[ HO. OF REPS.]
31st CONGRESS,
1st Session.
T.- BUTLER KING'S REPORT ON CALIFORNIA.
,MESSAGE
FROM
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
The report of T. Butler King, esq., heretofore appointed bearer of de.patches and special agent to Calforniia
MARCH 27, 1850.
Laid upon the table, and ordered to be printed; and Committee on Printing instructed' to inquire
into the expediency of printing 20,000 copies extra.
APRIL 11, 1850.
Ordered that 10,000 extra copies be printed.
To tf/le Houtse of Representatives of the United States:
I herewith transmit, for the information of Congress, a copy of the report of Thomas Butler King, esq., appointed bearer of despatches and
special agent to California, made in pursuance of instructions issued from
the Department of State on the third day of April last.
Z. TAYLOR.
WASHINGTON,  Alarch 26, 1850.
DEPARTrMENT OF STATE,
Washington, March 25, 1850.
The undersigned, Secretary of State, has the honor to lay before the
President a copy of the report of Thomas Butler King, esq., appointed bearer
of despatches and special agent to California, made itn pursuantce of instructions issued from this department on the third day of April last.  Mr.
Kitg's report has been delayed in consequence of his indisposition since
his arrival in this city.
JOHN M. CLAYTON.
Ex. Doc.
No. 59.
* -5+z~eEf't-vi;A
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k -;
TRANSMIITTING 
Doc. No. 59.
WA.sHIN(,TON, 74farc/l 22, 1S50.
SIR: In obedience to your instructions, dated the 3d of April last, I pro ceeded to California by way of the isthmus of Panama, antd arrived at
Han Francisco on the fourth day of June.
The steamer in which  I took passage was the first conveyance that
reached California with the intelligence of the inauguration of President
Taylor, and the appointment of his cabinet, and that Congress had failed
to aid the Executive in providing a government for the people of that
Territory.  The greatest anxiety was  naturally felt and manifested to
ascertain the cause of this neglect on the part of the government of the
United States, and what steps duty to themselves required them to take,
in the painful and embarrassing position in which they were placed, for
their protection and welfare.
A brief sketch of their condition will explain the cause of this anxiety.
The discovery of the gold mines had attracted a very large number of
citizens of the United States  to that Territory,  who had never  beent
accustomed to any other than American lawr, administered by American
courts. There they found their rights of property and person subject to
the uncertain, and frequently most oppressive, operation of laws written in
a language they did not understand, and founded on principles in many
respects new to them.'lThey complained that the alcaldes, or judges,
most of whom had been appoitnted or elected before the immigration had
commenced, were not lawyers by education or profession; and, being
Americans, they were, of course, unacquainted with the laws of Mexico,
or the principles of the civil law on which they are founded.
As our own laws, except for the collection of revenue, the transmission
of the mails, and establishment of post offices, had nriot been extended over
that Territory, the laws of Mexico, as they existed at the conclusion of
the treaty of Giiadalupe Hidalgo, regulating the relations of the inhabitants
of Californlia with each other, necessarily remained in force;* yet there
was not a single volume containing those laws, as far as I know or believe, in the whiole Territory, except, perhaps, in the governor's office at
Monterey.
T'he magistrates, therefore, could not procure them, and the administration of justice was, necessarily, as unequal and fluctuating as the
opinions of the judges were conflicting and variable.
There were no fee bills to regulate costs; and, consequently, the most
cruel exactions, in mainy instances, were practised.
The greatest confusion prevailed respecting titles to property and the
decision of salits involving the most important rights, and very large sums
of money depended upon the dictum of the judge.
The sale of the territory by Mexico to the United States had necessarily
cut off or dissolved the laws regulatin)g the grantiig or procuring titles to
land; and, as our own land laws had not been extended over it, the people were compelled to receive such titles as were offered to them, without
the means ot ascertaining whether they were valid or not. 
Litigation was so expensive and precarious, that injustice and oppression
were frequently endured, rather than resort to so uncertain a remedy.
Towns and cities were springing into existence-many of them withou't
charters, or any legal right to organize municipal authorities, or to tax
* See Ameri(an Insuiance Company et al. vs. Canter, 1st Pet rs' Supreme Court Reports, 542.
2 
Doe. No. 59.
,property or the citizens for the establishment of a police, the erection of
prisons, or providing any of those means  for the protection of life and
property which are so necessary in all civil communities, and especially
among a people mostly strangers to each other.
Nearly onte million and a half of dollars had been paid into the customhouses, as,duties on imported goods, before our revenue laws had been
extended over the country; and the people complained bitterly that they
were thus heavily taxed without being provided with a government f{er
their protection, or laws which they could understand, or allowed the
riglt to be represented in the councils X f the nation.
While anxiously waiting the action of Congress, oppressed and embarrassed by this state of affairs, and feeling the pressing nec(essity of applying suchl remedies as were in their power and circumstances seemed to
justify, they resolved to substitute laws of their own for the existing systern, and to establish tribunals for their proper and faithful administration.
In obedience, therefore, to the extraordinary exigencies of their condition, the people of the city of S'ln Fraticisco'elected members to form a
legislature, and clothed them with full powers to pass laws.  The cotnmutiiities of Sonoma and of Sacramento city followed the example.
Thus were three legislalive bodies orgaiiized-the two most distant being
only one hundred and thirty miles apart.
Other movements of the kind were threatened, and doubtless would
hlave followed, in other sections of the'i'erritory, had they not been arrested by the formation of a State government.
While the people of California wvere looking to Congress for a territorial
government, it was quite evident that such an organization was daily becoming less suited to their condition, which was entirely differentt from
that of any of the Territories out of which the new States of the Union
had been formed.
Those Territories had been at first slowly and sparsely peopled by a
few hunters and farmers, who penetrated the wilderness, or traversed the
prairies, in search of game  or a new liome; and, when thus gradually
their population warranted it, a government was provided for them. They,
liowever, had no foreign commerce, nor anything beyond the ordinary
pursuits of agriculture, and the various branches of business which usually
accompany it, to induce immigration within their borders.. Several years
were required to give them sufficient population and wealth to place them
in a condition to require, or enable them to support, a State government.
Not so with California.'i'he discovery of the vast metallic and mineral
wealth in her mountains had already attracted to her, in the space of
twelve months, more than one hundred thousand people. An extensive
commerce had sprung up with China, the ports of Mexico onl the Pacific,
Chili, and Australia.
Hundreds of vessels from the Atlantic ports of the Union, freighted with
our manufactures and agriciiltural products, and filled with our fellowcitizens, had arrived, or were onl their passage round Cape Horn; so that,
in the month of June last, there were niore than three huntdred sea-going
vessels in the port of San Francisco.
California has a border on the Pacific of ten degrees of latitude, and
several important harbors which have never been surveyed; nor is there a
buoy, a beacon, a light-house, or a fortification, on the whole coast.
There are no docks for the repair of national or mercantile vessels nearer
3
-j 
Doc. No. 59.
than New York-a distance of some twenty thousand miles rournd Cape
Horn.
All these things, together with the proper regulations for the gold regions
the quticksilver mines, the survey and disposition of the public lands, the
adjustment of land titles, the establishment of a mint and of marine hospitals, required the immediate formation of a more perfect civil government
than California then had, and thie fostering care of Congress and the
Executive.
California had, as it were by mragic, become a State of great wealth and
power.  One short year had given her a commercial importance but little
inferior to that of the most powerful of the old States.  She had passed
her minority at a single bound, and might justly be regarded as fully entitled.to take her place as an equal amrolig her sisters of the Union.
When, therefore, the reality became known to the people of that Territory that the government had done nothing to relieve them from the evils
and embarrassments under which they were suffering, and seeing no
probability of any change oni the subject which divided Congress, they
adopted, with most unexampled  unanimity and promptitude, the only
course which lay open to them-the immediate formation of a State governrment.
They were induced to take this step, not only for the reason that it
promised the most speedy remedy for present difficulties, but because the
great and rapidly-growing interests of the Territory demanded it; and all
reflecting men saw at a glance that it ought not be any longer, and could
not under any circumstances be much loInger, postponed.
They not only considered themselves best qualified, but that they had
the right, to decide, as far as they were concerned, the embarrassing question which wvas shaking the Ution to its centre, and had thus far deprived
them of a regutlarly-organized civil government.  They believed that, in
forming a constitution, they had a right to establish or prohibit slavery,
and that, in their action as a State, they would be sustained by the North
and the Soutlh.
They were not unmindful of the fact that, while northern statesmen
had contended that Congress has power to prohibit slavery in the Territories, they had always admitted that the States of the Union had the right
to abolish or establish it at pleasure.
On the other hand, si)uthern statesmen had almost ulnainiously contended that Congross has niot the constitutional power toprohibit slavery
in the Territories, because they have not the power to establish it; but that
the people, in forming a government for themselves, have the right to do
either.  If Conigress can rightfully do one, they can certainly do the other.
This is the doctrine put forth by Mr. Calhoun in his celebrated resolutions of 1S47, initroduced into the Senate of the United States-among
which is the following:
IResolve(, That it is a fundamental principle in our political creed,
that a people, in forming a constitution, have the unconditional right to
form and adopt the government which they think best calculated to secure
their liberty, prosperity, and happiness; and, in conformity thereto, no
other condition is imposed by the federal constitution on a State, in order
to be admitted into this Union, except that its constitution shall be' republican;' and that the imposition of any other by Congless would not
only be in violation of the constitution, but in direct conflict with the principle on which our political system rests."
4 
Doc. No. 59.
President Polkl, in his annual message dated 5th December, 1848, uses
the following language:
" The question is believed to be rather abstract than practical, whether
slavery ever can or would exist in any portion of the acquired territory,
even if it were left to the option of the slaveholding States themselves.
From tile nature of the elimate and productions, in much the larger portion of it, it is certain it could never exist; and in the remainders,.the
probabilities are it would not.
" Bit, however this may be, the question, involving, as it does, a principle of equality of rights of the separate and several States, as equal copartners in the confederacy, should not be disregarded.
" In organizing governments over these territories, no duty imposed on
congress by the constitution requires that they should legislate on the
subject of slavery, while their power to do so is not only seriously questionred, but denied., by many of the soundest expounders of that instrumnent.
" Whether Congress shall legislate or not, the people of the acquired
territories, when assembled in convention to form State constitutions, wilt
possess the sole and exclusive power to determine for themselves whether
slavery shall or shall not exist within their limits."
The people of California, therefore, actilig in conformity with the views
thus expressed, and what seeneed to be the generally-admitted opinion in
the States, had every reason to suppose, and did suppose, that, by forming a constitution for themselves, and deciding this questionl in accordance with their own  views and interests, they would be received with
open arms by all parties.
In taking this step, they proceeded with all the regularity which has
ever characterized the American people in discharging the great and important duties ot self. government.
As already stated, I arrived at San Francisco on the morning of the
fourth of Junte.
The steamer in which I was a passenger did not stop at Monterey; I
therefore did not see General Riley, nor had I any communication with
himn until about the middle of the month, when he came to San Francisco.
A few days after my arrival, his proclamation calling a convention to form
a State constitution, dated the third of June, was received.
The people acted in compliance with whnat they believed to be the
views of Congress, and conformably to thle recommendations of the proclamation, and proceeded, on the day appointed, to elect members to a convention for the purpose of forming a constitution, to be regularly submllitted to the peolae for their ratification or rejection, and, if approved, to be
presented to Congress with a prayer for the admission of California as a
state into the Union.
I desire here to nilake a bt)rief and emphatic reply to the various unjust
and most extraordinary accusatiois and insiluations which  have been
made respecting the movemelnts of the people of California in fortuitlg
their State government.
I had no secret instructions, verbal or written, from the President or
any one else, what to say to tIre people of California on the subject of
slavery; nor was it ever hinted'or intimated to me that I Bvas expected to
attempt to influence thieir action in the slightest degree on that subject.
T'hat I never did~ the people of Califortnia will bear me witliess.  In that
5
0 
Doc. No. 5,9.
Territory, there was none of the machinery of party or of the press; and
it is even more absurd to suppose that any secret injluences, for or against
slavery, could have been used tlhere, than it would be to believe that
they could be successfully emlployed in Maryland or Georgia.
I therefore declare all assertions and ill)sinllationjs that I wm secretly
instructed to, or that I did, in any way, attempt to influtence the people of
California to exclude slavery from, their Territory, to be without foundation.
The election of delegates to the convention proceeded regularly, in pursuance of the proposed mode of holding it; antid, as far as I amn informed,
no questions were asked  whethler a candidate was a whig or a democrat.
or whether he was fromn the North or the South.  h'lhe only object seemed
to be to find competent men who were williiig to make the sacrifice of timne
which a proper discharge of their duties would require.
As soon after niy arrival at Sani Fraticisco as the arrangetnents of Gen.eral Smith would perriit, 1 proceed(led with hinr to the ii)terlor of the cou.iitry, for the pnrl)se of examining the gold region and other interesting
and important portions of it.  I did not return un}til the [Gtti of August.
The elections had taken place when I was in tle moultitaitis.  1 wxas
taken ill on the 20'th of ttiat moiith, alid was confined to my bed and nly
roomi more than two months.
The convention met on the 1st of September.   So it will be seen that
I was not present where  any election was held, nor had I anythilng to do
with selecting or bringing out ca-ididates; atid mny illtiess is sufficient prootf
that I did not and coied ilot, had I beeti dis-)sed, exercise anty itifluelice
in the convention, which was sittilng oJte hlundred anid thirty niles from
where I was.
Some intimations or assertions, as I am informed, have  been  thrown
out that the Southt was not fairly represented in the conrvenition.   I amn
told by two of the members of Coiigress eleet frotn Califorlnia, wIl!o were
members of the convention, thl-at, of the thirty seveni delegates designated in General Riley's proclatimation,,,ixteen were froim slaveholding, ten
from  the non-slaveholding  States,  arid eleven  wYere citizens of California under the lvexican goverlirnent, and that ten of those elevein cantie
from districts below  36~ 3t)'.  S,) that there were  in the convention
twenty six of the thirty seven meniebers from thle slaveholding States and
fiom })laces south of the MAissouri coiilpro)nise litie.
It appears, ont the journal of the coilve-ition, that the clause in the constitutioli excluding slavery passed utarnimously.
1 now proceed to give youl the result o mny inquiries, observations, and
reflections, respecting the ppultation, cliniare, sol[ prltiC siIS; thie geieral character of gra[its of lajd  r)m MNexico; the extent aijd cotidition of
the publlic domain; the coimtieicial resoutrces arid prosl)ects, thte mtinieral
arid nietallic weattil, of Caliltoriia.
Popul,'tiom.
HumbolIt, in his "' Fssay on N,,-w Spain," states the population of
Upper Califortia, iii. 18S)2, to hlave consisted ofConvered Iticdians              -       -            -       -      -  15,562
Other classes              -            -            -       -      - 1,300
16,862
6 
Doe. No. 59.
Alexander Forbes, in his "History of Upper and Lower California,"
published in London in 1S39. states the nuimber of co)nverted Indians in
the former to have been, in 1S31                       -       -  1S,683
Of all other classes, at -         -           -       -           4,312
23,025
He expresses the opinion that this number had not varied much up to
1835; and the probability is, there was very little increase in the white
population until the et,iigralits fro[n the United States began to entiter the
country, ill 1838.
They increased from year to year, so that, in t'S46, Colonel Fremont
had little difficulty in calling to his standard some five hundred fighting
men.
At the close of the war with Mexico, it was supposed that there were,
including discharged volunteers, from ten to fifteen thousand Americans
and Californians, exclusive of converted Itidians, il the Territory.  The
imnmigration of American citizens in 1849, up to the first of January last,
was estimated at eighty thousand-of foreigners, twenty thousand.
The population of California may, therefore, be safely set down at 115,000
at the commencement of the present year.
It is quite impossible to fortn anytlhing like an accurate estimate of the
number of Indians in the Territory.  Since the commencement of the
wvar, and especially since the discovery of gold in the mountains, their
nuinbers at the missions, anid in the valleys near the coast, have very
much diminished.  In fact, the whole race seems to be rapidly disap)earing.
The remains of a vast number of villages in all the valleys of the Sierra
Nevada, and among the foot-hlills of that range of mountains, show that
at no distant day there must have been a iniumerous population where
there is not now an Indian to be seen.  Trhere are a few still retained in
the service of the old Californianrs, butt these do not amount to more thanii
a few tlotusand in the whole Territory.  It is said there are large numbers
of them in the mountains and valleys about the head-waters of the San
Joaquin, along the western base of the Sierra, and in the northern part of
the Territory, and that they are hostile.  A  tiiumber of Americans  were
killed by thetn during the last summer, in attempting to penetrate high
up the rivers in search of gold; they also drove one or two parties finom
Trinity river.  They have, in several instances, attacked parties comling
fromn or retirllinlg to Oregoni, in the sectionl of country which the lamented Captain'Warner was extxauining when lie was killed.
It is quite impossible to fi)rm any estimate of thle number of these moutntain Indians.  Some suppose there are as many as three hundred thousand in the Territory, but I should not be inclined to believe that there
can be one-third of that number.  It is quite evident that they are hostile,
and that they ought to be chastised for the murders already commrnitte(ld.
The small batids withl  whom I met, scattered througrh the lower portions of the foot-hills of the Sierra, and in the valleys between them and
the coast, seemed to be almost the lowest grade of human beings.  They
live chiefly on acorns, roots, itisects, and the kernel of the pine burr; occasionally they catch fish ald game.   They use the bow and arrow, but
are said to be too lazy and effetminate to makle successfil  hunters.'TIhey
7 
Doe. No. 59.
do not appear to have the slightest inclination to cultivate the soil, nor do
they even attempt it, as far as I cotld obtain information, except wlhen
they are induced to enter the service of the white inhabitants.'They
have never pretended to hold any interest in the soil, nor have they been
treated by the Spanish or American immigrants as possessing any.
The Mexican government never treated with them for the purchase of
land, or the relinquishment of any claim to it whatever.  They are lazy,
idle to the last degree, and, althlngh they are said to be willing to give
their services to any one who will provide them with blankets, beef, and
bread, it is with much difficulty they can be made to performni labor
enough to reward their employers for these very limited means of comfort.
Formerly, at the missions, those who were brought up and instructed
by the priests made very good servants. Many of these now attached to
families seem to be faithful and intelligent. But those who are at all in a
wild and uncultivated state are most degraded objects of filth and idleness.
It is possible that government might, by collecting tlhemn together, teach
them, in some degree, the arts and habits of civilization; but, if we may
judge of the future from the past, they will disappear from the face of the
earth as the settlements of the whites extend over the country. A very
considerable military force will be necessary, however, to protect the emigrants in the nortl-hern and southern portions of the T'erritoy.
CTirnate.
I now come to consider the climate. The climate of California is so
remarkable in its periodical changes, and for the long continuance of the
wet and dry seasons-dividintg, as they do, the year into about two equal
parts, which have a most peculiar influence on the labor applied to agriculture and the products of the soil, and, in fact, connect themselves so
inseparably with all the interests of the country-that I deem it proper
briefly to mention the causes which produce these changes, and which, it
will be seen as this report proceeds, must exercise a controlling influence
on the commercial prosperity and resources of the country.
It is a well-established theory, that the currents of the air under which
the earth passes in its diurnal revolutions follow the line of the sun's
greatest attraction.  These currents of air are drawn towards this line
from great distances on eaclh side of it, and, as the earth revolves from
west to east, they blow from northeast and southeast, meeting, and, of
course, causing a calm, on the line.
Thus, when the sun is directly, in common parlance, over the equator,
in the month of March, these currents of air blow from some distance
north of the Tropic of Cancer and south of the Tropic of Capricornl in ani
oblique direction towards this line of the suin's greatest attraction, alnd
form what are knownt as the northeast and southeast trade-winds.
As the earth in its path round the sun gradually brings the line of attraction ntorthl iii summer, these currents of air are carried with it; so that
about the middle of May the current from the northeast has extended as
far as the 38th or 39th degree of north latitude, and by the twentieth of
June, the period of the slltJ's greatest northern inclination, to the northern
portions of California and the southern section of Oregon.
These northeast winds, in their progress across the continent towards the
Pacific oceati, pass over the snow-capped ridges of the Rocky mountains
8 
Doe. No. 59.
and the Sierra Nevada, and are, of course, deprived of all the moisture
which can be extracted from theni by the low temperature of those regions
of eternal snow; and consequently no moisture can be precipitated from
them, in the form of dew or rain, in a higher temperature than that
to which they have been subjected. They therefore pass over the hills
and plains of California, where the temperature is very high in summer,
in a very dry state; and, so far from being charged with moisture, they
absorb, like a sponge, all that the atmosphere and surface of the earth can
yield, until both become apparently perfectly dry.
This process commences, as 1 have said, when the line of the sun's
greatest attraction comes north in summer, bringing with it these vast
atmospheric movements, which on their approach produce the dry season in
California, which, governed by these laws, continues until some time after
the suni repasses the equator in Sptember; when, about the middle of
November, the climate being relieved from these northeast currents of air,
the southwest winds set in fromt the ocean, charged with moisture, the
rains commence, and continue to fall-not constantly, as some persons have
represented, but with sufficient frequency to designate the period of their
continuance, from about the middle of November until the middle of May,
in the latitude of San Francisco, as the wet season.
It follows, as a matter of course, that the dry season commences first
and continues longest in the southern portions of the Territory, and that
the climate of the northern part is influenced in a iuich less degree by the
causes whlich I have mentioned than any other section of the country.
Consequently, we find that, as low down as latitude 390, rains are sufficieutly frequent in summer to render irrrigatioii quite unnecessary to the
perfect maturity of any crop which is suited to the soil and climate.
There is an extensive ocean-current of cold water which comes from the
northern regions of the Pacific, or, perhaps, from the Arctic, and flows
along thie coast of California. It comes charged with, and emits in its
progress, cold air, which appears in the form of fog when it comes in contact with a higher temperature on the American coast-as the gulf stream
of the Atlantic exhales vapor when it meets in any part of its progress a
lower temperatulre.  This current has not been surveyed, and, therefore,
its source, temperature, velocity, width, and course, have not been accurately ascertained.
It is believed by Lieutenant Maury, on what he considers sufficient
evidence-ariand no higher authority can be cited-that this current comes
fronmt the coasts of China and Japan, flows northwardly to the peninsula of
Kamtschatka, and, making a circuit to the eastward, strikes the American
coast in about latitude 41~ or 42~; it passes thence southwardly, and
finally loses itself in the tropics.
Below latitude 39~, and west of the  foot-hills of the Siera Nevada,
the forests of California are limited to somnie scattering groves of oak in
the valleys and along the borders of the streams, and of red wood on the
ridges and on the gorges of the hills-sonietimes extending into  the
the )lains. Some of the hills are covered with dwarf shrubs, which may
be used as fuel. With these exceptions, the whole Territory presents a
surlace wilthout trees or shrubbery.  It is covered, however, with various
species of grass, and, for many miles from the coast, with wild oats, which
in the valleys grow most luxuriantly.  These grasses arid oats malure
and ripen early ill thle dry season, and soon cease to protect the soil from
the scorching rays of the sun.  As the summer advances, the moistule
9
::...... I., -, 
Doe. No. 59.
in the atmosphere and the earth, to a considerable depth, soon becomes
exhausted, and the radiation of heat from the extensive, naked plains and
hill-sides is very great.
The cold, dry currents of air from the northeast, after passing the Rocky
mountains and the Sierra Nevada, descend to the Pacific, and abl)sorb the
moisture of the atmosphere to agreat distance from the land.  The cold
air from the mountains arid that which accompanies the great ocean-cuirrent from the northwest thus become united, and vast batiksof fog are
generated, which, when driven by the wind, has a penetrating or cuttib,
effect on the human skin much more uncomrfortable than would  be felt
in the thumid atmosphere of the Atlantic at a much lower temperature.
As the sun rises from day to day, week after week, and monith after
month, in unclouded brightness during the dry season, and pours down
its broken rays on the dry, unprotected surface of the countrty, the heat
becomes so iimuch greater itla-,d than it is on the ocean, that an undercurrent of cold air, bringing the fog with it, rushes over the coast range
of hills, and through their numerous passes, towards the interior
Every day, as the heat itiland attains a sufficient temperature, the
cold, day wind from the ocean commences to blowv.''This is tisiually from
eleven to one o'clock; anid, as the day advances, the wind increases, and
continues to blow till late at night.   When the vacuum is filled, or
the equilibrium of the atmosphere restored, the wintid ceases; a perfect
calm prevails until about the same hour the followitig day, when the
same process commietice s and progresses as belore.  And these phenomena
are of daily occurrence, with  few exceptions, throughout the dry season.
These child winds anid fiogs render the climate at San Francisco, and
all along the coast of California, except the extreme southern portion of
it, prohably more uncomlortable to those not accustomed to it in sumier than in winter.
A few miles inland, where the heat of the sun modifies and softens the
wind froin the ocean, the climate is moderate and delightful. ri'he heat,
in the middle of the day, is not so great as to retard labor or render exercise in the open air uncomfortable.'The nights are cool and pleasant.
T'his description of climate prevails in all the valleys along the coast
range, and extends throughout the country, north and south, as far eastward as th-)e valley of the Sacramento and San Joaquin.  In this vast
plain, the sea-breeze loses its influence, and the degree of heat in the middle of the day, duritig the sumnmetr riotiths, is much greater tlhan is ktiown
on the Atlantic coast in the samie latitudes.  It is dry, however, and
probably not more oppressive.  ()n the f)ot-hills of the Sierra Nevad(a,
and especially in the deep ravines of the streams, the thelrmometer  frequtently ranges from I 10U~ to 115~ in the shade, d,u ring three or four hours
of the day, say from eleven to three o'clock.  In the evening, as the stll
declines, the radiation of heat ceases.  The cool, dry atznosphere from the
mountains spreads over the whole country, anid renders the flights cool
and invigorating.
I have been kindly furnished by Surgeon General Lawson, United Slates
army, with thermometrical observations, taken at the following places in
California, viz:
At San Francisco, by Assistant Surgeon W. C. Parker, for six months,
embracing the last quarter of 1847 and the first quarter of l848.  The
monthly nmean temperature was as follows: October, 57~; November, 49c;
December, 50~; January, 490; February, 50~; March, 51~.
10 
Doe. No. 59.
At Monterey, in latitude 36~ 38S' north, and longitude 121~ west, on the
coast, about one degree and a half south of San Francisco, by Assistant
Surgeon W. S. King, fi)r seven months, fiom May to November, inclusive.
The monthly mean temperature was: May, 560; June, 59~; July, 26~; August, 590; September, 58~; October, 60~; November, 56~.
At Los Angeles, latitude 34~ 7', longitude west 118~ 7', by Assistant
Surgeon John S. Griffin, for ten months, from June, 1847, to March, 1848,
inclusive.  The monthly  mean temperature was: June, 73~; July, 74~;
Augutst, 75~; September, 750~; October, 69~; November, 59~; December,
60c; January, 5S~; February, 550; March, 5S8~. This place is about forty
miles from the coast.
At San Diego, latitude 32~ 45', longitude west 117~ 11', by Assistant
Surgeon J. D. Summers, for the following three months of 1849, viz: July,
monthly mean temperature, 71~; August, 75~; September, ()~.
At Snttersville, otil the Sacramento river, latitude 38~ 32' north, longitude west 121~ 34', by Assistant Surgeon  R.  Murray, for the following
months of  1849: July, monthly mean temperature, 73~; August, 70~; September, 650~; October, 65~.
These observations show a remarkably high temperature at San Francisco during the six months from October to March, inclusive; a variation
of only eight degrees in the monthly mean, and a mean temlperature for
the six months of 51 degrees.
At Monterey, we find the meati monthly temperature, from May to Novemnber, inclusive, varying only six degrees, and the mnean temperature of the
seven months to have been 5S~.  If we take the three summer months, the
niean heat was 600.  The mean of the three winter months was a little
over 490; showing a mean difference, on that part of the coast, of only 11l
betweenii snummtner atnd winter.
The mean temperature of San Francisco, for the three winter months,
was precisely the same as at Monrterey-a little over 49 degrees.
As these cities are only about one degree and a half distant from each
other, and both situiated nlear the ocean, the temperature at both, in summller, may very reasonably be supposed to be as nearly similar as tle thermtometer shows it to be in winter.
The mean temperature of July, August, and September, at San Diego,
only 3Q 53' south of Monterey, was 720~.  The  mean temperature of the
same months at Monterey was a little over 59~; showing a mean difference
of 13~.
This would seem to indicate that the cold oceani-current  is thrown off
fiom the southern part of tile coast by Point Conception, and the islands
south of it, atind consequently its influence on the climate of San Diego is
niuclh less than at Monterey and Satil Francisco.
At Los Anigeles, forty miles distant from the coast, the mean temperature
of the three iionrtlis was 740; of the three autumn months, 67~; of the
three winter months, 57~.
At Stittersville, about one hundred and thirty miles from- the ocean, and
four degrees north of Los Angeles, the mean temperature of August, Septemnber, and October, was 670.  The mean temperature of the same months
at Monterey was 59~; showing a difference of 8~ between the seacoast and
the interior, on nearly the same parallel of latitude.  A much greater dif ference would undoubtedly appear, if we had observations for the sping
and summer months of Suttersville and the gold mines. 
Doe. No. 59,
These variations in the climate of California account for tile various and
conflicting opinions and statements respecting it.
A stranger arriving at San Francisco in summer is annoyed by the cold
winds and fogs, and pronounces the climate intolerable. A few months
will modify, if not banish, his dislike, and he will not fail to appreciate the
beneficial effects of a cool, bracing atmosphere. Those who approach
California overland, through the passes of the mountains, find the heat of
summer, in the middle of the day, greater than they have been accustonmed to, and therefore many complain of it.
Those who take up their residence in the valleys which are situated between the great plain of the Sacramento and San Joaquin and the coast
range of hills, find the climate, especially in the dry season, as healthful
and pleasant as it is possible for any climate to be which possesses sufficient
heat to mature the cereal grains and edible roots of the temperate zone.
The division of the year into two distinct seasons-dry and wet-impresses those who have been accustomed to the variable climate of the Atlantic States unfavorably. The dry appearance of the country in summer,
and the difficulty of moving about in winter, seem to impose serious difficulties in the way of agricultural prosperity; while the many anrid decided
advantages resulting from the mildness of winter, and the bright, clear
weather of summer, are not appreciated.   These will appear when I come
to speak of tlhe productions of California. We ought not to be surprised
at the dislike which the immigrants frequently express to the climate. It
is so unlike that from which they come, that they cannot readily appreciate
its advantages, or become reconciled to its exterties of dry and wet.
If a native of California were to go to New England in winter and see
the ground frozen and covered with snow, the streams with ice, and find
himself in a temperature many degrees colder than he had ever felt before,
he would probably be as much surprised that people could or would live
in so inhospitable a region as any immigrant ever has been at what he
has seen or felt in California.
So much are our opinions influenccd by early impressions, tlhe vicissitudes of the seasons with which we are familiar, love of colluntry, home,
and kindred, that we ought never to hazard a hasty opinion when we
come in contact with circumstances entirely different from those to which
we have all our lives been accustomed.
Skoil.
The valleys which are situated parallel to the coast range, and those
which extend eastwardly in all directions among the hills towards the
great plain of the Sacramento, are of unsurpassed fertility.
They have a deep, black, alluvial soil, which has the appearance of
having been deposited when they were covered with water.  This idea is
strengthened by the fact that the rising grounds on the borders of these
valleys, and many hills of moderate elevation, have a soil precisely like
that of the adjoining plains.
This soil is so porous that it remains perfectly unbroken by gullies, notwithstanding the great quantity of water wlich falls in it annually during
the wet season.  The land in the northern part of the Territory on the
Trinity and other rivers, and on the borders of Clear lake, as far as it has
been examined, is said to be remarkably fertile.
12 
Doc. No. 59.
The great valley of' the Sacramento and San Joaquin has evidently been
at some remote period the bed of a lake; and those rivers which drain it
present the appearance of having cut their channels through the alluvial
deposite after it had been formed. In fact, it is not possible that they could
have been instrumental in forming the plain through which they pass.
Their head-waters come from the extreme ends of the valley, north and
south; and were it not for the supply of water received from the streams
which flow into them from thie Sierra Nevada, their beds would be almost,
if not quite, dry in the summer months.  The soil is very rich, and, with
a proper system of drainage and embankment, would undoubtedly be
capable of producing any crop, except sugar-cane, now cultivated in the
Atlantic States of the Union.
There are many beautiful valleys and rich hill-sides among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, which, when the profits of labor in mining shall
be reduced so as to cause its application to agriculture, will probably support a large population.  There is said to be a rich belt of well-timbered
and watered country extending the whole length of the gold region between it and the Sierra Nevada, some twenty miles in width.  There is
no information sufficiently accurate respecting the eastern slope of the
great snowy range to enable us to form any opinion of its general character or soil.  Some of its valleys have been visited by miners, who represent them as equal to any portion of the country to the westward of it.
The great valley of the Colorado, situated between the Sierra Madre
and the Sierra Nevada, is but little known. It is inhabited by numerous
tribes of savages, who manifest the most decided hostility towards the
whites, and have hitherto prevented any explorations of their country, and
do not permit emigrants to pass through it.'I'herefore, parties from Santa
Fe, on their way to California, are compelled to make a circuit of near a
thousand miles northward to the Salt Lake, or al)out the same distance
southward by the route of the Gila. Although this valley is little known,
there are indications that it is fertile and valuable.
The name of the river "Colorado" is descriptive of its waters; they are
as deeply colored as those of the Missouri or Red river, while those of
the Gila, which we know flows through barren lands, are clear.
It would seem impossible for a large river to collect sediment enough
in a sandy, barren soil, to color its waters so deeply as to give it a narnme
among those who first discovered and have since visited its shores.  The
probability, therefore, is, that-this river flows through an alluvial valley of
great fertility, which has never been explored.  This conjecture is strengthened by the fact that the Indians who inhabit it are hostile, and oppose, as
far as they can, all persons who attempt to enter or explore it.  This has
been their uniform course of conduct respecting all portions of the conti.
ineiit which have been fertile, abounding in game and the spontaneous
productions of the earth.
As this valley is situated in the direct route from Santa Fe to Califor nia, its thorough exploration becomes a matter of very great importance,
especially as it is highly probable that the elevated regions to the north of
it, covered with snow during most of the year, will force the line of the
great national railway to the Pacific through some portion of it.
The soil I have described situated west of the Sierra Nevada, and em bracing the plain of the Sacramento and San Joaquin, covers an area, as
nearly as I can estimate, of between fifty and sixty thousand square miles,
13 
Doc. No. 59.
and would, under a proper system of cultivation, be capable of supporting
a population equal to that of Ohio or New York at the present time.
Products of Caifornia.
Previous to the treaty of peace with Mexico, and the discovery of gold,
the exportable products of the country consisted almost exclusively of hides
and tallow. T'he Californians were a pastoral people, and( paid much more
attention to the raising of horses and cattle than the cultivation of the soil.
Wheat, barley, maize, beans, and edible roots, were cultivated in sufficient quantity for home consumption, but, as far as I am informed, not
for exportation. At that time, a full-grown ox, steer, or cow, was worth
about two dollars.  Beef cattle, delivered on the navigable waters of the
bay of San Francisco, are now worth from $20 to $30 per head; horses,
formerly worth from $5 to $10, are now valued at $60 to $150.   The
destruction of cattle for their hides and tallow has now entirely ceased, in
consequence of the demand for beef. This demand will, of course, increase with the population; and it would seem that, in a very few years,
there will be none to supply the market.
If we estimate the number of cattle now in California at 500,000 head,
which is believed to be about the number, and the population at 120,000
for the year 18S50-a low estimate-and suppose it to increase one hundred
thousand per annum, thilere will be in the Territory or State, in 1854, five
hundred and twenty thousand people.
If we adopt the estimate of those well acquainted with the demand, of
half a beef, on an average, to each inhabitant, it appears thlere will be a
consumption, in 1850, of 60,000 head; in 1851, of 110.000; in 1852, of
160,000; in 1853, of 210,000; in 1854, of 260,000 —making an aggregate
of 800,000, which would absorb all the present stock, with its natural increase.
This is a very important matter, as connected with the amount of supply which that country will ultimately require from the Atlantic States of
the Union.  There is no other country on earth which has, or will ever
possess, the means of supplying so great a demand.
It is now a well-established fact among the immigrants to California,
that oxen possess greater powers of endurance than niules or horses; that
they will perform the distance with loaded wagons in less time, and come
in at the end of the journey in better condition.
Cows are now driven in considerable numbers from Missouri, and the
time cannot be far distant when cattle from the western States will be
driven annually by tens of thousands to supply this new market.
If Califoriiia increases in population as fast as the most moderate estimate would lead us to believe, it will not be five years before she will require more than one hundred thousand head of beef cattle per annum,
from some quarter, to supply the wants of her people.
It must not be supposed that salt provisions may supply this vast demand. Those who have attempted to live on such food, during the dry
season, have been attacked with scurvy and other cutaneous diseases, of
which many have died.
There is no climate in the world where fresh meat and vegetables are
more essential to human health.  In fact, they are indispensable.
It must not be inferred that cattle driven across the plains and mountains
14 
Doe. No. 59.
fromn the western States wvill be fit for beef on their arrival in California.
But one winter and spring, on the luxuriant pastures of that country, will
put them in a condition which would render them acceptable in any Atlantic market.
These grazing grounds are extensive enough to support five times as
many cattle as may be annually required; therefore there will be no scarcity
of food for them.
I am acquainted with a drover who left California in December last
with the intention of bringing in ten thousand sheep fromt New Mexico.
This shows that the flocks and herds east of the Rocky mountains are
looked to already as the source from which the markets on the Pacific are
to be supplied.
The climate and soil of California are well suited to the growth of wheat,
barley, rye, and oats. The temperature along the coast is too cool for the
successful culture of maize as a field crop.  The fact that oats, the species
which is cultivated in the Atlantic States, are annually self-sowed and pro)duced on all the plains and hills along the coast, and as far inland as the
sea-breeze has a marked influence on the climate, is sufficient proof that
all the cereal grains niay ie successfully cultivated without the aid of
irrigation.
It is quite true that this auxiliary was extensively employed at the missions, and undoubtedly increased the product of all crops to which it was
applied, as it will in any country on earth if skilfully used. This does not
prove, however, that it was esse?ztially necessary to the production of an
ample reward to tile husbandman.  The experience of all the old inhabitatits is sufficient evidence of this.  If their imperfect mode of culture secured satisfactory returns, it is reasonable to presume that a more perfect
system would produce greater results. There is abundant evidence to
prove that, in the rich alluvial valleys, wheat and barley have produced
from forty to sixty bushels from one bushel of seed, without irrigation.
Irish potatoes, turnips, onions, in fact all the edible roots known and cultivated in the Atiantic States, are produced in great perfection.  In all the
valleys east of the coast range of hills, the climate is sufficiently warm to
mature crops of Indian corn, rice, and probably tobacco.
The cultivation of the grape has attracted much attention at the missions,
among the residents of towns, and the rural populationD and been attended
with much success, wherever it has been attempted. The dry season
secures the fruit from those diseases which are so fatal in the Atlantic
States, and it attains very great perfection.
The wine made from it is of excellent quality, very palatable, and can
be produced in atny quantity.   the grapes are delicious, and produced
with very little labor. When taken from the vintes in butnches, and suspended in a dry room by the stems, they become partially dry, retain their
flavor, and remain several weeks, perhaps months, without decay.
Apples, pears, and peaches are cultivated with facility; and there is no
reason to doubt that all the fruits of the Atlantic States canll be produced in
great plenty and perfection.
The grasses are very luxuriant and nutritious, affording excellent pasture. The oats which spring up the whole length of the seacoast, and
from forty to sixty rifles inland, render the cultivation of that crop entirely unnecessary, and yield a very great quantity of nutritious food for
horses, cattle, and sheep. The dry season matures, and I may say
15 
Doe. No  59.
cuies, these grasses and oats, so that they remain in an excellent state of
preservation during the summner and autumn, and afford an ample supply
of forage.  While the whole surface of the country appears parched and
-vegetation destroyed, the numerous flocks and herds which roam over it
continue in excellent condition.
Although the mildness of the winter months and the fertility of the
soil secure to California very decided agricultural advantages, it is admitted that irrigation would be of very great importance, and necessarily
increase the products of the soil in quantity and variety during the
greater part of the dry season. It should therefore be encouraged by
government, in the survey and disposition of the public lands, as far as
practicable.
The farmer derives some very important benefits from the dry season.
His crops in harvest-timnie are never injured by rain; he can with perfect
confidence permit them to remain in his fields as long after they have
been gathered as his convenien(:e may require; he has no fears that they
will be injured by wet or unfavorable weather. Hence it is that many
who have long been accustomed to that climate prefer it to the changeable weather east of the Rocky mountains.
As already stated, the forests of California south of latitude 39~ and
west of the foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada are limited to detached, scattering groves of oak in the valleys, and of red wood on the ridges and
on the gorges of the hills.
It can be of no practical use to speculate on the causes which have
denuded so large an extent of country, further than to ascertain whether
the soil is or is not favorable to the growth of forest trees.
When the dry season sets in, the entire surface is covered with a luxuriant growth of grass and oats, which, as the summer advances, become
perfectly dry. The remains of all dead trees and shrubs also become
dry. These materials, therefore, are very combustible, and usually take
fire in the latter part of summer and beginning of autumn, which commonly passes over the whole country, destroying in its course the young
shrubs and trees. In fact, it seems to be the same process which has
destroyed or prevented the growth of forest trees on the prairies of the
western States, and not any quality in the soil unfriendly to their growth.
The absence of timber and the continuance of the dry season are apt
to be regarded by farmers, on first going into the country, as irremediable defects, and as presenting obstacles almost insurmountable to the
successful progress of agriculture. A little experience will modify these
opinions. It is soon ascertained that the soil will produce abundantly
without manure; that flocks and herds sustain themselves through the
winter without being fed at the farmyard, and consequently no labor is
necessary to provide forage for them; that ditches are easily dug, which
present very good barriers for the protection of crops until live fences
can be planted and have time to grow. Forest trees may be planted with
little labor, and in very few years attain a sufficient size for building
and fencing purposes.  Time may  be usefully employed  in sowing
various grain and root crops dutiring the wet or winter season. There is
no weather cold enough to destroy root crops, and therefore it is not necessary to gather them. They can be used or sold from the field where
they grow. The labor, therefore, required in most of the old States to
fell the forests, clear the land of rubbish, and prepare it for seed, may
here be applied to other objects.
16 
Doe. No. 59.
All these things, together with the perfect security of all crops in
lIarvest-timne from  iujitry by?wet weather, are probably sufficient to meet
any expense which may be incurred in irrigation, or caused for a time
by a scanty supply of timber. In the northern part of the Territory,
above latitude:.9~, and on the hills which rise from the great plain of the
Sacramento and San Joaquin to the foot of the Sierra Nevada, the forests
of timber are beautiful and extensive, and would, if brought into use, be
sufficiently productive to supply the wants of the southern and western
poltions of the State.
I have spoken of the agricultural products and resources of the country
without reference to the remarkable state of things caused by the discovery of gold, which it is probable wvill postpone for an indefinite time all
efforts to improve the soil.  As long as laborers can earn fifteen dollars
or more per day in collecting gold, they can very well afford to import their
supplies from countries where the wages of labor are not more than from
fifty cents to one dollar per day. It is not, therefore, to be supposed that
the soil will be cultivated more than the production of vegetables, fruits,
and other articles so perishable in their natire that they cannot  be
brought from a great distance, will require.   To secure this important
mnarkliet for the products and manufactures of the States east of the Rocky
nmountains, is undoubtedly an object of the greatest importance. It will
be considered iii its proper place.
Public doizain.
The extent and value of the public lands suitable for agricultural purposes in California cannot be ascertained with any degree of accuracy
until some very important preliminary questions shall have been settled.
It is not known whether the Jesuits wlto founded the missions, or their
successors, the Franciscans, ever did, or do now, hold any title firom the
Spanish crown to the lands which they occutpied.  Nor has any investigation been made to ascertain how far those titlcs, if they ever existed,
have been invalidated by the acts of the priests or the decrees of the
Mexican government.  A superficial view of the matter would be very
apt to lead to the supposition that the Jesuits, so celebrated for wisdom
and cutnning, would not fail to secure that which, at that time, would
probably have been obtained by merely asking for it-a royal decree,
granting to them all the lands they might require in that remote country
for ecclesiastical purposes.  There have been some intimations to that
effect, but nothing is distinctly known.  These missions embrace within
their limits somie of the most valuable lands in the Territory, and it is
very importan-t that it should be ascertained wvhethler they belong to the
government or may be justly claimed by individuals.
Most of the  land fit for cultivation south of latitude 39~, and west of
the valley of the Sacramento and San Joaquin, is claimed under what
purport to be grants from tlhe Mexican governmenit.  On most of these
grants the minerals and metals are reserved to the government; conditions
were coupled with maniy of them which have not been comnplied with;
in others, the boundaries described embrace two or three times as much
land as the grant conveys.
The Mexican law required all grants made by the provincial government, with few exceptions, to be confirmed by the supreme goverlnment.
2
17
4t 
Doe. No. 59.
The great distance which separated them, and the unfrequent or difflcult
means of communication, made a compliance with the Iaw so expensive
and tardy that it came to be almost disregarded.
There were other causes which led to this neglect.
Previous to the treaty with Mexico and the inmmligration of American
citizens to that country, land was not regarded as of much value, except
for grazing purposes.  There was rooin enough for all.  Therefore, the
claimants or proprietors did not molest one another, or inquire into the
validity of titles.
These extensive grants are described by natural boundaries, such as
mountains, bays, and promontories, which, in many instances, might
allow of a variation of several miles in the establislhment of a corner with
chain and compass.
By the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the United States purchased alI the
rights and interests of Mexico to and in California.  This purchase not
only embraced all the lands which had not been granted by NMexico, but
all the reserved minerals and metals, and also reversionary rights which
might accrue to Mexico from a want of compliance on the part of the
grantees with the conditions of their grants, or a want of perfection in the
grants.
It will be perceived that this is a subject of very great importance, not
only to the people of California, but to the Unite(l States, and calls for
prompt and efficient action on the part of the government. It is believed
that the appointment of competent commissioners, fully empowered to investigate these titles in a spirit of kindness towards the claimants, with
power to confirm such titles as justice may seem to demand, or with instructions to report their proceedings and awards to Congress for confirmation or rejection, will be the best and perhaps the only satisfactory mode
of adjusting this complex and difficult question.
The lands ill the northern part of the Territory, above 39~, have not
been explored or granted. They are supposed to embrace an area of about
twenty millions of acres, a large portion of which is doubtless valuable for
its timber and soil.
Comparatively few grants have been obtained in the great valley of the
Sacramento and San Joaquin.'This vast tract, therefore, containing, as
is estimated, from twelve to fifteen millions of acres, belongs mostly to the
government.  South of this valley and west of the Colorado, within the
limits of California, as indicated in her constitution, there are said to be
extensive tracts of valuable unappropriated land; and, on investigation, it
will probably appear that there are many of them in detached bodies which
have not been granted.
I do not speak of the gold region, embracing the entire foot-hills of the
Sierra Nevada, some five hundred miles long and sixty miles broad, in
connexion with the public domain, which may be embraced in the general land system for sale and settlement, for reasons which will be hereafter
assigned.
TIhe survey of the public lands on a system suited to the interests of the
country is a matter of very great importance. In the inhabited portions of
the Territory, the boundaries of Mexican grants, running as they do in all
directions, will render the system of surveys by parallels of latitude and
longitude quite impracticable.
In all parts of the country irrigation is desirable, and its benefits should
is
10 
Doc. No. 59.
be secured as far as possible by suitabole surveys and legal regulations.
lost of the valleys are watered by streams sutifiiently large to be rendered
very useftul.  It would, therefore, seemn wise to lay off the land in conformity to the course of the hills arid streams which bound and drain the
valleys.
A system of drainage, which would also secure irrigation, is absolutely
necessary to give value to the great plain of the Sacramento and San
Joaquin.   This valley is so extensive and level that, if the rivers passing
through it were never to overflow their banks, the rain which falls in winter would render the greaterportion of it untfit for cultivation.   The foundation of such a system can only be established in the survey and sale of the
land.
his ccat be done by layitng oPte canals and drains at suitable distances
and in pi oper (directions, and by leariig wtCide miargins to the rirers, that
they mexy have plenty of room to increase their channels whenr their?waters
shall be conftied within thent by embqnhments.
It would be well also to regtulate the price of these lands, so as to meet
in some degree the expense ot draining them.
This system would, when agriculture shall become a piursuit in CaliforI)ia, make this valley oxie of the most beautiful and productive portions
)f the Utnioi.
Commerc'm! resources.
The commercial resources of California are at present founded entirely
on her metallic wealtlh-her vast minieral treasures remaining undeveloped,
and her fertile soil almost wholly neglected; and this must continue to be
the case so long as labor employed iii collecting gold shall be more profitable than in any othler pursuit wihich can furnish the sinews of commerce.
The day is probably not distant, however, when her minierals, especially
the (tquicksilver mines, will be extensively and profitably worked.
Gold is the product of the countitry, and is imnmediately available, in an
uncoined state, for all the purposes of exchange.   It is not thlere, as in
other countries, where the productiotis of the earth and of art are sent to
markets-foreign or domestic-to be exchanged for the precious metals,
or other articles of value.  There, gold not only supplies the medium of
domestic trade, but of foreign commerce.
At first view, this state of things would seem to be unfavorable to an
extensive intercourse with other parts of the world, because of the want of
return freights of home production for the vast number of vessels which
will arrive with supplies.
These vessels, however, making no calculations on return cargoes, will
estimate the entire profits of the voyage on their outward  fieights, and
become, on their arrival, willing carriers for a comparatively small consideration.
This tendency in the course of trade, it would seem, must imake San
Francisco a warehouse for the supply, to a certain extent, of all tlhe ports
of the Pacific, American, Asiatic, and the islands.
Almost every article now exported by them finds a ready market in
California; and the establishment of a mint will bring there also the silver
bullion, amounting to more than ten millions per annum, from the west
*
19 
Doc. No. 59.
coast of Mexico, and perhaps ultimately from Chili and Peri, to be assayed
and coined.
Vessels bound round Cape Horn,with cargoes for markets on the American
coast of the Pacific, can, by taking advantage of the southecast trade-winds,
and "standing broad-off the cape," make the voyage to San Francisco in
as short a time as they can to Valparaiso or any port south of California.
Vessels have sailed fiom our Atlantic ports to San Fraucisco in less than
one hundred days, and they have been, in more than one instance, over
one hundred and twenty days in going from Pianama to San Francisco.
This astonishing difference in time and distance was caused  by the
course of the winds, and the gulf-strearm of the Pacific, mentioned in niy
remarks on the climate of Californiia.
The vessels from our Atlantic lprts took advantage of the winds by
steeringfrom, the cape as far into the Pacific as to be enabled to take a
course west of the gulf-stream in sailing northward, thus availing themselves first of the southeast and then of the northeast "trades," and avoidimg opposing currents.
The vessels from Panama wvere kept back by calms, adverse winds, and
currents.  It will be perceived, therefore, that there can be no inducement
for vessels bound round Cape Horn, writh mixed or assorted cargoes, to
stop at Valparaiso, Callao, Guayaquil, or any other port on the west coast,
because the exports of all those places will seek a market at San Francisco;
and their supply of merchandise, as return freight, will be delivered at
less expense than it can be by vessels direct from Atlantic ports, American
or European. This tendency of trade to concentrate at San Fiaiicisco will
be aided by the course of exchange.
Gold dust is worth but $.17 per oiince in Chili. It is wort-h $IS at the
United States nint.  It;', therefore, a merchant of Valparaiso has teii thousand ounces in 8an Francisco, received in payment for lumber, barley,
flour, or other produce, and desires an invoice of goods from the United
States or Europe, he will gain $10,000 at the outset by sending his gold
to New York, besides savilig somethingi on the freight and insurance, and
at least one mnonth's interest.
The countries on the west coast of America have no exports which find
a market in China, or other parts of Asia.  San Francisco will, therefore,
become not only the mnart of these exports, but also of the products and
manufactures of India required in exchaiige for them, which must be
paid for, principally, in gold coiii or gold dust. Neither gold coin nor gold
dust wili answer as a remittance to China.  Gold, in China, is not curren;,r in any shape, nor is it received in payment of import duties, or taxes
on land, or on the industry of thie people.
The value of pure gold in China is not far from $14 the ounce. HIence,
the importer of manufactures and products of India into San Fraicisco will
remit the gold coin or dust direct to New York for investment in sterling
bills on London.  These bills will be sent to Lond(lon, and placed to the
credit of the firm in China from whom the merchandise had been received
and who, on learning of the remittance having gone forward to their agents,
will draw a six montths' sight bill for the amount, which will sell in China
at the rate of four shillings and two pence or three pence per dollar.
I have a statemietit before mue from one of the niost eminent merchants
20 
Doe. No. 59.
and bankers of New York, who was for many years engaged extensively
in the India trade, which shows that the profit or gain on ten.
thousand ounces of gold, thus remitted, would be  -         - $34,434 44
And that the loss on the same quantity, sent direct to Chinta,
would be -        -       -       -      -        -      -   15, 60 00
Total difference in profit and loss in favor of the remittance
to New Yorlc      -       -        -       -       -       -   50,034 44
to New Yorlc...                                               50,034 44
It will thus be perceived that nature has so arranged  the winds and
currents of the Pacific, and disposed of her vast treasures in the hills and
mountains of California, as to give to the harbor of San Francisco the
control of the commerce of that ocean, as far as it may be connected with
tile west coast of America.
Important as the commerce of the Pacific undoubtedly is, and will be,
to California, it cannot now, nor will it ever, compare in magnitude and
value to the domestic trade between her and the older States of the Union.
Two years ago, California did not probably contain more thani fifteen
thousand people. That portion of it which has since been so wonderfully
peopled by American citizens was, comparatively, without inhabitants,
withouit resources, and not supplied with the commotn comforts of shelter
afforded by a forest country.
Notwithstaiding thle great distances immnigrants have been compelled
to travel to reach the Territory, more than one hundred thousand have
overcome all difficulties and spread themselves over its hills and plains.
T'hey have been supplietd from distances as great as they themselves have
passed, with not onily the necessaries, but the coinfo)rts and  many of the
luxU!'its of life.  Houses have been imported from  (China, (chili, and
the Atlantic States of the Utlioti. All thle mriaterials required in building
cities and towns have been added to the wants of a people so numerous,
destitute, and remote from the sources of supply.
'these w(ants will exist as long as inmmigration continues to flow into
the country, and labor emnployed in collectini  gold shall be more profitable
thani its application to agriculture, the ii-iechatiic arts, and the great variely of pursuits which are fostered anid sustained in other civilized cominuneties.
This may be shown by mentiotniig the prices of a few articles.  Last
summer anrid au tumn, tu niber was sold ill San Francisco at $30() to $400
per thousatnd feet; at Stockton and Sacrame,to city, at $500 to $601,).
At these prices it could he mnade in the Territory, and  manty persons
were etingaged in the business.  I p)ereeive, by receint accounts, that tilhe
price lhad fallen at Mai  Franicisco to $75.  At this price it e(t. not be made,
where labor is from $[() to $15 per day, and the ditfictilties attending its
tanutifactire are itiucti greater than in the Atlantic States.  Lutiber can
b~e delivered in ollr large lumber markets at ati ('enree for thle various
qualiaies of $16, atid freighted to Satl Francisco for $24, making $40 per
thousand feet.'t'his price wotild cause the mrnanutfactutre of it in California
to be abandonied.  We  may add $20 per thousand to meet any increase
of price ici thile article itself, or in the freiglit, atid the result would be the
salle.
It is probable that the demand. for several years to come, will not be
ol 
Doc. No. 59.
less than twenty millions of feet per annum, which, at $40 per thonsand7
will be $800,000.
VWhen  Califoriiia comes to have a population of 200,000, which  she
will have before the close of the present year, she will requite nearly half
a million barrels of flour from sonie quarter; and no country can supply it
so good and cheap as the old States of the Union.   lncludipg freight and
insurance, this may be set dowil as an item of about $5,000,()0).  The
article of clothing, allow.ii)g 820 to ea(,li person, would be $4 t)0,()001).
There is no pretension to accuracy in these iteims, and they may be estimated too high; but it is quite as probable they are too low.
WVe have no data on which- to f(tiiid a cal(,ila.tion of what tlie value of
thle trade betweeti the States east of the Rocky mourtainrs anid Caiahtorlia
will be during thecurrent year.   I will venture the opinion, however, that
it will not fall short of twenty-five millions of dollars.  It may go far beyond that sum.  At present, 1 can conceive no cause which will retard
or diministl immigratioli.
If the movenient shall continue five years, our commerce with that
Territory may reach otne htitiured nili()ns per anntinl.  This is doubtless
a startling sum; but it niust be bortie in mind that we have to build cities
and towns, supply tuachitiery for miiing, c(,al fo)r domestic purposes arid
steam navigation, anrid all the n:ultif'ariouts articles utised  in providing the
comforts and luxuries of life fi)r hi,l f a rillion of people, who  will have
transferred themselves to a country which iv to ptodtuce, comparatively,
liothing except minerals and the precious nietals, aiid whose pursuits will
enable them to purchase, at atiy cost, whatever mnay be necessary for
their purposes.
It is difficult to imagine or calculate the effect whlich will be produced
on all the industrial pursuits of the people of the old States of the Union
by this withdrawal firom them of half a million of produeers, who, ii) their
new homes and new pursuits, will give ezistence to a commerce  almost
equal in value to our foreign trade.  Let no oilne, therefore, suppose he is
not interested in the welfare of Califortiia.  As  well may he believe his
interests would not be influenced by closing our ports and ceuttiiig, off iiitercourse with all the world.
The distance round Cape Horn is so great that breadstuffs and many
other articles of food deteriorate, and many others are so perishable inll
their nature that they would decay on the passage.']'his Awould be the
case particularly with all kinds of vegetables anrd  itldried fruits.   Until
some more speedy mode of communication shall be establisliei by wl-hich
produce canll be transferred, the farmters and planters of the old States
will not realize the full value of this iiew miarket on the Pacific.
MIatny other important interests wvill be kept back, especially the consumption of coal.  The American steamers now oil that ocean, those on
their way there, and others shortly to be sent out, xwill consume not far
from one hundred thousand tolns of coal per annulmn.'he scarcity of
wood in California will bring coal inito general  use as fiel, as so00on as
it can be obtained at reasonable prices.   Suppose there nlay be, three
years hence, forty thousand houses, which shall consume five tons each
per annum.   This, with the steanmers, would  be a colnsumption of three
hundred thousand tons.   If delivered at $20 per ton, it would compete
s~uccessfully with the coal fromn Vatcouv;er's island and New Holland, and
amount to }6,000,000.
2.2 
Doc. No. 59.
The construction of a railroad across the isthmus of Panama would secure the market for those articles against all competition.
Some idea may be formed of the demand for them from the prices paid
in San Francisco last autumn.  Coal was sold at $60 to $100 per ton;
potatoes $16 per bushel; turnips and onions for 25 to 621 cents each; eggs
from $10 to $12 per dozen.
The distance from Chagres to New York has recently been run in
seven days. The same speed would carry a steamboat from Panama to
San Francisco in ten days.  Allow three days to convey freight across the
isthmus on a railway, aid both passengers and freight will be conveyed
from New York to San Fraticisco in twenlty days.
This celerity of movement would secure for American  produce tile
entire market of California.  Sailing vessels may be successfully employed
between our Atlantic and gulf ports and the terminus of the railway on
this side of the isthmus, and propellers from Panama to San Fraiicisco.
These latter vessels will he found peculiarly suited to that trade; they can
use their steam throtugh the calms of the bay of Panama, and againtist headwinds and currents going, north, anid their sails with favorable winds and
currents coming south.
These nmodes of conveyance, in connexion with the railroad across the
isthmus, would be sufficiently expeditious and economical to turn the tide
of commerce between the Atiantie and Pacific States of the Union into
that channel.  The tendency of our commerce on the Pacific to promote
the employment of ocean steamers is of much importance, as connected
with the defence of our extensive line of coast from latitude 32' to 490,
the protection of the whale fishery, and other branches of the trade on that
ocean. The establishmient of a line of heavy steamers to China would
promote all these objects, increase our intercourse with that country, and
probably be the means of opening communications with Japan.  Money
wisely employed in promoting these objects, it is believed, would add more
to the power and prosperity of the country than its expenditure on anygeneral system of fortification at the present prices of labor aid materials.
There is one point, however, of such vast importance that no time should
be lost in taking the necessary steps to render it perfectly impregnablethat is, the entrance to the harbor of Sanr Francisco.  On the strength of
the works which may be erected to defend that passage will depend the
safety of California in time of war with a maritime power.  Permit a hostile fleet to east anchor in the habor of San  Francisco,  anid the country
would be virtually conquered.
The coast has not been surveyed, nor have its outlines been correctly ascertained.  There are many rocks above and below the water-line, and
small islands inot iiieitioned or injdicated on any chart, which render
navigation near the land, especially at night, extreiiiely daingerous.
An accurate survey of the coast, to comience at the most important
points, the construction of light-houlses, and the placing of buoys in proper
positions, are objects of much imp,)rtance, and, it is nriot doubted, will attract the early attention of government.
ie(tallic atzd Mineral wealth.
The gold region of California is between  foutr and five hundred miles
long, and fromnt forty to fifty miles broad, tbllowing the line of the Sierra
23 
Doc. No. 59.
Nevada. Further discoveries may, and probably will, increase the area.
It embraces within its limits those extensive ranges of hills which rise on
the eastern border of the plain of the Sacramenito and San Joaquin, and,
extending eastwardly from fifty to sixty miles, they attain an elevation of
about four thousand feet, and terminate at the base of the main ridge of the
Sierra Nevada.  There are niunierous streams which have their sources in
the springs of the Sierra, and receive the water from its melting snows, and
that which falls ill rain during the wet season.
These streams form rivers, which have cut their channels through the
ranges of foot-hills westwardlv to the plain, and disembogiie into the Sacrainento and San Joaquin. These rivers are from ten to fifteen, and probably some of them twenty miles apart.
The principal formation, or substratum, in these hills, is talcose slate;
the superstratuml, sometimes penetrating to a great depth, is quartz.  This,
however, does not cover the entire face of the country, but extends in large
bodies in various directions-is found in masses  and small fragments on
the surface, and seen along the ravines, and in the moutittains overhanging
the rivers, and in the hill-sides in its original beds.  It crops out in the
valleys and on the tops of the hills, and forms a striking feature of the entire
country over which it extends.  From innumerable evidences and indications, it has come to be the universally-admitted opinion, among the mixers
and intelligent men who have examined this region, that the gold, whether
in detached particles and pieces or in veins, was created in oombination
with the quartz.  Gold is niot found on the surface of the country presenting
the appearance of having been thrown up and scattered in all directions by
volcanic action.  It is only found in particular localities, and attended by
peculiar circumstances and indications.  It is found in the bars and shoals
of the rivers, in ravines, and in what are called the "dry diggings."
The rivers, in forming their channels, or breakinig their way through
the hills, have come in contact with the quartz containing the gold veins,
and by constant attrition cut the gold into fine flakes and dust; and it is
found among the sand and gravel of their beds at those places where the
swiftness of the current reduces it, in the dIry season, to the narrowest possible limits, and where a wide miargin is consequently left on each side,
over which the water rushes, during the wet season, with great force.
As the velocity of some streams is greater than that of others, so is the
gold found in fine or coarse particles, apparently corresponding to the degree of attrition to which it has been exposed. The water from the hills
and upper valleys, in finding its way to the rivers, has cut deep ravines,
and, wherever it has come itl contact with thle quartz, has dissolved or
crumbled it in pieces.
In the dry season, these chlannels are mostly without water, and gold
is found in the beds and margins of many of themn in large quantities, but
in a much coarser state tihai in the rivers-owitig, undoubtedly, to the
moderate flow and temporary continuatice of tile eturrent, which has reduced it to smooth shapes, not0 unlike pebbles, but has not had sufficient
force to cut it into flakes or dust.
The dry diggings are places whiere quartz containing gold has cropped
out, and been disintegrated, crumbled to fragnients, pebbles, and dust,
by the action of water and the atmosphere.'I'he gold has been left as it
was made, in all imaginable shapes; in pieces of all sizes, from one grain
to several pounds in weight.  The evidences that it was created in corn
24 
Doe. No. 59.
bination with quartz are too numerous and striking to admit of doubt or
cavil.   They are found in combination in large quantities.
A very large proportion of the pieces of gold found in these situations
have more or less quartz adhering to them. In many specimens, they are
so combined they cannot be separated without reducing the whole mass to
powder, and subjecting it to the action of quicksilver.
This gold, not having been exposed to the attrition of a strong current
of water, retains in a great degree its original conformnation.
These diggings, in some places, spread over valleys of considerable extetit, which tliave the appearance of an alluvion, foraed by washings from
the adjoining hills, of decomiposed quartz and slate earth and vegetable
matter.
In addition to these facts, it is beyond  doubt true that several  veinmines hlave been discovered in the quartz, from  which numerous  specimens have been taken, showing the milnute connexion between  the gold
and the rock, and indicating a value hitherto unknown in gold-miling.
Tl'ese veins do not present the appearance of places where gold may
have been lodged by some violent eruption. It is combined with the
quartz in all imtaginable forms and degrees of richness.
The rivers present very  striking, and  it would  seem conclusive, evidence respecting the quantity of gold remaining undiscovered  in the
quartz veins. It is not probable that the gold in the dry diggings and
that in the rivers -the former in lumps, the latter in dust-were created by
different processes. That which is found in the rivers has undoubtedly
been cut or worn from the veins in the rock, with which their currents
have come in contact.  All of them appear to be equally rich.  This is
shown by the fact that a laboring man may collect nearly as imuch in one
river as he can in another.  They  intersect and cut through the gold region, running, from east to west, at irregular distances of fifteen to twenty,
and perhaps some of them thirty miles apart.
Hence it appears that the gold veins are equally rich in all parts of that
most remarkable section of country. Were it wanting, there are further
proofs of this in the ravines and dry diggings, which  uniformly confirm
what nature so plainly shows in the rivers.
For the purpose of forming  some  opinion respecting  the probable
amount or value of treasure in the gold region, it will be proper to state
the estimates which have been  made of the quantity collected since its
discovery.
Gold was first discovered on the south fork of the American river, at a
place called Sutter's Mill, now Colonla, late in May or early in June, 1848.
Intiformation which colld  be relied onl, announcing  this discovery, was
not received in this city until late in the following autumln.
No immigration into the mines could, therefore, have taken place from
the old States in that year.   The number of miners was, consequently,
limited to the population of the Territory-s(ime five htundred men fromrn
Oregon; Mexicans and other foreiginers, who happened to be in the country, or came into it during the summer and autumn; and the Indians, who
were employed by, or sold their gold to, the whites.
It is supposed there were not fir from five thousand men employed in
collecting gold during that season. If we suppose they obtained an average of one thousand dollars each, which is regarded by well-inf,rmned persols as a low estimate, the aggregate amount will be $5,00O,U0.
2 a' 
Doc. No. 59.
Information of this discovery spread in all directions during the following winter; and, on the commencement of the dry season in 1849, people came into the Territory from all quarters-from Chili, Peru, and
other States on the Pacific coast of South America-from the west coast
of Mexico, the Sandwich islands, China, and New Holland. The immigration from the United States came in last, if we except those who
crossed the isthmus of Panama and went up the coast in steamers, and a
few who sailed early on the voyage round Cape Horn. The American
immigration did not come in by sea in much force until July and August,
and that overland did not begin to arrive until the last of August and
first of September. The Chilenos and Mexicans were early in the country. In the month of July, it was supposed there were fifteen thousand
foreigners in the mines. At a place called Sonoranian Camp, it was
believed there were at least ten thousand Mexicans, They had quite a
city of tents, booths, and log-cabins; hotels, restaurants, stores, and
shops of all descriptions fuirnished whatever money could procure. Ice
was brought from the Sierra, and ice-creams added to numerous other
luxuries.  An enclosure made of the trunks and branches of trees, and
lined with cotton cloth, served as a sort of amphitheatre for bull-fights.
Other amusements characteristic of the Mexicans were to be seen in all
directions.
The foreigners resorted principally to the southern mines, which gave
them a great superiority in numerical force over the Americans, and enabled them to take possession of some of the richest in that part of the
country. In the early part of the season, the Americans were nmostly
employed on thie forks of the Anierican, and on B]3ear, Uba, and Feather
rivers. As their numbers increased, they spread themselves over the
southern mines, and collisions were threatened between them and the
foreigners. The latter, however, for some cause. either fear or having
satisfied their cupidity, or both, began to leave the miines late in August,
and by the end of September many of them were out of the country. It
is not probable that, during the first part of the season, there were more
than five or six thousand Americans in the mines.  This wouLd swell
the whole number, including foreigners, to about twenty thousand the
beginning of September.  This period embraced about half of the season
during which gold may be successfully collected in the rivers.
Very particular and extensive inquiries respecting the daily earnings
and acquisitions of the miners lead to the opinion that they averaged an
ounce per day. This is believed by many to be a low estimate; but,
from the best information I was able to procure, I am of opinion it approaches very near actual results. The half of the season-up to the 1st of
September-would give sixty-five working days, and to each laborer, at
$16 per ounce, $1,040. If, therefore, we assume $1,000 as the average
collected by each laborer, we shall probably not go beyond the mark.
This would give an aggregate of $20,000,000 for the first half' of the
season, $15,000,000 of' which was probably collected by foreigners.
During the last half of the season, the number of foreigners was very
much diminished, and perhaps did not exceed five thousand. At this
time, the American immigration had come ill by land and sea, and the
number of our fellow-citizens in the mines had, as was estiuiated, increased to between forty and fifty ihousand.  They were most of them
inexperienced in mining, and it is probable the results of their labors
were not so great as has been estimated for the first part of the season
26 
Doe. No. 59.
and experienced miners.  Assuming that the average of half an ounce
per day ought to be considered as reasonable, it would give an aggregate
of about $20,000,000.  If from this we deduct one-fourth on account of
the early commencement of the wet season, we have an estimate of
$15,000,000, at least five of which was collected by foreigners, who possessed many advantages from their experience in mining and knowledge
of the country. These estimates give, as the result of the operations in
the mines for 1S4S and 1849, the round sum of $40,000,0}()0, one-half
of which was probably collected and carried out of the country by foreigners.
From the best information I could obtain, I am led to believe that at
least $20,000,000 of the $40,000,000 were taken from the rivers, and
that their richness has not been sensibly diminished, except in a few locations, which had early attracted large bodies of miners.  This amount
has principally been taken from the northern rivers, or those which empty into the Sacramenito-the southern rivers, or those which flow into the
San Joaquin, having been comparatively but little resorted to until near
the close of the last season.  These rivers are, however, believed by those
who have visited them to be richer in the precious metal than those in the
northern part of the gold region. There is one river which, from reported
recent discoveries, and not included in the description of those flowing
into the great plain west of the Sierra Nevada, is as rich in gold as any
of them.  Thlat is the Triinity, which rises north of the head-waters of
the Sacramento, and discharges into the Pacific not far from the fortieth
degree of north latitude. There are (as nearly as my recollection serves
me) twelve principal rivers in which gold has been found; but most of
the twenty millions in the above estimate was taken from six or seven of
them, where it was first discovered and most accessible.
Adopting the hypothesis that the gold found in the beds of these
streams had been cut or worn from the veins in the quartz through
which they have forced their way, and considering the fact that they are
all richl, and are said to be nearly equally productive, we may form some
idea of the vast amount of treasure remaining undisturbed in the veins
which run through the masses of rock in various directions over a space
of forty or fifty miles wide, and near five hundred mites long.  If we
may be allowed to form a conjecture respecting the richness of these
veins from the quantity of lump or coarse gold found in the dry diggings,
where it appears to occupy nearly the same superficies it did originally in
the rock-its specific gravity being sufficient to resist ordinary moving
causes —we shall be led to an estimate almost beyond human calculation
and belief.  Yet, as far as I can perceive, there is no plausible reason
lwhy the veints whichl remain in the quartz may nriot be as valuable as
those whlicll have become separated from the decomposed rock.  This
matter can only be satisfactorily decided by actual discoveries.
'I'he gold region of' Califortlia having attracted a large share of public
attention, it was to be expected that various suggestions and propositions
would be made withl respect to the proper niode of dispositng of it.
The.difficulty in arralngilng a suitable plan has been the want of accurate information on which a well-cottsidered opinion might be formed. Its
distance from the seat of government, the conflicting statements and reporls respecting it, served only to bewilder and mystify the public mind,
and render a thorough examination of it necessary, to ascertain whether
-27 
Doc. No. 59.
its value is such as to render legislation necessary for its proper protection
and management.
If it appears, from the preceding part of this report, that it is sufficiently
important to require laws suited to the condition and development of its
wealth, we are necessarily brought to tile consideration of the proper rules
anrid regulations to be adopted for that purpose.
The survey and sale of that section of country, under our present land
system or any other mode which nmay be devised, would, undoubtedly,
cause very serious discontent among those who have gone, and all who
may desire to go there to collect gold, and a most necessary anrid uliavoidable inequality in the distribution of wealth among the purchasers.
Sections and parts of sections of latid having no indications of gold on
the surface, but possessing untold treasure in the bowels of the earth,
might be s.)ld for what would be a mere trifle in comparison of their real
value.  Capitalists would overbid the daring stronrg-rrmed day-laborer,
who ha(li braved the storms of Cape Horn, or the privations of a journey
across thile plains, and, by the power and combination of resources, would
possess themselves of the most valuable mines which have been discovered, and employ skilful niners to examine the country, with as much secrecy as possible, for the purpose of making such discoveries as would enable them  in a great degree to monopolize the nmost valuable portions of
the couitry.
It is much easier to imagine than  describe the discontent, perhaps
disorder, which would spring up amonlg a hundred thousand freemen,
deprived the privilege of an equal enjoyment of. or participalion it], what
they have been in the habit of regarding as the comt)on property of the
people of the whole Union.
It is, perhaps, more thai doubtful whether su]ch laws could be enforced.
Thile employment of troops for thiat purpose would -not only be odious,
but ineffectual; they would be more likely to set an example of insubordination, by desertion, than to comnpel obedience in others.
The people would unite with them in producing anarchy and confusion. No system, therefore, which is not in accordance with the interests of the people, can be carried into successful operation. It is always fortunate when laws can be so framed as to harmonize those interests with the policy and duty of the government. It is believed that
may be accomplished in this case.
While every American citizen in the mines is aware that he is on government property, and would consider any attempt to drive him away as
an act of oppression, he at the same time feels that something is due
from him for the privileges which he enjoys, and he would willingly pay
a reasonable sum to have those privileges defined, and to be protected in
the enjoyment of them.
The gold in the rivers, the dry diggings, and the ravines, is accessible
to any man who has the strength to use a pan or washer, a spade and
pickaxe.
The employment of machinery may perhaps facilitate its collection, but
it is not essential. Every man is master of his own movements. The
case will be very different with the vein-mines, which yet remain in the
rocks.  To work them successfully will require machinery, with horse or
steam power, involving an expenditure of capital in proportion to the extent of the operations.
28 
Doc. No. 59.
No prudent man will make such investments until his rights and pri vileges shall have been clearly defined by law.  In the absence of all le gal regulation, if a manl were to discover a vein-mine, and incur the ex pense of erecting machinery to work it, any other person, citizen or for eigner, might construct an establishment alongside of him, deprive him
of his discovery, and destroy the value of his property. Hence it will be
perceived that any law prescribing the privileges and duties of miners
should be so framed as to secure the rights of all.
There is some fertile soil in the gold region-beautiftil valleys and rich
hill-sides-which, under circumstances favorable to agriculture, would
undoubtedly be valuable for that purpose; but at present, and so long as
the collection of gold shall continue to reward labor so much more abun dantly than the cultivation of the soil, the important matter to be con sidered is the proper mode of disposing of the metallic wealth of the
country.
The first step,. in my opinion, should be to reserve the entire region
where gold is found from the operation of the pre-emption laws, and from
sales, so that it may be now regarded as the comnmon treasure of the
American people, and hereafter as a rich inheritence to their posterity;
then to provide for the appointment of a commissioner of the mines, and
a sufficient number of assistant commissioners to carry the law into effect.
Let the office of the commissioner be established at some point convenient to the mines, say Sacramento city, and the offices of his assistants on the principal rivers, and in the most productive districts. Provide that any and every American citizen, on application at the office of
the commissioner, or any of his assistants, and by paying one ounce, or
$16, or such sum as may be considered just and proper, shall be entitled
to receive a license or permit to dig anywhere in the Territory for one
year. Provide, also, that any one who shall discover, or purchase of the
discoverer, a vein-mine, shall be entitled to work it, to a certain extent,
under proper regulations, onl paying to the commissioner such per cent.
on the proceeds of the mines as may be a suitable tax on the privileges
granted.  It will be necessary also to allow the miner to cut and use such
timber and other building materials as his business requires, and also to
allow those who work under permits the privilege of erecting cabins for
shelter through the water. Authorize the commissioner to lay out sites
for townls in convenient situations to the mines, and offer the lots for
sale, reserving the metals and minerals, so that those who make mining
a permanent pursuit may accumulate around them the comforts and enjoyments of civilized life. Let those who desire to cultivate gardens or
farn-lots be accommodated.  It will be necessary, also, to authorize the
sale of timber and other materials for building and other purposes. There
may be other suggestions which do not now occur to me, but no doubt
will to those who may be charged with the preparation of any measure
which may be brought forward onil this subject.
I have suggested one ounce, or $16, as the price of a permit or license
to dig or collect gold for one year. This I regard as about the average
value of one day's labor in the mines.  This tax on fifteen thousand
miners-the probable number next summer-will give a revenue of
$800,000. On one hundred thousand miners-the probable number of
1851-it will give $1,600,000, besides the per centum on the vein-mines~
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Doc. No. 59.
and the sum received for town lots, timber, &c., &c., which would probably swell the amount to at least $2,000,000.  Any variation in the tax
imposed will, of course, increase or diminish this estimate.
A suitable amount of the money thus collected should be expended in
constructing roads and bridges to facilitate communication to and through
the mining districts.
These facilities will so reduce the cost of living in tile mines that the
miners will gain instead of losing by paying the tax. These are accommodations which the miners themselves will never provide, because of the
want ofconcertof action among them sufficient to accomplish such objects,
but for which they will willingly pay any moderate contribution. A liberal
per centum should be allowed out of this sum as a school fund, and for
the establishment of a university to educate the youth of California. Let
it not be considered that this will be doing injustice to the older States of
the Union. They will reap a harvest sufficiently rich in their intercourse
with their younger sister on the Pacific to justify the most liberal course
of policy towards her.
I have given $2,000,000 as the probable revenue for 1S51, under the
proposed system. This would discharge the interest on the amount stipulated in the treaty to be paid to Mexico for California and New Mexico,
provide $300,000 per annum for a school fund and the necessary improvements in the mining districts, and create a sinking fund of half a
million per annum to pay the principal of the indemnity to Mexico.
An increase of the number of miners, or of the price of permits, would
of course increase the revenue.   If the vein-mines shail be found as extensive and productive as the best informed persons suppose, the right
to work them, properly secured by law, and the opportunity thus offered
of using machinery to advantage, will justify the collection of a much
larger per cent. on their gross product than it is proposed to require from
those who labor with their own hands in the use of the simple means
now employed in the collection of gold. The amount, therefore, collected
from this source may ultimately be as large, perhaps larger than that for
permits.
If revenue is an object, there can be little doubt that, by the adoption
of this system, the amount collected in a few years will be larger than
the entire district would conmmand in ready money, if offered for sale;
and the interests and privileges of those employed in the mines will be
secured from the grasping and monopolizing spirit of individual proprietors-California and the whole Union preserved from scenes of anarchy
and confusion, if not bloodshed, which must result from a sale of the
mining region to speculators and an attempt to protect them in the enjoyment of their purchases.
The salaries of the commissioner and his assistants may easily be paidout of the amount received, in fixed sums, or in the form of a per centum.
I have proposed to exclude foreigners from the privilege of purchasing
permits, and from working as discoverers or purchasers in the vein-mines.
My reasons for recommending this policy are, that these mines belong to,
and in my judgment should be preserved for the use and benefit of, thq
American people. I mean of course all citizens, native and adopted.
During the mining season of 1849, more than fifteen thousand foreigners, mostly Mexicans and Chilenos, came in armed bands into the mining
district, bidding defiance to all opposition, and finally carrying out of the
country some twenty millions of dollars' worth of gold dust, which bet
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Doc. No. 59.
longed by purchase to the people of the United States. If not excluded
by law, they will return and recommence the work of plunder. They
may, with as much right, gather the harvest in the valley of the Con necticut, the Ohio, or Mississippi. No other nation, having the power to
protect it, would permit its treasure to be thus carried away. I would
not allow them to purchase permits or work vein-mines, because the con tributions proposed to be required are so moderate that they will not cause
the slightest inconvenience to the miners, and are not designed as an
equivalent for these privileges. Foreigners, therefore, would willingly
pay these small sums for permission to collect and carry away millions of
dollars in value. The object is not only a suitable revenue, but to preserve for the use of our own fellow-citizens the wealth of that region.
This system of permits will make all who purchase them police officers,
to aid int excluding from the mines all who are not entitled to, or who do
not procure them. This will prevent deserters from the army and navy
from being harbored and protected in the mines. Not being allowed to
purchase permits, the assistant commissioners, aided by the  miners,
would soon detect and arrest them.  Sailors belonging to the mercantile
marine would be detected in a similar manner, and thus prevented from
running away.
The commerce of the country would be protected from the disastrous
consequences resulting from the abandonment of ships by their crews,
which necessarily imposes a heavy tax on consumers, because merchants,
as a measure of self-protection, must charge such losses on their cargoes,
and consequently they fall on those who purchase. The army and navy
would be saved from demoralization, and prepared for service in case of
necessity.
Many of the emigrants to California, especially those from the western
States, will remain and form a resident population; but there will be
thousands and tens of thousands of young and middle-aged working men,
from all parts of the Union, who will resort to the mines for the purpose
of obtaining the ieans to purchase a farm, or establish themselves in
some favorite pursuit, and, as soon as they have secured a sufficient
amount, will return, and their places will be supplied by others, who will
go and do likewise.
This process has already commenced. Many who went out last spring
have returned with an ample reward for their labors and privations.  The
market in California for the products and manufactures of the other States
of the Union will enhance prices, which, with thie gold collected and
brought home by laboring people, will diffuse a degree of wealth and comfort hitherto unknown among them.
The quicksilver rmines of California are believed to be numerous, extensive, and very valuable. There is one near San Jose6, which belongs
to, or is claimed by, Mr. Forbes, of Tepic, in Mexico. The cinnabar ore,
which produces the quicksilver, lies near the surface, is easily procured,
and believed to be remarkably productive.
Discoveries of other mines are reported, but no certain information respecting them has been made public. It is, undoubtedly, a fortunate
circumstance that nature, in bestowing on California such vast metallic
treasure, has provided, almost in its immediate neighborhood, inexhaustible stores of quicksilver, which is so essential in gold-mining.
The policy of government with respect to these mines of cinnabar
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should, in my opinion, be quite different from that which I have felt it
my duty to suggest for the management, of the gold region.
As soon as the necessary explorations can be made, and proper information obtained, it will be well to offer these mines for sale, and commit
their development to the hands of private enterprise.
It is believed that there are extensive beds of silver, iron, and copper
ores in the Territory; but there is no information sufficiently accurate
respecting them to justify any statement of their existence or value.
I have already alluded to the propriety of establishing a mint in California.  This is important in many respects.  At this time, there is not
coin in the country to supply a currency.  Much difficulty is experienced
in procuring enough to pay the duties on imported goods. The common
circulating medium is, therefore, gold dust, which is sold at $15 50 to
$16 per ounce. In the mines, it is frequently sold much lower. The
miners, the laboring men, are the sufferers from this state of things.
Those who purchase and ship gold to the Atlantic States make large
profits; but those who dig lose what others make.  I have estimated that
there will be $50,000,000 collected during the current year; at $16 per
ounce, that sum will weigh 3,125,000 ounces. Gold at the United States
mint is worth $1S per ounce, making a difference in value on that quantity, between San Franc(isco and New York, of $6,250,000, which would
be saved to the miners by the establishment of a mint. I have also suggested its importance as a means of promoting and increasing our trade
with the west coast of Mexico and South America.
It is not doubted that the construction of a railway across the isthmus
of Panama, and perhaps the establishment of other lines of communication betwveen the two oceans, will give to the products and manufactures of the older States of the Union command of the market of California, to the exclusion, in a great degree, of those of the west coast.
A mint will, therefore, become of the utmost importance, to give such
marketable value to silver bullion as to enable the merchants of those
countries to keep up and increase their intercourse with cur principal
ports on the Pacific.
The silver bullion shipped to Europe firom the west coast of Mexico
amounts to more than ten millions of dollars per annum; from the countries on the west coast of South America probably an equal quantity; that
from Mexico goes to pay for European importations into her ports on the
Atlantic side. A market at San Francisco for this bullion will be the
means of substituting American and Chinese fabrics for those of European manufacture in all those countries.  This will greatly increase the
trade between Chlina and California.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
T. BUITLER KING.
Hon. JOHN    S M. CLAYTON,
Secretary of State.
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