cayetano Juares 10,520 Mariano G. Vallejo 143,300 Salvador Vallejo ^ 53,100 239, 525 Very respectfully, your obd't ser'c, CORCORAN & RIGGS. Hon. Secretary OF War, Washington. Washington, November 11, 1852. Dear Sir : Under date of 30tb September last, certain accounts were transmitted by ue, at the request of Hon. Rob. M. McLane, for supplies furnished to the United States troops under the command of Captain J. C. Fremont ; among these accounts was one of Mariano G. Vallejo for $143,500, which ought to have been filed, as explanatory of the accounts to you, August 31, 1852, amounting to $107,875 — both accounts being for the same supplies, but the latter having been stated at reduced prices in consequence of Colonel Fremont's having refused to cettify to the value of the articles as charged in the original account transmitted in our Utter of Wth September. [Our italics.] Yours respectfully, &c., CORCORAN & RIGGS. Hon. C. M. Conrad, Secretary of War, Sfc. As the claims of Vallejo were al first presented, they consisted of the three separate accounts which follow: The United States, Dr. To Mariano G. Vallejo. For the following property taken from the ranchos and stores of Mariano G. Vallejo, for the use of the United States troops under the commauJ of Captain John C. Fremont, in the month of August, A. U. one thousand eight hundred and forty-six : To five hundred head of first-quality horses, at $1U0 each $o(), 000 To three hundred and nine head of horses, at $75 each 2'.i, 175 To two hundred and fifty head of wild mares, at $25 each 6,250 To forty saddles, complete, at $50 each 2,000 To forty pairs of spurs, at $5 each 200 To two hundred blankets, at $5 each 1,000 Total , 82,625 M. G. VALLEJO. Sonoma, August 30, 1856. I certify, on honor, that the foregoing account is substantially correct and just ; that the animals and other property enumerated were taken from General Mariano G. Vallejo for the use of the United States troops under my command serving in California during the year 1846 ; that this property was lost and expended in said service, and no portion of it returned to General Vallejo ; and that he has received no compensation whatever for the siirae. I do further certify that the prices charged are reasonable, not exceeding the value of the property at the time it was furnished for the use of the United States troops uuder my command in California. JOHN C. FEEMONT. In explanation of this amount, it is proper to state that I considered the stock owned by General Vallejo to be of superior quality, and that I was directed by this knowledge in admit- ting the higher prices set out herein. It is further proper to state that in Sonoma, and gen- erally throughout California, the stock found upon farms was driven off, as much in the view of preventing it from falling into the hands of the enemy as for the use of the trod])s, to which latter purpose only a comparatively small portion was appropriated. Great numb-jrs of the stock so driven off by us were scattered over the country, and were, consequently, lost and perished. And it is in this extended sense that the words " consumed and expended" in tho service of the United States were intended to be understood. July 11, 1853. JOHN C. FREMONT. The United States, Dr. To Mariano G. Vallejo. For the following property taken from the ranchos of General Mariano G. Vallejo, for the use of the United States troops under the command of Captain John C. Fremont in the month of August, A. D. 1846: To eight hundred head of cows and large cattle, at $!5 each $12,000 To six hundred head of second class cattle, at $12 each 7,200 To six hundred head of third-class cattle, at |8 each 4, 800 To one hundred head of sheep, at $5 each 750 Total 24,750 M. G. VALLEJO. Sonoma, August 30, 1846. 1 certify, on honor, that the foregoing account is substantially correct and just; that the property enumerated and charged was taken from General Vallejo for the use of the United States troops under my command serving in California during the year 1846; that this prop- erty was consumed and expended in said service, and no portion of it returned to General Vftllejo; and that he has received no conspensatioa whatever for the same. 6 I do further certify, that the prices charged are reasonable, aot exceeding the value of the property at the time it was furnished for the use of the United States troops under my com- mand in California. JOHN C. FREMONT. The explanatory remarks of this date, appended to claim No. 9, 1 consider as applicable to this case. July 11, 1853. JOHN C. FREMONT. [A small account of $560 allowed, omitted.] These accounts, it will be seen, amount, in the aggregate, to $107,875. They are all certified by Colonel Fremont as correct. On the 11th November, 1852, the bankers, in explanation of these accounts, present to the board one inclusive account, as follows : The United States To Mariano G. Vallejo, Dr. For the following property taken from the ranchos and stores of Mariano G. Vallejo by the troops under the command of Captain J. C. Fremont in the month of June, July, and August, A. D. 1846 : To 500 head of number one horses, at $150 each $75, 000 To 309 head of horses, at $100 each 3('.900 To 800 head of cows and large cattle, at $15 each 12,000 To 600 head of second-class cattle, at $12 each 7,200 T06UO head of third-class cattle, at $8 each 4,800 To 150 head of sheep, at $5 each 750 To 250 head of wild mares, at $25 each 6, 250 To 40 saddles, at $100 each 4,000 To 40 pair of spurs, at $10 each 400 To 9 rifles, at $100 each 900 To 1 pair of pistols 100 To 200 blankets, at $5 each 1,000 Amounting to 143,300 Sonoma, August 30, 1846. I certify that the above account is generally correct. The property described was taken by the troops under my command, and used in the service of tlie United States. From the nature of the operations which have been carried on in this country, it has not been possible for me to keep myself exactly informed of the quantity of property taken from individuals; but in the present instance it was taken under my more immediate personal direction, subject to my inspection. I therefore believe the above account to be substantially correct, and accordingly acknowledge and approve it. J. C. FREMONT. Now, will any friend of Colonel Fremont explain to us how it was, that on the 30th August, 1846, Colonel Fremont certified the items of which the account amounting to $143,300 is composed, "as substan- tially correct, and accordingly acknowledge and approve it," and sub- sequently, on the 11th July, 1853, certified "on honor" the same items when scaled and reduced in the aggregate by the sum of $35,45^5, or thirty per cent., as being "substantially correct and just," and "not exceeding the value of the property at the time it was purchased for the use of the United States troops?" Colonel Fremont has also certified, at the same dates, the claim of Salvador Vallejo, amounting to $53,100, of Antonio Carrillo, amounting to $14,010, and others, at the same extravagant figures, and some of them are represented by the same solicitors : [Claim No. 246.] United States, Dr. To Carlos Antonio Carrillo. For supplies furnished United States troops under command of Col. John C. Fremont: 1847. January 5. To 38 mules, at$l()0 3,800 To 20 mares, at $50 1,000 To 75 horses, at $100 7,.500 To 35 cows, (milch,) at $^^0 1,050 To 100 fanegas corn, at $3 300 To 60 fanegas beans, at $4 240 To 4 saddles, at $30 : 120 14,010 I certify that the above account is correct, and that the supplies enumerated in the bill were ftirnished to the troops under my command, and applied accordingly to the use of the United States lorces. JOHN C. FREMONT. United States, Dr. To Julio Carrillo. For the following property taken from the ranchos and stores of Julio Carrillo, by the troops under the command of Capt. J. C. Fremont, in the months of June, July, and August, A. D. 1846: To 40 head of second-quality horses, at $100 each $4,000 To 80 head third-quality horses, at $80 each 6,400 To 80 mares, at $3 • each - 6,400 To 4 saddles, at $100 each 400 To 3 rifles, at $100 each - 300 Total 17,f>00 The within account approved. J. C. FREMONT. [Claim No. 16.] United States, Dr. ^ ^ . , ,r ,, • To Salvador Vallejo. For the following property taken from the ranchos and stores of Salvador Vallejo, by the troops under the command of Captain J. C. Fremont, in the mouths of June, July, and Au- gust, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and forty-six : To two hundred head of first-quality horses, afc one hundred and thirty dollars each. .. 26,000 To two hundred and forty head of second quality horses, at one hundred dollars each. 24,000 To fifteen saddles, at one hundred dollars each l.-^fjO To four rifles, at one hundred dollars each 400 To one rifle, at two hundred dollars ^''Il To two pair of pistols, atone hundred dollars each *00 To ten mares, at eighty dollars each """ Total— fifty-three thousand one hundred dollars $53, 100 The remarks of this date, appended to claim No. 11, are appllicable to the present case, except that it is proper further to say that the arms specified herein were of a «"P^™^ !l!l^'^y- JoLY 11, 1853. * Sworn to by claimant, and endorsed : Approved. FREMONT United States, Dr. n, t t^ t t? To Jose De La Rosa. For the following property taken from the stores of Jose de la Rosa, in Sonoma, by the troops under the command of Captain J, C. Fremont, in the months of June, July, and Au- gust, A. D. 1846 : 1 (i8rt To 21 mares, at $80 each :^'"^ To 28 tame cows, at $30 each j'' To 11 horses, at $100 each ^'JLXX To 9 horses, at $80 each - ''^ To4mules, at $100 each , 400 To Srifles, at $100 each 300 Total $5,040 Endorsed on the hack : The within account approved. J. C. FREMONT. [Claim No. 230.] The United States • To William D. Phelps, Dr. For services for himself, crew, and boats of the barque Moscow, of Boston, of which he was part owner and in command, and being agent for all other owners, and for the risk and hazard incident to such service, in transporting Captain J. C. Fremont and a detachmenl of men under his command to a fort on the opposite side of the bay and entrance to the port of San Francisco, in Upper California, in July, 1846, and aiding him in capturing and dismant- ling the said fort, and spi ling the guns thereof, consisting of three brass and seven iron can- non, of heavy calibre, and a part of which was afterwards taken on board the United State* ship Portsmouth, bv order of Captain J. B. Montgomery, United States navy, $10,000. E. E. WILLIAM PHELPS. Sworn to by the claimant. I certify that Captain William D. Phelps did transport a party of 'men under my command to the fort near the Presidio, at the entrance of the bay of San Francisco, under the circum- stances narrated in the above deposition ; that he aided in dismantling the fort, and that I have always considered his services on that occasion to have been very valuable to the United States. JOHN C. FREMONT. Washington City, Augusts, 1853. I certify that in July, 1846, Captain W. J)- Phelps did transport a party of men under the command of Captain J. C. Fremont from Sancelito across the bay of San Francisco (seven miles) to the fort at Yerba Buena, commanding the entrance to the harbor, for the purpose of spiking the guns of the fort, which was in a very dismantled condition, and could not have been occupied wirhout having been almost entirely rebuilt. There was no enemy present, and the sole object Captain Fremont had in view was to prevent the Californians from using the guns at any future time. There was no risk or personal danger incurred, and the service would be well paid for at fifty dollars. ARCHI. W. GILLESPIE, Bvt. Major U. S. M. Corps. Washington, September 19, 1853. Board for the examination of claims contracted in California under Lt. Col. John C. Fremont, [Opinion on the claim of Wm. D. Phelps, No. 230. — Services of boats' crew and use of boat, $10, 000.] The board deems a part of this claim, amounting to fifty dollars, ($50.) just, and ac- cordingly recommend so much of it in amount to the favorable consideration of Congress ; the balance, nine thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars, ($9, 950,) being di8allow«)d. rVqte unanimous — see journal, page 302.] C. F. SMITH, • Col. U. S. Army, President of the Board. February 8, 1854. Here is a claim often thousand dollars, certified by Colonel Fremont to be just, which a competent witness says would be "well paid for at $50,". and the board of sworn commissioners disallows nine thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars ! The claimant, backed by Colonel Fremo it's certificate, recov 'rs just five per cent, of his demand! The public escapes the payment of nine thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars ! Shade of Nathaniel Macon, rise and protect a plundered treasury ! 9 How can these extravagant allowances, and these accommodating certificates, be explained ? We ask a reply. But the board of commissioners differed very greatly with Colonel Fremont and the great banking solicitors in their opinion of the value of hor -es in California, and therefore abated the claims immensely. Speaking of that portion of the claim represented in the first .demand by an account of $82,625, the board says : Board for the examination of claims contracted in California under Lieut.Col. John C. Fremont. [Opinion in the claim of Mariano G. Vallejo, No. 9? — Horses, cattle, &c., $82,625.] On the additional testimony produced, the board is of opinion that a part of this claim, amounting to thirty-two thousand six hundred and twenty-five dollars, ($32,625,) is just, and accordingly recommeritd so much of it in amount to the favorable consideration of Congress ; the balauce, fifty thousand dollars, ($50,000,) being disallowed. This amount is arrived at by allowing the undermentioned rates, the price affixed for the first quality of horses appearing to be the highest that was paid by the quartermaster, or any other official, for horses for the California bataliion, viz : 500 horses, 1st quality, at $40 - $20,000 309 do 2d do at $25 7,725 250 wild mares, at $10 '. - 2,500 40 saddles, complete, at $30 . 1,200 40 pairs of spurs, at $5 - ■ 200 200 blankets, at $5 - - 1.000 $32,625 [Vote unanimous— see journal, page 226.] January 17, 1854. C. F. SMITH, Colonel U. S. Army, President of the Board. The moderate little sum of $50,000, certified by Colonel Fremont ".as just and correct" is certified by the board to have been an im- proper demand. And so in the cases of Fialvador Vallejo and C. A. Carrillo, both of which were " approved" by Colonel Fremont. This mexorable board made the following awards : Board for the examination of claims contracted in California under Lieut. Col. John C. Fremont. [Opinion on the claim of Salvador Vallejo.— Horses, arms, &c., $53,100. No. 16.] On the additional testimony produced, the board is of opinion that a part of this claim, amounting to eleven thousand seven hundred dollars ($11,700) is just, and accordingly recom- mend 80 much of it in amount to the favorable consideration of Congress ; the balance, forty- one thousand four hundred dollars ($41,400) being disallowed. This amount is arrived at by allowing the undermentioned rates, viz : 200 horses, first quality, at $30 .- .... $6,000 *240 horses, second quality, at $20 ... .. — ... .... . ... .. .= 4,800 15 saddles, at $30 ^... 450 4 rifles, at $-50 200 Irifie, at$.50 5ft 2 pair pistols, at $50 - 100 10 mares, at $10...... ..-..,. ,-». 100 11,700 [Vote unaulmous— see journal, page 230.] C. F. SMITH, Colonel U. S. Army, Ptesidmt of ifie Board. January 19, 1854. 10 REMARKS AND ACTION OF THE BOARD IN THE CASE OF JULIO CARRILLO It does not appear from this account — the only testimony before the board — when, where or by whom, the property was taken. The board is of the opinion that the prices charged are extravagant, and taking into con sideration other claims, for supplies of a similar nature, that the number of animals is dispro poriionate to the force in service ; on which points it deems additional testimony jiecessary The board also deems additional proof or explanation requisite with respect to the numbe or quantity of the articles or supplies taken. Board for the examination of claims contracted in California under Lieut. Col. John C. Freinont. [Opinion on the claim of Carlos Antonio Carrilo, No. 246. — Horses, «fcc., $14,010.3 The board deems a part of this claim, amounting to four thousand and thirty-five dollars, ($4,035,) just, and accordingly recommend so much of it in amount to the favorable consid- eration of Congress; the balance, nine thousand nine hundred and seventy-five dollars, ($9,975.) being disallowed. This amount is arrived at by the allowing the undermentioned 38 mules, at $25 $950 20 mares, at $10 200 75 horses, at $25 1,875 35 cows, at $10 350 lOOfanegas corn, at $3 300 60 do beans,at$4 240 4 saddles, at $30 120 4,035 [Vote unanimous — see journal, page 305.] FEBRUARY 9, 1854. C. F. SMITH, Colonel U. S. Army, President of the Board. In this last case there is the sum of more than fifty thousand dollars out of sixty-four thousand dollars, " approved" by Colonel Fremont as a proper charge upon the public treasury, disallowed and cast out as an attempted fraud and imposition by the claimants or those who re- present them ; and as a final and conclusive condemnation of these accounts so certified by Col. Fremont, and presented by Messrs. Cor- coran & Riggs, the board made the following recapitulatory report : F. Claim No. 5— J. A Sutter $7,200 not allowed- " 7 — Mariano G. Vallejo 500 " 8- do. do -24,700 9— do. do 82,625 10— do. do 143,300 11— Julio Carrillo 17,500 12— Victor Prudon 7,390 " 13— Damasa Rodriguez 2,675 " 14— Jose de la Rosa 5,040 " " 15 — Cayetano Juarez 10,520 *' 16— Salvador Vallejo ^ 53,100 [Report of board on Claims No. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.] It does not appear from this account — the only testimony before the board — when, where, «r by whom the property was taken. The board is of opinion that the prices charged are extravagant, and, taking into consider- ation other claims for supplies of a similar nature, that the number of animals is dispropor- tionate to the force in service, on which points it deems additional testimony necessary. The board also deems additional proof or explanation requisite with respect to the number or quantity of the articles of supplies taken. 11 [Report of board on No. 10.] Withdrawn, and submitted " as explanatory" to claims Nos. 7, S, and 9. Now, lest it. may be said that these prices were too low, or that in the case of the reduced accounts that prices had declined thirty per cent, within the period that intervened between the first and second certificates of Colonel Fremont, let us examine a few other accounts for supplies of the same description, furnished during the same cam- paign. The evidence which we shall adduce will vindicate the board from any imputation of injustice. The first testimony which we shall offer will be that of one of Col- onel Fremont's witnesses, Captain Hensley, who says, under the cap- tion of "the average prices of military supplies of all descriptions in California, before and during the war i" " Horses and mules from $25 to $35. Beef cnttle, from ^3 to $10 per head."* The reader will now examine the following accounts for horses fur- nished the volunteers, all of which were approved by Col. Fremont: [Claim No. 97.] This is to certify that Don Antonio German has delivered fur the service of the United States volunteers, the following horses, &,g., &g. One tortello horse, feine de Thodora Areanes, valued at $25 00 One rolento horse, feine del rancho [ ] valued at. . , 25 00 One segno horse, feine del rancho [] valued at 25 00 One rosello horse, feine del rancho [] valued at 25 00 One bayra bianco, feine del rancho [ ] valued at 25 00 One cuiselano, feine del rancho [ ] valued at 25 00 One pinto, leine del rancho [ ] valued at 25 00 One rosello, feine del rancho [ ] valued at 25 00 One tortello, feine del rancho [] valued at 25 00 One callote, feine de dos riandos del rancho [] valued at 15 00 One mare, callo bianco del rancho [] valued at 12 00 One crulla horse, del rancho [] valued at .- 25 00 One new saddle, valued at 25 00 One pair spurs, valued at 8 00 One bridle, valued at 5 00 One riada, valued at 1 00 One carbine, valued at 8 00 Two pair spurs, taken at the house 16 00 Two bridles 10 GO Three hundred and fifty dollars in full 350 00 PuEBLA, San Joseph, November, 1846. CHAS. M. WEBER, Commmditig JJ. S. Cluirge, Pnebla. Approved : J.C FREMONT, Lieut. Col. U. S. A., cmmwuUng Cdifornia battallion. The board is of opinion that the claim is reasonable and just, and accordingly recommends it to the favorable consideration of Consress. * Ex. Doc. House of Reps. 817, Ist sess. 30th Cong., p. 37. 12 [Claim No. 95.] Tbe United States government, Dr. To Tomaso Hemancfez. To 1 saddle, complete with spurs and bridle , $30 00 1 tortello horse 1 griillo horse - .- 1 grullo mare - 1 shot-pouch, and two powder horns. 25 00 30 00 10 00 95 00 5 00 100 00 Pdebla, San Jose, February 26, 1847. Approved: CHAS. M. WEBER, Commanding U. S. Charge, Puebla. Approved: JOHN C. FREMONT, Limt.^Col. U. S. A. commanding California latalUon. The board is of opinion that the claim is reasonable and just, and accordingly recommends it to the favorable consideration of Congress. [Claim No. 96.] Received of Don Miguel Castro, de San Juan, for the service of the United States forces in California, the following horses, &c : 5 horses, with his own mark, valued at $20 each 100 00 5 mares do do $10 each 50 CO J saddle, bridle, and one spur --. 24 00 Valued in full, one hundred and seventy-four dollars. 174 00 CHAS. M. WEBER, Commanding U. S. Charge of Fuebla. Approved : J. C. FREMONT, Lieut. Col. U. S. A., commanding California hataUion. The board is of opinion that the claim is reasonable and just, and accordingly recommends it to the favorable consiideration of Congress. [Claim No. 94.] ' Receipt of Charles M. Weber, dated Ranch Pinola, 1846, of D. Jose Martinez, eight horses (five horses and three mares) for the service of the United States troops — their value is .$15 a head, $120 00. Approved: J. C. FREMONT, lAcut. Col. U. S. A., commanding California latallion. The board is of opinion that the claim is reasonable and just, and accordingly recommends it to the favorable consideration of Congress. [Claim No. 83.] Receipt of L. W. Hastings, commanding the United States volunteers ea route for , Monterey, dated November 13, 1S4C, of Wm O. Conner, one fat cow, for the use of the United States volunteers under his command, valued at $3 00 Approved: ^ J. C. FREMONT, Lieut. Col. United States Army. The board is of opinion that the claim is reasonable and just, and accordingly recommend it to the favorable consideration of Congress. [Claim No. 82.] Receipt of L. W. Hastings, commanding the United States volunteers at Pueblo, dated November 12, 1846, of S. Finley, one rifle gun, for the use of the United States volunteers under my command, valued at $15 00 Approvexl: J. C. FREMONT, Limt. Col. Unitfd States Army. 13 The board is of opinion that the claim is reasonable and just, and accordingly recommend it to the favorable consideration of Congress. [Claim No. 80.] This is to certify that a sorrel horse, belonging to Dr. James Stokes, was taken into the United States service, and hm not by me been receipted for or otherwise ac- counted for — said horse was worth $30 $30 CO L. W. HASTINGS. San Francisco, February 27, 1847. Approved: J. C. FREMONT, Lieut. Col. Uiiikd States Army. The board is of opinion that the claim is reasonable and just, and accordingly recommend it to the favorable consideration of Congress. [Claim No. 67.] Due-bill of Jacob R. Snyder, quai-termaster, dated Angeles, January 28th, 1847: due to Wm. B. Elliott, from the United States quartermaster's department, for one horse, furnished California batallion United Ssates forces $30 Oi) Approved: J C. FREMONT, Lieut. Col. U. S. Army, commanding Oalifornia batallion. The board is of the opinion that the claim is reasonable and just, and accordingly recom- mend it to the favorable consideration of Congress. [Claim No. 65.] Receipt of Jacob R. Snyder, quartermaster, California batallion United States forces, dated Monterey, November 20, 1S46, of Mrs. Modesta Castro, the following de- scribed property for the use of the California batallion : 40 horses $400 SOmaree 210 20 horses 260 876 Approved: , J. C. FREMONT, Lieut. Col. United States Army. . Theboard is of opinion that the cliiim is reasonable and just, and accordingly recommend it to the favorable consideration of Congress. It is not the least extraordinary feature of this transaction that those three thousand hve hundred horses should have dwindled down at the close of the campaign to less than two hundred, and that w^hen turned over to the United States they were scattered about and abandoned, and "a great part of them, and the pick and choice of them, sold for a trifle, say some three thousand dollars."* We have cited a few of the numerous claims presented to the board and allowed. Froin these it will be seen that, whilst the rich and pow^erful family of tht^ ValleJ!)s, whose claims were subsequently stated by influential bankers, were allowed to make out their accounts at prices four and five hundred per c^nt. above those charged by others for the same supplies during the same campaign, and were, taoreover, allowed to vary their charges 30 per cent., with the certificate of Colonel Fre- mont for both sets of prices, the humble and friendless settlers, and the helpless Mexican widow, received but from one-fifth to one-foarth of the prices allowed them for the same articles. Look at the claim of Antonio German for 12 horses, at from $12 to $25 : of Wm. B. El- • Question by Col. Fremont's counsel. Sen. Ex. Doc. No. 33, 1st sees, 30th Cong., p. 145.' y 14 liott for 1 horse, at $30 ; of Mrs. Castro for 40 horses, at $10 each; for 30 mares, at $7 each ; and for 20 horses, at $13 each. Was their stock less valuable than that of Messrs. Vallejo? Unhappy widow ! unfortunate settlers ! you were poor ; you had no rich bankers to back your little claims ; your horses were not worth one -fourth as much as if they had been raised on the ranchos of General Vallejo! Let not our readers think that the horses and cattle of Gen. Vallejo brought the high prices solicited and certified for them, because they had become more valuable by an increasing demand. Gold was not discovered in Caliloinia for nearly two years after the conquest, and the horses bought of" Vallejo, and Carillo, and de la Roso, were bought at the b( ginning of the revolution. The prices allowed the other claim- ants were for horses taken near the end of the revolution ; yet the price of horses declines with the demand, and are worth less after an enemy has been foraging the country for ten months, than before he entered it! We have no right to say that Colonel Fremont was in any manner interested in the claims represented by these wealthy bankers. We have no right to say that he favored these wealthy and influemial Cali- ibrnians, that he might take an interest in their recovery from his own government. What his motives were we do not know, and therefore will not intimate. But this we will say fearlessly, because we are borne out by the recorded documents of the government in doing so, tha' Colonel Fremont certified one man's horses to be worth $15,0 each, and the horses of others to be worth, at the same time and under the same circumstances, but from, $10 to $25 each. That claims for horses and other stock were reduced more than thirty-five thousand dollars, with the certified approval of Colonel Fremont, and that the commis- sioners scaled these particular accounts more than eight3^-four thousand dollars ! Here are the specifications. Carelessness, recklessness, favoritism, and connivance with the claimants. The friends of Colonel Fremont may defend themselves against any or all. We cite the facts, without any other comment than this, that Colonel Fremont was either no judge of horse-flesh himseF, or thought nobody else was. That is all. We shall offer but one other evidence ot his want of judgment, or of his reckless indifference to the public interest. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 017 1672387 ^