JOHN DRAKE SLOAT, U. S. N., Rear-Admiral (DECEAseb).
Born July 26, 1781, at Sloatsburg. near Goshen, Rockland County, New York.
Midshipman, U. S. Navy, February 12th, 1800.
Sailing Master, V. S. Navy, February 7th, 1812. (He manceuvered the frigate "United States" under Commo
dore Decatur when he captured the crack frigate "Macedonian," of tbe British Navy, October 25th, 1812, and re
ceived the thanks of Congress.)
Lieutenant, July 24th, 1812. (Commanded the schooner "Grampus," and suppressed Cofrecinas, the last of the
West India pirates, in March 1825. who was captured and shot.)
Post Captain. February gth, 1837.
Coramodore, November ist. 1843. (August 27th, 1844, ordered to command the Pacific Squadron, and on July
7th. 1846, took possession of California and hoisted the American flag at Monterey. He located the Navy Yard at
Mare Island, California, in 1852.)
Rear-Admiral on the Retired List, August 6th. 1866.
Died at Stateti Island, New York. November 28th, 1867, aged 86 years, 4 months and 2 days.
Buried with Masonic and Naval MiUtary honors in Greenwood Cemetery, L. L, by St. Nicholas Lodge, No. 321,
F. and A. M., and Tompkinsville Lodge, F. and A. M., and the Naval Batallion of Marines and Sailors, November
30th, 1867.

THE LIFE

THE LATE

Ryii=J\^^Mii)ii.JoiiNj)iiiiK[3ioii of the
UNITED STATER NAVY
WHO TOOK POSSESSION QF * CALIFORNIA AND
RAISED THE AMERICA|T .FLAG AT MON
TEREY ON JULX f th, 1846. ;
Compiled from_the ":^ ^ .' ,.•
Most Authentic Sources of FamiiJy History, the Records
kindly furnished by the U. S. Navy Department, at
Washington, D. C, from Personai. Acquaintances and
THE Early Pioneers and Veterans of the Mex
ican War who Served in California in 1846-8,
Being the Only Complete History of
THIS Gallant, Heroic and Patri
otic Officer of the U. S Navy
EVER Published.
Compiled by
]\/Cajor Edwin A. Sherman
Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association of California, R. V.
Grand Secretary of the Masonic Veteran Association of the
Pacific Coast. Editor of "Fifty Years of Masonry in
California" and Other Works. Veteran of the
Mexican War of 1846-8 in Mexico. Cali
fornia Pioneer of May 24, 1849,
etc., etc., etc.

OAKLAND, CAL..
CARRUTH & CARRUTH, PRINTERS
1902

YALE

[ Copy ] A 1
Class a, XXc, No 28266
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 'to-wit:
Be it remembered
That on the 6th day of March, 1902, Edwin A. Sherman, of Oakland, Cal.,
hath deposited in this office the title ofa book, the title of which is in the follow
ing words, to-wit :
"The Life of the Late Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat,
ofthe United States Navy, who Took Possession of California, and Raised
the American Flag at Monterey, on July 7th, 1846. Compiled from the
Most Authentic Sources of Family History, the Records Kindly Fur
nished by the U. S. Navy Department at Washington, D. C, etc. Com
piled by Major Edwin A. Sherman. Oakland, Cal.: Carruth & Cariulh,
Printers, 1902,"
the right whereof he claims as author and proprietor in conformity with the laws
of the United States respecting copyrights.
Office of the Register of Copyrights
Washington, D. C. Herbert Putnam,
Librarian of Congress.

Librarian of Congress
Copyright Office
SEAL
United States of A merica

By Thorwald Solberg,
Register of Copyrights.

fraternally Dedicated to the memory
of tbe Eatc
Rear Udmiral 3oHn DraKe Sloat, of tbe il. $. navy
Che Crue Patriot, the Eooing Rusband and Affectionate father; the 6ood
Citizen and faithful Brother mason; the Gallant, l^eroic. Prompt,
Discreet, and faithfully Obedient Officer of the il. $. navy
for the long period of Sixty^seven Vears, this Biod°
raphy of his Cife of over four score and six
years is most fraternally dedicated by
the Compiler,
edwin J{, Sberinan, n\

"Nor is our Brother wholly gone from us here below; since his in
fluences survive, the thoughts he uttered still live, and the effects of
his action and exertion can never cease while the universe continues
to exist. He has become a part of the Great Past, which gives Law to
the Present and Future, and he still lives a real life, in the thoughts,
the feelings and the affections of those who knew and loved him. The
arm thatwielded the sword is now but dust.
"I adjure you. Brethren, in the name of Faith, Hope, Loving-
kindness and Immortality, not to permit your duties to the dead to
cease with these sad ceremonies, /adjure you io right his causes, io do
Justice to his memory, io defend his vepuiation. And I do more especially
charge you, that you do watch over and give protection and assistance
to any whom he hath left unprotected or destitute, or who suffering injury,
may appeal to you in his nayne ! Thus let us all prove ourselves good
Knights and true Masons. Amen!"
Masonic charge, and herein obeyed. :E. a. s.
Oakland, California, January 19, 1902.

The Reasons for the Publication of this Work.

First. No authentic biography giving the life and character of
the late Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat, of the U. S. Navy, who
acquired California for the United States on July 7, 1846, has ever
heretofore been published.
Second. To vindicate his memory from unjust aspersion, detrac
tion, misrepresentation and false statements, made by so-called histo
rians; and to place his character and gallant record as a U. S. Naval
Officer (high in command, entrusted with a most important mission
vital to the Nation, and faithfully executed), before the American Peo
ple in general, and the Citizens of California in particular.
Third. As no one heretofore has taken any steps to perform this
duty, and being engaged and voluntarily serving without compensation
as the Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association of California for
the past sixteen years, and as Chairman of the Committee of Design
and Construction for the Sloat Monument, now in the early stage of its
erection at Monterey, the undersigned has undertaken this work as the
duty of a Brother Mason, as a Comrade Veteran of the Mexican War,
who served under Generals Taylor and Scott in the Campaigns of the
Rio Grande and from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico in 1846-8 dur
ing the war with Mexico; as a California Pioneer of May 24, 1849;
and having frequently, in the early days of California, traversed the
whole length of the State, surveyed large portions of it, and having
been personally acquainted with the prominent representatives of the
Native Spanish California race, as well as with the earlier Pioneer
American settlers who first came to California, both by sea and land,
and with the most reliable, authentic data and records gathered and
placed in his hands, he has prepared this work which he now places
before his countrymen, to stir their patriotic spirit, stimulate their
national pride, and that they may manifest their gratitude to the mem
ory of a gallant and discreet Naval Officer, to whom every man, woman
and child in the State of California, not of Spanish origin, is indebted,
and even those who are enjoying the blessings of a benign Republican
form of Government in common with the rest, derived from the act of
John Drake Sloat, when, as Commodore of the U. S. Navy acting
under the orders of his Government, he took possession of California,
and raised the American flag at Monterey on July 7, 1846.
Fourth. That the undersigned, without presumption on his part.

6 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
has good reason for believing himself qualified for this work. During
the Mexican War of 1846-8, he acquired a fair and practical knowledge
ofthe Spanish language, being able to read and write it; and becoming
familiar with the government printing offices, taken possession of by
our troops at Matamoras, Monterey, and elsewhere, and by constant
conversation with the Mexican people; and after the war, assisting in
the organization of a Company at Philadelphia which sailed for Tam-
pico, February i, 1849, ^^'^ crossed Mexico to Mazatlan, from which
port he sailed in the Bark Fanny during the last of April of that year,
arriving at San Francisco on May 24, 1849.
That in the month of January of 1850, during the great floods in
the Sacramento Valley, he went by sea to San Pedro and visited all the
principal ranches and all the Missions from San Diego to that of San
Jose, gathering statistics and information from all reliable sources avail
able, and won the confidence of the people, so much so, that one native
Spanish-Californian, Bernardino Lopez, then of Los Angeles, entrusted
two of his young sons to his care, and brought them through safely by
land and delivered them to their relatives at San Jose, in February,
1850, is sufficient to prove this statement.
In 1850, after having participated voluntarily in the war with the
Indians at Clear Lake, he located at Sonoma, where, in 1852, he was
elected City Clerk of the Common Council, under the late and lamented
General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, as Mayor, with whom he
was officially and personally identified, as a confidential friend, as was
also the Hon. William M. Boggs, who was then a Councilman, now
residing in Napa, California, and we two being the only survivors of
that City Government. We will here note, that the latter is the son of
the late Lilburn Boggs, who was Governor of Missouri, and came to
California with his family in 1846, and located af Sonoma. His son,
William M. Boggs, was Captain of the Train, and during the Mexi
can War, volunteered and served as Sergeant Major under Capt.
Maddox, ofthe U. S. Marine Corps; did gallant service against Sanchez
and his forces near Santa Clara; was stationed many months at Mon
terey, and from whom much reliable and historic information has been
obtained. The undersigned assisted in the translation of many of the Espedi
entes, or Land Grants, forthe grantees as well as being engaged in the sur
veying of them. In 1 855 he was elected County Surveyor of Sacramento
County, which office he held for several years, during which time he was
frequently engaged in the translation of Espedientes, and assisted in the
preliminary location and surveys of many of the Land Grants in Cali
fornia; and thus became ac(iuainted with many of the original owners
of Spanish-American blood, as well as the very earliest American Pio-

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 7
neer settlers of our Golden State from San Diego to Russian River, and
the headwaters of the Upper Sacramento Valley.
In everything pertaining to the history of California, and its early
settlement, and especially from the beginning of the period of American
occupation, with but few exceptions, he will yield to no man living, in his
practical and experimental knowledge, of the true history of this State.
He therefore confidently has undertaken this task of compiling the
"Life and Character of Admiral John Drake Sloat," and leaves
the judgment to its readers. Edwin A. Sherman, Editor and Compiler.
Oakland, Cal., January 19, 1902.

INTRODUCTORY.

OF THE MALIGNERS, FALSIFIERS AND TRADUCERS
OF ADMIRAL JOHN DRAKE SLOAT, U. S. N.

"Truth though crushed to earth shall rise again,
The eternal years of God are hers ;
While ERROR, wounded, writhes in pain,
And dies amid her worshippers "
Before entering upon the Life and Character of the late Admiral
John Drake Sloat, U. S. N., we desire briefly to refer to his tra-
ducers. It has been totally unaccountable to the writer, why, as if by
a preconcerted conspiracy, any attack whatever or aspersion should be
made upon the official actions of the late Admiral John Drake SloaT,
when, as Commodore in command of the Pacific Squadron, he faith
fully obeyed the orders of his Government, both in the spirit as well
as in the letter, of his instructions sent to him, dated Washington, June
24, 1845, and which were the only ones that he ever received either
before or after his taking possession of California on July 7, 1846, and
raising the American flag at Monterey, and for which he received the
highest enconiums of praise and the thanks of the Government at
Washington. At whose instance and by whose connivance, and in whose interest
and who was to be benefited by it, are these studious, persistent attacks
of misrepresentation, false coloring of statement and unjust criticism, of
one whose whole life was spent in gallantly serving his country, ambi
tious only to do his whole duty in the line of his service, and without a
stain to mar his escutcheon throughout his whole career ?
The most prominent of these is Hubert Howe Bancroft, who
was unanimously expelled from Honorary Membership in the Society
of California Pioneers on February 5, 1894, by the following resolu
tion, introduced by the late Dr. Washington Ayer on October 2, 1893:
"Whereas, Statements have been made by an honorary member of this Society
in a quasi-history, published by one Hubert Howe Bancroft, which are at variance
with historical records, and reflect upon the honor, dignity and integrity of the
California Pioneers, and
"Whereas, All such statements have no foundation of truth, and are unworthy
the labors of an upright historian, aud only becoming to one, who in our judg
ment strayed far from the domain of an honest writer, with the purpose in view

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 9
lo mislead the reader and wrong the founders of a new State upon the extreme
western boundary of our Country, and by such statements did wantonly and ma
liciously wrong the old Argonauts; therefore,
"Resotved, That the name of Hubert Howe Bancroft, be stricken from
the list of Honorary Members of this Society, and that the Secretary be requested
to send him a copy of this preamble and resolution."
This of itself would ordinarily be sufficient to set the seal of infamy
upon such a so-called historian, and seem to need no other reference as
to his mendacity and falsehood in relation to Sloat ; but we here give
a specimen or two taken from his lying works that our readers may
judge for themselves:
"Stockton, Robert Field. — Cora. Stockton, was brave, resolute, energetic,
and in many respects an agreeable gentleman; but an insatiable thirst for popu
larity and fame was his most marked characteristic, and may be supposed to have
determined his policy in California — a policy which, however we may admire
some of his acts and qualities, merits nothing but condemnation. His adoption
in opposition to the views of Sloat and Larkin \_Note, Sloat bad left. — Ed.] ofthe
filibuster plans of Fremont and bis associates may charitably be regarded as a
mere error of judgment, yet it is hard to resist the conviction, that the true state
of affairs was known to bim, and that his warlike proclamation to a peaceful
people, his blustering tirades against imaginary evils, his willingness to identify
a criminal revolt of vagabond settlers with the legitimate military occupation,
his practical refusal to accept the voluntary submission of the California authori
ties, his whole policy of conquest, which was to produce such unhappy results —
that all this was chiefly due to his personal vanity and ambition, rather than to
his honest opinion respecting the ititerests of his nation. To the same motive
may be ascribed his later policy, not without plausibility and dignity in certain
respects — in the controversies with Gen. Kearney. Stockton was beyond com
parison an abler and more honorable man than Fremont; yet his reputation as
'Conqueror of California' — notwithstanding his energetic and praiseworthy sur
mounting of obstacles, that but for his folly would not have existed — is as un
merited, though noC so fraudulent as that of the /'aM7?«rfer."— History of Cali
fornia 1846-1848, page 735, H. H. Bancroft,
This is a good deal like the Irishman who was asked by an indi
vidual what he thought of him. Pat replied, "Faith, an' ye are a
jintleman of intigrity, refinemint and a scholar; but yez lack a hape of
the truth and of education and manners."
As an offset to this misrepresentation by Bancroft, we will quote
here from the letter of Thomas O. Larkin to James Buchanan, Secre
tary of State, of January 14, 1847:
"Had the OflScers left in command in different towns in the Country, had the
kind and friendly yet firm manner of Commodore Stockton, I am firm in the
opinion that the people would not have risen. During my imprisonment many
California officers told me this, and said that the strict military discipline pur
sued, and ignorance ofthe customs, forced them to take up arms."
Now, which is to be believed, Hubert Howe Bancroft or Thomas
O. Larkin?

IO Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
To show the utter unreliability and absurd statements of H. H.
Bancroft, which are self-patent upon their face, we quote the following
from his so-called History of Mexico. On page 804 Vol. VIL, in
speaking of the overthrow and banishment of the Emperor Iturbide
from Mexico by that people, H. H. Bancroft says:
"Nor was Iturbide's life altogether safe. Spies of the Masons followed him
unremittingly and to their shame, be it said, plotted his assassination.
"Iturbide had left the country and was on his way on shipboard bound for
Leghorn, Italy. A Dominican priest, a Mason was sent after him by the Masons
to murder him! "
In Vol. VIIL, pages 32, 33, he says:
"The creation of Masonic Lodges has been ascribed to Poinsett, the American
Minister; but the real founder was the priest Jose Maria Alpuche, rector of a
Parish at Tobasco, and Senator from that State."
So much for the traducer and falsifier, Hubert Howe Bancroft,
unanimously expelled as an Honorary Member of the Society of Cali
fornia Pioneers. [The Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast
unanimously passed a concurrent vote of sympathy with the action
taken by the Society of California Pioneers in its expulsion of H, H.
Bancroft.] The next of these traducers is " Kanaka Davis," a half-breed
Hawaiian Islander, a veritable Munchausen, who has been reported to
us as the "biggest liar that ever came to California from the Sandwich
Islands," whose real name is William Heath Davis, and who pub
lished a work of "Sixty Years in California," which, though contain
ing much valua,ble information in, some respects, is utterly unreliable
as to truthfulness of statement of fact in connection with his reported
interviews with U. S. Naval Officers high in rank, with whom, on
paper, he presumes and pretends to have been on familiar and social
equality, and thus has thrust himself into good society, where his
presence would have barely been tolerated.
His father was a Yankee trader from Boston, and his mother a full-
blooded Kanaka, from whom he derived his soubriquet, and was gen
erally known in California as " Kanaka Davis.'''' He married into a
native California Spanish family, again crossing the breed.
His Elk Story is a specimen to commence with. On page 28, at
the beginning of Chapter VI. of his book, he says:
"On Mare Island, I often saw in the years from '40 to '43, as manv as two or
three thousand elk, it being their habit to cross and recross by swimming between
the island and the mainland, and I remember on one occasion when on the
Schooner 'Isabel,' of sailing through a band oi ^Vs., probably not less than a thous
and, which were then crossing from Mare Island to the main land. It was a grand
and exciting scene. The Captain wanted to shoot at some of them, but I pre
vented him from doing so, because we could not stop to get the game on board,
and I did not like to see the elk wantonly destroyed."

Life op Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat ii
We have inquired of the oldest native Spanish Californians of
eighty years of age, residing in sight of Mare Island, and of the earli
est American settlers who hunted game, and at no time anywhere have
any of them in the Napa and Sacramento Valleys along the streams
ever seen over a hundred elk in one band at any time, and even then
it was on the borders of wide open plains near the tules. " Kanaka
Davis " must have had several good-sized "horns" inside, to have been
able to have seen so many thousand elk at one time, on so small a space
as Mare Island, which only contains nine hundred acres, dry hill land
and all.
Here is another yarn to which we call the attention of our readers
as to his veracity of statement.
After giving an account of his beginning the erection of the first
brick building in San Francisco, 80x40 feet and four stories high, on
the northwest corner of Montgomery and California streets, in Septem
ber, 1849, in Chapter LVIL he says on page 519 of his book:
'One lovely morning in April, 1850, Commodore Jones approached me where my
building was being put up, and said he had a business proposition for my consid
eration. The naval Commander of the Pacific Squadron immediately gave me the
details of it, which was for me to stop building and to undo what had been done;
and he would transport all the materials of my structure in one of his ships of war
to Benicia free of charge for freight.
"He and other Benicians were to deed me a very eligible piece of real estate in
the city of the Carquinez, free of cost, conditioned that I should erect a large
brick building on the site. I thanked the Commodore for haviug spent more than an
hour in attempting to convince me from his standpoint of the superior advantages
possessed by Benicia for being the future big City of California, but was compelled
to differ with liim nevertheless."
The absurdity of such a statement, that a Commodore, commanding
the Pacific Squadron of the U. S. Navy, should tender a vessel of war
to be converted into a freighter, and lumber up its decks with building
material to be removed in the interest of private speculation and enter
prise, is too preposterous to be entertained for a moment. It would
have been an open, direct violation of the Naval Regulations, caused
disgrace and forfeiture of his commission, and such other punishment
as a court-martial might see proper to inflict. Besides this, if such a
thing had been attempted, the Commodore would have had to put to
sea at that time, to have prevented the wholesale desertion of the crew,
who themselves would have known that it was unlawful, and deserted
in consequence. Where is the President of the "Sazerac Lying Club?" "Kanaka
Davis" would be entitled to a Grand Honorary Life Membership in
your society. .
We now come to the serious portions of his statements in relation

12 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Slo.\t
to then Commodore John Drake Sloat. He was not present when
Commodore Sloat landed at Monterey, hoisted the American flag and
took possession of California, but arrived a few days afterwards, and
says Sloat arrived on the 4th of July instead of the 2nd.
He puts words in the mouth of Commodore Sloat on paper, and
in that of Captain Mervine, which it is reasonable to believe were
never uttered. In the first place. Commodore Sloat was a taciturn,
grave man, and generally uncommunicative in his attitude towards
strangers, and his manner forbade all familiarity of intercourse, and he
kept his own counsels.
In Chapter XLVIII., on pages 395-396, "Kanaka Davis," in his
book, says:
"Arriving first, on July 4th, Commodore Sloat hesitated as to what he should
do.'' "On the night ofthe 6th of July a council of war was called, at which were
present the Commodore, Captain Mervine, Captain Dupont of the "Cyane" and
other officers of the Squadron to discuss the matter and to settle npon a line of
action. "Captain Mervine declared to me, that Sloat still seemed irresolute at the coun
cil, the Captain said; You hesitate, Commodore Sloat, but delay is dangerous: the
Collingwood is right at our heels. You know when we approached this port, we
thought we might find her here before us and the English flag raised on shore, in
which case, we should have to fight. It is more than your commission is worth
to hesitate in this matter. Although you have no direct official information of
the declaration of war between the two countries, the unofficial news is to the ef
fect that war has been declared. If we don't hoist the American flag, the Eng
lish will take possession of this Capital; so there is no time to be lost. It is our
duty to ourselves aud to the country to run up the flag at once.
''Captain Mervine remarked further, that he talked so emphatically at the
council of war, that bis suggestions prevailed. The next morning the United
States flag floated over the town.
"Mervine was outspoken and frank, unquestionably a better qualified officer
than Sloat. He was impatient at the Commodore's slowness and vacillation. It
was owing to the Captain's decision and right comprehension of the situation, in
my opinion, that the flag was raised."
That Captain Mervine, thoroughly trained in the rules and regula
tions of the Naval Service for more than a quarter of a century, coming
up from the grade of Midshipman to that of Captain, and commanding
the "Savannah," the Commodore's own flagship, and officially and
socially connected with him, should not only violate those rules, as well
those of Naval custom and etiquette, and towards a brother as well as
his superior officer, to reveal what might have been said in a council
of war, even if one had been called, and criticise and censure his supe
rior officer before one then not even a citizen and a half-breed Kanaka,
whereby he would have been amenable to a Court-ma,rtial and dis
missed in disgrace from the service, is too preposterous and astounding

Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 13
for a moment's serious consideration. Either "Kanaka Davis" was
furnished with this lie, while writing his book, or he made it out of
whole-cloth himself
Midshipman Wm. P. Toler, Commodore Sloat's aide-de-camp, stated
distinctly to us, that "there was no council of war held by Sloat what
ever. That on the afternoon of July 6th, towards evening, the day
before the landing, thatthe Officers of the "Cyane" and "Levant"
came on board to receive their orders for the next day's operations, but
nothing more."
Here is another short yarn of ' ' Kanaka Davis." In Chapter XVL,
on page 113, of his book, he utters this libel against a very estimable
lady Sefiora Doiia Augusta Jimeno, the sister of the late Hon. Pablo
de la Guerra whose first husband was Don Manuel Jimeno, who was
Secretarjr of State under Governor Alvarado and after Jimeno's death,
subsequently married Dr, Ord, a Surgeon in the U. S. Army, and
brother of the late General Ord, who lately deceased at Pacific Grove.
He says:
"I have frequently heard her, after the change of the government to that of
the United States, express her utter disapprobation in the most sarcastic lan
guage. * -x- * * «¦
"In a patriotic outburst, Seiiora Dona Augusta Jimeno exclaimed one day,
that she would delight to have the ears of tlie officers of the United States Squadron
for a necklace, such was her hatred ofthe new rulers of the country."
The italics are ours. After uttering this libel and slander against
a very worthy and accomplished lady, he then tries to mitigate the
effects of this cruel lie, by stating "she was very kind and sympathetic
to any of the Army or Naval Officers who might be sick."
So much for "Kanaka Davis' " libel of Sloat.
There is another so-called historian who mildly repeats this slander
of the then Commodore John Drake Sloat, but who also is now dead.
Ordinarily, when a person is dead, it is well not to speak the truth
concerning him, if it may be unfavorable; but books exist on shelves,
and continue to perpetuate truth or falsehood, long periods of time
after their authors have mouldered into dust, and the descendants and
kindred of those whom they have injured, feel the sting of a continu
ous wrong and outrgge perpetrated on their honored ancestors. And
while for considerate reasons towards the living we do not give his
name, yet as a key to his early instincts and character, we make the
following statement from our own knowledge:
In the years 1850-1-2-3 we resided in Sonoma, California, and were
City Clerk of that place, when General M. G. Vallejo was Mayor.
The then embryotic historian, too anxious to ¦ litterally Qn]oy litterary
profits from 'his pen, attempted to realize dividends from stock that was
not his own. He was arrested for grand larceny and brought before

14 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat
the Justice of the Peace, John A, Brewster, who was afterwards Sur
veyor-General of California in 1856 and 1857. The fellow confessed
his guilt. He had stolen a breeding sow, then worth over fifty dollars,
fastened her up in his pen for six weeks, waiting for a litterary dividend
of stock, which did not come as he expected. The demand for food
and water by that four-footed and incarcerated Peggy, proclaimed her
whereabouts, and the result was the arrest as stated. The fellow looked
so mean, and confessing his guilt, the owner of the sow, out of pity
for the thief in his helpless condition, and having recovered his prop
erty without further loss, withdrew the prosecution if the fellow would
leave town, and he did. We were present at the trial, and witnessed
his humiliation, shame and confusion. The owner and principal pros
ecuting witness still lives in one of the neighboring counties, and, with
the writer, is connected as a member of the Sloat Monument Associa
tion. So much for the illegal attempt of a corner on pork on the hoof by
the author of "E\'idences Against Christianity," and this was one of
them. We now come to the next traducer of Sloat, who, under the pretext
of delivering a "Memorial Address" upon the late Hon. George Ban
croft, ex-Secretary of the Navy, before the California Historical Society,
on May 12, 1891, uses the occasion, not so much to eulogize the states
man and great historian of the United States, but to misrepresent and
condemn Sloat in advance, for the ignoring and disobedience of orders
which he never received and knew nothing of We refer to Theodore
H. Hittell.
He quotes the letters of the Hon. George Bancroft, then Secretary
of the Navy, to Commodore Sloat, of the following dates: May 13,
1846; May 15, 1846; June 8, 1846; July 12, 1846, and two letters of
August 13, 1846, which Sloat never received, and was of course pro
foundly ignorant of To use these as arguments against Sloat, is to be
totally destitute of either logic or reason, and warping and twisting
these to suit his crooked mind and fancy, with his malevolent intent, he
then repeats the lie of "Kanaka Davis," to suit his purpose and attain
his object in his misrepresentation of Sloat.
We have this wonderful " Memorial Address " upon the life and
character of George Bancroft, covering nearly twenty pages, of which
(with the exception of these letters referred to, not one of which Sloat
ever received) not one-third is devoted to a eulogy of George Bancroft
whom he was expected to honor. It was really a mask to attack the
good name and fair fame of Commodore Sloat.
The query is, In whose interest was it, and who used him for this
ignoble purpose, if it was not for, and in the interest of, Hubert Howe

Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 15
Bancroft, who was subsequently expelled by the Society of California
Pioneers for lying and slander, and who is no relative of the late Hon.
George Bancroft, the U. S. Historian, and ex-Secretary of the Navy?
So much for the traducer, Theodore H. Hittell.
There is only one more whom we now are compelled to refer to,
and we sincerely regret the necessity of doing so; yet duty to, the
memory of the late gallant Admiral, John Drake Sloat, compels us to
' ' hew to the line and let the chips fall where they will. ' '
By an error of judgment, and without previous and careful exam
ination through the blunted carelessness of old age, the Board of Di
rectors of the Society of California Pioneers, in 1901, committed a woe
ful mistake, and inadvertently, as a result of their foolish action, in
effect, endorsed Hubert Howe Bancroft whom the Society, by unani
mous vote of eighty members, had previously expelled. In 1901, the
Directors had authorized the publication of a book, accepted its dedi
cation, and which they paid for and offered for sale at the office of the
Secretary. The Pioneer Sopiety was duly notified by the Sloat Monu
ment Association, that if the dedication of that book was accepted by
them, that the Stone that had been provided by the Society of Cali
fornia Pioneers could not be placed in the base of the Sloat Monument
at Monterey. The book contained the same slanders and false state
ments concerning fSloat, being quotations from H, H. Bancroft,
"Kanaka Davis" and others, and if approved, endorsed and paid for
as it has been by the Board of Directors of the Pioneers, they could
not aid in the erection of a monument to the fame of Sloat, and at the
same time put forth a work that denounced him as weak, incompetent,
without decision of character, shrinking from the performance of duty
under orders, hesitating, vacillating and unreliable in his action. Cer
tainly, if he was as represented, that Society should recall its Stone
intended for the monument at Monterey, take down his portrait that
hangs in the picture gallery of their hall, and change the date of their
Annual Meeting and election of Officers, from the 7th of July, the an
niversary when Commodore Sloat took possession of California, when
he landed his forces and raised the American flag at Monterey, on July
7, 1846. The Book referred to, is a small one of 160 pages, and was com
piled bythe Rev. S. H. Willey, and bears the title of "California's
Transition Period; 1846-1850." While purporting to give a history,
it is but a small compendium of unfriendly hypercriticism of Sloat,
Fremont and Stockton, and the reverend gentleman abandons the
cloth for the nonce, assumes the language of ah Inspector-General of
Military and Naval Affairs in the field, converts the pulpit into a con
ning tower of cynical observation and criticism,— passing judgment

i6 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
from what he has read from lying authors, and le-proclaiming them as
if he were uttering the Divine Truth, when all emanated from the
Father of Lies in the very beginning.
We will now briefly refer our readers to the following quotations
from his book. He says on page 37: ^,
" I have read all I could lay my hands on, and tried to read with an open
mind." In giving an account of Fleet Surgeon Wm. Maxwell Wood's dis
patch to Commodore Sloat, written at Guadalajara, Mexico,, when on
his way across that country to Vera Cruz, via the City of Mexico, on
page 22, he either wilfully or ignorantly misrepresents the facts and
leaves a false inference to be formed from his statement. He says:
"At length the war opened with the battle of Palo Alto aud Resaca de la Palma
on the Rio Grande, on the Sth and gth of IMay, 1846.
"The news flew with swiftness across Mexico, and was the theme of excited
talk in all public places,
"Just then Dr. W. H. Wood, fleet surgeon of Commodore Sloat's squadron had
received permission to return home, and took the route through Mexico, accom
panied by Mr. Parrott, United States Consul at Mazatlan. They arrived at Guad
alajara on May loth and found the town in a high ."state of agitation arising from
the war rumors. The Mexican papers gave exaggerated accounts of what had oc
curred on the Rio Grande, and tlie feelings of the people were highly excited.
"Dr. Wood immediately wrote a dispatch giving the news as he heard it, and
sent it back, under cover from Consul Parrott, to Commodore Sloat at Mazatlan.
"The messenger was induced to promise all possible speed, and he actually did
ten days work in five, delivering his dispatch to Commodore Sloat on May 17,
1846." These statements he quotes from McWhorter and H. H. Bancroft.
The news then sent to Sloat gave no mention of the battles of Palo
Alto and Resaca de la Palma, fought only two days before, and the
news had not then been received at the City of Mexico. There were no
tele'graphs in those days in Mexico to convey intelligence from the fron
tiers or between the principal cities of that country, and only by couriers
or diUgences (stage coaches), which carried the mails, could news be
then conveyed, taking weeks to reach the Capital.
As we have Surgeon-General Wm. M. Woods' own statements sent
to us by his son, the true account will appear later on in future chapters.
On pages 24 and 25, in referring to a dispatch from the Secretary of
the Navy of May 13, 1846, which Sloat never received, he remarks:
"It is obvious to us now, how sorely the stimulus of this dispatch was needed
by the Commodore, but, unfortunately, months must pass before he could re^
ceive it, and the all important decision must be made before that time.
"It actually awakens feelings of solicitude in us even now, to read of any hes
itancy and delay here, when it was so liable to lose us so large and choice a por
tion ofthe continent."

WILLIAM M.^XWELL WOOD, U. vS. N.
Fleet Surgeon Pacific Squadron. 1846.
Surgeon General U. S. Navy, 1869.
This officer voluntarily undertook the perilous ri.sk to enter Mexico and crot-s that'couiitry to learn the condi
tion of affairs, and at Guadalajara first, and afterwards at the Citv of Mexico, learned that war had actujilly com
menced between the two countries; and, but tor the daring courage of this gallant officer, whose skill aud adroit
ness in sending the information to Commodore Sloat at Ma2;atlan, California would have been lost to the A nierican
Union; and instead of being one ofthe United States, would now be a British province.
Savs Commodore Sloat in his letter from New York, 20th March. 1855: " The information you furnished me at
Mazatlan from Guadalajara, (at the risk of your Ufe.) was the only reliable information I received of that event.
and -which induced me to proceed immediately to California, and upon my own responsibility to take possession of
that country, -which I did on the 7th of July, 1846."
Says Dr. Wood in his account of the intelligence he learned at the Citv of Mexico: "All this information I again
sent to the Commanding Officer ofthe Pacific Squadron, signing my letter by an easily understood hieroglyphic,
and sending it through the Mexican mail under cover to the subject ofa neutral power."
Note. — It -was this last positive information sent by way of Guadalajara, that warranted Commodore Sloat to
act. See Lieut. George Minor's letter to Dr. W. Maxwell Wood, U- S. Navy, of May 3rd, ^1855, Page 66.— EJdwin a.
Sherman,

COMMODORE ROBERT FIELD STOCKTON, U. S. N.
(From a painting on ivory, owned by his son, Hon. John P. Stockton.)
The successor in command of Commodore John D. Sloat, U. S. N., who in his Official Report said*
"On the 23rd (of July) ray health being such as to prevent my attending to so much and such laborious duties
I directed Commodore Stockton to assume the command ofthe forces and operations on shore- and on the 2gth'
having determined to return to the United States, via Panama, I hoisted my broad pennant on the "Levant" and
sailed for Mazatlan and Panama, leaving the remainder ofthe squadron under his command, etc."  1^ A S

I<iF.E OF Rear-Admirai, John Drake Sloat 17
This solicitude is akin to that of Uriah Heep.
He then pretends to give extracts from the log of the "Savannah,"
the first and third of which are not correct. In the latter he states:
"Stood into the harbor of Monterey, July ist, and came to anchor at
4 p. M.," etc.
Commodore Sloat arrived on the 2d of July, not the ist.
On page 26, he repeats the libel of H. H. Bancroft and "Kanaka
Davis," and says concerning the landing and taking possession of Cali
fornia by Commodore Sloat on July 7, 1846:
"And so the decisive deed was done !
"But it was not done' without much hesitation."
In this deprecating and depreciating strain, he continues, on pages
46 and 47, to misrepresent Commodore Sloat as a man of weak mind,
imbecile, superanuated, lacking decision of character, and who came
near losing California to the American nation.
Such is the stuff dealt out to detract, injure and destroy the char
acter of as brave, gallant, discreet, and honorable an Officer and gen
tleman as ever trod the deck of a vessel of war, and held a commission
for sixty-six years in the U. S. Navy; whose life and career will be
found in the following pages, with official reports and facts with collat
eral evidence kindly furnished us by the U. S. Navy Department at
Washington, and other reliable authority, that will scatter this mass of
chaff of lies and slanders to the winds.
We congratulate the truth-loving, fair-minded American People in
general, and the Masonic Fraternity in particular, that 7iot one of these
libelers and slanderers whom we have cited and quoted has ever been
one of the Craft, to dishonor the Brotherhood by such defamation and
falsehood. In this Ivife of Admiral John Drake Sloat, we shall only incidentally
refer to his Compeers in his official relationship with them, and not
what occurred after he left California, to proceed to Washington tO'
make due report in person to the Secretary of the Navy, and give an
account of the condition of affairs as he left them here.
As things got mixed afterwards, and there was rivalry and conflict
of authority, we cannot refrain (that our readers may smile), from giving
.the following extract from the diary of Lieutenant-Colonel Philip St.
George Cooke, of the U. S. Army, who accompanied General Stephen
Kearney to California, and who commanded the Mormon Battalion.
In his history of the Conquest of New Mexico and California, Lieu
tenant-Colonel Philip St. George Cooke, U. S. A., gives the following
from his diary, when at San Luis Rey, California:
"March 12, 1847. For forty days I have commanded the legal forces in Cal
ifornia,— the war still existing; and not pretending to the highest authority of any

i8 Life of Rear-Admirai, John Drake Sloat
sort, have had no communication with any higher, or any other, military or civil.
I have put a garrison iu San Diego; the civil officers appointed by a naval officer;
otherwise refusing to serve; while a naval officer ashore is styled by some, "Gov
ernor of San Diego."
"General Kearney is supreme, somewhere up the coast; Col. Fremont, supreme
at Pueblo de los Angelos; Commodore Stockton is Commander-in-Cbief at San
Diego; Commodore Shubrick, the same at Monterey; and I at San Luis Rey; and
we are all supremely poor; the Government having no money and no credit; and
we hold the territory, because Mexico is poorer than all."
Fortunately for Commodore Sloat, he had returned to Washington,
or his traducers might have charged him with this blame also, and as
being responsible for this after-condition of affairs in California.
But to our book in the following pages.
Edwin A. Sherman.

Life of Kcar-Admiral John Drake Sloat

CHAPTER I
In the terrible, merciless, long and bloody wars between Spain and
the Netherlands, in the latter part of the Sixteenth Century, so vi-\ddly
described by Motley in his history of "The Rise and Fall of the
Dutch Republic," in which the cruelty of the Spaniards wrought its
full fury in the most diabolical inventions of torture, mutilation and
death, sparing neither age, sex or condition, and when the City of
Leyden, after a long, successful resistance of a siege, was about to fall,
there came relief from the northern isles of Holland and Leyden was
saved, "On September i, 1574, in the great battle for the relief of Leyden,
Admiral Boisot, of the Dutch Navy, returned from Zealand with a
small number of vessels and eight hundred veteran sailors of the most
daring character. Many had been engaged in severe conflicts with the
Spaniards, who showed no mercy, and these in return gave no quarter.
They wore Crescents in their caps, and bore the name of ' The Sea
Beggars.'" Indicating bythe above device, that the Saracen was
more merciful than the Spanish Crusader.
With their assistance the siege of Leyden was raised and its inhabi
tants saved from cruel massacre at the hands of the Spaniards.
Not long after this war had ceased, and the Dutch having acquired
territory in the New World, they founded New Amsterdam, now the
City of New York, and took possession of the Hudson, Mohawk and
other vallej-s, in what is now the State of New York. For their de
fense, some of these same Zealanders, who had rendered efficient service
at the relief of the City of Leyden, had been sent to act as a Coast
Guard, and some had been knighted by William, the Prince of Orange
(the Silent), for their bravery and assistance rendered upon that mem
orable occasion; and those who had been especially conspicuous for
their gallantry, were authorized to emblazon the Crescent upon their
Coats of Arms.
Among these so knighted, was the ancestor of the founder of the
Sloot or Sloat family in America, from whom the late Admiral
John Drake Sloat was descended.
We here give the half-tone sketch of the Coat of Arms of the Sloot
or Sloat family, kindly furnished by his great-grandson, Mr. J. B.

20 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
Whittemore, of San Francisco, for this work. Besides being upon the
shield, the Crescent, winged, is the crest, signifyfng celerity of move
ment and attack. The device, being so significant, required no motto,
and the family name was sufficient under it, showing the origin of the
founder of the family and from what the insignia of the Crescent was
derived. We now come direct to the immediate history and biography of
Admiral John Drake Sloat himself

||ohn Drake Sloat was born July 26, 1781, at Sloatburg, near
Goshen, Rockland County, New York. He was the posthumous
son of Captain John Sloat, whose unfortunate fate it was, to be accident
ally shot by a sentinel near his quarters, in Rockland County, New York,
just before the close of the War for American Independence, and in
which he served with credit. His widow survived her sudden bereave
ment but a short period, and the care of this, their only son, devolved
on his maternal relatives, who seem to have been properly impressed
with the responsibility they had assumed.
Their protege was well instructed in mathematics, and in the rudi
ments of an English education — all that our country schools afforded
at that period. As his Grandfather Drake (a descendant of a collateral
branch of the family of the celebrated Admiral and circumnavigator)
was wont to relate the ad^-entures of his illustrious relative, he did not
fail to inspire his charge with a thirst for travel and enterprise. The
taste thus inculcated so fulh- displayed itself in youth as to induce our
young adventurer to quit an endeared fireside for a berth in the Navy,
that he might the better gratify his predilection.
This was during our quasi-war with France, and in the heyday of
our Naval successes over the haughty flag of the Directory. It was at
a period, too, when the Revolutionary service of the sire presented an
irresistible claim for the public employment of the deserving son; and
we find, by the Navy Register, that a Midshipman's Warrant was
granted to the aspiring and ambitious young man on the twelfth of
Februarjr, 1800.
Midshipman Sloat, on March 18, 1800, was ordered to the frigate
' ' President, ' ' Commodore Truxton, who took command of her soon
after his gallant exploit in the "Constellation" (the capture of the
French frigates " L' Insurgente " and "La Vengeance"). It was
young Sloat's good fortune here, also, to serve under that strict dis
ciplinarian and accomplished officer. Commodore Chauncey, at that
time First Lieutenant of the "President." With such models before
him, during a lengthened servdce in the south of Europe, he was eiia-

-X -ffr'^A/ \¦^^'^^ 'W A

f^-

"THE ARMS OF THE SLOAT FAMILY
Placed with those of Van den Voort at Amsterdam, are to be found in the Book
of Arms from 1500 to 1700 of Liebmacher Verooby, Vol. v,, page 46.
Pan in silver. Watchfulness, indicating Vigilance and Courtesy.
"For W. H. Zimmerman, in the Book Store, and it is noted that the family
issue from a Brunswick stock about 1400.
H aakzaaniheid es Hoflykheid.
Vigilance and Courtesy.
"The German sent from Amden with the coat of arms. The following wa.s
translated by me from an engraving in Vol. iv. of Lievemacher Hirroly, published
about the year 1620. Vol. i. was published 1609, the other volumes each several
vears later. V: Sloot, L. W. Sloat.
Crescent, Red.
W, White and Silver.
"The arms, embossed, was engraved from the same engraving by A. Kuner,
Engraver, who owned the book from which they were copied. L. W. Sloat."
[NOTE— L. W. Sloat was the son of the late Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat, and his
private secretary when on the Pacific Station.— E. A. S.l

FAMILY RECORD

Admiral

Born

Man ied

Died

John Drake Sloat

Sloatbure, Rockland Co.,

November 27tli, 1814.

New Brighton,

New Yoik.

Golden Wedding

Staten Island.

July 26th, 1781.

November 27th, 1864.

Nov. 28th, 1867

Wi/e,

Bloomingburg, Orange

November 27th, 1814.

New York City

Abb I' Gordon

Co., New York.

Golden Wedding

Nov. 15th, 1878

November 6th, 1795

November 27lh, 1864.

Their children.
New York Citv
Lewis Warrington Sloat
November 26th, 1815.
Never married.
Mar. 3d, 1886.
JEANNETTE ELIZA SLOAT
Navy Yard, Kittery Island,
Married first husband
New York City
had two children by first
Maine.
December Ilth, 1839,
Dec. loth, 1889
marriage,
September 19th, 1821.
James Bayard Whittemore.
James Bayard Whittemore,
Born April 8th, 1815.
Feb. 22d, 1852.
Jeanuette Sloat Whittemore
Married second husband
By second marriage one,
May 24th, 1854,
Mary Anna McKeon.
Hon. John McKeon.
Born March igtb, 1808.
Nov. 22d, 1883.
John Drake Sloat, Jr.
December 29th, 1849
April 29th, 1869.
Oct. 2ist, 1892.
Had one child,
Maria Lonita Robson.
John Drake Sloat, Jr.
New York City.
Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 21
bled to lay the foundation of a professional reputation, which has
proved no less creditable to himself than honorable to his country.
Disappointment so common in life soon interposed to blast for a
time the prospects of our Naval debutant. The profligate sway of
the Directory being overthrown. Napoleon, the First Consul, happy
to relieve his n.ew-born power from the difficulties and unpopularity of
an American war, accepted terms of peace. Those terms proffered by
Mr. Adams, and by which he expected to retain power, were far from
being advantageous to us. By stipulating to restore the national ves
sels of France, which had been captured, we gave up the trophies of
victory, and purchased peace at the cost of fourteen millions of dollars
(the amount of her spoliations on our commerce), without an equiva
lent. A bill for compromising these claims, thus assumed by our Gov
ernment, was passed by Congress in 1845, and vetoed by the Ex
ecutive. At the reduction of the Navy, which took place upon the accession
of Thomas Jefferson to the Presidency, in 1801, Midshipman Sloat
took a furlough, and the prospect of active employment being so
remote, he, with many others, neglected to report himself at its expira
tion; thereby virtually abandoning the service, in the time of profound
peace, and when absent at sea in a merchant vessel trading with Eu
rope, his furlough expiring before he could return. He was discharged
May 21, 1 80 1, under the "Peace Establishment Act." There was
then no Naval Academy, and the knowledge of the science of naviga
tion by sailing vessels alone (for steam vessels were then unknown) had
to be acquired by practical experience, and when our Navy was in its
infancy, with but a little canvas for its swaddling clothes, and then not
sufl&ciently aired. It was comparatively so at that time with our mer
chant marine.
But young SloaT, however, acquired such knowledge of seaman
ship as enabled him to command merchant vessels, which he navigated
with su,ccess several years before he attained his majority. His Grand
father Drake, having deceased about this time, bequeathed him a valu
able property, including twelve slaves, to whom he gave their liberty as
soon as they came into his possession.
Fond of the sea, he disposed of his estate, and embarked his all in
a vessel of which he took command, and suffered great loss during sev
eral successive voyages; commerce being more of a lottery during the
European wars than now. Nothing daunted, however, by these frowns
of fortune, the young master-mariner pursued the course he had marked
out for himself with various success, until the war with England threw
him out of business. Thus circumstanced he gladly availed himself
of an offer made by his old and esteemed friend. Commodore Decatur,

22 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
to become Sailing Master of the frigate "United States," on January
IO, 1812, with promise of an early opportunity to attain by promotion
the rank to which he would have been entitled if he had continued in
the service.
The promise was soon fulfilled, for on the twenty-fifth of October,
1 81 2, the British frigate "Macedonian" was captured in single combat
under the following circumstances: The enemy, tenacious, maintained
the weather-gauge for some time, which enabled him advantageously to
discharge his long guns at a distance, beyond the reach of the carron-
ades of the "United States." At length an unfortunate maneuver of
the enemy enabled Sloat to bring him to close quarters, whereby the
battle came to a speedj^ and successful issue. Though wounded in the
face, he did not quit his post during the action. For his gallantry and
skill, at the recommendation of Commodore Decatur, Slo at was
immediately promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and, with the rest of
the officers of the frigate ' 'United States' ' received a vote of thanks from
Congress January 29, 18 13. The "United States" arrived off New Lon
don on the fourth of December, 181 2, where she was blockaded for the re
mainder of the war. He was appointed Acting Lieutenant April 28, 181 3,
and commissioned Lieutentant of that frigate, July 24, 181 3.
Sloat related the following incident to his family and friends, of thi
action of Commodore Decatur in connection with the fight between the
Frigate ' ' United States ' ' of the American Navy and the British Frigate
"Macedonian" when the latter surrendered:
A short time before hostilities actually broke out between the United
States and Great Britain, when both vessels lay at anchor in the River
Mersey, Captain Corden of the British Navy, commanding the "Mace
donian," happened to meet Commodore Decatur in the streets at Liv
erpool, and said to the latter, ' ' Commodore Decatur, if Great Britain
and America go to war, I will bet you a new hat that I will whip you,
and take your ship, the Frigate ' United States. ' " " I' 11 bet you a new
hat that you don't," said Decatur. They thus parted, and it was not
long before war was declared between the two countries, and the two
ships met in combat, and after severe fighting, the "Macedonian" low
ered the British ensign as the signal of surrender to the ' ' Stars and
Stripes." It was but a few moments when Decatur's feet were on the
deck ofthe captured vessel, and Captain Corden came forward unbuck
ling his belt and tendered his sword in surrender to Decatur. "Oh,
damn your sword; keep it," said Decatur. "You bet a new hat that
you would take the ' United States ' frigate, and I bet you a new hat
that you wouldn't, but as we are a thousand miles away from any hat
ter, I'll take the hat on your head instead;" and so he did, keeping it
as a trophy of that engagement, which was largely owing to the splen-

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 23
did skill of Sloat, who, as Sailing Master, in maneuvering the "United
States" frigate, brought the "Macedonian" to close quarters, which
settled the fight. A historic AMERICAN WARSHIP IN AN
ENGLISH DOCK.
[The gallant old American frigate "Presi
dent," which carried Stephen Decatur to
many a hard fought victory in the war of
1 81 2, is still lying in a London dock. Shortly
after Decatur's capture of the British man-
of-war "Macedonian" he was overtaken by a
fleet flying the banner of St. George, and the
heroic Yankee captain was forced to surren
der. His stout flagship was taken to the
British capital and is now used as a drillship
for naval reserves.]
As Stated in the beginning of this Chapter, that he was the son of
Captain John Sloat, who was killed by the mistake of a sentry during
the Revolutionary War, shortly before the birth of his son, that his
lineage and descent may be preserved by his descendants, we give the
following, which is a copy of a letter received by his grandson, John
Drake Sloat, Jr., which gives the abstract from the records:
[copy] GosHEN, N. Y., Dec. 21, 1896.
Mr. John D. Slo.at,
2322 Franklin Ave., St. Louis, Mo.
"Dear Sir: — Mr. Frank Drake of this place has returned a letter over to me
that he received from you. Frank is a busy man and would have cheerfully un
dertaken to get you the information if possible.
"I find from the old records of the Presbyterian Church of Goshen, that on
March 17, 1778, John Sloat was married to Ruth Drake, by the Rev. Nathan
Ker; and on Oct. 21, 1781, the same minister baptized John Drake Sloat, son
of John Sloat and Rdth Drake, born July 26, 1781.
"I have cot omitted any part of names, but have given you the full record,
aud trust it will be what you want. I find nothing else in relation to the Drakes
or SloaTS. Yours Very Respectfully, Charles T. Deming."
During the period which intervened of the blockade until the close
of the last war with Great Britain, he improved 'the opportunity of con
tracting a matrimonial alliance, and married Miss Abby Gordon, a
daughter of the late James Gordon, Esq., a Norwich merchant of high
respectability. She was born at Bloomington, Orange County, New
York, on November 6, 1795, and their marriage took place November
27, 1814.
The Family Record of the fruits of this marriage, in brief, will be
found later on.

24 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat

CHAPTER II.
At the restoration of Peace between the United States and Great
Britain, Lieutenant Sloat took another furlough on March i6, 1815,
and again engaged in commerce. He took command of the clipper
schooner "Transit," and loaded her for France. It so happened that
he was with this schooner at Nantes, at the period when the public life
of the great Napoleon was closed forever. In order to rescue the
Emperor, several schemes were entertained; and, amongst others, Sloat
arranged to receive him, with his suite, on board the "Transit," and
to transport them to the United States. This plan, so happily alluded
to in the journal of a French officer, was frustrated by the indecision
that marked the conduct of the friends of the Emperor on this occa
sion, and which eventuated in the surrender of the fallen hero, to the
British blockading squadron.
[ It is a historic, interesting, coincidental fact, that the vessel
"Natalia," upon which Napoleon Bonaparte made his escape from the
Island of Elba to France, shortly before the Battle of Waterloo, some
years afterward, made its way to the Pacific Ocean, and subsequently
was purchased by the Mexican Government and used as a revenue
cutter or coast guard ship. She first arrived at Monterey, Cal., in
1834, and in 1843, while her officers were ashore attending a ball, the
crew also concluded that they would go ashore and have a good time
as well A strong northwest gale sprang up, the ' ' Natalia ' ' dragged
her anchor and was driven ashore at Monterey, becoming a total
wreck, fragments of which are still preserved as curios, and thus in this
condition she terminated her existence at Monterey— just three years
before Sloat's arrival on July 2, 1846. J
At the expiration of this furlough, he returned to his Naval duty,
and on June 4, 1816, he was ordered to the Navy Yard, New York,
where he was engaged for nearly four years, when, on March 9, 1820,
he was ordered to duty at the Navy Yard at Portsmouth, New Hamp
shire. After five years of constant shore duty, on June 11, 182 1, he
was ordered to the "Washington," and two months afterwards, on
August 6, 1821, he was ordered to the "Franklin," and was First
Lieutenant under the veteran Commodore Stewart, during a large por
tion of that vexatious cruise in the Pacific, from 1820 to 1822, while on
her borders were exhibited continued scenes of revolutionary contest.
On September 30, 1822, he was ordered to the frigate " Congress,"
as First Lieutenant to Commodore Biddle, and in 1823, Lieutenant
Sloat, by great skill, saved that ship when in imminent peril, during

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 25
a convulsion of nature which occurred at La Guayra, in the autumn of
that year. Mr. David Wii^ton, an inmate of that invaluable institu
tion, the Sailors' Snug Harbor, at New York, relates the following
circumstances of it:
"Commodore Biddle was ashore when an earthquake sunk the southwest part
of the city. This was succeeded by a hurricane which drove from their moorings,
and entirely destroyed twenty-two merchant vessels, and a Colombian man-of-
war, with their crews, five only out of the whole were saved, being picked up by
a boat from the 'Congress.' This boat and crew, consisting of a quarter-master
and four men, were lost directly after, in endeavoring to afford further relief.
"At the beginning of the blow Lieutenant SloaT ordered the boatswain to
pipe all hands, when he urged us to obey the officers and stand by the ship —
promising full pay and rations, till we should reach home, in case the ship was
wrecked. We parted our chain and other cables, excepting the best bower which
so dragged as to bring us near enough to pitch a biscuit to the rocks. I have never
witnessed so hopeless a prospect as ours at that moment, and thank God
we were enabled to ride it out. Soon as the blow abated, Commodore Biddle
came ou board on a catamaran (a raft of two logs lashed together), and praised
Lieutenant Sloat in the highest terms, yby his skill in saving the 'Congress,'
when every other vessel in the port was lost.
"We immediately left for Curacoa to get a supply of cables and anchor-5, for
the want of which, we had to hazird a run on the wash."
On April 12, 1823, Lieutenant Sloat was ordered to duty at New
York, but being at sea, it was several months before he was able to
comply. On December 12, 1823, he was ordered to the command of the
schooner "Grampus," which was the first vessel placed under his com
mand in the U. S. Navy, when he was forty-two years of age, and when
promotions among all commissioned officers was very slow. He was
ordered to the African Station, where his services in suppressing the
slave trade were highly commended by the Colonisation Society. His
activity and enterprise marked him as an efficient officer, for checking
the piracies in the West Indies, in 1824-5; and he was ordered to
cruise among the Windward Islands. While at St. Thomas, a fire
broke out, and as no reliance could be placed on the slave population,
the city must have fallen a sacrifice to the flames but for the intrepidity
of Lieutenant Sloat, his officers and crew. A large subscription was
made by the inhabitants and tendered, but which was respectfully de
clined by Lieutenant Sloat, on behalf of his officers and men.
The following is given by an officer of the ' ' Grampus ' ' at the period
referred to:
"While at St. Thomas, in March, 1825, information was obtained by Governor
Von Scholten, that Cofrecinas, a pirate of celebrity, was ofif Porto Rico, and he
immediately communicated it to Lieutenant Commandant Sloat, and laid an
embargo on all vessels in port, that the expedition contemplated for his capture
might not be made known.

26 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
"After cruising in vain for several days. Captain Sloat went into Ponce, Porlf>
Rico, and had an understanding with the Governor of that place, that in case he
heard any firing along the coast, he was to order his horsemen to assemble at the
spot. The next morning a suspicious sail was seen off the harbor, in a calm;
and lest he should recognize and avoid the 'Grampus' (for she was well known
to them all), a coasting sloop was filled below with seamen and marines, and sent
in pursuit, under the command of First Lieutenant Pendergrast. When the-
breeze sprang up in the afternoon, Cofrecinas' piratical vessel was discovered in
an obscure harbor called 'Boca de Inferno' (Mouth of Hell). He first ran for the
sloop, which he knew, and felt sure of a prize; but when within pistol shot lo
windward, the signal was given, and the seamen and marines, springing from
below, fired a broadside into the astonished pirate, which cleared his deck for a
moment of all but the undaunted Cofrecinas, who was at the helm. His men,
however, shortly returned to their duty, and they kept up a running fight for
more than an hour, displaying great skill in endeavoring to out-maneuver the
sloop and escape. But after losing several of his men, he was forced to run his
, vessel ashore; the survivors jumped overboard, and waded througB the water,
amidst the grape and musketry of the sloop, which killed several. The slotp
had a four-pound carronade, as also had the pirate; but he was unable to fire it,
as his men were shot down whenever they attempted it. On the shore they were
surrounded by the soldiers, who, in accordance with the understanding, assembled
on hearing the firing, and took the prisoners to St. John (San Juan), the Capital,
where they were all shot by sentence of a court-martial.
"A gentleman who witnessed the execution, stated, that when they attempted
to blind Cofrecinas, he spurned the handkerchief and the priest, and cried in a
loud voice, 'I have killed hundreds with my own hands, and I know how to die.
Fire!' He fell, the last and most daring of the pirates of that region. In his
vessel were found a few goods, the remains of the cargo of a French brig, taken
a short time before, and whose crew and passengers he had murdered.
"The manner in which the information was obtained, which led to the capture
of this pirate, is worthy of record. Cofrecinas had taken, only a short time before
he was discovered, the sloop in which he was cruising when captured. The
master of the sloop proved to be an old acquaintance, and he appealed to Cofre
cinas to spare his Hfe, bis men being compelled to join the pirates; but Cofrecinas
told him that their rule was to kill all that did not join tbem, and that he was
unable to save him fromhis men, but that he could spare him until sunset. The
master of the sloop then went below and brought up a demijohn of wine and
handed it to the pirates, who were feasting on his provisions — his respite was
confirmed by them.
"They asked him if he could swim, with great presence of mind, he answered
in the negative, and begged not to be thrown overboard, but to have a more im
mediate death, which they smilingly promised. He then went into his little
cabin, to collect his thoughts. He saw that the shore was about two miles off; it
was falling calm, and the pirates carousing at anchor off Foxardo. He now cast
off the boat aud let her drift away. As soon as he supposed they might discover
it, he slipped over the stern very quietly and swam to the bow. As soon as they
perceived the boat adrift, their attention was absorbed in devising means to regain
her, and the late Commander was forgotten in the confusion, or supposed to be
at prayers in the cabin. He was an excellent swimmer, and struck out lustily for
the shore. He was soon discovered and fired at; but dove at the flash, as he told
it, and swimming under water, came up at a different place each time to breathe

Life of Rear-Admirai, John Drake Sloat 27
and dove again instantly until out of reach of shot. There being no wind, they
could not get under way, and he had secreted the oars, so that the boat could not
be used to overtake him.
"After sunset, he gained the beach almost exhausted; crawled a little way up
the shore, and slept in the sand until daylight, when he found his way to St.
Thomas, to inform the Governor and the Commander of the 'Grampus' of his
adventure. He accompanied Lieutenant Pendergrast, and on her recapture, his
sloop was immediately restored to him by Commander Sloat, after repairing the
sails, which were riddled by shot, and the hull, which was but slightly injured."
The following is an extract of a letter from Lieutenant Commandant
John D. Sloat, commanding United States schooner "Grampus," to the
Secretary of the Navy, dated St. Thomas, April 5, 1825:
"Under date of the 19th of March, I had the honor to inform you that I had
visited Porto Rico for the purpose of offering our testimony against the pirates,
that made their escape from the vessel taken on the south side of the island, when
the Captain-General assured me that these miscreants should have summary
justice. "On my arrival at this place yesterday, I had the satisfaction to receive the
information, that all who made their escape from the vessel (eleven) were shot
on the 30th ultimo. They all, except one, met their fate iu the most hardened
ma:nner. The celebrated Cofrecinas refused to be blindfolded, saying that 'he,
himself, had murdered three or four hundred persons, and it would be strange if,
by this time, he should not know how to die.' From his, and others' confessions,
twenty-eight others have been taken, and seventeen are to be executed in a few
days, and the remainder in a short time after. Those already executed have been
beheaded and quartered, and their parts sent to all the small ports around the
island to be exhibited.
"This capture is thought by the government ofthe island to be of the greatest
importance; and it is believed, from the number taken and convicted, that it will
be for a long time a complete check to piracies about that island."
Thus, it will be seen that this most dangerous and hazardous of all
naval duties; with but a single vessel, and that a schooner only, and
under canvas alone; with an enemy to contend with, of the most des
perate character, which never gave quarter; murderers and robbers on
the high seas, whose motto was "dead men tell no tales;" with the
black flag of piracy and death "nailed to the mast," a bloody terror to
mankind afloat, and infesting every port, harbor, cove and inlet of the
islands of the Mexican Gulf and Carribean Sea,-^the Naval duties
which devolved upon Lieutenant Commandant John Drake Sloat and
h'is officers and men, in sweeping the seas of these tigers in human
form, so skilfully and completely performed, entitled him to the eternal
gratitude of his countrymen and the rest of mankind. Courage of the
most daring character, persevering steadily to the end, and a campaign
afloat and on shore, planned and executed with the most consummate
skill and achieved with the greatest triumphant success, attest to his
qualities as a Commander, worthy of the highest admiration and praise.

28 Life op Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat

CHAPTER III.
The arduous duties assigned to Lieutenant Commandant Sloat, as
related in the last Chapter, having been so well performed, entitled
him to be relieved for a while, and the Navy Department considerately
ordered that he be detached from the "Grampus" and granted six
months' leave of absence.
On March 21, 1826, he was promoted to Master Commandant, and
July 21, 1828, he was ordered to duty at the Naval Rendezvous at New
York. On October 15, 1828, he was ordered to the command of the sloop-
of-war "St. Louis," and for a long three years' cruise in the Pacific,
where iis good judgment, and firmness as an American Naval Officer
in command, was in the interests of his country, to be well and
thoroughly tested, requiring also the skill and tact of a statesman and
a diplomat, in which he was not found wanting.
While lying at Callao, in the spring of 1831, a revolution occurred
in the Government of Peru, which placed Lieutenant Commandant
Sloat in a delicate and peculiar situation, as General La Fuente, the
Ex-Vice-President of the Republic, and General Miller took refuge in
his ship.
An interesting account of this affair is contained in a letter from
General Miller, dated Callao Bay, April 19, 1831, froin which we make
the following extracts:
"General Gamarra left Lima in September last for Cuzco, in order to suppress
a conspiracy in that city. Agreeable to the Constitution, the Vice-President,
General La Fuente, took the supreme command; his conduct, to my certain
knowledge, has been correct, honorable, and faithful to the State as well as to
the President. Unfortunately, the President left his wife at Lima, and she, being
of a dictatorial and domineering spirit, wished to rule the Vice-President as she
had done her husband, who, in fact, never resisted her wishes on any subject.
This high-spirited and ambitious woman fomented an opposition, which was
strengthened by false friends of the President, and some other designing and
unprincipled men. Every act of La Fuente was construed by these miscreants
as hostile to the President, and the vilest slanders were invented and published
by the faction. The truth is, that the administration of La Fuente had increased
iu popularity by the active and straightforward course pursued.
"The President, imposed upon by these artful misrepresentations, was led to
believe that La Fuente was hostile and endeavoring to supplant him. Communi
cations were doubtless brought from headquarters by a Colonel Videl to the
chiefs and officers of the garrisons of this port and Lima. That of the latter was
composed of the battalion of Zepeta, 700 strong, some artillery and 200 cavalry.
The commanding officer of Zepeta and the artillery were known to act in blind
obedience to the heroine (Mrs. Gamarra), and for several days the Vice-Presi-

The above picture represents the garrison of Sonoma as it appeared on the eventful Sunday
morning, June 14, 1846, when it was surprised and captured by the Bear Flag Party.

SONOMA, CALIFORNIA, IN 18

f^^^s?ii^l^®S^-

;,.,„ — -ii'^.-

SAN FRANCISCO, 1849.

San Jose, the first State Capital of California under the Constitution Decem
ber, 20, 1849.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 29
dent, Ministers and myself knew a revolution was meditated. It was determined
that Zepeta should be sent to, agreeably to the repeated request ofthe President;
and the Government, confiding in its innocence, conceived that the most zealous
friends of Gamarra could have no real interest in deposing the Vice-President;
especially as it was known that his anxious desire was to deliver over the Gov
ernment to the President, who was expected to reach Lima in a few days.
"However, to the surprise and indignation of the friends of order, the light
company of Zepeta, about eight o'clock in the evening of the i6th inst., entered
the house of General La Fuente, fired several shots, and endeavored to force
their way into the room in which he was in bed. At the alarm, he sprang up, and
forcing his way through several soldiers, effected his escape to the kitchen^ and
through the chimney of which he gained the roof; and from thence, he was
hotly pursued by an officer, who was shot dead by his own soldiers, they mistak
ing him for their Vice President. The light company, disappointed of their ob
ject, hastily returned to their barracks, taking prisoners two friends of General
La Fuente, who happened to be in the house at the time of the attack.
"The firing of the shots caused an immediate alarm in the streets, adjoining
the Vice-President's house, and cries were heard in every direction of, 'The Bat
talion of Zepeta has revolted!' and the inhabitants fled to their houses aud
closed the doors.
"At this moment, I was lying in my bed from fatigue, having been ill for
several days. Upon hearing the report from my aide-decamp, to whom I had
just given orders, as well as to Colonel Allendes, to parade on horseback, and in
disguise, in certain streets of the city, I immediately mounted and rode to La
Fuente's house, ascertained that it had been attacked by troops, and then rode to
the barracks of the three companies of the battalion of Callao. I could only
form two, one being on guard; ahd I then sent an officer to tbe barracks of Zepeta
to ascertain what had occurred.
"He returned with a i-eport that the corps was under arms with General
Elespron, Prefect of the Department, at their head, who sent word that he had
taken measures against the person of General La Fuente, in consequence of his
having infringed the Constitution. He requested me to join him with the troops
under my command, and adding, that he would hold me responsible for the
attendant evils, if I did not comply with his wishes. To such a communication I
made no reply; but sent orders to the cavalry to proceed to Callao, and I soon
followed with the companies of infantry in the same direction; not doubting that
the Governor and garrison of the Castle would act honorably towards the Gov
ernment which they had sworn to maintain.
"By this movement, I prevented compromising the troops, in firing upon each
other in town, and thought to insure possession of the fortress, until information
could be obtained respecting the Vice-President, of whose situation I was then
ignorant. To my astonishment, on my arrival, at three o'clock on the 17th, I
was refused admittance into the fortifications, and soon after learned that the
Governor, Colonel Echeniger, and the garrison acted in combination with the
revolutionists of Lima. I took possession of the dismantled Fort of 'El Sol,' and
I consented to hold an interview with General Benevedes, who had joined the
revolutionists. The result was (that on the same day a detachment of 300 of the
revolted troops having been allowed to enter the castles of Callao, under whoFe
guns we were placed in the Fort of 'El Sol'), I was allowed to come here and
remain on board of this vessel, until the President's arrival from the south, or
order should be established, so as to allow of my proceeding to the capital. I

30 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
was surprised on coming aboard this ship, to find General La Fuente already
here. "On his gaining the roof of the house, it seems that three soldiers, stationed
there, discharged their muskets at him, who was closely pursued by an officer.
Lieutenant Bajar, sword in hand. They loaded a second time, and, mistaking
their leader for General La Fuente, shot him dead. On discovering their mis
take, they ceased further pursuit of the fugitive, and to this circumstance the
Vice-President owes his escape. After running to the extreme end of the quadra
(square), ou the roofs, and jumping over several brick walls, he lowered himself
into the room of a carpenter, whom he had often employed. This man clad the
General in a suit of his own, and cut off his mustachios; he also handed him six
doubloons (I96.00), which were his all; conducted him td the house of a friend,
whence he proceeded to Chorillos, and there, taking a canoe, he came on board
this ship, where he is as comfortable .as the hospitality of her generous Com
mander can make him, and as secure from persecuting assassins as the powerful
flag of the United States can render him."
Lieutenant Commander Sloat acted in this business with the advice
of our Legation at Lima; and his affording refuge to these distin
guished, but unfortunate, functionaries vyas approved by our Govern
ment. He returned to New York in the winter of 183 1-2, in the "St.
Louis." When within six miles of Sandy Hook, he was blown to
sea, and for twenty-one days, unable to gain the port of New York.
The crew suffered greatly by frost. He had been granted, on Decem
ber 10, 1831, three months' leave of absence, of which he availed him
self on reaching port.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 31

CHAPTER IV.
On- December 26, 1832, Lieutenant Commander Sloat was ordered
to command the Naval Rendezvous at New York. On February 9,
1837, he was promoted to the grade of Captain. On March 15, 1837,
he was detached from the Naval Rendezvous at New York.
On October 16, 1840, he was ordered to the command of the Navy
Yard at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he was stationed for the
period of three years.
While engaged for several years at the Naval Rendezvous at New
York, he was much engaged in the superintendency of the Coast Sur
veys and the Recruiting Service, as well as in other professional duties.
The option having been tendered to him by the Naval Department
of the command of the frigate "Potomac" or of the Portsmouth Navy
Yard, he preferred the latter, where he continued for three years as
stated, and during which period he had ample opportunity of displaying
his good taste and skill in Naval Architecture.
Those then proud specimens, the sloops-of-war or corvettes "Ports
mouth" and "Saratoga," were constructed under his supervision; and
he had the satisfaction, also, to superintended the rebuilding, from the
keel, of the frigate "Congress" (then unsurpassed by any vessel afloat),
that he so gallantly saved in the early part of his career, and which
afterwards followed him to the Pacific and formed a part of his
squadron. But we must not anticipate events, which hereinafter follow, in his
glorious record, which has been so wantonly, unjustly and unfairly
assailed with falsehood by several individuals, one of whom has been
expelled from the Society of California Pioneers as an Honorary Mem
ber for his mendacity and- slander, and another should be for the same
reason, and which has already been referred to in the Introductory to
this work.
It is now necessary for our purpose to briefly revert to the times and
the conditions of affairs, both in the Old and the New World, in which
then Captain Sloat had not been altogether an idle spectator, when the
most important events were transpiring with nations, and when the
practical application of steam and electricity, so common in the present
age were then utterly unknown. Vessels then were entirely propelled
by wind and sails. Rifled cannon then had not been introduced; per
cussion and the electric button were then unknown, and only the pow
der-horn for priming and the linstock with the cotton port fire were
used for firing the muzzle-loaded cannon, both on sea and land; while

32 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
breech-loaders of artillery and small arms had not then been invented,
and flint-locked muskets, carbines and pistols of armies, and rifles and
shotguns of the hunters and sportsmen, were the sole firearms used.
"Pick your flint and try it again," was a common saying about any
thing when the first trial failed. It was not until 1846 that any portion
of the U. S. Army, and then at first to only a few companies of in
fantry, specially selected for light infantry duty, and engaged in skir
mishing in the preliminary work preparatory to a general engagement
and to feel the enemy's lines, were percussion lock muskets issued.
Iron and steel for the hulls of vessels of war or the merchant marine
on seas, lakes and rivers were not used until the duel between the
"Monitor" and "Merrimac" (or "Virginia") startled the entire
world; and only the wooden walls of the staunchest oak were used in
construction, and broadside to broadside, yard-arm to yard-arm, guns
muzzle to muzzle, and the enemies' ships lashed together, the strength
of the material and the skill of the builders, were to be tested in close
combat in the mutual destruction of each other, with "Boarders away!"
to storm and clear the decks of the opposing foe, with cutlass amidst
the flames of a floating hell.
It was in such a school that young Sloat graduated, fought and
navigated his vessels, when there was no such thing as the technical
school as the Naval Academy at Annapolis, which has since turned out
such splendid heroes and commanders as adorn our national and naval
history. When our armies had failed on land; the disgraceful surrender of
Hull at Detroit, and St. Clair's defeat by the British and Indians com
bined, had spread a gloom over the country, it was the Navy and its
deeds which shone like the sun on the black cloud which covered the
land, and painted the rainbows of hope of ultimate victory to be
achieved, in the second war for American Independence of England,
with the motto, "Free trade for American Commerce and Sailor's
Rights," blazing in the sky over the waters of the Atlantic, and the
Navy successfully fought the fight to a finish when the Capital of the
Nation had been reduced to ashes by the vandal invader, and destruc
tion marked the trail of his footsteps, when he was at last driven from
our shores.
In the achievements and victories of our Navy, Sloat bore a most
gallant part, with the hero Decatur for his Commander, tutor, com
panion and exemplar, whose friendship and esteem lasted through life,
until the latter's unfortunate and fatal duel with Commodore Barron.
When the whole of Spanish America on the Northern and Southern
Continents from the Oregon line to Cape Horn was in revolt against
Spain, and Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia.

Life op Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 33
Peru, Chile, the Argentines, Paraguay and Uruguay, from the southern
shore of Brazil to the Straits of Magellan, all declared their independ
ence in 1820 and successfully fought to secure it, the last Spanish sol
dier and civil officer was driven from the American shores to return no
more forever. Letters of Marque for privateers with some few vessels
of war for their infant navies, the latter largely manned by capable
officers and seamen from the United States and Europe, in sympathy
with the new and blood-born Republics of the south, soon swept the
seas of Spain's ships of war and her proud galleons filled with treasure,
and the prize money followed the rule, "To the victors belong the spoils. ' '
The cruelty of the Spaniards in those times, as in -later years was
merciless and indescribable; and in turn begat equal cruelty towards
themselves in retaliation when there was opportunity by those whom
they had for centuries enslaved and oppressed, until mankind could
bear no more. Their independence was achieved after the most san
guinary struggles, when no quarter was given by either side, and these
new nations, then Republics only in name, were recognized at last,
even by Spain, who left the vast territory, covered with castles and for
tresses, stocked with artillery and arms, churches, convents, and the
Holy Office of the Inquisition intact; while the number of cannon left
behind of bronze mixed with silver would astonish even now the gun
foundrymen of the world.
Many Americans even from the New England States had volun
teered in the armies or navies and privateers of these Spanish coun
tries, and returned to their homes. Billerica (or Richville), in Massa
chusetts, was so named by some of these who had served in securing
Mexican Independence. Among them was one man, John Paul Jones
Davidson, who served with Commodore Stephen Decatur in the Medi
terranean, in the war with the Algerian Pirates, and was the one who
actually set fire to the U. S. frigate "Philadelphia," which had
grounded, and to prevent her falling into their hands. He held a com
mission in the Mexican Navy, and afterwards was a Warrant Officer
again in the U. S. Navy, lived to the age of ninety-eight years, and
died a few years ago at Georgetown, El Dorado County, California.
The late Commodore David Porter, the father of the late Admiral David
Porter, ^who fought in command of the "Essex" against Great Britain
in the harbor of Valparaiso, Chile, and lost his ship in 181 2-14, also
held a commission in the Mexican Navy, and was by decree made a
citizen of Mexico as well, for his gallant services in aid of that country
in securing its independence.
All of this history was well known by Sloat, for he had been, to a
greater or lesser degree in his official capacity, acquainted and asso
ciated with some of these men.

34 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
Continued revolutions by ambitious military chieftains of these
newly-fledged nations, who were constantly at war among themselves,
while blood flowed as freely as water, they became impoverished in
both treasure and population and unable to protect themselves from
the hostile tribes of Indians on their borders who kept up a predatory
warfare incessantly, and enriched themselves by raids upon the cities
and towns of the frontiers, and were fast wiping out all vestiges of
civilization, such as it was on the shores from the Mexican Gulf to the
Pacific Ocean.
As a barrier to all this, by treaty and contracts, and offers of grants
of land, enterprising and courageous Americans were induced and
invited to the soil of Texas, with the most liberal guarantees of prom
ises made, to secure them in all the freedom which they enjoyed in
their native homes. All these were accepted and entered upon by
these American emigrants in good faith, The New Englanders under
Austin with his colonists from Connecticut, and the hardy pioneers and
hunters west of the Alleghany Mountains met on the soil of Texas,
and blended together in establishing American civilization, where the
Indian savages had for centuries unknown roamed at will. The
scholar and illiterat*" backwoodsman came together and fraternized;
the former, to "teach the young idea how to shoot," and the other, to
teach the scholar how to shoot the rifle, and they engaged in the mu
tual education of each other. Towns were built, school-houses and
churches were erected, and the preaching and exhortations of Metho
dists and other parsons were heard on Sundays, and camp meetings
held, as was the custom in the United States, while American civiliza
tion was firmly planted and becoming dominant over that country of
Texas where savage barbarism and solitude had once prevailed.
This promising condition of things seemed to be a sure guarantee
of the future, and a large number of the most prominent public men of
the States of the Mississippi Vallej' were attracted to the soil of Texas
to identify themselves with the emigration which had preceded them
and there settled. The remains of former Spanish and Mexican towns
were still in existence, and some in a state of partial restoration, with
gradual improvement going on. Business began to prosper, and trades
of all kinds becoming active. The swarthy- Mexican of the |rontier
and the copper-colored Indian of the Plains, who formerly had been
enemies looked with jealous eyes upon this new order of things, which,
ill its advancement, was to press them farther back in its onward
march. Unfriendliness began to manifest itself, which ere long was to
deluge that part of the American continent with horrible crimes and
.bloodshed. That curse of every nation, entailed by Spain and left as a blighting

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 35
legacy and inheritance upon Mexico and all other portions of Spanish
America, the "Union of Church and State," was soon to bear bloody
fruit on the soil of Texas. The Declaration of Independence of Mexico
by the Warrior Priest Hidalgo, declared "that the religion of the State
should be Roman Catholic, and none other tolerated." This remained
in force, and in 1835 the Constitution of Mexico still declared as
follows: "The religion of the Mexican nation is, and will be perpetually, the Roman
Catholic Apostolic. The nation will protect it by wise and just laws, and prohibit
the exercise of any other whatever."
This had been the Constitutional Law of Mexico from the very be
ginning up to that time. Consequently all agreements, contracts and
grants of lands bj^ treaties with emigrants and colonies as to the enjoy
ment of their own particular religion in conflict with that provision of
the Mexican Constitution were null and void, which the Mexican Gov
ernment then knew in advance. That in the very beginning was direct
deception and fraud. The colonists and emigrants, not being fully
aware of this, entered upon their part of the agreement made in good
faith; but later, when they were becoming prosperous and unmolested
for several years, found that thej- had been woefully deceived. They
were not exempt from the provisions of that Constitution, or from paj--
ing the exactions of the State Church of one-tenth of all they had
acquired or possessed. To this there was either indifference or direct
opposition. Behind the Cross of the Church was the Sword of State,
with the whole Mexican nation to strike with it, as directed ex cathedra
by the hierarchy of the Church.
The Texas colonists in towns being too powerful and numerous to
fall upon in a bodj', in the beginning, the settlers on the scattered
ranches and farms were first to feel the blows. Their owners were
murdered, homes were robbed and burned, the women ravished and
thrown into the flames, and their property seized or destroyed. The
torch, the knife and the bullet were soon getting in their deadly work.
The towns were filled to overflowing with refugees, and a wail of woe
and lamentation went up all over Texas. Crimes of the most fiendish
character were enacted. The natural result was, as the last resort, for
the American Texans to declare their Independence of Mexico, and
incidentally its oppressive Constitution with it, which was the base of
all their troubles, calamities and sorrows, which had come upon them.
Almost simultaneously in the re-promulgation of the Mexican Consti
tution in 1836, that of the Republic of Texas was declared on June 24,
1836, and in which appears the following:
"No preference shall be given by law to any religious denomination or mode

36 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
of worship over another; but every person shall be permitted to worship God
according to the dictates of his own conscience."
This is more direct and expressive than the Constitution of the
United States, which reads as follows:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or pro
hibit the free exercise thereof"
This leaves it indefinite as to States; but fortunately the States have
severally embodied the same principle in their Constitutions.
The struggles for Texan Independence, in proportion, far surpassed
our own in the Revolutionary war. Though adroitly held in the back
ground bj- the contending powers, and kept so later by modern so-
called historians, it was reall}- a conflict between these opposing hostile
Constitutions, and which was being settled b>- the final arbitrament of
the sword — Mexico united with a Church in arms, and Texas in arms
without a Church. To Mexico with its Church the Texans were rebels
and heretics. Santa Ana was President and Dictator of the Mexican
nation. He was the most treacherous and cruel of any man at the head
of a nation since the days of the Emperor Nero at Rome. Totally
devoid of all honor, and at last as false to his own country as he had
been to all else, as will be seen further on.
The terrible and atrocious massacre of Fannin and his men at
Goliad, on March 27, 1836, and at the Alamo, San Antonio, Texas, are
entirely without a parallel in warfare by any so-called civilized nation.
That of Goliad in particular.
We shall refer our readers to the various histories of Texas in which
all agree in the statement of the facts, and we will only quote what a
Mexican officer himself said ofthe " Massacre ofthe Texan Prisoners:"
"This day — Palm Sunday, March 27th — has been to me a day of most heartfelt
sorrow. At six in the morning, the execution of four hundred and twelve Ameri
can prisoners was commenced and continued until eight, when the last of the
number was shot. At eleven commenced the operation of burning their bodies.
But what an awful scene did the field present, when the prisoners were executed
and fell dead in heaps! And what spectator could view it without horror? They
were all young — the oldest not more than thirty — and of fine florid complexions.
When the unfortunate youths were brought to the place of death, their lamenta
tions, and the appeals which they uttered to Heaven, in their own language, with
extended arms, kneeling or prostrate on the earth, were such as might have
caused the very stones to cry out in compassion." — Pease's History of Texas,
Page 339.
The Independence of Texas was declared on March 2, 1836. The
Battle of San Jacinto was fought on April 21, 1836, following, or about
seven weeks afterwards, when Santa Ana was defeated with terrible loss
by General Sam. Houston, commanding the Texans, and he taken
prisoner.

WILLIAM P. TOLER, ESQ.
Of Oakland, California
Who was a Midshipman and Staft Officer, first under Commodore Ap. Catesey Jones, ofthe U. S. Navy, in 1842,
and the Secretary and Signal Officer on the staff of Commodore John Drake Sloat, who wrote the prnclamation
to the people of California, issued by Commodore Sloat, and who was actually the very man who first raised the
American Flag over the Custom House at Monterey, California, on July yth, 1846, and fifty years afterwards again
hoisted it on July th, 1896, amid the jjlaudits of several thousands of people, and the salutes ofthe American ves
sels of war, the Flagship "Philadelphia," and the Monitor "Monadnock," of Admiral I^ester A. Beardslee's Squad
ron. He died at Oakland, Cal., January 24th, 1S99. Major John L,. Bromley and Major Edwin A. Sherman repre
sented the Veterans ofthe Mexican War as pall-bearers at his funeral.

GOV. RODMAN M. PRICE
Of New Jersey

A Master Mason. Purser of Commodore Sloat's Squadron and who read his proclamation at the raising
of the American Flag at Monterey, California, July 7th, 1846. Resigned aud was associated with Col. John D,
Stevenson and others in San Francisco in August, 1849. in organizing a Masouic Hall Association beiore any
Lodge was organized.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 37
While Santa Ana was prisoner, and at the same time the Dictator
and President of Mexico, the Government of Mexico was without a
head, and he was the only authority to make a treaty with, although a
prisoner. The stipulations were then and there drawn up, which he
and his Generals signed, officially acknowledging the Independence of
Texas. Article IV. reads as follows:
"Fourth. That the President (Santa Ana), in his official capacity as Chief of
the Mexican nation, and the Generals Don Vincente Filasola, Dou Jose Urea,
Don Joaquin Ramirez y Sesma, and Don Antonio Gaona, Chiefs of Armies, do
solemnly acknowledge, sanction and ratify the full, entire and perfect independ
ence' of the Republic of Texas, with such boundaries as are hereafter set forth
and agreed upou for the same."
Stipulations fixed the boundary of the Rio Grande, or Rio Bravo,
as it is some times called.
Santa Ana and his Generals were released then on parole, and he
was sent to New Orleans with a guard to protect him from the ven
geance of the Texans. The other prisoners were exchanged or paroled
and returned home. But the end was not yet. Santa Ana and his
Generals returned home, violated his compact as President in acknowl
edging the Independence of Texas, as well as his parole. The Mexi
can Congress would not concur in his action, and soon after hostilities
were resumed and he again took the field.
On the 17th of June, 1844, he issued his Decree, or a new Declara
tion of War, and his orders were promulgated as follows:
"ORDERS OF GENERAL WOLL.
"Headquarters of the Army of the North,
"MiER, June 20, 1844.
"I, Adrian WoU, General of Brigade, etc., make known:
"l. The armistice agreed upon with the Department of Texas having ex
pired, and the war in consequence recommenced against the inhabitants of the
Department, all communication with it ceases.
"2. Every individual of whatever condition who may contravene the provis
ions of the preceding article, shall be regarded as a traitor, and shall receive the
punishment prescribed in Article XLV., Treatise 8, of the Articles of War.
"3. Every individual, who may be found at the distance of one league from
the left bank of the Rio Bravo, will be regarded as a favorer and an accomplice
of the usurpers of that part of the national territory, and as a traitor of his
country; and after a summary military trial, shall receive the above punishment.
"4. Every individual who may be comprehended within the provisions ofthe
preceding article, and may be rash enough to fly at the sight of any force belong
ing to the Supreme Government, shall be pursued until taken, or put to death."
Thus that cruel war was renewed. Not a spark of honor remained
in Santa Ana's breast; and if he had again been taken prisoner by the
Texans, what his fate may have been can reasonably be conjectured.

38 Life of Rear Admiral Joh.v Drake Sloat
The Government of the United States had no faith in him, and Ameri
can merchants in Mexico were harassed and robbed by "forced loans"
wherever found in the Mexican Republic south of the Rio Grande to
the Gulf of California and Central America.
Mexico was looking forward to an alliance with Great Britain with
a prospective war with the United States on account of the disputed
northern boundary between Oregon and the British Possessions, and
for which secret negotiations were endeavoring to be made by which
Mexico was to pay her English debt of fifty millions of dollars by the
cession of California to Great Britain. Of this the U. S. Government
was fully apprised, but which was to be prevented at any cost. The
keenest diplomacy was observed by all parties.
During this period. Commodore Thomas Ap Catesby Jones com
manded the U. S. Squadron in the Pacific, and, having special orders
and instructions, he awaited at Callao, Peru, for advices from the U. S.
Minister, Hon. ;\Ir. Pickett, at Lima.
We have now to introduce another character, one' with whom we
were personally and intimately acquainted for over forty years, who
figures at inter\-als in this history,
MIDSHIPMAN WILLIAM P. TOLER, U. S. N.,
from whose lips we took down what appears herein, concerning himself
and the historic events with whicb he was connected when living.
William P. Toler was a native of Venezuela, where he was born
December 23, 1825. His father was a native of Virginia. When a
young man, he went on business to Venezuela, where he was married
to a Spanish lady of that country. Two children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Toler, William P. Toler, and a sister, who subsequently mar
ried Judge L. W. Hastings, a Pioneer of California, with whom we
were well acquainted and who figures in California history.
At the time of the residence of the family in Venezuela, William P.
Toler' s father was engaged in commercial pursuits for many years.
His mother died when he was only about three years of age. Subse
quently the father returned to his native State, and was afterwards ap
pointed U. S. Consul to Porto Rico, in the West Indies, where he
remained for manj^ years. He afterwards returned to Virginia, and
later to Washington, where he officiated in connection with the diplo
matic corps of this country. It was under these circumstances, and in
the Capital ofthe Nation, that William P. Toler was educated. As he
ad\"anced towards young manhood, he became a clerk in the office of
Attorney-General John J. Crittenden. That was during the incum
bency in the Presidential chair of William Henry Harrison (who died
shortly after his induction into that office, and was succeeded by Vice-

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat

39

President John Tyler, of Virginia). But William P. Toler had no idea
of becoming a lawyer, and he preferred then "a life on the ocean
wave," and desired to be appointed a Midshipman in the U,. S. Navy,
and from Virginia, as that was his father's native State; but, much to
his disappointment, its quota allowed to the Congressional districts of
that State was full. At this crisis he sought advice from his father,
who recommended him to call upon Henry Clay, Kentucky's greatest
statesman, and see what he could do for him in this emergency. Henry
Clay said to him, "Young man, 3'our father is a Virginian, and so am
I by birth, but I am now a Kentuckian; and as we have no salt water
excepting for deer licks, and no place for naval operations, and nobody
just now from Kentucky who wants to go to sea, I will make a Ken
tuckian of you by adoption and send you to sea." So young Toler was
appointed a Midshipman in the Navy from Kentucky in 1841, when he
was but sixteen years of age. During that year, throughout the coun
try, something which had never occurred before in the same period,
two hundred and fifty Midshipmen were appointed to the United States
Navv when there was no Naval Academ}'.
W^illiam P. Toler was a fluent speaker, and a writer of his native
Spanish language, and, at the request of Commodore Thomas Ap
Catesby Jones, was assigned and appointed aide-de-camp on his staff in
1841, and accompanied him to the Pacific Station.
This now brings us direct to California History.
At Callao, Peru, Commodore Jones received such information from
the American Minister, Hon. Mr. Pickett, at Lima, and believing
from his secret orders received that he felt that he had full authority to
act upon learning that war had broken out between the United States
and Mexico, he sailed direct to Monterey, California, to take possession
of the country. He arrived at Monterey on the i8th of October, 1842,
in the frigate "United States," as his flagship, with the sloop-of-war
"Cyane," Captain' Stringham in command. He at once sent a demand
to Captain Silva, the Commandante, to surrender, which demand was
complied with. The Mexican flag was hauled down and the American
flag raised on the next day, October 19, 1842 in which act Midshipman
Toler, as aide-de-camp, with the Quartermaster, performed that duty
and hoisted it himself. With him was Commodore Jones' Secretary, a
Mr. Larraintree, and they had been ordered to search the office of the
Collector of Customs in the old Custom liouse at Monterey, but at first
succeeded in finding no records of any value, as they had been carried
away. After looking around, Toler espied in a corner a dirty bundle
of papers, which he dusted, and to his surprise found that they had
never been opened. He concluded to open the package, and discovered
some of the very latest news as regarded the condition of affairs be-

40 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
tween the two countries, and found that Commodore Jones had been
altogether too hasty in his conclusions and actions, and placed the
papers in the Commodore's hands, who, upon their examination and
much to his mortification, found that he had been too previous in this
matter. He accordingly sent young Toler ashore on the 21st, who
hauled down the American flag and hoisted the Mexican flag, which
was saluted with twenty-one guns. Commodore Jones immediately
sent word overland to Governor-General Micheltorena at Los Angeles,
and the whole matter was to be referred to their respective Govern
ments. He set sail for San Pedro, and upon arrival there went to Los
Angeles, where he held a personal interview with Governor Michel
torena, which concluded with festi\'ities and a grand ball and enter
tainment, which were given to the Commodore and the other U. S.
Naval officers. Commodore Jones was recalled by the Navy Depart
ment on January 24, 1843, and Commodore A. J. Dallas appointed to
succeed him. He took his departure for the United States, leaving
Toler upon the Pacific Station, of whom we shall frequently make
mention hereafter. The U. S. Government disavowed his act, but at
the same time kept a sharp lookout upon Mexico during her cruel wa'r-
fare with the Texans, who still, although almost in a state of despair,
continued to maintain the unequal conflict. Reinforcements from ardent
sympathizers in the United States flocked to the standards of the ' ' Lone
Star Republic." As Commodore Foote, of the United States Navy,
when in the Chinese Seas, declared that "blood is thicker than
water," so the massacre at Goliad, and the Alamo, aroused the fire of
the young men of the Mississippi Valley to rush to the aid of their
kindred in Texas, and a-\-enge those horrible deeds, which had aroused
the whole of the people of the United States. The s.elfi.shness of poli
ticians in both Houses of Congress was manifested by injecting false
issues in their debates of a sectional character, while they could stand
calmh' b}' and look coldly on these bloody massacres of those who were
of their own race, and had gone to settle that country by invitation and
inducements of those who were at last to become their butchers and
slaughter them like sheep driven to the shambles; and while the blood
of the victims was crying to heaven from the ground for vengeance,
the question of sectional political supremacy became a drop-curtain
over the terrible deeds behind the scenes. Manhood seemed to be
stifled in e^-ery politician's breast in the Capitol at Washington.
Captain Sloat watched all these things with an anxious eye and a
beating heart, for he had a full knowledge of all that was passing in
the political panorama, and of affairs along our southwestern border,
when, Uke drifting ships, sooner or later there was bound inevitably to
be a collision somewhere, and he knew by observation and instinct

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 41
what was coming. Somewhat to his surprise, he, as Post Captain or
Commodore, on August 27, 1844, was ordered by the Secretary of the
Navy, John Y. Mason, to command the Pacific Squadron, and to sail
the same course in which his brother officer. Commodore Jones, by
a too literal compliance with his instructions and too soon in his actions
had committed a mistake.
For a >-ear or more the Republic of Texas, with outstretched arms
and with piteous appeal to the United States, begged to be admitted
into the American Union in agony of almost hopeless despair. If the
people of the United States were to reject their own kindred and thrust
them back into a slaughter pen, then they would throw themselves into
the arms of England or France for protection, as their last hope for life
and liberty under a Constitutional monarchy, and abide their destiny.
Bills and resolutions had been introduced into both houses of Con
gress, and it was a long game of battledore and shuttlecock between
soulless politicians. At last the j'oint resolution of the admission of
the State of Texas into the Union was passed March i, 1845, and the
last official act of John Tyler, President of the United States, was to
affix his official signature to it on March 3, 1845, and the Lone Star of
Texas took its place on the Star Spangled Banner in the constellation
ofthe Union, where it will remain forever.
Commodore Robert Field Stockton, of the United States Navy,
was appointed by President James Knox Polk as bearer of dispatches
with a copy of the joint resolution just passed and signed, and with
instructions to officially notify the Government of Texas of the action
ofthe United States in admitting her into the LTnion. What a joj-ous
mission was his at that time, and what a splendid career and fame for
him lay in the womb of the future ; but we will not anticipate.
Texas as one of the United States was now within the fold. The
Mexican people, tired with Santa Ana, and distrustful of his move
ments among themselves, banished him from his country. Mexico
was in constant revolution, and united in only one thing, and that was
in hostile sentiment against the United States for annexing Texas,
where she continued her depredations as far as she was able, and con
centrating her armies on her northern frontier preparing for the con
flict that was soon to follow. The war clouds were growing blacker,
and the distant thunder began to rumble in the sky along the Great
River, claimed by both the United States and Texas as the true bound
ary between the two countries. . But a year of uncertainty on both
sides was to intervene, fllling the public miiid and the departments of
government with perplexity and doubt. Long months were required
before communication could be had with the United States naval forces
in the Paciflc, and partly then at great risk through Mexican territory.

42 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
Orders were to be sent to Commodore Sloat by the Secretary of the
Navy, and after being despatched by him came very near, by accident,
of not reaching him at 411 ; as will be seen b}' the following account,
for which we are indebted to the Rev. A. A. McAlister, U. S. N.,
Chaplain at the Mare Island Navy Yard:
"A BIT OF HISTORY-MAKING.
"Among the fellow-passengers crossing the Atlantic with Bishop Nichols in
1897 was Mr. Charles H. HasweU, the author of the Tables used by every engi
neer, and of other important and interesting books, including a History of Old
New York. He then gave the' Bishop an account of his association in the For
ties, when a naval officer, with the beginning of American CaUfomia. He has
recently, at the Bishop's request, written it out, and we are enabled to publish it
here. The instructions of which he writes were those to the American Com
mandant of the Pacific Naval statiou touching the raising of the flag. Though
in his ninety-second year Mr. HasweU still visits his office and is probably the
oldest active citizen of New York. "324 West 78TH Street, New York,
"Right Reverend Sir: June 15, igoi.
"Herewith I enclose the recital you have been pleased to ask for.
* Jf * K- -;t ***** «
"When I think of what the consequence of the vessel saiUng without the
dispatches and the delay in the fitting out of another, and the chance of a second
one being lost or delayed, I am thankful.
"With great and sincere regard, I am yours, Chas. H. HaswELL.
"Ou Saturday, in the year 184- (which I do not recoUect, but you will know)
the Secretary of the Navy, George Bancroft, learning that I was to leave for Nor
folk iu the afternoon, directed the mail bags for the Pacific Squadron to be sent
to my house for me to deliver to the Commandant of the Navy Yard there.
"Shortly before leaving, the Department Messenger came to my house and
delivered the bags, together with two large and well filled sealed envelopes, each
addressed to the Commandant of the Pacific Squadron; left them without any
message, and very negligently threw them down on the inside of the outer door
of my house; but as I opined that the dispatches were of much importance, I
took them up and put them in my traveling writing case, for safety.
"Prior to this, the Secretary had directed the fitting out of a brig at the Nor
folk Navy Yard, and ordered two lieutenants, as bearers of dispatches to proceed
in her to the Isthmus, thence to the North with the other dispatch (as the loca
tion of the Commandant of the Station was unknown); and to be delivered to
him with the greatest practical dispatch.
"On my arrival at Norfolk I delivered the mail bags to the Commandant at
the Station, and in company with him went to church. So soon as the mail bags
were received on board the vessel, 10 A. M., she proceeded on her course.
"On my return from church I went to my room and, having occasion to open
my writing case, was horrified at seeing the dispatches which I had omitted to
deliver with the bags, and for which single purpose the vessel and bearers of
the dispatches were detailed (the transmission of the bags being wholly inci
dental), and she was on her way to bear them. My first impulse was to go to the
window and cry 'Fire,' my next to jump out of it, aud next to reflect, when I
arrived at the following: A fog was appearing, and the vessel in consequence

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 43
may have to anchor at Old Point Comfort, whereupon I went to the slip where
row boats were to be had, aud consulted wilh an old and selected boatman, who
agreed with me that the vessel would have to anchor, but where and how could
he find her in the fog? Possibly by the half hour striking of her bell. I then
told him I would give him five dollars if he would deliver the parcels on board
the vessel and bring me a receipt for them. He proceeded, and I iu the mean
while tried to forget my trouble until I could see him and learn the result of his
mission. About 11 p. m. I went to the slip and learned from him that the vessel
had not sailed, and received from him the required receipt.
"Ou my return to Washington on Tuesday morning the Secretary sent for me^
He met me with both hands extended, and in his peculiar voice, when he was
much interested, 'Where are the dispatches?' 'I delivered them on board the
vessel.' This was satisfactory. From the manner in which he asked I was con
fident the lieutenants had written him that they had not received them on Sunday-
"Now what the timely result was of the reception of one of the dispatches by
the Commandant at the Pacific Station, and what would have been the result
had he not received them at the very time he did, I leave you and some of your
acquaintances who were in or near San Francisco at the time of the arrival there
of the Pacific Squadron, to infer."

44 Life of Rear-Admiral John Dr.ake Sloat

CHAPTER V.
As a whole year is to elapse before the orders sent to Commodore
Sloat to be executed, it is well, perhaps, to take a cursory glance at the
condition of affairs in California at that time, and examine some points
which have been overlooked or intentionally omitted by other writers.
California by its isolation as a province of Mexico, remote from the
home government, separated by the vast sandy deserts of Arizona and
the peninsula of Lower California, was a terra incognita for several hun
dred years before the Franciscan Friars under the lead of Junipero
Serra, commenced their work of establishing missions in California for
the propagation of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Faith among the In
dians. The sword always accompanied the Cross from the time of the
Crusades and the sailing of Columbus from Palos in Spain, when he
landed for the first time on the shores of America when he had made
his great discover}'. The Franciscan Fathers were pious, devoted
men, faithful to their calling, true to their religion, circumspect in their
deportment, patient, persevering and inflexible in their purpose, to
which they had devoted their lives. Hospitable and kind in their
nature, polite and affable in their demeanor, and perfect gentlemen in
their intercourse with others.
They were architects and builders, as well as masters of trades;
agriculturalists, horticulturists, vineyardists, and raisers of horses,
cattle and sheep, and who made careful selections of the best breeds,
which thej' imported from their native country of Spain. They were
always accompanied by small numbers of troops for their protection, as
well as to secure willing or unwilling neophytes or converts to their
faith. It was often compulsory education, conversion and instruction,
in industrial pursuits, the mechanical arts, or on the ranches, in the
orchards and vineyards, where the Indians were made to work, receiv
ing a portion of the rewards of their own labors, and witnessing the
products of their own hands; but paramount to all this was the teaching
and indoctrinating the Indian mind and heart with the tenets of the
Holy Faith as far as their natures could absorb it. When persuasion
failed, military force was used or threatened, 'the wound made and the
salve applied. Thus barbarism was subdued, tribal relationship in
part destroyed, and civilization under ecclesiastical rule established,
peaceably if they could, but forcibly if they must.
The cuaitils or barracks for the troops were never separated from
the missions, but being close at hand thev- were ready for any emer
gency that might arise. The officers and men, like the Fathers, were

-••^¦^vfi-^-*^

SUTTER'S FORT, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA.
[From a sketch made by the Secretary, Edwin A. Sherman, on his first visit to it on July 2, 1849.]

TfS^?^! > '^ * \i i r ' -- ' ' > :*T' 'V " '-^

"^^^'¦^?:'!i2l

,^i^^^:

View of Sacramento City, as it Appeared During Inundation, January, 1850.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 45
chiefly from Old Spain, or of pure Spanish blood, and were permitted
to bring their families with them, those who were married. Missions
were established from San Diego on the south, and as far as Sonoma
on the north. They were generally located inland a short distance
from the coast, where they might not be disturbed by the contamina
tions of the marauding freebooters that swarmed along the more south
ern Spanish main. The missions flourished in what was comparatively
virgin soil. Their manufactures and products wonderfully increased,
while their horses and cattle numbered far into the thousands of each
mission. With this the families of the soldiers increased largely in
proportion, and extensive grants of lands were made to them, and stock
and supplies furnished at the beginning until they were no longer re
quired. They became a pastoral and agricultural people. The grants
were given them as so many leagues of large cattle {gatiado mayor),
meaning to convey the amount of land necessary for their grazing pur
poses. Literally, in plain English, it was movable real estate on the
hoof The increase of population, native and by immigration, required the
founding of a few pueblos, or towns, and two or three with the more
pretentious titles of cities. La Ciudad de nuestra Senora de los Angeles,
or the City of our Lady of the Angeles, or Los Angeles for short, and
Monterey, and San Diego, while the pueblos of San Jose, Branciforte,
or Santa Cruz, and Sonoma, at considerable distances apart, formed the
general centers of the not numerous population, who desired a civil
government. The condition of affairs in California was far different
from that of Texas. Trade with the outer world was encouraged to a
certain extent. The circulating medium ran at large, and when nec
essary for banking and commercial purposes, to be converted into
"California bank bills," the rawhide mint was set to work and the
dried skins of the slaughtered cattle and their tallow, became the ac
cepted currency ofthe commercial exchange in those early days.
New England merchant vessels were the principal carriers, while
their owners and supercargoes conducted the business of barter and
trade, of exchanging goods and "Yankee notions" for the hides and
furs offered by the native Californians. Contraband trade, caused by
the high tariff and excessive duties, was to a greater or lesser extent
practiced, and the evasion of complying with the laws of the customs,
amounting almost to confiscation by charges equal at times to the value
of the goods, made smuggling almost a virtue ex necessitate, and there
was no commercial dishonor attached to illicit trade. Many agents of
these enterprising New England and other American traders, as well
as some few Europeans, located, married into the Spanish families and
settled in California all along the coast, and financially bettered their

46 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
condition. They were married by the Fathers of the established re
ligion, and they and their children became thoroughly identified with
it. Commerce knows no religion, and at times is utterly without mor
als. If religion was for sale, and could be made useful and profitable
for trade, commerce would be the first to buy it. There is some con
science however, with the honorable merchant for he is frequently
called upon and contributes freely to its support. But in those early
days in California it was not necessary. The missions were wealthy
and prosperous, while the people of the towns and rancheros were
equally well to do.
Hon. Thomas O. Larkin, a merchant from Boston, who had settled
and gone into business at Monteiey, was made the first and only United
States Consul for California. He had married a lady of his own coun
try, the marriage ceremony being performed by J. C. Jones, United
States Consul from Honolulu, and onboard of an American vessel flying
the American flag. This he could not have done on shore, without
invasion ofthe civil and religious jurisdictions, and incurring hostility
and trouble.
But a change was gradualh' taking place in California; the missions
had been sequestrated by Mexico. A straggling immigration of hunt
ers, trappers and adventurers, coming overland, scattered themselves
at various points, and jealousy began to creep over the minds of the
native Californians. While they had two or three bloodless revolutions
of their own, they began to look with alarm at the appearance of what
they termed "the white Indians from over the Sierras." A scheme
was entered into and carried out in 1 840 by which the>' were entrapped
singly at a time, disarmed and confined in the "Black Hole" at Mon
terey and transported to San Bias and thence to the City of Mexico,
where they arrived in a most pitiable condition. There they received
relief from the American, British and other Ministers, and upon re
monstrance, were by the Central Government of Mexico, sent back to
California, but in a most impoverished and dilapidated state.
The arrival of John A. Sutter from New Mexico via the Columbia
river, Honolulu and Sitka, soon made a change of affairs on the north
ern frontiers, where he built a fort at Nueva Helvetia, near the conflu
ence of the Sacramento and American rivers. He became a naturalized
Mexican citizen, and by contract received grants of large tracts of land,
while he was to repel the Indians and establish colonies of emigrants to
act as a barrier and protection from invasion of the Indians of Northern
California and Oregon. The Mexican and California military authori
ties were becoming more jealous and greatly aroused against all further
comers both bj' sea and land, and the most stringent orders were given
to repel this gradual peaceful invasion.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 47
One year after the arrival of Captain John A. Sutter he was fol
lowed by an emigration from Missouri to the Columbia river, a few of
whom came down b>' sea on an English vessel as far as Fort Ross.
Among them was one man, who became identified with the history of
California, and whose name is given to one of the loftiest peaks in the
Sierra Nevada,
PETER LASSEN.
He was born August 7, 1800, in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he
learned the trade of blacksmith. In 1824 he came to Boston, Mass.,
and after several months' residence in Eastern cities, he removed to
Katesville, Missouri, where he followed his trade.
One year after. Captain John A. Sutter left Missouri for California,
overland, via Oregon, April i, 1838. Peter Lassen, early in 1839,
joined a company of twenty-seven men and two women (the latter the
wives of two missionaries), and followed Sutter to join him in Cali
fornia. They reached Oregon in September, 1839, where they remained
until Spring. In May, 1840, a vessel arrived with missionaries from
England, designing to touch at California on her return.
Mr. William Wiggins, late of Monterey (the narrator of this expe
dition), and his three companions from Missouri, among whom was
David D. Dutton, late of Vacaville, Cal., got on board. The vessel
put in at Bodega where the Russians were. The Mexican Commandante
sent a party of soldiers to prevent them from landing. At this crisis,
the Russian Governor ordered the Mexican soldiers to lea\-e or be shot
down. The}- then retired. Here our travelers were at a standstill,
with no means of proceeding on their journej', or of finding their
way out of, to them, an inhospitable country. They then penned the
following communication to the American Consul, then at Monterey :
"Port Bodega, July 25, 1840.
"To the American Consul of California :
"Dear Sir — We, the undersigned, citizens of the United States, being desirous
to land in the country, and having been refused a passport, and been opposed by
the Government, we write to you, Sir, for advice and claim your protection.
Being short of funds, we are not able to proceed farther on the ship. We have
concluded to land under the protection of the Russians. We will remain there
fifteen days, or until we receive an answer from you, which we hope wiU be as
soon as the circumstances will permit. We have been refused a passport from
General Vallejo. Our object is to get to the settlements, or to obtain a pass to
return to our own country.
"Should we receive no relief, we will take up our arms and travel; consider
ourselves in an enemy'' s country and defend ourselves with our guns.
"We subscribe ourselves, most respectfully, "David Dutton,
"John Stevens,
"Peter Lassen,
"Wm. Wiggins,
"J. Wright."

48 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
After remaining fifteen daj's at Bodega, they were enabled to reach
Yerba Buena (now San Francisco), from whence Peter Lassen went to
San Jose to winter, working at his trade. In the Spring of 1841, he
bought some land at Santa Cruz and built a sawmill, which he ran for
some time and then sold out for one hundred mules. In 1842, he drove
them up near Sutter's Fort and ranched them, while he worked at his
trade for Sutter, taking his pay in stock. In 1843, John Bidwell, Peter
Lassen and James Burheim pursued a party bound for Oregon as far as
Red Bluff, and recovered some stolen animals. Bidwell mapped the
Sacramento Valley and named the streams.
From a map made by Bidwell, Peter Lassen applied to Governor
Micheltorena for a grant of land, which he afterwards obtained. He
selected his grant on Deer Creek (in which is now Tehama County),
and started to go there in December, 1844, but did not reach there
until February, 1845, having encamped at the Butte Mountains.
This was the first settlement north of Cordua (now Marysville^i.
Here on "Las,sen's Ranch" he commenced to lay out a town which he
called "Benton City." From this point Fremont started for Oregon in
the spring of 1846, and Peter Lassen with Samuel Neal and some others
guided Lieutenant Gillespie of the U. S. Navy, a few days later in
search of Fremont and overtook him on that memorable night on the
banks of the Kalamath, which we shall briefly refer to hereafter.
California, like a ship, was gradually drifting towards a tumultuous
ocean on shifting tides. Capt. Sutter and other naturalized foreigners
of the countr>- who had received grants from the Mexican government
allied themseh-es with Governor Micheltorena who, with his troops,
had come to California and whose presence with the native Californians
had become distasteful, found himself confronted on a bloodless battle
field by the natives of the country, surrendered and by the terms
granted, embarked with his Mexican troops aboard ship and returned
to Mexico for more active and decisive service there. The naturalized
foreigners on both sides found themselves arra3'ed against each other,
and mutuallj' came to the conclusion that if there was to be any blood
shed that they themseh^es would be chiefly the ones to suffer, and be
played off against each other. The peaceful war being over they
wisely returned to their homes to wait for the next move on the Cali
fornia chess-board.
The appearance of Capt. John C. Fremont with his exploring expe
dition ajid his difficulties with General Jose Castro only served to in
flame the minds of the Californians and arouse the hostile feeling
against him and his little party of explorers to the highest pitch, and
General Castro threatened to attack him and drive him out of the
countr^^ His knowledge of what had transpired on the plains of

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 49
Texas, the Massacres of Goliad and the Alamo, he probably con
sidered the Spanish-California character to be of the same bloodthirsty
spirit as those of Santa Ana and his army under him and he determined
to take no chances. He entrenched himself on Gabilan Peak, raised
the American flag over his camp, and prepared to receive enemies. For
this act he has been held up to ridicule by some modern writers and
critics and so-called historians. It, however, was a wise measure of
precaution and he would ha\-e justly been held to blame if he had been
attacked and had made no preparation to receive it. When he got
ready he resumed his tour, and slowly proceeded on his way to Sutter's
Fort, the upper Sacramento Valley and Oregon and from there to return
home. The American immigrants and settlers who for several 5^ears had oc
cupied the northern valleys of California congregated chiefly at Sutter' s
Fort and a number near Yount's in Napa Valley. Others were scat
tered throughout the towns and settlements along the Coast, where
their countrymen had married and were' comfortably settled. In the
meantime a Roman Catholic Priest, Father Eugene MacNamara, in the
City of Mexico, encouraged bj' the English Minister and capitalists,
with a free pass to go and come on aiij' British man-of-war, was con
tracting with the Mexican Go-^-ernment for a grant of land in California
around the Bay of San Francisco of several hundred leagues upon
which to establish a large colony of his coun try njen, promising to bring
at once two thousand families, and of which Fremont in his "Memoirs"
says: "In his application he represented that his enterprise had in view three things:
first, to advance Catholicism; second, to promote the interests of his countrymen;
and third, to place an impediment in the way of the spread of an irreligious and
anti-Catholic nation ''
He finally asked for all the country between the San Joaquin River
and the Sierra Nevada and urgently desired immediate action by the
President of Mexico. But further reference to this will be made here
after. Whether true or false, nevertheless they were believed to be true,
that the military authorities by orders received, were going to drive all
the Americans out of CaUfornia; and many having their families, and
knowing the cruelties practiced on the American settlers in Texas, be
gan to prepare for their defense. While generally speaking, the native
Spanish-California people of pure blood, were kindly and peaceably dis
posed, yet the hands that had been trained for many years to the
slaughtering of cattle by the thousands at their Matanzas simply for
their hides and tallow, if once raised in warfare, how far could they be
restrained when once blood began to flow when they should become

50 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
the victors. The better class might deprecate it, and do their best to
prevent unnecessary bloodshed; but the half-blooded mixed with the
ferocitj' and cruelty of the Indian race could not so be held back in the
case of victory and it would have been a massacre, as on the plains of
Texas. General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo in command at Sonoma, was a
broad-minded and progressive man: a thorough soldier, a statesman
and a perfect gentleman, who desired the advancement of California
among the civilized states of the world, and he would ne\'er ha-^-e been
guilt}' of or sanctioned any such atrocities. Of him we shall make
mention farther on.
While there is a storm gathering in California, let us examine the
condition of affairs elsewhere.
The Democratic Part)' had been triumphant in the Presidential Elec
tion of 1844, and Texas had been^ annexed by a Joint Resolution of Con
gress, and signed as the last official act of President John Tyler, leaving
to the incoming administration of James K. Polk of Tennessee, the new
President, to open and examine a Pandora's box which came with an
nexation. In that the Southern \viiig of the Democratic Party acquired
new territor)' for the extension of negro slavery' and additional politi
cal power. The Northern wing of the Democratic Party was animated
by "Southern principles," and only waited the pretext of war with
Mexico which was threatened, to recoup the balance of power by the ac
quisition of California and other territory when the time should be op
portune for siezing it. The premature action of Commodore Thomas
Ap Catesby Jones in taking possession of Monterey in October, 1842
under the administration of President John Tyler, disclosed the intent
of the U. S. Government at that time to prevent its falling into the
hands of England, who stood ready to receive it in pa^'ment of the fifty
millions of dollars debt owed b}' Mexico to English capitalists.
Mexico was in revolution and aflame, and became united in common
sentiment against the United States b>' reason of the act of annexation
and the disputed southern boundary of Texas, and was preparing for
war on both accounts. It was scarcely three months from the inaugu
ration of President Polk -^vhen the orders referred to were sent to Com
modore .John D. Sloat, the narration of which we resume in the next
chapter.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 51

CHAPTER YI.
The Orders from Hon. George Bancroft, Secretary of the
Navy to Commodore John Drake 'Sloat,
Comm.\nding Pacific Squadron.
On June 24., 1845, ^^^ despatches, in duplicate, containing the
orders from the Hon. George Bancroft, Secretary ' of the Navy, were
placed in the hands of Mr. HasweU, of the Navy, to be delivered on
board of the -^'essel at Norfolk, as has already been stated. Those in
the hands of Lieutenant Watson, U. S. Navy, were delivered to Com
modore Sloat at Honolulu on October 2, 1845, he having arrived at
that port on the American ship "Leland." [Wm. P. Toler, Aid de
Camp to Commodore Sloat in his log of the U. S. Frigate "Savannah."]
(copy)
"(Secret and confidential.)
"U. S. Navy Department,
"Washington, June 24, 1845.
"Commodore John D. Sloat, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces in tlie Pacific.
"Sir: Your attention is still particularly directed to the present aspect of the
relations between this country and Mexico. It is the earnest desire ofthe Presi
dent to pursue the policy of peace, and he is anxious that you and every part of
your Squadron should be assiduously careful to avoid any act which could be
construed as an act of aggression.
"Should Mexico, however, be resolutely bent on hostilities, you will be mind
ful to protect the persons and interests of citizens of the United States near your
station; and should you ascertain beyond a doubt, that tJie Mexican Government
has declared war against us, you will at once employ the force under your com
mand to the best advantage. The Mexican ports ou the Pacific are said to be
open and defenseless. If you ascertain with certainty that Mexico has declared
war against the United States, you will at once possess yourself of the port of San
Francisco and blockade or occupy such other ports as your force -may permit.
"Yet, even if you should find yourself called upon by the cer
tainty OF AN EXPRESS DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST THE UNITED STATES
TO OCCUPY San Francisco and other Mexican ports, you will be care
ful TO preserve, if possible, the most friendly relations with the
inhabitants, and where YOU CAN DO SO, YOU WILL ENCOURAGE THEM TO
ADOPT A COURSE OF NEUTRALITY.
"Should you fall in with the Squadron under Commodore Parker, you will
signify to him the wish ofthe Department that, if the state of his vessels will ad
mit of it, he should remain off the coast of Mexico until our relations with that
power are more definitely adjusted; and you will take directions from him as
senior officer, communicating to him these instructions.
"The great distance of your Squadron and the difficulty of communicating with
you, are ihe causes for issuing tliis order. The President hopes most earnestly

52 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
that the peace of the two countries may not be disturbed. The object of these
instructions is to possess you ofthe desire of the Government in the event of a
declaration of war on the part of Mexico against the United States — an event
which you are enjoined to do everything, consistent with the national honor on
your part to avoid.
"Should Commodore Parker prefer to return to the UnitedStates, he has per
mission from the Department to do so. In that event you will command the
united Squadron. Very respectfully your obedient servant,
George Bancroft."
Never before in the history of our own country (or of any other
that we ever heard of) where an officer of either the Army or Navy
was placed in such a critical and delicate position where the entire
responsibility of the war-making power of the Government was shifted
and placed upon the shoulders of a subordinate. To take the chances
of making war upon a people by invasion in force, and at the same
time to cultivate friendly relationship with them; take their country,
haul down their national flag and force another upon them; to change
the language, customs and laws as the result of hostile, forcible occu
pation which were destined to follow, and obliterate their native patriot
ism and transfer it to the conqueror — such was the difficult task
assigned to Commodore Sloat, in which he was to take the initiative;
and that, too, upon the chance of uncertainty of the intelligence as to
hostilities having been commenced • fully fifteen hundred miles away
near the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, when neither telegraphs nor
railroads existed to convey the news even through a hostile country.
And yet in case of failure to make war peaceably, Commodore Sloat
was liable to censure, deprivation of command and commission. How
faithfully he executed his orders to the verj^ letter, the following ac
count will show; and as our readers pursue this narrative to the end,
compare the result with the log of the "Savannah" and the official
report of Commodore Sloat, and see how faithfully, skilfully and accu
rately he performed this most difficult duty.
George Bancroft, as Secretary of War, designated Commodore Sloat
to act as a second William the Conqueror, who is said to have pro
claimed to the English when he invaded Great Britain, "I have come
for your good, yes, for all of your goods." He reminds us of the Irish
soldier during the Mexican War, who was given a camp-kettle to go
and get some water. When passing in front of one of the field-pieces
belonging to Duncan's Light Battery, he stopped and held out the
camp-kettle, and said to the Sergeant behind the gun, ' ' 7'oi<ch her of
aisy while I catch the ball!" So Commodore Sloat was to follow a simi
lar course, that Bancroft might, through force, obtain quiet, peaceable
possession of California, and hold it as an act of war without any con
flict whatever.

JOHN C. FREMONT
' 'The Pathfinder"
(Copy from a picture loaned by his widow, Mrs. Jessie Benton Fremont.)
Captain U. S. Army, commanding Exploring Expedition, 1845-46.
Colonel U. S. Army, commanding Battalion in California, 1846-47.
First U. S Senator from California in 1850-51-52.
First Pre'-idential Candidate ofthe Republican Party in 1856.
Major-General U. S Volunteers in the War for the Preservation of the Union in 1861-65.
[Extract from Commodore Sloat's Report]
"On hip arrival there (Mission of San Juan) Mr. Fauntleroy found that the place had been taken possession of
an hour or two previous by Captain Fremont, with whom he returned to Monterey on the 19th." (July, 1S46.)
"At the time of my leaving Monterey, the United States were in quiet possession of all 'Alta Caliiornia' north
of Santa Barbara."
"The 'Cyane' sailed for San Diego on the 26th,. to carry down Captain Fremont with about 150 riflemen (Ameri
cans), to take possession there, and to cut off General Castro's retreat to Lower California or Mexico."— E. A. S.

GENERAL MARIANO GUADALUPE VALLEJO.
The First Mayor of Sonoma, in 1851-52-53.
Member of the First Constitutional Convention of California, in September, 1849.
State Senator ofthe First Legislature of California, in 1850.
A true patriot and gentleman, aud a public-spirited and progressive man. His death was a great loss to thi
people of his native State of California, and his birthday will always be celebrated on the Anniversary ofthe Rais
ing of the American Flag in California. A joyful Coincidence.

Life of Rear-Admirai. John Drake Sloat 53
But we will resume the narrative.
Commodore Sloat, remained ten days in Honolulu, taking in
supplies and water and doing such necessary' repairs and refitting as
were required. In the meantime the British vessel of war "Frolic"
came in and anchored in the inner harbor.
"On October 12, 1845 tbe U. S. Frigate "Savannah" got underway; Lieutenant
Watson took passage in the ship and Commodore Sloat sailed for Mazatlan,
Mexico, where he arrived after the very long passage of thirty-seven days, on
November 18, 1845 and saluted the Mexifcan flag which was duly returned."
Here he was destined to wait for seven and a half long months in a
sickly harbor with the Flagship "Savannah" while the other vessels of
his Squadron were flitting hither and thither, watching the movements
of those of the British fleet under Admiral Seymour with his Flagship
"Collingwood" of eighty guns, constantly coming and going between
Mazatlan, California, and other Mexican ports.
While at Mazatlan during his long waiting. Commodore Sloat be
came greath' enfeebled in health and a considerable number of the crew
were on the sick list, unfit for duty and even the wooden stocks of the
anchors became rotten and worm eaten by the teredo and had to be re
placed by new ones.
Lieutenant Archibald Gillespie, of the U. S. Marine Corps, who
had left Washington about the same time that Commodore Sloat ar
rived at Mazatlan from Honolulu, had crossed Mexico and reached
Mazatlan in February, 1846. He was the bearer of oral secret de
spatches to Captain John C. Fremont, then in command of an explor
ing expedition on the Pacific Coast. He had despatches also for
Thomas O. Larkin, U. S. Consul at Monterey. He was sent forward
by Commodore Sloat in the Sloop-of-war "Cyane," and arriving at
Monterey April 17, 1846, where he delivered his despatches to Consul
Larkin and continued on his way to overtake Fremont, who had
reached Klamath Lake, in Southern Oregon. Peter Lassen was one of his
guides, he having entertained Fremont and his party at his rancho on
Deer Creek, upon which he had laid out the prospective town of Ben
ton, then in the grass, and named for Colonel Thomas H. Benton, U.
S. Senator from Missouri and who was Fremont's father-in-law, who
did not give him Jessie, but she did.
It is proper at this point to refer to the late
GENERAL MARIANO GUADALUPE VALLEJO.
In the early Spanish settlement of California, to encourage the
young people to marry and establish homes, the Government donated
grants of land, horses, cattle and other domestic animals, together with
seed — corn, barley and wheat, as well as other supplies, to those who

54 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
would avail themselves of the offer. Among these there was a young
couple who had married and embraced the opportunity by locating a
small rancho in what is now a portion of San Luis Obispo county, and
had resided upon it for nearly a year after their marriage.
At this time a young Spanish officer was sent as a 'courier from the
Mission of San Diego to deliver messages at the various missions as far
north as San Jose. The missions and ranchos were far apart, and he
was compelled to seek hospitality for himself and horse at any place
when night overtook him. After a very long hard day's ride he ar
rived at the little rancho where this young couple had located nearly a
year before. Here he met with a most hearty welcome from these
young settlers, and was hospitably entertained.
He, however, was awakened during the night by the young hus
band, who required his assistance, as there was about to be an increase
of the census in that family. This was a new and strange business for
the young officer, as it was to the rest, and he had to act the part of a
tenedor (or holder.) A baby girl was born to the parents that night,
and he took it, washed and dressed it while the husband attended to ¦
the young wife and mother. When she was ready to receive it, the
young officer gently placed it in its mother's arms, and taking it by its
little right hand, said, " I demand the hand of this Httle lady in mar
riage !" To this the parents gave their consent, and they were thus
betrothed that night. This is the earliest proposal of marriage or be
trothal on record.
The young officer continued his journey the next day, and until he
reached his destination and accomplished his mission. Purchasing a
few trinkets and gifts for his infant fiancee and her parents, he started
on his return, stopping over a day or two with this young family, and
then continued his journey to his station at the Mission of San Diego.
Some fourteen years afterwards he received orders to escort one of
the mission padres to one of the northern missions, and in doing so
both had to stop over night at the same little rancho; but there were
half a dozen more olive branches that had made their appearance in
that household. Seeing the oldest girl, the young officer stepped up to
her, put his arm around her waist and kissed her, saying, "You are
my wife, and I have brought the padre along with me to marry us. I
assisted at your birth, and your father and mother here then betrothed
you to me!" Pale, with strange emotions, she turned to her parents
and asked if it was true. They assured her that it was true, and they
were married that evening. The officer and padre resumed their
journey the next day, leaving the young bride with her parents. After
escorting the padre to his destination the officer returned and his young
bride accompanied him first to San Diego and other missions in that

Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 55
part of California, and thence to Monterey, where he was stationed,
and where on July 7, 1808, a male child was born of that romantic
marriage, and who was none other than General Mariano Guada
lupe Vallejo.
[This account we had from his own lips in 1851, at Sonoma, and it
will also be found over his own signature as Chairman of the Senate
Committee on Counties and County Boundaries in the California Senate
Journal of 1850-51.— E. A. S.J
He grew up to manhood in Monterey, and went to school to W. P.
Hartnell and Professor Aspiroz from Mexico, and received a compara
tive liberal education for those times. He was first appointed an
Ensign in the Mexican army, and was subsequently promoted re
spectively' to Lieutenant, Captain, Colonel, and finally to General.
When but a Cadet at sixteen years of age he was appointed Private
Secretary to the Mexican Governor of California, and while acting in
that capacity he drew up the articles of capitulation that acknowledged
the surrender of the Spanish forces to the Mexican Government. Upon
attaining his majority he was placed in command of the Presidio at
San Francisco, which position he creditably filled for five years, and
framed and organized the first town government of what is now the
metropolis of California. He was then ordered to escort a band of
colonists to a place on Mark West Creek, in what is now Sonoma
county; but they becoming turbulent and rebellious in 1835, he adroitly
escorted them back again. In 1836 Governor Chico, having been
deposed and banished from the countrj^ General Vallejo being popular
with the people, he was appointed Governor for the time being, which
office he accepted, but soon turned it over to Alvarado, he retaining
the control of the military forces as Commandante General. Two
years afterwards General Micheltoreno having arrived from Mexico to
assume the duties of Governor of Alta California, to which he had
been appointed by the Central Government, he appointed Vallejo
Military Governor of all the territory north of the Santa Inez Moun
tains. Immediately upon receiving this appointment he. General Val
lejo, established his headquarters in Sonoma Valley, laid ont the town
of Sonoma, building substantial barracks for a large garrison, with a
high tower several stories in height overlooking the whole valley,
besides durable buildings commodious with verandahs for the officers
and their families. Some few pieces of artillery and small arms for
several hundred men were at one time there kept for use, and to repel
attacks from the northern mountain Indians, as well as for defense
against the encroachments of the Russians on the coast at Fort Ross
and Bodega.
He was the Director of Colonization on the northern frontier, and

56 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
Sonoma was the first town laid out north of San Francisco. He was
an active, energetic and enterprising man. He sent to the City of
Mexico for a printing press and type which arrived in 1838, printed
addresses and pamphlets, himself setting the type, working the press,
and binding them with his own hands. He sent them throughout his
extensive jurisdiction. He filled Sonoma, Petaluma, Napa and other
large valleys with horses and cattle ofthe best breeds, and they roamed
over the hills in every direction by the thousands, and was creating a
principality on the northern shores of San Francisco, San Pablo and
Suisun Bays, and along the left bank of the lower Sacramento river.
Some few Americans and foreigners had at least made Sonoma a tem
porary sojourning place, and all were treated kindly and hospitably by
him, while officers of exploring expeditions, both American and Euro
pean, were ever welcome guests under his roof. In his intercourse
with them he was always affable and courteous, and by his genial de
meanor made every one feel at home; while by intercourse and conver
sation and newspapers received, he kept a close pace with what was
going on in the outside world, and being free from prejudice in a gen
eral sense, and patriotic to the core as a Californian, he was ardent in
his desire that his native province should advance to the highest
state of impro^'ement and be abreast in the front rank of other
countries. He advi.sed Captain John A. Sutter to remain neutraV when the
revolutionists, under his nephews Alvarado and Castro, with the rest
of the people of California, arose and forced the Mexican Governor,
General Micheltoreno, and his troops, to leave the country. Failing
to profit by his advice, Sutter came very near to sharing the same fate;
but was with his men paroled and returned to his fort at Nueva Helve
tia, with loss of prestige and fame up to that date. Himself being an
appointee of Governor Micheltoreno, and holding a military command
under him, with the danger of everything at Sonoma being turned into
chaos bj' anj' changes which might take place, his policy for safety to
the whole northern region of California was to hold everything in
abeyance, and in this General Vallejo acted wisely.
In April, 1846, the Departmental Junta of California was convened
at Monterey, and a majorit}^ of the members were disposed to throw off
all allegiance to the Mexican Government and place the country in the
hands of either England or France. Nothing at that time could have
suited Mexico better, for thus she would have paid the English debt
she owed of fiftj^ millions of dollars. The speeches that were made by
those favoring the movement were ardent and intense, and evidenced a
personal, selfish interest which had been fostered and encouraged by
British agents, including the Irish priest, Eugene McNamara, who had

Life of Rear-.^dmiral John Drake Sloat 57
been landed at Santa Barbara from the British frigate "Juno" a short
time before.
At this crisis, the liberal, broad-minded, sterling republican, liberty-
loving patriot that he was. General \"allejo, arose and delivered a most
powerful, argumentative and eloquent speech, worthy of an American
statesman, from which we take the following extract:
"I cannot," said he, "coincide with the military and civil functionaries who
have advocated the cession of our country to France and England. * * * We
possess a noble country, in every way calculated, from position and resources, to.
become great and' powerful. For that very reason, I would not have her a mere
dependency upon a foreign monarchy, naturally alien, or at least indifferent to
our interests aud our welfare. * * * How could we endure to come under the
dominion of a monarchy? Although others speak lightly of such a form of gov
ernment, as a free man I cannot do so. * * * Why should we shrink from
incorporating ourselves with the happiest and freest nation in the world? Why
should we go abroad for protection, when this great nation is our neighbor ?
Wheu we join our fortunes to hers, we shall not become subjects, but fellow-
citizens, possessing all the rights of the people of the United States, and choos
ing our own local and federal rulers. California will grow strong and flourish;
and her people will be happy aud free and prosperous. Look not, therefore, with
jealous eye upon the hardy pioneers who scale our mountains and cultivate our
unoccupied plains; but rather welcome them as brothers, who come to share with
us a common destiny."
Such were the true sentiments which animated General Vallejo then
so eloquently and forcibly expressed, and if opportunit}' had been pre
sented, he would have taken the field to have prevented California from
being betrayed and sold into the hands of an European power at all
hazards. While this work was going on in the Departmental Junta, Lieuten
ant Archibald Gillespie, with secret despatches for Consul Larkin and
Fremont (rolled in a bunch of cigarettes while he crossed Mexico),
arrived at Monterey in the U. S. Sloop-of-war "Cyane," having been
sent forward by Commodore Sloat from Mazatlan, as alreadj- stated.
At this juncture. General Vallejo quietly confirmed his opinions by his
acts at this most critical moment, seeing that matters were rapidly ap
proaching a crisis, and we here give the following extract from a letter
received from the Hon. William M. Boggs, dated Napa, August 5,
1 901, which gives information which has never before appeared in
print: "Major Gillespie, the officer and bearer of the verbal orders for Fremont, and
who went north to briug Fremont back to California, spent several weeks at my
house in Sonoma in after years, and he gave me the particulars of his journey to
overtake Fremont, then on his way north with bis exploring party. And (general
Vallejo, who was in Monterey at the time of Major Gillespie's arrival, told me
how he aided Major Gillespie to go on this journey. He said Gillespie did not
inform him of his real object in going after Fremont; but that he had letters

58 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
from Colonel Fremont's wife that he was anxious to deliver; and that he. General
Vallejo, gave Gillespie a letter to Mrs. Vallejo at Sonoma, to furnish Gillespie a
horse and saddle and one Indian guide to accompany him; and Gillespie went by
way of Sonoma, and was provided for by Mrs. Vallejo, as the General directed;
and Gillespie got one or two men in the Sacramento Valley, perhaps at Sutter's
Fort, and went after Fremont and overtook him somewhere near the Klamath
River, aud they also had a fight with the Klamath River Indians, and had one
man killed or dangerously wounded. * * * Why was Major Gillespie, bearer
of verbal orders to Fremont, sent by the U. S. Government, the sense of which
none knew? But Thos. O. Larkin, U. S. Consiil at Monterey, was made acquainted
with the real object of Gillespie's orders, which were secret orders for Fremont
alone, acting under the advice of Thos. O. Larkin, U. S. Consul. He accepted
General Vallejo's oflFer to furnish him with the means of reaching Fremont.
"The General told me that he thought it very strange that the U. S. Govern
ment would send one of its oflficers all the way from Washington with a private
letter from Mrs. Fremont; but he kept his suspicions to himself. Gillespie, on
reaching the head of the Sacramento, was taken ill, and sent his guide forward
with a letter to Fremont to return immediately, as he had important information
for him from Washington. Fremont obeyed and returned and received from
Gillespie orders to put himself and party at some convenient place where he
could cooperate with the Naval forces as soon as they arrived on the Coast."
It will thus be seen that General Vallejo quickly saw through this
disguise, and penetrated the object, anticipating what was to .shortly
happen by the American occupation. He remained at Monterej- but
a short time, and returned to Sonoma to await events which he ex
pected to occur. The movements of General Castro and his forces
preparatory to threatened hostile action against the American settlers,
precipitated a new state of affairs altogether unlooked for by anj^one at
that time.
General Vallejo's sentiments were not known to the Americans, but
few of whom either understood or spoke the Spanish language, and all
officers under the Mexican flag they regarded as being alike. The
orders of Santa Ana were still in force ' ' to drive the Americans out of
California, and to .shoot every man who crossed the Sierra Nevada into
California with arms in his hands." They knew what Governor
Alvarado and his Government had done in 1840, in capturing Graham
and other Americans singly and imprisoning them in the Black Hole
at ]\Ionterey, confiscating their arms and property and sending them
manacled in irons to San Bias, and they looked upon the whole Spanish-
California race to be equally as treacherous as the Mexicans of the Rio
Grande who committed the atrocities and massacres in Texas, and
they were determined to take no chances.
The short-lived Bear Flag Revolution, on June 14, 1846, suddenly
sprang into existence, and the surprise and capture of General Vallejo,
and staff, and delivering them over as prisoners of war to Fremont in
the Sacramento Valley, where they were imprisoned in Sutter's Fort,

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 59
while Fremont and party, with the Americans who had joined him,
absorbed the Bear Flag Republic while he recruited his forces without
any direct authority and awaited the naval operations to take place on
the coast, when he could join his forces to those of Commodore Sloat
and aid in holding possession of California, as will be seen in the fol
lowing pages.
We shall again refer to General Vallejo in further chapters.
We will now return to Commodore Sloat at Mazatlan.
It will be proper here, to quote from the log of the flagship "Sa
vannah" kept by Midshipman William P. Toler, aide-de-camp, and
signed by Commodore Sloat himself, and now in possession of Mr. Toler' s
widow at Oakland, Cal., who has kindly permitted us to copy the fol
lowing extracts:
April 2, 1846. "Portsmouth" went to sea.
April 6. "Collingwood" came in and was saluted.
April 16. Sent boats and of&cers to remove a Mexican brig that had anchored
too near us.
April 17 and i8. Caulking quarter-deck.
April 19. The Governor of Mazatlan aud suite visited the ships and was saluted
¦with 15 guns.
At II A. M., H. B. M. Brigantine "Spy" came in and anchored. She is of
a uew class of vessels, mounts 3 medium 22's on pivots, and said to be up
wards of 300 tons.
April 22. Exchanged some marines with the "Constitution."
April 23.'' "Constitution" sailed for home.
April 25. Observed nearly total eclipse of the sun.
April 30. U.S. S. "Cyane" came in and anchored.
May I. U. S. S. "Warren" sailed for San Bias.
May 4. H. B. M. Ship "Juno," 26 guns, arrived from Callao.
May 6. Commodore Sloat visited the "Juno" and was saluted with 13 guns.
May 12. The "Juno" went to sea (for Monterey).
May 13. H. B. M. 8o-gun Ship "Collingwood" went to sea.
May 14. U. S. S. "Warren" arrived. Received from "Warren" 7,182 lbs. of
sugar, bought at San Bias, at ten cents per lb.
May 19. Received from "Warren" $9,000 in specie; and from the "Erie," 131
shovels and 15 axes, the same that were brought by Commodore Jones for
Monterey.
May 20. The "Levant" and "Erie" went to sea bound for the Sandwich Islands.
May 22. H. B. M. Ship "Collingwood" arrived from Pichilingues. Unmoored
an4 hove in, to 45 fathoms.
May 23. Received $35,000 in Purser's Dept.
May 24. Hoisted an English flag on the fore, and fired a salute of 21 guns, in
res.pect to the anniversary of Queen Victoria's birthday.
May 25. Got under way and stood about two miles to Land S.W. Came to, in
17 fathoms. "Collingwood" went to sea.
May 28. "Frolic" arrived.
June I. During the day, light variable airs and clear pleasant weather. Bent
all the stunsails, also tbe guarantent sheet cable. Hoisted in 3d cutter.
Ran up and secured the Quarter Boat. At 4:15, called all hands, hove up the

6o Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
anchor. Made sail to royals aud stood W.S.W. Set stunsails at 7, took
them in and braced up. At 8, extreme end of Crestou Cove bore by com
pass N.E. by E. The center of the Tenedor Isles N. % W. Punished 4
men for different offenses.
June 2. During the day, the ist part moderate and clear; ends vpith light air and
calms. Rove new main topmast backstay falls. Unbent mainsail for
repairs and rebent it.
At sunset, Creston bore per compass E.N.E. and about 15 miles; tacked
as per log. At da5'light, Creston in sight.
June 3. Wind light and weather pleasant. At sunset, land in sight abaft the
beam. At 9 A. M., all hands having been called to witness punishment, the
finding of the Court-martial in the case of  was read, and sentenced
him "to be hung by the neck until he was dead," — but the Commo'dore, in
consideration of his youth, and being satisfied that the prisoner was not
aware of the magnitude of his offense, commuted the puuishment to 100
lashes, which he received on his bare back. [Flogging was the lawful pun
ishment in those days in the U. S. and other Navies — E. A. S.]
June 4. Light breezes and pleasant. At 1:30, laud on lee bow Unbent spanker
for repairs, bent new ones. At 8 P. M., hove to with main-yard sail to the
mast. At 8 A. M., Creston bore per compass N.N.E. % E. At 4, made sail
to royal. At 12, standing in for the anchorage of Mazatlan.
June 5. Wind light from westward and pleasant. Standing in. exchanged sig
nals with the "Warren." At 1:20, came to with starboard anchor in 17
fathoms of water. Veered to 80 fathoms chain. Extreme bluff of Creston
bore W. by N. with Creston N.E. ]/¦!. N. Received water per 3d cutter.
Saturday, June 6, 1846. First part, wind light from W. and pleasant; latterly,
cloudy with wind from S.E. Got chain ready for slipping. Received water
per 2d cutter.
Sunday, June 7, 1846. Variable wjnds and pleasant.
fl^° H. B. M. Brigantine "Spy" went to sea.
At 10 A. M., read the Articles of War. Mustered crew. Performed
Divine service.
Monday, June 8, 1846. Winds light and variable. Received water per 3d cutter.
t^" Hoisted her in. Ends with light winds from W. Clear and pleasant
weather.
June 16. Carpenters re-stocked the anchors. The worms at Mazatlan had made
them rotten.
Alidshipman Toler' s log was closed at sea off the coast of California,
on June 27, 1846, by direction of Commodore Sloat who affixed his
signature to it. and Toler was assigned to more important duties as
will be found later on. Commodore Sloat having received reliable
news on June 7th of the actual existence of war between Mexico and
the United States, sailed the next day in obedience to his orders.
The log of the Flagship "Savannah," kept by Lieutenants W. F.
De Jongh, George Miner, J. B. Carter, R. F. Pinkney and R. S. Tra-
pier, coincide with Toler' s up to the time he entered upon other duties,
of writing proclamations in Spanish and English, preparatory to the
taking possession of California by Commodore Sloat at Monterey.

View^ of the North and West sides of the Old Custom House at Monterey, California, with the same staff upon which Com
modore John D. Sloat raised the .'i.merican Flag, July yth, 1846, when he took possession of California. [The two persons at the
corner are Capt. Thomas G. Lambert and his wife, who were the custodians of it and occupied it over twenty years.]

view ot the East side of the Old Custom House at Monterey, where Commodcre Sloat's torces landed and took possession,
July 7th,, 1S46.

THE OLD CUSTO:\I HOUSE AT MONTEREY.
There is no historic building in the United States arouud which cluster memories of inci.
dents ofthe past more interesting thau this homely pile of whitwashed dried mud or adobe, now
in a state of rapid decay for the want of proper care and protection. It was erected by the
Spanish Government in the early part of the last century and served for all government purposes,
executive, administrative, legislative, judicial aud military. Upon the successful revolution for
Mexican Independence, in 1820-3, it was turned over to the representatives of the Mexican Gov
ernment who at once occupied it. Beneath its tiled roof the Junta or Departmental Legislature
met and made local laws like a Board of Supervisors. Here the Collector of Customs gathered
in both imported goods and revenue, enforcing the provisions of a tariff amounting usually to
not less than half their value nearly equivalent to a confiscation of the whole; hence smuggling
was considered by the merchant as no crime, if he was not caught at it, while a greased palm,
with yellow eye salve had a wonderful effect in reducing the revenue which the Central Govern
ment of Mexico expected but scarcely ever received. Here the Governors revolved in office and
issued their orders while undisturbed or able to enforce them. Here the £'.f/!'^rfz>«/M or land
grants were made aud issued, both genuine and fraudulent, which took the U. S. Land Com
mission years afterward to decide upon, impoverishing their owners by costly and protracted
litigation. The Old Custom House was also a magazine for ammunition and war material. Courts were
held in it while it served also for military purposes. Balls and dancing parties would frequently
occupy the Appraisers' Department, while four footed as well as two footed burros made the old
adobe walls ring and the tiles overhead shake with the vibration of their vocal chords and set
their ears to oscillating continuously. On the 7th of July, 1846, it came into the possession of
the United States during the war with Mexico, when Commodore John Drake Sloat ofthe U. S.
Navy landed his forces aud hoisted the American Flag upon the self-same pole from which has
floated the flags of three nations, viz.: Spanish, Mexican and American, with no danger that the
latter will ever give way to another. Fremont, Mason and Riley occupied it in turn as Military
Governor until California became a State. Beneath its tiled roof the family of Jonathan Wright,
one of Fremont's men found a dwelling place for a time when their daughter Dolly was born and
who on January 2nd, 1902, having married, had the pleasure of assisting her little son to raise
the American Flag over her birth place, while her sister Ruth was also born at Monterey in the
first brick house ever erected in California.
For over twenty-five years Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, a pioneer and Master Mariner, was
its Custodian, until it passed into other hands, and he kept it in good order at his own expense.
He still holds court in one end of it as Justice of the Peace and ties mated couples together with
the bands of the law binding them over to keep the peace.
To preserve this old landmark of three nations we say "Esto Perpetua." ^-"Enviin/i A.
Sherman.

Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 6i
We shall revert to the log kept by these officers later on, and will
not anticipate, but return to Mazatlan to take up the narrative of events
which guided Commodore Sloat in his mo-\'ements shortly prior to his
leaving that port, upon his all-important mission.
He was watched by the British fleet, and the Brigantine "Spy," the
tender of Admiral Sej^mour's Flagship "Collingwood" was true to her
name and constantly on the alert. It was a naval game of chess, with
the Pacific Ocean for a chessboard, or a sailing problem of trigonometry
with the base extending from Mazatlan to Honolulu, with Monterey,
California the apex of the triangle and the objective point to be reached
by the British fleet and the American squadron.
We will close this chapter here, and open the next.

62 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat

CHAPTER VII.
After Lieutenant Gillespie had been sent to Monterey on the Sloop-
of-war "Cvane" as bearer of despatches, a constant state of watchful
ness was kept up bj^ Commodore Sloat to catch the first reliable news
of a declaration of war between the United States and Mexico. Hon.
George Bancroft, Secretary of the U. S. Navy, and Acting Secretary of
War, at the same time, was almost in a state of frenz>' of impatience,
sending out orders to Commodore Sloat, who never recei\-ed them, and
who was profoundly ignorant of the state of affairs at Washington; and
he had no other guide for his actions than the instructions issued on
June 24, 1845, promulgated nearly a year before and delivered to him
in the harbor of Honolulu by Lieutenant Watson, bearer of despatches
on October 2, 1845. Commodore Sloat was in no manner possible, re
sponsible for the non-compliance of orders which he never received and
knew nothing of. He followed the only instructions as issued June 24,
1845, 3S stated.
It was while in this state of anxious uncertainty that Fleet Surgeon
William Maxwell Wood offered his services for a most perilous mission
to obtain news of a definite character for Commodore Sloat. He asked
and obtained permission from Commodore Sloat to return to the United
States through Mexico and at the same time was made a secret bearer
of despatches, traveling in the garb of a civilian with his uniform at the
bottom of his luggage. In his narrati\-e of his trip (furnished us by
his son, the Hon. C. E. S. Wood of Portland, Oregon) he says:
"The British squadron, headed by Admiral Seymour's ship, the 'Collingwood,'
followed our squaaron in all its movements, and the British authorities had
arranged a system of couriers from Tampico on the Atlantic to Mazatlan on the
Pacific, by which their squadron had the earliest and most reliable information as
to important events. Our Government had taken no such precautions.
"Meeting Sir Thomas Thompson, the Commander of the British frigate
'Talbot,' in the streets of Mazatlan, on the morning following a rumor of war
between the United States aud Mexico, I mentioned the rumor to him. He
remarked there was no truth in it, and that I might be assured that when the
war did occur, he would receive the first intelligence of it. An assurance unhap
pily too true.
"The circumstances which enabled me to defeat these plans, and the conse
quences which might have resulted from their success, were gratifying. In this
state of intense anxiety and great uncertainty, rumors were constantly reaching
us of the existence of war. It will be seen how difl&cult it was to estimate the
value of these rumors, when, in the case of war, the information must reach us
through an enemy's country, and through the channels of our competitors, where
there were so many channels of groundless reports, and so many interests in
deceiving us, and the value of trustworthy information, may be estimated from
the serious consequences of either hasty or delayed action.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 63
"At this juncture. Commodore Sloat, wishing to send despatches to the Gov
ernment, aud hoping that my journey through Mexico might be made tributary
to our interests in case of war, gave nie permission to return and placed in my
charge his despatches. * * * With these despatches, and the information con
fided to me, on the ist of May, 1846, I left the port of San Bias, in company with
Mr. Parrott, U. S. Consul at Mazatlan, who was returning to the United States in
greatly impaired health.
"We had penetrated five days' jouruey on horseback into Mexico, when, at
the City of Guadalajara, we accideutally heard a company of Mexican officers
reading an account of the capture of Thornton's Dragoons by Mexican troops on
the Rio Grande, and procured a Mexican newspaper with the account of the
affair." [We here interrupt this narrative to remark that nearly the whole of
the Northern Army of Mexico ha(J crossed the Rio Grande to make a re
connoisance in force, and had captured Captain Thornton and his
squadron of two companies of dragoons on the 24th of April, 1846, the
news of which at that time on Mexican soil, was eleven days in 1 caching
Guadalajara on May 3, 1846. This without a formal declaration of
war. — E. A. S.]
" * * * I therefore wrote Commodore Sloat a letter, assuring him of the
occurrence of hostilities, aud sending him a translation of the account contained
in the Mexican paper. Mr. Parrott, from his long-established commercial rela
tions with Guadalajara, found an opportunity of expressing my letter to the
Commodore. "Immediately upon my arri-/al at the City of Mexico, I was startled and
shocked by hearing the newsboys crying through the streets, 'Grand victory over
the North Americans!' but from extraordinary circumstances, not necessary nor
proper to be narrated, I received the same night, in my own room at the hotel,
from a trusted friend of Toruel, the Minister of War, an exact account of the
dismay in the Mexican Cabinet, and learned of the overwhelming victories of
my life-long friend. General Taylor, and that the choice regiment of the City of
Mexico had been annihilated. Tnese discussions of the Mexican Cabinet I
received every night during my week's stay in the City. All this information I
a^ain sent to the Commanding Officer of the Pacific Squadron, signing my name
by an easily understood hieroglyphic, and sending it through the Mexican mail,
under cover to the subject of a neutral power." [Note. — This was not through
Parrott, the U. S. Consul.— E. A. S.]
We will here also note that the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de
la Palma were fought on the 8th and 9th of May, 1846, respectively,
without a formal declaration of war b}^ either nation, and the ports of
Mexico on the Gulf of Mexico and on the Pacific were not blockaded.
There were no telegraph lines to communicate information in Mexico
from the northern frontier of that countrj^ or from the Pacific. It must
have taken at least a week of hard riding on horseback or diligence
from Guadalajara to the City of Mexico for Surgeon Wood to have
reached there, and an equal length of time for the news of those battles
on the Rio Grande to have reached the Capital. Consequently, it must

64 Life of Rear-Admirl John Drake Sloat
at least have been between the i6th and 20th of May, 1846, when he
arrived at the City of Mexico, and at the same time the news of the
battles of the 8th and gth of May, 1846, also reached there. [Having
crossed that country on horseback from Tampico to gan Luis Patosi,
to Guadalajara, thence to Tepic and Mazatlan in 1849, we write from
personal knowledge of that countr\' at that time and the means of con
veying intelligence. — E. A. S.J
Surgeon Wood remained in the City of Mexico not less than a week,
and gathered full information, which he sent to Commodoie Sloat via
Guadalajara, who received it on the 7th of June following, and which
must have been ten or twelve days on the route from the time it left
the City of Mexico. Surgeon Wood, continuing in plain dress, ancl
passing for an Englishman at the City of Mexico, inspected and made
a report on the Castle of Chapultepec, and while making his observa
tions had some brusque words with a German who was an artillery
officer in the Mexican army, who was completely bluffed by Surgeon
Wood's manner, who acted the part of a John Bull completely, and
was successful in his object. Continuing still in disguise, after a week
or ten days stay in the City of Mexico, he proceeded on his journey to
Vera Cruz, running great risk of capture and assassination; but through
the courtesy of the commander of a neutral man-of-war, was put on
board the flagship ofthe American Commodore commanding the block
ading squadron of the Gulf, where his information was deemed of such
great importance as to warrant the detaching of one of the minor ves
sels of the blockading squadron to carry him to Washington as speedily
as possible. During his whole journey in Mexico he was carefully taking notes
of its condition and resources, and bore upon his person not only what
he had written, but also despatches from Commodore Sloat to the Sec
retary of the Navy, and a letter, concluding in effect, "Dr. Wood is
also the bearer of more important and confidential communications
which I have not thought wise to commit to paper." This letter i-s
still in the Nav}' archives at Washington.
If there was ever a braver, more daring, more skillful, patriotic
scout, voluntarily risking his life to die by the rope and hanged as a
spy if captured than Surgeon WilUam Maxwell Wood, history has not
recorded it. We shall recur to him again later on.
The United States Government had not declared war, and it was
not until the news of the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma,
fought on the 8th and 9th of May, 1846, had been received at Wash
ington that President Polk sent a special message to Congress announc
ing that "a state of war existed between Mexico and the United States,
and that two battles had been fought. ' ' Congress being in session on

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 65
May 13, 1S46, reiterated the same in a formal declaration of war. It
should have done so two weeks earlier, upon the receipt of the news of
the capture of Captain Thornton and his squadron of dragoons by the
Mexican army; but it delayed action, apparently waiting for bigger
game, and more completely to rally the people to the support of the
Government and the Administration.
The uncertainty of newspaper reports in Mexico, which were con
trolled by the Mexican Government, and rumors only, which Commo
dore Sloat had received from time to time, prior to the first news re
ceived by him from Dr. Wood at Guadalajara, and properly writing for
more reliable information, at the same time watching the" British Ad
miral's movements, as being the best indication that a state of war ex
isted if the " Collingwood" sailed.
The British Admiral was pursuing the same line of action in regard
to reliable news of the declaration of war, and of organized hostilities
having actually commenced betvveen the two countries, and possessing
through British sources already mentioned by Dr. Wood, the best
means of learning the actual truth.
We here give the following copies of the correspondence of Commo-
rhore John Drake Sloat, Dr. William Maxwell Wood, and Lieutenant
George Minor, as kindly furnished us by Lion. C. E. S. Wood, of Port
land, Oregon, the son of the late Surgeon- General William Maxwell
Wood, of the U. S. Navy. (copy) Washington, D. C,  , 1871.

To  :  .•
The following letters — one from Commodore Sloat, the Commanding Officer
of the Pacific Squadron, at the commencement of the war with Mexico, the
other from Lieutenant Minor, ofthe flagship — testify to my agency in facilitating
the prompt acquisition of California. This kind of testimony could be greatly
multiplied, but as it would only add to the bulk of this document without giving
any greater certainty to the facts, which speak for themselves, I append no more
than these two letters, from the only officers known to me to be accessible at the
time: LETTER OF COMMODORE SLOAT.
"New York, 20th March, 1855.
"My Dear Sir: I received your favor of the 14th inst. this morning. I am
most happy to acknowledge the very important services you rendered the Gov
ernment and the Squadron in the Pacific under my command at the breaking out
of the war with Mexico. The information you furnished me at Mazatlan from
the City of Mexico, via Guadalajara (at the risk of your life), was the only relia
ble information I received of that event, and which induced me to proceed imme
diately to California, and upon my own responsibility to take possession of that
country, which I did on the 7th of July, 1846. -
"I have always considered the performance of your journey through Mexico,,
at that time, as an extraordinary feat, requiring great courage, presence of mind

66 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
and address. How you escaped from the heart of an enemy's country, aud such
a people, has always been a wonder to me, and has been so characterized by me
upon all occasions. "Very truly your friend, "Signed: John D. Si,oat.
"Dr Wm. Maxweli, Wood, U. S. Navy.''
LETTER OF LIEUTENANT MINOR.
"Washington, May 3d, 1855.
"Dear Doctor: I have a very distinct recollection of the events alluded to
iu your note. I should be oblivious, indeed, if I should have forgotten them, for
upon the information received from you, in your perilous journey through Mex
ico, important events took place — events which resulted in the conquest and
occupation of Upper California.
"I remember that most of our Pacific Squadron had been lying in the Port of
Mazatlan, from November, 1845, nntil May, 1846, when you took your departure
as 'bearer of despatches' from Commodore Sloat to our Government. For a long
time we had received no news from home, and although we inferred from Mexi
can papers, as well as from conversation with British Officers, that our relations
with Mexico were in an unsettled state, but few of us thought at the time of your
departure that hostilities were to be apprehended. Our naval force then at
Mazatlan consisted of the flagship, the 'Savannah' frigate, the sloops 'Cyane,'
'Levant' and 'Warren,' theschooner 'Shark,' aud store ship 'Erie.' The Squadron
was in fine order, aud in a high state of discipline.
"The first information received from you was from the large city of Guadalajara.
It was of a nature to impress us with the belief that war was inevitable, if it did
not already actually exist. Of course, your despatch created an excitement in
the Squadron proportioned to its importance. All hands were zealous and act
ively employed in getting ready for sea, that a whole or a portion of the Squadron
might depart at a moment's notice. The 'Cyane' and 'Levant' went to sea, and
although at the time we were ignorant of their destination, we subsequently
found them at Monterey, in Upper California.
"The next news that we received from you was from the City of Mexico, and
it was all-important. It was the first tidings we had received of actual warfare
existing between the two countiies. You informed us of the battles of Palo Alto
and Resaca de la Palma, and of General Taylor's operations on the Rio Grande.
"Of course, this information, coming as it did from an official source, deter
mined our movements. It was the fiist upon which we acted, and which resulted
in the occupation of California.
"The result proves that it was most fortuate that you were sent at that junc
ture through Mexico, but yoii traveled at no small risk. You were in the heart
of an enemy's country aud capital, with despatches upon your person. If you
were to be arrested, as you were liable to be at any moment, and your mission
found out, there is every reason to believe that you would have been severely
treated. "Your escape was one of those fortunate events that are remarkable, because
of their rare occurrence. 1 hope you may never have to go through such another
ordeal; and I hope you may receive from your country the merit aud reward for
that. "I am yours, very truly,
"(Signed): George Minor, Lieutenant.
"Dr. W. MaxweivL Wood, U. S. Navy."

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 67
statement of dr. william maxwell wood.
"The following is a narrative ofthe circumstances which enabled me to render
the services testified to in the foregoing letters :
"Having held the position of Fleet Surgeou in the Pacific Squadron, I was
doing duty iu that Squadron in the spring of 1846, at which time there were
threatenings of hostilities between the United States and Great Britain. To un.
derstand properly my subsequent position and action, it will be necessary to pre
mise certain circumstances, the relevancy and importance of which will after
wards be apparent.
"We were cruising on the coast of one of the nations with which we might at
auy moment be at war, and we were watched and surrounded by the powerful
squadron of the other. Hence, the threatenings of disturbance were naturally
the subject of much and anxious conversation among us. I was of those who
did not believe in the probabilities of actual war, but had faith in the adjustments
of diplomacy, aud my opinions were known to the commanding officer of our
naval forces.
"It must be borne in mind that, at that time, there were none of the present
facilities of communication between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Mexico.
There were no steamers running to the north of Panama; and the western coast
of Mexico and the coast of California were lonely wastes.
"It will also be remembered, that Com. Ap Catesby Jones had, upon what he
thought sufficient grounds, previously invaded and occupied California, but the
action having been premature, had involved that officer and the country in diffi
culty. Such a result was well calculated to make any subsequent Commander
cautious as to his movements, and at a time when an hour's delay might change
the fortunes of a world. "Various reports were current as to the intentions of the
British Government in the event of war between the United States and Mexico.
One was, that California was to be transferred to the British Government under
a mortgage, to secure the British creditors of Mexico.
"The British Squadron, headed by Admiral Seymour's ship, the 'Colling
wood,' followed our Squadron in all its movements, and the British authorities
had arranged a system of couriers from Tampico, on the Atlantic, to Mazatlan,
on the Pacific, by which their Squadron had the earliest and most reliable in
formation as to important events. Our Government had taken no such precau
tions. Meeting Sir Thomas Thompson, the Commander of the British frigate
'Talbot,' in the streets of Mazatlan, on the morning following a rumor of war
between the United States and Mexico, I mentioned the rumor to him. He re
marked there was no truth iu it, and that I might be assured that when the war
did occur, he would receive the first intelligence of it. An assurance unhappily
too true.
'•The circumstances which enabled me to defeat these weJl-laid plans, and the
consequences which might have resulted from their success, were gratifying. In
this state of intense anxiety and great uncertainty, rumors were constantly ¦
reaching us of the existence of war. It will be seen how difficult it was to 'esti
mate the value of these rumors, when, in the case of war, the information must
reach us through an enemy's country, and through the channels of our competi
tors, where there were so many sources of groundless reports, and so many inter
ests in deceiving us, and the value of trustworthy information may be estimated
from the serious consequences of either hasty or delayed action.
"At this juncture. Commodore Sloat, wishing to send despatches to the Gov
ernment, and hoping that my journey through Mexico might be made tributary

68 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
to our interests in case of war, gave me permission to return, and placed in my
charge his despatches, from which the following is an extract:
Extract of a Despatch from Commodore J. D. Sloat, Commanding U.
S. Pacific Squadron, Addressed to the Hon. George Bancroft,
Secretary of the Navy, and Dated
" 'No. 47. Flagship 'Savannah,'
" 'Mazatlan, April 30, 1846.
" 'Sir: I forward this by Dr. Wm. M. Wood, to whom I have given permis
sion to return to the United States, at his own request. He came out as Fleet
Surgeon of this Squadron, and some time since was superseded by Dr. Chase.
Dr. Wood is a gentleman of observation and intelligence, speaks and reads the
Spanish language, aud will, in passing across the country, undoubtedly acquire
very valuable information for the 'Government; aud I refer the Department to
him for information I have communicated to him verbally, which I did not think
safe to trust in my tetters across this country.
" 'I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obt. servant,
"'(Signed): John D. SloaT.'
"With these despatches and the information confided to me, on the first of
May, 1846, I left the port of San Bias, in company with Mr. Parrott, U. S. Consul
at Mazatlan, who was returning to the United States in greatly impaired health.
"We had penetrated five days' journey on horseback into Mexico, when, at
the city of Guadalajara, we accidentally heard a company of Mexican officers, in
an adjoining room, reading an account ofthe capture of Thornton's Dragoons by
Mexican troops, on the Rio Grande, and procured a Mexican newspaper with the
account of the affair. This startling intelligence placed me in a new and respon
sible position. Belonging to a military service of a nation with which Mexico
was now at war, and bearing despatches and information to their enemies, my
discovery in the heart of their country would have justly involved the forfeit of
my life. The extract above given from the despatches of Commodore Sloat,
would have been more than a sufficient condemnation.
"Such a risk could only be avoided by surrendering myself to the authorities
of the Department in which I then was; but this involved the suppression of the
despatches and information in my charge, and which were of importance to my
Government, and could not, therefore, be thought of. Taking into consideration
all the circumstances enumerated at the opening of this narrative, my mind was
impressed with the great importance of conveying to the Commander of our
naval forces in the Pacific the earliest and most reliable intelligence of the exist
ing hostilities. From the doubts I had always expressed of the probabilities of
war, my assurance as to its existence would be the more conclusive to the mind
of the Commander-in-Chief.
"My resolve was to pursue my journey at all hazards to myself; to send the
necessary intelligence to the Pacific, and to make my position as useful as possi
ble to my country, in the progress of the war. I, therefore, wrote Commodore
Sloat a letter, assuring him of the occurrence of hostilities, and sending him a
translation of the account contained in the Mexican paper. Mr. Parrott, from
his long-established commercial relations with Guadalajara, found an opportunity
of expressing my letter to the Commodore.
"Immediately upon my arrival in the City of Mexico, I was startled and
shocked by hearing the newsboys crying through the streets, 'Grand victory over
the North Americans!' but from extraordinary circumstances, not necessary nor

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 69
proper to be narrated, I received the same night, in my own room at the hotel,
from a trusted friend of Tornel, the Minister of War, an exact account of the
dismay in the Mexican Cabinet, and learned of the overwhelming victories of
my life-long friend. General Taylor, in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la
Palma, and that the choice regiment of the City of Mexico had been annihilated.
These discussions of the Mexican Cabinet I received every night during my
week's stay in the City. All this information I again sent to the Commanding
Officer of the Pacific Squadron, signing my letter by an easily-understood hiero
glyphic, and sending it through the Mexican mail under cover to the subject of
a neutral power. During my stay in the City of Mexico, I explored the castle of
Chapultepec; and here, through the persistent questionings of a German officer
in the Mexican service, found it very difficult to evade discovery, but fortunately,
without any violation of veracity, did so.
"Believing that the chances of arrest or of assassination were very great be
tween the Cities of Mexico and Vera Cruz, and wishing to adopt some means of
conveying at least a portion of the information iu my possession to the Govern
ment, I wrote, in the City of Mexico, a report to the Secretary of the Navy, in
which I informed him of my position and the eff'orts I was making to place my
self at the disposition of the Department, and communicating such results of my
observation as I thought ought to be in possession of the Government. This
report I enclosed to a friendly German house in Vera Cruz, with instructions to
forward by any available means, to a private citizen in the United States, for the
Navy Department, in case it was not called for within a certain number of days.
"Having had the good fortune to reach Vera Cruz in safety, I resumed pos
session of my report, and by the courtesy of a naval Commander of a neutral
power, I was conveyed in one of his boats to the flagship of our blockading
Squadron, and sent immediately by the Commodore to the United States.
"The service here stated was rendered from that natural sense of duty and
devotion to the interests of one's country which is common to all; and, therefore,
it did not occur to me to make at the time any claim for even complimentary
acknowledgment. But as is well known, and as is stated in the letter of the
Chairman of the Senate Naval Committee, every known act of service in the
Mexican War was so liberally and honorably recognized, that an entire omission
of services rendered in so important a connection as the acquisition of California
implies neglect or discredit.
"My course in the emergency was taken voluntarily, upon my own judgment
and responsibility, and had not an opportunity for that official recognition which
would have followed from its compelled performance under special orders. That
by my own volition it placed my life at hazard, aud that it secured to the Repub
lic the imperial State of California, are evident facts, the value of which it is for
others to determine.
"After the lapse of some years, it was the judgment of my friends and my
self, that it was due not only to myself, but to the authorities of the Couutry, to
make the facts known to them. They were, therefore, communicated to Mr.
Mallory, then Chairman ofthe Senate Naval Committee, and from him I received
promptly a letter, from which the following is an extract:
Extract from Letter from Hon. S. R. Mallory, Chairman of the
Committee of Naval Affairs, United States Senate,
Dated August 29, 1855.
" 'Every intelligent mind must at once appreciate the importance of the ser
vice which you have rendered the country and your personal hazard in traveling

70 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
through the heart of the enemy's country, communicating with your military
superior, and furnishing him with the sole and otherwise unattainable informa
tion npon which he based the acquisition of California.
"'The importance of this acquisition can best be estimated by asking our
selves what would have been our national position in the Pacific, and upou our
Oregon frontier, had Great Britain instead of ourselves acquired permanent pos
session of it? I have always contended that its acquisition constitutes one of the
Navy's strongest claims upon the gratitude and fostering hand of the nation, and
this chapter in its history, furnished by your own service, but strengthens this
conviction. But how are you to be rewarded for it? That is the question.
Swords and brevets were scattered without number upon many who rendered far
less service. I cannot, at this moment, make any distinct suggestion to you as
to your mode of proceeding, to obtain that to which I deem you honorably enti
tled by a national recognition by some substantial token of your valuable ser
vices; but I can promise you my aid, whatever it may be worth, in the attainment
of such recognition.'
"Notwithstanding the earnestness of the letter, the subject was never brought
to the attention of Congress, and nothing more was done in the matter. Con
stant official occupation since, greatly absorbing events, absence on foreign sta
tions, service in the Chinese war, and that of the Rebellion, have left me neither
the desire nor the opportunity to renew the statement until now. Should those
with whom the judgment rests think the service rendered worthy of any recogni
tion, there now occurs au opportunity of making it of great practical advantage
to me, and of no cost to the country; hence, I lay the facts before you.
"Very respectfully, "William Maxwell Wood,
"Surgeon-General U. S. Navy."
Mexico had no navy at that time, and California was safe to us,
excepting from the British squadron under Admiral Seymour. The
sloops of war "Portsmouth," "Cyane" and the "Levant," of Com
modore Sloat's squadron, were already in California waters, or at
anchor in the ports of San Francisco and Monterey, carefully guarding
the coveted prize.
The manifestation of the hostile sentiments of the Mexican people,
and with the information that he had already received, as Midshipman
Toler informed us, he had about determined to proceed ; and on the 7th
of June, 1846, he took his gig and went on shore at Mazatlan to learn
the very latest news. Leaving his boat's crew in charge of his aide-de
camp, WilHam P. Toler, our informant, he paid a last visit to the
American Consulate, learned by the last letter received from Dr. Wood
of the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, and that Vera Cruz
and other ports on the Gulf of Mexico were blockaded. This was the
absolute information beyond a doubt; in accordance with his instruc
tions that he had long been waiting for, in order to be certain that he
was right, and not too hasty, like his predecessor. Commodore Jones,
in his action.
Says Toler, his aide-de-camp: "Commodore Sloat returned to his

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 71
boat and gave orders to 'shove off,' while a grim smile oxerspread his
countenance, and he indicated to him that the hour had come for
action. On reaching the deck of the 'Savannah' he retired to his
cabin, but soon the entire ship's crew were humming like a hive of
bees. ' It was quickly observed that the British tender, the brigantine
'Spy,' was heaving up anchor, shaking out her sails and getting under
way sailed across the bow of the 'Savannah,' and spreading all her
sails, was steering south to convey information to the British Admiral
Se3rmour, who was with the British line of battleship 'Collingwood,'
at San Bias, nearly one hundred miles further south and nearer to di
rect communication with the City of Mexico and where he could obtain
three days later news.
"After taking on more water, on June 8, 1846, Commodore Sloat,
leaving the sloop of war 'Warren' behind at Mazatlan to bring him
later news and despatches, gave the final orders, and the frigate 'Sa
vannah,' the greyhound and fastest sailing vessel of war then in the
world, was soon under a cloud of canvas and sailing at full speed for
Montere}^ where she arrived on the 2d of July, 1846, in just twenty-
four days, where she found the 'Cyane' and the 'Levant' sloops of
war at anchor in the harbor awaiting his arrival."
We now quote from the log of the "Savannah," as kept bj^ Lieu
tenants J. B Carter and R. S. Trapier, and give also the statements of
Midshipman William P. Toler, Commodore Sloat's aide-de-camp, trans
lator and interpreter, which we took down from his own lips:
LOG OF THE SAVANNAH.
July 2, 1846, commences with moderate breezes and pleasant. Standing in for
the anchorage of the town of Monterey, made and reduced sails as necessary.
R. S. Trapier.
From 4 to 6 moderate breezes and pleasant. Standing in the bay of Mon
terey. At 4 p. M. let go starboard anchor in nine fathoms of water with sixty
fathoms of cable. Point Pinos bearing per compass, N. W. by N. Custom
House S. S. W. Church S. by E. J. B. Carter.
From 8 to meridian, light breezes from Sd. and Wd. and pleasant. Made sig
nal to the 'Levant," 894; hoisted out the ist, 2d and 3d cutters. The Consul
visited the ship.
We will just here suspend the reading of the log and examine the
situation. First observing, however, that Commodore Sloat anchored
the ' 'Savannah' ' where he had full view of Point Pinos and the whole
of Monterey Bay to the open sea, as well as covering the fort on the
hill above the Custom House to the northwest, and the town of Mon
terey itself, as well as all the approaches from the seaward. He thus
guarded the prize, which lay there before him, and no enemy from any
direction could take it from him.
He had received no later orders from the United States Government

72 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
whatever, and he was governed by those of June 24, 1845 (which were
now over a year old), for his guidance. He found upon his arrival a
different state of affairs from what he expected, and instead of every
thing being peaceful, as set forth in his orders, the whole of Northern
California was in ferment, revolutionary and belligerent. American
immigrants for self-protection had banded together, proclaimed the
California Republic, hoisted the Bear Flag at Sonoma, captured Gen
eral M. G. Vallejo, Captain Salvador Vallejo, his brother, Lieutenant-
Colonel Victor Prudhomme, a Frenchman of the Mexican Army, and
Jacob P. Leese, an American, but the brother-in-law of General Val
lejo, and delivered them over to Captain John C. Fremont, of the
United States Army, in command of a scientific exploring expedition,
who continued to hold General \'allejo and his companions as prisoners
at Sutter's Fort, and uniting with the Bear Flag revolters and other
Americans who had joined him, was prepared to make war on his own
account. This was done in expectancy of a war between the United
States and Mexico, from tbe information which he had received from
Lieutenant Gillespie, who had been sent to California by Commodore
Sloat several months before, as heretofore mentioned.
Evidently it was intended to raise the question, "Who captured
California?" The Bear Flag party began it. Fremont intended to
claim it as an officer of the United States Army by being the first in
the field, and where the first fighting, if any, was to be done.
The horrible murder of Cowie and Fowler, near where Santa Rosa
now stands, had still further inflamed the Americans in Northern Cali
fornia. The men under Juan Padilla had captured these men, tied
them to trees, shot and mutilated them, and while yet alive had thrust
their knives through the lower jaws of their prisoners, passed their
riatas through the holes made, and mounting their horses took turns
with them around the horns of their saddles, and spurring their horses,
literally tore the jaws away from their dying victims. Their bodies
were buried by Moses Carson. This example of cruelty, of what they
might expect, compelled the American immigrants to rally for mutual
protection and support, and Fremont was hailed as a representative of
the American (Government and leader in advance; and he had no diffi
culty in obtaining recruits, who flocked to his camp and were ready to
promptly obey his commands whatever they might be. It was the
cruelty of PadiUa's men, in the Santa Rosa Valley, which was of like
character with that of the atrocities committed in Texas, that made
Fremont harsh and severe in keeping General Vallejo and his com
panions in prison so long at Sutter's Fort, when he should have re
leased him at once on parole, for he was a true gentleman and a soldier

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 73
of honor, as well as being friendly disposed to the American Govern
ment. But California was now in arms. The proclamations prepared at
sea a few days before by Midshipman Toler, had to be destroyed and
new ones made out in English and Spanish in duplicate for Mon
terey, San Jose, San Francisco and other places. In this, Consul
Thomas O. Larkin gave his assistance.
The Mexican General, Jose Castro, had a small force but numbers
unknown in the vicinity of Monterej^ to co-operate with the British
fleet if necessary. There were some heavy guns as well as culebrinas
or little rattlesnakes, as they were termed in the Castilla or fort upon
the hill, and the redoubt which was located where the granite statue of
Junipero Serra, the Pioneer F'ranciscan Missionary, now stands. A
good many years before, the fire from these forts destroyed and sank
t-wo Spanish insurgent men-of-war which came to attack and raid the
town of Monterey. These forts might still be used against Commodore
Sloat's Squadron by a brave and determined enemy, if sufficient in
numbers and supplied with equipment and ammunition. This he was
aware of and was prepared for it as he knew what had been done in
18 18, when the guns from the fort sank two vessels of war manned by
Spanish insurgents from South America.
The few Americans on shore were impatient in their critical position.
It was desired by them to have the place taken and the American flag
hoisted on July 4th, the National Independence Day. The condition
of the country having changed, when military operations on land and
sea with a plan of campaign marked out, to secure and occupy the
prominent places in California, peaceably if possible, or by the conflict
of arms if necessary. The matter of the ' 'Raising of the Flag," though
of the greatest national importance in itself, when done, required that
almost simultaneous action should be done elsewhere in California as
well, with all the dignity, pomp and circumstance appropriate to such
an undertaking. With one eye on the sea to watch for the arrival of
the British fleet and the other on the land, he prepared his plans like a
skilful general and acted with cool discretion and deliberation accord
ingly, and in strict conformity with his orders.
There was no hesitation or wavering about performing his duty,
whatever. He had no knowledge of a formal declaration of war be
tween the United States and Mexico, which was made nineteen days
after the capture of Captain Thornton and his dragoons, and four days
after the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. All the infor
mation had, was recceived through Mexican sources from Surgeon Wm.
Maxwell Wood, at the City of Mexico, via Guadalajara, and that the
ports in the Gulf of Mexico were blockaded by an American Squadron.

74 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
His own act was to be an independent one of itself in making war
in the name of the Government of the United States with the remote
possibility of it being disavowed and apologized for, as it had been in
the case of his predecessor, Commodore Jones, on October 19, 1.842,
and whose aide-de-camp, Wm. P. Toler, was his, also, at this time.
The proclamations were now ready and full preparations had been
made for tbe great act in the drama to be performed. He was ardently
anxious to do his whole duty and that nothing should be left undone,
and on the night of the 6th of July, 1846, Commodore Sloat .sent by
a trusty courier the following despatch to Captain John B. Montgom
ery, commanding the Sloop-of-war "Portsmouth," at San Francisco,
and a copj^ sent by a boat at the same time:
"I have determined to hoist the flag of the United States at this place to-mor
row, as I would prefer being sacrificed for doing too much than too little. If you
consider you have sufficient force, or if Fremont will join you, you will hoist the
flag at Yerba Buena, or at any other proper place, and take possession of the fort
and that portion ofthe country."
There was no hesitation or wavering in that despatch. But let us
now take up the log of the "Savannah" again. That tells the straight
story. LOG OF THE "SAVANNAH" (Continued).
Monterey, July 6, 1846. From 8 to meridian, a moderate breeze from the Wd. and
pleasant. At^g, inspected the crew at quarters. Hoisted out the launch
and stuck an 18 lb. carronade into her. R. S. TrapiER.
Monterey, Julj' 7, 1846. From 4 to 8 A. m., light airs from the Nd. and Wd. and
pleasant. Made signal 894 to the "Cyane." At 7:30 a. m.. Captain Mer
vine left the ship to demand of the military commandant the surrender of
the Town of Monterey, forthwith, with the forts, military posts and sta
tions under his command, together with all troops, arms, munitions of
war, aud public property of every description under his control and juris
diction in California. R. S. Trapier.
From 8 to meridian, light breezes from the Sd. and Wd. and pleasant.
At 9:10, called all hands to muster and read the following general order:
General Order.
Flagship Savannah, 7th July, 1846.
We are about to land on the territory of Mexico, with whom the UnitedStates
is at war; to strike their flag and hoist our own, in the place of it, is our duty.
It is not only our duty to take California, but to preserve it afterwards, as a part
of the United States, at all hazards. To accomplish this, it is of the first impor
tance to cultivate the good opinion of the inhabitants whom we must reconcile.
I scarcely consider it necessary for me to caution American seamen and marines
against the detestable crime of plundering and maltreating unoffending inhabi
tants. That no one may misunderstand his duty, the following regulations must
be strictly adhered to, as no violation can hope to escape the severest punish
ment: ist. On landing, no man is to leave the shore, until the commanding officer
gives the order to march.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 75
2d. No gun is to be fired, or other act of hostility committed, without express
orders from the officer commanding the party.
3d. The officers and boat-keepers will keep their respective boats as close to
the shore as they will safely float, taking care that they do not lay aground, and
remain iu them prepared to defend themselves against attack, and attentively
watch for signals from the ship as well as from the party on shore.
4th. No man is to quit the ranks, or to enter auy house for any pretense
whatever, without express orders from an officer. Let every man avoid insult or
offense to any unoffending inhabitants, and especially avoid the eternal disgrace,
which would be attached to our names and our country name, by indignity
offered to a single female, even let ber standing be however low it may.
^th. Plunder of every kind is strictly forbidden, for the plundering of the
smallest article from a prize forfeits all claim to prize money, and the offender
must expect to be severely punished.
6th. Finally, let me entreat you, one and all, not to tarnish our brightest
hopes of success, by any act that we shall be ashamed to acknowledge before
God and our Country. (Signed): John D. Sloat,
Commander-in Chief of the U. S. Naval Force in the Pacific Ocean.
At 9:30, Captain Mervine returned from shore with the reply from the
military commandant (Mariano Silva) that he was not authorized to deliver
up the place, having no orders to that eff'ect; but said the Commodore may
arrange with the Commanding General, to whom the communication will
be sent, which was delivered to me for him, the undersigned retiring and
leaving the town pacific and without a soldier. That there existed neither
public property nor warlike munitions.
At 9:,50, made general signal No. 134. At 10 A. M., an expedition, con
sisting of the boats of the Ships "Cyane" and "Levant," with about 85
marines and 140 sailors under the command of Captain Mervine, left this
ship. .At 10:20, lauded all the marines and a detachment of sailors at the
Custom House wharf, read a Proclamation from the Commander-in-Chief to
the inhabitants of California, and hoisted the American ensign on the
Custom House flagstaff. During the reading, the ship's conipany were
kept at their quarters, and on the hoisting of the ensign ashore, this ship
fired a salute of 21 guns. At 11, the boats returned to their respective
ships, leaving the marines in garrison in town.
"PROCLAMATION.
"To the Inhabitants of California.
"The Central Government of Mexico, having commenced hostilities against
the United States of America, by invading its territory and attacking the troops
of the United States, stationed on the north side of the Rio Grande, with a force
of seven thousand men, under the command of General Arista, which army was
totally destroyed, and all their artillery, baggage, etc., captured, on the eighth
and ninth of May last, by a force of two thousand three hundred men, under the
command of General Taylor, and the City of Matamoras taken and occupied by
the forces of the United States.
"The two nations being actually at war by this transaction, I shall hoist the
standard of the United States at Monterey immediately, and shall carry it
throughout California.
"I declare to the inhabitants of California, that, although in arms with a pow-

76 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
erful force, I do not come among them as an enemy to California, but, ou the
contrary, I come as their best friend, as henceforward, California will be a por
tion of the United States, and its peaceable inhabitants will enjoy the same rights
and privileges as the citizens of any other portion of that nation, with all the
rights and privileges they now enjoy, together with the privilege of choosing
their own magistrates and other ofiicers, for the administration of justice among
themselves; and the same protection will be extended to them as to any other
State of the Union.
"They will also enjoy a permanent Government, under which life, property,
and the Constitutional rights, and lawful security to worship the Creator in a
way most congenial to each one's sense of duty, will be secure; which, unfortu
nately, the Central Government of Mexico cannot afford them, destroyed as her
resources are by internal factions aud corrupt officers, who create constant revo
lutions to promote their own interests and oppress the people.
"Under the flag of the United States, California will be free from all such
troubles and expenses. Consequently, the country will rapidly advance and
fmprove, both in agriculture and commerce, as, of course, the revenue laws will
be the same in California as in all other parts of the United States, affording
them all manufactures and produce of the United States, free from any duty, and
all foreign goods, at one-quarter of the duty they now pay. A great increase in
the value of real estate and the products of California may reasonably be ex
pected. "With the great interest and kind feelings I know the Government and the
People of the United States possess toward the citizens of California, the country
cannot but improve more rapidly than any other on the continent of America.
"Such of the inhabitants of California, whether natives or foreigners, as may
not be disposed to accept the high privilege of citizenship, and to live peaceably
under the free Government of the United States, will be allowed time to dispose
of their property, and to remove out of the country, if they choose, without any
restriction, or to remain in it, observing strict neutrality.
"With full confidence iu the honor and integrity of the inhabtants of the
country, I invite the Judges, Alcaldes, and other civil officers, to retain their
offices, and to execute their functions as heretofore, that the public tranquility
may not be disturbed, at least, until the government of the territory can be more
definitely arranged.
"All persons holding titles of real estate, or in quiet possession of lands under
color of right, shall have their titles and rights guaranteed to them. All churches
and the property they contain, in possession of the clergy of California, shall
continue in the same rights and possession they now enjoy.
"All provisions and supplies of every kind, furnished by the inhabitants for
the use of the United States or troops, will be paid for at fair rates; and no pri
vate property will be taken for public use, without just compensation at the
moment. "John D. Sloat,
"Commander-in-Chief of the U. S. Naval Forces in the Pacific Ocean.
"United States Ship 'Savannah,'
"Harbor of Monterey, July 6, 1846."
Immediate possession was taken of the earthworks upon the hill
overlooking the harbor, some heavy guns were sent on shore and
placed in position, while a block-house of two low stories was con-

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 77
structed, pierced for cannon, and for loop-hole firing by musketry if
attacked. This was with entrenchments surrounding it named in
honor ofthe Captain ofthe "Savannah," "Fort Mervine." Itwas
constructed partially under the immediate supervision and commanded
by Midshipman Wm. P. Toler a portion of the time. {The remains of
the block-house are still to be seen, and were duly recognized by him,
and his work pointed out and described by himself to us in July, 1896.)
The marines took possession of and occupied the barracks, which
had been occupied by the garrison of General Castro's forces, which
had fled.
A Company of Dragoons was at once formed of Volunteers from
the naval vessels and the Americans on shore, to reconnoiter the coun
try and keep the communication open between Montere3r and San
Francisco, and prevent the people from being robbed. Horses and
equipments were purchased, and Purser D-. Fauntleroy appointed Cap
tain, and Passed Midshipman Louis McLaiie made First Lieutenant, of
this Naval Cavalry Compan}', an account of which is more fully de
scribed in Commodore Sloat's Official Report, as will be seen in the
succeeding pages.
But let us revert once more to the log of the ' 'Savannah. ' '
Monterey, July 15, 1846. At 9:30 A. M., called all hands and read the following
General Order:
General Order:
The Commander in-Chief has the satisfaction to announce to the Officers,.
Seamen and Marines under his command, that he has received official informa
tion that the F'lag of the United States is now flying at Yerba Buena, Sutter's
Fort on the Sacramento, Saucelito, Sonoma and Bodega, and that the forces of
the United States have quiet possession of the magnificent Bay of San Francisco
and all the country within one hundred miles around, to the manifest satisfaction
of the inhabitants, many of whom have enrolled themselves under our Flag and
Officers for its protection.
In taking possession of these places, many fine pieces of brass ordnance have
been acquired. "
He congratulates each one under his command, that it has fallen to his lot to
have participated in the honor and glory of placing the Country under the Flag
of the United States, and in a position to be governed by their equitable and
impartial laws. (Signed): John D. SloaT,
Commauder-in-Chief of the United States Naval Forces in the Pacific Ocean.
Flagship, Bay of Monterey, July 14, 1846.
Says E. K. Raisson, Superintendent of Naval War Records, in his
letter to us dated Washington City, D. C, August 14, 1901:
"The logs of the 'Cyane' and 'Levant' give no reports in any way reflecting
upon Commodore Sloat. They are, except for the difference in name of the ship
and officers in command and signing the log, almost exactly like the log of the

78 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
'Savannah.' The log of the 'Cyane' gives the General Orders in full, while that
of the 'Levant' mentions the fact that such orders were read at general muster."
Thus it will be seen that in just twelve days' time from the drop
ping of his anchor in the harbor of Monterey, he was preparing his Gen
eral Orders of Congratulation to those under his command of what had
been achieved, in the faithful carrying out of his orders and plan of
action, and that, too, without a single drop of bloodshed, and he had
faithfully obeyed his instructions to the ver}- letter. There was no
rival Naval Officer to divide the honors of this triumphant, peaceful
conquest with him. It was all his own, as Commander-in-Chief, and
proclaimed before any other Naval \'essel of War either from his own
or from a foreign Countr}- appeared in sight.
It was all over with, and his plans for the interior of California were
being made, when the frigate "Congress" with Commodore Stockton
arrived in the afternoon of July 15, 1846, who reported for duty to
Commodore Sloat, and was assigned to duty on shore.
On July 16, 1846, fully two weeks after Commodore Sloat had
anchored in the harbor of Monterey, the British line-of-battleship
"Collingwood" of 80 guns, under Admiral Seymour, came in and
anchored, and remained a whole week, taking observations and taking
notes. If he had manifested hostile intentions, there were two crack
frigates and two sloops-of-war of the American Navy carrying half as
many guns more than the British line-of-battleship, besides those at
"Fort Mervine" upon the hill, able to direct a plunging fire upon his
decks. Said Mr. William P. Toler, the Midshipman and aide-de-camp of
Commodore Sloat, in his account given to us at the time of the raising
of the flag at Monterey, and the events which immediately followed:
He acted as Signal Officer on shore, the Quartermaster carrying
the flag rolled up under his arms. The naval force was drawn
up and under arms, while Rodman E. Price, the Purser of the
"Cyane," read the Proclamation at the northwest corner of the
Custom House, where Toler and the Quartermaster were stationed,
and immediately under the flagstaff, and the flag was bent on or fast
ened to the halliards for hoisting. At the close of the reading of the
Proclamation, Toler gave the order to the Quartermaster at once to
hoist the flag, and he did so, but only half-way, as the halliards or rope
had got jammed in the truck or top. It was a critical moment, and
Toler immediately snatched the halliards out of the hands of the
Quartermaster and attempted to hoist it himself but met with no better
success. Seeing the difficulty. Midshipman Higgins rushed forward,
threw off his coat, and, taking off his shoes, climbed the flagstafi

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 79
cleared the rope, and .sang out, "Hoist away! Toler!" and Toler did
so, and made the rope fast to the cleat.
[We will here remark that the same difficulty occurred when Toler
again raised the flag for the third time on the same flagstaff, fifty >'ears
afterward, at the celebration of the Golden Jubilee, on July 7, 1896.
We will also further remark, to perfect the true history as above
related, that a Mr. Thomas Bralee, who has resided at Monterey for
many years, had claimed that he himself hoisted the flag by order of
Commodore Sloat, and so his story was generally believed, until it
became necessary to bring Wm. P. Toler himself upon the scene. The
Quartermaster was a seaman of nearly middle age, and an experienced
petty officer and man-of-war' s-man and an American, said Toler. This
Thomas Bralee was an English lad scarceh' more than an apprentice
boj' at the time, and would not have been assigned to such an impor
tant duty. He may have belonged to the frigate "Savannah" at the
time, but Toler had no personal recollection of him. J
There is an episode of unwritten history furnished by Wm. P.
Toler, the aide-de-camp of Commodore Sloat, which we took down
from his own lips, which is as follows:
"Immediately after the arrival of the British flagship 'Collingwood,' Commo
dore Sloat, with his aides-de-camp, paid the customary official visit to Admiral
Seymour on board of that ship. Midshipman Toler remained iu the Commo
dore's gig with the coxswain and the boat's crew. After a little, one of the British
officers, who had met Toler before, and with whom he was on the most friendly
terms, invited him to come up on board the ship, and he did so, where he was
agreeably entertained.
"While sitting by the mess-table and chatting, a group of British officers near
by were indulging in jolly conversation with considerable laughter, which was
rather boisterous aud which attracted Toler's attention, and he asked his British
friend what was the cause of it, who replied, confidentially, that 'it was a joke at
the Admiral's expense.' 'What is the joke?' asked Toler. His British friend
replied as follows:
" 'You see, that when we were near Point Pinos, the Admiral came on deck
and manifested a great deal of anxiety, and gave orders to the Quartermaster,
who carried the spyglass, to keep a sharp lookout when rounding the Point. As
the 'Collingwood' made the turn and was sailing in, the Admiral, in sharp tones,
said, 'Quartermaster, do you see a flag flying on shore?' The latter replied,
'Yes, sir; but I cannot make it out, sir.' The Admiral, becoming more excited,
kept repeating the question sharply, and received the same answer. At last he
said again, 'Quartermaster, do you see a flag on shore now ?' The Quartermas
ter, shading his eyes, and stooping a little, and getting a clearer view under the
fog, replied, 'Yes, sir; I see a flag very clearly, sir.' 'What flag is it ?' asked the
Admiral. The Quartermaster replied, 'It is the American flag, sir.'' Upon which
the British Admiral slapped his thigh, stamped his foot and passionately ex
claimed in disappointment, 'Then, by God, I am too late!'"
This was the "joke" over which the group of British officers were

So Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
laughing and witnessing the anger and disappointment exhibited by
Admiral Seymour of the British Squadron at finding himself outsailed
by over two weeks and Commodore Sloat already in possession of Cali
fornia, while the paj-ment of the English debt by Mexico was put
farther off than ever, and California forever secured to the American
Union by the skill and bravery of the gallant Commodore John Drake
Sloat. [Note. — We will here mention, that the distance from Mazatlan to Monterey
is 1,304 miles, and from San Bias to Monterey, 1,386 miles, or 82 miles farther to
the southeast. The British line-of-battleship "Collingwood" was at San Bias on
June 7, 1846, when Commodore Sloat received his latest news at Mazatlan from
Surgeon Wm. Maxwell Wood from the City of Mexico, via Guadalajara, aud he
was watching the movements of Admiral Seymour as the surest guide for his own
action. When the British brigantine tender, the "Spy," at Mazatlan, sailed for
San Bias on June 7th, the same day, to give the news to Admiral Seymour, of war
having actually begun between Mexico and the United States, it probably arrived
at San Bias the next day; and if the "Collingwood" sailed at the same time that
the "Savannah" did from Mazatlan, which it probably did, on the 8th of June, it
had the distance of the 82 miles to overcome to be even with the "Savannah."
It would have had the same northwest trade winds to tack against as the Ameri
can flagship of Commodore Sloat, testing the sailing qualities of both vessels at
the same time.
The "Savannah" arrived at Monterey on July 2, 1846, or a passage of just
twenty four days, averaging a distance daily gained of 54 33-100 miles. The
"Collingwood" arrived at Monterey ou July 16, 1846, just two weeks afterwards,
or thirty-six days, averaging 38 33-100 miles daily gained on the direct distance;
showing that the sailing qualities of Commodore Sloat's flagship "Savannah"
were 29 63-100 per cent, faster than Admiral Seymour's British line-of-battleship
"Collingwood," or sixteen miles a day, on the direct distance, the best sailer.
This Commodore Sloat probably anticipated, while he already had three sloops-
of-war anchored in California waters, the "Cyane" and "Levant" at Monterey,
and the "Portsmouth" at San Francisco, awaiting his arrival, and to receive
orders and act simultaneously in taking possession of both places. We sailed
from Mazatlan in the bark "Fannie" (under Peruvian colors), on the 23d of
April, 1849, a°d after a voyage of thirty one days, arrived at San Francisco on
the 24th of May, 1849, ^nd encountered the same head trade winds which the
"Savannah" aud "Collingwood" had to sail against— gaining 45 miles a day on
the direct course. The "Savannah" would have beaten us at the rate of 91^ miles
a day, and we should have beaten the "Collingwood" 6 67-100 miles a day, as tbe
bark "Fannie" was a fine sailer. — E. A. S.]
On the same day before the arrival of the British ship ' ' ColHng-
wood," the American flag was hoisted at San Jose, July 16, 1846,
by the Americans at that place, they having applied to Commo
dore Sloat for it, and which he furnished them three days before.
Before introducing Commodore Sloat's official report of these events,
it is proper at this place to mention an incident related by Commodore
Sloat to his family, confirmed by his sou Warrington Sloat, his Private

K

'^1'^ ^^ ^«w ,

copyRI'^hted E.i\a.

^Iti^a-.

'^a^duMsj.

BOLTON & STRONQi PHOTO-EnG,

Custom House

Mexican Redoubt

U. S. Sloop of War U. S. Frigate U. S. Sloop of War
Cyaae Savannah, Flagship Levant

The Raising of the American Flag and Taking Possession of California by Commodore John Drake Sloat, U. S. Navy, at Monterey, July 7. 1846.
Drawn for and under the direction of Major hd%tnn A. Sherman, Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association, and Author and Publisher ofthe "Life of the late Rear-Admiral
'' John Drake Sloat; U.S, Navy:'

Life of Rear-Admirai. John Drake Sloat 8i
Secretary at the time, and which the Commodore also stated to the
Hon. Wm. S. Green, late U. S. Surveyor-General of California, and
for many long years the editor and publisher of the Colusa Sun, when
the Commodore was a guest afterwards at the latter's home in 1852,
six years afterwards.
Said Commodore Sloat: ' ' When the British line-of-battle,ship ' Col
lingwood' arrived, there were the two frigates 'Savannah' and 'Con
gress' and the two sloops-of-war 'C3'ane' and the 'Levant' of my
squadron at anchor with a battery of 42-pounders on shore being con
structed. The 'Collingwood' anchored within pistol-shot of the
' Savannah.' That ship with the others was ready for action; the decks
were cleared, anchors hove short, the matches were lighted, and the
gunners stood by loaded cannon; the yards were full of men ready to
drop the sails on the instant of a signal. In fact, we did everything but
show our teeth — run the guns out of the port-holes. The practical ej^e
of the Admiral could not but observe the preparations for immediate
action." ' ' You seem to be about to give your men some practice in the art
of gunnery," said the Admiral as he shook hands with the Commo
dore. Sloat pointed to the flag on shore and remarked that he ' ' did
not know but it would take some practice to keep it there."
"Will you answer me candidly one question?" asked the Admiral.
"Did 5'ou get any despatches through Mexico, just before you left
Mazatlan?" " I did not," was the prompt answer from Sloat.
After a moment's study, the Admiral said: "You did right, per
haps, and j^our Government will sustain you as the case now stands;
but don't you know, Commodore, that there is not an Officer in the
British Navy who would have dared to take the responsibility you
have done? You doubtless had orders to take Monterey in case of
war; but when you left Mazatlan, there were only a few leading Mexi
cans and myself who knew of the existence of hostilities. It is all
over now," he continued; "but tell me. Commodore, since you are not
a man to shrink from responsibility, what would you have done, had
there bfeen, when you reached here, the flag of another nationality float
ing where yours now floats, and that flag guarded by a ship of the
line?" "I would," said Commodore Sloat, "have fired at least one shot at
it, and perhaps have gone to the bottom, and left my Government to
settle the matter as it thought best."
Such is the narrative given by the Hon. W. S. Green, a Pioneer, a
truthful gentleman, whose veracity and honor cannot be impeached.
While these are collateral incidents mentioned in connection with great

82 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
and important events in our Nation's history, we now gi^'e the Official
Report of Commodore Sloat himself :
Ex. Doc, 2d Sess., 30th Coug., p. 1006, Vol. i. No. 52.
OPERATIONS OF TitE PACIFIC SQUADRON.
Despatches of Commodore Sloat.
Containing an Account of His Proceedings on the West Coast of
Mexico.
Flagship "Levant," At Sea, July 31, 1846.
Sir : I have the honor to report that, on the 7th June, I received at Mazatlan
information that tbe Mexican troops, six or seven thousand strong, had, by order
of the Mexican Government, invaded the territory of the United States north of
the Rio Grande, and had attacked the forces under General Taylor, and that the
Squadron of the United States were blockading the Coast of Mexico on the Gulf.
These hostilities, I considered, would justify my commencing oflfetisive opera
tions on the west coast. I therefore sailed ou the 8th in the "Savannah" for the
coast of California, to carry out the orders of the Department of the 24th June,
1845, leaving the "Warren" at Mazatlan to bring me any despatches or important
information that might reach there. I arrived at Monterey on the second of July,
where I found the "Cyane" and "Levant," and I learned that the "Portsmouth"
was at San Francisco, to which places they had been previously ordered to await
further instructions.
On the morning of the 7th, having previously examined the defenses and
localities of the town, I sent Captain Mervine with the accompanying summons
,(A)^to the military commandant at Monterey, requiring him to surrender the
place forthwith to the forces of the United States under my command. At 9
o'clock 30 minutes a. m., I received his reply (B), stating that he was not author
ized to surrender the place, and referred me to the Commanding General of Cali
fornia, Don Jos^ Castro.
Every arrangement having been made the day previous, the necessary force
(about 250 seamen and marines) was immediately embarked in the boats of the
Squadron, and landed at 10 o'clock under cover of the guns of the ships, with
great promptitude and good order, under the immediate command of Captain
Wm. Mervine, assisted by Commander H. N. Page as second.
The forces were immediately formed and marched to the Custom House,
where my Proclamation to the inhabitants of California (C) was read, the stand
ard of the United States hoisted amid three hearty cheers by the troops and
foreigners present, and a salute of 21 guns fired by all the ships. Immediately
afterwards, the Proclamation, both in English and Spanish, was posted up about
the town, and two Justices of the Peace appointed to preserve order and punish
delinquencies; the Alcaldes declining to serve.
Previous to lauding, the accompanying "General Order" (D) was read to the
crews of all the ships; and I am most happy to state, that I feel confident that
the inhabitants of Monterey, and all other places where our forces have appeared.
will do them and myself the justice to say that not the least depredation, or
slightest insult or irregularity, has been committed from the moment of our
landing until my departure.
Immediately after taking possession of Monterey, I despatched a courier to
General Castro, the military commandant of California, with a letter (E) and a
copy of my Proclamation, to which I received a reply (F).

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 83
On the 9th, I despatched a letter (G) by a courier to Seiior Don Pio Pico, the
Governor at Santa Barbara,
On the 6th of July, I despatched orders by sea to Commander Montgomery,
to take immediate possession of the Bay of San Francisco, etc., and on the 7th a
duplicate of that order by laud, which he received on the evening of the 8th; and
at 7 A. M. ofthe gth, he hoisted the flag at San Francisco, read and posted up my
Proclamation, and took possession of that part of the country in the name of the
United States. For a detailed account of the proceedings at San Francisco, etc.,
I refer you to the enclosed copies of my orders to Commander Montgomery, aud
his reports to me (numbered i to 10).
On the 13th, at the request of the foreigners at the Pueblo of San Jose, I fur
nished a flag to be hoisted at that place (about 70 miles interior from Monterey),
and appointed a Justice of the Peace to preserve order in the town; the Alcaldes
declining to serve. The flag was hoisted on the i6th.
Deeming Purser D. Fauntleroy well qualified for such service, I directed him,
on the Sth, to organize a Conipany of 35 Dragoons from volunteers from the ships
and citizens on shore, to reconnoiter the country, keep open the communication
between INfonterey and San Francisco, and to prevent the people of the country
from being robbed, etc., and directed him to purchase the necessary horses aud
equipments to mount them.
Passed Midshipman Louis McLane, having also volunteered for that service, I
appointed him First Lieutenant of the Company. On the 17th, Mr. Fauntleroy
was directed to reconnoiter the country with his command as far as the Mission
of St. John's (San Juan) to take possession of that place, hoist the flag, and to
recover ten brass guns, said to have been buried there by General Castro, when
he retreated from that place.
On his arrival there, Mr. Fauntleroy found that the place had been taken pos
session of, an hour or two previous, by Captain Fremont, with whom he returned
to Monterey on the 19th. He was subsequently sent to garrison the place, dig
up, mount the guns, and recover a large quantity of powder and shot, said to
have been secreted there, all of which he accomplished before I sailed from Mon
terey, between which, the Pueblo ol" San Jose and San Francisco, a perfectly free
communication was maintained.
On the afternoon of the 15th July, the "Congress" arrived, and Commodore
Stockton reported for duty.
On the i6th, the British Admiral, Sir Geo. F. Seymour, arrived in the "Col
lingwood," 80. An oflSeer was immediately sent to tender him the usual courte
sies and the facilities of the port. He was subsequently furnished with a set of
top-gallant masts and other spars for his ship, and sailed on the 23d for the Sand
wich Islands.
The visit of the Admiral was very serviceable to our cause in California, as
the inhabitants fully believed he would take part with them, and that we would
be obliged to abandon our conquest; but when they saw the friendly intercourse
subsisting between us, and found that he could not interfere in their behalf, they
abandoned all hope of ever seeing the Mexican flag fly in California again.
On the 23d, mj- health being such as to prevent my attending to so much and
such laborious duties, I directed Commodore Stockton to assume command ofthe
forces and operations on shore, and, on the 29th, having determined to return to
the United States, via Panama, I hoisted my broad pennant on board the
"Levant," and sailed for Mazatlan and Panama, leaving the remainder of the
Squadron under his command, believing that no further opposition would be

84 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
made to our taking possession of the whole of the Californias (as General Castro
had less than one hundred men), aud that I could render much more important
service by returning to the United States with the least possible delay, to explain
to the Government the situation and wants of that country, than I could by
remaining in command, in my infirm state of health.
At the time of my leaving Monterey, the United States were in quiet pos
session of all "Alta California" north of Santa Barbara.
The "Cyane" sailed for St. Diego on the 26th, to carry down Captain Fremont
with about 150 riflemen (Americans) to take possession there, and to cut oflf
General Castro's retreat to Lower California or Mexico.
The "Congress" was to sail on the 30th for San Pedro to take possession there.
That place is 27 miles from the City of Angeles, where General Castro and Gov
ernor Pico then were, and I have every reason to believe (knowing their anxiety
to do so) that immediately on her arrival they would surrender, which would put
an end to all opposition to the United States iu the Californias.
In closing this report, I should do injustice to my own feelings and the ofiicers,
seamen and marines ofthe Squadron I had the honor to command, if I neglected
the opportunity to state, that no men could display more zeal, activity and deter
mined desire to do honor to their country and the service than they; consequently
it would be invidious to particularize any individuals where all were equally
zealous to do their duty in their respective stations.
Hoping the course I have pursued will meet the approbation of the Depart
ment, I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
John D. Sloat,
To the Hon. George Bancroft, Commodore.
Secretary of the Navy,
Washington, D. C.
Thus was his report written~on board the "Levant" while at sea,
on July 31, 1 846, on his return home. On his arrival at Panama, he
had to cross the Isthmus on mule-back, and down the Chagres River
in a bungo in the most sickly period and most dangerous portion of the
year, and await an opportunity at Chagres to embark on shipboard
where he might sail for the nearest foreign port, from whence he could
obtain passage direct to the United States; and sending his report to the
Secretary of the Navy from New York, he followed it himself in a few
days, arriving at Washington early in November, 1846.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy, dated December 5, 1846,
in briefly reciting what Commodore Sloat had done, in obedience to his
instructions, said:
"The officer who was thus instructed, observed the line of conduct prescribed
to him, with such intelligence and fidelity, that no complaint has ever been made
of any unauthorized aggression on his part." "On the 29th of July, Commodore
Sloat found his infirm health so enfeebled by his arduous duties, that he deter
mined to avail himself of a permission which had been given him, in his discre
tion, to assign his command to Commodore Stockton, and sailed for Panama on
his return home. After encountering much peril and hardship, this gallant and
meritorious officer arrived at the Seat of Government early in November last."

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 85
"In the novel situation iu which both the Commanders of our naval forces
have been placed, without instructions to regulate ihem in the detail of their con
duct, they have adopted measures to preserve social order and maintain our
authority, aud to withhold from the enemy any advantages from the conquered
territory which are believed to be warranted by the laws of war." "The conduct
of both Commanders has been marked by discretion, a spirit of conciliation, and
a sacred regard for private rights, while the military movements have been ably
conceived and brilliantly executed."
The above commendation is of itself, to all fair and honorable-
minded men, not only a vindication of Commodore Sloat against all his
traducers, but the highest public award of merit that could be given
by the Chief of the Navy Department with the approval of the Presi
dent. The Orders issued by the Secretary of the Navy on'^May 13, 1846;
May 15, 1846; June 8, 1846; July 12, 1846, and August 13, 1846, he
never received, and any impatience that may have been manifested
therein or implied censure, if any, fell to the ground, and were ex
punged bj' the Secretary of the Navy himself b}^ his commendation of
the action of Commodore Sloat, who had received no other orders than
those cited of June 24, 1845, which he turned over to Commodore
Stockton for his guidance, to whom he relinquished his command on
the 29th of July, 1846, and started on his return home.
He has been falsely charged with having "hesitated" and shrank
from the performance of duty, in not immediately landing his forces
and raising the flag at Monterey. For the reasons stated, of the
changed condition of the country, the preparing of new proclamations,
with a general plan of simultaneous action over the whole of Northern
California, required discretion, careful examination, thorough prepara
tion and skill, and to accomplish without bloodshed, if possible, the
conquest of the country. The spirit of his General Order, 47, which
we again quote from, gives the lie to this slander and libel, when he
said to those under his command:
"We are about to land on the territory of Mexico, with whom the United
States is at war; to strike their flag and hoist our own, in the place of it, is our
duty. IT IS NOT ONLY OUR DUTY TO TAKE CALIFORNIA, BUT TO
PRESERVE IT AFTERWARDS AS A PART OF THE UNITED STATES,
AT ALL HAZARDS. To accomplish this, it is of the first importance to culti
vate the good opinion of the inhabitants whom we must reconcile," etc.
It was this same spirit of determination that was manifested in his
letter to Commander Montgomery of the "Portsmouth," sent on July
6th, the day before, when he gave him his orders to take possession of
the Bay of San Francisco, and informed him of his own action to be
taken the next day at Monterey, and said, "I had rather be sacrificed
for doing too much than too little." And it was this same spirit of deter-

86 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
mination of character in his reply to Admiral Seymour, who inquired
of him, "But tell me. Commodore, since you are not a man to shiink
from responsibility, what would you have done, had there been when
you reached here, the flag of another nationality floating where yours
now floats, and that flag guarded by a ship of the line?" "I would."
said Commodore Sloat, "have fired at least one shot at it, and perhaps
have gone to the bottom, and left my Government to settle the matter as it
thought best."
This was in perfect keeping and in harmony with his whole naval
service, from his first entrance as a Midshipman through all the grades
to the rank of Commodore, which he then held.
Before passing on to the next Chapter, it is proper to again revert
to Fleet Surgeon William Maxwell Wood, in connection with Commo
dore Sloat.
Said Commodore Sloat, in his letter of March 20, 1855, written
from New York to Fleet Surgeon William Maxwell Wood:
"I am most happy to acknowledge the very important services you have ren
dered the Government and the Squadron in the Pacific under my command at
the breaking out of the Mexican War. The information you furnished me at
Mazatlan from Guadalajara (at the risk of your life) was the only reliable infor
mation I received oJ that event, aud which induced me to proceed immediately to
California, AND UPON MY OWN RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE POSSES
SION OF THAT COUNTRY. I have always considered the performance of
your journey through Mexico at the time as an extraordinary feat, requiring
great presence of mind and address. How you escaped from the heart of an
enemy's country and such a people, has always been a wonder to me, and has
been so characterized ou all occasions."
We will here note that it was the last communication sent from the
City of Mexico, via Guadalajara, by Dr. Wood, in which he said, "All
this information I again sent to the Commanding Officer of the Pacific
Squadron, signing my letter by an easy-understood hieroglyphic, and
sending it through the Mexican mail under cover, to the subject of a
neutral power." This was the information which Commodore Sloat
received at Mazatlan on June yth, given in his official report.
The Chairman of the Naval Committee of the Senate commented
on Fleet Surgeon Wood's valuable services as follows:
"Every intelligent mind must at once appreciate the importance of the service
which you have rendered the country, and your personal hazard in traveling
through the heart of the enemy's country, communicating with your military
superior, and furnishing him with the sole and otherwise unattainable informa
tion upon which he based the acquisition of California. The importance of this
acquisition can be best estimated by asking ourselves, 'What would have been
our National position in the Pacific and upon our Oregon frontier, had Great
Britain, instead of ourselves, acquired possession of it?' I have always con-

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 87
tended that its acquisition constitutes one of the Navy's strongest claims upon
the gratitude of the Nation, and this chapter in its history, furnished by your
own service, but strengthens this conviction."
As we have said before. Commodore Sloat arrived at Monterey two
weeks before Admiral Sej-mour arrived in the "Collingwood," had the
American flag flying on the Custom House nine days before his arrival,
with a battery on shore, and reinforced by the "Congress" frigate with
Commodore Stockton, before the British Admiral made his appearance,
and it was impossible to have lost California, for there was no danger,
as Commodore Sloat had ample time and nearly two weeks to spare.
Says the Hon, C. E. S. Wood, the son of Fleet Surgeon Wood, in
his letter to us written at Portland, Oregon, June 25, 1896:
"You are entirely and indisputably correct in your defense of Sloat, and it is
a7i outrage that any defense should be needed."
We here insert the following at the close of this Chapter.
In the month of January, 1887, while temporarily sojourning at
Mazatlan, Mexico, waiting for the steamship "Newbern" to return
to San Francisco, we were the guest of Hon. E. G. Kelton, U. S.
Consul at that place, who kindly permitted us to examine the Consular
Books and make the following extracts, which were all that were of
any interest in connection with the movements of Commodore Sloat in
1846: (copy) "U. S. Consulate, "Mazatlan, July 24, 1846.
"Sir: On the 15th inst.. Commander J. B. Hull, commanding the U. S. Ship
'Warren,' left this port bound for Monterey with despatches for Commodore
Sloat. "Commander Hull desired of me to avail of the first opportunity to commu
nicate to you that the store ship 'Xylon' sailed from Brooklyn about the first of
May last, with stores for the U. S. Squadron in the Pacific Ocean. According to
the charter-party, she is to touch at Valparaiso, Callao and Mazatlan for instruc
tions. In case she should not have yet passed your port, when this reaches you,
please despatch her at once for Monterey to meet the Commodore.
"Commodore Sloat left here on the Sth ult. for Monterey, after having des
patched for the same point all the vessels of his Squadron excepting the 'War
ren.' Since then I have received no intelligence respecting his movements.
"I am, etc., "James R. Bolton,
"To the United States Consul, "Vice-Consul.
"Callao " (copy)
"No. 43. Consulate of the United States,
"Mazatlan, August 5, 1846.
"Sir: From Archibald McRae, Esq., bearer of despatches to Commodore J.
D. Sloat, I received your Confidential Circular, dated May 14th, aud duly observe
its contents.

88 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
"Mr. McRae chartered a small vessel to bring him from Panama to this place,
expecting to find Commodore Sloat still here. Bad weather compelled him to
put to sea again; therefore, I am unable to inform you how or when Mr. McRae
intends to recommence the prosecution of his mission.
"I am informed by unquestionable authority that H. B. M. Ship "Juno"
arrived at San Bias a few days since from Upper California, bringing the intelli.
gence that Commodore Sloat had taken possession of Upper California, erected
two or three fortifications, and by Proclamation informed the inhabitants that
they are now under the jurisdiction of the United States Government. No copy
of the Proclamation having been brought here, I am unable to furnish you with
any further particulars. "I have the honor, etc., "James R. Bolton,
"To the Hon. James Buchanan, "Vice-Consul.
"Secretary of State,
"Washington."
We will here note that when the first of these was written, that it
was seventeen days after the flag had been raised at Monterey, and all
of Commodore Sloat's plans had been successfully carried out in every
particular. When the latter was written. Commodore Sloat had been
a full week at sea on his return home to report in person to the Secre
tary of the Navy at Washington.
We will now briefly review the e\'ents in California immediately
following the departure of Commodore Sloat on his return home.

[See Report, Log of the Portsmouth, page x; also Commander Montgomery's Journal,
pages xiii to xxviii.]

INTERiERTIONi
Official Reports and Correspondence
OF
COMMODORE JOHN DRAKE SLOAT AND COMMANDER
JOHN B. MONTGOMERY OF THE TAKING POSSESS
ION OF YERBA BUENA (SAN FRANCISCO),
SONOMA, BODEGA, SUTTER'S FORT, &c.
(Insert between Pages 88 and Sg.)

Through the kindness and courtesy of Mr. Charles W. Stewart, U.
S. N., Acting Superintendent of Naval War Records at Washington,
we are here enabled to intersert the additional orders of Commodore
John Drake Sloat to Commander John B. Montgomery, commanding
the U. S. Sloop of War "Portsmouth," with the full reports ofthe latter
and those of his officers, in the landing and raising of the American
flag and taking possession of San Francisco, the Presidio, the fort at
the point at the entrance ofthe harbor, at Sonoma, Bodega, etc., which
have been received since this work was first sent to the press.
This additional matter gives further light confirmatory of the wis
dom and sagacity of Commodore Sloat, in his wide field of operations
in the taking possession almost simultaneously of the various places at
great distances apart, in California, which he thus secured forever as
an integral portion of the United States of America, and which his
spirit of patriotic determination confirmed in his last order to Com
mander J. B. Montgomery of the "Portsmouth," on July 12th, 1846, as
follows: "All I have to say at present is, that we have hoisted the flag
and must keep it up at every hazard. I have full confidence in your dis
cretion and ability; therefore you must act on your own judgment in
the absence of orders." And he did, as exhibited in his reports and
orders. Edwin A. Sherman,
Author and Compiler.

(copy)
S  EB. Navy Department, Library and JSTavai, War Records
Washington, D. C, June 2, 1903.
Dear Sir: In compliance with your request, there is herewith enclosed,
copies of reports of Captain Montgomery, Ivieutenants Revere aud Misroon,
the log ofthe tJ. S. ship "Portsmouth," and a brief account of the record of Cap
tain Montgomery, copied from Hammersley's Naval Encyclopedia.
Very respectfully,
Charles W. Stewart,
Acting Superinteudent Naval War Records.
Major Edwin A. Sherman,
Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association
Oakland, Cal.

ii Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
[From Report of Secretary of the Navy, 1840-46. Copied HSS. Verified by
Mrs. Eaatman.]
P. 649. Report of the Secretary of the Navy, 1840-1846.
No. 2. Telegram. Flagship Savannah, July 7, 1846.
Sir: Your launch left yesterday. I enclose you two documents by which
you will see what I have done.
I hoisted the American flag here to-day at 9 A. M. You will immediately
take possession of Yerba Buena, and hoist the American flag within range of
your guns; post up the proclamation iu both languages; notify Captain Fremont
and others; put the fort aud guns in order.
I wish very much to see and hear from Captain Fremont that we may under
stand each other and co-operate together. Very respectfully,
Captain J. B. Montgomery, John D. Sloat.
U. S. Ship "Portsmouth."
Note — The above letter wa^ written in numbers, from the Naval Telegraphic
Dictionary. P. 649 A No. 3.
United States Ship "Portsmouth "
Anchorage, Yerba Buena, July 9, 1846.
Sir: I have the satisfaction to acknowledge the receipt of your telegraphic
dispatch, with proclamation and other documents, sent me by Mr. Pitts, at 7 o'clock
last evening; and have the honor to inform you that haviug despatched Lieuten
ant Revere in oue ofthe ship's boats a few hours afterwards, with your letter to
the Commandant at Sonoma, carrying with him a flag, to be used if necessary^ ,
and another to be forwarded to Sutter's Fort, upon the .Sacramento, I lauded
this morning with seventy men, including marines, and at 8 A. M., hoisted our
flig in front of the Custom House iu the public square with a salute of twenty-
one guns from the ship, followed by three hearty cheers ou shore aud ou board,
in which the people, principally foreign residents, seemed cordially to join.
I then addressed a few words to the assembled people, after which, your
excellent proclamation was read iu both languages, and posted upon the flag
staff. The seamen, with a small portion of the marines were then returned
to the ship, without a man having left the ranks, aud Lieutenant Watson with
the residue of his guard, were formally established as miUtary occupants of the
post. The male residents of Yerba Buena, capable of bearing arms, were then
called together, aud a volunteer guard, consisting of thirty-two members, at
opce enrolled; and electing their own o6Scers, were fully organized under the
direction of Lieutenants Misroon aud Watson, to hold themselves in readiness for
any emergency which may arise; and before the arrival of Mr. Bee, your second
courier, at i o'clock P. M., Lieutenant Misroon, with an armed party ofthe Vol
unteer Guard were on their way to the Presidio and fort, four or five miles distant,
to ascertain and report to me their condition, and take inventories of public
property, etc. The fort is in a dilapidated condition, but may be repaired and
rendered serviceable. For particulars I have respectfully to refer you to the
accompanying report of Lieutenant Misroon, No. 2. The sheet No. i, contains
documents used in the proceedings ofthe day, with a letter sent to Captain Fre
mont by Purser Watmough aud the order to that officer.
There are two fine i8-pounder brass pieces at Sonoma, which might be most
advantageously planted upon an eminence for the defense\of this harbor, and

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat iii
which can be of no manner of use where they now are; field pieces (of which
there are six at Sonoma) being all sufficient forthe defense of an interior town.
I think it advisable, therefore, to remove the two rS's, which can be doie with
my launch in a very short tims; and in the hops of receiving your order to that
effect, I shall commence at once preparing a galley ani platform for their accom
modation. I have been drawn into correspondence witVi the belligerent parties in this
country, and with Captain Fremont, which I will send you very soon. To the latter
I have suppUed funds and stores to the amount of ^2,199, receiving his draft on
the Topographical Bureau at Washington, in favor of Parser Watmough, for the
same, which I hope will meet your approbation.
My officers and crew are in excellent health and in good condition for ser
vice, but I regret to say that I am twenty-three men short of my complement
which I am very desirous to fill up as soon as it can be done.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Jno. B. Montgomery,
Commodore Jno. D. Sloat, Commander.
Commanding Naval forces ofthe United States, in the Pacific, at Monterey.
P. 650. No. 1.
CAPT. MONTGOMERY'S ADDRESS AFTER HOISTING THE FLAG.
Fellow Citizens: I address all classes, whether native or foreign residents
of California, who cordially assent to the transaction just witnessed. I have the
pleasure to announce that the flag of the United States was, ou the 7th inst.,
hoisted at Monterey, aud will, I expect, this day be substituted for the revolu
tionary flag, recently hoisted at Sonoma.
The proclamation of the United States nival commander-in-chief now at
Monterey, which is about to be read to you, has already been widely circulated in
the country; and the advantages which cannot fail to accrue to the population of
this fine country, as therein set forth, have and will undoubtedly meet with a
cordial reception by all classes of the people in California.
It is earnestly recommended to all that they continue in the quiet pursuit of
their proper occupations in which, under the shadow of that glorious banner,
there can be no fear of oppression or undue interruption.
After leaving this place, all persons who are disposed to unite in the forma
tion of a local militia, to be held subject to drill and such military duty as the
public security under the new order of things shall call for, are invited to attend
at the house of W. A. Leidesdorff, Esq., when arrangements will be immediately
entered into for such an organization.
[Commodore Sloat's proclamation was then read]
P. 651. CAPTAIN MONTGOMERY'S PROCLAMATION.
United States Ship "Portsmouth,"
Off Yerba Buena, July 9, 1846.
MiUtary possession having been this day taken of this place, and the flag of
the United States displayed, in obedience to the orders ofthe commander-in-chief
of the United States Squadron, John D. Sloat, Esq., now in possession of Monte
rey, I have the honor to call upon all the residents of this district, agreeable to the
laws ofthe United States of America regulating the militia, to enroll themselves
into a military company, appoint their own officers, and observe such rules aud

iv Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
regulations as shall be issued for the maintenance of order for the protection of
property in Yerba Buena and its immediate neighborhood.
A military guard has been stationed in possession of the Custom House,
under Henry B. Watson, Esq., whom I have appointed the military commandant
(pro tem) of all the marines and militia; to whom I require that reports be made
as soon as the militia shall be organized, and whose call upon the militia I am
confident will be promptly aud honorably complied with.
In the event of an attack by Mexican or other forces upon Yerba Buena, all
necessary assistance will be immediately landed from the United States ship
"Portsmouth," and in the meantime your country expects, and your best interests
require that every man will do his utmost to protect his home and defend the flag
of the United States. j^^ 3 Montgomery,
Commander ofthe U. S. Ship "Portsmouth," Anchorage Yerba Buena.
[Capt. Montgomery's letter to Capt. John C. Fremont]
651. A United States Ship "Portsmouth,"
Yerba Buena, July 9, 1846.
Sir: Last evening I was officially notified of the existence of war between
the United States and the Central government of Mexico, and have this morning
taken formal possession of this place and hoisted our flag in the town. Commo
dore Sloat, who took possession of Monterey on the 7th instant, has directed me
to notify you of this change in the political condition of California and to request
your presence in Monterey, with a view to future arrangements and co-opera
tion at as early a period as possible.
I forwarded at 2 o'clock this morning, a dispatch from Commodore Sloat to
the commandant of Sonoma, with an American fiag for their use, should they
stand in need of one.
Mr. Watmough, who will hand you this, will give you all news.
Very respectfully, I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Jno, B. Montgomery.
Captain J. C. PVemout,
U. S. Topographical Engineer, Santa Clara.
652. [Capt. Montgomery's order to Parser James H. Watmough]
UnitedStates Ship "Portsmouth,"
Anchorage, Yerba Buena, July 9, 1846.
Sir: You will proceed to Santa Clara and to the Pueblo, if necessary, in
order to intercept Captain J . C. Fremont, now on his march from the Sacra
mento, and on meeting with him, be pleased to hand him the accompanying
communication; after which you will return to this place without delay and
report to me. Respectfully, I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Jno. B. Montgomery,
Purser Jas. H. Watmough, Commanding U. S. Ship "Portsmouth."
U. S. Ship "Portsmouth," Yerba Buena, Bay of San Francisco.
652. A. [Lieuteuant J. S. Misroon's Report to Capt. Montgomery.]
United States Ship Portsmouth,
At Anchorage, off Ybrba Buena, July 9, 1846.
Sir: , I have the honor to report that in obedience to your order, I proceeded
to the fort at the entrance of the harbor about four miles distant from the town
accompanied by Purser Watmough, the late Vice Consul Leidesdorff and several

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat v
volunteers and displayed the flag ofthe United States upon its ramparts, calling
on our way at the Presidio, where I had understood that one or more cannon
were mounted; no cannon, however, were found there, (and it is certain that they
have been lately removed) nor were any ofthe usual residents there.
The walls ofthe fort are badly rent in several places, yet they are capable of
sustaining and rendering good service. It would be an improvement to dig a
ditch in the rear and to build a wall connecting the two terminating ends ofthe
work; but to render the fort tenable, in case of approach to it by land, it is indis
pensable that a work be thrown up on the eminence which commands it, about
400 or 500 yards immediately in its rear; otherwise it is at the mercy of an enemy
on the land side.
The platform is decayed and should be renewed entirely.
The barrack in the center is in a dilapidated state.
There are three brass guns, (12s and i8s) old Spanish pieces made in 1628
and 1693, besides three long iron 42s and four smaller iron guns. . All of these
iron guns have been lately spiked, by Captain Fremont, except two unservicea
ble and dismounted iron pieces. New vents may be drilled in the brass pieces.
The gun carriages are partially decayed and several of them are totally unservice-
ble, but a portion of the iron work might be applied to new carriages.
There is a quantity of round shot of different calibres, in the fort, but all are
more or less injured by rust.
Our party was not molested on our route, nor did we see any other than a
few inoffensive Indians. Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
J. S. Misroon,
Commander J. B. Montgomery, Lieutenant.
Commanding U. S. Ship "Portsmouth."
653. [Captain Montgomery's Report to Commodore Sloat]
U. S. Ship "Portsmouth,"
Yerba Buena, July 11, 1846.
Sir: I omitted to forward by the last courier to you, a copy of my order to
Lieutenant Watson of the Marines who commands under that order the marines
and militia organized for the defense of the town of Yerba Buena, and also a copy
of the proclamation calling upon the residents of the district to organize them
selves into a military body for the defense of the town and flag. Both of those
papers I now transmit together with the reports of Lieutenants Misroon and
Revere,' upon duty which has been performed since the gth instant and to which
I beg leave to refer you.
You will be pleased to observe that the flag of the United States was dis
played at Sonoma at meridian on the same day that it was hoisted here, and that
our flags are now flying at Sutter's Fort on the Sacramento, at Bodega on the
coast and at Sonoma, as well as at this place; and I would state for your informa
tion, that the protection of person and property which our flag promises to Cali
fornia and its inhabitants, seems to be generally hailed with satisfaction.
I am endeavoring to clean the vents ofthe brass guns ofthe fort and hope to
succeed. Tomorrow I hope to recover the brass 12-pounder, which I learn was
buried in the sand at the Presidio, and also an iron 6-pounder said to have been
buried at the Mission of Dolores. There are no small arms, I believe in this
neighborhood. We have possessed ourselves of a stand of colors and a good
whale-boat belonging to the Custom House. The Custom-house building situ
ated upon the public square is occupied as our barracks.

vi Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
A reference to the morning report of Mr. Watson, which I enclose, and
marked A, shows the order which is maintained on shore.
This afternoon, the "Juno'' 26 arrived and anchored at Sausalito. I sent a
boat with offer of service and at the same time notified Captain Blake of the
existing state of things in California, and that the flag of the United States was
flying at Yerba Buena, which he appeared satisfied with, on receiving informa
tion of the commencement of hostilities between the armies of the United States
and Mexico. Ou the appearance of that ship, the necessary preparation was
made to defend our position iu the event of EngHsh opposition to our claims.
In such a contingency, being twenty odd men short, it would become absolutely
necessary to withdraw the marines from the shore to the ship; and to show the
spirit of our "Volunteer Guards of Yerba Buena," I will add that today they
were assembled aud informed by Mr. Watson, that the flag ofthe United States
would, by our necessity, have to be committed to their care and that we trusted
to their spirit and honor to keep it flying; when they unanimously gave the
strongest assurances that it should wave while a single arm of the "Guard" lived
to defend it.
Yesterday I sent a summons to the military commandant of this district,
Don Francisco Sanchez, to deliver up the arms and other public property in his
charge, and gave him an invitation to come in today, which he accordingly did.
He stated that he possessed no property ofa public description except his knowl
edge of where several guns were buried. One of his attendants will point out
the places of burial tomorrow.
Your proclamation has been sent to Sausalito, Bodega, Sonoma, Sutter's
Fort, Santa Clara and to other places in our vicinity.
Respectfully, Sir, your obedient servant,
John B. Montgomery,
Per J. S. Misroon.
Dear Sir: Captain Montgomery, being confined to his bed today by indis
position, and being desirous to despatch the messenger, Mr. Pitts, he requested
me to address this to you. Respectfully,
Commodore John D. Sloat, J- S- MiSROON.
Commander-in-Chief of the U. S. Naval Forces in the Pacific, Monterey.
P- 655. [Capt. Montgomery's Orders to Lieutenant H. B. Watson]
Yerba Buena, July 9, 1846,
Sir: The flag of the United States having been this day displayed in this
place, and formal possession taken of it so far as the guns of the ship will range,
you will remain iu military possession as the commander ofthe marines and local
miUtia subject to such orders from me or your superior officers until such time as
the commander-in-chief shall either sanction this appointment or annul it.
AU the militia, therefore, that are now or may be organized for the protection
of this place will be required to repair to the appointed rendezvous upon such
signal as you may designate, properly armed and equipped and you will make req
uisition upon me for such arms and ammunition as may be required.
Should an attack be made upon this place, you will immediately display a
rocket and blue light as a signal to the ship, when reinforcements will be imme
diately despatched to your assistance; and in the meantime you will maintain
your position aud defend it to the utmost extremity.
You are hereby furnished with a list of the effective militia force, organized

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat vii
under their own proper officers for the defense of this place aud for the main
tenance of the flag of the United States. Respectfully, Jno. B. Montgomery,
H, B. Watson, Commander ofthe U. S. Ship "Portsmouth."
Military Commandant ofthe Marines and Militia, stationed at Yerba Buena.
655 A. [Lieutenant H. B. Watson's Reports]
Marine Barracks, Yerba Buena, July 11, 1846.
Sir: The place has been perfectly quiet and peaceable during the past
twenty-four hours, and there has not been any indication of a hostile move
ment from any quarter within my knowledge or observation. The patrol fur
nished by the volunteer militia of this place, I found to be very vigilant in the
discharge of their duties during the night and also respectful and obedient to my
orders. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. B. Watson,
Commanding Marines and Militia at the Yerba Buena.
Countersign, "California."
Commander J. B. Montgomery,
Commanding U. S. Ship"Portsmouth."
P. 656. Marine Barracks, Yerba Buena, July 12, 1846.
Sir: The place continues quiet and peaceable. Quite a number of persons
of both sexes visited the place on yesterday. They behaved with decorum and
order and appeared to be gaining confidence and becoming reconciled to the
change which has been made.
The volunteer patrol are vigilant and obey with alacrity all orders.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. B. Watson,
Commanding Marines and Militia at the Yerba Buena.
Countersign ' ' Taylor."
Commander J. B. Montgomery,
Commanding U. S. Ship "Portsmouth."
656 A. [Lieutenant J. S. Misroon's Report]
U. S. Ship "Portsmouth,"
Yerba Buena, July 11, 1846,
Sir: Agreeably to your instructions, I proceeded this morning, accompanied
by Vice Consul Leidesdorff, with a small party of marines mounted as cavalry to
the Mission of Dolores in search of arms, ammunition, etc., and public documents
ofthe district.
On my arrival there, I found that the people who reside at that mission and
who had fled in alarm in consequence of the exaggerated reports of danger to
their persons and property, propagated by the sub-prefect Guerrero, were begin
ning to return. No arms were found except an old lance, and there is, as pub
lic property, a weaving factory in tolerable condition.
A collection of public documents was made aud carefully brought to town,
where they were packed, sealed and superscribed by Mr. Leidesdorff and myself,
and witnessed by Don Andreas Hoeppener, (sealed with the consulate seal) and
placed in the Custom House under charge of Military Commandant Watson, sub
ject to such disposal as you may be pleased to make.

viii Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
I made it a point to see and converse with the people, assuring them of their
safety and setting forth the many benefits that would accrue to them by this
change; all of which they now begin to form a just idea.
The distance to this mission is about six miles, and I would here correct the
report I had the honor to make on the morning ofthe ninth instant, relative to
the distance of the fort from the town of Yerba Buena. It is nearer 7 than 4
miles. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
656. A. J- S. Misroon,
Commander J. B. Montgomery, Lieutentant U. S. Navy.
U. S. Ship "Portsmouth," Anchorage off Yerba Buena.
P. 657. [Report of Lieutenant J. W. Revere of raising the American flag at
Sonoma.] U. S. Ship "Portsmouth,"
Yerba Buena, July 11, 1846.
Sir. In obedience to your orders I landed at the town of Sonoma from this
ship on the 9th instant. Having caused the troops of the garrison and the
inhabitants of the place to be summoned to the public square, I then read the
proclamation of Commodore Sloat to them, and then hoisted the United States
flag upon the staff in front of the barracks, under a salute from the artillery of
the garrison. I also caused the proclamation to be translated into Spanish and posted up
in the Plaza. A notice to the people of California was also sent the next day to
be forwarded to the country around, requesting the people to assemble at
Sonoma on Saturday next, (the nth) to hear the news confirmed, ofthe country
having been taken possession of by the United States.
An express, with a copy of the proclamation and a United States flag, was
also sent to the commander of the garrison at Sutter's Fort, on the Sacramento,
with a request to do the same there that had been done at Sonoma.
The same was also done to 1>he principal American citizen (Mr. Stephen
Smith) at Bodega with a demand for two pieces of field artillery which 1 understood
was there, to be removed to Sonoma and placed under the custody and protec
tion of the garrison there, by request of Captain John Grigsby, the commander
ofthe post.
I am happy to report that great satisfaction appeared to prevail in the com
munity of Sonoma, of all classes and among both foreigners and natives, at the
country having been taken possession by the United States and their flag hoisted;
more particularly after the general feeling of insecurity of life and property,
caused by the recent events ofthe revolution iu this part of California.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant
J. W. Revere,
Commander J. B. Montgomery, Lieutenant U. S. Navy.
U. S. Ship "Portsmouth," Yerba Beuua.
657 A [Further orders from Commodore John Drake Sloat to Captain J. B.
Montgomery.] Flagship "Savannah," Bay of Monterey, July 12, 1846.
Sir: I have one hundred marines and two hundred men on shore, well
armed and also two i8-pounder carronades mounted for field pieces and can land
the remainder of my force in a few minutes if necessary. By the best information
I can obtain, Fremont was at the Pueblo the day before yesterday and probably

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat ix
at St. John's (San Juan) yesterday. I sent a letter to him two days since by
express, and yesterday a message b3' an American who was on his way to Yerba
Buena, who promised to see him; he has also a message for you; therefore I am iu
momentary expectation of heariilg from him. Castro buried two field-pieces with
their shot at St. John's (San Juan) and is flying before Fremont. Report says,
that all Castro's men have left him but about one hundred, and he will probably
not stop until they reach Santa Barbara or the City of Angels where the civil
governor is.
There are no guns at this place and you know the state of the forts. I am
making a stockade around the rear ofthe upper battery, and shall build a block
house there; upon which I shall mount two or three of my 42-pounder3 to protect
that side; on the front I shall mount three or four of my long 32s to protect and
defend the bay. I am organizing a large party of cavalry to keep a lookout for any
force that may be advancing and to protect the farmers in the neighborhood, as
there are some robbers about who are driving off the horses under the pretence that
they are taking them for the government under the orders of Caslro.
The captain of the post and four other Mexican officers came in yesterday
and gave themselves up as prisoners of war, and were put upon their parole of
honor, obligating not to interfere directly or indirectly during the war, unless reg
ularly exchanged. The miliary commandant, Silvia, and several others, will
come in to day, and many soldiers. I shall probably confiscate the property
of those who are operating against us, if they do not come over very shortly.
I have information from the Pueblo, that yesterday, forty foreigners in that
town wanted to hoist our flag, but had no bunting. I shall send them
some the first opportunity, and shall direct them to organize them
selves into a compau}' of cavalry, chose their own officers for the protection
of their own property against marauders and the Indians, and then report
to me. When organized and reported, they will be mustered into service and
receive instructions from me.
I have issued a notice that any person found guilty of plundering horses,
cattle, etc., or maltreating the farmers or other peaceable iuhabitauts, will be
personally liable for the amount, be otherwise punished aud their property con
fiscated. I wish you to do so likewise. Send me word when the 'Erie" arrives
and a return of the stores on board. Send a courier to nie every week but do
not pay him until he brings you a receipt from me. Send back this courier with
a receipt, etc., immediately, and with your communications.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
John D. Sloat,
Commandant J. B. Montgomery, Commander-in-Chief, etc.
U. S. Ship "Portsmouth,"
Bay of San Francisco.
p. 658. Flagship "Savannah," July 12, 1846.
Sir: I have just received your communication of the 9th. Your proceed
ings are fully approved.
Send for the iSpounders at S.(3onom i) and I think it would be well to have
also two of the field pieces but you mastjadge for yourself as it is impossible for
me to give you directions, as I have never been at the place.
AU I have to say at present, is, that we have hoisted the flag and must keep
it up at every hazard.
I have full confidence in your discretion and ability to manage things in your
vicinity; therefore you must act on your own judgment in the absence of orders.

X Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
Send me au express if you have anything ofthe least importance to commu
nicate. Very respectfully.
Captain J. B. M. J. D. S.
U. S. Ship "Portsmouth."
[Note — The above letter was written in numbers from the Naval Telegraphic
Dictionary.]
[Abstract ofthe Log ofthe U S. Ship "Portsmouth," July 4 to July 27, 1846.
Commander John B. Mentgomery, U. S. N. Commanding]
1846. July 4. 8 to midnight. At 9 p. M. sent 17 marines and 3 men on shore
under charge of Lieutenants Watson and Misroon to protect the American
Consul's an! American citizens' property. ^
July 8. At 7 p. M. received an express from Commodore Sloat at Monterey
with a proclamation announcing the commencement of' war between the
United States and Mexico, a battle having been fought on the Rio Grande,
between Taylor ani Arista Castro, with the entire destruction ofthe Mexican
Army. Also that Commodore Sloat has taken possession of Monterey and
hoisted the American standard over the Californias, as a part of the United
States.
July 9. At 4 A. M. dispatched the fourth cutter' under charge of Lieutenant
Revere to Sonoma to carry the declaration of war between the United States
and Mexico, and also to hoist the American flag at Sonoma, At 7 A. M. Cap
tain Montgomery with Lieutenadt Misroon and a party of men including the
Marines, landed at Yerba Buena and took possession of the place, reading
the proclamation of Commodore Sloat and hoisting the American standard
at 8 A. M., wheu it was saluted with 21 guns and three cheers on shore and
aboaril. At 8:50 A. M. the party ou shore returned leaving a guard
of 14 Mariues under the command of Lieutenant Watson, U. S, M. C. Sent
13 muskets with bayonets, 13 filled cartridge boxes and 150 buckshot car
tridges on shore for the use of newly organized company of U. S. Militia.
9 A. M. sent the small gun on shore with 16 rounds of grape and cartridges.
July II. Put up a signal pole on the hill off the point of Yerba Buena. H. B. M.
Ship "Juno," Captain Blake, five days from Santa Barbara arrived, and
anchored at Sausalito. Lieutenant Bartlett was sent to her with information
of the war between the United States and Mexico, and the taking of Cali
fornia by the United States forces. Also with offers of service from Captain
Montgomerj- to Captain Blake.
July 16. 8 to meridian. A gang ou shore erecting a fort. Received a gun from
the fort.
July 17. 4 to 8 A. M. Hoisted out the gun received from the fort and lauded it
on shore. 8 to merid an. A gang of men on shore erecting a fortification.
Sent some powder and slow match on shore to clear the vent ofa spiked gun.
July 27. 8 to meridian. Sent an American standard to be hoisted on Sutter's
Fort, Sacramento River.
[Letters of Commander John B. Montgomery, U. S. N., to Captain Thomas Fal
lon, at San Jose, who had taken possession of the town after the departure
of Castro, appointed an American as Justice of the Peace and raised
the American flag on July 13, 1846, on the flagstaff in front of
the Court House.]
U. S. Ship "Portsmouth," Yerba Buena, July 13, 1846.
Sir: I have just received your letter with a copy of Mr. James Stokes'

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xi
appointment as Justice of the Peace, at the pueblo; also a dispatch from the
Commander-in-Chief of the U. S. Naval Forces at Monterey, for which I thank
you. By the bearer of them, I return a dispatch for Commodore Sloat, which I
hope you will have an opportunity of forwarding to Monterey.
I received your letter of July 12th, and wrote to you by the bearer of it, on
the 13th, an answer, advising you by all means to hoist the flag of the United
States at the Pueblo of St. Joseph, as you expressed to do, if you had sufiicient
force to maintain it there; of course you will understand that it is not again to be
hauled down.
Agreeable to your request. I send }'Ou a proclamation ofthe Commander-in-
Chief, in both languages, which I shall be glad to have distributed as far aud
generally as possible; aud be pleased to assure all persons of the most perfect
security from injury to their persons and property, and endeavor, by every means
in 3-our power, to inspire them with confidence in the existing authorities and
government ofthe United States.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
jNO. B. Montgomery,
Commanding U. S. Ship "Portsmouth."
To Captain Thomas Fallon,
Pueblo of St. Joseph, Upper California.
U. S. Ship "Portsmouth," Yerba Buena, July 18, 1846.
Sir: I have just received your letter with the official dispatch from Commo
dore Sloat, which has been accidentally delayed one day in its transmission from
the pueblo, and am much obliged to you for sending it.
I am gratified to hear that you have hoisted the flag of our country, and can
not but feel assured, as I certainly hope, that your zealous regard for its honor and
glory will lead you nobly to defend it there. I am, sir, your obedient servant,
To Captain Thomas Fallon, Jno. B. Montgomery,
At the Pueblo, San Jose, Upper CaUfornia. Commander.
Remarks — It will be noted that in Lieutenant J. S. Misroon's
report of the condition ofthe fort at the Golden Gate, he says that "all
the guns there had been lately spiked by Captain Fremont." This is
the first time that we have seen it reported that Fremont had crossed
to the south shore of the Bay of San Francisco. This must have been
done while Fremont was encamped at San Rafael on the 26th to the
28th of June, 1846, or a week after the hoisting of the Bear Flag at
Sonoma by that party. To cross near the mouth of the harbor in an
open boat, proceed to the fort at the point, and skilfully and effectively
spike eight or ten guns, some of them 42-pounders, and safely return,
was a brave and adroit achievement, and shows, the foresight and good
judgment of Fremont in doing this himself or causing it to be done,
that the ships of the U. S. Navy might enter without receiving any
damage] from the fire of the enemy at the fort. It was good strategy.
Lieutenant J. W. Revere in his report says: "An express, with a
copy ofthe proclamation and United States flag, was also sent to the
commander of the garrison at Sutter's Fort, on the Sacramento, with a

xii Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
request to do the same there that had been done at Sonoma." But he
does not give the name of his courier. This, however, was William
Scott, and his name is given by Fremont, who, on leaving Sonoma
with the California Battalion (and he himself now at the head of the
Bear Flag party, with Archibald A. Gillespie, First Lieutenant of U. S.
Marines acting as Adjutant and Inspector.) Says Fremont: "We
had to make the circuit ofthe head ofthe bay, crossing the Sacramento
River (at Knight's Landing). On the loth of July, when within ten
miles of Sutter's Fort, we received {\!)y the hands of William Scott) the
joyful intelligence that Commodore John Drake Sloat was at Monterey
and had taken it on the 7th ol July, and that war existed between the
United States and Mexico. Instantly we pulled down the flag of Inde
pendence (Bear Flag) and ran up that of the United States amid gen
eral rejoicing, and a national salute of twenty-one guns on the morning
of the 1 1 th from Sutter's Fort with a brass four-pounder called ' 'Sut
ter' ' .
The plans of Commodore Sloat were thus faithfully and effectively
carried out by his able subordinate. Commodore John B. Montgomery.
[Brief Record of the late Rear-Admiral John B. Montgomery, U. S. Navy,
taken from Hammersley's Naval Encyclopedia and other sources.]
He was born in New Jersey and appointed Midshipman June 4, 1812. He
served on Lake Ontario in an attack on Kingston, Canada, November 10, 1812.
Capture of York, April 27, aud of Fort George and Newark, May 27, 1813; in the
"Niagara" in Perry's victory ou Lake Erie, September 10, 1813. (Receiving a
sword and the thanks of Congress, The Act of Congress approved January 6,
1814, provides for a medal for each ofthe officers, and a sword for each of the
midshipmen and sailing masters engaged in the battle of Lake Erie.) In Deca
tur's Squadron in the Mediterranean in 1815 and participated in the capture of
an Algerine frigate and a brig, and blockade of Algiers. He was promoted to
Lieutenant April i, 1818, and to Commodore December 9, 1339. He commanded
the Sloop of War "Portsmouth," Pacific Squadron, 1845-48. During the cruise of
the"Portsmouth" in the Pacific he took possession of Yerba Buena (San Francisco)
Sonoma, Bodega and Sausalito by orders from Commodore John Drake Sloat, U.
S. N., Commander-in-Chief, on July 9, 1846, and under Commodore Shubrick he
blockaded Mazatlan some months. In October, 1847, he, with Captain Lavallete,
in the "Congress," captured Guaymas on the Gulf of California. He was promoted
to Captain January 6, 18.S3, and commanded the Pacific Squadron in 1860-61. He
was promoted to Commodore July 16, 1862; and to Rear-Admiral (retired list)
July 25, 1866. He died at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, March 25, 1873.
A faithful officer, a true patriot, a gallant seaman, and an American citizen,
whose memory is honored by his grateful countrymen.
[He, while in command of the Sloop ofWar "Portsmouth," at San Francisco
had the sad misfortune to lose his two sons that were drowned in the Bay of San
Francisco or the Sacramento River, it is said by the sinking oftheir boat or they
were murdered and the boat scuttled. The father's grief had to be smothered
within his aching breast, while he nobly and manfully continued in the perform
ance of his duty to his country in its trying crisis, to secure and maintain posses
ion of California. E. A. S.]

jPoityri^M Applied For.

Custom Hcuse U. S. Sloop of [Var ''Portsmouth"
THE RAISING OF THE AMERICAN FLAG AND TAKING POSSESSION OF YERBA BUENA (SAN FRANCISCO), CAL.
By Commander Johu B. .Montgomery, U. S. N., of the U. S. Sloop of War "Portsmouth", on the moruiug of July 9, 1846, by order of Commodore John Drake Sloat, U.S.

LIEUTENANT JOSEPH WARREN REVERE.
(Late Brigadier General, U. S. A.)
Who lowered the Bear Flag and raised the American Flag at Sonoma, Cal., July g,
by order of Commodore John D. Sloat, U.S. N., and Commander John B.
Montgomery, ofthe U. S. Sloop of War "Portsmouth." See
biographic ketch, pages xxix to xxxii.

lyiFE OF Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xiii

THE NAVY ON THE PACIFIC COAST, 1845-47
FROM A PRIVATE RECORD.
[We are indebted to Gen. T. F. Rodenbaugh, U. S. A. , Secretary of the
Military Service Institution at New York, for the following, taken
from the private journal of Commander John B. Montgomery, which
throws additional light upon the events which occurred in the taking
possession of California, and which appeared in "Ca.^ Journal of the Mili
tary Service Institution of the United States in the September No. of
1902, and of which Gen. T. F. Rodenbaugh is the editor. E. A. S.]
The following extracts from the private Journal of Commander (the late Rear
Admiral) John Berrien Montgomery, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. Sloop of
War "Portsmouth," 1844-48, relate to the Mexican War and the acquisition of
California, and turn a side-light upon that period of our National history.* It
will be seen that the blockade of Mazatlan shed new lustre upon our Navy and
one of its most gallant and yet discreet officers, whose personal prejudices (as in
the California affair) did not cause him to deviate a hair's breadth from the line
of his duty. I.
CALIFORNIA.
Monterey, {Cat.) Sept. 28, 1845. "Sent a boat with Lieut. Bartlett to wait ou
the Consul, Mr. Larkin, who returned in the boat. Learned from him that
American interests were perfectly secure, and little probability oftheir being
interrupted in any way unless by a war with Mexico, which Mr. L. seemed
to regard as a probable event, growing out of the Texas question', in which
he said that a Sloop of War would be greatly needed at Monterey, to protect
from seizure whaling and trading vessels calling there. He further informed
me that by a vessel from Acapulco information had been brought ofthe arri
val of 2,000 Mexican troops at that port, destined for the immediate occupa
tion of California, to be paid by English individuals, under the sanction and
countenance ofthe British government; in proof of which he had seen a let
ter from Mr. Barron, the English Consul at St. Bias, stating the fact and that
*fohn Berrien Montgomery, b. Allentown, N. J., Nov., 1794; d. Carlisle, Peuna., March 25,
1873. Midshipman XJ. S. Navy, 1S12; served under Perry, receiving a sword of honor at close of
War, 1814, and with Decatur in 1815. Lifuteuant, 1818, and on the African and Mediterranean
stations until 1855, when he became Executive Officer ofthe "Constitution." Commander 1S39
and assigned (1840) to comniaiKl new Sloop-of- War "Portsmouth;" subsequently taking posses
sion of and establishing the flag of the United States at San Francisco, Sonoma, New Helvetia,
and maintaining the blockade at Mazatlan, Mex. In October, 1847. in company with U. S. S.
"Congress," bombarded aud captured the fortified town of Guaymas, Cal. In April, 1848, hoisted
the first U. S. flags at Cape S. Lucas, San Jose and La Paz, which forts were held until the close
of the War. His name was given to one of the principal streets and that of his ship to a square
in the City of San Francisco. Hi.s admirable conduct ofthe blockade of Mazatlan gained him
the thanks ofthe British government. Captain, 1853, and in 1857 assigned to command the new
steam frigate "Roanake;" in 1859, to the command ofthe Pacific station with the U. S. Corvette
'Lancaster" as flagship. In charge of Boston yard, 1862, and Washington yard, 1863.65. Rear-
Admiral, 1866, aud at own request ou waiting orders, September i, 1869.

xiv Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
he was to be their Paymaster. The said troops are very soon expected to
arrive here." * * *
"In the second interview with our Consul, Mr. Larkin, I was corrected in
the matter of the letter from Mr. Barron, said (in my remarks above) to have
been seen by him. There is, however, sufficient reason to believe that the
troops intended for California are to be paid with English funds through Mr.
Barron, from letters which have been received by English residents in Mon
terey."
Mazatlan, [Mex ) Oct. i6, 1845. "Visited by a Mexican officer from shore with
the Governor's compliments and congratulations on my arrival, etc. Sent
my First Lieutenant to wait on the Consul, Mr. Parrott, who returned with
the information of the annexation and occupation of Texas by the United
States; of the perfect quietude of Texas under this proceeding; that itwas
believed no war or difficulty would accrue from the event, and that Ameri
can interests, etc., were secured. In the morning visited by the Consul to
breakfast; at 9 A. M. saluted the Mexican flag and government with twenty-
one guns, which are promptly returned, and afterwards gave nine guns to
our Consul ou leaving the ship; at half past ten accompanied the Consul to
visit the Governor (General Facia), who was very civil, expressing his regret
that I intended leaving so soon, etc., a very pleasant interview." * * *
Acapulco, Oct, 29, 1845. "Intelligence from Mexico, per last mail, altogether
ofa pacific character, and the prevalent impression in shore that there will
be no hostilities with the United States. Five vessels in port awaiting the
arrival of troops intended for California, a corps of artificers and several offi-
x:ers (subordinates) to make arrangements, etc., being all of the expedition
-yet arrived. Tbe vessels haviug waited already two months, leads to the
.conclusion that the expedition, through the supineness of the government
.and want of funds, will wholly fall through; this is my impression. The
vbelief is prevalent that California is prepared and determined to resist the
introduction of Mexican troops."
Guaymas, {Mex.) Dec. 2, 1845. "A revolutionary movement of a local and
personal character, having for its object the removal or destruction of an
obnoxious individual (General Urea) from the provinces, was terminated on
the  inst. by a decisive conflict between the parties at  in which
Urea's party was overcome and put to flight with considerable loss of life on
both sides — the government still continued in its legitimate hands, no
change therein being desired or attempted by the triumphant party, whose
course had been directed strictly in consonance with views and wishes ofthe
Mexican government, which had previously given orders for the apprehen
sion and expulsion of Urea." * * * *
Monterey, [Cat.) April 23, 1846. "Lieut. Bartlett returned from the shore with
information that our Consul, Mr. Larkin, would visit the ship, that the com
mercial and other interests ofthe United States continued safe, having exper
ienced no interruption or annoyance since our visit in October last. Captain
Fremont with his company, (occupying in March last a position twenty-five
miles distant from Monterey), having accomplished his purpose of survey,
etc., etc., had deliberately withdrawn his company to the Sacramento, where
he is now supposed to be. A body of two hundred troops was directed by the
Military Governor of Monterey to proceed and dislodge Captain Fremont
from his position, and to drive him out of the provinces; and having
approached to within ten miles of the American encampment, they were con-

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xv
tent to remain there until intelligence of Captain Fremont's retrograde
march was brought to them, when they returned to Monterey, leaving Cap
tain Fremont and his little band to proceed in any direction and occupy any
position which should best suit their purpose and convenience in the prov
inces. It is here well understood that no real attack upon the camp of Cap
tain Fremont was contemplated by General Castro when he directed this
movement, but that it was done with the view only of furnishing materials
for forming a high sounding, flaming despatch to the central government of
Mexico." * * *
"Mr. Larkin informed me that the unsettled condition of California
since the expulsion of Micheltorena from the province, seems to point to a
necessity, and naturally produces in the public mind an expectation of a
speedy political change of some kind; and that the feeling is rife, that Cali
fornia is soon to be governed by England or the United States; predilections
being divided, owing, Mr. Larkin thinks, to the ignorance ofthe native and
Mexican population respecting the nature and extent of colonial privileges
under the former government, but that a change under either would proba
bly be acceptable to them, while the foreign population, including those
from the United States, would be found nearly united iu our favor, some few
perhaps (having large local interest at stake) might remain neutral through
fear of Mexican resentment, the brief occupancy of Commodore Jones having
taught the necessity of caution. In the event of war with Mexico, it is
thought that no opposition would be offered to hoisting the flag ofthe United
States either here or at San Francisco, and that such an occurrence would at
once unite from five hundred to one thousand sturdy American aud other
foreign residents to sustain our banner."
April 28, 1846. "This day informed General Castro was preparing to move with
the military, about thirty in all, to the interior, taking a position near Puebla
between this and San Francisco, with a view to awaiting the result of exist
ing difficulties between the United States and Mexico, conscious, it is said, of
utter inability to oppo.se any attempt on our part to take possession of either
or all the ports upon the coast. Also informed that the Commander General
had sent to inquire of Mr. Larkin why two officers of the "Portsmouth,"
Lieut. Bartlett and Lieut. Watson of Mariues, had proceeded to visit the
quicksilver mines, recently discovered near St. Clara, without obtaining pass
ports; to which Mr. Larkin replied that he had not deemed it necessary to
> apply for passports for American officers, iu circumstances where it had in no
instance been deemed necessary to obtain them for English or other foreign
officers at Monterey. This answer appeared satisfactory, as nothing more
has been said on the subject." * * *
April 2g, 1846. "I am informed by the Consul that General Castro is troubled
with suspicions of collusion between Captain Fremont and myself, and sup
poses that I have sent for him to return to Monterey, which is inferred from
Castro's enquiring ofthe Consul whether Captain Fremont was coming with
his company or alone, to which the Consul replied that he was not aware of
his coming at all." * * *
May I, 18 f6. "At ri a. m. went on shore by invitation ofthe Consul to witness
the process of drawing quicksilver from a quantity of ore brought from a
recently discovered mine near St. Clara, seventy miles from Monterey to the
northward." * * *

xvi Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
"Lead, sulphur, copper, iron and coal have been recently found in Upper
California in considerably quantities, the two first specimens of which I have
seen as taken from the mines in a perfectly pure aud unadulterated state and
ready for use. Silver and gold are also found, and there is sufficient reason
to believe that the latter may yet be found in great quantities; and as the soil
ofthe country is exceedingly rich, running to a great depth, aud the climate
embraced between the latitudes of  and favorable for the cultivation of
the bread stuffs and products generally of the United States, as well as those
ofthe tropics, it is reasonable to infer that at some time not far distant, when
this country shall have been settled by a more enterprising and industrious
class of people than her present population, that California will justly be
regarded as one of the richest districts of country in the Universe. I was
credibly informed yesterday by a Californian of high and respectable stand
ing, who is one ofthe most extensive land and cattle holders in the country,
that he had known wheat to yield two hundred per cent, for the quantity
sown; one hundred per cent, yield is not unfrequent." * * *
May 4, 1846. "Lts. Bartlett and Wilson returned from Pueblo San Jose much
pleased with their excursion, of five days from the ship. They give a most
glowing description of the beauty and fertility of the country through an
extent of two hundred miles over which they traveled, returning^by a differ
ent route from the one by which they proceeded. Valleys said to extend to
the snowy mountains and several miles wide, covered with a spontaneous
growth of wild oats, rich grapes and flowers, affording sustenance to thou
sands of wild horses and cattle, fine forests of oak, pine, red cedar and various
other trees of larger size than the timber growth of the United States, and
running up without a crook or limb to the height of from a hundred to two
hundred feet. The residents of the districts through which they passed are
represented as principally from the United States, who, with many ofthe
most intelligent Mexicans and Californians, express openly their desire for
and expectation of a change of government which shall unite them tothe
United States. The look confidently to this event as that "which is to con
summate their interests and happiness, and openly and fearlessly speak of it
as one which is near at hand; and it is not unlikely, I think, from all the
indications ofthe times, growing out ofthe evil of an inefficient and unfaith
ful government, with the continually increasing preponderance of the Anglo-
American population ofthe country, that the emigration from the East dur
ing the current year (armed and equipped as they all are for defense) will
greatly embolden the spirit of disaffection now so prevalent, and amply sup
ply material for its indulgence.'' * * *
May 9, 184.6. "Rode ten miles into the country in company with sixty persons,
male and female, mounted on horseback to a picnic, by invitation of General
Castro, the Commandant General of California. Seven of the officers of the
ship were of the party. On our return visited the Mission house and Con^
vent of Carmello ior Carmel) now d.eserted and in a dilapidated condition, as
are the numerous Mission houses and establishments which line the shores of
California. Their extensive domain of from ten to twenty leagues square,
each having been disposed of in portions to suit purchasers, are being now
offered for sale at exceedingly low prices, a beautiful fertile valley through
which we passed, producing iu the richest luxur ance, wild oats, nutritious
grapes, and wild flowers in great variety of kinds and colors, which I was-

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xvii
informed could be purchased of its Indian proprietor for about one hundred
dollars for two square leagues."
May II, 1846. "Informed that 'General Castro had received information from
Pueblo that Captain Fremont was about to move toward Monterey at the
head of three hundred men, which produced considerable stir aud excitement.
Troops were seen (about twenty-five iu number) moving from the town;
informed that their destination is Pueblo, but little dependence can be placed
in any reports circulated in Monterey, as the Commandant General, it is
said, has revolutionary schemes in contemplation, for the prosecution of
which it is most probable the above aud similar reports have been fabri
cated." * * *
May J£, 1846. "A ball given on shore by the wardroom officers of the ship to the
inhabitants of Monterey, which was very numerously attended. Among the
guests were the Commandant General Castro, with all the principal officers
of government and their ladies. It passed off very satisfactorily, seemingly,
as the dance was continued until daybreak, I am informed." * * *
May 22, 1846. "An express from the lower Pueblo brought a proclamation ofthe
Governor's (Pio Pico) directing the appointments of delegates by people
(consisting of thirty) to meet in St. Barbara on the 15th of June as a conven
tion, to take into consideration the existing embarrassed state of the coun
try and to deliberate upon the measures necessary to meet the exigencies of
their political condition. The general impressions are that a declaration of
independence will be the result, as it is set forth in the Governor's Procla
mation that there- remains not a hope that Mexico will succor or take any
steps for the relief of the country."
May 2^, 1846. "Intelligence received from the upper Pueblo ofthe rising ofthe
Rancheroes, headed by an Englishman by the name of Stokes, and Weber, a
citizen of the United States, in opposition to the military control and ambi
tious designs of General Castro, who is at St. Johns with about forty soldiers,
endeavoring to recruit and organize a sufficient force, to displace the exist
ing Governor Pio Pico, and to place himself at the head ofthe government,
it is believed. Castro has rendered himself unpopular with the Rancheroes
and country people by neglecting, (as military commandant ofthe Province)
to take measures for their protection against the frequent depredations ofthe
Indians, who drive away the horses and cattle from their ranches. He is
openly accused of misapplying the revenues of the country, the whole of
which arriving from duties on imports, falls into his hands, to the total neg
lect of the national and popular interest." * * *
fune3,i84.6. "Lieut. Gillespie of the U. S. Marine Corps came on board with
Mr. Russel from the camp of Captain J. C. Fremont at junction of Feather
River with the Sacramento. Lieut. Gillespie showed me a requisition of
Captain Fremont addressed to him for stores to be supplied him from some
naval vessel, and requested my compliance, also funds he stated were indis
pensable and could only be obtained at exorbitant rates, which would soon
exhaust, he feared, the appropriation for the important service in which his
party were employed. In his peculiar circumstances, also desiring to con
ceal his movements, there might be difficulty or inconvenience in obtaining
them; to which I felt my duty, the public interests, as well as the necessities
of my fellow citizens, to respond favorably, and ordered the needed supplies
of money and stores to be got ready to forward to the camp." * * ' *

xviii Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
June II, 1846 "At half past eight a. m. despatched the launch in charge of Act
ing Lieut. Hunter, with the following articles of stores for Captain Fremont.
Funds also sent by Purser Witmough who with Lieut. Gillespie, Mr. Russell
and a pilot, went up in the launch." * * *
June 13-17, 1846. "On Sunday morning, Mr. Everheart, an American resident in
Monterey, came on board bringing a note in pencil from Lt. Gillespie, whom
he met upon the Sacramento on the previous Thursday (the day of his leav
ing the ship in the launch) informing me ofthe capture of two hundred gov
ernment horses taken by a party of twelve American residents, from an
equal number of Mexican troops commanded by a Lieutenant of General
Castro's forces, who, after restoring two horses to each man, to speed them
one their way, permitted them to proceed with their arms, sending a message
to Castro thatthe foreigners had received intelligence of his sinister designs,
of destroying or driving them forcibly from the country, and of his having
by secret intrigues engaged the Indians to destroy their wheat when big
enough to burn; this last information obtained from Indians themselves, etc.
On Monday morning Don Jose De la Rosa arrived on board from General
Don Guadalupe Vallejo, deputed to inform me that eighty Americans had
taken forcible possession of Sonoma and made himself. General Vallejo, and
several other Mexican officers of note, prisoners, who were on their way
under a strong escort to the Sacramento, and apprehending from a party
who seemed to be acting without a head to direct or influence them, that
acts of violence might be perpetrated upon their defenseless families and
others in and about Sonoma, requested the interposition of any authority of
influence I might have over them, for their security. I replied to General
Vallejo in effect that my position as an officer of the United States govern
ment precluded my interference between conflicting parties, or with any
political or popular movement ofthe people of California, disclaiming at the
same time auy previous knowledge of this rising ofthe people and all agency
on the part of my government or by myself in producing it, which seemed
to be called for by the implication embraced in General Vallejo's request
for the exercise of authority with the insurgents. I expressed my readiness,
however, to use my friendly endeavors to prevent the perpetration of violence
upon the defenseless people of Sonoma, and at once directed the First Lieut.
Misroon to be prepared, to proceed in one of the ship's boat's to Sonoma
in the morning for that purpose. On Tuesday morning, before Lieut. Mis
roon had started on the mission assigned, a courier arrived on board from
Sonoma bringing a letter from the insurgent chief at that place, confirming
in part the statement of De la Rosa, but representing the number oftheir
forces at Sonoma to have been thirty-five instead of eighty persons in the
first instance, ten of whom were sent in charge of the prisoners to the Sacra
mento, leaving twenty-five only in charge of the place. The letter states
the nine pieces of cannon, and stand of small arms, with amunition and ball
cartridges, etc., etc., in sufficient quantity for rifle and musket use, to sustain
themselves against any attack which could be made upon them with small
arms, but apprehended they should fall short, if their artillery should be
called into requisition, as was probable in case of an attack from the govern
ment troops, and requested a supply from the ship, which, of course, was
refused on the ground of neutrality; my position and duty here compelling
me to abstain (much in opposition to my sympathies, I confess) from render
ing aid or facilities to either of the parties. I told Mr. Todd, the insurgent

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xix
messenger (a very intelligent and clever Kentuckian) that I was about to
dispatch a boat with an officer and General Vallejo's messenger to Sonoma.
with a request to his chief in behalf of the terrified families of that place, to
which he replied that he was happy to hear it, and would be glad to return
with them, and send his horse back by another, which was assented to. He
stated that a full and satisfactory guarantee for the security of the people
from harm had been given by proclamation almost immediately after taking
possession, and that it was well understood that condign punishment would
promptly meet the transgressor; that if Vallejo had been less precipitate in
sending to me, he would have seen no necessity for the trouble. I addressed
a hasty communication in reply to the one received from Mr. Ide, and dis
patched the boat at about lo A. M. with Lieut. Misroon and the courier of
both parties. I have no doubt of the honest motives and intentions of the
insurgent party in this serious movement, which is in all probability,
although small, the beginning to eventuate in their ruin or glorious triumph
over their insidious enemies, who are charged with the design of cutting off
by the hand of oppression, or driving from possession, the American resident
of the couutry. Their present leader, William E. Ide, although vilified aud
abused by the Mexicans, is represented to me by persons who know him aa
being one of the most wealthy and respectable men in California, and an
exceedingly intelligent andjudicious man, whose name and character cannot
fail to inspire confidence and give weight to the cause he has espoused. Not
the least important feature of their scheme, as presented in Mr. Ide's let
ter, is that of declaring the independence of California, and in due time
annexing with the United States."
June iS, 1846. "The boat with Lieutenant Misroon returned from Sonoma with
intelligence of the perfect quietude and security of the place from violence
aud disorder; that excellent discipline prevailed among the insurgents, who
had, by proclamation aud a written pledge given to Mr. Misroon, guaranteed
the entire security ofthe people from harm of every kind. Mr. M. brought
with him the proclamation issued by the insurgent chief on the 15th day
after the capture of the place, and related an anecdote in illustration of the
order and discipline prevailing there, as follows: A young man leading out
a horse belonging to Vallejo, was severely kicked by him in the face, and in
passion picked up a musket and shot him dead upon the spot. The dis
charge ofthe gun brought together at once some ofthe part}-, who, on under
standing the case, told the boy that he had violated the faith and solemn
obligations of the party, and must be punished, and the boy expressed his
willingness to pay the value of the horse, thirteen dollars, and acknowledg
ing his error, the remuneration was accepted, and the offender let off upon a
promise of being more careful in future."
June ig, 1846. "Omitted to mention yesterday the receipt of the despatch from
Don Josd Castro, Commandant General of Upper California, calling for
explanations respecting the conduct of Captain Fremont, whom he charged
with having invaded the province with a party of armed men, of operating
against the private and national interests of the country, and of taking pos
session of the military post of Sonoma, and making prisoners of several
important Mexican officers, etc., etc., which duly answered." * * *
'Verba Buena, June 28, 1846. "At 6 p. m. a sailboat arrived bringing Lieut. Gil
lespie, who came immediately on board with information that he had sepa
rated from Captain Fremont at St. Raphael, twelve miles to the north of my

XX Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
anchorage, who at the head of i6o men was in pursuit of a Californian force
under De la Force, having a day or two previously tletermined to change his
course and assist the revolutionists, in consequence of hearing that Castro
was proposing and had expressed the determination to drive him from the
country. This course of Captain Fremont renders my position as a neutral
peculiarly delicate amd difficult. Having avowed, not only my own but Cap
tain Fremont's entire neutrality and non-interference in the existing diffi
culties in the country, in which it can scarcely be supposed, under the circum
stances, that I shall be regarded as having spoken in good faith and sincer
ity." * * *
fuly I, 1846. "At 9 A. M. a boat from Point Pueblo de San Jose gave information
ofthe retrograde march ofthe Californians under Castro toward Santa Clara>
yesterday on being rejoined by the retreating party under De la Torree from
before Sonoma. At 10 A. M. received two notes from Lieut. Gillespie at Sau
salito, dated June 29th and 30th, and postscript of this morning informing me
that Captain Fremont with a party of his camp had advanced to Sausalito,
Captain Fremont having crossed the passage to the Fort to spike a number
of brass guns mounted there; one of his men having been accidentally shot
by his own rifle, he requested that I would receive hini on board. Dispatched
a boat to bring aud the gig with Lieut. Misroon to see Captain Fremont." *
* *
fuly 2, 184.6. "At 3 p. M. the gig with Lieut Misroon returned bringing intelli
gence that Captain Fremont had succeeded in spiking seven brass guns in
the Fort, and that he intended fitting a launch in his possession with two
swivels aud twelve trustj- men to be employed in keeping open the narrows
between the bays, and in intercepting' or preventing all communication
across on the part ofthe Californians; while with the main body of his force
he would make a circuit round by the Sacramento, with the view of bringing
Castro to battle in ten days, who, unsuspecting of any such design, it was
believed, would remain stationary at Santa Clara or the Pueblo above. At 10
A. M. Captain Fremont moved from Sausalito, leaving a small guard to make
prisoners, and follow him in boats to the Sacramento." * * *
[Note. There are conflicting accounts about the spiking of the guns at the
Castillo at Fort Point. As Commander Montgomery gives the credit to Fremont,
it is well to give both statements, as given by other parties who pretend to relate
history. The first is, that, "W. D. Phelps, Master of the American bark 'Moscow',
(which arrived at San Fraucisco March 10, 1846) and which was anchored at Sau
salito on July 1st, 1845, was assured by Fremont aud Gillespie, who had come
on board, that war had been declared between the United States and Mexico, and
that they were 'acting in obedience to ordeis of the United States government,'
and were successful in removing his doubts and secured his co-operation for a
movement on San Francisco. Captain Phelps furnished his vessel's launch with
a crew, going himself as a pilot to carry Fremont and about twenty of his men to
the old Castillo. Wading through the surf and boldly entering the fort this baud
of warriors proceeded to spike ten guns found there aud to wade back to the
boat and returned." [The exact date may be incorrect. E. A. S.]
The other account given by Capt. Daniel McLaughlin now of Los Gatos,
California, who was a seaman on board of ttie U. S. Sloop of War "Cyane", informs
us that that ship was at Sausalito,and that Lieut. Archibald Gillesnie of the U. S.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xxi
Marine Corps, took the cutter of that ship and served the crew (of which he,
McLauglin, was one) with muffled hammers and rat-tail files and instructed them
how to effectively spike the guns at Fort Point. That they crossed over at night
and that he helped to spike the guns under Lieut. Gillespie's directions and
returned without alarming the sentry at his post a short distance from the bat
tery. He says that Fremont was not with them and that Lieut. Gillespie, only,
should receive the credit for crossing the channel and spiking the guns. It is
highly probable that there were two boats going at different times and in sepa
rate directions, as it was reported that several of the Bear Flag men were in
Yerba Buena (San Francisco) the next day.
The correctness of this last statement would depend upon the fact of the
Sloop of War "Cyane" being at Sausalito at that time, as Commodore Sloat found
her at Monterey on July and, on his arrival there; and if the statement of Capt.
McLaughlin be correct, then Commodore Sloat should have been informed of
what had occurred or the information was concealed from him.
As Lieut. Gillespie, a U. S. Marine officer who was Fremont's Adjutant of
the Bear Flag California Republic Battalion, who had hung up their U. S. Commis
sions pro tempore, it is evident that they had secret orders and information that
were not imparted to either U. S. Consul Larkin at Monterey, Commodore Sloat
or Commander Montgomery and they were acting independently so as not to
compromise them, while they themselves were better informed of the true condi
tion of affairs and were preparing for the crisis immediately at hand. Quien
sabe? E. A. S.J
Jui'y 3t 1846, Six of the insurgents passed from Sausalito to Yerba Buena, and
took a Mr. Ridley, Captain of the Port, prisoner and sent him to the Sacra
mento. At 4 A. M. dispatched the launch with Acting Master Harrison to
Monterey, all communication by land being intercepted. Omitted yesterday
to mention the reception on board of George W. Brewer, one of Captain Fre
mont's company who had received, accidentally, a dangerous wound from
his own rifle." « * *
July s, 1846. "Informed bythe Vice Consul of the United States that all the
Spanish and Californian families having been removed from Yerba Buena at
the instance of the Prefect Guerra, an attack upon the American and other
foreign residents was apprehended during the night, by Guerra and Francisco
Sanchez at the head of a number of Californians known to be hovering about
in the vicinity. The brushwood and bushes in the rear to windward of the
town had been fired in a number of places by them, with the view of setting
fire to the town, and at 6 o'clock p. M. intelligence was brought in that a
party of sixteen had joined them at the Mission of  in the neighbor
hood. Eighteen foreign residents have banded together to watch during tbe
night, and to act in defense if necessary, but poorly supplied with arms. At
9. P. M., at the earnest request of the Vice Consul, and receiving a message
from Mr. Mellen that all property in the town belonged to Americans and
foreigners, Lieut. Misroon aud Lieut. Watson, of Marines, and eighteen of
the guard and three of the crew with their arms, were sent on shore to pro
tect the Consulate and American citizens with their property from attack or
violence. The night passed without disturbance, and the officers with
marines returned on board at daylight." * * *
July 7, 1846. "Lieut. Bartlett returned in the fourth cutter from the Sacramento,
and last from Sonoma, bringing me a letter from Captain Fremont, who left

xxii Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
Sonoma with i8o men yesterday, moving for Sutter's Fort, on his way to
Santa Clara, the headquarters of General Don Jos^ Castro." * * *
THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES HOISTED.
Yerba Buena, July 9, 1846. "Clear and pleasant weather and moderate winds
from the south and west. In the evening received a telegraphic dispatch
from Commodore Sloat at Monterey by the hands of Mr. Pitts, informing me
ofthe formal occupation of that place by United States forces of the squad
ron, and directing me to occupy and hoist the flag of the United States in
Yerba Buena, which was duly effected at 8 A. M. with a salute of twenty-one
guns from the "Portsmouth." Seventy men suitably armed, including
Marines, being landed and marched to the flag staff in the public square for
that purpose, after which the proclamation of the Commander-in-Chief to the
people of California was publicly read iu both languages. A proclamation
was then read calling upon the male residents to meet together and form
themselves in a military company, elect their own officers, etc., with a view
to general security from attack, which was completed before noon, the com
pany consisting of persons from the United States, England, Germany, Rus
sia and Chili, numbering thirty-two in all, assuming the title of the Volun
teer Guards of Yerba Buena; a party of whom, under Lieut. Misroon, ofthe
"Portsmouth" immediately proceeded to the Presidio and Fort at the
entrance to the bay, to inspect and report their condition to me. Lieut.
Watson, to whom the command of the Military, including the Marines on
shore, was given, established his quarters and barracks in the Custom House
on the Square. At 12 o'clock (noon) Mr. Die arrived from Monterey with a
duplicate of telegraphic dispatch to me. Lieut. Revere was dispatched in a
boat to Sonoma, with a letter from Commodore Sloat to the Commandant at
that place, taking with him two fiags of the United States to be hoisted at
Sonoma, and Sutter's Fort on the Sacramento."
fuly 10, 1846. "Employed during the day in completing various arrangements
for the better security and good government of this port. Sent on shore
Lieuts. Misroon and Bartlett, the former to examine sites for the location of
a small fort, the latter to take inventories of properties, etc. Sent thirteen
muskets with bayonets and filled cartridge boxes on shore for the use of- a
newly organized militia company, also the six pounder boat gun with car
tridges and grape shot, which was planted in front of the barracks in the
Square." * * *

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xxiii

A PEACEFUL BLOCKADE.
"Mazatlan from seaward is a picture not readily forgotten, but never yet ade
quately photographed. Its turquoise semilune of a bay, symmetrically set between
three precipitous islands to the north and three to the south, washes the very
hem of the town whose adobes turn to matble with distance and the sun. On
the northern outer island — once refuge of wholesale cimarrones (runaway slaves)
— perches the lighthouse, perhaps 300 feet above the tide. It poses at home as
the highest /a>-o in the world. As a matter of fact, that of San Lorenzo, in front
of Callao, is more than thrice as high.
"This outpost of the tropics — six leagues south of the Tropic of Cancer, and
already iu sight of the Southern Cross — is now the (commercially) first port on
the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and until very recently was surpassed only by Vera
Cruz. Now Tampico and Coatzacoalcos will far outstrip it, aud will not come
back to its own nntil one ofthe transcontinental lines creeps down to it.
"From the seaman's point of view, it is a poor harbor — in fact, it is no harbor
at all, but merely a good roadstead. Vessels of i8-feet draught anchor a mile
and a half from the wharf, and further familiarity must be left to the lighters.
But, politically and geographically, it is a very important point. It is key to the
Gulf of California — or Gulf of Cortez, for its discoverer; or Mar Bermejo, ior 'lis
tingeing of its waters by ferruginous streams — and is, so to say, the midway
port of the Mexican West. Up the gulf are the good harbors of Guaymas
(reached by the Sonora railroad from Arizona) and of Topolobampo, destined to
be the terminus of another line from the "States." Down the coast are the mag
nificent natural harbors of Manzanillo and Acapulco, besides various embarca-
deros of less future.
"Mazatlan has possibly 12,000 souls, and its manufactures are minor; but it
commands a vast interior of rich potentiality. It was formerly port not only for
Sinaloa, but as well for Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, and so far inland as Zacat-
ecas. The opening ports at San Bias and Manzanillo cut it down at home, and
our San Francisco has put a knee in its old-time China trade; that commerce
goes now to California first, and is thence parceled out to Mazatlan.
"Its coast trade is still important, and the prospects more so. It is the com
mercial center of rich mining districts, and gold and silver bullion form the great
majority of its exports. The famous mines of the Real del Rosario, twenty-
seven leagues inland, were discovered in 1655 and are still profitably worked by

newcomers.

* *

"For a town founded in 1822 with a few huts, Mazatlan has had its fair taste
of history. It has changed its name thrice, beginning as Ortigosa, rising to Villa
de las Costillas, and finally adopting its present name from the Aztec — mazatl,
deer; tian, place. It has been several times the capital of Sinaloa, and all times
a nest of revolution. It became a garrison town in 1844, ^nd lost no time in
rebelling against Santa Anna. In 1846 it hatched another revolt. We block
aded and finally captured it in 1847. Mexican revolutionists took it by storm in
1859. I'l ^^^ sacrifice of Maximilian it figured again, being the only foothold in
Sinaloa of the meddlers. The French corvette Cordeliere bombarded it in 1864,
but was driven off by one agile cannon in the plaza. Seven months later a
French naval division captured the town after a bombardment, and it was Maxi-

xxiv Life of Rkar-Admiral John Drake Sloat
milian's for two years to a day — when Geiteral Corona recaptured it and put an
end to intervention in Sinaloa. In 1868 Mazatlan was again the seat ofa revolt
against the government, and for three years was infested with troubles. In 1871
it rose again, and was taken by storm in the following year — only to erupt once
more in 1876. The list of governors in Sinaloa since the state was founded (1830)
is of more length than breadth — with its incumbents 'for ten 'days," 'for two
days," "for seven days."*
The blockade of Mazatlan in 1847, referred to above, came very nearly caus
ing war between Great Britain and the United States, only averted by the good
sense of the American and British naval commanders ou the Pacific Station, as
may be seen by a glance at the inner history recorded on next page.f
THE BLOCKADE OF MAZATLAN.
Mazatlan, March 2, 1847. "At 11 A. M. made a visit to the British Frigate "Con
stance," was cordially received and treated by Sir Baldwin Walker, with
whom I conferred more than an hour upon the points of correspondence
respecting which we were at issue. He stated in substance the views of his
government to be as follows: That under a proclamation at the general block
ade ofa whole coast no single port or any portion of said coast can be law
fully blockaded without actual investment of the whole extent embraced iu
the proclamation; in fact, that a general proclamation involved the alterna
tive of actual investment ofthe whole assnmed ground or of losing the right
to blockade auy part of it. In confirmation of which Sir Baldwin read pas
sages from several foolscap sheets of manuscript, which I inferred to be a
manual of general instruction; likewise reference was had to a large volume
from which several passages were read; as evidence of practice, etc., and I
was informed that the British officer's specific instructions in relation to the
coast of Mexico were to regard no blockades of a port, or any part of the
coast, short ofthe whole extent, by the forces ofthe American Squadron, as
being in a state of lawful blockade, and upon this principle to give protection
to English vessels. I stated in return that adopting British practice as the
rule, examples directly at variance with the principles just advanced, I
believed might be adduced; that I had taken the liberty of citing (in my
answer to his communication) one instance, selected for its peculiar and
forcible adaptation to the case in point; that under a general Proclamation
of Blockade of exterior coasts, a few ports only were actually invested, while
a right to exclude neutral commands from the others was claimed aud exer
cised by the Naval force employed; that protest or remonstrance by the gov
ernment of the United States being made, the ground of complaint was
removed by a simple order ofthe Admiralty to the British Commander-in-
Chief, to restrict the operation of blockade above the ports actually invested.
I continued that a failure to comply with the extravagant terms of the Proc
lamation in this instance seems not to have vitiated or prevented grounds of
objection to the prosecuton of the partial blockade established under its
sanction. Sir Baldwin observed that he had not been able to find the case
aud enquired whether I felt certain that there was not another proclamation
issued as a basis for the restricted order of blockade, to which I replied that
*¦ Mexico of Today, Charles Lummis. Harpers, N. Y., 1898.
fExtracts from the private Journal of Commander (the late Rear Admiral) John B. Montgom
ery, TJ. S. N., commanding U. S. Sloop of War "Portsmouth," 1844-48. Continued from Jour
nal M. S. I., Sept. 1892.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Si.oat xxv
I inferred not from the fact that none other than the original proclamation
was named or alluded to iu what appeared to be a full and complete state
ment ofthe case as presented in the United States diplomatic code.
Sir Baldwin remarked that the only blockade which had been attempted
on the coast by two United States ships had been raised or abandoned three
months since, and referred, I think, to his manuscript to show that this act
alone vitiated all succeeding blockades declared under the original Procla
mation, aud involved the necessity of commencing de novo, holding that
another Proclamation by the government was essential to the right of resum
ing blockade. He also caused to be read from a manuspript the names of a
number of vessels, English, French and others, which had been allowed to
pass into Mazatlan by the vessels formerly employed in the blockade. I
replied that I was aware of the employment ofthe "Warren" and "Cyane"
on the coast, and as I believed on blockade of the ports of Mazatlan and .San
Bias, and also that they had returned to the Northward, but that my instruc"
tions furnished me with no information respecting the duties and operations
of those vessels ou this coast for the government of my course. They were
specific and required me, with the force under my command, to invest or
blockade th«port of Mazatlan alone; that I regarded my duties as referring
only to the said port, with adjoining coasts and islands, co-extensive with
my means, -surveillance and enforcement. After a short digression, feeling
to be very important to learn if possible the nature and extent of opposition
that I had to expect to the execution of my duties ou the arrival of an Eng
lish merchant ship ou the coast, two being daily looked for, I resumed: "May
I be permitted. Sir, to inquire how far you may feel it your duty to oppose
the execution of mine as blockading officer, on the arrival of an English ves
sel off this port?" He replied with an expression of serious feeling, "Really,.
it is a hard question." I think those were the words. I asked whether he
thought it was contemplated by our governments to leave the final settle
ment of questions growing out of conflicting views of duty to Captains acting
uuder superior Commanders, who, invested with the power of government
in all matters of official duty, might readily be referred to; and continued, "I
regard my duty as requiring the prosecution of the service assigned, and
would not be justified by the conflicting views and orders of foreign officers
and the presence or menace of superior force, to abandon it. That it was
very questionable in my view whether an officer acting under orders could in
any manner be authorized to abandon the duty assigned him for anything
short of collision, and actual collision." Sir Baldwin replied, "I think it
hard that such matters should be left to Captains, under the circumstances.
I, therefore, make the proposition that if you will allow communication
between the Captain or Super-cargoes and consignees of English vessels
bound to Mazatlan, with a view to their receiving fresh instructions, which
is important for vessels after a loug voyage sailing from England with the
impression that the blockade had been raised, I will avoid interference with
your duty of examining and warning vessels off from the port of Mazatlan,"
remarking that the privilege of communication was not an uncommon indul
gence. "And I readily consented to the proposed arrangement, with the under
standing that the whole subject was to be referred to our respective Com
manders-in-Chief."

xxvi Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
(SECOND CONVERSATION WITH SIR B. WALKER.)
March 23, 1847. "At i p. m. Sir Baldwin Walker came on board to make a call.
After sitting a short time he said that he brought with him for my perusal
some documents which he had received from Mr. Bankhead, the British Min
ister at Mexico, relating to blockade, which he handed to me. They were
letters from Admiral Rowley and another British Commander and Captain
Spence, late of the United .States Navy, protesting against a blockade of the
coast of Central America in the years 1821 and 1822, from which it appeared
that one of the objections urged by Sir Baldwin against the legality ofthe
existing blockade, viz.: The non-investment of all the ports included in the
General Proclamation of Commodore Stockton, furnished the sole ground.
After a few general remarks upon the applicability ofthe principle thus set
forth and effectually maintained to the existing blockade, Sir Baldwin
observed that he believed he had done wrong in yielding or waiving the
point of protest at first presented, for which he said that he might be cen
sured. I replied that I so highly appreciated the amicable spirit and
motives which I verily believed had alone induced him to waive the strict
construction of his orders so directly in conflict with mine, that I should
most deeply regret auy unpleasant consequences on that account; that his
very superior force to that of the blockade shielded him from injurious sur
mises, and must naturally lead to correct inferences respecting the motives
of his course. He replied, with his characteristic urbanity and pleasantry of
manner, 'Yes, if you had been iu a Frigate, I should have acted differently.'
"I should do violence to my feelings and convictions by omitting here to
remark that I believe Sir Baldwin spoke most sincerely, and in this obser
vation exhibited most clearly the real motive of his moderation and forbear
ance. Indeed, the many kind courtesies and attentions of Sir Baldwin
Walker attending our official intercourse from beginning to end (though com
menced under a threatening aspect) has impressed my niiud and the officers
ofthe 'Portsmouth,' I believe, with sentiments of highest respect and esteem
for his character as a man and distinguished British officer. May favor and
prosperity attend him.
"Sir Baldwin seemed desirous that I should (if practicable) communicate
the state of things to the Commander-in-Chief, as I inferred, by his asking
if I could not by some means send to him. I told him that I was in hourly
expectation of an opportunity by the 'Erie' expected from the South, and
also looking for arrivals from the North. I remarked that, unless otherwise
directed, I expected soon to leave here, I had reference to the duties
assigned me on the west side of the Gulf, and the low state of my provisions,
which would require my return to California in twenty days, unless supplied
before that time. After some friendly conversation Sir Baldwin left the
ship."

In his report to the Commander-in-Chief of the Naval forces of the U. S. iu
the Pacific, Commander Moutgoruery wrote that "the blockade of Mazatlan was
effectually maintained by the 'Portsmouth' for nearly six weeks, although gen
erally opposed aud protested against on the ground of illegality, and the service
was not relinquished until I had satisfactorily secured the means of communica
ting Commodore Stockton's orders to Lieutenant-Commander Turner as directed,
and the low state of my provisions admonished me of the necessity of immediate

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xxvii
attention to duties assigned me on this coast. I think it proper. Sir, with the
view of averting from others the serious embarrassments through which I deemed
It my imperative duty (in obedience to specific orders) to persevere in maintain
ing the recent blockade of Mazatlan, to apprise you that, unless commencing de
novo by proclamation, any attempt to re-establish the blockade of one or more
ports, short of all named in Commodore Stockton's proclamation of August last,
will be strenuously opposed by the representatives of neutral powers. Nothing
but the amicable forbearance and courtesy of Sir Baldwin Walker, of H. B. M.
Frigate 'Constance' (such as could only with safety have been exercised by a
superior to a very inferior force), prevented a serious difficulty (possibly col
lision between our ships) growing out of conflicting orders respecting the
blockade." The British government was so much impressed with the firm but reasonable
treatment of the interests of neutrals bythe American Commander at Mazatlan,
that the following handsome recognition of Montgomery's official conduct by Lord
Palmerston was transmitted to him through the Department of State (of which
James Buchanan was the head) and of the Navy (then presided over by J. Y.
Mason. (No. 4). Foreign Office.
June 30, 1847,
Sir: — Captain Sir Baldwin Walker, commanding Her Majesty's Ship "Con
stance," on the west coast of Mexico, has mentioned in his reports in very favor
able terms the kind and considerate manner in which Captain Montgomery, of
the United States Frigate "Portsmouth," has conducted himself toward neutral
vessels whilst he has been employed in blockading the port of Mazatlan, and I
have to desire that you will take au opportunity of conveying to the United
States Secretary of State the acknowledgments of Her Majesty's Government for
Captain Montgomery's courteous treatment of British subjects upon this occa
sion. I am, etc., etc.,
J. F. Crampton, Esq. Palmerston.
In his message to Congress for the year 1847, President Polk remarked as
follows: "On the 31st of March last I caused an order to be issued to our military and
naval commanders to levy and collect a military contribution upon all vessels
and merchandise which might enter any ofthe ports of Mexico in our military
occupation, and to apply such contributions toward defraying the expenses of
the war. By virtue of the right of conquest and laws of war, the conqueror,
consulting his own safety or convenience may either exclude foreign commerce
altogether from all such ports, or permit upon such terms and conditions as he
may prescribe. Before the principal ports of Mexico were blockaded by our
Navy, the revenue derived from import duties, under the laws of Mexico were
paid into the Mexican treasury. After these ports had fallen into our mili
tary possession, the blockade was raised, and commerce with them permitted
upon prescribed terms and conditions. . . Iu directing this measure, the
object was to compel the enemy to contribute, as far as practicable, toward the
expenses ofthe war."
The President also mentioned that "In the Gulf of Mexico, and iu the

xxviii Life op Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
Pacific, the officers and men of our squadrons have displayed distinguished gal
lantry and performed valuable services. In the early stages of the war with
Mexico her ports on both coasts were blockaded, and more recently many of
them have been captured and held by the Navy."

Copy,-;^Ki AppKerf Vox-

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Capt. Salvador Vallejo's Quarters Gen.M.G. Vallejo's Headquarters Barracks
Sonoma Plaza new Vallejo Square

Mission

At

THE LOWERING OF THE BEAR FLAG AND RAISING OF THE AMERICAN FLAG AT SONOMA CAL
,2 M., July 9, .846, by Lieut. Joseph Warrep Revere, U. S. N. , by order of Coramodore Johu Drake Sloat, D. S. N., Commanding the Paciflc'squadro:

Squadron

CAPTAIN JOHN A. SUTTER.
Late Major General Calitornia Militia.
The great philanthropic Pioneer of California, who raised the American Flag at Sut
ter's Fort on July ii, 1846, sent to him by Lieut. J. W. Revere, U. S. N,, by order of Com
modore John Drake Sloat, U. S. N. [See biographic sketch and private journal, pages
xxxiii to xlix.]

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xxix
BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOSEPH WARREN REVERE, U.S.A.
[ex-lieutenant U. s. NAVY.J
He was born May 17th, 1812, in the city of Boston, Mass., and was
the grandson of the famous Colonel Paul Revere of the American
Revolution of 1 775-1 783. and was named for the patriotic General
Joseph Warren, Grand Master of Masons of Massachusetts, who was
killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775,
As an American patriot of so illustrious an ancestry himself , and named
for the devoted friend ot his grandfather, the immortal Warren, to
ever remind him oftheir distinguished virtues and deeds, his American
blood blended with that of the Huguenot which coursed through his
veins, made him the ardent and active man that he was through his
exciting, and eventful career.
He received his first commission as a Midshipman in the U.S. Navy
to bear date ofApril i, 1828, and signed by President Andrew Jackson,
January 26, 1832, when but sixteen years of age, and for a period of
twenty-two years he followed his naval profession with distinction and
honor in the most active and arduous service of his country; and in the
conflicts in the suppression of the pirates who infested the West Indian
seas and the Gulf of Mexico, and in the Seminole Indian War through
the swamps and everglades of Florida, he rendered valuable service in
the subduing of the hostile savages of that Territory. '
In 1845-6 he, having advanced by promotion to the rank of Lieu
tenant, was serving on the U.S. Sloop of War, "Portsmouth," Com
mander John B. Montgomery, one of the vessels of the Pacific Squadron,
cruising between the Mexican ports of Acapulco,. Mazatlan, Guaymas,
Monterey, California, and other places. In April, May, June and July,
1 846, that vessel was at Monterey and Yerba Buena (or San Francisco)
closely watching these important ports and waiting anticipated events,
which were soon to transpire.
The hour for action had arrived when on the evening of July 8th,
1846, Commander John B. Montgomery received his orders from Com
modore John D. Sloat to land his forces and take possession of Yerba
Buena, Sonoma, Bodega, and Sutter's Fort, at the same time informing
him that the war with Mexico had commenced, and that he himself was
already in possession at Monterey. Before commencing action himself
to land and hoist the American flag at Yerba Buena (San Francisco)
which he did at 9 o'clock A m. on July 9, 1846, he despatched Lieu
tenant Joseph W. Revere with the 4th Cutter at 4 o'clock a. m.,
bearing a letter from Commodore Sloat to the Commandant at Sonoma

xxx Life of Rrar-Admiral John Drake Sloat
and two American flags to be raised at that place and Bodega. In just
eight hours' time from his departure, after rowing the entire di.stance
of thirty miles to the embarcadero (or landing), and marching three
miles on foot, he performed his duty at 12 o'clock, noon, by lowering
the "Bear Flag ofthe California Republic" and raising the American
flag, delivering his message, reading Commodore Sloat's proclamation,
and received the entire military force with their arms, ammunition, etc.,
into the service of the Government of the United States, and returned
to his ship, making due report two days afterwards, on July 11, 1846.
He subsequently rendered good service on shore while in temporary
command of mounted men, and then returned to duty on board ship
and participated in the successful attack upon Guajmas and other ports
of the western coast of Mexico, which was taken possession of and held
until the close of the war with Mexico, when further hostile action
ceased, and the ordinary routine of daily sea service was resumed, which
for two years afterwards became irksome, and he resigned his com
mission in the Naval Service of the United States in 1850, when he went
to reside in Mexico upon a large tract of land which he had secretly
purchased during the war through trusty agents, and he became the
owner of a rich hacienda, to which he retired and entered upon agricul
tural pursuits and stock raising. But that was a too quiet life for him
to lead and he was soon engaged in the service of the Mexican govern
ment, and he was placed in command of a small armed vessel on the
Pacific Coast, and while so employed he rescued from captivity and
death sixteen Spanish subjects whose vessel had been wrecked on the
shores of the Gulf of California, near the mouth of the Yaqui River.
He received a gold medal from the city of Cadiz on which were the
arms of the city and the inscription, "Honor, Devotion, Courage"
Queen Isabella of Spain conferred upon him the knighthood of the
"Royal Order of Isabella" in testimony of his "eminent service" — this
was in 1852. In that year, while Instructor of Artillery, with the rank
of Lieutenant Colonel, he accompanied the Mexican President into
Morella in the capacity of Chief of Artillery, and displayed great bravery
in the engagements which took place.
On the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion in the United States,
he immediately offered his services to the government, and in the summer
of 1 86 1 he accepted the Commission of Colonel of the Seventh Regi
ment of New Jersey Volunteers. He participated in the battles of the
Peninsula and was specially commended for his conduct before Rich
mond, and received honorable mention for his gallant behavior at the
battle of Manasses. He was wounded, and shortly afterwards was
appointed General ot the Third Brigade of the Second Division, Third
Corps, and commanded it at the battle of Fredericksburg. He was then

Life op Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xxxi
transferred to the command of the Excelsior Brigade of the same Divi
sion. He led his Brigade at Chancellorsville, but after the engagement
was over he made the movement for which he fell under the censure of
his superior officers. In May, 1863, he was arraigned before a general
court martial ordered by General Hooker. General REVERE pleaded
"not guilty." The court found him "guilty of conduct to the preju
dice of good order and military discipline," and sentenced him to be
dismissed from the military service ofthe United States, and the Presi
dent approved the sentence. General Revkre felt he had been done
gross injustice He therefore issued a pamphlet containing a statement
of the case, with a map, a copy of the record of the trial, and an
appendix. He addressed it to his friends and the public, who he
believed would, upon its perusal, "acquit him of the censure cast upon
him by the court." He made the statement in lieu of a defense, which
he had not made before the court, he and his counsel deeming a defense
unnecessary on the ground that the charges were not proven.
President Lincoln becoming fully convinced of the injustice done to
General Joseph Warren Revers, revoked the sentence of dismissal
in Special Order No. 302, dated September 12th, 1864, and General
RevERE'S resignation was accepted to take effect August 10, 1863, and
thus th's, though tardy, justice was done him by "Honest Abe," the
Martyr President of the United States, and General Joseph Warren
RevEke's honor was cleared and preserved from all stain, to his
satisfaction and the delight of the offspring of so noble and patriotic
ancestry, whose live's are interwoven with the history of the American
Repnblic. The original "Bear Flag of the California Republic," which Lieu
tenant Joseph Warren Revere, U.S N., lowered from the flagstaff
at Sonoma when he raised the American Flag in its place, now hangs
ir a glass case upon the walls of the Building of the Society of California
lioneers, in San Francisco. In April, 1874, General Wm T. Sherman
torwarded to that Society the guidon which the Bear Flag Company, at
Sonoma, bore at the time when Lieutenant REVERE arrived there on
July 9, 1846. This was made of white silk, with a two-inch wide red
stripe at the bottom and a bear in the center, over which is the inscrip
tion, "Republic of California." It was accompanied by the following
letter from the donor :
"Society of California Pioneers,
San Francisco, California.
"Gentlemen : At the suggestion of General Sherman, I beg leave to
send to your Society here a guidon, formerly belonging to the Sonoma
troop ofthe California Battalion of 1846, for preservation. This guidon

xxxii Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
I found among the effects of that troop when I hauled down the Bear
Flag and substituted the Flag of the United States at Sonoma, on the
9th of July, 1846, and have preserved it ever since.
"Very respectfully, etc.,
"Jos. W. Revere, Brigadier-General."
" Morristown, N.J., February 20, 1S74."
This guidon also hangs in a glass case on the walls of the Society of
California Pioneers in San Francisco.
Just 105 years from the date of his illustrious grandfather Paul
Revere' s famous historic ride and the first battles of the American
Revolution, Lexington and Concord, Gen. Joseph WarreN Revere,
who had not been in robust health for some years, while returning to
his hom€ from New York City, was taken suddenly ill on a Hoboken
ferry-boat on Wednesday, April 15, 1880, with neuralgia ofthe heart.
He was removed to Buch's Hotel in Hoboken, where he remained
until Tuesday, April 20th, 1880, when his eventful life of sixty eight
years was closed, and his funeral, largely attended by his many friends,
was that of a private citizen. So passed away one, whose illustrious
name is connected with California' s'history, who lowered the Bear Flag
in honor, replacing it with the American Flag of sovereignty on July
9th, 1846, at Sonoma, and by the orders of his Commander-in-Chief,
Commodore John Drake Sloat, honorably closed the career of the
"California Republic" to the entire satisfaction of all parties. \ His
memory will be cherished by California as long as her moui^tain
summits shall pierce the heavens and be illumined and glorifiea by
the rising and setting sun. \ \

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xxxiii

GENERAL JOHN A. SUTTER.
THE PIONEER ADVENTURER AND PUBLIC BENEFACTOR
OF CALIFORNIA, WHO RAISED THE AMERICAN
FLAG ON SUTTER'S FORT, JULY ii, 1846.
To attempt to give the whole life of this remarkable man would fill a
large volume, and even then it would not be complete. Having
formed his personal acquaintance, early in the month of June, 1849, and
which continued until he finally left California for the East where he
closed his eventful career as a pensioner provided for by the ' 'Golden
State' ' which he helped to create, a feeling of sadness and tender sym
pathy comes over us as we write the following sketch in brief of this
noble, lordly and generous pioneer who was the benefactor of mankind
and who was for long years our personal friend.
Well has Oscar T. Shuck, in his work of "Representative Men of
the Pacific," portrayed his character, for he himself came to Sacra
mento with his father's family, in the year 1854 when a boy and grew
to young manhood almost in the shadow of Sutter's Fort, the Mecca
of gold-seeking pilgrims from all over the world for nearly half a cen
tury which followed its discovery at Sutter's saw mill, built by James
W. Marshall at Coloma, on the 19th day of January, 1848, a few weeks
only before the Treaty of Peace was made with Mexico which surren
dered a then future empire to the dominion of the United States Gov-
ment, acquired by the valor of the American arms on both land and
sea. Gen. John A. Sutter was born on March r, 1803, in the Grand
Duchy of Baden. His father was a Lutheran clergyman who removed
to Switzerland where his children were educated, and where the subject
of our sketch was married to a lady in Berne who bore him several
children. Having received a thorough civil and military education,
and while a young man he served as Captain in the French army in
the service of King Charles X. Leaving his family in Switzerland
well provided for, he started for the United States and arrived in New
York in July, 1834, and pushing forward to the west he located in
Missouri, where he resided for several years, during which time he vis
ited New Mexico, and the then "Wild West, "with its vastness stretch
ing out for thousands of miles toward the setting sun, inflamed his
ambition to explore the inviting Occident and penetrate the region
beyond, as others had done "who had gone that way before him."
We prefer to let him give his own account in his own quaint lan-

xxxiv Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
guage, badly spelled and punctuated, and unique in expression, just
as it was written in his own hand, and found among the papers of an
eminent citizen, whose widow several years ago loaned it to the late
Frank M. Pixley who founded the Argonaut.
Gen. John A. Sutter wrote as follows:
"Left the State of Missouri (where I has resided for a many years)
on the ith a April 1838, and travelled with the party of Men under
Capt. Tripps, of the Amer. fur Compy, to their Rendezvous in the
Rocky Mountains (Wind River Valley) from there I travelled with 6
brave Men to Oregon, as I considered myself not strong enough to
cross the Sierra Nevada to California (which was my intention from
my first Start on having got some information from a Gent'n in New
Mexico, who has been in California.
"Under a good Many Dangers and other troubles I have passed the
Difi'erent torts or trading posts of the Hudson's Bay Compy,and arrived
at the Mission at the Dalls on Columbia River. From this place I
crossed right strait through thick & thin, and arrived to the great
astonishment of the inhabitants. I arrived in 7 days in the Valley of
Willamette, while others with good guides arrived only in 17 days
previous my Crossing. At fort Vancouver I has been very hospitably
received and invited to pass the Winter with the Gentlemen of the
Co(6py, but as a Vessel of the Compy was ready to sail for the Sand
wich Islands, I took a passage in her, in hopes to get Soon a Passage'
from there to California, but 5 long months I had to wait to find an
Opportunity to leave, but not direct to California, except far out of my
Way to the Russian American Colonies on the North West Cost, to
Sitka, the Residence of Gov'r, (Lat 57) I remained one Month there
and delivered the Cargo of the Brig Clementine, as I had Charge of
the Vessel, and then sailed down the Cost in heavy Gales, and entered
in Distress in the Port of San Francisco, on the 2d of July 1839. An'
Officer and 15 Soldiers came on board and ordered me out, saying that
Monterey is the Port of entry, & at last I could obtain 48 hours to get
provisions (as we were starving) and some repairings done on the
Brig. "In Monterey I arranged my affairs with the Costum House, and
presented myself to the Gov'r Alvarado, and told him my intention to
Settle here in this Country, and that I have brought with me 5 White
Men, 8 Kanacas (two of them married) 3 of the Whitemen were
Mechanics, he was very glad to hear that, and particularly when I told
him, that I intended to Settle in the interior, on banks of the river
Sacramento, because the Indians then at this time would not allow
white Men and particularly of the Spanish Origin to come near them,
and was very hostile, and stole the horses from the inhabitants near

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xxxv
San Jose. I got a General passport for my small Colony and permis^
sion to select a Territory wherever I could find it convenient, and to
come in one year's time again in Monterey to get my Citizenship and
the title of the Land, which I have done so, and not only this, I
received a high Civil Ofiice.
"When I left Yerbabuena (now San Francisco) after having leaved
the Brig and dispatched her back to the S. I. I bought several small
Boats (Launches) and Chartered the Schooner "Isabella" for my
Exploring Journey to the inland Rivers and particularly to find the
Mouth of the River Sacramento, as I could find Nobody who could
give me information only that they knew some very large Rivers are
in the interior.
"It took me eight days before I could find the entrance of the Sac-
„ ramento, as it is very deceiving and very easy to pass by, how it hap
pened to several Ofiicers of the Navy afterwards which refused to take
a pilot. About lo miles below Sacramento City I fell in with the first
Indians which was all armed & painted & looked very hostile, they
was about 200 Men, as some of them understood a little Spanish I
-could make a kind of treaty with them, and the two which understood
Spanish came with me and made me a little better acquainted with the
Country, all other Indians on the up River hided themselves in
the Bushes, and on the Mouth of Feather River they runned all away
so .soon they discovered us. I was examining the Country a little
further up with a Boat, while the larger Crafts let go their Ankers, on
my return, all the white Men came to mie and asked me, how much
longer I intended to travell with them in such a Wilderness.
"The following Monday I gave Orders to return, and entered in the
American River, landed at the farmer Tannery on the 12th Augt 1839.
Gave Orders to get everything on Shore, pitch the tents and mount the
3 Cannons, called the white Men, and told them that all those which
are not contented could leave on board the "Isabella," next Morning,
and that I would settle with them immediately, and remain alone with
the Canacas, of 6 Men 3 remained, and 3 of them I gave passage to
Yerbabuena. "The Indians was first troublesome, and came frequently and would
it not have been for the Cannons they would have Killed us for the
sake of my property, which they liked very much, and this intention
they had very often, how they confessed to me afterwards when on
good terms. I had a large Bull Dog which saved my life 3 times,
when they came slily near the house in the Night, he got hold of them
and marked most severely, in a short time moved my Camps where
now the Ruins of Sutter's fort stands, made acquaintance of a few
Indians which came to work for a short time making Adobes, and the

xxxvi Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
Canacas was building 3 grass houses, like it is customary in the Sand
wich Islands. Before I came up here, I purchased Cattle and Horses
on the Rancho of Senor Martinez, and had great difficulties and
trouble to get them up, and received them at lest on the 22nd October
1839. Not less than 8 Men wanted to be in the party, as they was
afraid of the Indians, and had good reasons to be so.
"Before I got the Cattle we was hunting Deer and Elk, etc and so
afterwards to safe the Cattle as I had then only about 500 head, 50
horses and a manada of 25 mares. One Year that is in the fall of 1840, I
bought 1000 head of Cattle of Don Antonio Suiiol and many horses
more of Don Joaquin Gomez and others. In the fall of 1839 I have
built an Adobe house covered with Tule and two other small buildings
which in the middle of the fort, they was afterward destroyed by fire.
At the same time we cut a Road through the Woods where the City of
Sacramento stands, then we made the New Embarcadero, where the old
Zink house stands now. After this it was time to make a Garden, and
to sow some wheat &c we broke broke up the soil with poor California
ploughs. I had a few Californians employed as Baqueros, and two of
them making Cal. Carts and stocking the ploughs etc
"In the Spring 1840, the Indians began to be troublesome all around
me. Killing and Wounding Cattle stealing horses, and threatening to
attack us en Mass. I was obliged to make Capaigns against them and
punish them severely, a little later about 2 or 300 was aproaching and
got United on Cosumne River, but I was not waiting for them, left a
small Garrison at home, Canons & other arms loaded, and left with 6
brave men and 2 Baquero's in the night and took them by surprise
at Day light, the fighting was a little hard, but after having lost about
30 men they was willing to make a treaty with me, and after this lecon
they behaved very well, and became my best friends and Soldiers, with
which I has been assisted to conquer the whole Sacramento and a part
of the San Joaquin Valley.
"At the time the Communication with the Bay was very long
and dangerous, particularly in open Boats, it is a great Wonder that
we got not swamped a many time, all times with an Indian Crew and
a Canaca at the helm. Once it took me (in December 1839) ^^ days
to go down to Yerba buena and to return. I went down again on 22
X ber 39 to Yerba buena and on account of the inclemency of the
Weather and the strong current in the River I need a whole month (17
days coming up) and nearly all the provisions spoiled.
"On the 23d Augt, 1841, Capt. Ringold of Commodore Wilkse
Exploring Squadron, arrived on the "Embarcadero," piloted by one
of the Launches Indian crew, without this they would not have found
so easy the entrance of the Sacramento. They had 6 Whaleboats & i

.-V .,.

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THE RAISING OF THE AMERICAN FLAG AT SUTTER'S FORT, CAL., BY CAPT. JOHN A. SUTTER,
Early on the morning cf July ii, 1846. The flag was sent from Sonoma by Lieut. Joseph Warren Revere, U. S. N., carried by William Scott, the courier, sent by orders from
Commodcre Sloat, V. S. N., commanding Pacific Squadron. For full account see "Life ofthe Late Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat, U. S. N.," Edwin A. Sherman,
Editor and Compiler, Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association.

CAPTAIN THOS. FALLON.
(A Free Lance.)
Who on his own account took possession of the Pueblo de San Jose, Cal.. and raised the
American Flag at that place, July 13, 1846, sent hirai by Commodore John D. Sloat,
U. S. N., and also by Commander Johu B. Montgomery. See account and
biographic sketch, pages xlvii to 1.

I/iFE OF Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xxxvii
Launch 7 Officers and about 50 men in all. I was very glad indeed to
see them, sent immediately saddled horses for the Officers, and my
Clerk with an invitation to come and see me, at their arrival I fired a
salut, and furni.shed them what they needed, they was right sur
prised to find me up here in this Wilderness, it made a very good
impression upon the Indians to see so many whites are coming to see
me, they surveyed the River as far as the Butes.
"September 4th 1841. Arrived the Russian Govr Mr. Alexander
Rottiheff on board the Schooner Sacramento, and ofiered me their
whole Establishment at Bodega and Ross for sale, and invited me to
come right off with him as there is a Russian Vessel at Bodega and
some Officers with plain power, to transact this business with me, and
particularly they would give me the preference, as they became all
acquainted with me, durintj a month's stay at Sitka. I left and went
with him down to the Bay in Company with Capt. Ringold's Expedi
tion, what for a fleet we thought then, isi on the River. Arriving at
Bodega, we came very soon to terms, from there we went to fort Ross
where they showed me everything and returned to Bodega again, and
before the Vessel sailed we dined on board the "Helena," and closed
the bargain for $30,000, which has been paid. And other property,
was a separate account which has been first paid.
"On the 28th of September I dispatched a number of men and my
Clerk by Land to Bodega, to receive the Cattle, Horses, Mules &
Sheep, to bring them up to Sutter's fort, called then New Helvetia, by
crossing the Sacramento they lost me from about 2000 head a-bQtit 100
which drowned in the River, but ot most of them we could safe the
hides, our Cal. Banknotes at the time.
CAPT. JOHN C. FREMONT'S FIRST VISIT.
"March 6, 1842. Captain Fremont arrived at the fort with Kit
Carson, told me he was an officer of the U. S. and left a party behind
in Distress and on foot, the few surviving Mules was packed only with
the most necessary, I received him politely and his Company likewise
as an old acquaintance, the next Morning I furnished them with fresh
horses & a Vaquero with a pack Mule loaded with Necessary Supplies
for his Men. Capt. Fremont found in my Establishment everything
what he needed, that he could travell without Delay, he could not have
found it so by a Spaniard, perhaps by a great Many and with loosing
a great deal of time. I sold him about 60 Mules & about 25 horses
and fat young Steers or Beef Cattle, all the Mules & Horses got Shoed,
on the 23d March, all was ready and on the 24th he left with his party
for the U. States.
"As an officer ofthe Govt, it was my duty to report to the Govt.

xxxyiij Life 'OF Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
that, Capt. Fremont arrived. Genl. Micheltorena dispatched Lieut.
Col. Telles (afterwards Gov. of Sinalo) with Capt., Lieut and 25 Dra
goons to inquire what Capt. Fremont's business was here; but he was
en route as the arrive only on the 27th. from this time on Exploring
Hunting. & Trapping parties has been started, at the same time Agri
cultural & Mechanical business was progressing from Year to year,
and more Notice has been taken of m}' establishment, it became even a
famp, and som early Distinguished Travellers like Dr. Sandells, Was-
nesensky & others. Captains of Trading Vessels & Super Cargoes
& even Californians (after the Indians was subdued) came and paid
me a visit, and was astonished to see what for Work of all kinds had
been done. Small Emigrant parties arrived, and brought me
some very, valuable Men, with one of those vi^as Major Bidwell (he was
about 4 years in my employ). Major Reading & Major Hensley with
II .Qther brave men arrived alone, both of these Gentlemen has
been two years in my employ, with these parties excellent Mechanics
arrived which was all employed by me, likewise good farmers we
made injediately Amer. ploughs was made in my Shops and all kind of
work dope, every year the Russians was bound to furnish me with
good ii;on & Steel & files. Articles which could not be got here
likewise Indian Beeds and the most important of all was 100 lb. of fine
Rifle & 100 lb of Cannon powder and several 100 lb of Lead (every
j^ear) with these I was careful like with Gold.
THE TREACHERY OF GEN. JOSE CASTRO.
NEARLY TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE BEAR FLAG WAS RAISED AT SONOMA.
"June 3rd 1846. I left in company of Major Reading and most all
of the Men in my employ for a Campaign with the Mukelemney
Indians which has been engaged by Castro and his Officers to revolu
tionize all the Indians against me, to Kill all the foreigners, burn their
houses, and Wheat fields etc. These Mukelemney Indians had great
promesses and some of them were finely dressed and eqUiped, and
those came apparently on a friendly visit to the fort and Vicinity and
long Conversations with the influential Men of the Indians and one
Night a Number of them entered in my Potrero (a kind of closed pas
ture) and Ketching horses to drive the whole Cavallada away with
them, the Sentinel at the fort heard the distant Noise of these Horses,
and gave due notice & imediately I left with about 6 well armed Men
and attacked them, but they could make their escape in the Woods
(where Sac. City now stands) and so I left a guard with, the horses.
As we had to cross the Mukelemney River on rafts, one of these rafts
capsized with 10 Rifles and 6 prs of Pistols a good supply of Ammu
nition, and the clothing of about 24 Men, and Major Reading and
another Man nearly drowned.

Life of' Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xxxix
THE BEAR FLAG RAISED AT SONOMA, PRISONERS, &c.
"June 1 6th, 1846. Merritt & Kit Carson arrived with News of
Sonoma beeing occupied by the Americans; and the same evening
arrived as prissoners Genl. Vallejo, Don Salvador Vallejo, Lt. Col.
Prudon & M. Leese arid given under my charge and Care, I have
treated them with kindness and so good as I could, which was reported
to Fremont, and he then told me, that prissoners ought not to be treated
so, then I told him, if it is not right how I treat them, to give them in
charge of somebody else.
GEN. JOHN A. SUTTER RAISES THE AMERICAN FLAG
ON SUTTER'S FORT.,
"July nth. Capt. Montgomery did send an Amer. flag by Lieut.
Revere then in Command of Sonoma and some dispatches to Fremont.
I received the Order to raise the flag by Sunrise from Lt. Revere, long
time before daybreak, I got ready with loading the Canons and when
it was day the roaring of the Canons got the people all stirring. Some
them made long faces, as they thought if the Bear flag would remain
there would be a better chance to rob and plunder. Capt. Fremont
received Orders to proceed to Monterey with his forces, Capt. Mont
gomery provided for the upper Country, established Garrisons in all
important places, Yerba bUena, Sonoma, San Jose and fort Sacramento.
Lieut. Misroon came to organise our Garrison better and more Num
bers of white Men and Indians of my former Soldiers, and gave me
the Command of this Fort. The Indians have not yet received theii
pay yet for their services, only each one a shirt and a pre of pants &
abt 12 men got Coats. So went the War on in California. Capt. Fre
mont was nearly all time engaged in the lower Country and made him
self Governor until Genl. Kearney arrived, when another Revolution
took place. And Fremont for disobeying orders was made Prissoner
by Genl. Kearney, who took him afterward with him to the U States
by Land across the Mountains. After the War I was anxious that
Business should go on like before, and on the 28th, May 1847, Mar
shall & Gingery, two Millwrights, I employed to survey the large
Millraise for the flour Mill at Brighton.
"May 13, 1847. Mr. Marshall commenced the great work of the
large Millraise, with ploughs and scrapers.
"July 20th 1847. Got all the necessary timber and frame of the
millbuilding. "Augt. 25th. Capt. Hart ofthe Mormon Battaillon arrived, with a
good many of his Men on their Way to great Salt Lake, they had
orders for Govt. Horses which I delivered to them (War Horses) not

xl Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
i)aidforyet. They bought provisions and got Blacfe^mith work done. I
employed about Eighty Men of them, some as Mechanics, some as
laborers, on the Mill and Millraise at Brighton, some as laborers at the
Sawmill at Columa.
"Aug. 28, 1847. Marshall moved with P. Wisner' s family and the
working hands to Columa, and began to work briskly on the saw mill.
"Sept. loth, Mr. Samuel Brannan returned from the great Salt Lake,
and announced a large Emigration by land. On the 19th the Garrison
was removed, Lieut't Per Lee took her down to San francisco.
"Nov. Ith. Getting with a great deal -of trouble and with break
ing wagons the four Runs of Millstones, to the Mill Sit (Brighton)
from the Mountains.
"December 22. Received about 2000 fruit trees with great expenses
from Fort Ross, Napa Valley and other places, which was given in
Care of men who called themselves Gardeners, and nearly all of the
trees was neglected by them and died.
THE DISCOVERY OF GOLD.
"January 28th 1848. Marshall arrived in the evening, it was rain
ing very heavy, but he told me that he came on important business,
after we was alone in a private Room he showed me the first Specimens
of Gold, that is he was not certain if it was Gold or not, but he thought
it might be; immediately I made the proof and found that it was Gold.
I told him even that most of all is 23 Caret Gold; he wished that I
should come up with him immediately, but I told him that I have to
give first my orders to the people in all my factories and shops.
February ith Left for the Sawmill attended by a Baquero (Olimpis)
was absent 2d, 3d, 4th & 5th, I examined myself everything and
picked up a few Specimens of Gold myself in the the tail race of the
Sawmill, this Gold and others which Marshall and some of the other
laborers gave to me (it was found while in my employ and Wages) I
told them that I would a ring got made of it so soon as the Goldsmith
would be here. I had a talk with my employed people all at the Saw
mill. I told them that as they do know now that this metal is Gold,
I wished that they would do me the great favor and keep it a secret
only 6 weeks, because my large Flour Mill at Brighton would have
been in Operation in such a time which undertaking would have been
a fortune to me, ^nd unfortunately the people would not keep it secret
and so I lost on this Mill at the lowest calculation about $25 000.
"March 7th The first party of Mormons, employed by me left for
washing and digging Gold aud very soon all followed and left me only
the sick and the lame behind. And at this time I could say that every
body left me from the Clerk to the Cook. What for great Damages

1 1#>^

.X'

C»>|.;jritM,l .\^...li^d Vol-
ay artx^'in /J. .e*llcrK«».ti

ii

The fuzgado, or Court House
THE RAISING OF THE AMERICAN FLAG AT THE PUEBLO DE SAN JOSE, CAL., BY CAPT. THOMAS FALLON,
On July 13 1846, sent at his request by Commodore John D. Sloat, U. S. N., Commanding Pacific Squadron.

COMMANDER SAMUEL FRANCIS DU PONT, U.S. N.
( Late Rear Admiral.)

Who when in command ofthe XJ. S. Sloop of War '"Cyane," landed his forces and took
possession of San Diego, Cal., July 29, 1846, by raising the American flag at
that place. See biographic sketch, pages li to liv.

Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat xii
I had to suffer in my tannery which was just doing a profitable and
extensive business, and the Vatts was left filled and a quantity of half-
finished leather was spoiled likewise a large quantity of raw hides col
lected by the farmers and of my own killing. The same thing was in
every branch of business which I carried on at the time. I begun to
harvest my wheat, while others was digging and washing Gold, but
even the Indians could not be keeped longer at Work, they was impa
tient to run to the mines, and other Indians had informed them of the
Gold and its value; and so I had to leave more as ^ of my harvest in
the fields.
"April 1 8th, 1848, more curious people arrived, bound for the Moun
tains. I left for Columa, in Company with Major P. B. Reading and
Mr. Kembel (Editor of the Alta California^ we were absent 4 Days.
We was prospecting and found Silver and iron or in abundance.
"April 28th. A great many people more went up the Mountains.
This day the Saw mill was in Operation and the first lumber has been
sawed in the whole upper Country.
"May Ith. Samll Brannan was building a store at Natoma, Mor
mon Islands, and have done a very large and heavj^ business.
"May 15th. Paid of all the Mormons which has been employed by
me, in building these Mills and other Mechanical trades, all of them
made their pile, and some of them became rich & wealthy, but all of
them was bound to the great Salt Lake and spent there their fortunes
to the honor and Glory ofthe Lord!
"May 19th. The great Rush from San Francisco arrived at the
fort, all my friends and acquaintances filled up the houses and the
whole fort. I had only a little Indian boy, to make them roasted Ripps,
etc, as my Cooks left me like everybody else, the Merchants, Doctors,
Lawyers, Sea Captains, Merchants, etc, all came up and did not know
what to do, all was in a Confusion, all left their wives and families in San
Francisco, and those which had none locked their Doors, abandoned their
houses, offered them for sale cheap, a few hundred Dollars House & Lot
(Lots which are now worth ^100,000 and more) some of these men
were just like greazy. Some ofthe Merchants has been the most prudent-
est of the whole, visited the Mines and returned immediately and began
to do a very profitable business, and soon Vessels came from every where
with all Kind of Merchandise, the whole old thrash which was laying for
Years unsold on the Coasts of South & Central America, Mexico, Sand
wich Islaiids etc. all found a good market here.
"Mr. Brannan was erecting a very large Warehouse, and have done
an immense business, connected with Howard & Green, S. Francisco.
"May 2 Ith, Saml Kyburg errected or established the fir.st Hotel in
the fort in the larger building, and made a great deal of Money. A

xiii Life op Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
great Many traders deposited a great deal of Money. A great Many
traders deposited a great deal of goods in my Store (an Indian was the
Key Keeper and performed very well) afterwards every little Shanty
became a Warehouse and Store, the fort was then a veritable Bazaar.
As white people would not be employed at the time I had a few good
Indians attending to the Ferry boat, and every night came ,up, and
delivered the received Money for ferryage to me, after deduction fpr a few
bottles of brandy, for the whole of them, perhaps some white people at
the time would not have acted so honestly.
"May 25th. The travelling to the Mines was increasing from d^y
to day, and no more Notice was taken, as the people arrived from
South America, Mexico, Sandwich Islands, Oregon etc. All the Ships
Crews, and Soldiers deserted. In the beginning of July Col. Mason our
Military Governor, with Captain Sherman (Secretary of State) Capt.
Folsom Quartermaster, and an Escort of which some deserted, and
some other Gentlemen, travelled in Company with the Governor.
"As we wanted to celebrate the 4th of July we invited the Governor
and his suite to remain with us and he accepted. Kyburg gave us a
good Diner, everything was pretty well arranged. Pinkett was the
Orator. It was well done enough for such, a new Country and in such
an excitement and Confusion. And from this time on you know how
everything was going on here. One thing is certain that the people '
looked on my property as their own, and in the Winter of 1849 to 1850,
A great Number of horses has been stolen from me, whole Manadas of
Mares driven away and taken to Oregon etc. Nearly my whole Stock
of Cattle has been Killed, several thousands and left me oi;ily a very
small Quantit}-. The same has been done with my large stock of
Hogs, which was running like ever under nobodies care and so it was
easy to steal them. I had not an Idea that people could be so mean,
and they would do a Wholesale business in Stealing.
"On the Upper Sacramento, that is, from the Buttes downward to
the point or mouth of feather River, there was most all of my stock
running and during the Overflow the Cattle was in a many bands on
high spots like Islands, there was a fine chance to approach them in
small boats and shoot them, this business has been very successfully done
by one party of 5 Men (partners) which had besides hired people and
Boats Crew's which transported the beef to the Market at Sacramento
City and furnished that City with my own beef, and because these Men
was nearly alone, on account of the Overflow and Monopolized the
Market. "In the Spring of 1850, these 5 men divided their Spoil of $60,000
clear profits made of Cattle. All of them left for the Atlantic State;
one of [them] returned again in the Winter from 1850 to 51, hired a

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xliii
new band of Robers to follow the same business and kill of the balante
of the few that was left. My Baqueros found out this Nest of thiefs in
ther Gamp butchering just some head of my Cattle, on their return
they informed me what they have seen, in the neighborhood of the
same Camp they saw some more cows shot dead; which the Rascal then
butchered."' Immediately I did send to Nicolaus for the Sheriff (Jas.
Hopkins) as then at the time we had laws in force?! ? after all was
stolen and destroyed the Sheriff arrived at Hock fartn I furnished him
a Posse of my employed Men. they proceeded over on the Sacramento
to where the thiefs was encamped, as the Sheriff wanted to arre.st them
they just jumped in their Boats and of they went, the Sheriff threatened
them to fire at them, but they was all, and laughing they went at large.
"One day my Son was riding after stock a few miles below Hock
farm, he found a Man (his name was Owens) butchering one of our
finest milch Cows (of Durham stock of Chili which cost $300.) He told
the Man that he could not take the Meat, that he would go home and get
people and so he has done, and he got people and a Wagon and
returned to the Spot, but Owens found it good to clear out. Two
brothers of this Man was respectable Merchants in Lexington, Mo. and
afterwards in Westport well acquainted with me, he came one day in
my house and brought me their compliments, I received him well, and
afterward turned out to be a thief. How many of this kind came to
California which loosed their little honor by crossing the Isthmus or
the plains. I had nothing at all to do with speculations, but stuck by
the plough, but by paying such high Wages, and particularl}' under
Ky burg's managetrient, I have done this business with a heavy loss
as the produce had no more the Value like before, and from the time
on Kyburg left I curtailed my business considerable, and so fai that I
do all at present with my family and a few Indian Servants. I did not
speculate, only occupied my land, in the hope that it would be before
long decided and in my- favor by the U. S. Land Commission; but now
already 3 years and two months have elapsed, and I am waiting how
very anxiously for the Decision, which will revive or bring me to the
untimely grave.
"All the other Circumstances you know all yourself, perhaps I have
repeated many things which I wrote in the 3 first sheets, because I had
them not to see what I wrote, and as it is now several months I must
have forgotten, well it is only a kind of memorandum, and not a His
tory at all Only to remember you on the different periods when such
and such things happened.
"I need not mention again, that all the Visitors has allways been
hospitably received and treated. That all the sick and wounded found
always Medical Assistance, Gratis, as I had nearly all the time a phy.

xliv Life of R.ear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
sician in my employ. The Assistance to the Emigrants that is all well
known. I dont need to write anything about this.
"I think now from all this you can form some facts, and that you
can mention how thousands and thousands made their fortunes from
this Gold Discovery produced through my industry and energy, (some
wise merchants and others in San francisco called the building of this
Sawmill, another of Sutter's folly) and this folly saved not only the
Mercantile World from bankruptcy, but even our General Govt, but
for me it has turned out a folly, then without having discovered the
Gold, I would have become the richest wealthiest man "on the Pacific
Shore. J. A. Sutter."
Such is the brief autobiographic sketch of a man whose name and
fame was spread over the habitable globe, in every land, in every clime
and under every flag afloat and ashore, of every nation and tongue,
and the prows of whose vessels, small and great, were pointed to the
"Golden Gate," some of which reached the banks ofthe Sacramento
and were moored at the Embarcadero or landing of Sutter's Fort, and
in sight of that Mecca of Pilgrims, gold seekers, who numbered many
thousands from every point of the compass, to become the recipients of
his bounty, many of whom abused his generous hospitality, plundered
his estate, reducing him to become a pensioner of the Golden State he
helped to create, and who died with disappointment and grief in a dis
tant State by the Atlantic shores.
The ashes of only one of those men who raised the American flag for
the first time in California during the Mexicm War now rest beneath
its soil. Commodore Ap. C. Jones reposes in the bosom of the "Old
Dominion" (Virginia). Admiral John Drake Sloat, at Greenwood
Cemetery, New York; Admiral John B. Montgomery, at Carlisle, Penn
sylvania; General Joseph Warren Revere, at Morristown, New Jersey;
Gen. John A. Sutter, in Pennsylvania; Commodore Stockton, at Prince
ton, New Jersey; General John C. Fremont, at New York; General
Stephen W. Kearney, at St. Louis, Mo., and only those of Capt.
Thomas Fallon, who raised the American flag at the first State Capital
of California, San Jose, on July 13th, 1846, now rest near the western
shores ofthe American Continent now linked to the Islahds of the Pacific
and to the western boundary of our National domain, six thousand
miles away in front of the cradle of the human race, over which the
nations of Europe are watching with anxious solicitude, and nursing
their children of Asiatic birth
There is one thing in connection with the career of Gen. John A.
Sutter, as given by himself, to which we call the special attention of
our readers. The treachery of Gen. Jose Castro, who desired to have

Life OF Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xlv
revenge against Sutter, because the latter was true to his oath of
naturalization as a Mexican citizen, by supporting Gen. Micheltorena,
the Governor of California who had been appointed and sent with
troops to occupy California and did a few years before but returned,
having too weak a force to maintain his authority, gave Casro his
opportunity to first incite the Mokelumne Indians to revolt against Sut
ter, attempt to steal his horses, burn his houses and wheat fields and to
kill him and all the foreigners whose property was also to be destroyed
and they massacred. Of this there is no question of doubt. Sutter
was, therefore, determined to take the initiative and did, and opened
the campaign on his own account,on June 3d, 1846, eleven days before the
Bear Flag was raised al Sonoma.
He was compelled to do this in actual self defense and at once See
ing and hearing of this, the American settlers, determined to take
no chances, followed suit by prompt action in seizing Sonoma,
capturing Gen. Vallejo and his officers proclaimed the Republic of Cal
ifornia and raised the Bear Flag on June 14th, 1846, and sent their
prisoners to Fremont, and he sent them to Sutter's Fort, recognizing
Sutter not as a non-combatant, but really the belligerent leader who
had started the movement which had culminated in revolution.
The die was cast, and there was no receding from the position Sutter
had first taken, and he was placed in charge of the prisoners by Fre
mont who, from the very beginning, evidently from his position as a
U. S. Army officer, was determined to take the chief command and did
to the end.
If Sutter found himself justified in preparing to take the field against
•Castro's auxiliary Indian force in advance, and having thus by his own
action, given warrant for that which quickly followed by the Bear Flag
party, the latter were fully justified in taking the action they did under
those circumstances, and American prudence and valor entitle them to
the highest veneration and praise of their posterity and fellow country
men. In 1849, Gen. John A Sutter was one ofthe first candidates for Gov
ernor at the first election to ratify the Constitution in November, but
was defeated by Peter H. Burnett, who afterward resigned and became
the attorney and counsellor of his competitor for the gubernatorial
chair. Gen. John A. Sutter acquired his military title as such by being
appointed Major General of the National Guard for the Sacramento Dis
trict, and his full length portrait, life size, in full uniform of his rank
for many years has continued to adorn the legislative halls in the State
Capitol at Sacramento, and never was there an honor and commission
more worthily bestowed.

xlvi Life of Rrar-Admiral John Drake Sloat
The Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West have done
honor to themselves, in causing Sutter's Fort to be rebuilt and to be
preserved for all future time, and to one of them who now sleeps in
Laurel Hill Cemetery, Charles Fred Crocker, who was born within
a mile or so of it, is the the credit chiefly due. They have also placed
the statue of James W. Marshall on the hill above Coloma, where Sut
ter's saw mill was erected, and where the nugget of gold was found,
tested by Sutter at his fort, pronounced genuine, and that declaration
started the wheels of commerce, finance and adventure over the world
in motion and which will not cease until the end of time, while he sac
rificed all for mankind.
The descendents of the rescued starving emigrants of the Donner
party will cherish his memory with loving regard, and ever bless his
His homestead was burned in 1864 at Hock Farm, Sutter County,
name. California. In 1873 he removed to Litiz, Lancaster County, Pennsyl
vania. He received a pension of $250 a month from the State of Cali
fornia while he lived and he died at Washington City, D. C, June 18,
1880, and was buried at Litiz, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. His
spirit returned to the Infinite All Father who sent it forth to do its
work so thoroughly and faithfully, while all the living true California
pioneers will remember him with gratitude until they themselves are
"called to rest from their labors."

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat xlvii

CAPTAIN THOMAS FALLON.
Many years ago it became a common saying, that "If ever the North
Pole should be discovered, there would be found an Irishman sitting
on top of it, who would ask the adventurous explorer 'What made you
so long a coming here?' " So wiih the subject of our sketch.
All that can be learned of his early life is, that he was born in Ire
land about the year 1819, and when quite a lad he emigrated to Canada
and being of a sprightly disposition, attracted the attention of a
wealthy gentleman whose name was Ireland, and who took a lively
interest in him and became his patron, and a friendship was formed
which lasted through life.
Being of an adventurous spirit, he soon after attaining his majority
struck out for the then remote and distant Pacific Coast, and after
many exciting and hair-breadth escapes from hostile Indians on the
plains and deserts he crossed the Rdcky Mountains and at last the
Sierra Nevada Range and in the early forties, he is found industriously
at work at Sutter's Fort making fustes or California saddle-trees; at
which he was an adept at that time. It is said that for a time he lived
not far from the Buttes in the Upper Sacramento Valley, probably hav
ing left Sutter's Fort for Hock Farm, on Sutter's upper grant and then
proceeding toward Lassen's and Reading's ranches farther up , How
ever, in 1844-5 he is found in Branciforte (now Santa Cruz upon the
Coast,) where there was a larger and more mixed population of the
Spanish California people, with foreigners who had inter married with
some of the female portion of that race, with civilization and settle
ments in various localities not very remote from each other.
He had become well informed as to the political condition and uncer
tainty ofthe state ot affairs in California, the neglect as well as inability
of Mexico to foster and protect this then remote province of that nation,
while the movements of England and France, to secure to themselves
this outlying portion of the American continent, and inheriting a com
mon Irish hatred of England, he was ready to act to resist any movement
for occupation of California by that country, and he hailed with delight
the news ofthe successful revolt of the Bear Flag party and the Procla
mation of Independence of the California Republic at Sonoma, on
June 14, 1846.
With prompt alacrity and enthusiasm he succeeded in rallying twen
ty-one others at Santa Cruz on June 17, 1846, who recognized him as
a leader and named him as their Captain. At that time he was about

xlviii Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
twenty-six years old, but youthful in appearance, daring and resolute,
and with an experience on the frontier that well fitted him to com
mand. With his little company he crossed the Santa Cruz mountains
early in July, 1 846, with the intention of joining the Bear Flag Revolu
tionists and approached within a league of San Jose, where Gen. Jose
Castro of the Mexican Army with a force of three hundred men was
making preparations to advance northward to attack the insurgents.
Seeing that it would be worse than madness to contest with a force of such
overwhelming numbers, he prudently withdrew to the Santa Cruz
mountains and encamped where he was reinforced until his little com
pany was increased to thirty-one men.
Learning of the capture of Monterey and the hoisting of the Ameri
can flag at that place by Commodore John Drake Sloat of the U. S.
Navy on July 7th, 1846, and that Gen. Castro had commenced his
retreat toward Mexico, Capt. Fallon at once advanced his own little
independent force and on his own account assumed to act in behalf of
the United States, imitating Ethan Allen, who demanded the surrender
of Ticonderoga during the American Revolution and being asked by
what authority he demanded it, replied, "In the Name of the Great
Jehovah and the Continental Congress," which was deemed sufficient
and the British Commander submitted. So it was with young Captain
Thomas Fallon, who demanded of Don Dolores Pacheco, the Alcalde,
the surrender of the Jusgado, or Court House, and the keys of the
archives of the Pueblo de San Jose. The proud and dignified Don
exclaimed rather disdainfully in Spanish, " Who is ihis impudent beard
less stripling, who thus demands of me the keys of ihe archives?"
Capt. Fallon assured him that neither he nor his family would be
harmed. The Alcalde, recognizing the futility of resistance, reluct
antly delivered up the keys to Fallon, on the nth of July, 1846. The
latter immediately sent to Commodore Sloat at Monterey for an Amer
ican flag which was furnished and hoisted on July 13th, by Capt. Fal
lon, on a pole about twenty-five feet high which had been erected by
the Mexicans in front of the Juzgado, and adopting the words of his
daughter Anita, " Then for ihe first time did the valley breezes play with
the Stars and Stripes at San Jose." He installed Mr. James Stokes as
Magistrate in place of the Alcalde Dolores Pacheco whom he had
deposed. While in command at San Jose the correspondence passed between
Commander John B. Montgomery, U. S. N , of the Sloop ot War
"Portsmouth" at San Francisco and himself^' whfcii has been already
given on pages x and xi of the intersertions in this work. He then pro
ceeded to Monterey where his company was disbanded and he, joining
Fremont, enlisted wilh his men in Company F of the California Bat-

EAST VIEW OF THE PLAZA OF OLD SAN DIEGO, CAL.
Taken Nov. 12, 1903, where the American Flag was raised by Went. Stephen C. Rowan, U. S. N., by order of Commander S. F.
Du Pont, of the Sloop of War "Cvane," on July 29, 1846. Fort Du Pont was erected of earthworks on
the top ofthe hiil to the left, the ruins oi which are still to be seen.
[Kindly furnished by Mr. Joseph D. Dexter, of San Diego.l

BVT. MAJOR GEN. STEPHKN W. KEARNEY, U. S. A.
(Last but not least.)
The rival Commander of the U. S. Forces at the Battles of the San Gabriel River, the
Me.'^a and recapture of Los Angeles, Cal., on January 8, 9, 10, 1847, Commodore R. F.
Stockton claiming to be Commander in Chief, as his naval force composed nine-tenths
of the whole expedition, and he had received from Commodore Sloat the same orders
that had been given to him, to take possession of CaUfornia and hold it. Gen. Kearney
had similar orders; but having sent back the most of his troops, retaining but an escort
of dragoons, met with disaster at San Pascual, from which he was rescued by a reliel
party sent out from San Diego by Commodore Stockton; so that relatively speaking, he
was comparatively a general without an army, in the absence ot the naval force of Com
modore Stockton.

LipE OF Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat . xlix
talion, immediately sailed on the U. S. Sloop of War "Cyane," for San
Diego to cut off Gen. Castro's retreat to Mexico, and remained with
Fremont until the close of the war.
In Santa Cruz he met and married Sefiorita Carmelita Lodge, the
daughter of Michael Lodge, an Irish . gentleman and a pioneer of 1822,
who had married Dofia Martina, one of the famous Castro family,
Sefiorita Carmelita was one of the belles of the early days and a true
type of the proud Andalusian with the complexion of the lily, and a
luxuriant mass of hair reaching almost to her feet, and a pair of seal
brown eyes which she let tall upon Captain Fallon's countenance which.
sealed his fate in that direction and they were united in marriage.
In 1848, he went to the mines and was successful and then located in
San Jose where he was elected and became mayor of that city in 1851.
In 1852, he removed to New Orleans and spent some time in Texas;
but having the misfortune to lose all of his first children by death in
the "Crescent City"he returned and located again at San Jose, where five
more children were borji to irim, "four of whom are still living as is
also theif. mother who still retains much of her former beauty and does
not appear to be a day older than forty- five years as she, walks along the
promenades of San Francisco with a step as light and elastic as any girl. ' "¦
Fallon declined the office of County Treasurer , and later on ran for
State Senator and when U. S. Grant was nominated for President for
the second term, he was one ofthe delegates to the National Republican
Convention which nominated him.
Besides having been a politician of considerable ability, he had a
great love for horticulture, taking great pride in his orchard; an expert
grafter he produced fruit that was the pride of Santa Clara Valley,
took the prize and received a diploma for tbe largest and most luscious
pears at the County Fair in the early fifties.
He was a great traveler, as nearly all of his native countrymen are,
and the versatility and natural impulse of his blood and race frequently
asserted itself. An amusing incident occurred on one of his trips to
Europe which will give an idea of his nature. He met a gentleman of
the Hebrew persuasion, on the steamship leaving New York; they
became very friendly and concluded to "do Europe" together. While
changing trains at a railroad station in France, they were delayed
about two hours; so they decided to pass away the time. The Anti-
Semitic feeling was at its height. They entered a restaurant to
appease their hunger.
"Bring us something to eat!" ordered Captain Fallon. The waiter
bowed and returned after a few moments with a tray loaded with sev
eral plates containing tempting looking viands, each of which he delib
erately placed before the Jewish gentleman. As Captain Fallon had not

1- Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
given that gentleman's order, he was somewhat surprised, more at the
pronounced thump with which each dish was deposited than -at the
fact itself. The Israelite, upon helping himself from one of the dishes,
discovered to his disgust that it was ham! He put it aside and' tried
another dish, pork! He discarded that and tried a third, saifsage!
Capt. Fallon quickly glanced at his friend and seeing his expression,
immediately grasped the situation. " Thunders of Heaven .i" exclaimed
he, bringing his fist down with force on the table, and with a voic6
trembling with wrath and indignation he called out, "Waiter! Take
away this Swill and bring something fit for a Christian to iat\"
This incident sealed the friendship more firmly than ever.
While living in San Jose he united with the Masonic Fraternity and
with the Knight Templar Order from which he afterwards withdrew
preferring as he had alwaj'S been, to be a free lance.
The picture accompanying this biographic sketch was taken from a
portrait made some years after raising of the American flag at San
Jose. In appearance he was more like an Italian than any other
nationality, in manner like a Frenchman. The thrilling adventures
which were crowded into his eventful life would fill a volume.
He died after a lingering illness in San Francisco, in 1887. Future
generations will continue like the present to eat the fruit from the' trees
he planted, while the saddle trees he made have long since departed
with the festive bronco mustangs that once roamed the plains of Cali
fornia and danced their solo quadrilles' and sometimes flooring their
floor managers. But the great historic fact will ever remain and be
preserved with grateful remembrance by the patriotic American citizens
of California, that Captain Thomas Fallon was the first to raise the
American flag and ready to give his life forits defense in the Pueblo
of San Jose on Juh' 13, 1846, which, under the first constitution, was
made the first state capital of the State of California.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat li

COMMANDER SAMUEL FRANCIS DU PONT, U- S. N.
(Late Rear Admiral U. S. Navy.)
He was born September 27, 1803, at Bergen Point, New Jersey. He
died June 23, 1865, at Philadelphia, Penn He was the son of Victor
Marie Du Pont, and grandson of Pierce Samuel Du Pont De Nemours,
who were both eminent authors and statesmen of France, of Hu
guenot descent, and both of whom' emigrated to the United States during
the latter part of the i8th century and also became distinguished in
this country, as manufacturers and contractors, as well as being identi
fied with legislation and public business in the State of Delaware.
Samuel Francis Du Pont was appointed a Midshipman in the U. S.
Navy from the State of Delaware in December, 1815, his first sea
service being on the "Franklin," the European squadron. In 1821,
he served for a year on the "Constitution" in the West Indies and the
Coast of Brazil, on the "North Carolina" in 1824, of which vessel he
became the Sailing Master, four months of this cruise being spent on
the "Porpoise," to which he was soon ordered after his promotion as
Lieutenant, April 28, 1826. He was attached to the "Ontario" in
1832, made another three years' cruise in European waters, and from
1835 until 1838 was Executive Officer of the "Warren" and of the
"Constellation," and commanded the "Grampus" and the "Warren"
in the Gulf of Mexico. In the latter year he joined the "Ohio," the
flagship of Commodore Hull in the Mediterranean squadron, his
cruise ending in 1841. He was promoted Commander in 1842 and
sailed for China on the "Perry," but a severe illness forced him to give
up his command and return home.
In 1845 he was ordered to the Pacific as Commander ofthe Frigate
"Congress," the flagship of Commodore Stockton. On their arrival
at Monterey, California, on July 15th, the latter reported for duty to
Commodore Sloat, his superior officer, and found the war with Mexico
already begun and Commodore Sloat in possession of California and
the American flag flying at Monterey, San Francisco, Sonoma,
Bodega, Sutter's Fort, San Jose and the Mission of San Juan Bautista,
The other ports to be occupied and taken possession of were Santa
Barbara San Pedro and San Diego, for which orders had been pre
pared, and Commander Du Pont, having been transferred to the com
mand of the Sloop of War "Cyane," by Commodore Sloat, who
turned over his command to his junior, Commodore Stockton, on July
23, 1846, himself sailing for Panama on July 29th. The theatre of

Iii Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
war changing to the Southern part of California, Commander Du Pont
sailed on the 25th of July to take possession of San Diego, taking on
board Col. Fremont and his Battalion of Volunteers mustered into the
naval service of the United States for the purpose of being mounted
and to cut off Gen. Castro's retreat into Mexico He arrived at San
Diego on July 29, 1846, and there raised the American flag on the
same day that Commodore Sloat took his departure from Monterey.
We here suspend Du Pout's record, to insert the following, which is
in connection with his operations in California waters:
[Commodore Stockton's orders to Fremont.]
Sec. Office, page 674, No. 11, 1840-1846. , United States Frigate "Congress,"
Monterey Bay, July 23, 1864.
Sir: You will please to embark 011 board the U. S. S. "Cyane," with the
detachment of troops under your command on Saturday afternoon.
The ship at daylight on Sunday morning will sail for San Diego, where you
will disembark your troops and procure horses for them, and will make every
necessary preparation to march through the country at a moment's notice from
me. ¦You will endeavor to encamp so near San Diego as to have a daily communi
cation with the "Cyane", which will remain at anchor there until you receive
orders to march.
The object of this movement is to take or get between the Colorado and Gen
eral Castro.
X will leave Monterey in this ship for San Pedro, so as to arrive there about
the time that you may be expected to have arrived at San Diego.
I will dispatch a courier to 3-ou from San Pedro, to inform you of my move
ments. Faithfully, your obedient servant,
R. F. Stockton, Commodore [etc.
Captain Fremont, United States Army.
[Abstract Log ofthe U. S. Sloop "Cyane", S. F. Du Pont Commanding.]
Monterey. July 2j, 1846, 8 to midnight. Received on board Captain Fremont,
and field pieces with accoutrements.
July 25. At 8 A. M. got under headway and stood out of harbor.
July 2g, 8 to meridian. At 10:30 hauled up courses, standing in for harbor of San
Diego. At 11:30 came to in g3^ fathoms,; hoisted out boats. Found the Mex
ican brig "Juanita" at anchor in the harbor. At 11:45 sent Lieutenant Hig
gins alongside with instructions to overhaul her papers. At 3:40 the launch
and "Alligator" under command of Lieutenant Rowan, and the Marine
Guard under Lieut. Maddox, left the ship to take possession of the town of
San Diego and hoist the American flag. From 4 to 8, Major Fremont left
the ship with a detachment of his men. At 9 p. M., launch returned and at
10:50 the "Alligator", with Lieutenant Rowan, after taking posfession of San
Uiego aud hoisting the American flag, having all our Marine Guard under
the commau<l of Lieutenant Maddox on shore to defend the flag aud town.
July 30. Crew employed in landing Major Fremont's battalion with their equip
ments. S to meiidian. Finished landing Major Fremont's troops and bag
gage.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat liii
August g. Lieutenant Maddox and the Marine Guard came on board; also Lieu
tenant George L. Selden. Meridian to 4 p. m. Beating out to seaward.
August 14. Arrived at San Pedro. Found the U. S. Frigate "Congress" here.

After further service on the California Coast, Commander Du Pont
with the "Cyane" then sailed for the coast of Lower CaUfornia, in the
Gulf, took possession of La Paz, crossed over and spiked the guns at
San Bias, and entering the harbor of Guaymas, burned two gunboats
and cut out a Mexican brig upder a heavy fire, clearing the Gulf of
hostile ships, thirty of which were destroyed. He took part in the cap
ture of Mazatlan under Commodore Shubrick, November 11, 1847,
leading the line of boats that entered the main harbor. On February
15, 1848, he landed at San Jose, Lower California, with a naval force
and engaged a large body of Mexicans, marching three miles inland
and successfully relieving Lieut. Heywood' s detachment, which was
closely besieged in the Mission house and about to surrender. Later
he led or sent out various expeditions into the interior, which co-op
erated with Col. Burton and Lieut, (afterwards General) Henry W.
Halleck, who were moving southward, clearing the country of hostile
troops and taking many prisoners. Du Pont was ordered home in
1848, became Captain in iSs^;, and two years later went on special
service to China in command of the "Minnesota," witnessing while
there the naval operations of the French and English forces, notably
their capture of the Chinese forts on the Peiho. After visiting Japan,
India and Arabia he returned to Boston in May, 1859.
Placed in command of the Philadelphia Navy Yard, December 31,
i860, he took the most prompt and energetic measures, on his own
responsibility, when communications were cut off with Washington,
sending a naval force to the Chesapeake, to protect the landing of
troops at Annapolis. In June, 1861, he was made president ofa board
convened at Washington to elaborate a general plan of naval operations
against the rebel states. He was appointed flag officer in September,
1 86 1, and led the expedition that sailed from Norfolk in the following
month, no American officer having ever commanded so large a fleet.
Op November 7, 1861, he successfully attacked the fortifications
defending Port Royal Harbor, which were ably planned and skilfully
executed. This engagement is justly recognized as one of the most
brilliant achievements of naval tactics. His unarmored vessels divided
into main and flanking divisions, steamed into the harbor in two par
allel columns. The flanking division, after engaging the smaller fort
and driving back the enemy's ships, took position to enfilade the prin
cipal work, before which the main column, led by the flagship
"Wabash" passed and re-passed in an elliptic course, its tremendous

liv Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
fire inflicting heavy loss and damage. Du Pont actively followed up
victory. Tybee was seized, giving a base for the reduction of Fort
Pulaski by the army ; a combined naval and military force destroyed the
batteries at Port Royal ferry; the sounds and inland waters of Georgia
south of Savannah, and of the eastern coast of Florida were occupied;
St. Mary's, Fernandina, Jacksonville and other places were captured.
Fort Clinch and the fort at St. Augustine were re-taken and fourteen
blockading stations were established, all thoroughly effective, save that
of Charleston, where the vessels at command were insufficient to cover
the circuit of twenty-three miles, from Bulls Breys to Stono.
In recognition of his services, Du Pont received the thanks of Con
gress, and was appointed Rear Admiral to rank from July i6, 1862.
He was then placed in command of the Monitor and iron-clad fleet to
attack Charlston; but his force was insufficient and he returned. This
was under the orders from the Navy Department. His successor tried
it with no better result; and Charleston only fell on the approach of
Gen. Sherman's army in the rear. In June, 1863, the iron-clad ram
"Atlanta" coming out of Savannah, Du Pont sent two monitors to
intercept her, one of which, under Capt. John Rodgers, after a short
contest captured her. Du Pont was relieved July 5, 1863 and assigned
to other duties at Washington, having, with the exception of a few
intervals, been constantly employed at sea, a period of more than twen
ty-five years.
Grant and Du Pont divide the honors in the name of one street in
San Francisco, Cal.; the southern portion between Market and Bush
Streets being "Grant Avenue" and the northern portion to the Bay as
"Du Pont Street," but it was all "Du Pont Street" at one time.
" Sloat Street" was robbed of its true name given to it by Lieut. Wash
ington Bartlett, U. S. N., who first mapped and named the streets, and
is now called ' 'Sansome Street." Commander and the late Rear Admiral
John B. Montgomery was more fortunate ' ' Montgomery Street," ' 'Uew
f^ontgomery Street," and "Montgomery Avenue" perpetuate his name,
while "Kearny Street," named for Gen. Stephen W. Kearney, U. S.
A., and "Stockton Street," named for Commodore Robert F. Stockton,
U. S. N., are two blocks apart, as in life they were divided, and in
death they remain so in that municipality, and the Chinese have nearly
possession of both of them.

VIEW OF THE OLD TOWN OF SAN DIEGO, CAL.
Taken from a point one hundred feet below the ruined earthworks of Fort Du Pont; showing, also, Point I,oma to the left and the
northern portion of thfe Bay of San Diego looking westward. Taken Nov. 12, 1903.
[Kindly furnished by Mr. Joseph D. Dexter, of San Diego.l

^'^il^^^ -"^ .

RUINS OF THE EARTHWORKS OF FORT DU PONT,
On the hill east ofthe Old Town of San Diego. Cal., showing the embrasure of one of three cannoji once placed there when
occupied by Commodore Stockton's command. Point Loma to the left in the distance and the
north portion of the Bay of San Diego. View taken Nov. 12, 1903.
[Kindly furnished by Mr. Joseph D. Dexter, of San Diego.]

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 89

CHAPTER VIII.
Governments are sometimes willing to let or cause their servants to
commit mistakes or perform acts of which they may receive the bene
fits, but which they can disavow and escape the responsibility, if neces
sary, to avoid difficulty; or openly approve their action by defending
them. The officer, however, must take the risk of the construction of
dubious orders received, when he assumes the responsibility, and
where the terms are not absolutely and sharply defined in his instruc
tions. The Administration at Washington \\'ould not ask Congress to
declare war with Mexico, when Colonel Cross and other U. S. Army
Officers were foullj' murdered and their bodies mutilated by Mexican
frontier guerrillas, nor when Captain Thornton and his Squadron of
Dragoons were captured by the Mexican Army eyi masse on Texas soil
on the 23d of April, 1846, nor order a blockade of the Mexican ports
on the Gulf. The United States had not been engaged in a foreign
war for a period of thirty-two years, and that, the last war, with
Great Britain in 1 8 1 2-1 4. Her army had only been engaged in Indian
fighting on the frontiers and in Florida.
General Taylor, with his Army of Occupation on the Rio Grande
(and to which we in an humble capacity belonged when in our
minority), was left by the U. S. Government to declare war from the
mouths of his cannon and the rattle of his musketry on his own respon
sibility, in response to the challenge of shotted guns from the Mexican
Army under General Arista at Palo Alto, and Resaca de la Palma
under General Ampudia, on the 8th and 9th of May, 1846. Then four
days afterwards the President and Congress declared "war exists be
tween the United States and Mexico." If General Taylor, on his way
from Point Isabel to the entrenchments on the Rio Grande, had fired
the first shot, the U. S. Government might have disavowed the act,
sacrificed General Taylor, called a truce or armistice, and tried to patch
up the matter in miserable, shameful peace negotiations.
It was not, however, until blood had been shed on the battlefield on
Texas soil, at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, that a state of war
was declared to exist, and the ports on the Gulf were ordered to be
blockaded. Therefore, Commodore Sloat was right in his action, to
wait for these events to occur, and in strict accordance with his instruc
tions, when he "should ascertain beyond a doubt ihat Mexico has declared
war against us, you will at once employ the force under your command to
the best advantage," which he did, as evidenced in his Proclamation at
Monterey and set forth in his official report.

90 Life of Rear-.\dmiral John Drake Sloat
"Coming events cast their shadows before," whether it be of a pros
pective increase of the census, the state of the political barometer, or
the attitude of nations and peoples towards each other. The long
period of hostilities between Texas and Mexico, resulting in the inde
pendence of the former, and its annexation to the United States, pre
pared both the Army and the Navy of the United States for what was
immediately to follow.
Captain John C. Fremont, of the U. S. Engineers, with his Explor
ing Expedition, was to travel overland to the Pacific Coast, and quietly
take observations of California's condition while engaged ostensibly in
scientific researches. Commodore Stockton, who had been the Mes
senger of President Polk to President Sam. Houston, of the Republic
of Texas, to announce the Act of Annexation, and fully posted, as he
was in Texas affairs, was ordered to the Pacific, and these two in the
course of events were to form a junction and operate together.
The Bear Flag Republic proclaimed at Sonoma, on June 14, 1846,
was dissolved upon the raising of the American flag at Monterey by
Commodore Sloat on July 7. 1846. Its forces with others rallied under
Fremont as a U. S. Arm}' officer, who could not evade the responsi
bility of being their leader if he would. His commission as a Captain
of U. S. Engineers gave him no authority to command an army, or to
make war in the name of the U, S. Government; but it was the shadow
or nebula of power to be concentrated in him by pressure from Ameri
cans without, and the ardent, determined, voluntary self-obedience of
men, who demanded a leader for their guidance and protection of
themselves and their families; and when he raised the American flag,
all flocked to his standard from the Districts of Sonoma and Sacra
mento, and he marched with his independent command to Monterey to
join forces with Commodore Sloat, where he arrived on July 19, 1846,
twelve days after Sloat had taken formal possession of California, in
the name of the U. S. Government, Fremont having already received
money and supplies from Commander Montgomery, of the Sloop-of-war
"Poitsmouth," at San Francisco.
He was the only regular U. S. Army Officer then in the field. His
voluntary- operations at Sonoma, Sacramento and the Santa Clara Val
leys had the effect of materially aiding Commodore Sloat in his suc
cessful and peaceful conquest. The volunteer Naval Company of Dra
goons under Fauntleroy, stationed at the Mission of San Juan, was
soon recalled. General Jose Castro, with a few of his men, had fled to
Southern California. In one week's time from his arrival at Monterey,
Fremont and his command of about 150 men were dismounted and
placed on board of the Sloop-of-war "Cyane," on July 26, 1846, and

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 91
sailed for San Diego to cut off General Castro's retreat. This was
three days before Commodore Sloat took his departure for home.
Evidently Fremont preferred to at least be nominally under the
command of high Naval authority, and yet at the same time be the
leader of an independent land force to cooperate as he in his own judg
ment might see fit; and when the time should arrive, that the Naval
forces should retire to their vessels, he would be the real Commander
on land. His position was an anomalous one, and he doubtless relied
upon his father-in-law, the Hon. Thomas H. Benton, U. S. Senator
from Missouri, to sustain him with the Administration when the exi
gency should arise. He'was animated by patriotism and a desire for
the expansion of the greatness of his countr}', and at the same time,
an ardent ambition to also be known as the Conqueror of California in
reality. He rendered good service to Commodore Stockton, who also
had to fight on land, and go to the relief of General Stephen Kearney
and extricate him from his unfortunate and desperate situation, who
had unwisely detached a portion of his command to return to New
Mexico, rashly charged with disastrous results upon the cavalry force
under General Andres Pico, at San Pasquale, and had to be helped out
of his difficulty by Commodore Stockton a.nd his command; all of
which have become matters of history, which it is not our purpose to
recount in this work.
Fremont received the last surrender and fixed the terms of peace,
which Stockton approved. Fremont was appointed Governor by
Stockton, and entered upon his duties as such. He made the mistake
of not recognizing his superior officer in the Army, General Stephen
Kearney, who had the same orders to take possession of California that
Commodore Sloat had received and turned over to Stockton. Fremont
was finally put under arrest, and with General Kearney proceeded over
land to Washington, as did also Commodore Stockton, and where the
famous trial took place, with the results already made known to his
tory. Commodore Stockton resigned from the Navy, and was elected
U. S. Senator from his native State of New Jersey, as his father had
been before him. Fremont also had the honor of being chosen the first
U. S. Senator from California, he having been restored to his position
in the Army and resigned.
General Taylor, the heroic and successful Commander in the Rio
Grande Campaigns, and who won the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de
la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista, was honored by being elected
President of the United States, and prepared the way for the admission
of the State of California into the Union, all of which has become
recorded history and is familiar to our readers.
It is proper at this juncture to again refer to the Bear Flag episode,

92 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
and its effects upon the action and cool deliberation of Sloat, who ap-
parenth' was somewhat puzzled by the attitude of Thomas O. Larkin,
himself, which we ha-\-e never yet seen referred to by anj- writer.
Larkin was a thrifty Yankee trader from Boston, long years before he
was made U. S. Consul at Monterej'. He was thoroughly American
by birth, education, impulse and marriage, and had no other than
mercantile and financial ties that connected him with the Spanish
Nati\-e Californians. It was to his interest that the American conquest
should be a peaceful one, and so he was prepared to cooperate with
Commodore Sloat and avoid bloodshed, and to that end the^' were dis
posed to work together, Sloat to follow out the instructions of the Sec
retary of the Xavy. The raising of the Bear Flag at Sonoma, followed
by the murders of Cowie and Fowler by Padilla and his men, near
Santa Rosa, and the American settlers arri^-ing and rallying around
Fremont, demanding him for a leader, had completely changed the
condition of affairs; and Larkin's plans before the arrival of Commo
dore Sloat were entireh- upset; and in his dual capacity of merchant
and U. S. Consul, he was pretty much mixed. His private interests
and financial affairs were thus placed in jeopardy by what had occurred
at Sonoma and Sutter's Fort. The whole of California was now in
arms. The orders of President Santa Ana, to shoot down every American
immigrant who came into California armed and give no quarter, had
been received by the military authorities, and General Jose Castro, the
Military Commandante, under that decree issued similar orders, and all
the American settlers were to be driven from the country.
The orders were in force when the Bear Flag revolt occurred, and
Larkin apparently also had these in mind at the time. He remembered
the treacherous seizure individually and the imprisonment of seventy
Americans and other foreigners, of Graham and others, who were
manacled in irons and shipped to San Bias in April, 1840, though the
Mexican Government afterwards returned them to Monterey in a dilap
idated and impoverished condition.
U. S. Consul Thomas O. Larkin, in his letter of June 15, 1846, to
Buchanan, Secretary of State, at Washington, written the very next
daj' at Monterey, after the hoisting of the Bear Flag at Sonoma, but of
which he was ignorant, when he wrote as follows:
"The undersigned improves the opportunity of observing that there cannot
be brought forward, by the President against Mexico, any claim or demand so
strong and impetuous, as the unjust and cruel arrest, imprisonment and shipment
in irons, of so many Americans from this port (Monterey) in April, 1840. Cati-
Jornians in Calijornia, committed this most outrageous act; and they and thetr
territory should be held responsible."

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 93
When he wrote that letter, in spirit he was in full accord with the
Americans who formed the Bear Flag Party; but their immediate, pre
cipitate action made him doubtful of the result when his own Govern
ment should act. He was evidently anxious to see the fruits of his own
diplomacy ripen, and he receive the credit due to his tact and skill in
bringing about the acquisition of California by the United States Gov
ernment, and the native Spanish Californians, who had seized, impris
oned, manacled and exported some seventy- Americans to Mexico, made
to suffer for their acts. But when Commodore Sloat arrived, and the
great formal initiatory act of conquest and acquisition was then to be
performed, if there was any timidity or shrinking from the conse
quences of that action, it was Larkin and not Sloat who manifested it.
Larkin was like the 3roung man who courted a girl and made a pro
posal for marriage by letter, which was accepted, and when she came
to him to get married he trembled and shook clear down into his boots.
Sloat could leave the country and return home at any time, as he was
supreme in command, transfer his pennant to any vessel, which he did,
to the "Levant," as he had permission to do. But when the American
flag was about to be raised, Larkin's powers as U. S. Consul were to
cease, as it would be,U. S. territory under military rule, though he
might still be recognized as the quasi Civil Representative, to a certain
extent, of the U. S. Government, and possibly become an Alcalde or
Justice of the Peace.
Larkin's residence and business interests with the native Spanish
Californians had extended through a period of fourteen years; and he
was their creditor to a considerable extent, while his personal inter
course with them for so long a time when friendships had been formed,
had made him intimate with every one with whom he had done busi
ness. Now, all of this was to receive a sudden and violent shock, and
he and his patrons were all at once to become national enemies in arms,
Americans versus Mexicans, in California as elsewhere during that
conflict. In his anxiety to retain their personal friendship and patron
age, he desired to have a peaceful but armed seizure and occupation,
now that the U. S. Naval forces had arrived and were ready to promptly
act; and in his dual character as U. S. Consul and merchant, he ap
peared before Commodore Sloat on board his flagship ' 'Savannah' ' and
gave him such information and intelligence of the condition of affairs
as then existed. The proclamations which had been prepared a few
days before at sea by Commodore Sloat's direction and translated into
Spanish, and written by his aide-de-camp, Wm. P. Toler, had to be
destroyed and new ones prepared, in which Larkin assisted. These
had again to be revised and translated into Spanish, and copies made
and sent to Captain Montgomery at San Francisco, to be also carried

94 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
by Lieutenant Revere to Sonoma and sent to Bodega and Sutter's Fort
at Nueva Helvetia, or what is now Sacramento, as well as at San Jose
and elsewhere in California.
While keeping a sharp lookout to the seaward, Sloat coolly and
carefully deliberated, but did not hesitate in the performance of his duty in
the step he was now to take. He had his orders of June 24, 1845,
which had not been modified or changed, so far as he knew, and he
was prepared to act. That he might possibly meet with resistance from
some of General Castro's forces concealed in the pine forest back of
Monterey and the fort near by, he gave his orders as if expecting an
attack, and he was not going to be taken by surprise and unprepared,
is evident to any one who will give them a careful reading and exam
ination of the situation.
The same care and precautions were taken at the landing of the U.
S. forces under General Taylor at Point Isabel, Texas, and when cav
alry and artillerj' horses, as well as men, were landed from the vessels.
Men could be landed readily in boats, but with, horses on the decks of
a rolling ship in the open roadstead of the Gulf, it was a different thing
altogether. A young bugler, however, solved the difficulty, when
supposed-to be wiser heads of veteran officers failed. He mounted his
horse on deck, and when the ship rolled low down on its side, he
spurred him sharply and the horse with its rider plunged into the sea.
The bugler sounded the charge while his horse was swimming, and
every horse on board the ship sprang overboard, followed their leader
and swam ashore, while not one was lost. This was a lesson ever
afterwards remembered b}- officers having charge of the transportation
and landing of horses and mules.
Like care and deliberation, not "hesitation,'' was taken by General
Scott, previous to the landing of his troops at Vera Cruz, Mexico, on
the gth of March, 1847. He waited until all of his forces had arrived.
There was an armj- in the City of Vera Cruz, in the Castle of San Juan
de UUoa, with a large .cavalry force concealed behind the hills back
from the shore where the landing was to take place. The U. S. steam-
frigate "Princeton" (built by Commodore Stockton) towed the sailing
frigate ' Raritan" (with General Worth's Division on board of both
ships) to the anchorage opposite the island of Sacrificios and the shore
of the mainland. The troops in an orderly manner took their places
in the surf-boats, which were attached to two long hawsers from the
stern of the "Princeton," and at a given signal the prow of each boat
instantly was pointed to the shore, and it was the grandest rowing
regatta ever witnessed. The landing was covered by the vessels of the
Gulf Squadron, under Commodore Perry, and but a few moments
elapsed when the boats grounded, and the troops, jumping into the

Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 95
water nearly up to their necks, holding their arms and ammunition
above their heads, waded ashore, and in less than five minutes' time a
line of battle was formed of 5,000 men, ready for action. It was our
fortune to have participated with General Worth's Division in that
event, and to have been in the second boat that touched the shore.
The next morning others having landed, and the enemy's cavalry hav
ing been driven back. General Scott, with his army of fifteen thousand
men in order of column, was marching up the beach, without the loss
of a man, and in two or three days the circum^'allation and investment
of Vera Cruz was complete and the siege begun. That city, after
nearly a week's bombardment, surrendered, and the first of a new series
of victories under General Scott was begun, which terminated on Sep
tember 14, 1847, by the capture of the City of Mexico; and on Feb
ruary 2, 1848, by the stipulations of the Treaty of Peace, California,
New Mexico and Arizona, including also what are now the States of
Wyoming, Colorado and Utah, and the Rio Grande as the southern
boundard of Texas and the United States, settled forever.
At Monterey, from the hour of four o'clock p. m. of Juty 2d, the
time of Commodore Sloat's arrival in the "Savannah" (with the sloops-
of-war "Cyane" and "Levant" already in port), he was just four days
in preparing his plans for a general and simultaneous movement to
take place as near as possible, and sent his orders to Captain Mont
gomery at San Francisco to land and take possession there, and to des
patch officers to Sonoma, Bodega and Sutter's Fort, W the same
time also contemplating advanced movements into the interior at
San Juan Bautista and elsewhere. His forces were wisely distributed,
while Monterey was under his guns; completely, in his power; and in
eighteen hours, from the time his orders had been given to Captain
Mervine and his other subordinates on the evening before, the landing
of his forces had already taken place, the American flag flying over the
Custom House, his proclamation read and posted, the marines occupied
the barracks, and the ofiicers with their crews back again and eating
their dinners on board the vessels of war.
It was a week afterwards that Commodore Stockton arrived with
the frigate "Congress," on the 15th of July, and the next day after
that, when the British Admiral, Seymour, arrived with his line-of-
battleship, the "Collingwood," or fully two weeks after Sloat's arrival.
Admiral Seymour must have been the one who "hesitated" while on his
way to Monterey, and "hesitated" as to his course of action, when there
were two first-class American frigates with two sloops-of-war, and a
land battery on shore, which would have made him rather uncomforta
ble if he meditated any hostile act on his part towards the American
Squadron under Sloat upon his arrival.

96 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
We recently, on the 2d of November, 1901, while at ^Monterey, and
lading stones in the base of the Sloat Monument, asked of Mr. Moses
Schallenberger, in the presence of Hon. Samuel W. Holladay and sev
eral others, to repeat his answer to our question put to him in San Jose,
a short time before, which he did. He had stated ' 'that he was a clerk
in Thomas O. Larkin's store, and was present when the American flag
was raised and the proclamation read by order of Commodore Sloat,
on the 7th of July, 1846, at Monterey, and was an e^-ewitness of the
whole affair; and before and after the hoisting of the flag, saw and
met Commodore Sloat, and from what he himself observed and heard,
knew pretty well what was going on."
We asked him, "^Mr. Schallenberger, what you saw and heard of
Commodore Sloat, from the time of his arrival, did he show aii}^ timid
ity or hesitancy whatever, or manifest by his actions that he was in
doubt, or shrink from the performance of bis duty?" Mr. Schallen
berger answered most emphatically, "No! Commodore Sloat was as
brave a man as ever lived. He was a stern but quiet man, of few
words and of great reserved force and determination of character; and
it is only of late years and recently that I have ever heard that he was
charged as lacking courage and decision of purpose, which is utterly
false. He was in Monterey about three weeks or so, finished up his
business, turned his command over to Commodore Stockton and sailed
for home."We will put Moses Schallenberger's statement as worthy to be be
lieved before all others, and he is still living and in good health at San
Jose, where he resides.
We wrote to the Hon. Wm. Boggs of Napa, the First Vice-Presi
dent of the loat Monument Association, who was the Sergeant Major
of Captain Maddox's Battalion of Marines and Volunteers, which ren
dered such good service, who was stationed at Monterey for a year or
more until mustered out. We asked him, "Did you ever hear it men
tioned at Monterey or elsewhere, that Commodore Sloat 'hesitated' as
if in doubt, was timid, or shrank from the performance of duty by any
unnecessary delay, in landing and taking possession of California by
raising the American flag at Monterey?' ' To which we received the
following reply which, while sustaining Schallenberger's statement as
regards Commodore Sloat is of itself a valuable contribution to history
as well as establishing the fact of the total unreliability of ' 'Kanaka
Davis" in his false statements and yarns. We give it in full as we re
ceived it.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 97
"Napa, Aug. 5, 1901.
"Edwin A. Sherman, Esq,
Oakland, tal.,
"Dbar Old Friend Ed.: — Yours of the 3d inst came duly to hand this
morning and I hasten to answer the few questions that you submit, as follows:
" 'ist. While I was at Monterey, with Capt. Maddox, did I ever hear any re
marks, reflecting on the courage of Commodore Sloat as being a timid man, and
afraid to hoist the American flag at Monterey and that he delayed on such timid
ity, and hesitated as if in doubt about hoisting it?' In answer to the foregoing
question, / answer emphatically NO! On the contrary, I know of my own
personal knowledge, that the naval officers at the time of the commencement of
hostilities on this Coast during the war with Mexico, were brave, daring and ad
venturous, and ambitious to preserve their country's honor, as well as to distin
guish themselves from the highest officer in the Navy to the sailors before the
mast. "The Company to which I belonged was composed principally of marines and
sailors, and a few frontier landsmen or volunteers that came overland at the
time I did, aud where I had recruited and with them enlisted at Yerba Buena by
Captain Hull of the 'Warren,' which, with the frigate 'Savannah,' commanded
by Captain William Mervine, was lying in the harbor in the front of the town.
The Commander of the Port, Lieutenant Washington Bartlett, and a few sailors,
were prisoners in the Spanish Camp near Santa Clara. I and my companion, A.
J. Grayson, were invited by Captain Mervine aboard of the 'Savannah,' and re
ceived a private message from Captain Mervine to be delivered to Captain Mad
dox, who was on his way from Monterey with reinforcements to aid the com
manding officer at Santa Clara (Lieutenant Martin). Captain Hull sent our party
often or twelve volunteers with ammunition forthe marines and sailors stationed
there to the number perhaps of thirty; and they, with one or two small parties
of volunteers, were holding off about five hundred Californians under Don
Francisco Sanchez, who were encamped near the Mission of Santa Clara wilh
their prisoners and threatening to retake Upper California. We arrived — our
party at the Alviso landing at night — and carried the ammunition up to the
Mission of Santa Clara; the camp-fires ofthe Californians were plainly seen from
the route to the Mission. There we met Captain Maddox from Monterey, with
his marines and sailors, whom he had hastily mounted, and crossing the Santa
Cruz Mountains by a narrow horse trail, came down upon the Spanish camp and
charged on them; but was met by a man bearing a white flag, who informed him
that there was an effort being made lo come to some terms of a peaceable nature.
"Maddox rode into, the Mission with his command, and was there when our
little party arrived with the ammunition. We joined his Company, which was
about sixty men, all men-of-warsmen and sailors, with one or two exceptions,
the guide and a young man by the name of Martin.
"Maddox was a marine officer, and commanded the Middle Department at
Monterey. Maddox mustered ns in the next morning and moved out in the
plain in front of the Spanish Camp, formed a line of battle, and gave orders at
eight o'clock to charge the Spanish Camp, and we were going straight at them,
the Captain almost one hundred yards ahead of his men, when a horseman was
seen coming out of the timber from the Spanish Camp towards the Captain, who
was waiving his sword to his men to come on. I left my position on the extreme
right of the line, and went straight toward the man who was aiming to meet
Maddox and we three came together about the same time. It proved to be the

98 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
prisoner. Lieutenant Bartlett, who seemed surprised to see such a large party of
Americans. He begged Captain Maddox to halt his command, as the Califor
nians were parleying about a surrender. Maddox halted his command, pulled
out his watch and told Bartlett that he would give them just ten minutes to sur
render; and inside of ten minutes they filed out of the timber by platoous of
four and rode in towards the Mission, and Maddox and his Company rode in the
rear of them, and tbey laid down their arms and submitted, took the oath, or
were paroled not to take up arms during the continuance of the war.
"Maddox then took up his march, and after ransacking San Jose for supplies,
we crossed the Santa Cruz Mountains iu storms and floods, and reached Monterey
after swimming every stream and mountain torrent between Monterey and San
Jose, arriving there about the time the 'Independence,' Commodore Shubrick,
came to anchor.
"I became acquainted with many of the naval officers, both at Monterey and
San Francisco. I mention these facts in detail to show that I had the opportu
nity to see many of the naval officers and conversed with them.
"As to your 2nd question. There were good reasons for any officer or volun
teers to move with caution, as the Californians were gathering their forces under
such men as Don Andres Pico, of Los Angeles; Joaquin and Gabriel De la Torre,
of Salinas; Francisco Sanchez, of Santa Clara Valley. Don Pablo de la Guerra
and General Rafael Castro were prisoners in the hands of the U. S. Navy at
Monterey, and were there in the barracks guarded by marines when I arrived
there in 1846 with Captain Maddox.
"Captain Maddox moved with caution; we put out guards every night, and
when on the march, we had our scouts out, right and left; we did not know what
moment we would be attacked; in fact, we expected a fight with De la Torre.
It was even much more dangerous times when Commodore Sloat hoisted the flag
at Monterey. "The overland immigrants had not yet arrived when Fremont recruited his
army, and without them he would scarcely have dared to return from his journey
north, when Major Archibald GiUespie, bearing dispatches or orders, overtook
him and caused him to return to California, from whence he had been ordered
out of the country by General Castro. Major Gillespie was a marine officer, and
was the officer sent to bring Fremont back, with orders to await the arrival of
the U. S. ships-of-war, aud to hold himself in readiness at some convenient point
to cooperate with the naval forces when they arrived.
"During the Bear Flag episode, he returned from his journey north and en
camped on the Feather River, in the Sacramento Valley, and it was at this camp
a party of the Bear Flag men waited on Fremont and asked him to cooperate
with them; but Fremont told them he had no orders to commit any overt act,
and, therefore, could not openly render them any assistance, but intimated to
them to go ahead, and he would see that they would be supplied with ammuni
tion or any assistance that he could render, in case of their being pushed too
close by the enemy. This fact, as well as others, I had from the men who waited
on Fremont. "These facts show that it required prudence and caution by all, whether offi
cers in command or independent parties acting on their own responsibility, in
the Navy or on land.
'•There were very few Americans on land when Commodore Sloat arrived at
Monterey, and those were men whose interests were identified with the Califor
nians more or less; such dealing as traffic in hides and tallow and supplying the

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 99
¦rancheros with goods. Among these few in Upper California were 'Kanaka
Davis,' Howard & Melius, of Yerba Buena; Timothy Murphy, of San Rafael;
Captain Sutter, of Nueva Helvetia; Captain Smith, of Bodega; Captain Fitch, of
San Diego, aud Jacob P. Leese, of Sonoma.
"Now as to 'Kanaka Davis' ' Elk Story. I can say that I never saw but very
few elk from the time I arrived in California, and not over twenty or thirty in a
herd, and but two or three herds altogether. There were thousands of antelope
and deer in the foothills and mountains. I knew 'Kanaka Davis' in 1846, and
purchased Sandwich Island sugar and some other groceries of him on my return
from Monterey after the news of the Treaty of Peace, and on discharge from
volunteer service. The only two houses or stores doing business in Yerba Buena
at that time were the firm of Howard & Melius and 'Kanaka Davis.' He has
«ince informed me at Napa recently that he never went by the name of 'Kanaka
Davis,' and seemed insulted that I should have reminded him of it. That was
what all the old Californians called him; in fact, I was referred to his store in
1846-7 as 'Kanaka Davis' Store;' and my father, L. W. Boggs, purchased goods
-of him in early days for his store in Sonoma; and every old settler, whether
Spanish or American, knew him as 'Kanaka Davis.' Some of them are living
yet and call him 'Kanaka Davis.'
"His Elk Story may possibly be true, but it sounds like a big fish story. I
was told by an old mountaineer that -there were vast herds of elk at one time in
¦the San Joaquin Valley, also many wild horses, and it may be that 'Kanaka
Davis' ' elk emigrated to the San Joaquin Valley, for there were not a hundred
¦elk in the flats surrounding the Bay in 1846 and '47. There were one or two small
bands in the Sonoma marsh lands, and a few bands above Cache Creek, and per
haps a small band or two off in the Montezuma Hills and Tules about Suisun, but
never more than fifteen or twenty together, and they soon disappeared.
"Now, I did not intend to write such a lengthy answer to inquiries, but to
show that there is much of the unwritten history of California yet to be brought
out. "Now, as to 'Kanaka Davis" yarn about Commodore Jones' proposal to re
move his brick building from San Francisco to Benicia. I happened to have the
honor of spending several days in Commodore Ap Catesby Jones' company, in
1849 and '50. I was at Sonoma, when the old Commodore came up there to visit
-General Vallejo, and I pointed out the General's house to him. He came in
afoot from the tules where he had left his boat and crew of sailors, and he was all
wet and muddy when he arrived, dressed in gumboots and oilcloth cap, with
shotgun and game-bag on; a tall, gaunt old Welshman. He enquired of me for
General Vallejo, and I pointed to General Vallejo, who was standing on his front
verandah, looking out for the Commodore and his suite, whom he had previously
invited to visit him at Sonoma.
"When the Commodore stopped in front of him, and spoke to him, the Gen.
•eral did not recognize him. He remarked to the General, 'I am Commodore
Jones. General, how do you do?' Says the General, 'You, Commodore Jones!'
And all over mud and splash, the General took him in, and the old Commodore
was made to feel at home.
"In a few days the General furnished him horses and saddle, and I was invited
to ride around the country with both the General and the Commodore, and we
-went to Benicia and Mare Island Straits, and we pointed out the various eligible
sites for towns. The old Commodore was somewhat an enthusiast about farming
lands and town sites, and remarked that he thought Benicia could be made a

loo Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
port of entry, and that he could defend the entrance to the Straits much easier
than he could defend the entrance to San Francisco. I was in his barge when
taking the soundings in looking for a navy yard site, and we took the soundings
from above Benicia down through the Mare Island Straits; and the old Commo
dore frequently expressed his admiration of the many eligible town sites,
etc., etc.
"A few of the San Francisco merchants became jealous of Benicia, for fear
that the commerce of the city might be diverted from their harbor to Benicia;
and I suppose 'Kanaka Davis' was among them, for I never heard of his taking
part in anything outside of his grocery store in Yerba Buena.
"As to Commodore Jones using any war ship for private speculation is so
absurd that it seems ridiculous.
"The Commodore, General Vallejo and myself were invited to dine on board
the U. S. Sloop-of-war 'Preble,' that was lying at anchor in the Straits of Car
quinez near Benicia. She was commanded by Captain West, her First Officer;
her actual Commander was Captain Glenn, who was absent. Commodore Jones
did not seem to have any more authority on this ship-of-war than either General
Vallejo or myself. We were regaled with a fine dinner, and the old Commodore
told many stories of his farm life, and about his two sons, who were Midshipmen
in the Navy. And he had no more idea of using a Government vessel for private
ends than I did of taking command of the 'Preble.'
"So much for 'Kanaka Davis" yarn about one of the bravest old Commodores
in the U. S. Navy. "Yours truly, "W. M. BoGGS."
We have thus introduced this letter of the Hon. William M. Boggs,.
the First Vice-President of the Sloat Monument Association, a lineal
descendant of the famous Daniel Boone of Kentucky, and whom we
have intimately known for a period of fifty -two years as a gentleman
of undoubted honor, courage and veracity, whose father was the late
Hon. Lilburn W. Boggs, formerly Governor of Missouri, who came to
California with his family overland in 1846 and to Sonoma.
The only motive that we can conceive of which may have prompted
'Kanaka Davis' to lie about Commodore Sloat in his operations at
Monterey, is-the fact that this half-breed frpm Honolulu, having mar
ried into a Spanish California family, desired to ingratiate himself fur
ther with some of the people of that race, who in heart have never
taken kindly to the American occupation; and by misrepresenting and
belittling the action of Commodore Sloat at Monterey, in taking pos
session of CaUfornia, gratify them, and at the same time there may
have been a money consideratian paid him by those who used him in
his detraction and slander of Commodore Sloat, to be repeated in their
"publications, perhaps in getting out his own, to confirm what he had
given them before.
In looking over some former letters of the Hon. Wm. Boggs, of
Napa, we find one of May 3, 1896, from which we take the following
extracts:

Thk Late Rear-Admiral
JOHN drake; sloat, u. s. navy
At the time of his Golden Wedding, Nov. 27, 1864, when
83 years, 4 months and 1 day old. He died Nov. 28, 1S67,
aged 86 years. 4 months and. 2 days old. "Was iu Active
Service 63 years in the U. S. Navy.

MRS. ABBY (nee; Gordon) Sloat
WIFE OF THE LATE
Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat, U.S. N.
At the time oftheir Golden Wedding. Nov. 27, 1864. when
68 years, 11 mouths and 21 days old. She died Nov. 15,
1878, aged 83 years old, having survived him about
eleven years. She sleeps beside him in Greenwood
Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York.

MR, JAMES BAYARD WHITTEMORE, JR.
Great grandson ofthe late Rear-Admiral John Drake
Sloat. Reader of his Proclamation at San Francisco^
July 9, i8g6, aud at Mouterey, July 4, 1902.

MRS. JOSEPHINE EMILY KINCAID
Great Granddaughter of the late Rear-Admiral John
Drake Sloat, who furnished his record from New York
City,

THE BURIAL PLACE AND MONUMENT
OF THE LATE
REAR -ADMIRAL JOHN DRAKE SLOAT, U. S. NAVY
AND FAMILY
GREENWOOD CEMETERY, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat ioi
"Napa, Cal.,^May 3, 1896.
"Hon. E. A. Sherman, Sec'y of Stoat Monument Association —
"Dear Sir and Friend: Your favor of the 2d inst., enclosing printed
copies of your replies to one George Edwards, of the H. H. Bancroft History, of
San Francisco, all of which I have perused with interest, catue duly to hand."
********* "As to the Bancroft Historian. I have good reason to know the falsity of his
history in many particulars. In his 19th Vol., History of Utah, and the Latter
Day Saints or Mormons, he places my father iu a very unfavorable light when he
was Governor of Missouri.
"He states that my father, 'the late Lilburn W. Boggs, headed a mob and led
them against the Mormons, driving them from Jackson County, where the Mor
mons had settled.'
"This was a base tie; doubtless taken from a Mormon standpoint, in order to
make his work popular in Utah.
"My father was Lieutenant-Governor of Missouri at the commencement of
the Mormon troubles, and absolutely refused to take part in the Citizens' force
that drove them from Jackson County; and after he was elected Governor of the
State, he was called upon by the citizens where the Mormons located to do some
thing to suppress them from the high-handed course they were pursuing in defi
ance of the laws of the State. He finally called for five thousand State troops
and compelled them to leave the State; and for which, they afterwards attempted
his assassination and came near killing him, by the means of an assassin who
crept up to his window one dark and rainy night and fired four balls into his
head, while he was surrounded by his family, of wife and little children, at his
private residence in the old town of Independence, Missouri.
"Mr. Bancroft also states that 'two of Governor Boggs' sons were at the kill
ing ofthe Mormon Prophet, Joe Smith, in Carthage, Illinois.'
"There was not a member of the Boggs family within three hundred miles of
the place at the time the Illinois mob killed Joe Smith. Such base and slander
ous lies no doubt Mr. Bancroft obtained through his Mormon informants; and to
please the saintly crowd at Salt Lake City, who were fast becomiug rich, in order
to make his work and History sell, he no doubt catered to their wishes.
"So you can judge about how much store I set on Bancroft's History. His
method of obtaining history of the Pioneers would certainly result in confusion,
and would damn the work for all time to come. "Yours truly, "W. M. Boggs."
We have thus introduced the foregoing letters, that our readers may
see and learn the truth of how much dependence is to be placed in the
lying statements of the detractors and defamers of the loyal, gallant,
prudent, patriotic and brave experienced officer of the U. S. Navy, the
late Admiral John Drake Sloat, who, when Commodore, in faithful
obedience in spirit and to the letter, acquired possession of California
by raising the American flag at Monterey on July 7, 1846.
We cannot close this Chapter without giving the following copies of
letters from the Hon. George C. Perkins, U. S. Senator from Califor
nia, and Lieutenant Lucien Young, of the U. S. Navy, sent to us on
the dates written:

I02 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
[Copy of letter from the Hon. George C. Perkins, U. S. Senator, from Washington.]'
"United States Senate,
"Washington, D. C, March 7, 1896.
"Hon. Edwin A. Sherman, Oakland, California —
"My Dear Sherman: I know that you will be grateful to learn that I find
from the official records that your estimate of Commodore Sloat is correct, and
that there is no tinge of dishonor reflecting on him in any way, for the Bancroft
charge of alleged want of promptness in obeying the orders of our Government,
in not proceeding more promptly to Monterey and taking possession of Cali
fornia. "The letter herewith from Lieutenant Lucien Young is self-explanatory. Mr.
Young is a Lieutenant in the U. S. Navy, and has been detailed as an Assistant
Superintendent in the Library of the Navy Department, for the purpose of com
piling and editing the Naval War Records of the Rebellion; and of course is-
recognized authority upon the subject-matter under consideration.
"I am sorry I cannot send you the executive documents to which Lieutenant
Young's letter refers; but there are only bound volumes here, and, therefore, I
am unable to send them to you. I think, however. Lieutenant Young's letter
covers the whole ground. The documents fully vindicate the good name of Com
modore Sloat, aud show that Bancroft is, in this case, anything but a correct his
torian. "I will make an efifort now to press our bill for an appropriation for a monu
ment to the memory of Commodore Sloat to a successful conclusion; but so
many other bills now have the right of way that I am not as sanguine of success-
as I would have been had I pressed it a month or six weeks earlier, which I
should have done had it not have been for this Bancroft exposd.
"Again congratulating you upon being right in defending a patriotic and gal
lant Naval OfiScer, whose memory had been most unjustly maligned,
"I remain, very truly yours, "Geo. C. Perkins."
(copy)
"[For the information of Edwin A. Sherman.]
"Navy Department,
"Library and Naval War Records,
"Washington, D. C, March 6, 1896.
"My Dear Senator: In answer to your letter in regard to the official acts of
Commodore Sloat, iu taking possession of California for the United States, I find
in most of the books written about California at that period a decided and unde
served praise is given to General Fremont and Commodore Stockton at the ex
pense of the prompt, brilliant and successful performance of duty by this brave,
patriotic and gallant officer, and which is not borne out by the official data, as
yon will see.
"The statement made by H. H. Bancroft, in his 'Chronicles of the Builders,'
Vol. II., pages 184 and 185, is one in which the acts of Commodore Sloat are dis
credited in the favor of others of his self-appointed heroes. Again, in a sketch
of the life of Stockton, published by Derby and Jackson, New York, 1856, the
old Commodore is spoken of as 'an old-fashioned sailor, content with the per
formance of his duty on his own element, aud not desiring to carry war on land,
and laudatory of Stockton's sense of duty,' whereas you will find from the official
records that Sloat not only had accomplished the work prior to Stockton's ar
rival, but actually sent that "officer on shore to command the forces there, and

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 103
had planued for further operations. His health breaking down, he, in accordance
with previous permission from the Navy Department, voluntarily turned over the
command to Stockton before Shubrick, his regular relief, arrived.
"That his acts were fully approved by the Secretary, and no censure was ever
sent him, is proved by the Secretary's official report of the operations in the
Pacific. The facts of the case are highly in favor of Commodore Sloat; for at
the time his squadron was lying in the harbor at Mazatlan, where also was an
English squadron awaiting anxiously news of hostilities, and ready at the first
move to pounce upon California, where British agents were at work upon the
Legislature to obtain the most valuable portion of the public lands. Sloat re
ceived the news by a special courier in advance of the English Commander, that
the Mexicans had invaded the territory of the United States across the Rio
Grande, and, in accordance with his confidential instructions, immediately got
under way and sailed for the coast of Monterey and took possession of the coun
try, and hoisted the flag of the United States over Monterey, several days before
the English fleet came in.
"This prompt action on his part not only prevented the English squadron
from active measures, but was, beyond doubt, the means of frustrating the legis
lative designs with the British agents, and secured that valuable territory to the
United States, whatever may have been accomplished after. The die had been
cast and the victory after made an easy task.
"You will find all the official reports, correspondence and data that fully en
dorse Commodore Sloat, in House Executive Documents, 2d Session of the 29th
Congress, Vol. I., Doc. No. 4, pp. 378 and 379, and pp. 640 to 675, inclusive.
Also, House Executive Documents, 2d Session, 30th Congress, Vol. I., Doc. No.
I, commencing on page 1,006.
"I am, respectfully yours, "(Signed): Lucien Yodng,
"Lieutenant U. S. Navy.
"Senator George C. Perkins, U. S. Senate."
[Note. — The positive information received by Sloat was not by
special courier, but a letter by mail from Surgeon Wood at the City of
Mexico, "sent under cover to a subject of a neutral power," as he
states, and which Commodore Sloat received on June 7, 1846, and he
sailed for Monterey the next day.]
As stated by the Hon. C. E. S. Wood, of Portland, Oregon, the
son of Fleet Surgeon Wm. Maxwell Wood, in his letter to us written
^t Portland, Oregon, June 25, 1896:
"You are entirely and indisputably correct in your defense of Sloat, and it is
an outrage that any defense should be needed."
But we will close this Chapter here and open the next, as no fur
ther vindication is needed.

104 Life of- Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat

CHAPTER IX.
On October 23, 1846, Commodore Sloat reported his return from
the command of the Pacific Squadron; and three weeks afterwards, on
November 14, 1846, was ordered to special duty at New York and
Philadelphia, at which he was engaged a little more than two months
and a half, when, on March 6, 1847, he was detached, awaiting orders,
for over nine months, but he was not idle. What he had done at Mon
terey in landing there and taking possession of California was to be
repeated on a vastly larger scale by General Scott and Commodore
Perry at Vera Cruz, on the 9th of March, 1847. His experience was
valuable to them, and General Scott had the benefit and knowledge of
what was done at Monterey, California, by personal intercourse with
Commodore Sloat just before partaking of his "hasty plate of soup,"
when he. General Scott, took his departure for Mexico.
Commodore Sloat watched the events that were rapidly transpiring
in Mexico with the most intense interest until the capture of the Capital
of that country, on the 14th of September, 1847, after the most hotly
contested series of battles for the long period of six months from the
time of the successful landing of General Scott's Army at Vera Cruz,
when that City was captured, on March 28. 1847, and followed by the
brilliant victories of Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Cherubusco, Molino del
Rey, Chapultepec, and the City of Mexico itself, and the quit-claim
deed to California, New Mexico and all that vast territory, an empire
within itself, was ceded to the United States forever. Commodore Sloat
secured the animal by the tail, so he could not get away without losing
it; while Generals Taylor and Scott seized it by the horns and threw it
to the ground. In this instance, the hind-quarters proved to be the
best meat.
On January 19, 1848, Commodore Sloat was ordered to command
the navy yard and station at Norfolk, Virginia, where he was engaged
three j-ears in the line of his duty with his usual assiduity and fidelity,'
when, on February i, 1851, he was detached and placed on waiting
orders. On January 17, 1852, he was appointed senior member of a board
to locate a navy yard in California, and so he revisited the "Golden
State," the jewel which he had acquired for the Union, the brightest
and most costly gem and firmly set in a cluster of stars in the coronet
on the brow of Columbia. Here some of his old friends met and en
tertained him, while he entertained them. At that time he located the
navy yard at Mare Island, and made the terms for the purchase by the

Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 105
U. S. Government, which was made on January 4, 1853, from George
W. P. Bissell, W. H. Aspinwall and Mary S. McArthur, the price paid
being $83,491.00, and containing about nine hundred acres.
Commodore Sloat laid out the original plans of the navy yard there,
and in 1872 the tracing of those plans bearing his signature were in
the office of the Civil Engineer of the Mare Island Navy Yard,
After having performed this dutj^ he returned to the East, and on
December 14, 1852, he was detached and placed on waiting orders; but
did not have to wait long, for the very next day, December 15, 1852,
lie was ordered to special duty under the Bureau of Construction, where
he was constantly engaged for three 3rears, when, on September 27,
1855, he was detached and placed on the Reserved List.
During his time he was employed as Superintendent of the con
struction of the famous "Stevens Battery" at Hoboken, New Jersey,
and Superintendent of the U. S. mail steamships sailing out of New
York, in which connection he was well knowri by the merchants and
others who met him daily in the streets of that city, who could not fail
to be impressed by his active and genial temperament (when off duty),
and his fine business qualities.
The War of the Rebellion breaking out in 1861, and he being in
tensely loyal to the flag under which he had sailed for sixty-one years,
his advice and counsel was much sought after by the Secretary of the
Navy and President Lincoln, "and he was ready for sea service if only
a ship was given him." At that time he was a very quiet-looking per
son, scarcely five feet six inches high (the height of Napoleon). He
dressed in plain black clothes, and though a little short of eighty years,
he did not appear to be over fifty. His hair was thick and almost white.
On August 2, 1862, he was promoted to Commodore on the Retired
List from July 16, 1862, and was No. i on the List.
On August 6, 1866, he was commissioned as Rear Admiral on the
Retired List, and credited on the Register with seventeen years and five
inonths sea service, with active engagements in battle under Decatur in
the war with Great Britain, participating in the capture of the "Mace
donian" frigate, sweeping the seas of pirates in the West Indies, pro
tecting American interests along the coasts of South America and
Mexico, and acquiring possession of California by hoisting the Ameri
can flag at Monterey, on July 7, 1846, in strict compliance with the
orders of the U. S. Government.
Immediately upon his promotion as Rear Admiral upon the Retired
List, Sloat spent his last days in a quiet way at his residence at New
Brighton, New Jersey, serenely resting in the bosom of his family until
he gently passed away on November 28, 1867, aged 86 years, 4 months
and 2 days, mourned by a host of friends, who greatly deplored his

io6 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat
loss, for his qualities of mind and heart were such as to endear him to
all who enjoyed his acquaintance.
THE FUNERAL.
We copy the following from a New York paper of December ist:
"The Fdnerai, of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat.
"The funeral of this veteran officer took place from his late residence, New
Brighton, Staten Lsland, yesterday afternoon.
"The body was placed iu a beautiful rosewood coffin, richly mounted with
heavy silver plate, bearing the inscription:

ilear-glhmtral |iohn girahe ^loat
UNITED STATES NAVY
Aged 86 Years, 4 Months and 2 Days

"On the coffin was placed a wreath, cross and anchor, formed of rich flowers.
The body was dressed in the full uniform of an Admiral.
"About one o'clock, the friends and neighbors of tbe deceased had collected^
and soon after the full service for the dead, according to the ritual of the Pro
testant Episcopal Church, was then read by the Rev. P. Irving, of New Brighton.
The coffin was then removed to the hearse, the pall-bearers being Admirals-
Stringham and Bell, Captains Almey, Ammen, Nichols, Surgeon Smith, Com
mander Roe of the Navy, and Mr. Wm. Pendleton.
"These were followed by Warrington aud John D. Sloat, Jr., sons of the de
ceased; Hon. John McKeon, son-in-law, and Dr. J. S. Westervelt, as chief
mourners. "The funeral cortege comprised about twenty carriages, containing friends of
the deceased and chief mourners, several private vehicles, and a number of his
neighbors on foot.
"The funeral party went ou board the two o'clock boat from Quarantine, and
reached the foot of Whitehall sti eet at three o'clock. They were met there by
about thirty members of the St. Nicholas Lodge, No. 321, of F. & A. M., of New
York, of which he was a member.
"They then crossed the South Ferrj'. On their arrival at the other side, a
battalion of marines was drawn up in a line with presented arms, and the band
playing a Dead March to receive them. The battalion comprised four companies
under command of Captain Baker, assisted by Captain Squire, First Lieutenant
Stillman, Brevet Captain Maske and Lieutenant Waller, commanding companies,,
with Lieutenant J. B. Brun, Adjutant.
"After the marines came the St. Nichoals Lodge, No. 321, F. & A. M., and
members of the Tompkins Lodge, F. & A. M., in carriages;
"Pall-bearers in carriages;
"Hearse draped in black;
"Chief mourners in carriages;
"Private carriages.
"In this order the procession reached Greenwood Cemetery. At the entrance,
the marines wheeled into columns by fours, and headed the procession in the

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 107
same order to the grave, where they formed an opened square and rested on their
arms. "Masonic honors with appropriate ceremonies were paid to the remains.
Brother Van, Master of the St. Nicholas Lodge, No. 321, F. & A. M., officiating.
"The battalion of marines fired three volleys over the remains, when the
ceremonies were concluded aud the cortege of mourners slowly passed out of
the 'City of the Dead.'"
His widow survived him about eleven years, for she, too, lived to
the ripe age of eighty-three years, and died on  , 1878. Her
funeral was attended only by her immediate family relations, and the
ser\'ices were performed by the Rev. Dr. Mulcahy, in Old St. Paul's
Protestant Episcopal Church. He was the Assistant Minister of Trinity
Parish. The remains were followed to the family plat in Greenwood
Cemetery, and she sleeps beside her companion, whom she married in
1813, when she was 18 years old and he 32. They celebrated their
Golden Wedding on November 27, 1864, -and four more years were
added to their married life, when he was summoned to the Upper Har
bor, where his anchor of hope held fast within the vale, ending iri
eternal fruition, and where she for eleven years afterwards was left
behind like the sloop-of-war "Warren" at Mazatlan to bring him later
news, after he had safely made and secured the port.
Such is the record of the life of one of our country's bravest and
most faithful naval officers, who, by strict obedience to his orders,
added an empire in territory to the United States, out of whose moun
tains, gulches and rivers were to come a billion and a half of gold,
enriching the world, financially giving credit to and saving the Union
in its hour of dire distress and calamity and threatened dissolution.
Solomon speaks of one, "Now there was found in it a poor wise
man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered
that same poor man." So for more than half a century neither the
people of California, who breathe its unrivaled air, enjoy its grand
scenery and matchless climate; who have made their living and amassed
their wealth from its prolific soil and exhaustless resources; its armies
of civil officers and legislative representatives in the halls of its Legis
lature and in the Capitol of the Nation; "yet no man remembered that
same poor man, who saved the city by his wisdom;" in other words,
the gallant John Drake Sloat, who raised the American flag at Mon
terey, on July 7, 1846, and secured California, the "Golden State," to
the Nation, and gave us all our homes.
Not a county, not a city or town, and but one street, so far as we
have heard, has ever been named in his honor, and even that was
robbed from him and changed ; it having been named by Lieut.
Washington Bartlett, U. S. N., when Alcalde of San Francisco, on the

io8 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
•earliest map, and changed to Sansome Street afterwards. Only a little
old one-horse fire engine (which is or was at Mare Island Navy Yard,
which he located and laid out) is named for him. Fremont, Mont
gomery, Kearnj' and Mason have been honored, but no one remembered
Sloat or Riley.
His portrait, which he had painted in Panama before he took pos
session of California, hangs in the gallerj- of the Pioneer Building, the
latter the gift of James Lick to the Pioneers, and the Annual Election
•of Officers is held on the 7th of July, the anniversary of the raising of
the American flag at Monterey; but otherwise he is forgotten, except
by a few who are Veterans of the Mexican War, who, with a few ap
preciative Pioneers over the State, and other patriotic citizens, organ
ized the ' 'Sloat Monument Association of California, ' ' to erect a monu
ment in his honor at Monterey, with others, and of whom we make
mention in the latter part of this work.
We cannot close this Chapter without speaking further of his faith
ful aide-de-camp, who has been before raentioned herein, and whom we
had known more than half a century.
MIDSHIPMAN WILLIAM P. TOLER.
We here gi\'e in brief the further account of his life as he related it
to us himself, and is interesting.
Commodore Sloat had turned over his command to Commodore
Stockton, and sailed for Panama in the "Levant" on his return to
report at Washington, and Midshipman Toler was ordered to duty on
shore, to aid in the direction of the construction of an earthwork with
a block-house, which was named "Fort Mervine," in honor of Captain
Wm. Mervine, commanding the frigate "Savannah."
The block-house was two stories in height, and equipped with three
42-pounders, and pierced with loopholes for musketry. The remains
of this block-house and the earthworks are still to .be seen, and were
verified by him in person to us at Monterey in July. 1896. The iron
bolts and hooks were forged on the "Savannah" bythe ship's black
smiths, and Toler recognized them. When completed, Jhe was put in
command of this fort; but when off duty he made short trips into the
adjacent country; and speaking Spanish fluently, his native tongue,
his mother having been a Venezuelan lady, he readily became acquainted
with the native Spanish Californians in the vicinity. While making
these short trips for the purchase of supplies, it gave him the opportu
nity of learning the sentiments of that people.
During one of his trips, he learned that on a certain night the foit
was to be surprised, the garrison slaughtered or made prisoners, and

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SLOAT MONU
MENT ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA.

>*..

COL. JOSEPH STEWART, U. S. A. (Retired )
Residence, Berkeley, Cal.
President of the Sloat Monument Association.
President of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican
War. With a long, faithful and arduoii-! service in both peace
and war. He has made a most honorable record, lo be
' proud of.

HON. WILLIAM M. BOGGS,
Of Napa, Cal.
First Vice-President of the Sloat Monument Associ
ation. The First Councilman cf Sonoma, Cal., 1851-52 53,
A Veteran of the Mexican War, serving in California i:i
184647. AMasler Mason. Member of the E;xecutiveCom-
niitteeol the Sloat Monument Association. Was present
at Sonojna ai the Celebration, held June 14th, i8g6.

r--.

im^ ms-^

COL. SAMUEI/ W. BORING, P.M. K.;T., 32°
Forty-niner and Veteran of the Mexican War. Life
Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the
Pacific Coast.

MAJOR EDWIN A. SHERMAN, 33°
Of Oakland, Cal.
Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association, and
who assisted in locating the site for the Sloat Monu
ment at Monterey. Cal. Vice-President of the Apsociated
Veterans of the Mexican War. R. V. Grand Secretary
the Masonic Veteran A.=sociation of the Pacific Coast.
California Pioneer of May 24, 1849. IJditor of "Fifty
Years of Masonry in California."

/

\

\'

BRO. SAMUEL '.WOLF. LEVY, 33°
Treasurer ofthe sloat Monument Association. Active
member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pa
cific Coast.

CAPT. THOMAS G. LAMBERT, P. M., K. T
Of Monterey, Cal.
Receiver of the Sloat Monument Association, and who
assisted in the locating of the site for the Sloat Monu
ment, at Monterey, Cal. Past President of the Masonic
Veteran Association ofthe Pacific Coast.

GEN. T. E. KETCHAM, V. M. W.
Marshal ofthe Sloat Monument Association.

M.W.GEORGE CLEMENT PERKINS, P.G.M.,P.G.C.
Past Grand Master, and" Past Grand Commander of Knights
Templar, and Ex-Governor and present United States Senator of
California. Tenth M. V. GrandPresident of the Masonic Veteran
Association of the^Pacific Coast, _i893-4-5.

Life op Rbar-Admiral John Drake Sloat 109
the guns were then to be turned toward the town where troops at the
headquarters were stationed.
Toler returned to the fort and made preparations to receive the
attacking party. His plan was to await the onslaught and then turn
the surprise on the enemy by firing upon them at close range. Being
the first time in command and on shore and not over 21 years of age,,
and no experience in land warfare, he forgot to give his orders to the
sentries not to fire until orders were given upon the near advance of
the approaching enemy.
The would-be surprisers, however, came on as expected, but when
they appeared even dimly under cover of the night, the vigilant sentries
observed them, and at the same time apprised the enemy of the discov
ery by firing their muskets! The enemy immediately retreated, which
prevented their almost total destruction, as the guns in the block -house
were 42-pounders and loaded with grape and cannister.
From this fact alone, it will be seen that the enemy were all around
Monterey, and that Commodore Sloat acted wisely in his discretion
and upon his own responsibility, when he made his preparations ta
resist attack, if any should be made when he landed his forces and
raised the American flag at Monterey on the 7th of July before.
Besides the log -of the "Savannah" which Toler kept, and that
was signed by Commodore Sloat, and still in the hands of his widow,
he retained several papers, and among them were the following, which
we were shown by him in 1896.
The first is a countersign, folded in the usual triangular manner,.
and reads as follows:

^Eabquariera 1st Wing. Df jBrrupattDn ;
Sept. 23D, 1846. 1
COUNTERSIGN: "PRESIDENT." j
Wm. a. Maddox, j
Lt. Commanding at Monterey. :

The address on the back was, "Mr. Toler, Commanding U. S. Fort,.
Monterey." The second read as follows:
"Mr. Toler will please deliver to bearer the remainder of the cartridges be
longing to-our guns, three pounds of priming powder, three pounds of rifle pow
der, aud one keg of powder belonging to fort.
"By order of C. H. Baldwin.
"HEADQUARTERS, Oct. 4, 1846.
"P. S. I should be much obliged to you if you could let me have a small cut.
of fuse."

no Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
The next note is of a personal character, and is addressed to W. P.
Toler, as Commandant at Fort Mervine, and was as follows:
"Fort Mervine, Oct. 27, 1846.— Dear Toler: I am sorry I did not find you
at home, as I am anxious to see you. Bus sent his best respects to you. I left
him in good health at Mazatlan. Whit and Bus cut the brig out. He is in fine
spirits. If this note should reach you before 4 o'clock, come down to McLane's
room, as he told me to bring you there to dinner and come on board. I wish to
chat. P. H. Haywood,
"First Lieutenant Prize Brig."
The reference to ' 'cutting out the brig' ' brings into relief the promi
nence of the vessel with which Haywood was connected. The vessel
had belonged to the Mexican Government at Mazatlan. where she was
known by the Moorish name of the "Malek-Adel." One night she lay
far in toward shore, where she could not be reached by the large boats.
"Bus" (Crane) and "Whit" (Whitaker), referred to by Haywood,
which were familiar names for two officers ofthe Navy, with a corps of
trusty seamen, surprised the brig's crew, cut a channel around her on
the inside, got her into deep water, and towed her out as a captured
prize. This episode is only one of the many deeds of daring which dis
tinguished the American Navy of those times, and set the example for
equal and more brilliant deeds in after years.
These little notes were written on rough Mexican cigarette paper,
and old as they are, for they are still preserved, attest the right of Mr.
Toler to the distinction of having been a prominent figure in those ex
citing times when the Golden State of California was secured for the
Union, when otherwise, with the delay of a few weeks, she would have
been absorbed bj' Great Britain, and would have added to the pos
sessions of that empire one of the finest sea coasts known to naviga
tion, and one of the richest spots of earth.
When Commodore Biddle arrived, Mr. Toler was relieved from land
ser\'ice with the rest of the Navy contingent. He tendered his resig
nation, but Biddle would not accept it, and he returned with him home
to Washington. He there was determined to resign and return to Cali
fornia, and he could not be dissuaded from it. Cupid may have influ
enced him in his decision.
Seeing that he was determined to resign, as it would save him great
expense in those days, he was recommended to have his resignation take
effect on his arrival in California. Toler came around the Horn again
in the sloop-of-war "St. Mary's," which anchored at Sausalito, and his
navy ser\4ce was at end.
He described his termination to us as follows:
Just as the ship had come to aij anchor, he went below, and divided

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat hi
his uniform, sword and belt with other equipment with his messmates
among the other Midshipmen. His trunk was packed, and he dressed
in citizen's clothes, and, wearing a plug hat, approached the Com
mander of the .ship to pay his respects, and ask for a boat to con\'ey
him across the Bay to San Francisco. The Commander started back
in surprise and viewed him as a citizen stranger who had in some un
accountable manner come aboard the ship. After scanning and quiz
zing him a little, the Commander grasped his hand heartily, regretted
that he was about to leave his ship and the naval service, and wished
him every success in his future career. He shook hands all around,
and there was some salt water in the eyes of the "Middies'' that did
not come from the spray of the Bay.
His trunk was already in the boat, and he followed it, taking his
seat, and when the commands were given to ' 'shove off ' and ' 'give
way," Toler swung his plug hat, and singing out, "Good-bye to all,"
was rowed to San Francisco, where he was landed, and the seamen
carried his trunk to the house where he was to stop. Bidding them also
"good-bye," they returned to the ship, leaving him to his reflections.
After leaving the naval service, his career was comparatively un
eventful, he having returned to civil life. With his father he went into
the customs brokerage business, but afterwards became a translator in
the Alcalde's office in San Francisco. For many years he engaged in
various pursuits, but in 1876 he became an invalid, and was never
afterwards able to engage actively in business. He was an exceed
ingly modest man and of a retiring disposition. Strong but quiet in
his afiections and friendships, while to gain his confidence and to ob
tain information was almost impossible, and unless he voluntarily gave
the key of the combination, his breast was as secure as the vault of a
safe deposit company.
In 1852 he married Miss Maria Antonia Peralta, a beautiful daugh
ter of Don Ignacio Peralta, of the well-known Peralta family, of Ala
meda County, and by whom he had one son, J. Hoyt Toler, both of
whom are still living at Oakland.
After much entreaty, he consented to attend the celebration of the
Semi Centennial Anniversary at Monterey, on July 7, 1896, of the
taking possession of California by Commodore Sloat, and for the thiid
time to raise the American flag on the self-same, identical staff upon
the old Custom House, a full account of which will be found herein
later on. He would not even have done, that, in his then feeble state
of health, but another individual, resident at Monterey, who was an
English youth in the American naval service, an apprentice boy or
young landsman in the "Savannah," pretended to and claimed the
honor of having hoisted it for Sloat, which was utterly false. This

112 Life of Rear-Admirai. John Drake Sloat
roused Toler's indignation, and he consented to again raise the Ameri
can flag for the third time, where he had fifty-four years before, on the
19th of October, 1842. hoisted it by order of Commodore Thomas Ap
Catesbj' Jones, and fifty years before, when acting as Signal Officer
under Commodore Sloat.
His health continuing to fail and when near his end. he expressed
the desire that we should act as one of the pall-bearers whom he had
selected of his immediate friends.
He died at his residence No. 5^6 Albion street, Oakland, on Jan
uary 24, 1899. Word was immediately telegraphed by us to Captain
Thomas G. Lambert at Monterey to hoist the American flag at half-
mast upon the old Custom House, which was done. His funeral was a
quiet and unostentatious one from his late residence to the church, on
January 26. 1899, at 8:30 a. m. The colors drooped at half-mast from
the City and County Buildings, over stores as well as private resi
dences. The pall-bearers were W. G. Palmanteer, Vice-President of
the Central Bank, and Charles Palmer; Majors Edwin A. Sherman and
John T. Bromley, representing the Veterans of the Mexican War and
Pioneers; Clinton Westover. representing the merchants of the city:
M. J. Laymance, President of the Laymance Real Estate Company,
for the land-owners; and John Russ, of the Insurance Agency of that
name; William W. Hoag, a Pioneer, and John F. Pinkham, Marshal
of the Pioneers, were in attendance, and Walked behind the mourners,
followed by the representatives of other organizations. The casket wa»
covered with the American flag, immortelles and a profusion of flowers,
and the funeral cortege proceeded to the Church of the Immaculate
Conception, where the funeral services were held.
As the casket was borne up the aisle, the quartette of singers from
the choir loft, Mrs. Langdon, Miss Bernett, Mr. Crandall and Mr.
Auerbach, chanted softly a funeral hymn. A requiem high mass was-
then celebrated by Father King; the services being very solemn and
impressive. The quartette rendered Wilcox's requiem and "Nearer,
My God, to Thee," softly rolled forth from the organ, and when the
music changed to the "Dead March in Saul," the cortege went slowly
out. From the church the procession proceeded to St. Mary's Cemetery,.
where a prayer was said by the resident priest, and the body of William
Pinkney Toler was laid in the bosom of its Mother Earth. Upon the
new mound were placed the beautiful floial offerings that were the
gifts of the family and intimate friends; a column of white of full
height, a sickle with wholl3' ripe grain, a cross of violets, and other fit
ting emblems of a life against which nothing can be said, and which

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 113
terminated in the allotted time of man's existence of three-score and
ten years, with three additional thereto.
Mrs. Toler, the widow, was attended by her only son, Mr. J. Hoyt
Toler, who received the full sympathy of the friends of her deceased
husband and family.
It is appropriate that we here mention the singular facts almost
coincidental, that there were three deaths within three days of distin
guished men of history of our Golden State of California, who were
intimate with each other.
The first was Ex-Governor Romualdo Pacheco, who had been State
Treasurer, Lieutenant-Governor, Governor, Congressman, and U. S.
Minister to Guatemala, who died on Monday night, January 23, 1899,
at Oakland, and was buried with military and Masonic honors in
Mountain View Cemetery, in which we participated, having been ac
quainted with him for nearly fifty years.
The second, on Tuesday, January 23, 1899, Captain John Ruurds,'
at the County Hospital of Monterey County. He was 85 years old,
and arrived in Monterey Bay from Valparaiso, Chile, in command of
his own ship, in 1841. His ship afterwards foundered, but the wheat-
load was saved, and thereafter the natives called him "Captain Trigo."
He was a native of Belgium, and among the first to welcome the army
of invasion during the Mexican War. In 1896, when the American
flag was hoisted over the old Custom House at Monterey, he was present
and participated. He was permitted to occupy quarters there until his
last illness, surrounded by feline friends and numerous relics, one being
the table on which the first Constitution of the State was drafted and
signed. Captain Ruurds was quite a linguist, speaking Belgian, French,
German, Spanish, Italian, English, Portuguese and several other lan
guages. Until prostrated, he was sprightly and vigorous for one of
his extreme age, and was often seen on the streets of the old Capital.
He was so prominently known, that in Gertrude Atherton's novel,
"Patience Sparhawk," he is made to take the character of John Foord.
Although a native of Belgium, the Captain became a citizen of the
United States in July, 1858,! n the Third Judicial District for Monterey.
He was for over forty years a Notary Public and Conveyancer. The
funeral was under the care of his friend, Thomas Doud, of Monterey,
a brave soldier, a Veteran of the Florida Indian War and of the Mexi
can War, in which latter he was severely wounded at the battle of
Cerro Gordo, April 17, 1847, ^^d who for the last twenty five years
has been the Custodian of the U. S. Military Reservation at Monterey.
William P. Toler, as already stated, also passing away on the same
day. It will be proper here to give the Naval Record of the late

114 Life of Re.\r- Admiral John Drake Sloat
SURGEON-GENERAL WILLIAM MAXWELL WOOD.
He was appointed from Maryland, May i6, 1829. Entered the ser
vice as Assistant Surgeon, Navy Yard, Pensacola, 1 830-1.
Schooner "Grampus," West India Squadron, 1832-3.
Special duty, 1834-7.
Commissioned as Surgeon, February 20, 1838. Steamer "Poinsett,"
Home Squadron, 1838-42. Served at that time in cooperation with
the Army in the Seminole War.
Naval Station, Baltimore, 1843.
Fleet Surgeon, Pacific Station, 184 1-6. [In this period he incurred
the perilous service heretofore referred to.]
Receiving Ship "Baltimore," 1847-8.
Steamer "Michigan," on the Lakes, 1850-51.
Naval Station, Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., 1853-5.
Fleet Surgeon, East India Station, 1856-8. [During this service,
taking part in the Chinese War on board the flagship, partici
pating in the brilliant capture (by Commodore Armstrong and the late
Admiral, Commander Foote) of the four Barrier Forts, on the Can
ton River, of which Admiral Se3^mour, R. N., in his report to the Ad
miral, writes in the following terms under date of December 14, 1856:
"The American ships-of-war completed the destruction of the Barrier
Forts on the 6th, and dropped down to Whampoa. These forts were
of enormous strength and solidity, being entirely built of large blocks
of granite, with walls nine or ten feet thick. They were hea^•ily
armed, many of their guns being seven or eight tons weight with a
bore of thirteen inches; one brass 8)^ -inch gun was over twenty-one
feet long.]
Steamer "Michigan," on the Lakes, 1859-61.
Fleet Surgeon, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, during the
Rebellion; participating on board the flagship "Minnesota," in the
first battle of the "Ironclads," that of the "Monitor" with the "Mer
rimac," and three vessels of the Confederate Squadron, in Hampton
Roads; also, in the capture of Sewell' s Point.
Baltimore, 1866-7.
Chief of Bureau ot Medicine and Surgery, 1870.
Retired, 1871.
Died, 1 88 1.
[From the Records of Living Officers of the U. S. Navy and Marine
Corps, 1890. Records of Distinguished Officers, who served in the
War for the Preservation of the Union, and who have died since 1870.
Fourth Edition, L. R. Hammersly & Co., Philadelphia, 1890, pp.
472-3-J

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 115
We will here remark, it is no wonder that Admiral Seymour, of the
British Navy, "hesitated" about following Sloat up too close after the
latter had sailed from Mazatlan for the purpose of taking possession of
California and hoisting the American flag at Monterey. He knew the
metal of the U. S. Navy, and if he had any doubts before, after the
destruction of the Chinese Barrier Forts on the Canton River, where he
witnessed what Commodore Foote did, he had none thereafter, and
to whom he gave full tribute and honest praise.
It was on that occasion when the vessels of both nations combined,
and where Commodore Foote gave expression to that remarkable
laconic phrase that has since become proverbial, "Blood is thicker
than water!" when, seeing that the British sailors were becoming ex
hausted in working their heavj' guns, reinforced them by volunteer
American seamen from his own squadron, who relieved them and gave
John Bull's sea calves a chance to rest.
It will not be out of place to give the following brief account of the
operations of the Pacific Squadron on the western coast of Mexico,
after California had been safely secured by the occupation of the U. S.
Navy and Army, and we take the sketch given by Colonel Marvin
Wheat from his "Travels on the Western Slope of the Mexican Cor
dillera," published in 1857, in which he says:
"During the Mexican War, while the Americans held possession of Mazatlan,
from the eleventh of November, 1847, till the close of hostilities, peace, plenty
aud El good administration of the laws reigned here under the influence of the
United States Squadron, which consisted of the frigates 'Independence,' 'Con
gress," sloop-of-war 'Cyane,' and the transport 'Iris,' under the comniand of Com
modore Shubrick, afterwards relieved by Commodore Jones, who arrived in the
line-of-battleship 'Ohio' of seventy-four guns. Mazatlan, at this time, was under
the command of Colonel Xallez, a Mexican officer; but not having a sufficient
force to retain his position, he evacuated the city and left it to protect itself the
best it could on being summoned to surrender at eight o'clock a. m., the eleventh
of November, 1S47, by Commodore Shubrick. Terms of capitulation and sur
render were agreed upon at one o'clock p. m. ofthe same day, when five hundred
marines and sailors, with one hundred soldiers and four pieces of artillery, com
posed the division that took possession and occupied Mazatlan, without the sem
blance of opposition; and the next day, all the hills and eminences commanding
the road to the interior, they seized aud strengthened with heavy ordnance.
"Afterwards some slight skirmishes occurred between the Americans and
Mexicans not far from the city, but of no great advantage or consequence to
either party.
"The frigate 'Congress' and sloop-of-war 'Portsmouth,' uuder the command of
Captain Lavallette, had taken Guaymas on the twentieth of October, after a
severe fire, continuing nearly an hour, doing considerable damage to the town
and killing and wounding a number of Mexicans. The American Squadron,
under Commodore Shubrick, and afterwards Commodore Jones, blockaded and
occupied all the Mexican towns of any importance in the Gulf of California and
on the Pacific Coast from October, 1847, till the termination ofthe Mexican War

II 6 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
A military Governor, Custom House officers and other subordinate officials were
appointed at Mazatlan by the Commodore, and every precaution required with
reference to the distribution of justice and a due execution of the laws made for
the public good, which wisdom and discretion under the peculiar circumstances
of holding a conquered city could reasonably suggest, was resorted to and duly
exercised on this occasion. In front of the town, there was always a portion of
the Squadron to act in concert with the force on land, and this had the desired
effect to preserve good order in the city.
"I have been told by good authority that the period of the American holding
possession of the city was that of almost absolute peace, which inspired the
community with energy and renewed activity. Foreign duties were greatly
diminished, and those inland were expunged from the code ofthe municipal laws.
Fair prices were paid for all the provisions and necessaries required by the Ameri
cans while here iu sovereignty, — and strict justice to native Mexicans, as well as
to American seamen and soldiers, was equally administered, without favor or
solicitation. "When peace was declared in the year 1848, aud the Americans were about to
leave the town and let the former laws aud regulations with all their iron rigor
assume their wonted sway, there was in this foreign community a spirit of regret.
which arose iu rebuke of their exit. As the seamen and soldiers, with their
respective officers, were leaving the fort and marching to the water's edge for
embarkation, and the military about to be exchanged for the civil authority, the
porticos, the housetops, and every place presenting to the eye a sight, were occu
pied by the old and the young, the fair and the homely, the beautiful and the
ugly, the maimed, deaf and the blind, the wise and the ignorant, to catch a fare
weU glance at the conservators of peace as they marched near them, playing that
comuieuiorative air, 'Sweet Home!'
"Then the white handkerchief was gracefully waved in token of regret, and a
silent tear graced the flushed cheek, in commemoration of this departing scene."
We may here remark that it was the same when the American
Army evacuated the Capital and other cities and towns of Mexico, for
the same rules were enforced and good order everywhere prevailed dur
ing the American occupation, and the people were protected and con
tented. Colonel Wheat further relates the following concerning General
Castro, who fied from California to Mexico in 1846, before the forces
under Fremont:
"Recently, I have made the acquaintance of General Castro, of Monterey, in
the State of California, and also his Private Secretary. It appears from his own
statement, and that of a highly respectable gentlemen of this city, that the Presi
dent, General Comonfort, appointed, through favor. General Castro Governor of
Lower California, not long since, and in January, 1856, he came down to this city,
intending to go over to La Paz, the seat of government of Lower California, and
assume the reins of government. In this respect, he has found himself consider
ably foiled, and, perhaps, entirely defeated in that object; for the Acting Gov
ernor of Lower California is an ambitious and go-ahead man, who, having risen
from the trade of a common hatter, within a few years, to his present condition,
would not be found williug to yield his position of honor, and the easy means of
accumulating wealth, without an eff'ort to retain it, and prejudice the Lower Cali-

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 117
foruians again<;t Castro. Therefore, General Castro has recently written to the
Mexican Government, at the City of Mexico, touching the course he should pur
sue, and the means he should use, to obtain his new appointment. As yet I have
not been informed as to the result of the contest of these two gentlemen to the
government of Lower California."
If General Castro got angry with Fremont, he must have become
"as mad as a hatter," when the hatter Governor of Lower California
insisted successfully in retaining his office.
The treaty of peace between the United States and Mexico was
concluded on February 2, 1848, ratified at Washington March 10, 1848,
at Queretaro May 30, 1848, and the Proclamation of President James
K. Polk signed and declared on the 4th of July, 1848, which ceded
California, New Mexico and the territory of Arizona, Nevada, Utah,
Colorado and Wyoming, equal in extent to all of the United States
east of the Mississippi River, excepting the State of Wisconsin. Such
was the trophy of the Veterans of the Mexican War, whose valor
added an empire of countless wealth to the domain of the American
Republic. As in recent events, unlooked-for changes and results by reason of
the late war with Spain, and as we do not know where the American
flag may be carried and planted next, it may not be inappropriate to
give the following strange and somewhat amusing account of
HOW THE BRITISH TROOPS FOUGHT UNDER THE
AMERICAN FLAG IN IRELAND!
Which is related by Rear Admiral George Henry Preble, U. S. N., on
pages 303-4-5-6, in his "History of the Flag of the United States of
America, ' ' etc. :
"In 1790, a rather singular incident in connection with the Stars and Stripes
happened at Londonderry, in Ireland. Mr. Lemuel Cox, who had gained consid
erable reputation as the builder of the bridge connecting Boston with Charlestown,
Mass., went to England, where he contracted for and built several bridges on the
same general plan; among others, for a bridge across the Foyle, at Londonderry,
where the river was nearly one thousand feet wide, and the water forty feet deep
at high water, — an engineering feat which had been pronounced by English engi
neers impracticable. However, with twenty Bostonians and a few laborers, Mr.
Cox set to work and completed this bridge, consisting of fifty-eight arches, all of
American oak, in four months. Not a log of the wood wa§ imported before the
1st of May, and the bridge was completed iq November. The cost was about
yf 15,000." [Murray's Handbook of Ireland says: "It was a great curiosity,
being i,o68 feet long and 40 feet wide, and laid on oak piles, the pieces of which
were 16 feet asunder, bound together by thirteen string pieces, equally divided
and transversely bolted. It is now superseded by a uew bridge costing ^100,000,
-which serves both for the Northern Counties Railway and a public road. In
Hall's Ireland, vol. iii, p. 212, Cox's bridge is described, and a view of it given,"]
"The bridge being completed, or nearly so, on the 22d of November, 1790, Mr.

ii8 Life of Re.a.r- Admiral John Dr.^ke Sloat
Cox gave the people leave to pass over it free, in order to save them the expense
of ferriage; and the first day that persons were admitted to pass over, with the
consent of the authorities, he hoisted the American flag iu the midst of it, with
out the smallest intention of giving the least offense. This proceeding was looked
upon in an innocent point of view, until about four o'clock in the afternoon,
when detachments from the Fortieth Regiment, under the command of the
Mayor, marched to the bridge, aud a desperate affray ensued, the American flag
flying all the time. The workmen were all Bostonians, who, in the very teeth of
the magistracy and soldiery, cut, with their axes, the entry to the bridge open, in
order to let the people pass. Three men, viz.,  Cunningham, of Dollartown,
a master weaver; Alexander Reed, weaver, and  McLaughlin, a laborer, were
killed, and several severely wounded. During the whole action, the army fought
under the thirteen stripes; and, what is very extraordinary, au officer fired the
first shot.
"This was undoubtedly the first action fought in Ireland under the Stars and
Stripes, and probably the last. Mr. Cox was taken to the jail for safekeeping
from the fury of the populace, and that the disturbance lasted for several days, is
evident from the following notice issued by the Mayor three days later:
" 'Common Hall.
" 'The Mayor requests the citizens of 'Derry may meet him this day at twelve
o'clock, in the town hall, in order to consider of such measures as maybe deemed
necessary to maintain the laws and preserve the public tranquility.
"'Tuesday Morning, Nov. 25, 1790.'
"The cause of the riot is not so clear, as there are several versions of it, though
all agree that the American flag was hoisted over the bridge, and in the number
of killed and woupded. It seems to have been an Irish shindy. The 'Columbian
Centinel' of March 19, 1791, in commenting upon it, says: 'Upon enquiry, we
find Mr. Cox received orders from the Mayor and corporation of 'Derry, to open
the bridge on the day mentioned, for the benefit of the people, and, as the work
men and timber were American, permitted him to display upon the bridge the
American flag. The novelty of these circumstances drew together a large con,
course of people. The watermen who were thus thrown out of business collected
iu numbers to oppose the passing aud repassing of the people; this occasioned s^
fracas," etc.
"Later the 'Columbian Centinel' of May 3, 1791, contained extracts from an
English paper, assigning the following as the causes of the disturbances, and
which probably is a correct account of them: 'From the day that the communi
cation was opened by means of the bridge, an idea prevailed among the lower
orders of the people that the passage was to be entirely free, and that no toll,
would be exacted. * * » For the first week, the corporation did not think it
necessar}' to assert their right, and permitted a free passage. Unfortunately, this
indulgence was misconstrued, and the populace confirmed in their opinion that
there was no power to oblige them to pay toll. Under this idea, when the gate
was erected for the purpose of collecting toll, the multitude, as they came to
market, were discontented, and many, heated with liquor, refused to pay any toll.
The Mayor, Sheriff and several Magistrates endeavored to persuade them from
their illegal opposition; but the numbers increased, and they boldly proceeded
down the toll-gate in spite of the Magistrates, who were obliged to call for a
guard of soldiers, and, the riot increasing, to bring to their support nearly the
whole of the Fortieth Regiment. The military, charging their bayonets, drove

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 119
the rioters across the bridge to the waterside, but they had no sooner got upon
the street than they turned about and gave battle to the soldiers with repeated
volleys of stones and brickbats. Again the Magistrates entreated the rioters to
disperse, and warned them of the fatal consequences of their outrages; but they
continued the attack. At first, the military were ordered to fire in the air, then
at the tops of houses; but the desperation of the mob increasing, the soldiers
were ordered to level their muskets. About five in the evening the mob dis
persed.' "Mr. Cox returned to the United States, where he pursued his mechanical
tastes, and in 1796 was granted one thousand acres of land in Maine by the Leg
islature of Massachusetts for his various inventions, and died at Charlestown,
February 18, 1796."
PASSING AND REPASSING OF SENIORITY IN RANK.
As a matter of some interest by the way of comparison of how the
five distinguished Commanders of the Pacific Squadron during the war
with Mexico passed and repassed each other in the line of promotion
we insert the following:
Sloat, Midshipman, Februarj' 12, 1800;
Jones, Midshipman, November '22, 1805;
Shubrick, Midshipman, June 20, 1806;
Mervine, Midshipman, January 16, 1809;
Stockton, Midshipman, September i, 1811.
Jones, Captain, March 11, 1S29;
Shubrick, Captain, February 12, 1831;
Sloat, Captain, February 9, 1837;
Stockton, Captain, December 8, 1838;
Mervine, Captain, Septembers, 1841.
Shubrick, Rear Admiral, July 16, 1S62;
Sloat, Rear Admiral, July 25, 1866;
Mervine, Rear Admiral, July 25, 1866.
Jones, died May 30, 1858;
Stockton, died October 7, 1866, aged 71 years;
Sloat, died November 28, 1S67, aged 86 years;
Mervine, died September 15, i858;
Shubrick, died May 27, aged 83%2 years.
ADDENDA TO THE ABOVE.
Rodman M. Price was appointed Purser in the U. S. Navy, November 5, 1840,
Resigned December 16, 1850. He read Commander Sloat's Proclamation at the
hoisting of the American flag at Monterey on July 7, 1846. He returned to the
Atlantic States and subsequently was elected Governor of New Jersey and has
since deceased.
Edward Higgins, Midshipman, January 23, 1836; Passed Midshipman, July 1,
1842; Master, May 30, 1849; Lieutenant, August 20, 1849. Resigned February
16, 1854. He gave personal assistance in hoisting the American flag at Monterey,
July 7, 1846. Since deceased.

I20 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
Williatn P. Toler, Midshipman, October 19, 1841. Resigned December 12,
1848. He hoisted the American flag at Monterey, October 19, 1842, by order of
Commodore Thomas Ap Catesby Jones. On July 7, iS^6, by order of Commodore
John Drake Sloat; and on July 7, 1896, by request of Major Edwin A. Sherman,
Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements of Associated Veterans of the
Mexican War at the Celebration of the Golden Jubilee or Fiftieth Anniversary of
the taking final possession of California and hoisting the American flag on the
Old Custom House at Monterey by Commodore John Drake Sloat, July 7, 1846.
He died at Oakland, California, January 24, 1S99, as heretofore given.
We cannot close this Chapter without giving the concluding brief
mention and tribute to the memory of our friend, the late
GENERAL MARIANO GUADALUPE VALLEJO.
In the evening after the festivities of the Celebration of the Fortieth
Anniversary of the Raising of the American Flag at Monterey (which
was his seventy-eighth birthday, on July 7, 1886, he having been born
at Monterey, Cal., July 7, 1808), as we were walking among the beau
tiful trees which surround the palatial Del Monte Hotel, adjacent to the
old Capitol, and talking of old times, he suddenly turned, and embrac
ing us as a father would his son, said, "Major Sherman, you are the
only living man for whom I would have done what I did to-day, in
hoisting the Spanish and Mexican flags on the old Custom House; but
I appreciated your motive in thus representing the history of California
from its state of solitude and Indian barbarism, when Spain first took
possession until its occupation by the United States and its cession by
treaty with Mexico. Here I was born and educated under the mon
archical flag of Spain, and saw it give way to that of the Republic of
Mexico, under which, from my young manhood until the American
occupation, I began and finished my military career; and then to be
come a citizen of the United States and not an English or French sub
ject of an European monarch}-, my heart thrills with tender memories
of the past, while I feel an unspeakable pride, in having here, on the
very spot where I was born, aided in laying the foundations in the
framing of a Constitution for the State of California and the land of my
birth." We said to him, "Well, General Vallejo, you have lived and been
under more fiags and become a citizen of the United States without
having to take out naturalization papers in California, than any man I
ever knew or have heard of." At this he laughed outright, and re
plied, "Well, I never looked at it that way before, yet, nevertheless, it
is a strange truth." After continuing our most pleasant interview for
a short time, we returned to the Del Monte Hotel, and, embracing,
parted from each other with mutual "Adios" and moistened eyes and
never met each other again.

Life of Rear-.\dmiral John Drake Sloat 121
General Vallejo was one of nature's noblemen, and the very best:
kind-hearted, liberal, hospitable, patriotic, public-spirited, and the most
forgi^•ing in disposition of all of the Spanish race in California that we
have ever seen or have any account. He deserves one of the grandest
monuments that can be erected in this, our Golden and his Native
State. Notwithstanding his capture by the Bear Flag Party and imprison
ment, and somewhat harsh treatment at Sutter's Fort, when he should
have at once been paroled and permitted to return to his home, which
was afterwards done when the American flag had been raised for some
time; and seeing that the inevitable had come, he at once set to work
to reconstruct his own fortunes and adapt himself to the changed con
dition of affairs.
He welcomed the new Overland Immigration in the fall of 1 846, and
while the war with Mexico was in full blast. The most of the male
portion, after providing for their families, rallied to the standard of
Fremont Among those who came to Sonoma in November, 1846, was
Ex-Governor Lilburn W. Boggs, with his family of eight children, who
started with a passport from James Buchanan, then Secretary of State
Governor Boggs was greeted by General Vallejo with the warmest wel
come, and settled at Sonoma, where he was made Alcalde of that Dis
trict. His son, the Hon. Wm. M. Boggs, with his wife, was given
free occupation of the Petaloma Ranche, and told to help himself
to cattle for meat and to horses to ride. This was formerly a
military outpost (and its name being a compound of two Spanish
words: petalo, a picket, and loma, a hill; in English, Picket Hill, where
it was located on the western slope of the range that begins at Santa
Rosa and ends at San Pablo Bay. Petalo also means a petal or flower
leaf, and Petaluma is also a compound word derived from petalo and
humar, the exhalation, perfume, smoke or incense of flowers).
It was at this ranch where the young wife of Hon. Wm. M. Boggs,
soon after their arrival, gave birth to a young son; and while the latter,
in extreme infancy, was supposed to be dying. General Vallejo had a
sheep quickly killed and stripped of its skin, and while the pelt was
still warm from the animal, wrapped the baby in it, which to all ap
pearances was dead; and General Vallejo, just before it apparently
breathed its last, asked the parents if he might baptize it, to which
they gave their assent, and he did so; but they had not yet named it.
They then said, "Give him your name, Mariano Guadalupe," and so
he was christened by the General, who declared that the child was al
ready dead. However, there was a spark of life yet remaining in it,
and it revived, and General Vallejo declared it was a miracle, and the
child had a second and miraculous birth from the spirit of God, who

122 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
had again given it life. That baby is now a hearty, stout man of 55
years of age, and living in Salem, Oregon, while he holds in reverent
affection and regard the memory of the distinguished man whose given
name he bears.
Scarcely had the Hon. Wm. M. Boggs got settled, when Uncle Sam
raised the cry of distress for more men to defend the flag, and volun
teers were called for. At this crisis in December, 1846, Wm. M. Boggs
placed his wife and child in the care of his father' s family, and General
Vallejo, not wanting him to join with Fremont's party, told him where
he could find a boat in the tules near Petaluma Creek, with which he
and the few others with him could reach San Francisco and join the
naval forces there, where the sloop-of-war "Warren" was anchored.
Boggs and his party availed themselves of this opportunity and found
the boat, which they took possession of and made their way to San
Francisco, where, as alreadj' heretofore stated, they connected them
selves as volunteers in the U. S. Marine Corps during the war.
It would take a large volume to give a complete biography of Gen
eral Vallejo and do him justice for his good deeds and noble character.
We knew him intimately from July, 1850, to January i, 1854, and was
City Clerk under him when he was Mayor of Sonoma and the Hon.
Wm. M. Boggs was Councilman.
Everything he did was on a liberal scale. He was the father of
seventeen children, eight of whom are still living. Two of his daugh
ters married officers and members of Colonel Stevenson's Regiment of
New York Volunteers, Captain John B. Frisbie and Dr. Frisbie, his
brother; another, Mr. James H. Cutter, of San Francisco; two others.
Colonel Harazthy and his brother; and so, with American and Euro
pean grafts upon this vigorous Vallejo stock, the sap and currents of
life flow in common.
He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention which met at
Monterey, September i, 1849, and helped to frame the first Constitu
tion of the State of California. He was elected and served as State
Senator from Sonoma District; and, as Chairman of the Committee on
Counties and County Boundaries, divided the State into twenty-seven
Counties, gave them their names, and explained their derivation and
meaning, and rendered most excellent service in legislation. He formed
a copartnership with Thomas O. Larkin (the first and only U. S. Con
sul to California when under the Mexican Government), and with Dr.
Robert Semple (who was the Secretary of State of the short-lived Bear
Flag Republic and afterwards President of the Constitutional Conven
tion at Monterey). These three formed a copartnership and laid out
the City of Vallejo (which for a short time was the Capital of the
State), and the City of Benicia, named in honor of his wife'. He was

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 123-
elected and served as Mayor of Sonoma in 1852-3; and for several
years he was Treasurer of the State Horticultural Society, and for a
long time he was a revered and honored member of several California
Pioneer Societies, and of the "Native Sons of the Golden West," of
which latter order he was the oldest representative.
At an early hour on Saturday morning, January 18, 1890, he passed
away at his home at Lachryma Montis, at the foot of the hills on the
northern edge of the town of Sonoma, which he laid out, founded, gar
risoned and fostered with a fatherly pride and care for a period of fifty-
four years until his death, at the ripe old age of 81 years, 6 months and
3 days, mourned by his wife and family and the whole community.
After the solemn services of his church for the dead, his grandsons
were his pall-bearers, who sorrowfully and reverently bore the remains
of their loved and honored grandsire to their last resting place in the
little cemetery on the brow of the hill overlooking the town of Sonoma
and the beautiful "Valley of the Moon," made famous in California
history by this founder of three cities north of San Francisco and San
Pablo Bays, and whose name shines out in brilliancy at the top of the
scroll in the Pantheon and Capitol as the Father and Chief Founder of
our Golden State. "Green be the shade above thee,
Friend of my better days;
None knew thee but to love thee.
None named thee but to praise."
Bj' invitation and request of the citizens of Sonoma and his daugh
ter Mrs. Emparan, and with her assistance, we planted an oak tree on
the plaza of Sonoma, on February 7th, 1902, in honor of the memory
of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, and christened the plaza as
"Vallejo Square," delivering an oration and eulogy upon his noble
life and character, which was published in full in the Sonoma Expositor
at the time by Mr. W. R. Stammers, to whom we are indebted for val
uable information and favors.
His widow, Francisca Benicia Carrillo Vallejo, did not long survive
him, when she, top, found rest at his side. [Her brother, Julio Car
rillo, was the owner and founder of Santa Rosa, located on the Santa
Rosa Rancho, which we helped to survey in 1851, and it has for nearly
fifty years been the county-seat of Sonoma County.]
It was but a just tribute to the memory of General Vallejo, when we
selected his beautiful granddaughter. Miss Alma M. Cutter, of San
Francisco, to represent California at the Celebration of the Fiftieth An
niversary of the Organization of the Legislature and State Government
at San Jose, on December 20, 1899. The personification and tout en
semble was all that could be desired, and worthy of her, and all con
nected with that historic occasion.
But we must pass on to the next Chapter.

124 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat

PART II.

CELEBRATIONS OF THE FORTIETH AXD FIFTIETH ANNIVER
SARIES OF THE RAISING OF THE AMERICAN FLAG
AT MONTEREY, BY COMMODORE JOHN DR.AKE
SLOAT, U. S. N., AND THE SLOAT
MONUMENT ASSOCI.ATION.
CHAPTER X.
In the years 1885 and 1886, there were probably, in round num
bers, not far from one thousand \''eterans of the Mexican War of
1846-8 in California, who came in the early days after the war ended,
a minority of whom belonged to the Associated Veterans of the Mexi
can War in San Francisco, and local societies of Comrades in Sacra
mento, Stockton, Los Angeles and elsewhere, besides those in Oregon
and Nevada; but the great majority w^ere scattered, impoverished,
needj- or destitute. Many of the latter, falling behind in the battle of
life and lingering upon the "ragged edge" of existence, were in the
County Almshouses, and awaiting to be finally mustered out. Some
had been removed to the Soldiers' Homes, where they had preser\'ed
their papers and could prove their identity. Others, too proud, and
who would rather star^-e than to have their sense of manhood blunted
by going even to a "Home" and have to submit to the strict rules of a
proper regulation necessary to maintain systematic order and govern
ment required to carry on such institutions successfully.
The Associated Veterans of the Mexican War in San Francisco
took the initiative in a petition to Congress to pass a General Service
Pension Bill for the Veterans of the Mexican War throughout the
United States, and at their own expense sent their Past President, Cap
tain William Blanding, to Washington to appear before the Committee
on Pensions, to give information and advocate the passage of the Bill.
To aid his efforts and call the attention of Congress more particu
larly to the urgent necessity of the measure, the Associated Veterans
of the Mexican War resolved to draw the attention of the whole coun
try to what had been achieved in the addition of an empire in territory
and of billions of wealth, as the fruits of their bravery and services in
battle and otherwise, in securing this broad and matchless domain,
which, without them, would have been forever lost to the American

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 125,
people. They, therefore, resolved to hold a celebration at Monterey,
Cal. , on the fortieth anniversary of the taking possession of California
and raising the American flag at that place, on July 7, 1846, by Com
modore Sloat, of the U. S. Navy. And as the Veterans of the Mexican
War, in service, preceded those who served in the late War for the
preservation of the Union by fully fifteen years, they would begin the
festivities of what was to follow by those of welcome to the National
Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, to be held in San
Francisco and elsewhere in California a month later in that year.
In accordance therewith, a Committee of Arrangements was ap
pointed, of which Major Edwin A. Sherman was made Chairman, and
the Society of California Pioneers, and the Native Sons of the Golden
West, were invited to cooperate by appointing similar but auxiliary
committees, and working in harmony, full arrangements were made,
the U. S. Government cooperating by General O. O. Howard, com
manding the Pacific Division of the Army, sending Major Haskins'
Battery of Light Artillery to fire salutes on shore, and Captain C. L.
Hooper, commanding the Revenue Cutter "Rush," to fire salutes in
the Harbor of Monterey, there being no naval vessel then here in com
mission. Not desiring to arouse any ill-feeling on the part of the native
Spanish California population, to make it appear as if it was a celebra
tion of special triumph over them, but to represent the progress of civ
ilization from its commencement in California, General Mariano Guada
lupe Vallejo, of Sonoma, was invited to be present, and consented to
raise the Spanish flag, under which he was born, and the Mexican
flag, under which he held a General's commission, and also to deliver
an address, and Captain Joseph B. Coghlan, of the U. S. Navy, to
raise the American flag, all three flags upon the old Custom House.
The celebration took place with great eclat on the 5th of July, to
blend the Fourth with the 7th — Independence Day and the Anniver
sary of Commander Sloat's raising the flag, on July 7, 1846, at the
same time. The Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, with other
comrades, the Pioneer Societies, Native Sons of the Golden West and
other organizations, were under the direction of Dr. Westfall, of Mon
terey, as Grand Marshal, formed in line, and, after marching through
the principal streets, were conducted to the old Custom House, in front
of which a large platform had been constructed, and at the northeast
and southwest corners, two additional poles had been erected, with
ropes and pulleys attached. Major Haskins, with his Light Battery,
promptly took his position on the U. S. Military Reservation, and Cap
tain Hooper, with the Revenue Cutter "Rush," was at anchor in readi
ness in the Harbor.

126 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
When all had arrived and the Officers of the Day had taken their
places on the Grand Stand, Major Edwin A. Sherman, Chairman of
the Committee of Arrangements, introduced Captain Thomas G. Lam
bert, representing Montere5-'s President of the Day, who delivered the
ollowing'eloquent address of welcome:
"Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : On this, the one hundred and tenth
anniversary of the Independence of the United vStates of America, and the fortieth
of the adoption of California, the citizens of Monterey welcome you, the Asso
ciated Veterans of the Mexican War; welcome, the Pioneers of California; wel
come, the representatives of the Army and Navy of the United States; welcome,
the Native Sons of the Golden West; and welcome, the ladies and gentlemen of
this grand assemblage from every walk in life — all thrice welcome to this historic
spot. "Here, forty years ago, a gallant son ofthe Navj" flung to the breeze the starry
banner, our nation's emblem, that placed California under the protecting care of
the American Republic. Near this spot was framed the Constitution under which
California sprang forth as a golden star in the silvery constellation of our glorious
Union. "To the Veterans of the Mexican War is our country indebted for this price"
less gem in its native state. Wheu these have passed from the scenes of their
labors and triumphs, to the brighter shore beyond, may you, the Sons of the
Golden West, preserve its brightness still undimmed for ages yet to come. The
transfer of the State Government, the fleeting tide of population and the fiight
of swift-winged commerce to the Golden Gate, left Monterey, for many years,
almost desolate and abandoned. As was exclaimed by the prophet of old, 'How
doth the city sit solitary that was so full of people! How has she become as a
a widow!' But her widowhood has passed. To-day Monterey, like Venus arising
from the sea iu her beauty, though shorn of her tresses, still remembering the
days of old, greets her invited guests with her ancient hospitality, though unpre
pared for this tidal wave of humanity that has rushed in upon her. And uow
we extend to you the freedom of California's ancient capital, wherein to partici
pate in the festivities that commemorate the day on which the gallant Sloat
raised the American flag, the proud banner of a great nation."
Captain Samuel Deal, President of the Associated Veterans of the
^Mexican War, responded in appropriate and eloquent terms.
Governor Stoneman, President of the Day, being absent. Captain
Wm. L. Duncan, Past President of the Associated Veterans of the
Mexican War, acted as Master of Ceremonies, and introduced Rev.
James O. Rayner, Chaplain of the U. S. Army and Chaplain of the
Day, who offered up an eloquent and fervent prayer, during which the
audience stood uncovered.
[Chaplain Rayner was present at Sitka, in Alaska Territory, when
the Russian flag was lowered by the officers of the Russian Navy and
the American flag hoisted by the officers of the U. S. Revenue Cutter
"Lincoln," in 1866.J
General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, who had been invited to de
liver an address £^nd, to .raise the Spanish. fiag .under which he was born.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 127
and the Mexican flag under which he had held commissions as already
stated, was then introduced, and before hoisting those fiags, spoke as
follows in Spanish:
[Translated by Major Edwin A. Sherman, and translation approved by General
Vallejo.]
"Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen . Invited by you, the Veterans of the
war with Mexico, to take part in the celebration of the anniversary of the Inde
pendence of the United States gf America, I must commence by ofiFeriug you my
sincere expressions of gratitude for the unmerited honor which you have be
stowed upon me, in selecting me to raise on this memorable day, with the honors
and solemnity of the occasion, the fiags of Spain and Mexico, that in no remote
time in the past have waved in this historical city with equal glory with
"The Banner of the Stars.
"I do not come here to pronounce a discourse, nor much less to portray the
history of this country, for it would be too arduous a duty, ou an occasion like
the present, which requires a more qualified and eloquent voice than mine to
undertake the task. I desire to depend solely on those grand actions which,
under the first of those glorious ensigns, the immortal Christopher Columbus
opened to the eyes of humanity a new world, that much later was destined to be
the classic land of liberty, and which, by the ingratitude that always pursues the
enterprising benefactors of the people, does not bear his name, but that of the
illustrious navigator, Americus Vespucius.
"Permit me, gentlemen, to express in my native tongue, in the beautiful
idom spoken by the discoverers of this continent. Distrusting any improvisation
which might treacherously obscure my words, causing me to forget my ideas and
and lose my train of thought, I have written out the following, as far as my fee
bleness will permit:
1 "Three hundred and ninety-four years have passed since the Catholic Kiug
and Queen of Spain, "Ferdinand and Isabella,
met at the siege of Granada, and when King Boabdil came out with fifty war
riors to deliver the keys of the city to the Moors, saying, 'Sire, we are yours; the
finger of God has so disposed, and your Majesty can enter into the city of
Granada.' And the finger of God has also disposed that under the reign of those
illustrious sovereigns should be consummated the grandest act recorded iu his
tory; that on retiring from Granada that they should meet anew with Christopher
Columbus, who, disheartened in calling in vain at the doors of all the Kings of
Europe for aid iu his grand enterprise, presented his last effort to the crown of
Spain. Like that enlightened genius, Galileo, he was then the victim of misfor
tune, as others have been much later, of the ingratitude of men, but who must
still suffer and drink from "The Bitter Chalice.
While complaining of new opposition and disappointment, King Ferdinand
refused to give any aid, on account of the depleted treasury, impoverished by the
war which he had sustained to the end; but a woman, one of the noblest of
women, upon whose forehead shone, with more light than the royal diadem, the
brilliant light of genius and of glory, made generous donations ofher ornaments
and of the jewels of her crown, that they might be sold to aid the enterprise of
the illustrious Genoese mariner, who was destined to penetrate the fathomless

128 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
arcana, and bear to the surface, in his last extremity, the secrets therein hidden _
It was impossible for the great Isabella not to read in that clear forehead, so
many times dejected, the full light of intelligence and truth. Intoxicated with
joy, Columbus directed his way to Palos, and, in company with Pinzon, prepared
the feeble flotilla with which he was to defy the furious elements in search of a
world until then unknown.
"Three Caravels
formed the expedition, 'La Santa Maria,' 'La Pinta' and 'La Nina," two of which
were without cover or upper deck. Who could think of such vessels plowing
the seas, that were destined to work a great revolution in the history of the
world? Aud so it was, gentlemen; for in only six weeks Columbus was to realize
the project which for so long a time enlightened his intelligence. A new world
was presented to his sight. That land, the object of his continuous voyages, the
confirmation of his conjectures, was destined to afterwards adorn the temples of
his protector with a jewel more precious than all her royal crown, It was here,
gentlemen, the finishing strokes, as realized under the standard of Castile, this
occurred. Twenty years afterward,
Hernando de Cortes,
with a brave heart, and carried forward by his martial instinct, disobeyed the
orders of Diego de Velasquez, Governor of Cuba, and relying upon the valor of
his sword and the daring and pride of the Spanish race, undertook the conquest
of Anahuac, disembarking at Vera Cruz on the 2tst day of .\pril. 1519, then burn
ing his ships that there might be no retreat, either of himself or any of the others,
in the grand enterprise that he had entered upon. A heroic act, and unequaled
in the records of history. The red flames which issued from the decks of those
ships were not more than feeble and pallid reflections of the sun of Charles the
Fifth, brilliant then from pole to pole.
"Two years sufficed for the empire of Montezuma to disappear under the
valorous impulses of the Castiliau forces. The city of Tenochtitlan was occu
pied by the conqueror, and the flag of Spain from thence floated throughout the
extensive dominions of the Aztec monarchy to the uttermost limit of the con
quest. Here, then, gentlemen, was the cause of that standard waving on this
same spot, and in the other inhabited places of Upper California.
"Mexico, following the example of the United States, and inspired by the
advanced doctrines of the "French Revolution,
proclaimed independence, and on the 27th day of September of 1826, three cen
turies after the taking of Mexico by Cortes, in the same city, the army of the
liberator entered, headed by Don Augustin de Iturbide. Independence having
been accomplished and the regency established, the prebendary, Fernandez de
Jauregui, was commissioned to proceed to this same city of Monterey to receive
the command at the hands of the Spanish authority. When this was accom
plished, the Governor of California was Don Pablo Vicente de Sola; and I, gen
tlemen, then in the dawn of life, aud for the first time, saw raised and waving
iu this place the tri-colored flag. Twenty-five years had passed, and we saw
Mexico involved in a war with the United States, the causes and justice of which
I shall not undertake to pass upon, for already the history has been written, and
the release by a cession of a part ofher territory to this last nation, among which
was embraced the State iu which we live, and in which I first saw the light.
"Commissioned by you to-day to raise those two flags iu sign of respect to

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 129
your predecessors, I accept with pleasure this duty, for I was born on this piece
of land and reared under the ensigrs of Spain and Mexico, the two which I
salute at this hour with all the fervor of my soul."
General Vallejo then spoke ex tempore in English, being loudly
cheered, and then reverently raised the Spanish and Mexican flags
respectively, which were saluted by tbe Light Battery K, First Regi
ment U. S. Artillery, Major Haskins commanding, and the U. S. Rev
enue Cutter "Richard Rush," Captain C. L. Hooper commanding, with
twenty-one guns each, the audience cheering each flag as it went up.
Master J. B. Whittemore, Jr. , then a lad of ten years of age, and the
great-grandson of Commodore Sloat, then brought forward the Ameri
can fiag and presented it to Captain, Charles F. Williams, ofthe U. S.
Marine Corps (Captain Joseph B. Coghlan, of the U. S. Navy, being
sick and unable to attend), who then raised it to the top ofthe original
flagstaff, where it was first hoisted by order of Commodore Sloat. A
National salute of thirty-eight guns was fired by the Light Battery of
Artillery and by the Revenue Cutter "Richard Rush," during which
the "Star Spangled Banner" was played by the Monterey Band and
sung by the entire audience.
The Declaration of Independence was then read in a very effective
manner by W. R. Merritt, of Monterey Parlor, No. 75, of the Native
Sons of the Golden West, followed by "Hail Columbia" by the band.
Lieutenant J. B. Whittemore, the grandson of Commodore Sloat,
then received from the hands of Hiram T. Graves, Esq., the Secretary
of the Society of California Pioneers of San Francisco, loaned for the
occasion, the original proclamation of his illustrious grandfather, which
he read in a clear and audible tone of voice, which was received ^^-ith
three hearty cheers, and then delivered to Mr. Graves, the custodian.
Letters with good wishes were received from President Grover
Cleveland, Governor George Stoneman, Hon. George C. Perkins, Ex-
Governor; Major General Oliver O. Howard, ofthe U. S. Army; Rear
Admiral R. W. Shufeldt, U. S. Navy; Commodore Geo. E. Belknap,
Mare Island Navy Yard; Captain Joseph B. Coghlan, U. S. N., and
other distinguished public citizens.
The following telegram was received from General John C. Fremont
and read: Telegram. "Washington, July 3, 1S86.
"To Major Edwin A. Sherman : Many thanks for cordial invitation. Regret
sincerely that I cannot join in commemorating the day we raised our flag and
broadened the sovereignty of the American people to the Pacific shores. I send
the Pioneers and Comrades my fraternal and hearty congratulations. "John C. Fremont.
Captain William L. Duncan, Ex-President of the Associated Veterans

T30 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
¦of the Mexican War and Master of Ceremonies of the occasion, then
stepped forward and said:
"Mr. President, Comrades, Pioneers and Fellow-Citizens : Before introduc
ing the Orator of the Day, it is eminentlyjust aud proper that due credit shall be
given to our Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, who has so faithfully
performed his duty in making this celebration a harmonious and perfect success.
To him are we indebted for the conception of this affair, and the masterly manner
in which it has so grandly been brought to perfection. For nearly two months
he has devoted his time aud services, as well as money, written hundreds of let
ters of invitation, inspired our Comrade^ and fellow-citizens all over the State to
give their earnest attention to this celebration. His personal influence with
Major General Oliver O. Howard, commanding the Pacific Division of the U- S.
Army, caused that distinguished soldier, gentleman and patriot to send the Bat
tery of Flying Artillery to fire the national salutes from the shore, and with
Captain C. L. Hooper, of the U. S. Revenue Cutter 'Richard Rush,' to represent
the Navy in also firing the salutes in the harbor, to whom we are most profoundly
grateful for their kindness and services on this occasion, which is one long to be
remembered by the people here present.
"But our Comrade has not only done this, but that most difiicult task of cov
ering the sharp thorns of the cactus of national prejudice of birth of the native
Californians, once subjects of Spain and citizens of Mexico, but who, by treaty,
were transferred to another nationality and citizenship, with, which they had
once been in conflict, to unite with us in this celebration. And the most distin
guished general, statesman aud patriot which California has produced, was born
here in Mouterey, the subject of Spain, who became a citizen of Mexico by the
revolution for independence and a faithful military officer under that Govern
ment, honors us here to-day by his presence, and in raising the flags of the two
nationalities under which he was born and reared, on the spot that gave him
birlh, our honored guest and fellow-citizen, General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo,
with whose assistance we have been enabled to thoroughly and completely cause
the native Californians, also our fellow-citizens, to fraternize with us on this
auspicious occasion.
"To Captain Thomas G. Lambert, and all the other citizens of Monterey, are
we greatly indebted for their efforts and labors rendered to make this a memora
ble event, worthy to be preserved in the annals of not only the old Capital of
Monterey of the State of California, but of the United States at large.
"I now take pleasure in presenting to you our esteemed Comrade, the Chair
man of the Committee of Arrangements and the Orator of the Day, Major
Edwin A. Sherman."
The Oration was a descriptive historical review in brief of the events
hereinbefore given in this work, and we only give the following ex
tracts and conclusion when we said:
"When a nation commences to forget its heroes, its decay has already begun.
The Veterans of the Mexican War have made the United States Government a
pensioner upon their valor; the vast territory acquired and secured, with billions
of treasure they bave added to the national wealth, enabled it to maintain its
credit amidst the throes of a mighty and unparalleled civil war.
"When .Spain invaded and cdnquered Mexico, she entered with the sword and

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 131
•cross, plundered the people, and for nearly three centuries and a half, ground
them into the earth, and left them in blood and misery. When the Army and
Navy of the United States invaded Mexico in defense of the national honor, they
carried the sword, the olive branch and the purse, paid the full value of every
thing they took, and while they fought the Mexican troops, they successfully
cultivated and won the confidence of the people; they retired with honor and
without a single stain upon our national escutcheon. The glorious record of our
achievements in the past is secure. But a few years more and wj shall have
passed away, and ere the last roll is called and we are mustered out, let Califor
nia, at least, gratify our vision by an act of justice aud duty, which for the long
period of forty years she has neglected.
"Massachusetts has set up her monument at Plymouth Rock, where sleep the
Pilgrim Fathers, to commemorate their indomitable courage and sterling virtues;
and from Bunker Hill, there rises a shaft pointing to heaven, where fell the
heroes of the first great battle in the War of the Revolution for Liberty and
American Independence. By the banks of the Potomac at the Capital of the
Nation, there stands an obelisk of unparalled height and beauty, the tribute of
the nations of the earth, in honor of the 'Father of Our Country,' the immortal
Washington. Lincoln and Garfield are remembered in granite and marble and
bronze; and the statues of hundreds of America's sons adorn the pantheon of the
mation. At the entrance of the spacious harbor of New York, there has been
erected the grandest monument of art, the gift of the Republic of France (the
home and resting place of Lafayette), the mammoth but graceful statue of 'Lib
erty Enlightening the World.' So here, on this long-neglected spot, on the shore
of the boundless western sea, faithfully guarded and kept for twenty years by a
son of Massachusetts, Captain Thomas G. Lambert, let a monument of the finest
granite be erected, and on a pedestal of our richest gold-bearing quartz, a statue
of bronze, thickly plated with gold, a true likeness of the Admiral John Drake
Sloat set up, and California pay that just tribute which is due from this Golden
Empire of the Pacific, to him who added honor, glory and renown to a long and
illustrious life, to whose foresight, daring and skill, California's bright star now
shines unequaled in the constellation of the American Union. [Applause.]
"But a few words more and I am done. Let this golden, blood-bought land •
purchased with the valor and lives of the bravest hearts of the nation, which
never knew defeat, glorified with the diadem and halo of American progress and
civilization by our Comrade Pioneers, who piloted the way for the swift-footed
steeds, the iron cavalry of the plains, whose squadrons leap the mountains, and,
charging in masses, have driven the mustangs from the field, also drive from our
shores this foul-breeding curse of Mongolian pollution, which is poisoning our
land with its deadly exhalations, and sweep from the face ofthe earth the vermin
¦of the sand-lot and this foreign invasion of anarchy and communism.
"Then let the last roll-call be sounded at life's evening retreat; and as our
eyes shall behold the sun in his crimson robes of splendor, in his glowing chariot
of fire, with the drapery of his golden clouds gathered about him, and as he sinks
beyond yon azure sea, photographing upon the skies in radiant colors our starry
banner of the free, then, and then only, can we exclaim, that the Republic to us
has not been ungrateful."
The following resolution w^as then offered by Hon. John M. Buf-
fington, of Oakland, President of the Alameda and Contra Costa Pio
neer Society, with a few v^-ell-timed remarks:

132 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
"Resolved, That a committee of thirteen be appointed to take immediate
steps for the organization of the Sloat Monument Association, for the purpose of
erecting a suitable monument in this place to the memory of the illustrious Rear
Admiral John Drake Sloat, which shall be a proper tribute, expressive of the ap"
preciation of his great patriotism and merits, by the people of California."
The resolution was ably seconded by Dr. Washington Ayer, M. D.,
of San Francisco, and a member of the Society of California Pioneers,
who spoke as follows:
"Mr. President : In seconding the resolution, I desire to say, to-day we cele
brate two of the most important events in the history of our Republic — the
Declaration of Independence and the acquisition of California to the territory of
the United States, which forever fixed the boundaries of our country upon the
shores of two great oceans.
"The acquisition of this territory was the achievement of the bold and heroic
acts of the Commander of the United States fleet of the Pacific, who raised the
Stars and Stripes where we now stand, aud issued his proclamation on the mem
orable yth day of July, 1846.
"A little more than a decade had passed from that event, and while the echo
of the salute was yet reverberating among the hills — following the laws of evolu-
lution to a higher civilization,— forces were operating which made war between
the North and South inevitable, and it came, in all its thundering majesty, gloom
and fury, upon us.
"It then seemed most providential that this newly-acquired country had be
come a 'fixed star' in the sisterhood of States, and was loyal to the Union. Then
the mountains and ravines of California gave their gold to assist in carrying the
war to a successful termination in the interest of republican liberty and universal
freedom. "In the presence of these facts, the historic old town of Monterey should feel
a special pride in this celebration to-day, and in view of these facts, also, this is
a suitable occasion to inaugurate a movement to perpetuate in granite and in
bronze the name and memory of the valiant Commodore John Drake Sloat, and
voice cannot better be employed than to say 'aye' to the resolution in such an
earnest manner that it shall cause the sound to echo from the Pacific to the
Atlantic shore, until the sentiment shall find response in every true American
heart." The resolution was unnanimously adopted and the following com
mittee appointed:
Hon. John M. Buffington, Ex-Governor George C. Perkins and
Major Edwin A. Sherman, of Oakland; D. J. Staples, Joseph G. EastT
land and William T. Suresay, of the Society of California Pioneers of
San Francisco; Captain Thomas J. Knipe, Captain William L- Duncan
and Hon. W. C. Burnett, of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican
War; Hon. William M. Boggs, of Napa; Captain Thomas G Lam
bert, Hon. Jesse D. Carr and Francis Doud, of Monterey County.
Captain Thomas G. Lambert, President of the Day for Monterey,
then introduced Mrs. Ehza A. Pittsinger, the Poet of the Day, who
then recited a fine original poem in a fervent and eloquent manner.

REV. BRO. A. A. McALISTER, 32°
Forty-three years a Chaplain of the U. S. Navy. Act
ing Assistant Grand Chaplain. Grand Primate aud
Charter Member of the Grand Consistory of California,
Oct. 12, 1870. Chaplain of Solano Lodge No. 229, F. & A.
M., at Vallejo, Cal. As a dispenser of the "Bread ol
Liie" upon the waters or upon shore, aud in attending
to the sick, the wounded, and dying, he has been faithful
to his calling, to the Brethren of the Household of the
Faithful, and to his fellow-man. Forty-two and a half
years a Master Mason.

W. BRO. JAMES LAFAYETTE COGSWELL
p. M. of Crockett Lodge No. 139, and now of California
IvOdge No. I. Right Venerable Grand Treasurer, 1893,
4, 5. 6, 7, 8, 9, 1900, I. Past M. V. Grand President ofthe
Masonic Veteran Association ofthe Pacific Coast, 1885 9.
California Pioneer of 1849. God never made a better-
hearted man or a truer Mason. Of prompt, generous
impulses, foremost to help others at all times, and
utterly forgetful of self

HON. FRANK MATTISON, P. M.
County Assessor of Santa Clara County, Past Grand
President N. S. G. W.

MAJOR JOHN L. BROMLEY, M. M.
Of Oakland, Cal.
Active Member ofthe Sloat Monument Association ol
California. A native of the Monumental City of Balti
more, Maryland, President of the Alameda County So
ciety of Veterans of the Mexican War, and a Pioneer.
He was a brave soldier and ofiScerin the Battles in front
of the City of Mexico in 1847. A respectable aud honor
ed citizen and a good man.

r

^H^'M\

DAVID W. STANDIFORD, 33°
Pioueer of 1849 Residence, Oakland, Cal. Active
Member of the Masouic Veteran Association of the
Paci6c Coast.

MISS CLARA K. WITTENMYKR
Of Martinez, Cal.
Special Maid of Honor and Representative of Contra
Costa County. Daughter of Hon. Lewis C. Wittenmyer,
P.M., a Pioneer of 1849, and granddaughter of Comrade
Capt. John Wittenmyer, a Veteran of the Mexican War.
She is a Past President and the Chaplain of the Native
Daughters of the Golden West. Her father at present
is Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons of California.

BRO. LEWIS AMISS SPITZKR
Right Venerable Grand Marshal, 1897, 8. 9, 1900, i, 2, ol
tbe Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast.
A native of the State of Virginia, the "Mother of Presi
dents," Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Har
rison, and Tyler, all Masons. Bro. Spitzer is deservedly
one of the most popular Masons and public men cf
Santa Clara County. A noble-hearted, whole-souled,
generous, and hospitable gentleman. In 1882 he was
called from his farm and stock-raising to fill the high
and important trust of Assessor of that County, and at
the completion of his present term will have been
twenty consecutive years in tbat office by election of
the people without regard to his politics. "An honest
man is the noblest work of God."

HON. WM. FRANK PIERCE, P.M.I.G.M.,33°,
P. M,, P. C. H. P.
Grand Commander of Knights Templar of California.
Treasurer General of the Supreme Council. Active
Inspector General for California. Life Member ofthe
Masonic Veteran Association ofthe Pacific Coast.

Life of Rear-Admirai. John Drake Sloat 133
As she was also the Poet of the Day at the Semi-Centennial Celebra
tion or Golden Jubilee at Monterey on July 7, 1896, she gave the same
poem, but revised and amplified, which will be found printed in full in
the account of that celebration in its regular order.
' 'America' ' was then played by the band and sung by the entire
audience. The benediction was then pronounced by Rev. H. S. Snodgrass,
the Chaplain of Monterey.
The audience then dispersed after standing three hours and a half,
listening with intense interest, to hear and see all that was done; and a
large portion then went to Coiton Hall, to listen to the Hon. Elisha O.
Crosby, one of the members of the first Constitutional Convention,
which met at Monterey in >September, 1849, and framed the first Con
stitution of California.
[We will here mention as a fact, that Hon. Elisha O. Crosby was
the grandson of Washington's Spy of the Revolution, of which Wash
ington" Irving has given so graphic an account.]
Standing in Coiton Hall, on the spot occupied by him as a member
¦of the Constitutional Convention, Hon. Elisha O. Crosby delivered the
following reminiscent remarks:
"The establishment of civil government in California was accomplished during
scenes of the wildest excitement, unequaled in the annals of time. The sails of
the Argonauts whitened the ocean along our borders and poured their over
crowed decks, by thousands and tens of thousands, upon our shores. The length
ened immigrant train, like an invading army, came teeming with its mighty hosts
of stalwart men to swell the excited throng; and all engaged in the desperate
struggle for rapid fortune in the golden sands of California. Each man came
armed with deadly weapons, to enforce the will of its owner, the only law that
was recognized in the land.
"It has been well said 'that the state of things realized the: anarchist's ideal —
no government and no laws.' Life was cheap and property insecure, and the
preservation of the one, and the possession of the other, was held at the mercy
of the death-dealing revolver, held in the hands of passion, which too often dealt
causeless desolation.
"The organization of a government, and the enforcement of equal laws in
California, was a fight for the survival of the fittest, with order and safety, or
anarchy and bloodshed. It was no holiday task. We met here, now nearly
thirty-seven years ago, to make the Constitution for the government of a new
State, defining its boundaries and directing the enactment of a system of laws to
control the passion of this great concourse, of a varied population gathered from
every nation and clime, and to bring order out of chaos, give security to life and
protection to property; and all this without the least authority from Congress,
representing the nation that had so lately acquired this vast region from Mexico.
"Responsive to the call of that brave and patriotic hero, General Bennett'
Riley, forty-eight delegates from all parts of the country, constituting the present
State, met here in Coiton Hall, in this town of Monterey, and with brief prelude
aud shorter speeches, set ourselves at work.

134 Life of Re;ar- Admiral John Drake Sloat
"The first question to settle was. Shall we organize a Territorial form of gov
ernment? Was answered 'NO!' emphatically 'NO!' Shall we organize a State?'
'YES.' And a State fully organized and perfect; with freedom for every human
being within its borders. Speaking of borders, reminds me that we discussed
pretty fully the lay of the land, and from the best information we could gather,
we took all the country we knew to be worth anything, and all that we had an
idea would ever prove to be of value. Time has demonstrated that we guessed
wisely and right. We took to the crest of the Sierras and left the rest to Nevada,
Salt Lake and the Mormons.
"We took the best from all the Constitutions of the diflFerent States; and if
wisdom we displayed, it was in selecting the best; modifying and adjusting these
provisions to the necessities of the new State.
"Our wives and sweethearts were in the other States and in foreign lands.
San Francisco had grown a city of 25,000 men, while perchance a single female
now and then appeared upon the street, and whose presence caused a stampede
to the doors and windows to see her vanish around the next corner.
"With the exception of my friend General Vallejo, and a few other thrice-
blessed residents of California, we were without a house, and that divinity, a
wife. We all realized the propriety, in fact, the necessity, of encouraging, by
every means, our wives and loved ones to follow us to California. Texas, then
like California, much in want of female population, had four years before, in
adopting a Constitution, sounded the tocsin of freedom to women, by giving her
an equal estate and right of separate property with the man and husband, and an
equal share of community property, with liberal homestead and exemption laws,
for her protection.
"It is among the most pleasing remembrances of these latter days of life, that
I had a share and did what I could to secure to the wives and daughters of Cali
fornia this inestimable boon, and thereby enfranchising them from the old Eng
lish law brought to this country by our fathers, that merged the wife in the hus
band — her name, fortune and control, to the right of chastisement with the rod.
Mindful of the rising generation (and with great hopes for their abundant in
crease when our wives and sweethearts arrived on these Pacific shores), we
directed that the 500,000 acres of land given to all new States on their admission
by the general government should be dedicated forever to educational purposes.
How well, or otherwise, the various Legislatures have administered this trust, I
do not know.
"And so I might extend this review of what we did, and why and how it was
done, but time and weariness admonish me to close. It is with grateful recol
lection of the good people of Monterey. I thank them for the hospitality we
received, and the entertainment they extended to the delegates of the first Con
stitutional Convention.
"How with willing hands and cheerful smiles they prepared the tortillas and
toothsome tomates and dulces and frescos, to stay the hungry delegates; and how
the fair daughters, with winsome way, joined the younger members in the Span
ish dance !
"It was not a melancholy body of men, by any means, that first Convention,
but eamest workers, who meant business first, and social happiness when their
work was done.
"Well do I remember the last day of our sitting, wheu, amid tbe cannon roar
from the old fort on the hill, we signed our names, and General Riley, with

Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 135
streaming eyes, declared it a happier day for him than when his soldiers cheered
him on the heights of Contreras over their victory won.
"And then hand clasped hand. as we separated, many of us for the last time
on earth. Our Secretary survives to call the roll, but how few there be to answerl'
A few more years all will have passed away. Our work survived, and since the
day we separated here, a generation has grown to manhood, to reap the benefits
and blessings of our labor. May its infiuences continue for all time to come.
"In the name of those departed, and the little baud that yet remains, J ask
those who take our places, to preserve the good we did in this first step to found
a constitutional government in California,"
Hon. Elisha O. Crosby was heartily cheered by his audience, which
then dispersed.
The festivities at Monterey closed with a Grand Ball, given by-
Monterey Parlor of the "Native Sons of the Golden West" in La-
porte's Hall, which had been beautifully decorated for the occasion.
At the Hotel Del Monte a fine display of fireworks was given in the
evening, and at Pacific Grove a torchlight procession, fireworks and
various exercises of a patriotic order were held.
The celebration in every way was a success, and worthy of the his
toric occasion commemorated, and to the Associated Veterans of the
Mexican War in particular was the credit chiefly due in inaugurating
the movement which produced such happy results.
Two of the principal objects of this celebration were effected. It
aided Captain Blanding before the Committee on Pensions at Washing
ton in securing the passage of the Service Pension Bill, giving to all
Veterans of the Mexican War of the age of 62 years and upwards a
pension of eight dollars per month, to the relief and delight of many a
proud but needy Veteran, as well as those whose spirit of self-reliance
had waned beneath the weight of privation and old age. And it also
started the movement for the erection of the first National Monument
on the Pacific Coast, and at Monterey, where the American flag was
first hoisted by the authority of the U. S. Government during the war
with Mexico, and by that patriotic and gallant officer, then Commodore
John Drake Sloat,
And so ended the first really National Celebration and of the For
tieth Anniversary of that glorious event when California first became
a part of the Grand Continental Territory of the American Union .
The public attention was now drawn to the great preparations being
made for the reception to the National Encampment of the Grand
Army of the Republic to which a large number of the Veterans of the
Mexican War belonged or had served in the War for the preservation
of the Union. The arrival, welcome and entertainment with Califor
nia's proverbial hospitality, which was fully maintained, occupied the
minds of the members of the Committee appointed at Monterey, as was

136 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
the case with e\erybody else, and necessarily postponed any meeting
for several months, until the time was propitious for calling it after the
general State election had been held, when, in pursuance of the resolu
tion adopted at Monterey, the Hon. John M. Bufiington. acting as
Chairman of said Committee, appointed Major Edwin A. Sherman as
Acting Secretary, and directed him to notify every member to attend a
meeting to be held at the ofiice of the Chairman, at No. 309 California
street, San Francisco, on Wednesday, December i, 1886, at 2 o'clock
p. M., for the purpose of forming and organizing the Sloat Monument
Association The notice was issued accordingh- to each and every member of the
Committee.
FIRST MEETING OF THE SLOAT MONUMENT COMMITTEE
HELD.
In pursuance of said call, the following members assembled at the
place designated and the hour named:
Hon. John M. Buffington, Chairman; Hon. Jesse D.. Carr, Hon.
Wellington C. Burnett, Captain Thomas J. Knipe, Captain Thomas G.
Lambert, Francis Doud and Major Edwin A. Sherman.
The following-named members of the Committee sent their excuses
for non-attendance, but would heartily concur in the action which
might be taken, and desired to be enrolled as members of the Sloat
Monument Association when organized, viz.:
Ex-Governor George C. Perkins, Captain William L. Duncan, Jo
seph G. Eastland, J. D. Staples and Hon. Wm. M. Boggs.
The meeting was called to order by Hon. John M. Bufiington,
Chairman, and Major Edwin A. Sherman appointed Acting Secretary.
The resolution adopted at Monterey, July 5, 1886, and the names
of the Committee and the call for the meeting, was then read.
After a general discussion of the object for which the meeting had
been called and to carry out the intention of the resolution, the follow
ing action was then taken:
On motion of Major Edwin A. Sherman and seconded by Thomas
G. Lambert, it was unanimously
"Resolved, That for the purpose of organization, the gentlemen appointed as
the Committee at Monterey, here present, and those who are absent who sent
their excuses, but will concur in the action taken at this meeting, and such others
as may be selected by them, who may afterwards accept their election as mem
bers, do now constitute themselves into a Society, to be known as
The Sloat Monument Association of California,
ard that its OflScers shall consist ofa President, two Vice-Presidents, a Secretary,
a Treasurer, a Receiver or Custodian, a Sergeant-at-Arms, and an Executive

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 137
Committee, to consist of Thirteen Members, including the Seven Officers, five of
whom shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business."
The above resolution having been unanimously adopted, on motion,
it was ordered that an election be immediately held to fill the various
offices named.
The election was then duly held, and the following-named gentle
men were unanimouslj' elected to fill the various offices until their suc
cessors should be elected, to wit:
THE SLOAT MONUMENT ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA
ORGANIZED— OFFICERS.
Hon. John M. Buffington, of Oakland  President
Captain Thomas J. Knipe, of San Francisco.... First Vice-President
Dr. Washington Aver, of San Francisco  Second Vice-President
Major Edwin A. Sherman, of Oakland  Secretary
Ex-Governor George C. Perkins, of Oakland  Treasurer
Captain Thomas G. Lambert, of Monterey....  Receiver
Francis Doud, of Monterey  Sergeant-at-Arms
Hon. Jesse D. Carr, of Monterey; Captain Joseph B. Coghlan, U.
S. N. ; Captain Charles F. Williams, U. S. Marine Corps; Hon. Wel
lington C. Burnett and William T. Garratt, of San Francisco, and
Hon. William M. Boggs, of Napa, as the additional members of the
Executive Committee.
Thus was "The Sloat Monument Association of California" duly
organized. A general plan and outline of action was duly adopted
of carrying out the objects for which it had been formed. Major Edwin
A. Sherman, Captain Thomas J. Knipe and William T. Garratt were
appointed a Committee of Design and Construction, and a description
of what the monument should be was unanimously approved.
On motion of Captain Thomas G. Lambert, the Hon. Bradle}^ V.
Sargent, State Senator-elect from Monterey County, was unanimously
elected to present the petition and draft a bill to be presented before
the incoming Legislature appropriating the sum of Twenty-five Thou
sand Dollars for the proposed monument. The first meeting for organ
ization was then adjourned.
The Hon. Bradley V. Sargent, Senator from Monterey County,
presented the petition and drafted the bill for the proposed monument,
which he introduced, and might have been successful, if the amend
ment tacked on, to have it erected in Golden Gate Park, San Fran
cisco, was to be accepted. Boston Common was not Plymouth Rock,
where the Pilgrims landed long before the city of Boston was located.
Monterey was where Commodore Sloat took possession of California,

138 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
and hoisted the American flag two days before Commander Mont
gomery, his subordinate, in obedience to the orders of Sloat, raised the
American flag and took possession of Yerba Buena, or San Francisco.
The Sloat Monument Association protested against this diversion
from the real historic spot at Monterey to any other localit)'.
Other bills were repeatedly drawn up for the Legislature's action,.
but met with no better fate, and nine long years elapsed before any
further attempts were to be made in that direction.
The apathy and indifierence of politicians and the people generally,.
who knew but little of the history of the country and apparently cared
less, left the Veterans of the Mexican War, in the main, to serve as a
forlorn hope reserve of what might be done in the future, with the
assistance of a few true and enthusiastic Pioneers belonging to the
Sloat Monument Association, to hold it intact and wait for events tO'
transpire. In 1893, the slanderous and libelous attacks upon the members,
both living and dead, of the Society of California Pioneers, and others
by the false history of Hubert Howe Bancroft, aroused the indignation
of that Society to furnace heat. Dr. Washington Ayer, a Vice-Presi
dent of that Society, as well as of the Sloat Monument Association, on
October 2, 1893, brought charges against Hubert Howe Bancroft, and
presented a resolution for his expulsion as an Honorary Member of that
Society. The Committee found the facts to be even worse than stated,
gave a thorough investigation, and as their report fully confirmed the
charges made, that Society, on February 5, 1894, by a unanimous vote
of eighty members present, expelled Hubert Howe Bancroft as an
Honorary Member therefrom, and its action, with the full report of the
Committee, ordered to be printed and distributed throughout the public
and prominent private libraries of the United States.
Sloat, Fremont, Larkin, Stockton, Vallejo and others, as well as
General U. S. Grant, were villified, misrepresented and lied about, and
the Veterans of the Mexican War, in sentiment, approved the action
taken by the Society of California Pioneers in expelling H. H. JBan-
croft, while the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast pur
sued their investigation and examination of H. H. Bancroft's miscalled
"histories," found them so full of misstatements and malignant villifi-
cation so absurd and ridiculous that they refuted themselves; that that
Masonic Society took action approving and sustaining the Society of
California Pioneers in expelling H. H. Bancroft, for there were Masonic
Brethren among those whom he had so grossly slandered and lied
about. This aroused a spirit of patriotism among the Pioneers and kept the
fires alive for a considerable period afterwards, and gave the Sloat

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 139
Monument Association, largely composed of Veterans of the Mexican'
War, Pioneers and others, a renewal of hope that something might be
done for the Sloat Monument.
Death had invaded the ranks ofthe Association, and Hon. John M.
Buffington, President; Captain Thomas J. Knipe, First Vice-President,
with others, had joined the "great majority." A meeting was called
by the Second Vice-President, Dr. Washington Ayer, at his office. No.
215 Geary street, San Francisco, on February 8, 1896, to elect new
officers to fill vacancies, as well as active members. Some twenty new
members were elected of first-class citizens of San Francisco and Oak
land, with several officers of the U. S. Navy.
Dr. Washington Ayer was elected President, Captain Wm. L. Dun
can, First Vice-President; Colonel Joseph Stewart, U. S. A. (retired).
Second Vice-President; the other officers remaining the same, but
Hon. Irving M. Scott, Dr. James L. Cogswell, Colonel Frank Pierce
(nephew of Ex-President Franklin Pierce), Wm. Frank Pierce, and
Rev. A. A. McAlister, Chaplain of the U. S. Navy at Mare Island,
were added to the Executive Committee. And it was resolved to cele
brate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Raising of the American Flag at
^Monterey and invite the Veterans of the Mexican War and Pioneers-
and others to unite in doing so.
Thus recruited and strengthened, the Sloat Monument Association
took on new life. Its Treasurer, Ex-Governor George C. Perkins, had
been elected U. S. Senator, and we had a "friend now at court." He
had, on January 20, 1896, taken action, and sent to the Secretary hereof
the following letter with a copy of the bill, which was read and is-
here introduced: (copy) United States Senate,
Washington, D. C, January 22, iSgS,
"Edwin A. Sherman, Esq.,
"Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association,
"1212 Webster street, Oakland, California —
"My Dear Sir: I enclose herewith a copy of the Sloat Monument Bill,
which was introduced by me in the Senate. You will see that it is different in
form from that which you sent on, which was not in the proper shape for passage.
I have drawn up the bill I send after those ofa similar nature which have readily
passed Congress, and hope that this one may be gotten through without delay.
The terms mentioned are the only ones on which an appropriation would be
granted, and they leave the Association at liberty to raise whatever money it can
and to virtually direct the work. Yours truly, Geo. C. Perkins.
(copy of the bill)
"54TH CoNGRES.'?, 1ST Session. Si 1609.
"In THE Senate of the United States,
"January 20, 1896,

I40 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
"Mr. Perkins introduced the following bill, which was read twice and referred to
the Committee on the Library.
"A Bill
"For the erection of a Statue of Commodore John D. Sloat, in the City o£ Mon
terey, California.
"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States
of America, in Congress assembled :
"That the sum of ten thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be neces
sary, be, and is hereby, appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not oth
erwise appropriated, for the erection of a statue of the late Commodore John D.
Sloat, within the limits of the City of Monterey, California, and for the proper
preparation, grading and enclosing of the lot and foundation upon which said
statue shall be erected, which sum shall be expended uuder the direction of the
Secretary of War, or such officer as he may designate; Provided, That the money
appropriated shall be drawn from time to time only as may be required during
tbe progress of the work, and upon the requisition of the Secretary of War; And
provided further. That no part of the money hereby appropriated shall be so
expended until a design for said statue shall be accepted by the Secretary of War,
and until the selection of a suitable lot of land for the erection of said statue, in
the United States Custom House or military reservation in the City of Monterey,
shall be approved by the said Secretary of War."
Scarcely, however, had Senator Perkins introduced the said bill,
than it was most viciously and malignantly attacked both in Washing
ton by letters and b}' articles in the Oakland Enquirer, by one George
Edwards, of the Hubert Howe Bancroft gang, to defeat the passage of
the bill and the erection of the Sloat Monument. Every possible
means was employed to accomplish their detestable purpose, and the
Society of California Pioneers, in expelling H. H. Bancroft from hon
orary membership, turned loose a venomous enemy against not only
the Sloat Monument Association, but against every lover of truth and
patriotic grateful citizen in California.
The following letter from U. S. Senator George C. Perkins and his
reply will certainly commend him to the favor and gratitude of e^-ery
loyal, true-hearted American citizen in California, regardless of any
political opinions, be what they may: (COPY)
"United States Senate,
"Washington, D. C, March 30, 1896.
"ffon. Edwin A. Sherman,
"1212 Webster street, Oakland, Cal. —
"My Dear Sherman: I have had another letter from Mr. Edwards on the
Sloat IVfonument, and enclose you a copy of my reply for your information.
"Yours truly, GEO. C. PERKINS."

W. GEORGE EDWIN KENNEDY, 32''
P. M. of Mosaic Lodge No. 218, Livermore, Cal. Right
Venerable Second Grand Steward, 1896, 7, 8,9, 1900, i.
He celebrated the Centennial Anniversary of American
Independence July 4, 1876, bv arriving in California by
railroad on that day, and by the stimulating aid of Cali
fornia Climate added thereto, he is fully charged with
the spirit of 1776. As a Mason, he has no superior; as a
public spirited citizen and faithful public officer, be is a
model for all others. Loved by his brethren and neigh
bors, for he has carried joy into happy homes. At any
rate, we have Bro. Nat B. Holmes' word for it, and that
is as good as a draft upon any bank.

M. W. EDWARD MYERS PRESTON, P.G M.
p. G. M., 1895. Second Right Venerable Grand Vice-
President, 1899, igoo, I. Arrived in California June 6,
1863, via Panama. IJxState Senator. The Father and
Founder ofthe Preston School of Industry at lone. Cali
fornia, and ol the Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Home
at Decoto, Cal. The pillars of his glory and of his fellow
citizens and our fraternal Masonic Veteran's pride.
Member of the Committee of Design and Construction.

CAPT. FRANKLIN J. DRAKE, U. S. N.
A Master Mason, Late Captain of Mare Island Navy Yard. A member of the Oommittee of Design and Con
struction ofthe Sloat Monument Association.

5^

4

* ';

W. BRO. WASHINGTON AYERS, 32°, P-M.
p. M. Volcano Lodge No. 56, at Volcano, and Excelsior
Lodge No. 166 at San Francisco, Cal California Pioneer
of 1849. One ofthe truest friends and Masons that ever
lived, an affectionate husband and father, and at the
very head of his profession as a skilful physician and
surgeon. Fourth M. V. Grand President, 1SS4, of the
Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast. (De
ceased.) He was one ofthe founders of the Sloat Monu
ment Association and President at the time of his death
on February 15, 1899.

MISS CAMILLE JOHNSTON
Of Oakland, Cal.
SPECIAL MAID OF HONOR.
Daughter of Hon. Joseph E. Johnston, late Supervisor
of Alameda County, and who sent the first County Stone
for the Monument. She is one ofthe Committee of De
sign and Construction of the Sloat Monument Associa
tion.

MISS ALICE G. CUTTS
Of Mare Island Navy Yard
GRAND MAID OF HONOR
Representative of the U. S. Navy, July 7, 1896. Daughter
of Lieut. Commander R. M. Cutts, U. S. N. Great grand
daughter of Francis Scott Key, author of the "Star
Spangled Banner." Niece of Dr. John M. Browne, late
Surgeon-General of the U. S Navy, who was surgeon
on board of theU. S. Ship "Kearsarge" when she sank
the Rebel Privateer "Alabama." She has since married
the gallant Major John T. Myers of the U. S. Marine
Corps who was severely wounded while bravely leading
the charge upon the gates of Pekin in the late war in
China.

MISS ALICE STEWART
Of Berkeley, Cal,
GRAND MAID OF HONOR
Representing the U. S. Army, July 7, 1896. Daughter ot
Col. Joseph Stewart, U. S. A. (retired). President of the
Associated Veterans of the Mexican War. President of
the Sloat Monument Association of California. A gal
lant soldier and officer, a true gentleman of the old
school, and a military pioneer ofthe Pacific Coast, from
California and Nevada to Alaska.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 141
(copy)
"Geo. Edwards, Esq.,
''2530 Divighl Way, Berkeley, California —
"My Dear Sir: Your letter enclosing one from Mr. Henry L. Oak, relating
to Commodore Sloat, was received to-day.
"I must confess that I am at a loss to understand the opposition which seems
to come from one quarter alone, to the proposed monument at Monterey. The
statue is to commemorate a great event which even Bancroft's History cannot
question — the act of taking possession of a vast territory in the name of the
United States, in which. the critics now live. I am glad to say, however, that
only one or two voices have been raised against the plan, which I hope will be
carried through and the statue erected without undue delay.
"Although the previous conduct of Commodore Sloat has no bearing upon the
fact, that the United States took possession of California on a given date, which
action is to be commemorated, it may be well to again point out that there are
among the records of the Navy Department no documents reflecting upon that
officer in connection with this matter. In fact, the Report of the Secretary of
the Navy, December 5, 1846, says of the manner in which Sloat carried out his
instructions, that he 'observed the line of conduct prescribed to him with such
intelligence and fidelity that no complaint has ever been made of any unauthor
ized aggression on his part;' and, further on, th^t, after having availed himself of
'a permission which had been given him, in his discretion to assign the command
to Commodore Stockton, * * * this gallant and meritorious ofiScer arrived
at the seat of government.'
"Unless the Report of the Secretary of the Navy to which I refer, aud of
which I have a copy, printed in 1846, is considered to be a total perversion of
truth, it must be acknowledged that the action of Commodore Sloat elicited the
praise of the United States Government. The report also shows that he was not
relieved of his command for failing health or for 'other reasons,' which latter I
submit, even if they existed, it is not the historian's province to assume to mean
'vacillation amounting practically to disobedience of orders.' In fact, it seems
to me that there has been, in the preparation of that part of the Bancroft history
in question, too much assumption. I will submit that 'the belief of most at that
time,' is not equivalent to a fact, and that if Commodore Sloat declined to take
action in the face of such orders as he had received, until he had authentic news
of the commencement of hostilities, he showed himself eminently worthy of the
praise which was given him by the Secretary of the Navy, and worthy of the
monument which is to be erected at Monterey.
"It may be of interest to the writer of the article in the Bancroft history to
learn that the most diligent search by Lieutenant Young in the archives of the
Navy Department has failed to bring forth any document or reference which
detracts from Commodore Sloat's reputation as a faithful officer.
"I would refer you to the official reports, correspondence and data, endorsing
Commodore Sloat, to be found in House Executive Documents, 2d Session, 29th
Congress, Vol. i. Doc. 4, pp. 378 and 379, and pp. 640 to 675, inclusive; also, to
House Executive Documents, 2d Session, 30th Congress, Vol. i, Ex. Doc. No. i,
commencing on page 1006.
"Yours very truly, GEO. C. Pbrkins."
This reply of Senator Perkins ought to have forever silenced this
coyote of the Berkeley Hills, but faihng in Washington he vainly

•142 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
turned his venomous pen against the dead Sloat, and, metaphorically
speaking, endeavored to stamp upon him in his grave, by his attacks
upon the gallant hero in the Oakland Enquirer.
Pending the action of the bill and the deferring of the matter by
the Hon. Daniel Lamont, Secretary of War, a direct appeal was made
by the Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association to President
Cleveland himself, who lent a most gracious ear.
We asked that an officer of the U. S. Engineer Corps, or of Gen
eral Forsyth's staff, be directed to proceed to Monterey to locate the
site upon ¦which the monument is to be erected. In accordance there
with the orders duly came, and on May 16, 1896, Lieutenant J.
Reynolds Landis, aide on General Forsyth's staff, accompanied by
Captain Cassius E. Gillett, of the U. S. Engineer Corps, proceeded to
Montere}^ and met us there, and, with Captain Thomas G. Lambert
and Mr. Jacob Bagby, went upon the Military' Reservation to the spot
pre^'iously selected by us, immediately in front of the ruined earth
works of old Fort Mer^-ine, and there marked the site for the monu
ment, as now located. These officers returned and made due report,
and soon afterwards permission was given by the Secretary of War to
proceed and lay the Corner-stone.
This much had been gained.
Mr. Edward M. Hall, Jr., of Oakland, of the Amador Marble
Works, and Mr. Ira L. Delano, of the Rocklin Granite Quarries, gen
erously offered to contribute the Corner-stone, four feet square and two
feet in height, and with the name California cut upon its longest face.
A larger stone, six feet in length, was adopted, and the difference equal
to an additional stone to be paid for, which was afterwards done. The
Southern Pacific Railroad Company generously delivered the stone free
of charge. The various Boards of Super^-isors of the several Counties of the
State were in-\dted to furnish stones, each to be four feet long, two feet
wide and two feet thick, and the name of each County cut in a central
line on its longest face, with the date of its organization, and the date,
July 7, 1896, the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Raising of the American
Flag by Commodore Sloat at Monterey.
Alameda Count}' was the first County to get its stone at Monterey,
while several others quickly followed, of which we shall make mention
hereafter. We now have to give an account of the Celebrations of the Fiftieth
Anniversaries of the Raising of the Bear Flag at Sonoma, pn the 14th
of June, and of the American Flag at Monterey^, on July yth, and at
San Francisco, on Jul}- 9th, in their chronological order.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 143

INITIATORY PROCEEDINGS.
At a regular meeting of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican
IV ar held at their hall on O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, Cal., on
Thursday evening, March 14th, 1895, Major Edwin A. Sherman
offered the following resolution:
"Resolved, That the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War will celebrate
the Fiftieth Anniversary of the taking possession of California and raising of the
American flag at Monterey by Commodore John Drake Sloat ofthe United States
Navy on July 7th, 1846, the celebration to be held at that place on Tuesday, July
7th, 1896, and that a Committee of Arrangements of- three be appointed by the
President to carry this resolution into effect."
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
The following named Comrades were appointed as the Committee
of Arrangements: Major Edwin A. Sherman, Col. Joseph Stewart, and
Col. Wellington C. Burnett, to which were also added ex officio Presi
dent Major Sydney J. Loop and the Secretary, Capt. William L. Duncan.
Subsequently, by reason of the continued absence of Comrade Well-
• ington C. Burnett in the East, Comrade Charles Lange was appointed
in his place.
In September, 1895, Major Edwin A. Sherman, Chairman of the
Committee of Arrangements, at his own expense paid a visit to the City
of Washington, to have a personal interview with Hon. H. A. Her
bert, Secretary of the Navy, and to secure, if possible, several vessels
of war to aid in the celebration at Monterey.
The hearty cooperation of the Secretary of War was promised and
telegraphed through to the Secretary of the Association and read at the
Annual Banquet on September 14th, 1895, the 48th Anniversary of the
triumphant entry of Gen. Winfield Scott and the U. S. Army into the
City of Mexico.
The Sloat Monument Association of California, composed mainly of
Veterans of the Mexican War and Pioneers also took the following
action on February 8th, 1896:
"On motion, it was unanimously resolved that this Association unite in the
celebration by the Associated Veterans ofthe Mexican War, ofthe Fiftieth Anni
versary of the hoisting ofthe American flag at Monterey on the 7th of July next,
and with such other organizations as may there be present on that occasion. And
if there is time and opportunity, to make provision for the laying of the corner
stone of the base of the Monument on July 7th, 1896, by the Grand Lodge of
Masons of California as a part of the ceremonies, to commemorate the raising of
the American flag at Monterey by Commodore John D. Sloat of the U. S Navy
-on July 7th, 1846."

144 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
The Executive Committee of the Sloat Monument Association being
represented by Vice-Presidents Capt. Wm. L. Duncan, Col. Joseph
Stewart, Secretary Major Edwin A. Sherman, Receiver Captain Thomas
G. Lambert and Rev. A. A. McAlister, U. S. N., the first three also being
on the Committee of Arrangements of the Associated Veterans of the
Mexican War.
The delay in the passage of the bill in the U. S. Senate, making an
appropriation of ten thousand dollars for the monument, being caused
by the secret attack made by one George Edwards of the Bancroft His
tory Company of San Francisco, upon the honored fame of Commodore
Sloat by false representations and slander, had rendered it difficult to
proceed with the preparations for holding the celebration, or for the
laying of the corner stone of the elevated base of the monument. The
passage of the bill by the Senate, however, gave encouragement to the
Committees of Arrangements of the Mexican War and of the Sloat
Monument Association.
Lieut. J. Reynolds Landis U. S. A. (aide de camp to General James
H. Forsyth, U. S. A.), having been appointed to select the location for
the site of the Sloat Monument, in company with Capt. Gillett of the
U. S. Engineers, Major Edwin A. Sherman, Secretary, and Captain
Thomas G. Lambert, Receiver of the Sloat Monument Association, pro--
ceeded to the Military Reservation at Monterey, and immediately in
front of the prolonged angle of Old Fort Mervine where an old iron
gun is placed, and there on the axis of the hill overlooking the harbor
and town of Monterey, located the site of the Sloat Monument.
This having been done, the Committee of Arrangements renewed
its communications with the War and Na^'y Departments for the prep
arations for the celebration, they having previously given encouragment
thereto as follows:

[Letter sent by order of Brig. Gen. James A. Forysth, Commanding Department of California.]
Headquarters, Department of California,
San Francisco, April 27lh, 1896.
Edwin A. Sherman, Chairman of Committee of Arrangements Associated Vet
erans of Mexican War, Oakland, Cal.
Sir:— Referring to your communication of the 13th inst., addressed to the
Department Commander, inviting him and command to attend the Semi- Cen
tennial Celebration at Monterey, CaL, in commemoration of the American
occupation of California and the raising of the American flag at that place, I am
directed by the Department Commander to inform you that arrangements will be
made for the presence at Monterey, on that occasion, of a light battery of artillery,
which will be requested to fire requisite salutes and take part in the ceremonies;
that the necessary salutes will be fired on July 7th from San Diego Barracks,
Alcatraz Island and the Presidio of San Francisco; that from the last-named post
a salute will also be fired on July 9th, in commemoration of the first hoisting of

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 145
the American flag thereat; and that your invitation to all the officers ofthe com
mand to attend the ceremonies at Monterey has been communicated to them, witb
the request that all such aa desire and contemplate attendance on the occasion
shall so signify to these headquarters a list of the same, which, when received,
will be furnished to you. Very respectfully, O. D. Greene, Asst. Adj. -Gen.
Note. — Two light batteries were furnished.

[Letter from Hon. H. A. Herbert, Secretary of the Navy.]
Navy Department, Washington, May 4th, 1896.
W. A. M. 9336.
Siri^I have to ackowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd ultimo
inviting me to attend the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the taking
possession of California and the raising of the American fiag at Monterey by
Commodore John D. Sloat, of the U. S. Navy, and requesting that orders be sent
from the Navy Department for tne vessels now on the Pacific statiou, on the coast
of California, to lend their aid in making the celebration a success. I have
referred your request for the vessels to the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific
station, with the suggestion that he will direct one or more of the vessels under
his command to assist at the celebration, provided the exigencies of the service
will permit.
I thank you for your kind invitation to be present at the celebration, and
regret very much that my official duties will prevent me from accepting.
Very truly yours, H. A. HERBERT, Secretary.
Mr. Er)wiN .^. Sherman, Chairman of Committee of Arrangements Associated Veterans of
the Mexican War, Oalcland, California.

[Letter from General Miles.]
Headquarters oe the Army,
Washington, D. C, May 4, 1896.
Mr. Edwin A. Sherman, 1212 Webster Street, Oakland, California.
My Dear Sir: — Please accept my sincere thanks for your very kind invitation
to attend the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the taking possession of
California and raising the .American flag at Monterey, and be assured of my great
regret that a prior engagement will deprive me of the pleasure of being present
on that occasion. Very sincerely yours.
Nelson A. Miles, Major-General U. S. A.

[Letter from Admiral Lester A. Beardslee.]
U. S. Flag-ship Philadelphia, May 20th, 1896
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Chairman of Committee, etc., 1212 Webster Street,
Oakland, Cal.
DE.-\.R Sir:— Since my interview with you a few days ago at the Occidental
Hotel, I have resolved to so modify my plans in regard to the movement of the
flag-ship as to remove the then existing obstacle to her being in position to take
part in the ceremonies proposed by the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War
to be held at Monterey on the 7th of July.
I therefore, with pleasure, accept the invitation conveyed in your note of the
Sth inst., that I should act as one of the Chief Vice-Presidents,— as the Chief
Representative ofthe Navy, upon that day, and shall esteem it an honor so to do.

146 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
Should there be any point which at this date you would wish to discuss with
me, I shall be at the Occidental, Sunday, the 24th, up to 2 p. M. I can promise
you troops and a band. I am, yours truly.
L. A. Beardslee, U. S. N.
P. S. — Should a call on Sunday not be convenient, it is very seldom that I am
not every day at the Occidental from 6 to 7:30 p. M, , and I presume I shall be there
at those hours for the week.

{Letter of acceptance from William P. Toler, Esq., who was a midshipman in the U.S Navy, aud
present at the first raising of the American flag at Monterey, Cal , by Commodore Jones,
U. S. N., in October, 1842, and lowered by him; and when Mr. Toler was aide-de camp and
Signal Officer under Commodore John D. Sloat, he was the ouewrho actually hoisted the
American flag on the Custom House at Monterey on July 7th, 18.^6.]
Oakland, May 22nd, 1896.
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Chairman Committee of Arrangements Associated
Veterans of the Mexican War.
Dear Sir. — Please accept my thanks for your kind invitation to myself and
family to attead the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the taking pos
session of California and the hoisting ofthe American flag at Monterey, July 7th,
1846, by Commodore John D. Sloat of the U. S. Navy, to take place at Monterey
on July 7th, 1896; and if my health at that time will permit me to be present, I
shall take pleasure in renewing the act of hoisting the American flag at Monterey
as lequested, Very respectfully yours, William P. ToLER.

'[Letter of John Drake Sloat, Jr., the grandson of the late Commodore Johu D. Sloat, U. S. N.]
WentzvillE, Mo., June 19th, 1896.
Major E. A. Sherman, Chaiiman Commiilee, etc., 1212 Webster St., Oakland Cal.
My Dear Major: — I wish to acknowledge your favor of the 7th inst., which
contained your kind invitation to read the original proclamation of grandfather's
at Monterey ou the eventful day of the coming celebration. Indeed, were it
possible for me to do so, I would consider it a high honor; but alas, ill health of
the past two years and business reverses will compel me to forego participation in
this event.
Cousin Bayard must again do the honors ou this occasion as in 1886, and I
•shall look on from a distance. Again let me thank you for the invitation, which
i prize very highly, and which I will shortly have framed. If convenient I would
be very much pleased to have ^our photo with your signature thereon to go with
it. I trust I may some day have the opportunity to grasp the hand of the gentle
man who has so nobly defended the name of my grandfather, and in person thank
you for the great service done.
With kindest regards, I am, sir, yours very respectfully,
jNo. D. Sloat.
Note.— His cousin, the oldest grandson of Commodore Sloat, Lieut. James Bayard Whitte,
tiiore, who had been previously invited, but waived in favor of his cousin, John D. Sloat, Jr.
was then invited to again read the Proclamation as he did before on July 7th, 1886, which invi-
Aatiou was accepted, and he performed the duty.

[Letter of acceptance of Rev. A. A. McAlister, Chaplain U. S. N,]
Mare Island, March 26th, 1896.
Gentlemen: — I thank the Committee of Arrangements of the Associated
Veterans of the Mexican War for the kind invitation to act as the Chaplain at the

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 147
Fiftieth Anniversary of the raising of the American flag at Monterey by Coinmo.
dore Sloat of the U. S. Navy.
I highly appreciate the honor which you confer on me, and shall be happy to
accept the invitation. Yours respectfully,
A. A. McAlister, Chaplain U. S. N.
To Messrs. E. A. Sherman, Joseph Stewart, W. C. Bdrnett, Committee of Arrangements.

[Letter of acceptance of Rev. John H. Macomber, Chaplain U. S. A.]
Angel Island, Cal., June i6th, 1896.
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Oakland, Cal.
Dear Major: — Yours received, and contents noted. In reply, permit me to
say it will give me great pleasure to accept the honor of serving in the position
of oue of the Chaplains at Monterey July 7th. I know of nothing now that
would preyent me from being present on that historic occasion.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
John Harmon Macomber,
Captain and Post Chaplain U. S. A.
Note. — At the last moment he found that he could not be present and sent his regrets, and
his place was supplied by Rev. O. E. Edmonson, U. S. N., Chaplain of the Philadelphia.

[Letter from Mrs. Eliza Pittsinger the Pioneer Poetess ot California. She composed and
delivered the Foem at the celebration of the 40th Anniversary at Monterey, July 5th, 1886.]
224 Green St., S. F., May 25, 1896.
Major Edwm A. Sherman, Chairman Committee of Arrangements Associated
Veterans of the Mexican War, No. 1212 Webster St., Oakland, CaL
Dear Sir: — Y'our favor, inviting me to become your poet on the occasion of
the forthcoming semi-centennial celebration of raising the first American flag in
California by Commodore Sloat is received, and iu answer, let me assure you ij
will give me great pleasure to comply with your request. I appreciate the honor,
and will be on the classic ground of old Monterey on the 7th of July next, to
carry out my own distinctive part of the programme.
Sinceiely yours, Eliza A. Pittsinger.
Note. — This lady, though not in affluent circumstances, but one of the early pioneer ladies
¦of California not only composed the poem for that occasion without charge, but insisted on
paying her own fare and expenses to Monterey aud return, and did so.

[Letter from Mrs. Jessie Benton Fremont, widow of Gen. John C. Fremont.]
Los Angeles, June 13, 1896.
My Dear Sir:— I have to thank you and, through you, the Committee who
invite me to be part in your interesting and historical honoring of the raising of
our flag in Monterey in 1846. If I went anywhere, I would certainly have deep
interest in being present, and it would greatly please me to meet those who served
with General Fremont at that time. But I, too, belong only in memory to what
was a great day, — truly "the birth of an empire."
In sending my regrets, let me add my full sympathy in your celebration and
best wishes for the day.
Sincerely yours, JESSIE Benton Fremont.
-To Edwin A. Sherman, Esq., Chairman Committee Associated Veterans Mexican War.

148 Life of RearAdjiiral John Drake Sloat
[Letter of Hon. Edward M, Preston, Grand Master of Masons ot California, in reply to letter ol
invitation and anticipation of the passing of the bill.]
Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of California,
Office of the Grand Master of Masons.
Nevada City, May 22nd, 1896.
Major E. A. Sherman, Secretary Sloat Monument Association, Oakland.
Dear Sir and Bro.: — Your esteemed favor ofthe 17th inst., with enclosures
relative to the proposed celebration on July 7th, is at hand.
I sincerely trust that Congress will grant the appropriation for the monument,
in which case should it be desired by those in authority, I will convene the Grand
Lodge for the purpose of conducting the ceremonies of la3'ing of the corner stone
of the proposed monument to Commodore Sloat. I beg to assure you that I shall
highly appreciate the honor of participating in the ceremonies on that memorable
occasion. Awaiting your further instructions, I remain, fraternally yours,
E. M. Preston, Grand Master.

[Letter from the same of June 26th, 1S96, from Nevada City.]
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Oakland.
Dear Sir and Bro.: — Your esteemed favor of June 23rd relative to exercises
at Monterey reached me to-day.
I am under obligations to you for giving me this timely information, and beg
to assure you that, should the Grand Lodge be called upon to participate in the
ceremonies, we will endeavor to accommodate our arrangements to the con
venience of the Committee of Arrangements.
Fraternally yours, E. M. Preston, Grand Master.

[Letter from the same. Permission having at last been granted by the Secretary of War to lay
the corner stone.] Nevada City, Cal., June 30, 1896.
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Secretary Sloat Monument Association, Oakland.
Dear Sir and Bro.: — I am in receipt of your telegram and letter of yester
day, and highly appreciate the honor which has been conferred on the Grand
Lodge in the invitation to conduct the ceremonies of the laying of the corner
stone of the monument.
Allow me to thank you personally for the badge of honorary membership in
your Association which I received at your hands. It is an honor which I prize
very highly.
I beg to inform you that I have issued the order convening the Grand Lodge
at Monterey at 9:30 A. M. on the 7th proximo.
Fraternally yours, E. M. Preston, Grand Master.

Hundreds of other letters were received in reply to invitations sent
to the most distinguished officers of the United States Government, the
Vice-President, Senators, Representatives, military and naval officers,
and officers of the State, county and municipal governments of Cali
fornia, distinguished citizens, etc., sufficient to fill a good sized book,
all breathing the spirit of the' purest patrotism, expressed in eloquent

Life of Rear-Admirai. John Drake Sloat 149
language and appreciating the honor conferred and praising and en
couraging the noble object of the undertaking. Pioneer societies and
other organizations were duly invited and their acceptances received
with thanks and placed on file.
The Southern Pacific Railroad Company manifested a most con
siderate and liberal spirit by reducing fares at half rates, going and
returning from all parts of the State, and transporting the corner-stone
of the monument from the quarries at Rocklin, Placer County, free of
charge — it weighing four tons — which favor is gratefully acknowledged ;
two-thirds of the value of the stone being donated by the Rocklin
Granite Company, to whom our thanks are due.
The sum of $3,693.15 was contributed by the people of the State,
of which the sum of $2,063 '^'^'^s contributed by Monterey' town, county
and vicinity, and $1,635 W contributors of San Francisco, all of which
was placed in the hands of the local committee at Monterey which dis
bursed the same. Of this amount but $150 was appropriated towards
the laying of the concrete and other expenses in laying the corner
stone of the monument, and including that and all other expenses con
nected with the celebration on the 7th of July did not exceed ten per
cent of the amount contributed; the ninety and odd per cent, being
expended by that Committee for a fiesta or festivities on the 4th, 5th
and 6th of July, in which the Veterans of the Mexican War had no
interest and were not present to participate in. Consequentlj' as those
matters were but side shows and of a standard not comporting with the
dignity of a national patriotic celebration of the Semi-Centennial Anni
versary of one of the grandest historic events in the history of the
American Republic, the Committee of Publication deem it proper to
make no further reference to those matters whatever.
The Committee of Arrangements of the Associated Veterans of the
Mexican War deeming it to be proper that the event of the raising of
the Bear Flag at Sonoma on the 14th of June, 1846, as a matter of co
incidental history should be commemorated also on its 50th anniversary',
three weeks preceding that at Monterey, correspondence was had with
some of the survivors of the Bear Flag party, some of whom with
others who served under Fremont, and the citizens of Sonoma, Napa
and Lake counties, and a fine celebration was held at Sonoma on
Saturday, June 13th, 1896, an account of which is herein contained.
The 50th anniversary of the raising of the American flag at San
Francisco and the Presidio on July 9th, 1846, by Capt. J. B. Mont
gomery, of the U. S. sloop-of-war Portsmouth, by orders of Commodore
Sloat, the Committee of Arrangements deemed ought not to pass un
noticed; but the Veterans of the Mexican War could not take charge
of the celebration at Monterey and that at San Francisco at the same

150 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Slo.at
time. Accordingly the Exempt Fire Company of San Francisco was
invited to take charge of the latter celebration, and it did so in the
most creditable manner, for which they deserve the hearty thanks and
gratitude of every patriotic citizen — a full account of which is made a
part of this report.
For further description reference is made to the following account
given .
James Layton,
Joseph Stewart,
Charles Lange,
Committee on Publication.

PROCLAMATION. Executive Department, Sacramento, Cal.
On July 7th, A.D. 1846, Commodore Sloat, U. S. N., in the name ofthe United
States of America, raised the flag of our Union at Monterey, Cal., and occupied
the territory under claim of the National Government.
July 7th, A. D. 1896, marks the semi-centennial anniversary of this most im
portant event in the history of our State, and should be set apart as a day of
rejoicing by our people.
Now, therefore, I, James H. Budd, Governor of the State of California, by virtue
of the authority vested in me by the constitution and laws of said State, do
hereby proclaim Tuesday, the 7tli day of July, A. D. 1896, a holiday.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the great seal of
this State to be hereunto affixed, this 29th day of June, A. D. 1896.
James H. Budd, Governor.
L. H.- Brown, Secretary of State.

Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 151

THE CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH ANNI
VERSARY OF THE RAISING OF THE BEAR
FLAG AT SONOMA, CALIFORNIA,
JUNE 14, 1846.
The Committee of Arrangements of the As.sociated Veterans of the
Mexican War, having invited the people of Sonoma to take the neces
sary steps for the celebration of this event three weeks prior to the
raising of the American flag at Monterey by Commodore Sloat, the
invitation was promptly accepted.
The following prominent citizens of Sonoma formed the Executive
and Sub-Committees:
Executive Committee — Fred. T. Duhring, Chairman; Robert P. Hill,
Robert Hall, Geo. O. Campbell, Daniel D. Davisson; Geo. Breitenbach,
Executive Secretary, and Benj. Weed, Secretary of Sub-Committees.
The Chairmen of Sub-Committees were as follows: Finance, Hon.
Robert Howe; Newspaper Correspondence and Press Invitations, N.
H. Granice; Decorations, G. N. Holtz; Transportation, Daniel D.
Davisson; Grounds, G. S. Harris; Reception, Henry Seipp; Dona
tions, Henr}' Hartin; Parade, J. E. Poppe; Reception of Ladies, Mrs.
J. P. W^eems.
The success of the celebration at Sonoma was greatly due to the
efforts especially of Mr. Daniel D. Davisson and Mr. Fred T. Duhring.
The following account, taken from the Examiner, Call, Chronicle
and other newspapers of the following day, together with what is herein
given by Major Edwin A. Sherman, he having been invited to serve as
Grand Marshal of the occasion. It is proper to state that the Hon.
William M. Boggs, of Napa, was elected and served as Councilman,
and Major Edwin A. Sherman was elected and served as the first Clerk
of the town of Sonoma when the late Gen. M. G. Vallejo was Mayor,
and they two are now the only survivors of the first city government
of Sonoma in 185 1.
Sonoma, June 13th. — Brave men and fair women joined to day in a mighty
cheer as the original Bear flag as run up to the peak of the same flagpole that bore
it just fifty years ago, when it heralded the bloodless victory that divorced Cali
fornia from Mexican dominion and wedded her tothe best of all the nations on
which the sun shines. An enthusiasm worthy of the occasion marked the throngs
that assembled here to day to honor the little band of American patriots that rode
into the hamlet of Sonoma at daybreak of June 14, 1846, made a prisoner of Gen.
Vallejo and flung to the breeze the emblem of the new republic.
From early morning every avenue wbich gives the town commuuication with

152 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
the outside world was thronged with those who would attend the anniversary
exercises that were to begin at 1 1 o'clock. Excursion trains from the metropolis
brought a large delegation of Pioneers, several officers of the Grand Parlor of the
Native Sons of the Golden West, and five hundred or more Native Sons and
Native Daughters. From Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Napa and other
near-by towns came hundreds of excursionists to swell the crowd. Never before
in the history of the town had so many people assembled at one time, because,
perhaps, there has never before been so great a source of attraction.
The entertainment provided the great assemblage, as well as the ceremonies
of the day, were worthy the occasion. The beginning of the day was marked by
the firing of anvils, the sharp reverberations awakening echoes along the inclos
ing hills and giving notice to rustic and townsman that the time for the much-
talked-of-celebration was at hand. At intervals throughout the day the firing
was continued, accentuating the cheers of the multitude around the speakers'
stand and adding to the demonstration the essential element so dear to the Ameri
can heart. Everything was as it should be, and the prepared programme was
carried out without break of any kind.
As the delegations arrived from San Francisco and other points they were met
at the railway depot by a committee of citizens and there formed into a procession
by Major Edwin A. ,Sherman, a former citizen of this place of forty-six years ago,
and the first City Clerk in 1851 under Gen. M. G. Vallejo as Mayor.
The procession marched through the principal streets and around the plaza to
the corner where a stand for the accommodation of the speakers had been erected
beside the sturdy flagpole that has withstood successfully the destroying element
for more than half a century. There when all had assembled, Frederick T.
Duhring, one of Sonoma's prominent citizens, introduced Mayor Henry Seipp,
who delivered an address of welcome. Mayor Seipp said:
Mr. President and Citizens of California: — On behalf of the people of this
valley and city I welcome you to our hospitality. Though the boundaries of our
corporation are not extensive, and the posibilities of our wealth and population
are not many, we feel high pride in the part this valley has taken in the growth
ofthe State.
It was here the first step was made that brought this region under the Stars
and Stripes. It is here, after a lapse of fifty years, we meet under that banner to
pay homage to the spirit of adventure which has since the earliest time been the
genius of our development. From the vantage point of these fifty years we may
review the events of our growth.
The June of 1846 smiled upon an almost virgin soil. Communication with
civilization was irregular and infrequent. The natives were vastly in the majority,
and the conditions of progress were wanting. Now the peaceful homes of our
people ara seen on every hand. The fruitful soil bears bears rich burdens of
plenty. The occurrences of yesterday are the subjects of our conversation to-day.
The Indian is a thing of the past.
So great have been the changes that it is with difficulty we comprehend the
gigantic strides with which the present has been reached. The first signal of the
grand march of progress was by the patriots of our high destiny unfurled from
yonder. They could not see the present, but, urged on by supreme confidence in
the goddess of our fortunes, they placed an empire at her feet. Swiftly dormant
energies quickened and the wild became tame. The institution of liberty and
law soon found foothold and the hopes that were are the realizatiou of to-day.
So it is well we remember our birth into the republic of liberty and pay tribute

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 153
to the spirit that plunged into the vast wilderness of the West and builded this
empire of the Pacific. We bid you welcome. The freedom of the city is yours.
May your sojourn in our midst long be pleasantly remembered. Honor to the
Bear Flag! Hail to you all!
Henry C. Gesford, president of the day, followed the Mayor, prefacing his re
marks by saying that his duties were not those of an orator, though he could not
refrain from giving brief expression to a few of the thoughts called into life by
the occasion that brought his hearers together. Continuing, he said:
History is a record of man's achievements and their results, and it is the pride
of every Californian that to the early pioneer is traced the first beatings of the
great heart of this commonwealth, and that in the magnificence of the California
of to-day we see the proud results ofthe victories of these vanguards of our State
hood. We honor ourselves in paying homage to the memory of these men, most
of whom now sleep beneath the oaks of these valleys. We have with us on this
occasion survivors of that heroic band who will now raise aloft the rude banner
which, born iu revolution, hallowed by age and endeared by time, is an inspira
tion to every man who cherishes the history of this great State and reveres the
memory of those heroes of '46.
As the speaker closed, two of these survivors of the Bear Flag party B. F.
Dewell and Henry Beeson — the others, Harvey Porterfield of Napa county, and
Thomas Knight of San Francisco, were absent— attached the tattered old flag to
the suspended halyards and slowly hoisted the symbol to the top of the staff.
The act was greeted by continued cheering.
Following this ceremony came the reading of a historical essay by Robert A.
Thompson of Santa Rosa. He dwelt at length on the achievements of the men
who proclaimed .the California Republic. He said:
Of that gallant band of thirty-three that captured Sonoma, only four are now
known to be living, and two of them are with us to-day. The rest have passed
away, but if ever the spirit of the departed returns to the most potent scenes of
its earthly activity then, though all unseen, the spirits of those brave men are in
our midst to-day. But I see in the future a monument to their memory. It
stands upon this plaza, a late but deserved tribute to their valor. The typical
grizzly guards its base; upon the polished surface of its foursquare shaft are
emblazoned the names of the Bear Flag men, and it is crowned with a statue of
their beloved California.
Merton C. Allen, orator of the day, paid a brilliant tribute to the memory of
those who were first in the struggle to relieve California from Mexican dominion.
He said:
Nearly nineteen centuries ago a new star arose in the far East. It was a star of
hope that guided the shepherds, who watched their flocks by night, to a humble
manger where lay the Christ-child at Bethlehem. The light of that wondrous
star has come down through the centuries. It illumines the pages of history, and
now, as in days of long ago, points the way to Him all people know as the Savior
of mankind. Standing on this platform, uuder the influence of a thousand memories which
are called to mind by the day and the occasion, another star confronts me. It is
the lone star of the California Republic. I see it emblazoned on that historic
Bear Flag which floats so proudly over our heads. In every line and fold of that
old banner I read a lesson that should be dear to every California heart. To me
the lone star is a source of inspiration. It renders a little more dear the knowl
edge of my nativity, and reminds me that as the star of Bethlehem guided men

154 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
in olden limes to the birthplace of Christ, so did the star which first flashed intO'
into view en that old flag inspire the men of another day to a deed of heroic
valor, to which we owe the fact that to-day this great territory of California is a
part of the United States.
The speaker reviewed the history of the Bear Flag movement, defended the
motives of those who participated, resented the unjust criticisms of prejudiced
historians, and added:
Be history written as it may, the Bear Flag has a permanent place in the
affections of that growing body of young men who call themselves the Native
Sons of the Golden West. They love the banner of 1846 for the principle of
American independence which it typifies, and as long as the Order lives, the men
who helped to raise the banner of the bear and star are assured an honored place
in the sacred album of memory.
The Bear Flag stands for home and native land. It became all the more dear
to California hearts on that memorable 9th of September, 1850, when the lone
star of self became merged in the constellation of national unity, and California
was proclaimed the thirty-first State in the American Confederation.
The speaker paid a high tribute to the patriotic spirit of Californians, and con
gratulated his audience upon the wonderful growth and advancement of the State
since the days of the Bear Flag, and concluded in these words;
No words could enlarge a fame that is destined to endure as long as history.
Sufficient be it that in passing I raise in honor of the departed pioneer a simple
shaft of kindly thought. About the column I entwine the two historic flags
which his hand helped to raise for the good of mankind. May the tears of angels
water the flowers of tender memory which grow about him, and the breezes of
heaven chant a requiem over his grave.
Major Sherman being called upon, spoke briefly but eloquently of the history
of the men of the old town of Sonoma, paying a just tribute to the memory of
Gen. M. G. Vallejo, who was in favor of California becoming a part ofthe Ameri
can Republic and opposed to its being made British territory by being sold by the
Central Government of Mexico to pay the English debt. Here in Sonoma was
where the Headquarters of the Pacific Division of the U. S. Army in 1850-1-2-3.
were located, witb Gen. Persifor F. Smith in command, with his staff, composed
of Lieutenant-Colonel, afterwards Gen. Joseph Hooker, who was then Assistant
.¦\djutant General, Major Ifiram Leonard, Paymaster, Major Phil. Kearney, also
afterwards General, the first at the head of his command to enter the City of
Mexico before its surrender, and to lose his arm at the Gate of Belen. Here also
was Lieutenant George Stoneman, afterwards General, and later to become the
Governor of California. Also Lieutenant George H. Derby, of the Engineer
Corps, who was the prince of wags, known as "John Phcenix" and "Squibob,"
whose name and fame is known throughout the breadth and length of the Pacific
Coast and wherever the army button is worn.
Here was where the pr.;tty Missouri girls lived who had recovered from the
alkali of the plains, whose cheeks were like roses, their eyes shing with the blue
depths of heaven, and whose ruby lips were wet with nectar and honey-dew upon
which the humming-birds delighted to feed, as well as other birds without any
feathers, though the down might be growing that would develop into hirsute
appendages. But tte girls of those days were now grandmothers, were now too
old to kiss, and he would have to look to the younger generation for the ancient
refreshment of Platonic love upon the lips while "Fond memory brings the light
of other days around him."

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 155 ¦
He returned his thanks for the kind remembrance and the honor conferred
upon him in inviting him to come from his home in Oakland to act as Grand
Marshal upon this historic occasion, which was an honor indeed unexpected and
most gratefully appreciated.
His remarks were received with hearty applause.
At the close of the speech-making every one so disposed repaired to the tables
built under the trees of the plaza, and all were there served with barbecued meats-
from smoking pits, where the fires had been going since Friday morning.

THE REVOLT AT SONOMA.

Love of Liberty Moved the Men of '46 to Cut Adrift
From Mexico.

" A day, an hour of virtuous liberty
Is worth a whole eternity of bondage."
Let those who will, allege that the raising of the Bear Flag was a
precipitate act, the sentiment of these lines of Addison is all the justi
fication that need be offered, if indeed any be required. The men of
' 46 raised the s^^mbol in the cause of liberty.
The raising of the Bear Flag at Sonoma just fifty years ago — June
14, 1846 — precipitated unquestionably the entry of California into the
L'nion. The time was ripe. A strong, firm hand was needed to blaze
out the path of a more enlightened civilization. Mexico, so deeply
engaged with her own affairs, had neither time nor interest sufficient to
pa}' heed to the requirements of her department — California. The
civil and military authorities here were continually at swords' points,
and as a result crime stalked unchecked; justice, unknown as a reality,
was a name only; education was neglected, and there was a well-
grounded belief that the Mexican authorities intended, sooner or later,
to expel the foreign settlers from their adopted homes. It but required
some such suggestion as that made by the heroes of Sonoma to center
attention on the path to relief. The rest came naturally.
Early in January of 1846, Captain John C. Fremont, of the United
States Army, in command of an exploring expedition, entered Cali
fornia via the Truckee route and encamped in the vicinity of what
became Kern and Fresno counties. He spent some time in camp, then
went to Sutter's Fort, subsequently visiting both San Jose and Mon
terey. At the latter place he had a conference with Thonias O. Lar
kin, who was the Consular representative, as well as the confidential
ao-ent of the United States Government in California.
Commandante Jose Castro, who, with Pio Pico, the Governor,
divided Mexican authorit}' in California, could not fail to learn that
Fremont was at Monterey and had left a body of armed "explorers" at

156 Life of Rear-.'^dmiral John Drake Sloat
Sutter's Fort. He demanded from Consul Larkin an explanation of
the visit. Castro was informed that the object ofthe "pathfinder" was
to survej' a practical overland route to the Pacific. It was also stated
that Fremont and his partj' were going north to Oregon.
The Captain and his men did not at once take up the trail north-
tvard, but marched south via Santa Teresa, over the Santa Cruz
mountains and via Los Gatos to Santa Cruz, and then inland to the
Salinas valley. This took place immediately after the conference with
Consul Larkin, and Jose Castro joined Prefect Manuel Castro in a
demand that Fremont withdraw at once. The Captain declined abso
lutely, intrenched himself on Gabilan Peak, and for the second time
the Stars and Stripes were hoisted by an American soldier in California.
This was on March 6, 1846.
Castro mustered a couple of hundred men with the idea of dislodg
ing the Americans, but thought better of it and gave up the plan.
Fremont leisurely withdrew from his peak and marched north.
Another representative of the United States Government then put
in an appearance — Lieutentant Archibald H. Gillespie, of the United
States Marine Corps. He was sent to cooperate with Larkin and Fre
mont in the peaceful annexation of California.
Gillespie went after Fremont with letters from the Government as
well as from Larkin, reaching Lassen's rancho on May 24th. Even Hu
bert Howe Bancroft in his ingenious description ofthe career of Fremont
in these days admits that the policy of the United States was clearly
made manifest to Larkin, Fremont ahd Gillespie, and that the policy
was to seize California in the event of war with Mexico.
To the rumors that were current in the northern part of the State
at that time, as a result of the clash between Fremont and Castro, were
added stories, more or less founded on fact, of threatening proclama
tions issued by General Castro against Americans. So it happened
that when a report reached Fremont's camp that Castro was gathering
an army to drive the foreign settlers from the country, a small and
courageous body of men under Ezekiel Merritt set forth from Fremont's
camp determined to check any advance or perish in the attempt. On
Sunday, June 14, 1846, with a following of perhaps thirty-three men,
Merritt marched to Sonoma, quieth' took possession and hoisted over
the city the standard of the California Republic, known ever since to
history- as the Bear Flag.
The act may have been precipitate, but there was every incentive
for the men to strike for their homes and inaugurate what they hoped
would be a better state of affairs.
The men who raised the Bear Flag at Sonoma were Ezekiel Merritt,
William B. Ide, John Grigsby, Robert Temple, Henry Beeson, H. L.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 157
Ford, William Todd, William Fallon, William Knight, William Har
grave, Samuel Kelsey, G. P, Swift, Samuel Gibson, W. W. Scott,
Thomas Cowie, William B. Elliott, Thomas Knight, Horace Sanders,
Henry Booker, David Hudson, JohnSearS. J, H. Kelley, C. C. Griffith,
Harvey Porterfield, John Scott, Ira Stebbins, Marion Wise, Ferguson,
Peter Storm, Patrick McChristian, Bartlett Vines, John Gibbs, George
W. Williams, Andrew Kelsey, Benjamin Kelsey and Benjamin Dewell.
Of this party there are but four survivors — Harvey Porterfield, Ben
jamin Dewell, Henry Beeson and Thomas Knight.
Mr. Dewell answered a few days ago the questions propounded by
Bancroft, to wit: " Who furnished the cotton? Who the flannel?
Whence came the red paint? Was the cloth new or old? Had the
flannel graced the undergarment of a fair and patriotic lady, or had it
filled a humble station as a part of a man's red shirt?"
Mr. Dewell's answer describes the flag graphically.
"The pioneer does not remember who furnished the cotton, but
cotton was plentiful. Red flannel was very scarce, however. Mrs. J.
Grigsby and Mrs. W. B. Elliott furnished the red flannel. The latter
supplied all she could from a petticoat, and then from the leathern-
shirted throng a committee of one was chosen to call upon Mrs. Grigsby
for the remainder." It happened that the lady was in the act of cutting
up red flannel for an expected baby Grigsby. She yielded, however, to
the exigency of the hour and denied herself and her unborn babe that
the flag might be completed.
"The flag was made," said Dewell a few days ago, "in the front
room of the barracks, just at the left of the door, and most of the sew
ing was done by myself. 'Bill' Todd painted the bear and star with
black ink. The colors — red, white and blue — were used because they
were the colors of the United States flag. The bear was selected as
representing the strongest animal found in that section of the country.
The language of the flag was; 'A bear stands his ground always, and
as long as the stars shine we stand for the cause.' "
Mrs Dewell, who was a daughter of the petticoat-sacrificing Mrs.
Elliott, remembers the flag well. She says it consisted of nine or ten
stripes alternating in white, red and blue, with a blue square in the
upper corner next the staff, a black star on the first white stripe, and a
black bear on the second white stripe. Underneath the bear were the
words, "California Republic." The bear and lettering were in ink.
Thomas Cowie helped Dewell in the sewing, as they were both saddlers
by trade. The result of their labors may not have been a work of art,
but it stood for the grandest sentiment which can inspire men to noble
thoughts and deeds; it stood for liberty.
With the hoisting of the flag an accomplished fact, it was but

,158 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
-natural that these men should desire to be known as something else
-than a mere party of filibusters, and so they supplemented the declara
tion which the Bear Flag itself made with a proclamation. This pro-
-nunciamento was written by Ide himself and bore the date June 15,
-1846. The original is in the possession of the Societ}' of California
Pioneers, and its text is as follows:
a proclathation to all persons, citizens of sonoma and country
Around Requesting Them to Remain at Peace and to Follow
Their Rightful Occupation Without Fear of Molestation.
The commander-in-chief of the troops assembled at the fort of Sonoma gives
his inviolable pledge to all persons in California not found under arms that they
shall not be disturbed' in their persons, their property or their social relations one
to another by men under his command. He also solemnly declares his object to
¦ be, first, to defend himself and his brave companions in arms who were invited to
this country by a promise of land on which lo settle themselves and families;
who were also. promised a Republican government; who, when having arrived in
California were denied even the privilege of buying or renting land of their
friends; who instead of being allowed to participate in or being protected by a
Republican government, were oppressed by a military despotism; who were even
threatened by proclamation from the chief officer of the aforesaid despotism with
extermination if they would not depart out of the country, leaving all their
property, their arms atid beasts of burden; and thus deprived of the means of
, flight or defense, we were to be driven through the deserts, inhabited by hostile
Indians, lo certain death. To overthrow a government which has seized the mis
sions for its individual aggrandizement, which has ruined and shamefully
. oppressed the laboring people of California by their enormous exactions on goods
imported into the country, is the determined purpose of the brave men who are
associated under his command.
He also solemnly declares his object in the second place to be to invite all
peaceable and good citizens of California, who are friendly to the maintenance of
good order and equal rights, and I do hereby invite them to repair to my camp at
¦ Sonoma without delay to assist us in establishing and maintaining a Republican
Government which shall secure to all civil and religious liberty; which shall en
courage industry, virtue and literature; which shall leave unshackled by fetters,
commerce, manufactures and mechauism.
He further declares that he relies upon the rectitude of our intentions, the
favor of heaven and the bravery of those who are bound to and associated with
him by the principle of self-preservation, by the love of truth and by the hatred
of tyranny — for his hopes of success.
He further declares that he believes that a government, to be prosperous and
happifying in its tendencies, must originate wilh its people who are friendly to
its existence; that its citizens are its guardians, its officers are its servants and its
glory their reward. William B. Ide, Commander.
Headquarters Sonoma, June 15, 1846.
This narrative of the stand taken by brave men ma}- be closed with
; a quotation from one of their number, Robert Semple:
A single, man cried .out, "Let us divide the spoils," but one uni.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 159
versal, dark, indignant frown made him shrink from the presence of
honest men, and from that time forward no man dared to hint anything
like violating the sanctity of a private house, or touching private
propert}'. Their children in generations yet to come will look back
with pleasure upon the commencement of a revolution ' carried on by
their fathers upon principles high and holy as the laws of eternal
justice.

Thus the celebration of the raising of the Bear Flag at Sonoma
on June 14th, 1846, was brought to a happy close, the fitting prelude
to the celebration of a greater event but far less perilous to the partici
pants in the raising of the American flag at Monterey b>' Commodore
John D. Sloat, on the 7th of July, 1846, a little more than three weeks
afterwards. [Copy of letter received.] Sonoma, Cal., June i5lh, 1896.
Major E . A. Sherman.
Mv Dear Sir: — Ou behalf of the Executive Committee, I wish to thank you
for your services as Marshal of the parade. We look upon your speech at the
foot of the flagpole as one of the events of the day. Your obedient servant,
Benj. Weed, Secretary Executive Committee.

i6o Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat

THE CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH ANNI
VERSARY OF THE RAISING OF THE AMER
ICAN FLAG AT MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA,
BY COMMODORE JOHN DRAKE SLOAT,
U. S. N., JULY 7TH, 1846.

The Laying of the Corner-Stone of the Sloat Monument
BY the M. W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons of the State of California, at
Monterey, July 7TH, 1896.
On account of the limited time for carrying out the entire programme
of the da}-, and as a large portion of the organizations could not arrive
by the trains until noon, the Sloat Monument Association deemed it
best that the corner-stone should be laid at 10:30 o'clock in the fore
noon of July yth, 1896, and the arrangements were made accordingly.
The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of
California assembled in the Hall of Monterey Lodge No. 217, F. & A.
M., where it was opened in ample form with the following officers:
M. W. Edward Myers Preston, Grand Master.
R. W. William Thomas Lucas, Deputy Grand Master.
R. W Thomas Grafton Lambert as Senior Grand Warden.
R. \\\ Frank Marion Angellotti, Junior Grand Warden.
v. W. Edward Coleinan, Grand Treasurer.
V. W. George Johnson, Grand Secretary.
V. R. Jacob Voorsanger, Grand Orator.
W. Edward Swift West, Grand Marshal.
W. Henry Jameson Burns as Grand Standard Bearer.
W. Henry Calcutt Keyes, Grand Sword Bearer.
W Jerome Bonaparte Richardson, Grand Bible Bearer.
W. William INIonroe Petrie, Senior Grand Deacon.
W William Frank Pierce as Junior Grand Deacon.
W. John Randolph Patrick as Senior Grand Steward.
W H. C. Levy as Grand Pursuivant.
W Samuel David ^Nlayer, Grand Organist.
W. William James Towle as Grand Tiler.
The Grand Lodge assembled with the officers and members of Mon
terey Lodge No. 217, F. & A. M., as follows:
W. Thomas Grafton Lambert, Master.
William Kay, Senior Warden.

Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat i6i
Will Jacks, Junior Warden.
James Bowman Snively, Treasurer.
William Edward Crawford, Secretary.
Wm. M. R. Parker, Senior Deacon.
Edward Grimes as Junior Deacon.
Edward Spencer Josselyn, Senior Steward.
H. A. Olmsted, Junior Steward.
William James Towle, Tyler.
And the following members:
Thomas Bralee, Andrew Bronson, Jacob Warren Bugby, Samuel S.
Boyle, Abner Bassett, Theodore Webster Cook, Mason Lorenzo Dexter,
Samuel Franklin Geil, Adolph Garrick, Ferdinand Gunzendorfer,
Edward Ingram, Matthew Collins Ireland, Henry Edmund Kent,
David Spencer Little, William Henry Pyburn, Frank Pierce, John R.
Patrick, D. D. Spencer, Isaac N. Swetnam, Luther S. Toothaker and
Jonathan Wright, with the Masonic Veteran Association and following
visiting Brethren:
F. A. Abbott, Washington Ayer, J. W. Baum, C. E. Brown, L. A.
Brownell, E. B. Church, J. T. Collins, W. M. Carrick, Samuel H.
Collins, B. Coleman, R. Dixie, Charles W. Decker, C. E. Davison, W.
E. Edmonson, Thomas Flint, James K. P. Fancher, Joseph Figel, J.
W. Grimes, Wm. Hubbard, J. G. Hoey, F. Hawes, Robert Hall, O. S.
Henderson, H. Hinkle, Royal R. IngersoU, Isadore Jacobs, H. H.
Kirby, S. Lorenzen, Samuel W. Levy, J. H. Lanyon, L- B. Luther,
Oswald Lubbock, O. J. Lincoln, Robert Munch, A. A. McAlister, M.
J. O'Brien, F. O. Oak, James Orr, J. A. Petersen, S. M. Raineley,
Wm. Sutton, T. W. Shmeckel, E. H. Safley, G. W. Sill, Edwin A.
Sherman, Thomas J. Tidball, James Topley, Robert A. Williams, and
many others who failed to register, numbering in all about one hun
dred and fifty Master Masons representing fifty or more lodges in Cali
fornia and a few others elsewhere.
In the meantime, a battalion of seamen and marines from the U. S.
Flagship Philadelphia and the Monitor Monadnock, under the com
mand of Brother and Lieutenant-Commander Royal R. IngersoU of the
Philadelphia, and preceded by the Marine Band of that ship, were
drawn up in line in front of the hall of Monterey Lodge No. 217, of
F. & A. M.
As the Grand Lodge of Masons appeared and formed in line of
procession, the naval battalion presented arms, while the band played
an appropriate air. When all was arranged, the naval battalion was
ordered into column by divisions, and acting as escort to the Grand
Lodge of Masons, and led by Major Edwin A. Sherman as Grand
Marshal mounted on horseback, the procession moved down Alvarado

i62 Life of Re.\r Admiral John Drake Sloat
street, which was gaily decorated, past the Old Custom House, thence
up Decatur street to the road leading to Pacific Grove to the entrance
to the Military Reservation, passing in review of the naval battalion
which returned to the ships of war. The Masonic procession moved up
to the front of the prolonged angle of Fort Mervine, and thence directly
east to where the corner-stone was ready to be laid; signal men were
placed to signal to the ships of war in the harbor the moment the
stone was laid.
A large concourse of people, numbering several thousands, covered
the old entrenchments of Fort Mervine, the crown and slopes of the
hill, and where Admiral Beardslee and his staff, the officers and mem
bers of the Sloat Monument Association with a few scattered veterans
of the Mexican War sprinkled in the throng, the main bodies of which
latter had not yet arrived.
¦When the Grand Master, Edward M. Preston, had taken his station
with the other Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Cali
fornia around him, and all was in readiness, Bro. Dr. Washington
Ayer, M. D., of San Francisco, President of the Sloat Monument
Association, stepped forward with the trowel in hand, and addressed
the Grand Master as follows:
Most Worshipful Grand Master Edward M. Preston, of the Grand Lodge of
Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California: — We have assembled here
to-day to commemorate one of the most important and interesting events in the
annals of our country, and to honor the memory of one who was not only brave
in battle iu the defense of his country, and upon the ocean amidst the perils of
storms, but was also brave in his integrity and determination to perform his duty
promptly and well.
Fifty years ago to-day Commodore John Drake Sloat raised the emblem of
freedom — the "Old Glory" of his country — near the ground we now occupy,
which act led to the achievement of one of the most important conquests re
corded in history, and which gave peaceful possession of California, Nevada and
Utah, with mora than 350,000 square miles of territory to the United States.
We are here to lay the corner-stone upon which will be built a monument to
his memory and become an enduring expression ofthe gratitude ofthe American
people for the patriotism, loyalty and fidelity he displayed to his country in the
hour when the great interests of the Nation were imperiled by the voice beyond
the sea, and in that supreme moment of danger when the English fleet, com.
manded by Admiral Sej-mour on the Collingwood, was within sound of the can
non upon the American warships Savannah, Cyane and Levant then safely
anchored in the bay of Monterey.
Then the spirit of American freedom hovered over this fair land of fruits,
vines and flowers in perennial bloom and revealed the future destiny of California
to the world, which is now the brightest star in the galaxy of States. With mines
of untold wealth, having already produced more thau 81,600,000,000 of gold, and
with forests of the giant sequoia, the grandest waterfalls in the world, the most
sublime aud charming mountain scenery, salubrious climate, orange groves and
orchards laden with eviry variety of fruit, and vineyards whose vintage is found

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 163
throughout the civilized world, and the voice of thrift is heard through the valleys
where the sunset's afterglow cheers the hours of departing day.
These are all the inheritance, bequests and blessings secured by the act of a
brave man, whose name posterity, through succeeding generations, will hold in
sacred esteem, and no cowardly and unscrupulous historian will dare ever again
to outrage his memory or attempt to impeach his integrity.
The assassination of true history and the malicious libels upon the life and
character of Commodore Sloat by a pseudo historian of California should give his
voluminous labors a prominent place in obscurity.
The events of that period of 1846, so full of imminent danger to the acqui
sition of this favored land, gave birth to a new and higher civilization along the
whole of the Pacific Coast, and well may our country feel proud of the achieve
ment and well can it afford to build monuments to the memory of its heroes
dead — monuments which shall stand as the repositories of that spirit of patriotism
and gratitude which animates the hearts ofa free and intelligent people.
A monument like the pyramids of Egypt may express only an idea of stability
or so much force and labor expended without the reward of history; but when the
granite shaft becomes the embodiment of a sentiment of gratitude as the eyes
gaze upon it, it inspires a desire to rise above the average man in the path of
patriotic duty and elevates one to the dignity and true nobility of the citizen. It
becomes the object lesson of faith in the army and upon the field of battle, and is
the beacon-light and bow of promise to the brave.
Love of country is the natural instinct and birth-right of all nations and tribes
of men; and the higher the civilization, the more sacred becomes the obligation
of a free people to preserve the acquisitions of conquests against the possible
invasion of a foreign foe, and the encroachment of undesirable neighbors. Our
country may rightfully feel proud of its achievements and the acquisitions of its
conquests upon the Pacific Coast.
To keep alive and perpetuate the memory of those early stirring times of
California during the brief struggles for its acquisition and separation from its
parent government, the yth of July should be made for the future a National
legal holiday — equal in importance to the 17th of Juue — that the hearts of our
youth may be filled with patriotism, while tbey sing their hymns of rejoicing,
and then we should realize more than we have yet done the great benefits secured
by the conquest of this sunset land; where now the voice ofthe murmuring ocean
is the lullaby of the miduight slumbers of the Nation. Here no longer the vigi
lant eye grows weary with its long vigils — the heart-throb of patriotic doubt and
fear are now lulled into serene repose, and there is no longer fear that a hostile
invading army will attempt to wrest from our grasp the coveted prize of fifty
years ago — a prize then made an eternal bequest lo freedom by the immortal
spirit of Commodore John Drake Sloat,_whose eulogy will be fittingly pronounced
by the orator of the day.
Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons ofthe State of California: Believing you to be equally skilled in operative
as j-ou are in speculative masonry — in accordance with an ancient and time-
honored custom, the Sloat Monument Association invited you to be present to
day to la}' the corner-stone of the monument commemorative of the heroic deeds
of a brave and loyal officer of the navy; aud I now present you with this trowel,
which will assist you to perform your labor, -you will see thit the stone is level —
you will see that it is plumb and that it is square — that future generations shall

164 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
find it as you leave it, as unchanged and true as the patriotism planted in the
hearts of the American people.
The M. W. Grand Master Edward M. Preston in response expressed
his high appreciation of the honor extended to the Grand Lodge of
Masons. It was fitting that the Masons should on this day unite with
the people of the Pacific Coast in paying homage to the memory of
Sloat, and so, too, in laying a corner-stone of a monument to him. The
speaker drew a beautiful picture of the trowel and cement, which was
emblematic of the cement that ties the craft of Masonry in bonds of
fraternity. The trowel, he said, would be treasured by him as a
beloved memento of this great day, which, he declared, would through
out the ages be as an emblem of patriotism. His address was
applauded warmly.
Dr. Church, acting Grand Chaplin of the Grand Lodge, then pro
nounced an eloquent prayer, at the close of which the Grand Lodge
replied in unison, "So mote it be."
The National hymn "America" was then sung by the Masonic
Choir and the vast audience, led by Bro. Samuel D. Mayer, the Grand
Organist. Grand Master Preston then addressed Dr. Washington Ayer, the
President of the Sloat Monument Association, as follows:
On behalf of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of
California, I formally accept your invitation, Mr. President, and will proceed wilh
the ceremony of laying this foundation stone; and may the shaft which is to be
erected hereon remain a monument to truth, justice, and heroic patriotism.
The Grand Master then addressing the Senior Grand Warden, said:
Brother Senior Grand Warden: It has been the custom among the Fraternity
of Free and Accepted Masons, from time immemorial, to assemble for the purpose
of laying the foundation stones of public buildings or of such other structures as
are intended to commemorate great public events or the patriotic services of great
public men, when requested so to do by those having authoj-ity. The Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California, having been
invited by the Sloat Monument Association of California to lay the foundation
stone of the monument proposed to be here erected in honor of the late John
Drake Sloat, Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy, who when Commodore and in command
of the Pacific Squadron, and in obedience to orders from the U. S. Government,
landed here and hoisted the American flag, taking possession of California on
July 7th, 1846, and on this the 50th anniversary of that event, it appearing to me
to be one of the proper occasions for such services as just related, that body has,
by my order, been here convened, and it is my will and pleasure that it do now
assist me in the performance of that welcome duty. This you will communicate
to the Junior Grand Warden, with instructions that he thus inform the Craft
that they, and all others here present, may be duly notified thereof.
The Senior Grand Warden then communicated the order to the
Junior Grand Warden, as follows:

if*

MRS. ELIZA A. PITTSINGER,
Of San Francisco, Cal.
The Pioueer Poetess of California, aud the author of
"The Bugle Peals." She was the Poet ou the occasion
of the Celebration at Monterey, July 5th, 1886, aud of
that at the same place, on July yth, 1S96, iusistiug ou
paying her own fare going and returning, her expenses
while there, and giving her services gratuitously ou
both occasions. Such patriotism is indeed praiseworthy
and deserving ot mention. Her poem will speak for
itself.

MRS. BIvAKE-ALVERSON,
Of Oakland, Cal.
She is the daughter of the late Rev. Henry Kroh, oue
ofthe Pioueer Ministers who came here in 1S48 iu Coni-
pauy of Col John C. Fremont. Mrs. Alverson is the
oldest singer of note iu California, her first notes were
sung in Stockton, Cal., at the age of fifteen, in the year
1852. She has had the honor of singing for all the
prominent demonstrations given in California, her
voice was always given to promote the advancement of
every good for the land she loved and the flag she re
vered. She sang for Wm. Seward, Secretary of State,
Presidents Benjaiuin Harrison and William McKinley
ou their visits to California, and she is singing yet with
her usual acceptance that has followed her all these
years during the growth of this her beloved State,
California.

MRS. THOMAS G. LAMBERT,
Of Monterey, Cal.,
Who with her husband. Capt. Ivambert, was in charge
of and resided in the Old Custom House at Mouterey
for upwards ot twenty years, keeping it in good repair
without any assistance from the U. S. Government.
We have enjoyed their hospitality in it and out of it.
She is one of the best wives and truest patriotic women
in California or elsewhere. She gave the use of her lot
for the Grand Stand without charge on July 7th, 1896.

^-#r

MRS. EMILY A. FISH,
Keeper of Point Pinos Light House, Monterey Harbor,
Cal. Chairman of the Ladies' Reception Committee at
Monterey, Cal., July 7th, i8g6, and July 7th, 1902. An
elegant and hospitable lady of the finest character.
She keeps the light in Uncle Sam's window for me and
for you and everybody else, and is faithful to the trust
reposed in ber.

LIEUT. J. REYNOLDS LANDIS, U. S. A.
First Regiment of Cavalry. Aide-de-Camp to Gen.
Jamtrs W. Forsyth, U. S. A., C(jninianding Department
of California. Appointed by orders from the Secretary
of War to make the selection of the site for the Sli)at
Monument at Monterey, Cal. Active Member uf the
Sloat Monument Association.

CAPT. CASSIUS E. GILLETTE,
Of THK U. S. Kngineers,
who assisted iu making the location of the site for the
Sloat Monunit-nt, at Monterey, Cal. Active Member of
the Sloat Monument Associatiou.

*

^^ f^.

^,fi.'^

BRO. ALEXANDER P. MURGOTTEN
Of Friendship Lods:e, No. 210. F. and A. M., California.
Honorary Member July 7th, iRgSof the Masonic Veteran
Association of the P.icific Coast. Active Member ofthe
Sloat Monument Association and to whom, we are in
debted for the loan of several of the half-tone pictures
in this work.

ENSIGN EDWIN H. DODD, U. S. N.
Now on the U. S, Ship "Boston.'' Who rendered valu
able assistance in the preparation of this work.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 165
Brother Junior Grand Warden: It is the will and pleasure of the Most Worship
ful Grand Master, that the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of California do uow assist
in laying the foundation stone of the monument to be here erected in honor of
the late John Drake Sloat, Rear Admiral ofthe U, S. Navy, who when Commodore
and in command of the Pacific Squadron, and in obedience to orders from the U.
S. Goverument, landed here and hoisted the American flag, taking possession of
California on July 7th, 1846, and ou this the 50th aiiniversory of that event.
, The Junior Grand Warden then repeated the order to the assem
blage as follows:
Brethren: It is the will and pleasure of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of
Masoi^ of the State of California, that the Grand Lodge thereof do now proceed
with the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the monument to be here
erected in honor of the late John Drake Sloat, Rear Admiral of the U. S. Navy,
who when Commodore and in command of the Pacific Squadron, and in obedience
to orders from the U. S. Government, landed here and hoisted the American flag,
taking possession of California on July 7th, 1846, and on this the 50th anniversary
of that event. Of this you will take due notice, and govern yourselves accordingly.
The Grand Master then addressing the Grand Treasurer said:
Brother Grand Treasurer: It has ever been the custom of the Craft upon occa
sions like the present, to deposit within a cavity in the stone placed at the
northeast corner of the edifice (or of the foundation stone of a monument) cer
tain memorials of the period at which it was erected; so that if, during the lapse
of ages, the fury of the elements, the violence of man, or the slow but certain
ravages of time, should lay bare its foundations, an enduring record may be
found by succeeding generations to bear testimony to the untiring, unending in
dustry aud fidelity of the Free and Accepted Masons. Has such a deposit now
been prepared ?
The Grand Treasurer responded:
It has. Most Worshipful Grand Master, and with accompanying testimonies, is
safely enclosed within the casket now before you.
The Grand Master then said to the Grand Secretary:
Brother Grand Secretary: You will read the list of the contents of the casket
to be deposited.
Whereupon the Grand Secretary read the following list of the con
tents to be deposited: LIST OF ARTICI.ES.
Name of the President of the United States, names of the Secreta
ries of State, the Navj^ and War Departments, a photograph of Sloat,
roll of officers of the "Philadelphia" and "Monadnock," roll of veterans
of the Mexican war, name of the Governor of California, names of
the United States Senators and Congressmen from California, printed
proceedings of the last session of the Grand Lodge of F. and A. M. ,
list of Montere}' county and city officials, copies of newspapers printed

i66 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
in ^lonterey county, the Chronicle, Examiner and Call of San Fran
cisco, piece of staff on which Sloat's flag was hoisted fifty years ago,
poem by Mrs. Eliza Pittsinger, Constitution and By-Laws of the Ma
sonic Veterans' Association, list of members and officers of the Sloat
Monument Association.
After the reading, the Grand Master said to the Grand Treasurer:
Brother Grand Treasurer: You will now deposit the casket in the cavity be
neath the foundation stone; and may the great Architect of the Universe in His
wisdom grant that ages npon ages shall pass away ere it again shall be seen of
men. The Grand Treasurer, with the assistance of brethren as was neces
sary, then placed the casket in the cavity prepared in the lower stone.
The Grand Honors were then given.
The Choir then sang the following Ode:
Place we now Foundation Stone,
True and trusty Brothers own;
Let us bring with hearts sincere
Hands to help and voice to cheer.
Proved by the Grand Master's hand.
Long may this foundation stand!
May its superstructure rise
In grace and beauty 'neath the skies.
Let us join in songs of praise
That this monument we raise.
And ages hence, men bless the day
Our flag was raised at Monteiey.
The Grand Master having the Trowel pre ented by the President of
the Sloat Monument Association, the Principal Architect distributed
the rest of the working tools of the Grand Officers, giving the Square
to the Deputy Grand Master, the Level to the Senior Grand Warden,
and the Plumb to the Junior Grand Warden; when all descended to
the stone and placed themselves around it as follows: the Grand Master
at the East, the Deputy Grand Master at the North, the Senior Grand
Warden at the West, and the Junior Grand Warden at the South. The
Grand Master (assisted by some workmen ready for the purpose) then
spread the cement upon the lower stone and directed the upper one to
be lowered to its place. This, a block of granite of the same size as
the one below, six feet in length, four in width, two in thickness and
weighing four and a half tons, having been suspended by a strong der
rick; and at signals given, was lowered at three separate intervals, the
Grand Honors being given by all the assembled brethren at each stop
page of the stone. When it had been adjusted in its place, the Grand
Master pointed the cement about its edges, and then, addressing the
Deputy Grand ^Master, said:

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 167
"Brother Deputy Grand Master, what is the jewel of your ofEce?''
Deputy Grand Master: "The Square, Most Worshipful."
Grand Master: 'Then you will apply the Square to those portions of the
stone wliich should be squared."
The Deputy Grand Master then applied the Square to the various
corners of the stone, and responded:
"I have obeyed jour order. Most Worshipful Grand Master, and find in that
respect the Craftsmen have done their duty."
The Grand Master then addressed the Senior Grand Warden, say
ing: "Brother Senior Grand Warden, what is the jewel of your ofiice?"
Senior Grand Warden: "The Level, Most Worshipful."
Grand Master: "You will apply the Level to the stone and see if it be laid in
a manner creditable to our Ancient Craft."
The Senior Grand Warden then applied the Level to the surface of
the stone, and responded:
"I have obeyed your order, Most Worshipful Grand Master, and find that the
stone has been well leveled by the Craftsmen."
The Grand Master then addressed the Junior Grand Warden, say
ing: "Brother Junior Grand Warden, what is the jewel of your office?"
Junior Grand Warden: "The Plumb, Most Worshipful."
Grand Master: "You will apply the Plumb to the stone and see if it has been
properly adjusted."
The Junior Grand Warden then tried the several sides of the stone
with the Plumb, and responded:
"I have obeyed your order. Most Worshipful Grand Master, and find that the
work of the Craftsmen in that respect has been skillfully performed."
The Grand Master then giving the stone three blows with his gavel,
said: "The Craftsmen having faithfully and skillfully thus far performed their duty,
I declare this foundation stone to be well formed, true and trusty. May the
monument which is to rest upon it, remain throughout the ages an eloquent,
albeit a silent, testimcny of the faithful patriot in whose honor it is to be erected,
that cannot be forgotten, and that his memory will be more enduring even, than
such a work of any human hands. May the entire work be completed by the
Craftsmen, the Architect and Sculptor, and all engaged therein, in peace, love,
and harmony — they suffering no contention among themselves except that noble
and fraternal one as to who best can work and best agree."
The Grand Marshal then distributed the vessels of Corn, Wine and
Oil, respectively, to the Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand War
den and the Junior Grand Warden, the Band meanwhile playing a
joyous air.

i68 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
The Deputy Grand Master then poured the Corn upon the stone,
saying:
"May the Grand Architect of the Universe strengthen and sustain the Crafts
men while engaged in this important work; and may He ever bountifully vouch
safe the Corn of nourishment to all employed in honest and useful toil."
The Senior Grand Warden then poured the Wine upon the stone,
saying: "May the Great Giver of all good enable the Craftsmen in due time to com
plete this beautiful structure; and, during their intervals from labor, may they
constantly be blessed with that refreshment of which this Wine is emblemat
ical." The Junior Grand Warden then poured the Oil upon the stone,
saying: "May the blessing of Heaven descend upon this and all good works; and may
our loved Fraternity long exist to pour forth the Oil of Joy upon the hearts of
the widowed, the fatherless and the distressed."
The Grand Master then said:
"May the all-bounteous Author of Creation lend aid to those who have con
ceived and thus far carried on this goodly enterprise; may He protect the work
men employed upon this monument from every accident, and long protect it for
the object which it is destined to subserve; and may He grant to us all an ever-
bountiful supply of the Corn of Nourishment, the Wine of Refreshment, and the
Oil of Joy."
Then addressing the Principal Architect and directing the several
Working Tools to be placed in his hands, the Grand Master said:
"Brother Principal Architect: Relying upon your skill in our noble art, I now
confide to you these implements of Operative Masonry. May this undertaking
be speedily accomplished; may there be no envy, discord or confusion among
the workmen; and may you perform the important duties with which you have
been charged, not only to the satisfaction of those who have entrusted you with
their fulfillment, but in such a manner as shall secure the approbation of your
own conscience and redound to the honor ol" our Ancient Craft."
The Grand Master and his Officers then returned to their seats,
while the Choir sang the following Ode:
ODE.
(TMwe— Uxbridge.)
Great God of Nations! now to Thee
Our hymn of gratitude we raise;
With humble heart and bending knee.
We ofier Thee our song of praise.
When driven by oppression's rod.
Our fathers fled across the sea;
Their care was first to honor God,
And next to leave their children free.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 169
Here Freedom spreads her banner wide
And casts her soft and hallowed ray;
Here Thou our father's steps did guide
In safety through their dangerous way.^
We praise Thee that Thine Own Great Light,
Through all our land its radiance sheds;
Dispels the shades of Error's night.
And heavenly blessings round us spreads.
The Grand Master then stepped upon the stone and gave the order
to Major Edwin A. Sherman, who signaled to the signal officer sta
tioned a little below, who signaled to the ships of war, the "Philadel
phia" and "Monadnock," in the harbor, which immediately thundered
forth a Rear Admiral's salute from their heavy guns, while three
rousing cheers were given by the vast audience assembled upon the
slopes of the hill, the whole being a panorama and picture of indescrib
able grandeur and beauty, of mountain, valley and sea, of ships of war
wreathed in clouds of white smoke and the sharp flashes of fire, with
the thundering roar of the cannon shaking the hills and their echoes
reverberating and rolling far beyond up the distant valleys, made a
scene that will never be forgotten by those who witnessed it and par
ticipated in it.
The Grand Master then introduced W. Bro. Jacob Voorsanger, the
Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge, who delivered an eloquent oration,
which was highly appreciated by all and met with frequent and heartj'
applause. He said:
"To-day the roll of honor of California is unrolled, and thirty years after his
death the name of John D. Sloat is mentioned by the populace as that of the
'man who opened the gates of California and gave it rank among the States of the
Republic of the West. It is not often that the roll of honor is opened, and
happy is the man who thirty years after his death is thus honored. John Drake
Sloat stands to-day as one of the most distinguished ofl&cers of the United States
Navy. The lives of him and his men were forever at his country's call. He
sailed his ship over the ocean in unknown seas, blindly following his duty to his
country. "
The reverend speaker said that there were two ways of opening a
new country. One was by taking forcible possession, the other by
colonization. He gave a short history of these methods, bringing his
subject down to modern times, when the Anglo-Saxon and Spaniard
set the example of colonization. These two peoples met here in the
West, and the Anglo-Saxon stem proved to be the better; so when the
American flag was hoisted at Monterey, it was a sign that the country
should be no longer subject to a few hidalgos or a few churches, but,
on the contrary, to a new regime under which the citizen owed no al
legiance but to the glorious flag above him. And so this gathering

lyo Life of Rear-Admir.\l John Drake Sloat
had not been held to laj- the corner-stone and to honor Sloat's memory-
alone, but to celebrate the anniversary of the birthday of liberty on the
Pacific shores.
The Rabbi dwelt at some length on the possibilities of the future and
the destinies of America. In conclu.sion, he prayed that heaven might
grant the boon that in church and school the native sons and daugh
ters might be worthj^ to stand for all time with their brothers and sis
ters of all America. As the years pass, so, too, he hoped the monu
ment to John D. Sloat at Monterey would, in the language of granite,
salute and welcome ships from the West as they came into the bay
from foreign lands.
The Grand Chaplain pronounced the benediction, while the Masons
and spectators stood with heads bowed and uncovered, and the cere
mony of laying the corner-stone of the Sloat Monument by the Grand
Lodge of Masons of California was done. The procession was reformed
and the Grand Lodge marched to the hall of Monterey Lodge, No.
217, F. and A. M., which had thus celebrated its Silver Wedding and
the Grand Lodge was closed in Ample Form.
[It was greatly to be regretted that the Manager of the Executive
Committee at Monterey had made no provision for refreshments for the
Grand Lodge when so much money had been contributed from abroad,
and ample to have furnished a generous collation; but it was owing tO'
the neglect and incompetency of the "Director-General," so-called. —
E A. S.]
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SLOAT MONUMENT
ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA.
Dr. Wa.shington Ayer, President, San Francisco.
Captain Wm. L. Duncan, First Vice-President, San Francisco.
Col. Jos. Stewart (U. S. A., ret.). Second Vice-President, Berkeley.
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Secretary, Oakland.
Hon Geo. C. Perkins (U. S. Senator), Treasurer, Oakland.
Captain Thomas G. Lambert, Receiver, Monterey.
John A. Cooper, Sergeant-at-Arms, San Francisco.
The first six officers and the following gentlemen compose the Exe
cutive Committee:
Hon. William 'M. Boggs, of Napa.
Hon. Jesse D. Carr, of Monterey.
Hon Irving M. Scott, of San Francisco.
Dr. James L. Cogswell, of San Francisco.
Col. Frank Pierce, of San Francisco.
Rev. A. A. McAlister, U. S. Navy.
Hon. William Frank Pierce, of Oakland.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat' 171'
The arrival ofthe trains from San Frail'cisco and elsewhere an hour
earlier than was expected brought the Associated Veterans of the l^fex-
ican War and the Society of California Piorieers, which were soon fol
lowed by other Veterans of the Mexican War from Stockton, Sacra- -
mento, Sonoma, Los Angeles and other localities, with other Pioneers
and a vast number of people besides.
The Society of California Pioneers having provided refreshments
from San Francisco, at their chosen headquarters, they invited the As
sociated Veterans of the Mexican War to be their guests and share
their hospitality with them, as there had been no provision made for
them whatever by the incompetent manager of the local Executive
Committee. The frequent changes made by the local committee and its manager
as to the lines of formation produced confusion in orders, different from'
those arranged by the Grand Marshal and the Chairman of the Com
mittee of Arrangements of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican
War, caused much vexation and delay, but at last matters were half-
way straightened out, and the procession moved, with a portion of it
going with the current and in a state of bewilderment and doubt.
The route of procession was from_ Del Norte depot along Perry
street to Washington, to Franklin, to Pearl, to Alvarado, and thence"
to the Custom House.
The First Division was led by Grand Marshal Jacob R. Leese and
aides, followed by Companies D and F of the United States Artillery.
Then came the band from the flagship "Philadelphia," followed by the
white battalion of that ship and of the "Monadnock," under the com--
mand of Lieutenant Commander Royal R. IngersoU, Troop C of Cav
alry, Captain Burke, of the National Guard of California of Salinas.
The military and naval parade moved with precision, while the
elasticity and beauty of the general harmony of the movement of the'
naval brigade in marching with an ease and grace was admirable, and
in marked contrast to that of the machine-like accuracy that character
izes the army drill, yet both equally effective in time of action. They
were greeted with rousing cheers by the people.
The Second Division was led by Major Sidney J. Loop, President
of the Veterans of the Mexican War, numbering in all about 150 from
all parts of the State, who were immediately followed by the Hon.
Niles Searles, Vice-President of the Society of California Pioneers, and
others, and about the same number of the Grand Army of the Repub
lic, who were also greeted with a like demonstration of applause.
Then came a float with a cannon and emblems, and upon it standing
erect, with her right hand resting upon an American shield andiher
left holding a rod vvith the Phrygian Cap upon it, was Miss Edna In-

172 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
gram, gracefully attired as the Goddess of Liberty. Behind her came
the Living Flag of 200 little girls dressed in red, white and blue, led
by A. W. Jones, and making a handsome appearance.
Then came in a carriage two special Maids ol Honor to California,
Miss Alice Stewart (daughter of Col. Joseph Stewart of the U. S. A.,
retired) representing the U. S. Army, and Miss Alice G. Cutts (great-
granddaughter of Francis Scott Key, the author of the Star Spangled
Banner) representing the U, S. Navj-.
Then came the chief float, upon it in front a representation of the
old Custom House at Monterey, in the center a huge dolphin with a
throne upon its back, and behind it a grizzly bear erect by a block of
granite. On this float appeared California in gorgeous golden robes
represented by Marian S. Barney, of Oakland, the great-granddaughter
of Col. Jonathan D Stevenson; in front of her Miss Schaufele, who
represented Monterey, and Miss Rogers, Pacific Grove, carrying the
golden key between them. There were also upon the float a part of
California's special Maids of Honor, all but one being daughters and
granddaughters of \'eterans of the Mexican War — Miss Camille John
ston, of Oakland; Misses Daisy D. and Ruth Wright, of Pacific Grove
(both natives of Monterey, the first having been born in the old Cus
tom House); Misses Louise E. M. Kntidson, Agnes Lange, Kathleen
Mullen, Louise Heron, of San Francisco, and Miss Anna A. Ketchum,
of Stockton. The float was followed by carriages containing the representatives
of the counties of the State, carrjdng beautiful silk banners of red,
white and blue, respectively — Alameda, Miss Violet C. Lubbock;
Butte, Miss Bessie Collins; Colusa, Miss Mae Green; Contra Costa,
Miss Clara K. Wittenmej-er; Los Angeles, Miss Pearlie Gleason; Lake,
Miss  ; Marin, Miss Agnes M. Watson; Monterey, Miss
Grace E. Burr; Napa, Miss Fowler; Placer, Miss Clara Wortell; Sac
ramento, Miss Cora Hammer; San Francisco, Miss Constance Law
rence; San Joaquin, Miss Ellen Patton; Santa Clara, Miss Diasy Cross;
Santa Cruz, Miss Anna Struve; Solano, Miss Marie English; San Luis
Obispo, Miss Dicie May Graves; Yuba, Miss Nellie O'Brien. The
other counties were represented b}' j-oung ladies as proxies, but the
names could not be learned.
These were followed by the Grand Parlor of Native Daughters,
Native Sons of the Golden West, Boards of Supervisors, Monterey
County Officials, Montere}^ City Officials, Pacific Grove Officials and
State Officials.
The Third Division, with firemen as escort, followed bj- the Fores
ters of America with a float representing a cabin in the woods. It was
a fine realistic representation, with the men appropriatel}- dressed, and

COL. WELIvINGTON C. BURNETT, M. M.
ExPresideut of the Associated Veterans ofthe Mexi
can War. He bravely charged with his regiment in
the successfnl assault upou the Castle of Chaoultepec,
Mexico, on Sept. 14th, 1S47. Ht was oue of the Founders
ofthe Sloat Mouumeut Associatiou.

CAPT. WM. L. DUNCAN,
Of San Francisco, Cal.
Past President aud Secretary of the Associated Vet
erans of the Mexican War. Ex-Vice-President of the
Sloat Monument Association of California. He was a
Lieuteuant aud acting Captain of Co. B io Col. Edward
Baker's Regiment of 4th Illinois Volunteers, and ren
dered good service especially in the battles iu frout of
the City of Mexico.

/

COL. A. ANDREWS, 32^,
Of San Francisco, Cal.
Past President of the Associated Veterans of the
Mexican War. He served as Captain of Co. A, Strcoud
Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, and did good service iu
the battles ia front of tbe City of Mexico. Colonel for
many years ou the staffs ofthe Governors of California.
He is a Life Memberof the Masonic Veteran Associatiou
ofthe Pacific Coast. A California Pioneer of 1849. The
"Diamond Palace" under the Russ House, Sau Fran
cisco, is his uiajijic work of taste and art, unequalled iu
the world for richness and beauty, and so pronounced
by Parisian Connoisseurs.

MAJOR SIDNEY J. L.OOP, R. A. M.,
Of Al.ameda, Cal.
Ex-President ofthe Associated Veterans ofthe Mexican War
(tor the third term). President of the Board of Trustees ofthe
Veteran's Home at Yountville, Cal. He belonged to Co. G, ist U
S. Artillery, and served his country well in Mexico. He is a
member of the Sloat Monument Association. He is also an
Active Member of the Masouic Veteran Association ot the Pa
cific Coast.

Ji ¦

Dr, Jacob Voorsakgee,
Grand Orator.

E. S. WEST,
Grand Marshal.

W. T- LUCAS,
Dep. Gr. Master

E. M. Preston,
Grand Master.

LAYING OF THE CORNERSTONE OF THE SLOAT MONUMENT

On the U- S. Military Reservation, at Monterey, California, by the M. W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, ofthe State of California , July 7lh, 1^96, the 50th Anni
versary ofthe Raising ofthe American Flag, at Monterey, Cal., by Commodore John D. Sloat, U. S. N.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 173
the presence of a live deer upon it as well, made it very true to nature.
These were followed by the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, A. O.
U. W., with float, and other civic societies.
The Fourth Division contained the President, Officers of the Day,
Admiral L. A. Beardslee and staff, and other Vice-Presidents and citi
zens in carriages.
The whole procession was cheered along the line from the begin
ning to the end, and as California with her Maids of Honor and the
representatives of the several counties alighted at the grandstand, a
general shout of welcome greeted them from the Veterans of the Mexi
can War, the Pioneers and the vast multitude of people that had gath
ered, while in front drawn up on two sides of a square which was kept
open, were aligned the Naval Battalion under command of Lieutenant
Commander Royal R. IngersoU, and at the foot of the flagstaff stood
Lieutenant  Roper of the ' 'Monadnock' ' with a group of half a
dozen or so of men who had served under Commodore Sloat, and were
at Monterej' with him fifty years before in the frigate "Savannah,"
"Cyane" and the "Levant" sloops-of-war — Thomas Bralee, of Mon
terey; John D. Richards, of Montana, and James Buchanan, of Yount
ville. The grandstand was completely filled with the Veterans of the
Mexican War, Pioneers, Living Flag, and invited guests and officers
of the day, with the following full list of Vice-Presidents, the most of
whom were present:
Hon. Stephen M. White and George C. Perkins, U. S. Senators,
and Hon. James McLachlan, J. G. Maguire, E. F. Loud, W. W. Bow
ers and J. A. Barham, ofthe Congressional delegation from California;
Gen. James W. Forsyth, U. S. A., and Admiral Lester A. Beardslee,
U. S. N.; Col. O. D. Greene, Lieut. -Colonels Evan Miles, L- B. M.
Young, J. G. C. Lee, J. V. D. Middleton, A. S. Kimball, Majors A.
C. Bates. B. F. Pope, Tully McCrea, Surgeon C. C. Munn, Judge Ad
vocate L. W. Groesbeck, U. S. A. ; Col. Joseph Stewart, U. S. A. (re
tired), Cols. J. W. McKenzie, W. C. Burnett, A. Andrews, Major S.
J. Loop, John L. Bromley, C. Lange, A. McDonald, Gen. Thomas A.
Ketcham, V. M. W.; Rear Admirals D. B. Harmony and Kirkland,
Captains Henry L. Howison, George W. Sumner, Albert S. Barker,
Charles S. Cotton and Nicoll Ludlow, Commanders Charles G. Clark,
B. H. McCalla, George W. Pipman, Lieut. -Commander Royal R. In
gersoU, Inspector James A. Hawke, Paymasters Wm. J. Tiiompsonand
Henry T. Skelding, Chief Engineers George F. Keutz and John Lowe,
and Major Percival, of the U. S. Navy; Gen. R. H. Warfield, N. G.
C; Cols. Charles Fred Crocker, Theo. H. Goodman and Frank Pierce,
Dr. Washington Ayer, Hon. Jesse D. Carr, Irving M. Scott, Wm. M.

• 174 Life of Rear-Admirai, John Drake Sloat
Boggs, \\\ F. Pierce, W S. Green, \^' W Morrow, O. S. Henderson,
W. H. Beatty, L. R. EUert, Thomas Harris, Adolph Sutro, \V. M.
Bunker, H. N. Tilden, Xiles Searles, Jacob H. Xeff, W T. Wallace,
H. C. Gesford, Edward Ingram, T. J. Field, D. J. ^Murphy, J. R.
Campbell, Revs. Jacob Voorsanger, P. W. Riordan, W. F. Nichols
and Horatio Stebbins, Dr. James L. Cogswell, Edward Taylor
James D. Phelan, Joseph Figel, Samuel W. Levy, S. H. Collins,
Raphael Weill, O. S. Trimmer, M. H. De Young, C M. Shortridge,
W. R. Hearst, Hugh Craig, John Rosenfeld, W. C. Ralston and
others. When all had taken their places. Major Edwin A. Sherman, Chair
man of the Committee of Arrangements of the Associated Veterans of
the Mexican War, introduced Hon Edward Ingram, Mayor of Mon
terey, who delivered the following brief but appropriate address of
welcome: ,
President Loop and Veterans of the Mexican War: By your patriotic devo
tion to country, by your heroic deeds of valor upon the field of battle, this
golden Pacific was brought beneath the folds of the Stars aud Stripes, the glo
rious emblem of our countrj'. For fifty years has this gem been set in Columbia's
jeweled crown, and now, upon the occasion of this semi-centennial celebration,
the citizens of California's ancient capital extend to you as a token of their cor
dial welcome their hgnds, their hearts and their home that you may participate
in the festivities that commemorate the day on which the gallant Sloat flung to
the breeze the proud banner of this great Nation,
To which President Loop replied as follows:
Hon. Mayor Ingram and Citizens of Monterey: Accept the thanks of the
Veterans of the Mexican War and their friends from all parts of our loved Cali-
. fornia who have come here to assist in celebrating once more on this hisloricspot
the event of half a century ago, for the kinl welcome received at your hands.
Ten years ago we came here and celebrated the Fortieth Anniversary as we
now do today, but then not on such an extensive scale.
On March 14. 1895, at a (neeting of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican
War, held in San Francisco, our comrade. Major Edwin A, Sherman, offered a
resolution that a committee .of three be appointed to ma'Ke arrangements to cele
brate the Fiftieth Anaiversary of the taking possession of California and the
Raising of the American Flag at Mouterey on July 7, 1846, which was unani
mously adopted. As President of the Association, I appointed Major Edwin A.
Sherman, Col. Joseph Stewart an! Col. W. C. Burnett as the Committee of Ar-
. rangements. The latter's continual absence from the State necessitated the ap
pointment of Comrade C L^uge, Vice-President, in his place. How well and
faithfully their duties have been performed this demonstration of their comrades
and fellow-citizens will attest.
Major Sherman, as Chairman of the Committee, had acted in that capacity
ten years ago, and which then proved to be a grand success. One year ago he
went to Washington at his own expense, and secured the promised aid ani coop
eration of the Secretaries of the Navy ani of the War Departments, whose
promises have baesn m^st, fdithfally carried out, as the presence of these arms of

Life of Reak-Admiral John Drake Sloat 175
1:he service in the persons of Admiral Beardslee with his squadron, aud Major
McCrae with two batteries of light artillery by order of Gen, Forsyth, are here to
-attest. The Chairman of our Committee of Arrangements has faithfully served with
out compensation or reward, satisfied with having at great self sacrifice brought
his plans to a glorious success, the result of his untiring patriotic devotion and
labors, in the laying the Foundation Stone of the Sloat Monument by the Grand
Lodge of Masons of this State, aud this celebration that we ii5w have in hand.
(Applause.) One word about the "Boys of Fifty Years Ago," for there are some
here to-day, that were here then, to aid in hoisting that flag, and the great ma
jority who fought to secure it there, who served under Generals Taylor and Scott
from the Rio Grande to the City of Mexico, and made it permanent for all time.
Native Daughter and Native Son, be kind aud forbear with the veteran of
1846-7-8. Remember the vast empire acquired by his valor aud privation, both
on land and sea, that he has given you, and if he is a "back number," turn the
last leaves of his life over gently.
Fellow-citizens, I had hoped to have had the pleasure of introducing to you
as President of the Day, a man who has proved himself the friend of the old
veteran by making this 7tli day of July a State holiday, and again when there
were reports that the State appropriations for the maintenance of our comrades at
the Soldiers' Home was in danger, I telegraphed him, and within an hour the
reply came: "Do not worry, the veterans are all right." Illness has kept our
most excellent Governor, James H. Budd, from being present: but our Committee
has presented us with a most able aud worthy substitute, and it now gives me
great pleasure to introduce to you the Hon. James McLachlan, the Congressman
from this district, the President of the Day.
The remarks of President Loop and the reception of Hon. James
McLachlan, President of the Day, were met with rounds of applause.
Congressman McLachlan, as President of the Daj^, spoke as follows:
Ladies and Gentlemen: When I received a message last Saturday, asking me
to come here and act as presiding oSacer of this day, I regretted exceedingly that
I had not more time in which to prepare myself. But, fellow-citizens, I am sure
that you did not come here to day to listen to any remarks from the presiding
-officer, whoever he might be.
The Committee of Arrangements has selected those who are to recount to you
the meaning of this great day, and you are here to listen to what they may say.
Fellow-citizens of Monterey, this is a day of interest, not only to the citizens
of Monterey, not only to the citizens of California, but it is a day which every
¦citizen of the great United States of .America takes pride in celebrating.
I am glad to day that I am here in some small degree representing the Gov
ernment at Washington, to show the interest that the great Governmeut of the
United States take in this occasion. If Commodore Sloat were here to-day no
-one would be more surprised than he at the assembled multitude he would see
before him.
We are here to do honor to him to-day and those brave veterans \vh :> made it
possible for the flag which he raised — our flag — to continue to float forever from
that pole upon which he raised it upon tbat dav.
Little did Commodore Sloat dream of the great importance to this Nation of
the land that he declared on that day a portion of the United Stales of America.
The Government at Washington, my friends, almost condemned him for the

176 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
act which he then committed, claiming that the territory which he had acquired
by his act was not worth the sacrifice that it cost, nor the sacrifice that would be
required to maintain it as a portion of the United States of America. But within
a few short years the hills and gulches of California gave forth her millions of
riches, gold that even Commodore Sloat did not suspect lay hidden there. Dur
ing the great struggle for the existence of this Governmeut and to maintain the
supremacy of tnis flag, no portion of the United States contributed so mnch to
maintain the supremacy of the Nation during that trying period as did the terri
tory acquired by Commodore Sloat in raising that flag.
Comrades of the Mexican War, we are here also to pay tribute to you, for, as
I said, by your gallant efforts it has been possible for us to continue to allow that
flag to float here over a portion of the United States. We assure you that in
times to come, as in the past, we shall do everything to maintain that flag invio
late. The flagship band played national airs, and was joined by the peo
ple, whose voices, attuned to patriotic feeling, sounded a grand anthem.
As the notes died away. Rev. A. A. McAlister, U. S. N., delivered a
prayer and all heads were bowed.
PRAYER.
O God, King of Kings, and Ruler of the Universe, we praise Thy name for
the blessings which Thou has bestowed on us as a people, but especially for giv
ing us a mild and benevolent government, material prosperity and civil and
religious liberty. In Thy wise providence Thou saw fit to add to tbe immense
area of our territory, the lands of this vast State, when Ihey were yet unexplored
and almost uninhabited, that in future generations it might become the home of
a progressive and enlightened people. Make us deeply sensible of our responsi
bility as a Nation for the wise and prudent management of this portion of Thy
world which Thou hast committed to our care. Graciously remember our neigh
bors at the south, and grant them peace and prosperity. May we be disposed to
cultivate fraternal affection for each other; and though we remain separate na
tions, may we be united as members of the great family of American republics.
Imbue our minds with a keen sense of personal honor and patriotism; take from
us pride, prejudice and uncharitableness; and may we be ever ready to offer our
selves, our services and our fortunes, if necessary, for the good of our country.
We thank Thee for the memory ofthe patriots whose chief we have assembled
this day to honor. May their example animate us to deeds worthy of their suc
cessors in this glorious national inheritance, and arouse us to vigilance in pre
serving the patriotic principles of the founders of the nation. And while we
enjoy the confluence of blessings which are the result of the wisdom, diligent
study and untiring efforts of all great and good men from the time of the apostles
and martyrs to our own day, may we bear in mind that it is not our own power
and the might of our own arm, which has gotten us this wealth of civilization,
but that Thou dost live and govern all things both in heaven and earth.
Hear our prayer, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
READING OF COMMODORE JOHN D. SLOAT'S PROCLA
MATION.
Lieut. James Bayard Whittemore, the oldest grandson of Commo
dore Sloat, then read the original proclamation of Commodore Sloat, in

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 177
the handwriting of his aide-de-camp and signal officer. Midshipman
William P. Toler. It was read the first time fifty years before, by
Purser Rodman M. Price, U. S. N., afterwards Governor of New Jer
sey. Lieut. Whittemore read it ten years ago at the same place. There
were originally three copies, and the one read belongs to the Society or
California Pioneers of San Francisco.
[As this has already been given, it is here omitted. Sfee Commo-
more Sloat's Report, page 75. J
Mrs. C. C. Dodge, of Oakland, then sang "The Flag That Stirs
Our Soul," in a rich, strong voice that made the plaintive air quite
inspiring.
SECOND RAISING IN FIFTY YEARS OF THE STARS AND
STRIPES ON THE OLD FLAGSTAFF BY WILLIAM P.
TOLER, COMMODORE SLOAT'S AIDE-DE-CAMP
AND SIGNAL OFFICER.
The President of the Day said that the most interesting character
here to-day was William P. Toler, the very man who, fifty years ago,
raised the American flag upon that pole. A shout of rousing cheers
greeted this statement. Mr. Toler descended from the platform of the
grandstand and made his way through the crowd and ranks of the
Naval Battalion, and was received by Lieut. Roper of the "Monad
nock" and escorted to the northwest corner of the old Custom House
beneath the staff, while a quartermaster of the "Philadelphia" bent the
American flag on to the halyards, which were placed in Mr. Toler's
hands. Major Sherman called for three cheers for the American flag,
and as it was hoisted by Mr. Toler with a vim and energy of half a
century before, and his eyes sparkling with pride and pleasure, every
body cheered as the Stars and Stripes began to unfold, but, as fifty
years before, the halyards were cramped and had to be cleared; but
when it reached the masthead and spread out full to the breeze, then
occurred a scene the like of which is but seldom witnessed. People
went fairly wild with patriotic enthusiasm. Hats and handkerchiefs
were flung into the air; military reserve was forgotten in this wild
burst of' applause. It was a mass of men, women and children cheer
ing and cheering without restraint, with plaudits rolling like the rum
ble of distant thunder, but they were eloquently expressive of victory.
As the flag flew to the top of the mast smoke and flame were seen
issuing from the two white ships of war anchored a few hundred yards
away. The air was filled with a riot of sounds, the crash of guns,
multiplied in echoes, rising above the strains of "The Star Spangled
Banner" by Uncle Sam's band.
It was a touching sight to see the venerable veterans of the Mexican

178 Life of REAR-i^DMiRAL John Drake Sloat
War behave like little boys let loose from school, and the children
clapping hands and uniting their weakly voices, and California with
her maids of honor, and the ladies singing bits of national songs,
shaking hands, waving handkerchiefs high o^•erhead and even cheering
with the men.
Meanwhile the sailors stood at "attention" unmoved.
Then three cheers were proposed and given with great gusto in
succession for Admiral Beardslee, for Sloat, for the Arm}' and Navy,
for the ladies, for the "Philadelphia" and for the "Monadnock."
Through it all the sailors maintained their accustomed reserve, but
at the mention of "the ladies" they 3-elled and waved their caps after
a fashion that clearly indicated that they meant what they were doing.
But the flag would not spread out. It hung obstinately — lazily it
seemed — by the mast. A sailor climbed the pole, scrambled upon the
verandah roof and released the Stars and Stripes.
When Sloat raised his flag the same difiiculty was met, and Edward
Higgins, a Midshipman of the United States Ship "Cyane," climbed ,
the pole and set it fluttering in the free sunshine
Higgins' brother was present that day and was among those who re
marked the strange coincidence. Many of the old men thought it was
extraordinary, while some regarded it as meaningful.
The probability is that the Commodore's emblem was raised on the
same side of the mast, and having been blown against the pole became
tangled with the ropes, for the days are much the same in Monterej' in
July now as they were a half century back.
As soon as the prolonged cheer had come to a close, cheers and
calls were delivered for everybod}', everything patriotic, and several of
of them were given with a will for Mr. Toler.
Somewhat overcome by his effort in the flag raising, Mr. Toler
struggled back to the stand and took his seat.
"Put Toler up where we can see him," cried a number, and after a
while Mr. Toler was placed on a chair within sight of all. He was
again and again cheered and requested to deliver a speech.
He bowed and bowed and appeared to be deeply affected. It took
some time for the fervent, patriotic enthusiasm that stirred the people
to subside. "What shall I sa}'?" asked Toler, turning to the President of the
Day. "What can I say ?"
"Anj'thing; a word to the people."
"I will sa}^ just a word," said the veteran sailor.
"Fellow-citizens," said he, evidentiy stirred with strong emotions
and under the influence of the excitement of the moment, "were it not
for physical inability from which I have been suffering for some time.

Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 179
I would like to say a few words to you on so auspicious an occasion.
It is the second time that I have raised the flag and it will be the last
time." ("We hope not," cried a number of the auditors.) "As I say,
owing to my physical inability, I am prevented from delivering a
speech to you. I will now take my farewell. I wish you and your
families every happiness, and not only you, but all the people of our
beloved and united country."
Mr. Toler then withdrew amid loud huzzas.
Admiral Beardslee was called, and when presented by the President
of the Day thanked the assemblage for honoring him, and very mod
estly referred to himself, saying that it was merely by accident that he
was present, and therefore he deserved no honors.
"Admiral Sloat — for he died an Admiral — will live forever in your
hearts," he said.
The crowd wanted Beardslee to share some of the honors, and ap
plauded him most cordially.
The following telegrams were received and read:
New York, July 7, 1896.
To the Chairman Semi-Centennial Celebration, Monterey, Cal. :
The survivors of Stevenson's Regiment of New York Volunteers, quartered in
the old historic town of Monterey during the years 1847 to 1848, send from the
Empire City ofthe Atlantic Coast their greeting to all former comrades and other
early pioneers of California, upon this, the Fiftieth (50th) Anniversary of the
acquisition of California by the United States through the timely action of Com
modore John D. Sloat. Francis D. Clark, President.
Which was received with heart}^ applause. New York, July 7, 1896.
To the Chairman Semi-Centennial Celebration, Monterey, Cal. .
The last of the Alcaldes of San Francisco, and brother of the first Alcalde of
Monterey under the American occupation in 1846 (Rev. WaUer Coiton, Chaplain,
U. S. N.), sends his greeting to the citizens of Monterey aud all old pioneers
there assembled.
Gardner Q. Colton, President New York Society California Pioneers.
Which was also received with hearty applause.
The President of the Day then said:
The originator and projector of the celebration held here so successfully ten
years ago, and also of this of the fiftieth anniyersary of the raising of the Ameri
can flag on that staff by order of Commodore ,Sloat fifty years ago, the corner
stone of whose monument on yonder hill has been laid to-day, the principal
moving spirit of this grand jubilee on the Pacific shores of the American Repub
lic, I take pleasure iu now introducing to you. Major Edwin A. Sherman, a vet
eran of the Mexican War, the Orator of the Day.
Major Sherman was greeted with rounds of cheers, as he came for
ward and delivered the following accurate historic and classic address,
'which was frequently applauded:

i8o Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
Mr. President, Comrade Veterans of the Me.vican War, Brother Pioneers and
Fellow-Citizens :
Ten years ago, upon this historic spot, the few survivors of the Mexican War
in California came hither to celebrate the Fortieth Anniversary ofthe taking pos
session of California and raising of the American flag upon yonder staff, by
Commodore John Drake Sloat of the United States Navy, in obedience to the
orders of the Government, and to secure it forever from the grasp of her ancient
foe into whose hands California and her people, both native and foreign, were
about to be sold and conveyed by the central government of Mexico in payment
of the English debt.
Ten years ago, we thought there would be but few of us left, of those who
then came hither to celebrate that event, and would be here again on this semi
centennial occasion to celebrate in a grander and more imposing manner than we
did then; and though four of our Past Presidents — Blanding, Knipe, Hopkins
and Deal — have since then been ordered to duty on the other side, the hand of
Time has dealt gently with us, and eighty per cent, of our numbers still respond,
when our names are called upon the roll, and we are here still to rejoice with our
fellow-citizens, over the wisdom of our Government in securing this fair land from
the grasp of unfriendly monarchical European power and control.
The service we rendered our country upon the battlefields of Mexico while
apparently one of conquest and spoliation and injustice towards a weaker nation
at the time, and while different motives may have animated the promoters of the
Mexican War with different objects to be secured, yet the far-seeing statesmen of
our country looked to the years beyond the conflict to be waged, and in which
were enfolded the principles of the Monroe Doctrine to be developed and main
tained by the .American arms and by American valor, with due notice given to
England and to all Europe, "Hands off from the continent of America and its
affairs." It was the spirit of the Monroe Doctrine which asserted itself in the most
emphatic manner, when John Tyler, President of the United States, on the first
day of March, 1845 (three days prior to the surrendering of his office to his suc
cessor, James K. Polk), signed the act of the annexation of Texas, which was
ratified on the following fourth of July by its Legislature, and the "Lone Star
State" gravitated to the constellation of the American Union.
Texas was unable to stand alone; and previous to the annexation both Eng
land and France were bitterly opposed to the measure, while the Northwestern
boundary between the United States and British America was in an unsettled
state, and the war spirit prevailed to that extent that the Democratic party dis
played upon its banners the legend "54° 40' or Fight."
The real issue involved was the diplomatic attempt of Great Britain to put up
its barriers on the north ani west of the American Republic and hem it com
pletely in, and tlius control the North American contineat entirely. She had
been constantly playing fier game for years, aud she was as closely watched as a
lioness by a band of hunters.
France at that time was favorable to England.
Guizot, the Prime Minister of France, openly avowed the right of European
nations to interfere in national affairs upon the Western Continent, to preserve
the balance of power.
England, thwarted in her plans in Texas, and jealous of the growing power
and influence of the United States, was determined to compensate herself in the
payment of the debt due her subjects by Mexico, secretly negotiated with that

«*

ADMIRAL LESTER A. BEARDSLEE, tJ. S. N., (Retired)
[COMRrANDED THE PACIFIC STATION IN 1S96.I
This experienced and gallant officer, wearing the double stellar insignia of his rank, is worthy ot his high
command, and ofthe generous plaudits of the American people which he so lavishly received at their hands at the
Celebration held at Monterey, on July 7th, 1896. He gave the fullest measure of his efforts and resources at his
command to make it a perfect success, for which he receives the sincere gratitude ofthe Veterans ofthe Mexican
War and ofthe Sloat Monument Association, as well as of all who were there to enjoy that supreme patriotic satis
faction. Words fail to do him justice. — 'Ei. A. S.

-^ Ife

BRi(;ADIER GRNP:RAL JAMES W. FORSYTH, U. S. A., (Retired),
COMMANI>FD THF, DeL' ARTM 1-:nT OF CaI-I I- ORNI.'^. — He ADOUARTERS AT SAN FKANCISCO.
One of the most nieritorions officers in the U. S. Array. With a splendid record iu the field for services ren
dered iu critical times of danger, the star upon his .shoulder glitters upon a cuirass of honor worn over the brave
heart beneath it. Always affable and courteous, and whenever it has been possible to grant the request of the
Associated Veterans ol the Mexican War or of the rest of the people of the Stale, he has invariably complied with
their request, for which all feel grateful. We trust that in time the constellations will gather upon his shoulders,
though not at the rate of sixteen to one.— E. A. ri.

HON. JAMES MCLACHLAN, M. M.,
Of PasADENA, Cal.
Representative to United States Congress, and President ot the Day, at Monterey, on July 7th i8q6 An Hon
ry Member of the Sloat Monument Association. An Honorary Me3r.ber of t.>T- m--^^-;- "^^t-'ip /r--^---^-  ^

crary
the Pacific Coast.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat i8i
Government for the sale of California, while her powerful ships of war, like huge
birds of prey, hovering along the Pacific Coast, were ready to seize possession
aud raise the British flag.
This has lately by so-called historians been denied; yet the fact existed never
theless, and the Americau Government was fully aware of it.
California was remote from the central government of Mexico, which had
neither power to protect or defend it from foes without, or prevent its secession
if the people here so declared; and wbat she could not keep or defend, she was
disposed to sell and get rid of and thus pay her English debt.
Gen. Mariano (iuadalupe Vallejo, whose birthday we also celebrate, was born
here in Monterey, July 7, 1808, and after rising from subordinate military and
civic positions, became the leader of a revolution here on the yth of November,
1836, in which California declared itself independent of Mexico, and he became
Commandante General ofthe new Republic, which l-isted but a very short period,
and was at the same time as the revolt and organization ofthe "Lone Star Repub
lic of Texas."
This state of affairs alarmed the Mexican Government, and it was more dis
posed to negotiate with England for the sale of California to pay the English
debt, and thus have an ally against the United States. At that time, the British
agent, Alexander Forbes, from Tepic, Mexico, was in California, and in June,
1838, when writing to his brother in England, said:
"The British Government seems lately to have had some suspicion that Cali
fornia would be encroached upon, if not taken entire possession of by the Rus
sians, who are settled so close upon its Northern frontier. * * * The danger
does not lie there. There is another restless and enterprising neighbor from
whom they will most probably have to defend themselves, or rather submit to;
for although the frontiers of North America are much more distant than the
Russians, yet to such men as the back-settlers distance is of little moment, and
they are already well acquainted with the route. The northern American tide of
population must roll on southward, and overwhelm not only California, but other
more important states; but the invasion of California by American settlers is
daily talked of; and if Santa Ana had prevailed against Texas, a portion of the
inhabitants of that conntry, sufficient to overrun California, would now have
been its masters.
"There have been some thoughts of proposing to the Mexican Government
that it should endeavor to cancel the English debt— which now exceeds fifty
millions of dollars — by a transfer of California to the creditors.''
On February 1840, the New York Express said :
"The Californias. — The rumor has reached New Orleans from Mexico of
the cession to England of the Californias.''
The United States Government, as expressed in the Monroe doctrine, had the
right to defend its frontiers and the Americau continent against European en
croachment, and by the contemplated conveyance of California to Great Britain
by the Mexican Government, it was to have been an unfriendly act, hostile to
American tradition and independence, and opening up a continual antagonism
that would have involved a quarter of a century of war find bloodshed upon this
continent, in which not only England, but the other European monarchical pow
ers would have been combined as allies against us, the end of which no statesman
then living could foresee or iforetell the results.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy commenced by reciting the original
orders given to Commodore Sloat on June 24, 1S45, and ended with the highest

1 82 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat
praise and commendation that could possibly be given to a brave and faithful
officer. The orders were given, obeyed both in the spirit and in the letter, and the
glorious achievement of the conquest of California, and snatching the prize from
the claws of the British Lion in so skillful and complete a manner by Commodore
Sloat, entities his memory to the eternal admiration and gratitude not of Califor
nians alone, but of the whole of the American nation. Yet here in this golden
land and on the burnished golden shield of California, there is a foul stain and
splotch of falsehood and slander, which should be wiped off, and the brilliancy
of our State escutcheon completely restored. Vile reptiles have crawled over it
and left their trails of black slime upon its face, which only the sharp acid of
public indignation and the fires of scorn and contempt can remove. The H. H.
Bancroft so-called history is but a series of bound volumes of lies, detraction,
libel and slander of some ofthe most gallant, daring and honorable men, patriots,
soldiers and statesmen of our country that this age has produced. Sloat, Stock
ton, Fremont, Grant and others have been most foully lied about, and to borrow
the prestige of the name and to creep into the shadow of the fame of George Ban
croft, the historian of the nation, the name of Bancroft is given to a mass of
deliberate lying and slander which has caused the Society of California Pioneers
to cleanse its shelves ofthe pollution and stain, to expurgate its roll of honor and
bar its doors to the entrance of the Chief and his aids of this production which
has come up out of the black press-room and bindery of the "Father of Lies."
More than eighteen j-ears this hero of half a century ago had lain in bis
grave, and there were none but the veterans of the Mexican War to stand forth
in his defense, in which they have defended the honor of their dead comrade,
John Drake Sloat.
An eternal debt of gratitude is (^specially due to our honorable Senator in
Congress, George C. Perkins, whose unremitting labors and attention have been
devoted to the helping to rescue the honored fame of Commodore Sloat from the
mass of obloquy, misrepresentation and falsehood which H. H. Bancroft and his
coadjutors had heaped upon it, and to Senator Perkins especially are the people
of California indebted for his efforts in the passage of the bill thus far in the ap
propriating funds for his monument.
On this, the fiftieth anniversary of his last and most glorious achievement, the
veterans of the Mexican War have the inexpressible joy of witnessing the tri
umphant vindication of his good name, the celebration by the grateful people
of this "Golden State" ofthe crowning act of his fame, which secured and added
an empire to the domain of the Republic, while the stars of three States formed
out of the original territory of California have been added to the Constellation of
the; American Union and where they will forever remain.
Then let the perfect ashlars from all the Counties of California be here laid in
imperishable granite in the square elevated base upon which the superstructure
is to be reared, with California the chief corner-stone. Upon this long-neglected
spot of half a century, let the Government of the people of these United States
rear a shaft upon whose tablets in letters of gold the history of his renown, and
the medallion and story of the daring, faithful and patriotic Fleet Surgeon Will
iam Maxwell Wood, while high up on the lofty pedestal of fame, the statue of
Commodore John Drake Sloat in bronze, pointing to yonder staff where our
glorious ensign was raised by his command over a land redeemed, where the wild
beasts no longer roam, where civilization prevails, and where the blessings of
civil and religious liberty are enjoyed.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 183
Comrade Veterans of the Mexican War, our ranks are fast thinning out, and
our eyes which in our young manhood days shone with the fierce light of battle
are rapidly being changed into the moss agates of old age, and ere long the last
of us will be mustered out. In the evening twilight of our lives, as we remember
the past and look to the near future, when there will come a realization of our
hopes in the completion of the monument here begun, and the statue of our hon
ored Comrade Commodore Sloat shall be unveiled, we can then turn with joyful
gaze to the golden setting sun, while he paints the sea, the valleys and the moun
tains in glorious hues and spreads his gorgeous mantle over the skies begemmed
witli the jewels of the heavens, then we can exclaim like oue of old, "Now, let
thy servants depart in peace, for our eyes have beheld thy salvation," and we will
follow our patriotic, brave and gallant Commanders over that last pontoon bridge,
and go into camp on that other "Golden Shore."
The peroration of Major Sherman's address was greeted with the
most hearty applause.
The girls of the Living Flag then sang with splendid effect "The
Star Spangled Banner."
The President of the Day then introduced Mrs. Eliza A. Pittsinger,
who, in an eloquent manner, delivered the following original poem,
which elicited the heartiest applause:
CALIFORNIA'S GOLDEN JUBILEE.
BY ELIZA A. PITTSINGER.
[Delivered at the Celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Taking Possession of California
and Raising of the Americau Flag by Commodore John Drake Sloat of the U. S. Navy, on
July 7, 1846, delivered by her on July 7, i8g6.]
Why do we meet, my friends, to-day ?
What records have led us on the way ?
What scenes are past, what themes attend.
And with historic grandeur blend ?
A single word shall fan the fire.
And each advancing thought inspire.
That word is Progress; and its course
Cannot be stayed by creed or force —
Its germs were planted in the Past,
Its blossoms crown the ages vast;
And as the mighty years speed on
The victories of life are won —
To perfect good its path extends.
And like a star its light attends
The fall of Empires, and the wane
Of powers that shall not live again.
And as we meet this summer morn
How many a loyal thought is born!
How many a fancy takes its flight
O'er valley, plain and rocky height;
We lift the veil, we follow fast

184 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
The scenes and records of the past —
O, how the hazy solitude
Once whispered to those races crude
Long ere the padre's cross was seen
To cast its shadow 'mid the sheen!
The years sped on! The Golden Clime
Awaited something more sublime
And lasting than the dwindling seed
Of rustic rite or ancient creed.
O, Eden Land, thou wert so fair,
In thy 30ung life so sweet and rare.
That rival nations as a prize.
Once sought thee for a paradise;
And 'mid contention, strife and moil.
They bore their banners to thy soil!
The prize was here, and regal Spain
Strove hard, and did that prize obtain —
And yet her power was weak to hold
This clime of sunshine, bloom and gold;
Not even Cortez' mighty arm
Possessed the skill or held the charm.
'Twas eighteen hundred twenty-five
When Mexico threw off her chains;
The love of conquest was alive.
And flowed through her ambitious veins.
Whereby she bent her anxious eyes
Upon this charmed Paradise;
And Echuadra sped his way
Up through the seas of mist that play
With ihe hills and vales of Monterey.
And thus through all the ebb and flow
Of rival nations in the strife.
The dusty, sun.crowned Mexico,
With new impulsion, hope and life,
Unfurled her flag, aud for a time
Obtained pessession of the clime.
It could not last, 'twas doomed to be
Like some poor wreck upon the sea —
The prize was here; and Freedom planned
The final conquest of her land- —
She saw tbe winding path that led
Our hero to the front and head.
As with a small and valiant band
He gained possession of the land.
And thus our gallant Sloat became
A star amid the Sons of Fame —
True as the magnet to the steel,

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 185
Equipped and armed with loyal zeal,
As wilh au energy sublime.
He stormed the Castle of his Time,
Unfurled our flag, and solved the plan
That Liberty designs for man.
To our illustrious Sloat we yield
The Victor's crown, the Hero's shield —
He came and won; and by his toil
His footprints shine upon our soil.
His bark was borne across the sea
That California might be free;
Our flag went up in time of need,
His arm was strong to sow the seed.
Whose blossoms croi(vn the shining way
To this our Semi-Centennial Day.
Fair Stars and Stripes! beloved aud bright!
Ye came with golden floods of light;
Beneath your folds new life and thought
Sped forth as if by magic wrought!
New inspiration like a flame
Of heavenly glory then became
A beacon-star, whose charms unfurled
Like splendors of a new-born world!
O, land engirt with sea and sun.
Sublime the fame that thou hast won!
Thy cities in their grandeur rise.
Their spires are pointing to the skies,
Thy fruit the wonder of the world.
And in thy sunlight is impearled
A crystal radiance that glows.
And into waves of thought it flows!
That radiance charms my soul to-day,
'Tis like the welcome beams of May;
Upon the toil-worn Veterans
¦Of Mexico its light expan Is,
And how it blesses, warms an 1 cheers.
The pathway of our Pioneers!
Beneath it how our blossoms gleam!
Beneath it what a mighty stream
Of speech and music now display
The zeal and glory of the day!
O, Freemen, wave your banners grand
In all their splendor' through the land!
And down the valleys as we sing
Let golden hallelujahs ring;
For fifty years ago to-day
The seed was sown in Monterey!
The harvest time begins to dawn;
We're marching on, we're marching on.

1 86 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
O, 'tis the Semi-Centennial Year!
Our bells are ringing loud and clear!
The Star of Freedom rises high,
A Rainbow spans the Western sky!
Rejoice, my people, great and free.
It is the Year of Jubilee!
Rejoice, rejoice, the day is ours!
The years have brought their heavenly powers!
And we have only to behold.
To claim the prize and win the gold!
The vines are springing at our feet.
We've but to pluck the fruit and eat!
'Tis here, 'tis here, the Promised Land;
'Tis here iu Freedom's cause we stand;
'Tis here wj sing our songs of praise
To gladden these Centennial days —
O, Monterey, upon thy sand
Are footprints wonderful and grand!
The Eagle from her mountain height
.Sped downward to these valleys bright;
And through Ihe weary march of Time
Her burning glance was ou the clime —
She was a watcher on the wall.
She saw the stormy rise and fall
Of noisy faction, selfish clan.
As through the warring years they ran.
At last, with her deep piercing eyes.
She saw the Star of Freedom rise;
Afar was heard a Golden Song,
And as its numbers rolled along
They thrilled her with their magic power —
And then she knew the expectant hour
Had come when she should yield her post
To God's true Guardians of the Coast.
And thus it was, for this we meet
To make our Liberties complete;
For this we sing our songs of praise.
For this the land is all ablaze.
And on this Semi-Centennial Day
We wave our flags in Monterey.
Fair Monterey, in future time
They name shall ring in classic rhyme;
'Tis here the pilgrim shall be led,
'Tis here his fancy shall be fed,
O, here upon this charmed ground
The sacred relics shall be found;
And in this Mecca of the West,
.\t last his weary feet shall rest.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 187
Mrs. Blake Alverson then sang "Viva La America" as only herself
can sing it with its full spirit of patriotic fire and sweetness of song,
for which she was roundly applauded as at its close she waved the
American flag, creating the greatest enthusiasm, and sang the follow
ing as an encore:
"OLD GLORY."
Words by Thomas J. Dugoan. Music by Homer N. Bartlette.
Old Glory, Flag of Liberty,
In. triumph wave o'er land and sea.
The pride of millions yet to be,
'Neath Freedom's glorious sway.
We gaze upon each starry fold.
In beauty to the skies unrolled
And link with thee in pride untold,
Our land America. — Chorus.
Old Glory, founded by our sires.
Amid the flame of battle fires.
Thy gleam the heart of all inspires
With rapture day by day.
The flag of the new world art thou,
To tyranny thou ne'er shalt bow.
Forever wave above the brow.
Of free America. — Chorus.
Old Glory! for thy honored past
Our hearts revere thee till the last;
Our dearest hopes are on thee cast,
To never fade away.
Triumphant, noble, brave and free.
Still onward shall thy progress be.
For honor, peace and liberty.
And for America. Chorus.
Unfurl thy grandeur to the stars,
Dear flag of many battle scars.
Renowned in hallowed story.
All hail! to thee, O emblem grand.
The guardian of our native land,
Old Glory.
The Hon. H. C. Gesford, Grand President of the Native Sons, was
then introduced, andjmade a telling and eloquent speech, for which he
was heartily cheered.
The Hon. Niles Searles, Vice-President of the Society of California
Pioneers, made a short and humorous address, which greatly delighted
everybody present.
The vast audience then united in singing the national hymn,

i88 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
"America," and the Rev. O. E. Edmondson, Chaplain of the U. S.
Flagship "Philadelphia," pronounced an eloquent and fervent benedic
tion, and the Great Celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the tak
ing possession of California and raising the American flag at Monterey
b>' Commodore Sloat was ended and his honored fame gloriously vin
dicated.

Flagship Philadelphia Monitor Monadnock
VIEW OF THE RAISING OF THE AMERICAN FIvAG
upon the same staft upon the Old Custom House at Monterey by ex-Midshipman William P. Toler, July ylh,
1896, who as the Signal Officer of Commodore John D. Sloat, raised it on July 7th, 1846, or fifty years before.
The Flagship of Admiral I^ester A. Beardslee, the Cruiser "Philadelphia" and the Monitor "Monadnock'' are seen
firing salutes in the harbor.
Note. — The very same hitch in the halyards occured as it did on July 7th, 1846, Midshipman Edward Higgins
cleared the difficulty the first time, aud it is said that it was his nephew, a seaman of the "Philadelphia," cleared
it at this time, which is a remarkable coincidence.— E- A. S.

>r>ylV ;'¦

view of the GRAND. stand
The stand opposite the Old Custom House at Monterey, during the hoisting of the Ameiican Flag, by Ex-Midshipman William P. Toler, July 7th, i8g6, who, as the
Signal Officer of Commodore John D. Sloat, hoisted it fifty years before.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 189

CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
RAISING OF THE AMERICAN FLAG BY CAPT. JOHN B.
MONTGOMERY OF THE U. S. SLOOP OF WAR PORTS
MOUTH, -AT YERBA BUENA, NOW SAN FRAN
CISCO, CALIFORNIA, ON THE PLAZA AND
THE PRESIDIO, ON JULY qth, 1846, BY
ORDERS FROM COMMODORE JOHN
DRAKE SLOAT, U. S. N.
Celebrated Thursday, July 9TH, 1896.
Major Edwin A. Sherman, the Chairman of the Committee of Ar
rangements of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, presented
to the rest of the Committee the subject of also having a celebration of
the Fiftieth Anniversary of the raising of the American Flag at San
Francisco as well as at Monterey. Gen. Forsyth, at his solicitatioiji,
having consented and given orders for the firing of salutes at the Pre
sidio and the Forts in the harbor of San Francisco, also on July 9,
1896. That as the Veterans of the Mexican War would have all that
they could do with the celebration at Monterey, and the two events
coming so near together that the celebration at San Francisco, which
ought to be held, and the honors and labors should be shared with oth
ers. That the Exempt Fire Company having their engine-house of the
old Monumental Engine Company at Brenham Place, immediately near
the old flagstafi on the Plaza, now called Portsmouth Square, where
they had kept the American flag flying for nearly half a century, should
be invited to take charge and act as a Committee of Arrangements for
the Celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Raising of the
American Flag in San Francisco, on July 9, 1896. To this Col. Joseph
Stewart and Comrade Charles Lange, the other members of the Com
mittee, gave their hearty consent.
Accordingly the invitation was sent to the President, George T.
Bohen, of the Exempt Fire Company, to which a most hearty response
and acceptance was received, and these old veteran firemen went to
work with a will and determination characteristic of their old-time
hearty liberality, and prepared a celebration worthy of the occasion, of
themselves, and of the patriotic citizens of San Francisco, while they
made the veterans of the Mexican War their special guests, and ex
tended to them the most generous hospitality, which was fully enjoyed
and gratefully appreciated.
George T. Bohen, A. J. Jessup, J. J. Guilfoyle, Godfrey Fisher,

jgo Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
Joseph Figel, James O'Donnell and John J. Mundwyler were the Com
mittee of Arrangements.
The following account of this celebration is taken from the reports
/of the affair as published in the daily newspapers of San Francisco:
Fifty years of brilliant history were signaled at high noon yester-
da3% when the Stars and Stripes were spread from the lofty mast in the
Plaza. The falling time-ball on Telegraph Hill marked the arrival of
the summer sun at its meridian, a bugle blast gave the signal, the big
bell in the home of the red-shirted Exempts pealed a note of joy, and
in a trice the banner of freedom was unfurled o^'er the same memorable
spot where first it was raised in San Francisco by the bluejackets of the
sloop-of-war "Portsmouth."
Seventeen added stars in the silken field of heavenly blue marked
the semi-centennial of progress in California, from that day when Com
modore Sloat's proclamation made this broad strip a free American ter
ritory till this, when forty-five brilliant points in the azure firmament
mark the sisterhood of free republics merged in the greatest govern
ment on earth. On that never-to-be-forgotten 9th of July, just fifty
years ago, the gallant tars and the intrepid marines of Captain Mont
gomery's sloop-of-war, stationed in the Bay of San Francisco, marched
up to the same plaza in the then Mexican town of Yerba Buena to
raise Old Glorj- and to take possession in the name of the twentj'-eight
States of the American Union of the inheritance of liberty. And yes-
terda3^ appropriately enough, the bluejackets of the glorious Republic
.of the end of the century and the marines of the flagship "Philadel
phia" stood guard while one of their number hoisted the flag to the
breeze, and then they presented arms as the naval band saluted with
the national air.
It was a magnificent scene, all in the fullness of a perfect day, with
the beautiful plaza covered so thick with people that one could not see
Nature's carpeting on the hallowed ground. The streets beyond were
crowded with people awaiting the signal bell that was to mark the
semi-centennial of the commonwealth's actual birth into an modern
civilization. Flags and banners floated in the gentle breezes amid the
evergreens that fill the historic square. The dazzling white uniforms
of the men-o'-warsmen ;n double lines marked the hollow square within
which the, Hotchkiss guns, were to thunder the national salute. Blue-
coated gunners of the Naval Battalion were grouped in the center
..around their glistening one-pounders, while back of them was the head
and center of, it all, the group of blue-capped, red-shirted, brown-coated
^firemen of the pioneer, daysrrr-the gray-haired veterans that ran with
ithe machiije^-the Exempts^of San Francisco, in whose hands had been

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 191
left the dutjr of fittingly commemorating the first chapter of American
history at the Golden Gate.
Right well had they prepared and elaborately did they carry them
selves in the celebration. Inside and outside of their old fire station on
Brenham place, facing the great flagstaff, they had decorated lavishly.
The national colors were strung and festooned and draped in all con
ceivable manner of pleasing shapes; their machines were sparkling in
their glory of glistening paint and burnished brassiness. Out on the
street, prepared for the Orator of the Day when the flag should be un
furled, the handsomest hose cart of all had been bedecked most artisti
cally for the occasion, a great multi-colored umbrella above it to protect
its occupants from the sun, while the engine itself made a shining back
ground. It was, in every detail and as a magnificent whole, one of the most
beautiful groupings of people and colors ever seen in this cit}-; and not
one whit of the effect was lessened by the Oriental decorations of the
houses on Clay and Jackson streets and Brenham Place, where, from
the windows and roofs, the 5rellow-skinned Mongolians peered down
upon the crowds below. They were there, no part of the picture they
framed— a barbaric setting to the glory of American civilization.
The city was en fete, and with the first breaking of sunlight the
plaza began filling with people. They came from all directions, men,
women and children, to secure positions of vantage for the spectacle
prepared for them. There they waited hour after hour, their numbers
constantly increasing, until the marines and the bluejackets, the mem
bers of the Naval Battalion, Mexican Veterans, Pioneers, Exempts,
bands and all were on the ground awaiting the hour.
Itwas II o'clock before the tars from the "Philadelphia" and the
"Monadnock" and Admiral Beardslee's own marines, headed hy the
red-coated band from the flagship of the Pacific squadron, swung with
steady step through the civilian throngs into the Park. There were
nearly 300 of the sailors and sea soldiers of Uncle Sam in the line under
command of Lieutenant-Commander IngersoU, and they made a prett}^
sight by themselves in their hot-weather uniforms. The marines were
under command of Captain Dickens, U. S. M. C, and the four com
panies of bluejackets marched at the orders of Lieutenant Brown, En
sign Hayward and Cadets Lincoln and Campbell. They were formed
in a hollow square around the flagstaff, on either side of which Lieu
tenant-Commander Turner and Ensign Gould had stationed a firing
detail of twenty blue uniformed members of the Naval Battalion, with
two one-pounder Hotchkiss guns.
Within this hollow square the gaily caparisoned fox terrier dog
Gore, the canine mascot of Admiral Beardslee's flagship, ran at will,

192 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
barking his joy at the presence of so many of his well-wishers, and
frisking around the flagstaff, at the top of which the flag was bunked
for the unfurling.
About five minutes before noon the Exempt Firemen were ordered
into line on Brenham Place by President Bohen, the Veterans of the
Mexican War, headed by Sydney Loop, forming immediately behind
them. The Park Band struck up "Columbia," and, the word of com
mand being given, the firemen and the veterans marched into the
plaza, forming in parallel lines on each side of the flagstaff. Up close
to them could be seen the faces and figures of many an old pioneer who
desired to be close enough to smell the smoke when the salute was
fired. To do all this took some little time, and it was fully a minute of 12
o'clock when all was attention awaiting the stroke of the bell. Signal
Quartermaster Paul Hermann of the "Philadelphia" had his hand on
the lanyard ready to release the flag to the breeze, the tars and marines
were at parade with their glistening bayonets fixed, the firemen and
veterans were all attention, their heads uncovered, awaiting the stroke.
Already the whistles which denoted 12 o'clock in the factories of the
city were heard to sound, a distant bell or two pealed forth the hour,
but the bell in the big tower was painfully silent. Not a soul in the
big crowd but began to suspect that something was wrong somewhere,
and that an awkward hitch in the programme was about to occur.
Eyes weie turned anxiously in the direction of the bell, and still it did
not ring forth. Everybody was sure something was wrong — everybody
but those who were watching the time-ball on Telegraph Hill.
"There she drops," some one called out at last, as the boom of a
distant gun was heard and the big ball slid down the pole. The bell
in the tower pealed merrily forth. Quartermaster Hermann tugged at
the lanyard, and at the second stroke of the twelve the flag of freedom
fluttered its starry length in the breeze. A few sharp orders from
Lieutenant-Commander IngersoU and the men from the warships pre
sented arms to their flag; the band from the "Philadelphia" struck up
"The Star Spangled Banner," the vast throng uncovering until the
last note died awaj\
"Bang!" went the first gun of the national salute, and "bang!
bang! bang!" sounded the reports twenty times more as Lieutenant-
Commander Turner and Ensign Gould paced the intervals and gave
the command to fire to petty ofiicers Harloe and Meyer. The concus
sion of the shots was something to be borne patriotically as the great
white rings of smoke were blown into the air.
"Three cheers for the flag!" shouted Lieutenant-Commander In
gersoU, waving his sword as the last gun was fired. "Three cheers for

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 193^
the flag!" signalled President Bohen of the Exempts, and they were,
given with a will and a tiger by the mass of people in uniforms and
without, the civilians waving their hats in their enthusiasm, the well-'
trained men-o'-warsmen having much difficulty in restraining them
selves from brandishing their arms.
The band played "America" as the Exempts marched to the speak-^
er's stand, and the men of the "Philadelphia" and "Monadnock" about-
faced to listen to the proclamation of Commodore Sloat, spoken through
the lips of his great-grandson, James Bayard Whittemore. As soon
as possible President Bohen introduced the young man to the people,
and the famous message of the Commander of the United States forces
in the Pacific Ocean in 1846, promising liberty of person and freedom
of conscience in the new territory, was read. The voice ofthe descend
ant of the brave Commodore was somewhat husky with the emotions.
stirred up by the associations of memory, and he could not be heard
many feet away, but the people assembled knew that the words his lips-
were forming teemed with patriotism, and that was enough. When
the last word of the message of freedom had been uttered, another
ringing three cheers went up for the great-grandson of the Commodore;
The ceremony was ended as far as the navy was concerned, and the-
bluejackets and marines marched away from the scene, leaving the flag:
fluttering behind in the care of the Veteran Firemen. No sooner were
the men-o'-warsmen gone than the plaza filled up to overflowing, and
the crowd pressed forward to hear the Rabbi Jacob Voorsanger deliver
the oration of the day. Dr. Voorsanger was introduced as a member
of the Exempt Firemen, and the orator was cheered. When some
quiet had been obtained he began his address, which was frequently
interrupted with hearty applause. He said:
Fellow-Citizens: We are making history to-day for the State of California.
We commemorate the important fact that, almost to the minute to-day fifty years
ago. Old Glory was flaunted to the breeze iu old Yerba Buena and, thereby, a
Mexican possession was converted into a free territory of the United States.
Therefore, our first duty to-day must be to salute the flag — the flag that, these
120 years past, has traveled all over the world, and represented the honor of the
Americau republic as no living being can possibly pretend to carry it. It was the
emblem of freedom, the emblem of honorable enterprise, the emblem that in
spired fear in the enemies of liberty wherever it went. It saluted effete monar
chies with the message from across the sea that all men were free and held no
one master except the Constitutioh to which they subscribed.
We salute the flag to-day because it waved before men, who, without thought
of personal advantage, obeyed the call of their country, and, in moments of dan
ger and of peril, simply studied the honor and the advantage of the Government
and not the risk or the danger to themselves. In saluting the flag, therefore, we
also honor the memory of the men, who, fifty years ago, stood on this square,
and, with the waves of the Pacific in sight, and the breezes from the West salut
ing them, before all the world and in spite of the government that opposed them

194 Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat
declared that this honorable flag was the emblem of possession; and on that day
— on that glorious gth of July, — at the hour of high noon, they proclaimed the
same message that long before that was proclaimed in the old statehouse iu Phil
adelphia; aud they saluted their brethren across the Rockies and across the riv
ers and the hills; and over the uttermost limit of the land they sent forth the
message that this Mexican soil was Mexican no longer, but consecrated to free
dom of life and limb and conscience, as were all the other glorious States which
saluted the flag and hailed it as their own.
So then, fellow-citizens, fifty years have gone by since that great proclamation
of Commodore Sloat was read, since it was sent from the ship in Monterey Bay ;
and fifty years have gone by since American settlers began to rest here, claiming,
under God's providence, this laud as their own, and consecrated it to the purpose
for which legitimate communities are organized. These fifty years have been
full of significance for the people of California aud to those who afterwards
joined them.
In that greater coming day there will be new wonders here. We will show to
the world valleys groaning with fruit and wheat and grain and barley; valleys
that know no barrenness in winter time, the only fields in America iu which the
grass always remains green. "We will show them our mountains, white-headed
gia its watching Hesperideau gardens, in which the golden apples are sweet and
rich aud luscious; mountains that are the storehouse of floods racing down to
bathe the valleys in their refreshing richness. And we will show them such flow
ers as they never saw before; our poppies, our camellias an(J dandelions, our rich
majnolias and jasmines, and our miles of wild flowers, carpeting the unploughed
hillsides as no human loom can pretend to weave a web of gayest colors. All this
we have to show them and more; and we will remind them that this dear Califor-
nii is a gorgeous edition de luxe of Palestine of old, of which Medrash says with
effusive tenderness that every spot in it has its hills aud its dales. Our holy land,
our promised land, is this golden spot, and we want the sages of Babylon to pay
us a visit and leave us spiritual blessings for which we will pay with loving
heirts, smiling faces, the best of everything, and the cheer of a golden land. Tell
them to come.
This glorious California, this wonderland, in which there is but one regret,
that, like in other lands, people have to die of old age and other causes — this
slice out of an Oriental garden, more luxurious thau any of Boccaccio's choice
spots, is now fifty years old. That is to say, its promise dates back from the time
that Sloat raised the flag over Monterey Bay. I am in no mood to recite history,
particularly a history one can read in a thousand books. My fancy rests on the
momentous conversion of a Spanish province into a free American State. That,
to a Jew, is oue of the epochs in human history. Spain, I regret to say, is no
pleasant word in the vocabulary of free men. The charters extended to her
colonies barred the Jews from admission, and they could only enter under the
guise of the Nuevos Christianos. The charter of Upper and Lower California
does not, I believe, contain such a provision, but the charter was issued long after
the intolerance of Spain could reckon with the entire world. Spain expelled the
Jews, and for the most part drove them to the East and South, back to the bar
barous conditions from which they had become estranged for centuries. Spain
sought to keep the sons of Israel from the new countries -to which the sword and
the cross had traveled with equal rapidity, but the vengeance of the centuries
overtook her. That is an old story, and I like not to dwell on it, though I do
confess that for all my preaching of not exhuming old issues, my heart is stirred

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 195
with indignation whenever my memory dwells on that odious edict that robbed
the olive groves of Spain of their most industrious denizens.
We are here, fellow-citizens, not to speak of this disadvantage of other gov
ernments, or merely to consider the advantages that have come to us from this
great feat of fifty years ago, but we desire, half a century afterwards, to empha
size the great words spoken by Commodore Sloat when he raised the flag on the
shore of Monterey Bay; and we desire to say that in all the duties that come to
every man in the legitimate pursuit of business, in the exercise of religious con
victions, in the discharge of educational obligations. Old Glory has enabled us to
do all that free man can do, and will enable us, in the future, to do more than
was done some fifty years ago.
I want to say to you right now, fellow-citizens, that when we speak ofthe flag,
the glorious stars and stripes — now forty-five stars tbat are shiuing in the Ameri
cau firmament — when we speak of it we should not speak lightly. When we
speak of it let it not be as if it, altogether, represented the emblem of possession.
Let us speak of it as the emblem that gives and secures unto us our manhood
and our womanhood. Let us speak of the flag as the emblem that promises to
the citizens of America the safe and unimperiled discharge of every duty that
God can assign to them; and that, with the flag in sight, with the flag to protect
us, we fear neither judge, nor government, nor anything else, but feel that we
are a power yielding obedience to God alone. And so, in the consideration of our
present duty, let us dwell for a moment on the greatness of the legacy that we
have received. Do you know that although we are a million strong in California,
there are a very few people, comparatively speaking, that realize the magnitude,
the glory, the beauty of this inheritance that has been secured to us. Sometimes
it seems to me that we are not as grateful as we might be.
What does the flag sav to you to-day ? What are you doing to secure for your
selves this inheritance of freedom that has so grandly been given to you ? Do
you know — -and I am speaking here in the open air and beneath God's canopy —
do you know that when I find how often you are running like slaves to listen to
every heresy, every prejudicial remark that appeals to your senses, that I am
sometimes astonished. There ought to be but one sentiment to-day in the hearts
of iree men. I will give you that sentiment: That the country, no matter how
it may be divided by parties, is greater than the State; and that the State is
greater than anybody. And, furthermore, no matter what diiferent opinions may
prevail in this country, no matter how communities may divide on the subject of
Church or State, that we will allow every man his opinion, provided he is a loyal
man; and that we shall say, furthermore, bareheaded and with the memory of
the deeds of Commodore Sloat in our minds, that while parties come and go, that
while religions come and go, we will not interfere between parties and opinions,
but may God palsy the hand that commits treason against the Constitution of the
United States. This is the language of citizenship. This is the language of the
old Roman patriot who lived at a time when all were for the State and none were
for a party. This is the language that should fall from the lips of citizens who
consider that, though parties may fall with the principles they represent, under
God's heaven there is but one thing that shall be perpetuated with honor and
with dignity, and that is Old Glory.
Therefore, fellow-citizens, take this home with you to-day. We are on the
eve of a rather exciting contest between parties. I do not care much whether
the one party or the other will win upon the strength of the predominance of its
opinion, but I am interested iu one thiuT; only, and that is in the perpetuation of

196 Life op Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
the honor of our country. I am interested in seeing the citizens, be they for one
party or another, loyal to the Constitution. J am interested in seeing that the
system of Govermnent and all that it mean5 is protected agamst the insidious
poison of false opinion. I am interested in seeing our schools kept clean from
partisan politics. I am interested in a judiciary which shall be kept incorrupti
ble. I am interested in bringing about the times of the ancient patriots, when
self sacrifice was the great duty of the hour, and wheu every look at the flag in
spired them to yield their lives and their fortunes for the honor of their country.
The speaker concluded in a brilliant peroration, in which he dwelt
on the glories of California and the inspiring grandeur of the flag under
which it prospered. Then, suddenly, lowering his voice, he directed
the prettiest spectacle of the entire day. "Take off your hats," he
said to the multitude. With one movement every head in the plaza
was uncovered, every eye was fixed on the ground, while the voice of
the speaker was heard to ascend in prayer.
"Let us pray to God," he said, "that our country, which is the
dearest thing we have on earth, may always grow in honor; that our
people may always be strong in hope, and that we never may be
ashamed of whatever we shall do for the honor of God, the honor of
our country and the imperishable glory ofthe flag."
"Amen," said the speaker, and a ringing response came from the
bareheaded crowd, followed almost immediately with ringing three
cheers for the Orator of the Day and the sentiments of his a,ddress.
This ended the exercises, and the crowd broke up, as many as pos
sible pushing their way into the home of the veteran firemen, there to
enjoy the hospitality of an open house. Above and below stairs the
old boys that used to run with the machine had amply provided for all
comers. Up aloft they took care of the ladies, the Mexican veterans
and aged pioneers. Below they furnished lunch to the gunners and the
younger generation that has always appreciated the work of their elders
in fiery times. In both places there was a perfect jam, and a holiday
display of appetite that easily bid fair to eat and drink the entertainers
out of house and home. It didn't, however, for the reason that the
old fellows had been there before and there was no end of their supply.
At the conclusion of the outdoor ceremonies the Exempts and their
invited guests adjourned to the upper hall of the company's engine-
house, where an informal reception was held. The hall had been beau
tifully and significantly decorated for the occasion. Draped with the
National colors numerous pictures of veteran firemen were about the
walls. About each of these pictures groups of hoary-headed firemen
were gathered all afternoon, and many were the thrilling reminiscences
of daring deeds of long ago that the representation of features of lead
ers long since departed called forth.
The President's desk was ornamented with huge bouquets, and be-

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 197
tween these were the trumpets through which the old officers were wont
to direct their men. These trumpets were also fraught with pleasant
inemories; in, fact, it was a. day of memories, and the old boys who ran
with the machine when the century was in its prime grew young men
as they viewed the emblems of former struggles with the devouring
element. Prominent among the decorations was a bust of Lily Hitchcock, the
first and only honorary member of the Fire Department. It was her
distinguished honor to be a member of the Knickerbocker Company,
No. 5. That was a long time ago, but she yet lives at Larkspur, Marin
Count}-, to tell of her popularity with the fire laddies.
There were other things not so ornamental, but none the less cheer
ful, in the hall. At each end was a hospitable-looking table laden with
good things to eat and drink, especially to drink, and the open-handed
Exempts dispensed of their good cheer liberally to their guests, not
forgetting the demands of their own inner men.
There was speech-making, too, and songs that were loud and livel}'.
The speeches were not set affairs, but they had the true ring, and the
patriotic utterances with which they abounded and the complimentary
references to the old firemen brought forth applause that would have
warmed the cockles of any orator's heart.
Major E. A. Sherman was the first speaker called upon. After re
counting the history of the acquisition of California by the United
States, he said:
When Commodore Sloat raised the American flag down went tbe un'.on of
Church aud State, and every man, be he what he is or who he is, can worship
as he pleases.. We don't care what a man believes. He can go to heaven or tbe
other place as he pleases and in his own way.
He concluded:
I want to say a word in favor ofthe old flag. The stars in that flag came from
heaven. There is hot a down-trodden race but looks up to those stars. That flag
is the sun of liberty that shines for all. I have been wounded in defense of that
flag, aBd it is my honor to-day in this assemblage of its loyal supporters to pro
pose three cheers for the stars and stripes.
The cheers were given with right good will.
He thpn introduced Captain W. F. Swasey, who was Secretary to
Thomas O. Larkin, the first ahd only U. S. Consul to California and at
Monterey. His was one of the happiest speeches of the day. The
sight' of 'old friends seemed to inspire him to new endeavors, and as the
American flag waved before him above the verandah he rose, and in
tones that trembled with emotion said:
Old Comrades and Fellow-Citizens: I am the only living man who was con
nected with the State Government when Sloat aud Montgomery raised the flag.

198 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
I was Larkin's Secretary at the time. We were all waiting intensely, and when
the emblem of liberty was raised an invocation went forth from every heart-
Never until then had we truly felt the power of that piece of bunting that rep-
reseats what all Americans love. (Cheers) Never until the:i did we feel to its
fullest extent the flag's permeating and protecting power.
Then he turned to the great flag waving outside the verandah and
said: «
Yon waving bunting, behold it in glory there! Beautiful flag of my country,
emblem of protection and safety to the whole world's down trodden humanity!
Thou art the beacon light of hope, of succor and of safety to all of God's liberty-
loving creatures! The eyes of the oppressed and down-trodden m all the earth's
remotest regions brighten and sparkle with joy when they gaze upon thy rainbow-
hued loveliness! Born amid, the strife and storms of all the elements that war
against liberty, consecrated in the blood of patriots, the most honored and re
vered known to the world's history, what hand shall dare, what heart shall con
ceive the damning infamy of lessening the brilliancy of a single stripe or the
clouding of the lustre of a single star? To us that flag symbolizes so much of
hope, of happiness and of safety that our hearts cleave to it with a love surpass
ing that of man for woman, of mother for child. May it wave forever in majesty
and in glory undimmed.
Hon. Robert Ferral followed with a short extemporaneous speech,
telling the story of the flag. The speech was a series of dramatic
pictures and the orator was heartily congratulated when he closed. He
said: The pioneers were satisfied with the country they fought for, and did not care
to leave. You know the story of the Californian of olden days, who refused to
rise at a camp-meeting when the preacher asked that all who wanted to go to
heaven stand up. Then the min ster asked that all desirous of going to hell
should rise, but the grizzled pioneer refused to stand. "What is the reason you
don't stand up? Where do you want to go?" asked the preacher at last. "No
where," said the old pioneer; "California is good enough for me."
The speaker touched briefly the story of the Mexican War, its bat
tles and its victories, saying:
The Yankees knew no defeat. They fought on and on for liberty in the face
of what others would have called defeat. Everywhere their courage was supreme,
and everywhere the colors waved in glory.
In spite of creeds and clans, in spite of political and religious divisions, we all
respect the flag as the emblem of our freedom in this fruitful land. I believe that
all who saw that glorious emblem raised to-day felt that it was the most beautiful
piece of bunting that floats to-day beneath the blue dome of heaven.
I read one time of an anarchist dying in a foreign land, a man weary of old-
world government and its broken promises to the oppressed. Biting the dust and
cursing human laws, he died, and when the mourners gathered round, next to his
silent heart was found a small American flag — emblem of what he sought in vain
in all the world outside.
If there is anything that appeals to public honor and to patriotism the Exempt
Firemen are always to the front.

Life of Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 199
To-day, when the passing years have whitened their heads, the same spi'it
that prompted them in their youth to go forth and do battle with the fierce flames
prompted them to-day to come forth and honor their native land. When this flag
was first raised over the City of San Francisco, this State had the greatest fighting
men in the world. It has been said here to-day that in the Mexican war the
Americans never lost a battle. This has been denied by Mexican authority. They
say the Yankees were repeatedly defeated, but confound them, they didn't know it.
It has been said that no man in whose heart beats the pulse of liberty looked
upon the flag which Commodore Sloat raised without enthusiasm. But this is a
mistake. There was one man.
Soon after Commodore Sloat raised the American flag, the Commodore of the
British Navy, who had been sent out to make a conquest of California, sighted
these shores. He sent one of his men aloft and asked him what he saw. The
man replied he saw some ensign afloat. "What is it?" asked the Commodore,
and the man replied, "It is the flag of the United States Republic."
And then Commodore Collingwood said, "Damnation!"
We find that Sloat's action forestalling the English Government gave us Cali
fornia. Glad I am to be with you to-day to honor Old Glory. I don't think there
is a man but who, when he saw that flag run up to-day and saw it kissed by the
breezes of heaven, thanked God that he was an American and believed that it
was the finest piece of bunting in the world. I love it, not because it is the most
beautiful of flags, but because it is the only flag Liberty has ever given us, and
it represents all humanity.
It is the flag that gives the Hberty of conscience. We may bow to different
altars, we may be Democrats, Populists, or anything you please, but above all we
are Americans, loyal to the grandest flag that ever floated 'neath the skies.
At the conclusion of Judge Ferral' s address he was given three
rousing cheers, and then the Exempts started up the chorus, "He's a
Jolly Good Fellow," which was joined in with a will.
Major Pico, one of the historic guests of the occasion, was the next
speaker. Major Pico is a son of the man who presented Portsmouth
plaza to San Francisco, and is one of the most prominent figures in
California history. The Major spoke enthusiastically of the honor
which he felt, not only in being a descendant of the Pico family which
had surrendered California to the United States, but in being himself a
citizen of this Republic. "I am a true American," he said, "and I am
also a Native Son. I would to-day be proud to go out and fight for
that glorious flag if my country needed me. ' '
Harry Niemann, formerly of the Tivoli, entertained the company
with a German dialect recitation, which was tumultuously encored.
Then Gus Pullman, assisted by Niemann and Sam Striker, sang "When
We Ran with the Old Masheen." It was a song that went directly to
the hearts of their auditors, and the hearty voices of the youthful old
firemen rang out in the chorus a volume that belied their years. Jack
McGreany, of the Police Department, sang ' 'The Engine that Housed
on the Hill." and George Kinney sang another song dear to the hearts

200 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
of Exempts, "Scanlan's Chief Again." In all these the firemen joined
in the chorus.
Charles Wilson, an old Exempt, told a number of interesting remin
iscences of early days in the department, and warmly eulogized the fire
laddies of the volunteer organizations.
James O'Donnell, another Exempt, made a humorous and at times
eloquent address on the flag and the Fire Department. He regretted
that he was not in California when Captain Montgomery raised the
stars and stripes in San Francisco. He explained that at that time he
was but 14 3-ears of age and had not yet left his native land.
Proceeding more seriously he eulogized the flag as the banner of
religious and civil liberty to which the down-trodden of every race
looked hopefully.
One of the most prominent of the guests of honor yesterday was
Mrs. W. C. R. Smith, whose brother, Joe Vasquez, had brought from
San Jose the flag that was raised in this city fifty years ago. "Captain
Leidesdorff sent my brother to Monterey to get the flag," said Mrs.
Smith yesterday, "and Joe made the trip on horseback, keeping to the
mountains and to the brush in order to elude the enemies who were on
the lookout. INIy brother finished his long ride in very quick time and
brought the flag safelj' to this city."
Mrs. Smith, who is probably one of the oldest native daughters in
the State, was born in San Jose. In 1843 her mother, Mrs. J. J. Vio-
get, who had married the first surveyor who laid out the plan of the
city of San Francisco, came to this city, and soon after her daughter
followed. Mrs. Smith, who owned up to having been in her younger
days the favorite girl with the Americans in California, is the wife of
W. C. R. Smith, a prominent Exempt of old "California 4" and
"Knickerbocker 5" Companies.
Following is a list of the now living members of the old Exempt
Company, most of whom assisted j'esterday in the reception at Brenhem
Place: Claus Spreckels, William Alvord, William G. Badger, John S.
Durkee, I. W. Lees, Joseph F. Marshall, James Smith, Charles M.
I'lum, George Vv'. Kennard, Charles Schultz, Charles S. Eeles, W. L.
Ryckman, A. Browning, John M. Gardner, Pincus Harris, P. D.
Quinlan, J. B. F. Louis, A. J. Jessup, Henry A. Chase, S. S. Kohn,
John S. Dryer, C. Turner, Jr., George T. Bohen, Henry Wieland, N. R.
Sewell, Isaac Harrington, James O'Donnell, P. H. Fleming, E. Valen
cia, A. P. Hotaling, Adam Smith, T. H. Harders, J. J. Crowley, Jacob
Freeman, Michael Ryan, C. Murr, John Cook, B. H. Schunhoff, R. E.
Blauvet, Jr., H. Peyser, James Riley, Herman Bendet, Andrew Bahrs,
J. J. Mundwj-ler, Thomas Neary, James Grady, Edward Commins, E.

Life OF' Rear-Admiral John Drake Slo.\t 201
T. Antony, M. J. Dolan, Charles R. Nolte, Godfrey Fisher, Henry
Hock, G. W. Osborn, William Larkins, Henry Voorman, Leon Ara-
don, James Madden, Ed. Stefflebach, R. Caverly, John G. Heim,
"Simon Fitzpatrick, R. T. Browai, J. W. Kemp, Washington Irving,
John J. Mahoney, George B. Hess, J. H. McMenomy, Thomas Fox,
James W. Kentzel, C. Vorrath, Charles, B. McFarlane, P. D. Wilkins,
Louis Bendt, Samuel Striker, John F. Lyons, Henry Suthff, Joseph
Figel, Francis Richards, John McCarthy, Samuel Newman, John Strat-
man, George J. Hobe, S. M Locke, Martin Bulger, Christian Kobicke,
John J. Guilfoyle, J. M. Priairo, Henry D. Hudson, John Brougham,
Charles W Saunders, Joseph F. Kohn, Mark Harris, George Grief,
T. B. Robinson.
Besides the Exempts, there were also many other prominent Pio
neers and Mexican War Veterans: S. J. Loop, President of the Mexi
can \^"ar Veterans; Major Pico, Public Administrator Freese, Fire
Commissioner F. G. Edwards, Supervisor C. L. Taylor, ex -Assistant
Engineer George W. Kennard, "Uncle" G. T. Bromley, ex-Judge
Robert Ferral, the President of the Society of Old Friends; W. W.
Mavil, President of the Oakland Exempts, and President Phineas Mar
tin of the Alameda Exempt Company.
The committees having in charge the various features of the day's
celebration were: The Committee of Arrangements, consisting of
George T. Bohen, A. T. Jessup, J. J. Guilfoyle, Joseph Figel, James
O'Donnell and J. J. Mundwyler, and the Banquet Committee, consist
ing of William Larkins, Charles W. McFarlane and Henry A. Chase.
As a fitting finale to the celebration three rousing cheers were given
for the flag, and a stanza of "America" was sung.

VETERANS ARE PLEASED.
Thank the Exempt Firemen for the Generous and Cordial
Reception Accorded Them.
fFrom the San Francisco Call of July lo, i8q6.]
The Veterans of the Mexican War met last evening at their hall,
22 O'Farrell street. All the members were highly pleased at the suc
cess of the celebrations at Monterey and yesterda}' at the plaza. The
first suggestion of having such a celebration was made at a meeting of
the Veterans almost a year and a half ago, and it was through the
efforts of individual members of the Association that enthusiasm was
aroused in the matter.
Major Sherman especially has been very active in bringing about
the celebration, and besides giving much of his time has expended

202 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
money in the cause. Last night resolutions thanking Major Sherman
for all he has done to make the matter a success were passed, and will
be suitably engrossed and presented to the Major.
The following resolution, offered by Henry Schwartz, was also
adopted by the Association:
Resolved, That the Mexican War 'Veteran Association of San Francisco hereby
expresses its high appreciation of the generous and cordial reception its members
received from the Exempt Firemen of San Francisco on the fiftieth anniversary
of raising the American flig at San Francisco by the commander of the United
States steamship "Portsmouth," July 9, 1846.
The following letters of thanks were also sent to President George
T. Bohen of the Exempts and Col. William H. Menton of the Southern
Pacific for their courtesies extended to the Veterans during the celebra
tion just closed:
George T. Bohen, President of Exempts—
Dear Sir: Please accept for yourself and the Exempts the thanks of the
Veterans of the Mexican War for the very elegant and hospitable reception and
entertainment received by them from you on the fiftieth anniversary (July 9) oi
hoisting the stars and stripes on Portsmouth Square. S. J. Loop, President.
Col. William H. Menton, Passenger Agent of Southern Pacific Co. —
Dear Sir: Through me the Veterans of the Mexican War wish to express to
you their thanks for your kind attention and care in looking after their trans
portation to and from Monterey on July 7, 1896. S J. Loop.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 203

RESOLUTION OF THANKS
TO OUR
COMRADE MAJOR EDWIN A. SHERMAN,
Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements of the Asso
ciated Veterans of the Mexican War for the Celebra
tion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Raising of
the American Flag at Monterey, and the Tak
ing Possession of California by Commodore
Sloat of the U. S. Navy, July 7, 1846,
Held at Monterey, Cal., July 7, 1896.
At the regular meeting of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican
War, held on Thursday evening, July 9, 1896, at their Hall, No. 22
O'Farrell street, San Francisco, California, among other business trans
acted the following action was taken:
It was moved by Comrade J. C. Taylor that a committee to be com
posed of past Presidents Comrades William L- Duncan, A. Andrews,
Joseph Stewart and past and present President Sidney J. Loop be ap
pointed to draft and present to Comrade Edwin A. Sherman resolu
tions of thanks expressing the appreciation and gratitude of this Asso
ciation of the Veterans of the Mexican War for his valuable services
rendered as Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements for the cele
bration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the raising of the American flag
at Monterey, and the taking possession of California by Commodore
John D. Sloat, on July 7, 1846, which celebration was held at that
place on July 7, 1896.
The motion being duly seconded, was unanimously adopted.
Signed: Sidney J. Loop, President.
Attest: Wm. L. Duncan, Secretary.
Hall of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War,
Thursday, September 20, 1896.
To the President, Officers and Members of the Associated Viterans of the
Mexican War —
Comrades: Your Committee, to whom was assigned the pleasing
duty of drafting resolutions of thanks to our Comrade, Major Edwin
A. Sherman, Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements for the
celebration held at Monterey, on July 7th, last, have performed the-
duty required of us, and, in accordance with his wishes, have caused

204 Life of Rear-Adjiiral John Drake Sloat
the same to be printed in the book containing the account of the cele
brations published therein, instead of ha\-ing them engrossed and
framed, as we had it in contemplation to do.
W'e therefore submit the following accompanying resolutions as our
report: Whereas, It is eminently just and proper that faithful services in the per
formance of duty should be duly recognized at all times and in the general busi
ness affairs of life where compensation is made for such services rendered; yet
when there is no other reward to be looked or hoped for than the approval of
one's own conscience, at the end of a long and patient service of ten years in the
arrangement of plans for a successful demonstration by the people in the
marking of an epoch in the history of the American Republic, unparalleled in
the annals of the world, and such long services having been rendered gratuitously
at a great sacrifice of so much time aud money, for which latter compensation
and reimbursement has been refused to be accepted in return by a comrade of the
Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, who, prompted solely by a spirit ofthe
purest patriotism, has devoted himself to a most noble object, that of commemo
rating the Semi-Centennial Anniversary of American Occupation of California,
and to indelibly mark the same, by laying the foundation-stone of the base of a
monument, which, when erected, shall, for all time, be the witness of a grateful,
loyal and liberty-loving people, to the memory of the faithiul aud patriotic oflicer
and citizen who first planted the Stars and Stripes on these then far-off shores.
Commodore John Drake Sloat of the U. S. Navy, who added an empire to our
national domain, such self-denial and self-sacrificing devotion is not only worthy
of all praise, but deserves the expressed gratitude especially of all his comrades
of the Veterans ofthe Mexican War, and the general thanks of the people ofthe
State of California; and.
Whereas, That we may the better recall to our memoiies some of the services
he has rendered, aud that the people of the State of California may be made duly
aware of the same, that public gratitude may also be extended to him which he
so eminently deserves, we cite the following facts:
Uuder the auspices of tbe Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, as Chair
man of the Committee of Arrangements, he inaugurated and successfully carried
out the Celebration of the Fortieth Anniversary of the Raising of the American
Flag at Monterey and Occupation of California by Commodore John D. Sloat
of the U. S. Navy, which, with the cooperation of the U. S. Government and the
California Pioneers which he secured, made that event memorable in the annals
of the State of California.
He inaugurated and organized the Sloat Monument Association of California,
and has served as its Secretary without fee or reward for a period of over ten
year?. He successfully defended and maintained the reputation and fair fame of Com
modore John Drake Sloat against lying traducers who assailed the character of
the deceased, who could not speak for himself, and thus after long months of
secret and open opposition he enabled our Senator, the Hon. George C. Perkins,
to successfully carry through the bill in the U. S. Senate making an appropria
tion of ten thousand dollars for the erection ofthe Sloat Moaument at Monterey.
He, by his personal" influence and laborious correspondence, totall3- unaided,
-succeeded in arousing the spirit of American patriotism throughout the State, to
the extent of haviug the Boards of Supervisors of the several counties provide

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 205
stones for the base of the monument, and to send their representative young
ladies to be present At the laying of the corner-stone.
He made a journey to thfe city of Washington at his own expense to secure
the cooperation of the Secretary of War and Secretary of the Navy in the cele
bration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Raising of the American flag and tak
ing possession of California by Commodore John D. Sloat of the U. S. Navy,
which mission was crowned with success.
Through his personal influence and efforts our treasury was aided, that its
Relief Fund remained untouched, and the Associated Veterans of the Mexican
War were enabled to proceed to Monterey and return from the late celebration at
that place without drawing from the funds appropriated for the relief of our dis
tressed comrades.
As Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements of the Associated Veterans
of the Mexican War, for the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Rais
ing of the American flag at Monterey, he gave his time and means for a period of
nearly a year and a half, and under the most trying and perplexing difficulties,
and without any appropriations of moneys placed at his disposal whatever, he
made with the assistance of the Army and Navy a success worthy of the Nation,
of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, of the Pioneers of California and
of the Sloat Monument Association in the grand historic event commemorated.
In the bringing together of historic characters; the man who actually raised
the American flag at Monterey half a century before to raise it again; and the
few survivors who landed with the forces under Commodore Sloat; those who
served under Commodore vStockton and Colonel Fremont; the few survivors of
the U. S. Army and of Stevenson's Regiment who served in California fifty years
ago; and the battle-scarred veterans who served with ourselves under Generals
Taylor, Scott and others, in the Mexican War; in the steps taken by him for the
celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Raising of the American flag at
San Francisco, July 9, 1846, by Captain Montgomery, of the U. S. S'oop-of-War
"Portsmouth," as also the previous celebration at Sonoma, of the Fiftieth Anni
versary of the Raising of the Bear Flag at that place on June 14th, last, all of
which deserves the highest commendation, gratitude and praise; therefore, be it
Resolved, That we tender our Comrade, Major Edwin A. Sherman, our sin
cere and heartfelt thanks for his long, patient, laborious and patriotic services
given in behalf of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, extending
over a long period of years; and that while he enjoys our highest esteem and
regard, our confidence in his integrity and ability, he is justly entitled to the
credit of having inaugurated and brought to a successful termination the cele
brations already mentioned, and is deserving the gratitude of the people of the
State of California for his patriotic devotion to her fair fame and the Nation's
honor in the events which under his direction have been so auspiciously com
memorated. Resolved, That we earnestly trust and fervently hope that his days may he
lengthened, and that he may live to finish and enjoy the fruits of his labors in the
completion of the monument and the erection ofthe statue of Commodore John-
Drake Sloat so well begun, and the foundation-stone laid, on the U. S. Military
Reservation at Monterey, and that to this end he is deserving of the hearty sup
port and cooperation of all the patiiotic citizens; and it is to be hoped that all of
the Counties of the State of California will be fully represented by their stones
to be placed in the base of the mrnument at Monterey.
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of our Associa-

2o6 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
tion, a copy presented to our Comrade, Major Edwin A. Sherman, Chairman of
the Committee of Arrangements, and a copy of the same printed in the account
to be published of our late celebrations.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
Signed: J. C. Taylor;
William L. Duncan, Past President;
A. Andrews, Past President;
Joseph Stewart, Past President;
Sidney J. Loop, Past Pres. and Pres.
Attest: William L. Duncan, Secretary.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 207

CHAPTER XI.
THE RESUMPTION OF LABOR UPON THE BASE OF THE
SLOAT MONUMENT, UPON THE U. S. MILITARY
RESERVATION AT MONTEREY. CAL.
The Senate Bill, after having been successfully carried no less than
twice through the U. S. Senate unanimously, through the persistent
efforts of the Hon. Geo. C. Perkins, U. S. Senator from California, and
appropriating the sum often thousand dollars for the Sloat Monument,
failed to be taken up and carried through the House of Representa-
. fives, although unanimously reported favorably upon by the Library
¦Committee to which it had been referred, and three similar bills of the
like character were from time to time introduced in the latter body by
Congressmen Hilborn, McLachlan and Metcalf, and like the old darkey
midwife's description, "the child died a-bornin'," and all they did,
proved abortive at the end of each session of Congress.
There was no delay in the Senate in the passing of the bill for the
appropriation, while the Lower House seemed to have referred it to
"that Upper House not made with hands eternal in the heavens." with
the prospect of the Sloat Monument being erected in the air; and it
now became evident that the people of California must at least con
struct the base of the monument themselves before their Representa
tives in the National Capitol would be successful in securing the desired
financial aid. Twelve Counties, with the U. S. Navy and the Grand
Parlors of the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West, had
furnished stones of the prescribed dimensions, which were stored in
the old Custom House at Monterey awaiting the pleasure of an unap-
preciative Speaker of the House, who was a broken Reed shaken by
the wind and deaf to all petitions concerning it.
The old Custom House having been leased for a term of years to
the Grand Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West upon condi
tion of their repairing and restoring it, and the Legislature of California
having appropriated several thousand dollars for that purpose, it be
came necessary to remove the stones; and in order to secure them from
mutilation at the hands of vandal tourists and relic hunters, it was
deemed best to haul them to the site of the monument and lay them
as soon as possible; but there was not a dollar ifi the treasury of the
Sloat Monument Association, which was in debt to its Secretary, who
had served in that capacity voluntaril}' and without pay for a period of
nearly sixteen years.

2o8 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
Dr. Washington Ayer, the President, and several others of the
Officers and Members of the Sloat Monument Association were dead,
and a new election was necessary to be held to fill their places. Ac
cordingly a called meeting was held at ' Monterey for that purpose on
Friday, August i6, 1901, when the following officers were elected and
assumed the duties of their respective offices, viz. :
President, Col. Joseph Stewart, U. S. A. (retired), V. M. W., of
Berkeley; First Vice-President, Hon. Wm. M. Boggs, V. M. W., of
Napa; Second Vice-President, Col. Samuel W. Boring, V. M. W. , of
San Jose; Secretary, ]Major Edwin A. Sherman, V. M. W., of Oak
land; Treasurer, Samuel W. Levy, Esq., of San Francisco; Receiver,
Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, of Monterey; Marshal, Gen, Thomas W.
Ketcham, V. M. W., of Stockton. These, with Hon. Geo. C. Perkins,
U. S. Senator, of Oakland; Rev. A. A. McAlister, U. S. N., Mare.
Island Navy Yard; Dr. James L. Cogswell, Pioneer, of San Francisco;
Hon. Frank Mattison, ex-President N. S. G. W. , of Santa Cruz;
Major John L. Bromley, V. M. W.; David W. Standiford, Pioneer, and
Hon. Wm. Frank Pierce, of Oakland; Hon. Lewis A. Spitzer, of San
Jose; Hon. George E. Kennedy, of Livermore, and Miss Clara K. Wit
tenmyer, of Mills College, Ex-President of Grand Parlor, N. D. G. W.,
for the Executive Committee.
The following were elected as the Committee on Design and Con
struction: Major Edwin A. Sherman, of Oakland, Chairman; Rev. A.
A. McAlister, U. S. N., Mare Island Navy Yard; Capt. Franklin J.
Drake, U. S. N., Mare Island Navy Yard; Hon. Edward M. Preston,
P. G. M , of Nevada City; Joseph M. English, Esq., Vallejo, and Miss
Camille Johnston, of Alameda.
The following were elected Active Members of the Association by
acclamation: Rear Admirals J. C. Watson and Henry Glass, Captain
Franklin J. Drake, Commander Thomas S. Phelps, Lieut. Commanders
F. F. Nicholson and Alexander Sharp and Cadet Edwin H. Dodd, of
the U. S. Navy; Messrs. J. W. Bagby, H. A. Olmsted, Jonathan
Wright, V. M. W. ; H. M. Parmelee, Mrs. Thomas G. Lambert and
Miss Frances B. Orton, of Monterey; Mrs. Emily A. Fish, of Point
Pinos Lighthouse; John R. Patrick and C. B. Rosendale, of Pacific
Grove; Henry F. Williams, Pioneer; Samuel W. Holliday, Pioneer;
James B. Whittemore (great-grandson of Commodore Sloat), Edward
Dexter and Samuel H. Collins, of San Francisco; Dr. Hiram N.
Rucker, Dr. Charles E. Lancaster, Hon. Thomas W. Crawford, Her
man C. Sagehorn and J. Hoyt Toler (son of Wm. P. Toler), of Oak
land; Hon. Joseph Knowland, Jr., and Miss Camille Johnston, of Ala
meda; Hon. Lewis A. Spitzer, of San Jose; Hon. Frank Mattison and
Charles Steinmetz (V M. W. >, of Santa Cruz; Hon. Edward M. Pres-

Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 209
ton, P. G. M., of Nevada City; Mrs. Patsy Reed Lewis (of the Donner
party), of Capitola, and Miss Clara K. Wittenmyer (ex-President N.
D. G. W., of Mills, making thirty-four added to the Active Roll.
The following were elected the Local Supervising Committee at
Monterey, to make contracts to be approved by the Executive Commit
tee to be valid, and to inspect and measure the work to be performed
by the contractor: Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, Chairman; Francis
Doud (V. M. W.), J. W. Bagby, H. A. Olmsted, Jonathan Wright (V.
M. W.), H. M. Parmelee, Mrs. E. A. Fish, Mrs. Thomas G. Lambert,
Miss Frances B. Orton, John R. Patrick and C. B. Rosendale.
At this meeting action was taken condemning the book of the Rev.
S. H. Willey, for reiterating the slanders and falsehoods of the H. H.
Bancroft so-called history and others, for which the latter had been ex
pelled as an honorary member of the San Francisco Society of Califor
nia Pioneers.
The "Life of the Late Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat" being
prepared by the Secretary of this Association, from authentic official
records and other reliable data, was most heartily concurred in and
approved, as a part of the work of the Sloat Monument Association.
This meeting was then adjourned to meet at San Jose on September
8, 1901, when a quorum being present, the following were elected
Active Members: Hon. Samuel J. Chipman, Henry A. Pfister, Alex.
P. Murgotten, Lewis Bond, Jr., Claudius G. Sayle, Moses Schallen
berger, Homer Prindle, Wm. A. Beasely, Mrs. Grace Aram and Mrs.
A. R. Woodhams, of Santa Clara County, and Mr. W. T. Jameson, of
Kern County.
At this meeting, action was taken in the appointment of committees
to wait upon the Boards of Supervisors of Alameda and Santa Clara
Counties to secure appropriations of $100.00 from each for the laying
of the foundation and these Counties' stones in the base of the Sloat
Monument at Monterey.
This meeting was then adjourned.
The Secretary, with the generous assistance of Major John L.
Bromley, proceeded with the solicitation of contributions from the
Board of Supervisors of Alameda County, and from them and from
Hons. Geo. C. Perkins, Victor H. Metcalf, Fred S. Stratton, Geo. C.
Pardee, Wm. Frank Pierce, Arthur H. Breed, Mr. Wm. J. Dingee,
Mrs. Emma Shafter Howard, Mrs. J. G. Laws and others, succeeded
in securing the required amount for the foundation and laying of the
Alameda County stone.
Col. Samuel W. Boring, Hon. Lewis A. Spitzer and Hon. 
Lowe, of San Jose, with others, succeeded in securing an appropriation
of one hundred dollars from the Board of Supervisors of Santa Clara

2 ID Life of Rear-Admiral John Dr.^vke Sloat
County for the la}ing of the foundation and stone of that County.
On November 2, 1901, the concrete foundation for the stones of
these two Counties having been contracted for and laid, under the
supervision of the Local Committee, and inspected and approved by
the Committee of Design and Construction, a called meeting of the
Sloat Monument Association was held at Monterey on that date. An
address of welcome was made by Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, Receiver,
who spoke briefly as follows:
ADDRESS OF WELCOME.
For more than sixteen years, the Sloat Monument Association have zealously
labored to erect a fitting monument to the memory of that Grand Old Naval
Hero, John Drake Sloat who, by the authority of the United States, flung the
Starry Banner to the breezes of the Pacific Coast, Irom yonder staff, which won
for us for all time the Golden State of California.
The first importaut act of the Associatiou was the laying of the Corner-stone
by the Grand Lodge of California on the yth of July, 1896. Since that day many
disappointments have beset us; still, the friends of the .Association have never
faltered. Now, by the generosity of some of the public-spirited citizens of Alameda
and Santa Clara Counties, they come to plant upon this foundation the names of
their Counties, cut in solid aud imperishable granite.
Friends and Companions, we welcome you to this historic spot, and bid you
Godspeed in the noble work you have come to perform.
To this Col. Samuel W. Boring, V. M. W., Acting President, re
plied as follows:
RESPONSE.
Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, Receiver of the Sloat Monument Association, and
Fellow-Citizens of Monterey :
We return you our sincere thanks for your kind words of welcome, which, as
they strike upon the ears of us, who are Veterans of the Mexican War, as Pio
neers, as Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West, and our Masouic
Brethren who have come to lay these stones with due form and ceremony, cause
our hearts to beat with more rapid pulsation at your kind words of welcome on
this auspicious occasion.
While some of us had entered upon the conflict iu the war with Mexico, in
the campaign along the Rio Grande under General Taylor, two months before
the gallant Sloat dropped his anchor in the beautiful Bay of Monterey, we little
knew of the length of arm or the strength of the grip of Uncle Sam, while he
was holding Mexico at bay with one hand, aud stretching out the other, to grasp
au empire across the Continent, calling for his White-winged Eagles and Sea
Birds in the Pacific, to fly to this port, and on yonder staff', to place the Stars and
Stripes, to float over this land until the earth and heavens shall be no more.
To erect this monument, to commemorate that grand event, is the patriotic
aim and object of the Sloat Monument Association; and we have come here to
day for the purpose of continuing the work so auspiciously begun by the Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of California, on July 7, 1896, by the laying
the stones of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties, in accordance with the order
prescribed for this occasion.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 211
To give the signal for this woi'k now to be commenced, let the American Flag
again be raised ou yonder .staff over the Custom House, where it was to stay for
ever, by order of Commodore John Drake Sloat over fifty-five years ago.
Mr. J. Hoyt Toler, the son of ex-Midshipman William P. Toler,
the Aide-de-Camp of Commodore Sloat, then raised the flag and three
hearty cheers were given. [His father had raised it three times before
on that same staff, October 19, 1842; July 7, 1846, and July 7, 1896.]
The ceremonies of la3'ing the stones were then duly performed. W.
Bro. George C. Pardee, P. M. of Oakland Lodge, No. 188, F. and A.
M, (ex-Mayor of Oakland), assisted by W. Bro. John A. Beckwith, P.
M. of Live Oak Lodge, No. 61, F. and A. M., of Oakland, Bro. Edwin
A. Sherman and others, then laid the Alameda County stone next to
the Corner-stone in the East front in due form, with the ceremonies
especially prepared for the occasion; they using the working tools of
Live Oak Lodge, No. 61, the Mother Masonic Lodge of Alameda
County, to connect this historic event with that Lodge and make it a
matter of history.
W. Bro. William Delos Smythe, W. M. of Friendship Lodge, No.
210, F. and A. M., of San Jose, then, with the assistance of W. Bro.
Samuel W. Boring, P. M. of San Jose Lodge, No. 10, and Bro. Lewis
A. Spitzer, of Friendship Lodge, No. 210, laid the stone of Santa Clara
County next to the Alameda County stone in due form. The working
tools of San Jose Lodge, No. 10, being used, it being the Mother Ma
sonic Lodge of Santa Clara County, and to also give them historic
value. When these two stones were laid, three hearty cheers were given
for these Counties, and also for the workmen, which closed the pro
gramme for that occasion.
A new start had been given to this patriotic undertaking, but work
must be suspended until more funds were raised, which arduous task
was left to the Secretary, who had the good will and kind wishes of all.
By his strenuous efforts and appearing before the Boards of Supervisors
of Contra Costa and Santa Cruz Counties, and with the assistance of
Hon. John Whicher, of San Luis Obispo County, which had furnished
stones, the necessary financial aid was secured to extend the foundation
and lay them, the Board of Supervisors of Monterey County (through
the efforts of Capt. Thomas G. Lambert and the Hon. Thomas J.
Field, President of that Board) furnishing also a stone for the base of
the monument, the Association was able to resume work on Jantiary 2,
1902. and to lay these four stones, of which the following account is
here given:

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat

LAYING OF THE COUNTY STONES OF CONTRA COSTA,
SANTA CRUZ, MONTEREY AND SAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTIES, ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 1902.
The officers and members of the Executive Committee of the Sloat
Alonument Association, the Local Committee of Supervision and a
large number of spectators were present on the above occasion, Capt.
Thomas G. Lambert, Receiver, gave an address of welcome, which was
responded to by Col. Samuel W. Boring, Acting President, in eloquent
and patriotic terms.
He then, with the assistance of W. Bros. Thomas G. Lambert, P.
M. of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, F. and A. M.; Benj. A. Plant, P.
M. of Santa Cruz Lodge, No. 38, the Secretary and other Masons of
the Sloat Monument Association, proceeded to lay the Contra Costa
and the Santa Cruz County stones in due and ancient form.
Then W. Bro. Henry A. Olmsted, W. M.; Will E. Parker, S. W.,
and W. Thomas G. Lambert, P. M. of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, assisted
by other Brethren of this Association present, in like manner laid the
stone of Monterey County as the southeast corner and foundation stone
in the base of the monument in due Masonic form.
The Hon. John Whicher, County Clerk of San Luis Obispo County,
and Worshipful Master of King David's Lodge, No. 209, F. and A.
M., assisted by the above-named brethren, then laid the Sau Luis
Obispo County stone in due form and next to that of Monterey County
on the South side turning the southeast corner of the base of the mon
ument; immediately following which, he delivered a brief, historic,
interesting and eloquent address, which is made a part of this record.
W. BRO. JOHN WHICHER, W. M.'S, ADDRESS.
This enduring stone, placed by the good graces of the Board of Supervisors
of San Luis Obispo County, and the generosity of one of our public-spirited
Pioneers, Dr. George B. Nichols, is typical of the solid and substantial character
ofthe material resources which the kind and munificent Creator has bestowed on
that fair County. It weighs 3,000 pounds, or 187 pounds per cubic foot, and
stands a crushing test of 18,000 pounds per square inch; hence you may be well
assured that it will not crumble because of any weight placed upon it.
This stone is a fair sample, in its solidity and strength, of our manifold re
sources. For be it known unto you, we have gold, cinnabar, oil, bituminous
rock, asphaltum, alabaster, and, best of all, a fertility of soil and salubrity of
climate that is not and cannot be surpassed in the world.
The Corn, Wine and Oil, just now poured upon this stone, attest the power of
our soil, and the fructifying influence of our sun. The oil was made from trees
planted more than one hundred years ago by those Catholic fathers whose labors

ADMIRAIv C. S. COTTON, U. S. N.
wheu Captain Coraiuanded U. S. Flagship "Philadelphia." Admiral L. A. Beardslee commanding the Pacific
Station. A brave and skilful ofBcer and a courteous aud affable gentleman, worthy ot the command of so noble
a ship. A Life Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast. An active Member of the Sloat
Monument Association

REV. W. E. EDMONDSON, U. S. N.
Chaplain of Flagship "Philadelphia" in 1896. Second
Chaplain of the Day at Mouterey, Cal., July yth, 1896.
"None know him but to love him; none name him but
to praise." An Honorary Member of the Masonic Vet
eran Association of the Pacific Coast. An Honorary
RToMibfr of the Sloat Monument Association.

LIEUT. JAMES B. WHITTEMORE.
Reader of Commodore JohnD. Sloat's Proclamation.
The latter's oldest grandson, and who also read it ten
years before at the Celebration ol the 40th Anniversary,
at the same place, July 7th, 1S86, as well as on July 7th'
i8g6.

I i

''¦'/^%'''-' . •'.'•dS^^J'\ Hi I ''BB 1 1 —

» I

i'ii- »- '-'-I

t f

-^

THE N.^VAL B.\TTAI.ION OF MARINES AND SEAMEN Lieut. Com. R. R. IngersoU.
Witli tlieir Band, ofthe U. S. Flagship "Philadelphia," niarchine under the command of Lieutenant-Commander Royal R. IngersoU, U. S. N., Monterey, July ylh, 1896.
Comniandti- Royal R. IngersoU, is a Hie Member ofthe Masouic Veteran Associatiou of the Pacific Coast, and an Active Member ofthe Sloat Monument Association.

Life op Rear- Admiral John Drake Sloat 213
made so much for California; and, I may say in passing, that those trees yet
yield their crop of olives as regularly as in years gone by.
I congratulate the Sloat Monument Association on the progress of the work,
in erecting a monument to the valor and patriotism of a distinguished officer of.
the American Navy, — a work that will perpetuate the name and deeds of an
American hero, and be a spur to the American youth to emulate his example and
forever keep the name aud fame of our country foremost in the annals of the
world, for loyalty, patriotism, and intelligent conquest for the betterment of
mankind. He was roundly applauded when he had concluded his address.
At the close, all of the ofiicers and members of the Sloat Monument
Association present then formed a line upon all the stones laid and
clasped hands; then, unclosing, gave three cheers for the Sloat Monu
ment which had just been reinforced by these four stones and the south
east corner turned by those of Monterey and San Ivuis Obispo
Counties. After electing Dr. Geo. B. Nichols, of San Luis Obispo County, an
Active Member, the Sloat Monument Association then adjourned.
The Secretary, though enfeebled in health, lame and going on
crutches, visited several County Boards of Supervisors and organiza
tions of a historical character, and by earnest pleading and representa
tion, was successful in securing the appropriations asked for, and
though annoyed and his plans interfered with by outsiders who never
contributed directly or indirectly one cent towards the erection of the
monument, he succeeded by steadily pursuing his object, and having
the unanimous support of the Sloat Monument Association, on Feb
ruary 22, 1902 (Washington's Birthday), the following stones were
laid with Masonic ceremonies in due form:
The stone of the Veterans of the Mexican War, by Col. Samuel W.
Boring, V. M. W.; Major Edwin A. Sherman, V. M. W.; W.Thomas
G. Lambert, P. M. ; W.Henry A. Olmsted, W. M.; Jonathan Wright,
V. M. W. (one of Fremont's men), and Gen. Thomas E. Ketcham, V.
M. W., and others, under the personal supervision of Col. Joseph
Stewart (U. S. A.), V. M. W., and President of the Sloat Monument
Association. The stone of the Grand Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden
West, by Bros. Joseph R. Knowland, J. W. (one of the Grand Trus
tees); Henry Lundstet and the above-named brethren, with the assist
ance of others.
The stone of San Francisco City and County, with the above-named
brethren and Bros. W. John R. Patrick, P. M.; Will E. Parker, S. W.,
and Jacob W. Bagby, of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, F. and A. M., of
Monterey. Then the stone of San Joaquin County, under the immediate in-

214 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
spection and supervision of Gen. Thomas E. Ketcham, V. M. W. (and
Marshal of the Sloat Monument Association), with the assistance of
the above-named brethren.
The above-mentioned stones were laid in very inclement cold
weather, and by some who were feeble by sickness and lame, especially
the Secretary, who was on crutches, but constantly active in the per
formance of his duties, while greatly annoyed by outside parties, who
were publishing notices of work to be performed on the 4th of July,
invitations and printing matter gotten out, with the attempt to forestall
and coerce the Sloat Monument Association to yield to their plans and
arrangements for a fiesta and a good time. The impertinence and im
pudence of these parties, who never contributed a cent to the monu
ment, were nowise identified with the Association (and never had
been), was an unparalleled exhibition of cheek and presumption worse
than that of Sanballat when he worried the builders at the reconstruc
tion of the Temple of Jerusalem. They presumed to lay out the work
for the Grand Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West when
there was no Parlor in Monterey', and which knew nothing about them,
and that Grand Body was the only authority with which the Sloat
Monument Association had anything to do
The only newspaper (the New Era), published in Monterey by
a naturalized British subject of English birth, with the English
part apparently unnaturalized, was the organ of that peculiar combina
tion of brass and Babbit metal, and made the Secretary of this Associa
tion the chief object of its spleen and personal hatred totally without
cause or reason therefor. Liliputian in physique, mental or manly
character, this exhibition of caput elephantum, with a metallic counte
nance and an inflated chest, presumed to represent the public opinion
of that historic town, while every true American citizen in it lamented
the evil course pursued, but unable to check or restrain it. Its motto
seemed to be Ad Monteregnum Asinorum Gloriam. We did not have any
controversy with it or make any reply to it, and should not now refer
to it, but the circumstances have made it necessary, that our labors,
amidst diflBculties not of our own creation, may be appreciated by pa
triotic and decent people, who are gentlemen and ladies, grateful to the
Veterans of the Mexican War, who gave them California for a home,
and who are proud of their American and Californian citizenship
As it is the aim of the Sloat Monument Association to mark the
days of laying the stones upon anniversary days, the stones of the
Grand Parlor of the Native Daughters of the Golden West and of
Placer County were laid with due Masonic form on March 8, 1902, to
commemorate the Fifty-fifth Anniversary ofthe Landing of Gen. Scott
and his Army near Vera Cruz on March 9, 1847, just seventeen days

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 215
after the Battle of Buena Vista, fought by Gen. Taylor against Santa
Ana with triumphant success against the overwhelming odds of nearly
five to one. As before mentioned, we were with Gen. Scott in Gen.
Worth's Division, and in the second boat that touched the shore. Bnt
this is a digression.
The two stones last mentioned were duly laid by W. Bros. Thomas
G. Lambert, P. M. ; Henry A. Olmsted, W. M.; Jacob W. Bagby,
Edwin A. Sherman, John R. Patrick, Jonathan Wright and others.
After having performed this duty in extreme feeble health, the Sec
retary returned to his home in Oakland, and was prostrated in bed,
where he was confined by severe sickness and helplessness for a little
more than two months, and became so reduced that he was considering
which was best: cremation or interment. The former was the most
economical, as the latter involved the expense of a slab or a monument;
but having started one monument, we thought it best to complete that
before the beginning of another, and as St. Paul says about his giving
his body to be burned, the subject of cremation was postponed, for
"Charity begins at home."
Thanks, however, to a kind Providence, to a faithful, loving wife,
who gave us careful nursing as a mother would an infant, and under
the medical treatment of a skillful ex- Army Surgeon, Dr. Samuel B.
Littlepage, a veteran of the late Civil War, we recovered, though not
able to dispense with our crutches and medicine for several weeks after
ward before resuming our labors.
LAYING OF THE STONES OF SACRAMENTO, SOLANO AND
NAPA COUNTIES.
Having previously visited the Boards of Supervisors and by corre
spondence with them, and secured their aid and financial support, the
stones of the above three Counties were laid with due form on May 17,
1902, by W. Thomas G. Lambert, P. M.; W. John R. Patrick, P. M.;
Henry A. Olmsted, W. M.; Jonathan Wright, V. M. W.; David S.
Little and Jacob W. Bagby, of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, and Edwin
A. Sherman, 33°, and a few others, in the presence of a considerable
number of interested spectators. These stones completed the lower
course of the North face of the base of the monument, with the excep
tion of the stone turning the northwest corner.
This much had now been accomplished, though through meddling
interference of the parties heretofore referred to, there was a loss of the
stone of the City of San Jose and the contribution of $100.00 that was
to have accompanied it, proposed to be furnished by the Committee
from the Parlors of the Native Sons of the Golden West of that city.
This concession to San Jose was made by the Sloat Monument Associa-

2i6 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
tion for the reason that it was the first town in California to voluntarily
raise the American flag. Commodore Sloat furnishing it upon request,
and it was hoisted by Fallon and others on July i6, 1846. One of the
Monterey parties belonging to a San Jose Parlor of Native Sons, by his
meddling with our affairs, was the cause of local dissension among
them, and neither stone or donation was contributed to the monument
from that source.
The presumption and audacity of that Monterey clique or ring we
never saw equaled. They had no more right or business to meddle
with our affairs than the Devil to administer the Sacraments or to serve
as Steward or Master of Ceremonies and distribute the Lord's Supper.
They still insisted upon their interference and would not let us alone.
As the Secretary in his letter to us written March 10, 1892, said:
"We were in to win. We lost and confess ourselves licked," etc.,
etc. But they then wanted the Sloat Monument Association, whom
they had caused so much trouble, expense and loss, to unite with them
on the 4th of July, which self-respect, the recent and former experi
ences in 1896, caused us to decline and let them severely alone. The
new pegs were as bad if not worse than the former ones in the same
holes. Why they should seek to harass, vex and annoy the old Veterans
of the Mexican War, not one of whom is under seventy years of age,
and the most of them from seventy-five to eighty years and upwards,
as well as Pioneers and others of the Sloat Monument Association, is
past all reasoning and comprehension. That gang would make a Cali
fornia Jericho of Monterey, and force the Sloat Monument Association
(established by the sanction and authority of the U. S. Government
upon the U. S. Military Reservation between Monterey and Pacific
Grove) to become a Good Samaritan Society for all who may desire to
pass from the Hotel Del Monte to that seaside Salem or New Jerusa
lem where, it is said, "the wicked cease from troubling and the weary
are at rest."
As there has been a little stir made by the public press in regard to
the utterances of Gen. Thomas E. Ketcham, which he is said to have
made at Monterey recently, he referred to what had transpired in July,
1896, when out of $3,693.15, raised for the Celebration of the Fiftieth
Anniversary of the Hoisting of the Flag by Commodore Sloat, $1,629
of which was sent down from San Francisco, only the sum of $325 was
expended for the Celebration proper. The sum of $150, for the foun
dation and laying the Corner-stone of the monument, and that land
mark, were all that was left to show for it. Only the paltry sum of
£iglit dollars and seventy-five cents ($8.75) was appropriated to the Ladies'

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 217
Reception Committee, as shown by their own report for their three
days' entertainment.
On July 7, 1896, Admiral L- A. Beardslee was grossly insulted by
the so-called Director General or Manager of the Local Monterey Com
mittee, of that place. We received the following letters from the
Admiral, which speak for themselves: (copy)
Flagship "Philadelphia," Pacific Station,
San Francisco, October 21, 1896.
My Dear Major Sherman : Thanks for the Blue and Gold book.
While I am unwilling to take sides in the differences which so unfortunately
occurred to mar the harmony of the celebration, I do not hesitate to say that
whoever was responsible for the many blunders and discourtesies shown to visit
ing guests, and to myself and people under my command, was either a very rude
man, or men, if more than one was responsible.
I enclose copy of letter mailed today to Mr. Duckworth, and am
Yours truly, D. A. Beardslee.
(copy) U. S. Flagship "Philadelphia,"
San Francisco, Cal., October 21, 1896.
Mr. S. f. Duckworth, Secretary Executive Committee Semi-Centennial Celebra
tion, Monterey, Cal. —
Dear Sir: I learn from "Report on Committee of Arrangements of the As
sociated Veterans of the Mexican War," that from the funds contributed to be
expended in items connected with the Semi-Centennial Celebration at Monterey
on July 7, 1896, there is a certain portion set aside for the purchase of "two
souvenir banners ordered last evening for the U. S. Ships 'Philadelphia' and
'Monadnock.'" I have to request that as there is, and has been, among those who organized
and managed the celebration, wide differences of opinion as to the proper distri
bution of the money collected, not one dollar of it shall be expended directly or
indirectly on any of the forces under my command.
I could not permit the acceptance of a banner under the circumstances. I am
Yours truly, L. A. BeardslBE, Rear Admiral U. S. Navy.
Yet with this official communication from Admiral Beardslee, that
Committee proceeded, procured the banners, and would have forced
them upon the officers of those vessels in spite of the orders of the
Admiral, but they were promptly rejected, as they should have been.
But the people of Monterey had apparently been kept in ignorance of
these orders or the true reason for their rejection.
It was these matters which Gen. Ketcham referred to in his re
marks. We greatly dislike to mention these matters, and we had hoped that
the lapse of time would have relegated their unpleasant memories to
the past, but recent occurrences revived them, and self-respect, and a
proper regard for the interests, rights and duties devolving upon the

2i8 Life of Rear-Admiral John Dr.-\ke Sloat
Sloat Monument Association and with former experiences to guide us,
we were determined not to form any entangling alliances, and espe-
cialh' with those who, without any cause on our part, had secretly and
openly fought us as our enemies, and acknowledged themselves in
writing "as being licked."
They had never contributed a cent for the monument, did not be
long to the Association, and had no lot or part in it, and we quietly let
them severely alone and proceeded with our business, and to make the
126th Anniversary of American Independence, July 4, 1902, memora
ble by crowning the Northeast corner of the base of the monument
with the U. S. Xavy and other stones of a historic character.
The Rev. Bro. A. A. McAlister, Chaplain of Mare Island Navy
Yard, to whom the Sloat Monument Association is greatly indebted for
his earnest and zealous efforts in its behalf, collected contributions from
the officers and crews of various ships of war in 1896, to provide a stone
to represent the Nav}- and for laying it. That stone was promptly fur
nished and sent to Monterey that year, and the first money paid and
received from any source, after the Corner-stone was laid, excepting
that advanced by the Secretary for printing and other expenses.
Permission was asked of Rear Admiral Merrill Miller, Commandant
at Mare Island Navy Yard, and cheerfully granted by him, to solicit
contributions for the monument from the employees to provide a stone
and the means for laying it and towards the foundation, as the Mare
Island Navy Yard was located and purchased for the U. S. Government
b)- the Board of Officers of which Commodore John Drake Sloat was
President, fifty years before, in 1852. This task of soliciting contribu
tions was also placed in charge of the Rev. A. A. McAlister, U. S. N.,
the Chaplain at that station, and with the assistance of the Foremen of
the various Departments he successfully accomplished it, and the stone
ordered prepared and sent to Monterey.
As Mining was the first chief industry in California immediately
after the discovery of gold in January, 1848, and for several decades
following, and still pursued by a large proportion of our fellow-citizens,
it was deemed proper that it should be prominently represented by giv
ing it a place next to the U. S. Navy stone on the Northeast corner in
that particular historic group. Accordingly, the Secretary addressed
a letter to the W. Bro. Hon. Edward C. Voorheis, State Senator and
President of the California Miners' Association, residing at Sutter
Creek, Amador County, requesting that his Association should provide
a stone and make an appropriation for laying it and the concrete core
of the base of the monument, and that R. W. Bro. the Hon. Jacob H.
Neff, their ex-President, and Lieut.-Governor ofthe State of California,
with the assistance of his officers and members, should lay it. Thia

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 219'
request was most cordially and fraternally conceded, the stone fur
nished and the funds provided as asked for.
As we had assisted in 1854 and 1855 in surveying the first Railroad
in California, that of the Sacramento Valley Railroad from Freeport
and Sacramento to Folsom, which road was afterwards absorbed by
that of the First National Overland Railroad, and which received aid
from the U. S. Government, to more closely bind California to the
Union when in danger of disruption, we addressed a letter to Mr.
Kruttschnitt, Assistant to the President of the Central Pacific Railroad
Company, inviting that Company to furnish a stone properlj? marked,'
and to be accompanied by an appropriation for laying it, and that W.
Bro. George T. Bromley, P. M., and the first railroad conductor in
California, and of the Sacramento Valley Railroad, might, with the
assistance of ourself and others, have the honor of laying it. This
was promptly conceded, the funds sent and the stone furnished in due
season. On May loth, nth, 12th and r3th, 1902, we paid a visit to Mare
Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, Sacramento and Woodland, to meet Super
visors and others of the Northern Counties and urge them to do as
others had done and were doing, and obtained promises to aid in this
patriotic and historic work, to which the press gave its hearty support.
The Annual Convention of Supervisors of California were to meet
at Redwood City, San Mateo County, on Monday, May ist, 1902,-
which the Secretary was recommended to attend, and did so. He was
most cordially received, and invited by that body to address them upon
the subject of the Sloat Monument, which he did to the best of his'
ability. His remarks were received with a hearty applause and the'
follovidng action was taken:
Hon. Samuel Braunhart, Supervisor from San Francisco (after the
matter was fully considered), moved "that the Supervisors present
bring the matter before their respective Boards, with the recommenda
tion of the Convention that the Counties respond to the call of the
Monument Committee." which was unanimously carried.
The Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association was then by a
unanimous vote elected an Honorary Member of that Convention.
The press of Redwood City gave us its hearty support.
The Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County, P. H. McEvoy
and others, treated their visitors most hospitably, by furnishing carriages
and taking them to the Stanford University and other places of interest,
as well as a walk to the largest tannery in the State of California at Red
wood City. Job says ' 'Skin for skin, yea all that a man hath will he
give for his life." It was so with the Supervisor from Sacramento,
who immediately rushed for the door on entering, for his stomach was

220 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
immediately undergoing the tanning process and about being converted
into an empty buckskin purse, and he threw up time for eternity, for
he lost his watch, which was afterwards found and delivered to him.
He did not come to the banquet table that evening with a sharpened
appetite without the aid of Worcestershire and pepper-sauce.
The entertainment given by "Bonita Parlor of Native Daughters of
the Golden West" was admirable and first-class, and received the
hearty applause of the large audience present, while the address of the
Hon. James O'Keefe was eloquent, patriotic, and replete with good
sense. At the banquet table that evening, there was some very fine oratory
and good music, instrumental and vocal. We there met many old friends
and acquaintances and found new ones, all promising to aid the Sloat
Monument Association. There was one present from Alameda County
who is looking to the Supreme Court Clerkship of the State of Califor
nia, who made a better speech abroad than he does at home, and it was
a good one, and an honor to him and his county which he represented.
The only question that then presented itself to us while he was speak
ing, was that which confronted Joshua when he took command of the
Israelites, after the death of Moses. Would the lowering of the water
raise the banks of the Jordan ? The Contra Costa Water Company of
Oakland will have to decide that question.
On the Saturday morning following we started to take the early
train home. There were several Supervisors going at the same time,
and three or four of them were just ahead of us getting on the train,
and as we were the last and lame, we had only got our left foot on the
step and left hand on the iron next the brake, when the train jumped
and started almost at full speed. Mr. McCarty, of Martinez, held on
to us while the others tried to aid him, and the train flying faster, and
we were about to fall; but some one pulled the bell-cord, the train came
to a sudden stop with a jerk, which gave us a fearful wrench, from the
effects of which we have not yet recovered. We acknowledge our deep
gratitude to Mr. McCarty and the others for thus saving our life, and
doing their best in not postponing the erection of the Sloat Monument.
We had now done all that was possible with our health and means
at command, and it was necessary to make preparation for the laying of
the stones provided, on the coming of the 4th of July at Monterey.
On the 8th of June we received a message from Rev. A. A. McAlister,
U. S. N., Chaplain at Mare Island Navy Yard, and one of the Execu
tive Committee of the Sloat Monument Association, to come up imme
diately on matters of great importance, and we did so.
We learned from him that all the U. S. ships of war in California
waters had been ordered to Puget Sound, and that all had sailed but

MAJOR TUIvLY McCRKA, U. S. A.
Who commanded the Batteries ot U. S. Artillery at
the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Raising
of the American flag at Mouterey, July yth, iSg6, and
aided so much to make it a success, and to whom the
Associated Veterans of the Mexican War are greatly
indebted. Honorary Member of the Sloat Monument
A.'iSOcialioTi.

HON. NILES SEARLES,
Of San Francisco, Cal.
Kx.-Presideut of Society of California Pioneers. Hon
orary Memberof the Sloat Monument Association, l^x-
Judg:e of the Supreme Court of California. Commiss
ioner of the Supreme Court of Califoruia. Honorary
Member of the Masouic Veteran Association of the Pa
cific Coast.

COL. O. D. GREENE, U. S. A.
Assistant Adjutant Genera! ofthe Department of Cal
ifornia. A most courteous and affable gentlemen, who
graciously rendered his services to make the celebration
a success both at Mouterey and at San Fraucisco on
July 7th, aud 9th, 1S96.— e;. A.

1 ^ mn

f ' ,• ¦ •¦¦

:APr. JAMES D. ADAMS, U. S. N.

Commanding U. S. Ship "Alert," and who hoisted the American Flag (of his own ship) upon the original staft
over the Old Custom House at Monterey, California, on Friday, July 4, 1902, fifty-six years after Commodore John
Drake Sloat of the U. S. Navy, took possession of California, at Monterey, July 7, 1846. Thus identifying the U.
S. Navy for the third time in commemoration of that glorious event. All honor to this gallant officer and his
command.

THE NAVAL BATTALION O^ THE U. S. SHIP "ALERT,"
Presenting arms, at the raising of the American Flag by Capt. James D. Adams, U S. N., over the Old Custom
House, at Monterey. California, on Friday, July 4, 1902, the 126th Anniversary of American Independence.
(Prom a photograph taken by one ofthe crew. Presented by Capt. James D. Adams, U. S. N., Commanding.
flS^'Read Shells and Curios and not Hell's Curios on the sign above the Battalion; the small American flag covers the
letter "j."

Life of Rear-Admiral John Draice Sloat 221
the Training Ship "Alert," Capt. J. D. Adams, who was to sail on
Tuesday morning also for the north, and there was no time to be lost
to have his orders countermanded, and he be directed to report with his
ship at Monterey to aid the Sloat Monument Association on the 4th of
July. Capt. Adams at once saw the importance of it, and prepared his
telegram for the Navy Department at Washington, but it could not be
sent until Monday morning, for the telegraph office was closed. We
remained over night the guest of the Rev. A. A. McAlister, and took
the early train the next morning for home, arriving at 9 o'clock, and
immediately telegraphed to the Hon. George C. Perkins, our U. S.
Senator at Washington, to see the Secretary of the Navy and have the
"Alert" ordered to Monterey for the 4th of July.
To our gratification and delight, on Tuesday morning, June loth,
we received a dispatch from him that our request was granted. Shortly
afterwards the "Alert" sailed for the southern coast of California.
This important matter having been attended to, the work upon the
concrete foundation of the monument was pushed as rapidly as possi
ble; notices and invitations had been sent weeks before to invited
guests, including the President and Board of Trustees of the City of
Monterey as well, to attend the ceremonies of laying the U. S. Navy
and other stones in the base of the monument on the coming of the 4th
of July, from which latter body no reply was ever received, the Clerk of
which is also Wells-Eargo's agent at that place, and a man of honor
and integrity, in the care of whom that letter of invitation was sent.
As that body had never appropriated or contributed a cent towards the
monument, its silence perhaps may be thus accounted for.
Every preparation was now being made by the Executive Committee
of the Sloat Monument Association, with the Assistance of the lyocal
Supervising Committee of the work at Monterey, for the reception of
Capt. J. D. Adams with his command of the "Alert" and the distin
guished gentlemen and visitors who were to take part in the imposing
ceremonies to be performed at the site of the monument.
Our Senator, Hon. George C. Perkins, at Washington had been suc
cessful in getting his "Bill for the Aid of the Construction of the Sloat
Monument at Monterey" passed through the Senate on the last day of
the session, but too late to go through the House, and it went over to
the next winter's session. The appropriation is for $10,000 for the
superstructure and not for the base of the monument, which the Coun
ties of the State are to make provision for in the manner now being
done. Senator Perkins has been a member of the Sloat Monument
Association and of its Executive Committee from the beginning, a
period of sixteen years, has given it his cordial support, and in the U.

222 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
S. Senate caused a bill appropriating $10,000 for the third time ; and if
it does not now pass the House of RepresentatiNes in the next session,'
let the people of California hold their Representatives personally and
politically responsible if it fails, and without regard to party or pre
vious condition of servitude.
But whether the bill passes or not, we shall not relax our efforts until
the statue of Admiral John Drake Sloat is unveiled. We shall go on with
our work in asking for stones and mone}^ and laying them until the
base of the monument at least is complete; and the guns now at Mare
Island Navy Yard that belonged to Sloat's and Stockton's squadrons
at that time are mounted upon it, and return the salutes that will be
fired from breech -loading guns from more modern ships of war; and
adopting the language of "Old Hickory," Gen. Andrew Jackson, when
President, "By the Eternal," the Sloat Monument at Monterey shall be
built! Happilj' for our purpose, the site is located where it is secure and
free from the intrusion of meddling schemers of every character what
ever. It was desired at first to erect it upon the Custom House Reser
vation near where Commodore Sloat's forces landed, but that had been
encroached and squatted upon \s\ foreign fishermen, who had erected
their houses upon it and which still remain and are occupied bj' them.
The U. S. Military Reser\-ation was the only place, and the site selected
and marked by the U. S. engineer officers under orders of the Secretary
of War and under his protection. Another spot was more desirable
lower down where the old fort, now entirel}' obliterated, once existed,
and where the granite statue and boat of Padre Junipero Serra was
erected by Mrs. Jane Stanford. It being a statue of a member of a re
ligious order, it was an act of impropriety to have erected it on a purely
military reservation. It should have been erected on an arch built over
the little ravine permitting the water to pass under it, and the identical
spot where he landed from his boat and on the site where the oak tree
stood, now marked b)- a wooden cross, and where he is said to have
said mass after landing; or, it should have been erected at either San
Carlos or the Carmel Mission. Governor Stanford, having been U. S.
Senator at the time, his wife may have thought that she would not
meet with any objection in putting it on the Military Reservation, when
she generously made the donation of $5,000 in erecting this statue in
honor of the memory of the foremost and greatest religious pioneer
that ever planted his feet and set up his cross on the soil of California.
For the Sloat Monument Association to also have chosen a site near
it on the same eminence for the Sloat Monument, it would have over
shadowed and belittled that of Padre Junipero Serra, been utterh^ out
of place for both, and made that spot look like a cemetery; so the

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 223
present site, immediatel}- below the prolonged angle of the angle of old
Fort Mervine, originally constructed bj' Mr. Wm. P. Toler, Commo
dore Sloat's Aide-de-Camp, was chosen, leaving the statue of the good
Padre Junipero Serra to stand out before all the world in full relief
below. On our arrival at Monterej' on July i, 1902, to make arrangements
for the coming Independence Day, we found no change for the better
in and about the Custom House Reservation. The flagpole, which had
been honored by Commodore Jones, Commodore Sloat, Wm. P. Toler
and other distinguished Americans, was leaning over at an angle of
about twenty degrees, and barel}' held up by a little piece of rope near
the bottom. The Custom House along its sea front continued to be
used by the fishermen repairing their nets, while the south portion was
¦occupied by some living in it, and we learned that permission was
given them by one of the Trustees of the State appointed by the Gov
ernor, and he the Mayor of the town. This condition was and is a
disgrace to Monterey, to the State of California, and to the Nation. It
shows a total disregard to decency, for public appearance, and a total
absence of patriotism as well as local pride. It would have been better
to have never leased the property to the State of California, but for the
U. S. Government to have itself ejected the occupants from the Custom
House Reservation and made the repairs itself.
On the evening of the ist of July, one of the committee which had
gotten up a local celebration of the 4th of July called upon us, and de
sired to have us unite with their affair. This we positively declined to
do under any circumstances. He was one of the party who had already
interfered with our business before, and cost us loss and trouble. We
were engaged in a national work, and had made our arrangements
months before with ofiicers of the U. S. Army and Navy, the Liuten-
ant-Governor and others who had come to attend the laying of the
stones in the monument and nothing else. That if the^' as loyal
American citizens wanted to celebrate the 4th of July properly, they
were welcome to unite their procession with ours and follow the marines
.and sailors of Uncle Sam up to where the monument was being built,
but this he declined. He then wanted to know if we had any objec
tions to having the U. S. forces escort their procession through the
¦town. To this we replied, "No, but not until we were through with
them." He then asked if we would object if Capt. Adams when he
arrived would give his consent. To this we replied, "No, if he desired
¦to, and that I would mention the matter to him." He then left.
On Thursday morning, July 3d, the U. S. Ship "Alert" arrived and
anchored. The New Era newspaper, published by Wm. Kay, the
.naturalized English subject referred to, made its appearance, with the

224 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Slo.^t
full programme arranged by that committee, the order of parade and
exercises to be held in front of the Central Hotel on Alvarado street,
which was perfectly proper for their own little local affair if they so
desired; but neither in their programme, or anywhere else in that pa
per, was there anj-thing mentioned in the way even of .local news that
there were to be any laj-ing of stones or ceremonies at the Sloat Monu
ment, or of the marching of Capt. Adams' command, or the firing of
salutes from the U. S. Sloop-of- War "Alert."
This fact determined our purpose to have nothing to do with such a
set whatsoever. We were also determined that no slight or insult
should be put upon Capt. Adams or any of his ofiScers as had been done
to Admiral Beardslee six years before on July 7, 1896, an account of
which has already been given herein; and when also there came very
near being a riot between the U. S. seamen and the fishermen already
referred to, when some of the latter tore down some of the small Amer
ican flags and decorations upon the wharf, when the sailors were
angered and about to tear down their shanties and throw them into the
bay; but better judgment prevailed, the flags and decorations were
replaced, peace restored and probable bloodshed saved.
Early on the morning of the 3d of July, at 8 o'clock, a boat put off
from the "Alert," and a messenger landed with a letter, which he
handed to us, directed to the Mayor of Monterey, and asked where he
could find him, and we informed him probably at his residence up
town; but we told him that Capt. Adams desired to see us as much as
anybody. We then stepped into the boat and were rowed to the ship,
welcomed on board and invited into the cabin, where we were most
cordially greeted by him and his officers. He then shewed us and read
his orders before all present. We handed him the copy of the paper
referred to, which made no mention of the laying of the Sloat Monu
ment stones whatever or anything in connection with them. This
fixed Capt. Adams' decision at once. Our programme was complete,
all but the hour of starting, which was for him to set, which he did,
making it 10 A. m. when he was to hoist the American flag brought
from his own ship, to be taken back on his return and preserved as a
historic souvenir of the event. A boat was placed at our service and
we were conveyed ashore, and at once, with the assistance of J. W.
Bagby, one of our own Committee at Monterey, our notices were
posted up in all public places, at the Del Monte Hotel and Pacific Grove.
On the evening of the 3d, all who were to participate in the cere
monies with their friends had arrived. Carriages were procured and
arranged for the next day's proceedings, and nothing was left undone
by our Committee for the duties required.
This now brings us to

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 225

THE CELEBRATION AT MONTEREY OF THE
FOURTH OF JULY, 1902,
BY THE
SLOAT MONUMENT ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA,
Including Officers of the U. S. Army and Navy, the Lieu
tenant-Governor, State Senators and Assemblymen and
Others, and the Laying of the Stones of the U. S.
Navy, Mare Island Navy Yard, California Miners'
Association and of the Central Pacific Rail
road Company, in the Base of the Sloat
Monument on the U. S. Military
Reservation at Monterey.
Promptly at the hour set, at 10 o'clock a. m., on Friday, the 4th of
July, 1902, the Naval Battalion from the U. S. Training Ship "Alert,"
Capt. J. D. Adams commanding, landed, and were drawn up in line in
front of theold Custom House, Lieut.-Governor Jacob H. Neff, Hon.
Edward C. Voorheis, the Officers and Members of the Sloat Monument
Association, and many others assembled, with Capt. J. D. Adams and
his staff and other guests also in carriages, which had been provided
for them. The procession was formed by Gen. Thomas E- Ketcham,
V. M. W., Marshal of the Sloat Monument Association. Just before
starting he accompanied Capt. J. D. Adams of the U. S. Ship "Alert"
to the verandah of the old Custom House, where the latter attached to
the halliards the American flag brought ashore from his own ship, and
which he hoisted upon the same pole upon which Commodore Sloat
raised his flag on July 7, 1846, or fifty-six years before.
The procession, escorted by the Naval Battalion, then marched to
the site of the Sloat Monument on the U. S. Military Reservation,
where was a large assembly of people from Monterey, Pacific Grove, the
Hotel Del Monte, and from other cities and towns in various parts of
California, and visitors from other States, who had come to participate
in and witness the imposing ceremonies of laying the U. S. Navy, the
U. S. Navy Yard, the California Miners' Association's and the Central
Pacific Railroad Company's stones.
The Ladies' Reception Committee, under the Chairmanship of Mrs.
Emily A. Fish, was present to receive and welcome lady visitors from
abroad, who came wearing the badges of the Sloat Monument Associa-

226 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
tion furnished for the occasion. The rest of her Committee, whom she
was permitted to select herself, were Mesdames M. M. Gragg, J. P.
Sargent, M. Hams, W. W. James, T. J. Field, James F. Moore, Wm.
Kay and Miss Margaret Jacks. [We will here note that Mrs. Fish is
the lady in charge of the Point Pinos Lighthouse and the mother of
Mrs. E. H. Nichols, the widow of the late Capt. Ezra H. Nichols,
of the U. S. Navy, who fell and died under the extreme heat while in
command of the "Monadnock" in battle with the insurgents at Para-
naque, in the Philippine Islands, whose remains were brought to Oak
land, Cal., and buried with Masonic and Naval honors.]
Upon arrival at the site of the Sloat Monument, the Naval Bat
talion was formed in square around it, the guests being provided with
chairs and seated while the large audience remained standing, a portion
of whom were seated upon the stones already laid and h'ing around.
The Union Jack of the Navy covered the U. S. Navy and the Mare
Island stones to be laid, and was in charge of a seaman appointed for
that purpose.
The vessels of Corn, Wine, Oil and Salt used in the ceremonies,
instead of being of gold and silver on such occasions, were of Nep
tune's choicest offerings; being beautiful polished irridescent abalone
and other sea-shells loaned for the occasion by Bro. J. K. Oliver, and
exceedingly appropriate for that occasion.
When all had been arranged by the Marshal, Gen Ketcham, the
following address of welcome was delivered by Capt. Thomas G. Lam
bert, the Receiver of the Sloat Monument Association at Monterey:
ADDRESS OF WELCOME.
By Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, Receiver, of Monterey.
]\fr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : On this, the one hundred and twenty-
sixth anniversary of the independence of the United States of America, and the
fifty-sixth of the occupation of California, the Sloat Monument Associatiou wel
come you, the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War; welcome the I'ioneers
of California; welcome the representatives of the Army and Navy of the United
Slates; welcome the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West; aud the
Ladies and Gentlemen from every walk of life — all welcome to this historic spot.
We have assembled for the purpose of paying a tribute to the memory of that
gallant son of the United States Navy, John Drake Sloat, who fifty-six years ago
flung to the breeze the Starry Banner, our Nation's emblem, that placed Califor
nia under the protecting care of the American Republic, under which it sprang
forth as a Golden Star in that Grand Constellation of our Glorious Union. [Ap
plause.] This was responded to by Col. Joseph Stewart, U. S. A. (retired).
President of the Sloat Monument Association, and also President of the
Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, and ex-officio President of
the Dav.

Life of Rear-Admiral John DrIake Sloat 227
response.
By Col. Joseph A. Stewart, U. S. A., President of the Day.
Capt. Lambert, Lieut.-Gov. Neff, Officers of the Army and Navy, Ladies and
Fellow-Citizens: Itis with great pride aud pleasure, as President of the Sloat Monu
ment Association of California, that I meet you here on this joyous occasion, and
to continue the work of laying these stones in the base of this monument upon
¦which is to bs erected ths pedestal upon which is to be raised aud unveiled, in
the near future, the statue of that gallant officer of the United States Navy, the
late Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat, who caused to be raised on yonder staff the
Flag of our Country, the title deed of American possession of our Golden State
of California. In after years, I, for a while, as an officer of the U. S. Army in
command, was stationed here, and performed the duties assigned to me until
ordered to other posts elsewhere.
The work of the Sloat Monument Association in the erection of this monu
ment has been well done by the Committee of Design and Construction, of which
our Secretary, Major Sherman, is the Chairman, by whose zeal and persistent
effiarts, with the aid of others, these stones have been furnished, the money raised,
and the present forward condition of the work performed, as exhibited here to
day, and that which you are to add to by your labors. [Applause.] But we will
proceed with our programme, as the chill wind admonishes us to be brief in our
remarks. Our Chaplain, Rev. A. A. McAlister, Chaplain of the U. S. Navy, will
now offer prayer.
PRAYER.
B\' Rev. A. A. McAlister, Chaplain U. S. Navy.
O God, the Ruler of the Universe and Sovereign Lord of all men, we thank
Thee for the national blessings which Thou hast freely bestowed upon us, and
especially for raising up from the common people, from time to time, many truly
patriotic officers aud public servants. We thank Thee for wise and honorable
statesmen to conduct the affairs of the Government, so that peace and prosperity
prevail in our land. May we enjoy liberty without license or recklessness, and
freedom without encroaching on the rights of our neighbors. May the priceless
treasure which we have received from our forefathers in respect f jr law, a love of
justice, pride in good citizenship, habits of industry and an ardent desire for pro
gress, be transmitted as an inheritance to onr successors. Forgive us our faults,
and give us grace to correct them. Incline our hearts to emulate the noble ex
amples of those who deprive themselves of the comforts of life in order to pro-
mpte the honor of tbe country, and risk their lives to extend the blessings of
civilization to our dependencies. May these monuments to the memory of our
heroes be constant reminders to us that the exercise ofthe privilege of loving our
country is an essential part of our Christian duty, and neglect of our obligations to
the Government is an act of criminality. Make us honest, patriotic citizens,
grateful to Thee for the advantages which place us foremost among nations, and
for the unparalleled means of happiness which Americans enjoy. May our up
right lives and meritorious conduct, rather than the service of our lips, prove that
we follow the ways of righteousness, aud delight to worship a just aud holy God.
Hear us for Thy Son, our Savior's sake. Amen.

228 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
reading of commodore sloat's proclamation.
By His Great-Grandson, J. B. Whittemore.
Mr. J. B. Whittemore, the great-grandson of Commodore Sloat, was
then introduced to the people, who gave him a most cordial greeting.
The late Hon. Rodman M. Price, Governor of New Jersey, who was
Purser in the U. S. Navy under Commodore Sloat, by the latter's order,
read it for the first time when possession was taken of California at
Monterey, July 7, 1846. The late Lieut. James B. Whittemore, ofthe
California Volunteers, grandson of Commodore Sloat, read the original
(written by the late Wm. P. Toler, Aide-de-Camp of Commodore Sloat),
at the celebration of the fortieth anniversary in July, 1886, and also at
the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary at Monterey on July 7, 1896.
His son, Mr. J. B. Whittemore, Jr., then read his great-grandfather's
proclamation at the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the raising
ofthe American flag at Yerba Buena (San Frabcisco), July 9, 1896, by
Capt. Montgomery, commanding the U. S. Sloop-of-War "Ports
mouth," on the Plaza, which is now known as Portsmouth Square.
[We take this occasion to acknowledge our great indebtedness to
him, and to his mother and sister, for their valuable aid in furnishing
to us so much of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat's family history and
life given in his biography. J
READING OF TELEGRAMS AND LETTERS.
By Major Edwin A Sherman, Secretary.
[Letter from the President of the United States.]
White HoiJsb, Washington, June 27, 1902.
My Dear Sir: Your favor ofthe 22d instant has been received, and in reply
the President requests me to express his regret that engagements already made
will preclude him from accepting the invitation which you have been good
enough to extend to him for July 4th.
It would afford the President real pleasure to attend the exercises to which
you refer, and he requests me to convey to you his best wishes for the complete
success of the occasion. Very truly yours, Geo. B. Cortelyou,
Secretary to the President.
Major Edwin A. Sherman,
877 Jackson street,
Oakland, Cal.
[Letter from the Secretary of War.]
War Department, Washington, June 28, 1902.
Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of June 22d, extending to me, on
behalf of the Sloat Monument Association of California, an invitation to be
present at Monterey, Cal., on the Fourth of July, to attend the laying of the U.
S. Navy's and other stones in the base of the Sloat Monument.

PASSBD-ASSISTANT PAYMASTER, BRO. FREDERICK KING PERKINS, U.S.N.
Of the U. S. Ship "Alert," and a member of Live Oak Lodge No. 6i, F. & A. M. of Oakland, Califoruia, who assisted
it» laying the U. S. Navy Stone in the base of the Sloat Monument at Monterey, California, on Friday, July 4, 1902.
A worthy sou of an honored and distinguished father, M. W. Bro. Geo. C. Perkins. P. G. M., P. G. C, Ex-Governor
and U. S. Senator of California, and oue ot the Executive Committee of the Sloat Monument Association.

THE NAVAL BATTALION OF THE U. S. SHIP ''ALERT,"
Escorting- the Procession to the Site ofthe Sloat Monument on the U. S. MiUtary Reservation at Monterey, Califor'
nia, ou Friday, /uly 4, 1902, to attend the laying ofthe U. S. Navy, the Mare Island Navy Yard, the California Min
ers' Association, and the Central Pacific Railroad Company's Stones on that day.
(From a photograph taken by one of the crew of the U. S. Ship "Alert," presented by Capt. James A. Adams,
XJ, S. N., Commanding.)

HON. JACOB HART NEFF, 32°,
Lieut.-Governor of the State of California.
Past Junior Grand Warden ofthe Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of California. Past Grand High Priest of the Grand
Chapter of R. A. M. of CaUfornia. Past M. 111. Grand Ma.ster of the Grand Council of R. &S. M. of California.
Past Grand Commander ofthe Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Califoruia. Life Member ofthe Masonic
Veteran Association ofthe Pacific Coast. Ex-President and Founder ofthe California Miners' Association. Active
Member ofthe Sloat Monument Association.

PRELIMINARY OPENING ADDRESS BY MAJOR EDWIN A. SHERMAN, 33°, V. M. W.,
Secretary ofthe Sloat Moaument Association, and Chairman ofthe Committee of Design and Construction July 4
1902. Vice-President of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War. R. V. Grand Secretary of the Masonic Vet
eran Association ofthe Pacific Coast. Editor of "Fifty Years of Masonry In California,'' and other works.
(From a photograph taken by one of the Crew of the U. S. Ship "Alert," and presented by Capt James D
Adams, D. S. N., Commanding-.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 229
I thank the Association for its courteous invitation, but regret that on account
of the pressure of public business I shall be unable to accept.
Very truly yours, WILSON Root.
Major Edwin A. Sherman,
Secretary Sloat Monument Association,
877 Jackson street,
Oakland, Cal.
The following letter from the Secretary of the Navy was received
afterwards, but is here inserted in its proper place in accordance with
•the dignity of his oflSce: Navy Department, Washington, July 4, 1902.
Dear Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the invitation to
attend the ceremony on the occasion of the laying of the Naval stone at the base
of the Sloat Monument at Monterey, California, to-day. I regret that it has not
reached me soon enough to avail myself of your invitation to write a few words
to you to be read at that time, and can only send my belated good wishes.
I thank you for your kind congratulations.
Yours very truly, William H. Moody.
Edwin A. Sherman, Esq.,
Oakland, California.
[Telegram from Admiral Dewey, U. S. N.] Washington, D. C, June 28, 1902.
Edwin A. Sherman, 8^/ fackson : Regret exceedingly impossible attend
Sloat Monument ceremonies. Am delighted that memory of this gallant oflScer
is to be thus perpetuated. GEORGE Dewey.
[Letter from Admiral Merrill Miller, U. S. N.] Commandant's Office,
United States Navy Yard,
Mare Island, Cal., June 23, 1902.
Major E. A. Sherman, Secretary Sloat Monument Association —
Dear Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the
22d inst., conveying an invitation to be present at the laying of the Navy, Navy
Yard stones and others on the 4th of July next.
I regret that I will be unable to be present on that occasion. I am pleased to
know that the U. S. S. "Alert" will be in the harbor of Monterey on that day,
and that Capt. Adams and his crew will take part.
Very respectfully, Merrill Miller,
Rear Admiral, Comm'd't.
[Letter from Governor Henry T. Gage of California.] Executive Department,
State of California, Sacramento,
State Capitol, June 18, 1902.
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Secretary Sloat Monument Association, 87^ Jackson
Street, Oakland, Cal. —
Dear Sir : I am directed by the Governor to express to you bis regret that
his oflBcial engagements are such that he will be prevented from accepting your
very courteous invitation to be present at the laying of the XJ. S. Navy and other

230 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
stones ia the base of the Sloat Monument at Monterey on July 4th next.
Thanking you for your extreme courtesy, I have the honor of remaining
Yours respectfully, W. H. Davis,
Executive Secretary.
[Letter from Hon. Edward M. Preston, Past Grand Master of Masons of Cali
fornia.] Nevada City, California, July i, 1902.
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association, Mon
terey —
My Dear Sir and Bro.: I am duly in receipt of your courteous invitatioii
of the 30th ult., asking me to j'oin in the ceremonies of placing additional stones
in the structure of the Sloat Monument, and beg to assure you that I should
esteem it both an honor and a pleasure to be with you on that auspicious occa
sion. Having on the 7th day of July, A. D. 1896, been accorded the honor of
laying the Corner-stone of that commemorative structure, my personal interests,
as well as sentiments of patriotism, inspire in me an earnest desire for the early
completion of the monument.
It would be my happy privilege, "were I permitted to be present, to join with
other patriotic citizens there assembled, in expressing the debt of gratitude which
we all feel for your deserved success in originating and encouraging this scheme
for honoring the memory of the American citizen who first planted the American
Flag on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
I sincerely regret that my engagements are such that I cannot be with you in
person on that date; yet I assure you that I will be there in sentiment, and best
wishes for your success.
Fraternally yours, E. M., Prkston, P. G. M.
[Extract from a letter from Hon. Wm. M. Boggs, V. M. W. and First Vice-
President (who is in mourning forthe loss of his wife by death and with whom
he had lived happily for over fifty-five years).^
Lea Farm, Near Highland Springs,
Lake County, Cal., June 29, 1902.
3/ajor E. A. Sherman —
My Dear Old Friend: Your letter of the 21st inst., addressed to me at
Bakersfield, was re-mailed by my son and did not reach me until to-day, and I
hasten to reply to your kind and sympathetic letter.
I note all you say concerning the laying of four more stones in the base of
the monument on July 4th, and what you say of the amount of concrete founda
tion for the walls, and the general progress ofthe work under your management.
For it seems to me, that without you, nothing could be accomplished towards the
completion of this monument, and I sincerely hope that you will receive all the
honors for your patriotic labor in so noble a cause.
I regret my inability to render the assistance you ought to have from me at
this time. I again thank you for your kind and consoling words of sympathy,
for my heart aches yet, and it will take some time for me to become reconciled to
such a loss.
I would be delighted to join you at Monterey and participate in that noble
work, for which I accord to you the greatest honor for all you are doing. May
God bless you and sustain you for many years to come is the wish of your old
friend and Comrade. Sincerely and truly yours, W. M. BoGGS.

Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 231
INTRODUCTION OP HON. JACOB HART NEFF
(Lieutenant-Governor of the State of California),
By Col. Joseph Stewart, U. S. A., President op the Day.
Lieutenant-Governor Jacob H. Neff: The Veterans of the Mexican War and
the Sloat Monument Association extend to you a most cordial and heartfelt wel
come on this joyful and auspicious occasion; and we invite you to take charge of
the ceremonies of the laying of these stones, representing the U. S. Navy, the
employees of Mare Island Navy Yard, the California Miners' Association and the
Central Pacific Railroad Company, furnished by them, and to be laid on this, the
126th anniversary of our country's natal day of American independence.
The Masonic Fraternity, of which Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat was an
honored member and received its last honors, by the Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons ofthe State of California, at the request of the Sloat Monument
Association, laid the Corner-stone of this monument on July 7, 1896, on the
fiftieth anniversary of his raising the American flag on yonder staff, when by that
act he took possession of California and added an empire in territory and wealth
to our country's vast domain.
The various Lodges of Masons of several Counties have sent their working
tools to be used on this occasion, while the emblems provided of Corn, Wine and
Oil are the products of California's generous soil, and the salt, from the vast Pa
cific Ocean which washes its seven hundred miles of shore, is Neptune's tribute
and offering of Peace.
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Chief of Design and Construction, will place iu
your hands the gavel of authority, made from a timber ofthe flagship "Niagara,''
with which Commodore Perry won his victory at the battle on Lake Erie nearly
ninety years ago; and as every stone laid in this monument has been duly laid
and consecrated with Masonic ceremonies and honors, we now invite you and
your ofiScers to continue the same.
[Col. Stewart, who is four-score years of age, though as active as if
he was twenty-five years younger, was heartily applauded.]
LIEUT.-GOVERNOR JACOB H. NEFF'S RESPONSE.
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Ofiicers of the Army and Navy, Vet
erans of the Mexican War, Sloat Monument Association, Pioneers, Fellow- Citi
zens, and Brethren All: I desire to return to you my most sincere thanks for
the proud and distinguished honor you have conferred upou me, to preside over
and conduct the ceremonies of the laying of these stones upon this glorious oc
casion. Though feeble in health, yet fully appreciating the arduous and zealous
eflforts of Major Sherman and others to erect this monument to the memory of
the gallant Commodore Sloat, his ofl&cers and men, to whom we are all indebted
for our loved California, which we are proud to call our home, I came to give my
feeble aid, at least with my presence, to attest my appreciation of the gallant,
patriotic and heroic valor and character of Commodore John Drake Sloat, and
encourage the work of erecting this monument to his memory.
As my health will not permit me to make any extended remarks, with your
consent I will now appoint the Hon. Edward C. Voorheis, Senator from Amador
County and President of the California Miners' Association, to take immediate
charge of the work when ready to be commenced.
[Lieutenant-Governor Neff was heartily applauded.]

232 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
The Hon. Edward C. Voorheis then gracefully accepted the charge
of performing the duties of both, which had been assigned to them as
follows:
ORDER OF CEREMONIES,
Under the Direction of the Hon. Jacob H. Neff, Lieuten
ant-Governor OF the State of Californa,
AS Chief Grand Inspector.
Chief of Design and Construction, Major Edwin A. Sherman, 33°:
Brother Receiver and Custodian — Have the Craftsmen duly quarried, carefully
prepared, delivered the stones, and have them in place, to crown the Northeast
Corner of the base of the Sloat Monument as the continuation of the work, placed
in our hands by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
of the State of California, when it laid the Chief Corner-stone ?
Receiver and Custodian, W. Thomas G. Lambert, P. M. :
Brother Chief of Design and Construction — I have received these 'stones which
are here presented for inspection, and the Craftsmen await your decision and
orders. Chief of Design and Construction, Major Edwin A. Sherman, 33°:
Right Worshipful Brother, Jacob Hart Nefif, Lieutenant-Governor of the State
of California — By order of Col. Joseph Stewart, U. S. A. (retired), our venerable
President of the Sloat Monument Association (who is the second oldest living
graduate of the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, and also the President of
Associated Veterans of the Mexican War), we welcome you here on this auspi
cious occasion.
When M. W. Bro. Edward Myers Preston, Grand Master of Masons of Cali
fornia, laid this Chief Corner-stone, on July 7, 1896, and placed in our hands the
several working tools of the Craft, he gave us his blessing and encouragement to
continue and complete this uoble and patriotic work.
To renew our labors in this cherished design, we most fraternally request that
you, in like manner, with your respective Oflficers, shall carefully examine and
inspect these stones, and if found worthy by you, that you will lay them in their
designated places, and thus continue the work as directed by the M. W. Grand
Master. Chief Grand Inspector, R. W. Jacob Hart Neff, P. J. G. W.:
Brother Chief of Design and Construction — On behalf of the Oflficers and Men
of the U. S. Navy, of the Caliiornia Miners' Association, of the Employees of
the Mare Island Navy Yard, ofthe Central Pacific Railroad Company, and at the
request of the Sloat Monument Associatiou of California, I fraternally accept the
charge, and, with the assistance of my Officers, will inspect and lay these stones
so patriotically contributed and furnished by them.
[He then addressed the assemblage with such remarks as he deemed proper
and then continued.]
Brethren, in accordance with the teachings ol our beloved Institution, it isou^
duty, before entering upon any undertaking, to invoke the blessing of God. We
will, therefore, unite with our Grand Chaplam in addressing the Throne of Grace.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 233
Prayer by the Grand Chaplain, Rev. Bro. A. A. McAUster, U. S. N.
Chief Grand Inspector, R. W. Jacob H. Neff:
Brother Grand Master of Ceremonies — You will please see that the Officers
are in their proper places, and are duly supplied with the proper working tools of
their respective stations.
Grand Master of Ceremonies, M. W. William A. Davies, 33°, P.
G. M.:
[He conducted them to their stations in front, where their work was to be
performed. W. Thomas G. Lambert, P. M. Henry A. Olmsted, W. M. Bros. Lieut.
Guy M. Brown and Asst. Paymaster Frederick K. Perkins, U. S. Navy, iu front of
the U. S. Navy stone.
W. Edward C. Voorheis, P. M. Edward H. Benjamin and Harold T. Power to
the front of the California Miners' Association's .'tone.
W. John R. Patrick, P. M. David S. Little and Jacob W. Bagby to the front of
the Mare Island Navy Yard stone.
W. George T. Bromley, P. M.; W. Samuel W. Boring, P. M.; Edwin A. Sher
man, 33°, and Bro. Jonathan Wright (one of Fremont's men) to the front of the
Central Pacific Railroad Company's stone.
The Grand Master of Ceremonies, when all were placed, gave to the first of
each four his Trowel, then the Squares, Levels and Plumbs in their regular order.
This being done, he reported as follows ]
R. W. Chief Grand Inspector, the OflScers are in their respective stations, are
duly supplied with their working tools and await your orders.
Acting Chief Grand Inspector, W. Edward C. Voorheis:
My Brethren, First Sub-Inspectors — The Trowel, as you have been repeatedly
taught, is an instrument made use of by Operative Masons to spread the cement
which unites the building into one common mass; but we also, as Free and Ac
cepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious pur
pose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection, — that cement which
unites us into one sacred band, or society of friends and brothers, among whom
no contention should ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation,
of who can best work and best agree.
In that spirit, you will now spread the cement that shall unite these stones in
the base of this monument being erected to the memory of him who was our
Brother, the true patriot, the unshrinking, gallant hero to whom the Nation is
indebted, and we more especially as Citizens of this Golden State, Rear-Admiral
John Drake Sloat, who more than half a century ago gave us California. [W-
Thomas G. Lambert, of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, using the Trowel of Naval
Lodge, No. 87.]
[Those with the Trowels, leading, then applied the cement and pointed the
edges. The first Ode was then sung, during which Capt. J. D. Adams mounted
the East front wall of the base of the monument and gave the signal to the U. S.
Shipof-War "Alert," which promptly fired a Commodore's salute of eleven guns.]

234 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
first ode.
(Tune, Pleyel's Hymn )
Place we now our Country's Stones,
True and tried each Freeman owns;
Let us bring with hearts sincere
Hands to help and voice to cheer.
Proved by the Grand Master's hand.
Long may this foundation stand!
May its superstructure rise
In grace and beauty 'neath the skies.
Let us join in songs of praise,
That this monument we raise.
And ages hence, men bless the day
Our flag was raised at Monterey.
Acting Chief Grand Inspector, W. Edward C. Voorheis:
Brothers Second Sub-Inspectors — The Squares are the Working Tools of your
oflfices. You will apply the Squares to those portions of the stones which should
be squared. [They did so and responded as follows.]
Second Sub-Inspectors. W. Henry A. Olmsted, P. M., of Monterey
Lodge, No. 217, F. & A. M.:
R. W. Brother Chief Grand Inspector — I have obeyed your order, and find that,
in that respect, the Craftsmen, upon the U. S. Navy stone, have done their duty.
[He used the Square of Solano Lodge, No. 229, of Vallejo.]
[W. Bro. Edward C. Voorheis, P. M., of Henry Clay Lodge, No. 95, replied
the same as to the California Miners' Associatiou stone; Bro. Jacob Ragby, of
Monterey Lodge, No. 217, the same as to the Mare Island Navy Yard stone, and
W. Bro. Samuel W. Boring, P. M., of San Jose Lodge, No. 10, the same as to the
C. P. R. R. Co.'s stone.]
Acting Chief Grand Inspector, W. Edward C. Voorheis:
Brothers Third Sub-Inspectors — The LEVEL.S are the Working Tools of your
offices. You will now apply the Levels to the stones uuder your inspection.
[They did so and reported as follows.]
Third Sub-Inspectors. Bro. Lieut. Guy M. Brown, U. S. N.:
R. W. Chief Grand Inspector — I have obeyed your order, and find that the U.
S. Navy stone has been well leveled by the Craftsmen.
[Bro. Edward Benjamin repeated the satne for the Miners' stone, W. M.
Henry A. Olmsted, of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, repeated the same for the Mare
Island Navy Yard stone, and Bro. Edwin A. Sherman, 33°, for the C. P. R. R.
Co.'s stone.]
Acting Chief Grand Inspector, W. Edward C. Voorheis:
Brothers Fourth Sub-Inspectors — Your Working Tools are the Plumbs. You
will apply the Plumbs to the Stones, then, and see if they have been properly
adjusted. [They did so and reported as follows.]

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 235
Fourth Sub-Inspectors. Bro. Fred K. Perkins, Paymaster U. S. N.,.
of Live Oak Lodge, No. 67, F. & A. M.:
R. W. Brother Chief Grand Inspector — I have obeyed your order, and find ihat
the U. S. Navy stone has been well plumbed, and that the work ofthe Craftsmen
in that respect has been skillfully performed.
[Bro. Harold T. Power, of Rising Star Lodge, No. 83, of Forest Hill, repeated
the same as to the Miners' stone; Bro. Jacob W. Bagby, of Monterey Lodge, No.
217, repeated the same for the Mare Island Navy Yard stone; Bro. Jonathpni
Wright (one of Fremont's men) and of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, repeated the
same for the Mare Island Navy Yard and C. P. R. R. Co 's stone.]
ji# Acting Chief Grand Inspector, W. Edward C. Voorheis, them
approached the U. S. Navy stone and the others in succession, and.
gave each three blows with the Gavel, saying:
The Craftsmen having faithfully and skiilfuUy performed their duty, I declare
these stones to be well formed, true and trusty, and worthy of their places in the
base of the Sloat Monument. May the structure which is to rest upon it be a
constant reminder of tbe gratitude that the whole people of the United States,.
and especially of the State of California, owe to the gallant defenders of the Na
tional Honor, of the Flag of our Country, who, by their patriotism and valor,
acquired our beloved Golden State, the Empress of the Pacific and the Realm of
the Free.
Corn, Wine, Oil and Salt.
[The vessels of Corn, Wine, Oil and Salt were then distributed, and the Sub-
Inspectors in turn poured them on the stones and said as follows.]
First Sub-Inspectors. W. Thomas G. Lambert, P. M.:
As in the days of old, when He visited the earth and watered it and greatly
enriched it with the river of God, which was full of water, and prepared Corn for
His people which He had so provided; when He watered the ridges thereof abun
dantly, settled the furrows thereof, and made it soft with showers and blessed the
springing thereof; when the pastures were clothed with flocks, and the valleys
were also covered with Corn, and when His people shouted for joy, so may the
Grand Architect of the Universe ever bless this fair land with Plenty, Prosperity
and Peace.
[He then poured the Corn on the U. S. Navy stone and handed the vessel to
W. Bro. Edward C. Voorheis, John R. Patrick and George T. Bromley in suc
cession, who poured the remainder of the Corn on the other three stones in their
order.] Second Sub-Inspectors. W. Bro. Henry A. Olmsted, W. M.:
May the Great Giver of all good enable the Craftsmen in due time to com
plete this beautiful and the first National Monument to be erected on the Pacific
Coast and crown their eflforts with glory and success.
[He then poured the Wine on the U. S. Navy stone and passed the vessel to
W. Samuel Boring, P. M., Bros. Jacob W. Bagby and Jonathan Wright in suc
cession, who poured the remainder of the Wine on the other three stones in their
order.]

236 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
Third Sub-Inspectors, Bro. Lieut. Guy M. Brown, U. S. N.:
May the Olive Trees of Peace forever flourish in this goodly land by the Great
Western Sea, and bring forth fruit in plenty, giving gladness unto all the People
thereof. May the blessing of Heaven descend upon this and all good works; and
may our beloved Fraternity long exist to pour forth the Oil of Joy upon the
hearts of the widowed, the fatherless and the distressed.
[He then poured the Oil upon the U. S. Navy stone, and handed the vessel to
the same Brethren aud Edwin A. Sherman, who in succession poured the re
mainder of the Oil upon the other three stones in their order.]
Fourth Sub-Inspectors. Bro. Fred K. Perkins, Paymaster U. S. N.:
"Thou shalt oflFer for the meat oflfering of thy first fruits, green ears of corn
dried by the fire, even corn beaten out of full ears, and thou shalt put oil upon it
and lay frankincense thereon. And every oblation of thy meat oflfering shalt
thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy
God to be lacking from thy meat offering; with all thine offerings thou shalt offer
Salt." [He poured the Salt upon the U. S. Navy stone, and then handed the vessel to
Bros. James W. Bagby, David S, Little and Jonathan Wright, who poured the
remainder on the other three stones in their order.]
Acting Chief Grand Inspector, W. Edward C. Voorheis :
May the All-Bounteous Author of Creation, lend aid to those who have con-
<:eived and thus far carried on this goodly, noble and patriotic enterprise; may
He protect the workmen employed upon this Monument from every accident,
and long preserve it for the patriotic use which it is destined to subserve, and
may He grant to us all an ever bountiful supply of the Corn of Nourishment, the
Wine of Refreshment, the Oil of Joy, and may the Salt of our Covenant never be
lacking. Brother Chief of Design and Construction — Relying upon your skill in our
noble art, and that the continuation of this work committed to your hands (and
those of your fellow Craftsmen) by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons
of California, when he had laid this Chief Corner-stone, will be faithfully per
formed, I trust that this undertaking will be speedily accomplished. May there
be no envy, discord or confusion among the workmen, and may you perform the
duties which you have voluntarily assumed, not only to the satisfaction of the
People and the Government who look to you for their fulfillment, but in such
manner as shall secure the approbation of your own conscience, gratify your own
Jieart and redound to the honor of our Ancient Craft.
The second Ode was then sung.
SECOND ODE.
(Tdne, Old Hondked.)
Great God of Nations, now to Thee
Our Hymn of Gratitude we raise;
With humble heart and bending knee
. We offer Thee our song of praise.
Here Freedom spreads her banner wide
And casts her soft and hallowed ray;

HON. EDWARD CONVERSE VOORHIES, 32°
President of the California. Miners' Association.
State Senator from Amador County, Caliiornia Past Master of Henry Clay Lodge No.
95, F. &A. M. Past High Priest of Sutter_ Chapter No. II, R. A -- - ¦ -
of El Dorado Commandery No, 4, K. T
ation of the Pacific Coast.

BRO. EDWARD H. BENJAMIN, M. M.
Seceetary of the California Miners' Association.
Member of Oakland Lodge. No. 188, F. & A. M.. Oakland, Cal.

M. Past Commander
Life Member of the Masonic Veteran Associ-

HON. GEORGE TISDALE BROMLEY,
Ex-D. S. Consul at Tiea-Tsiu, China. P. M. of California Lodge No. i, F. & .\. M. (P. M.
of Clam Lodge of Past Masters' Associatiou.) Life Member of Calitornia Chapter, No. 5,
R. A. M. Lite Member of CaUfornia Council No. 2, R. & S. M. Life Member of California
Commandery No. i, K. T. Life Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific
Coast. ActiveMember of the Sloat Monument Association.
;e®"The first Railroad Conductor ou the first railroad in California, the Sacramento
Valley Railroad, from Sacramento to Folsom iu 1855, which was afterwards consolidated
with the Central Pacific Railroad at Sacramento He laid the stone of thelatter Company
in the base ofthe Sloat Monument at Mouterey, July 4, 1902, and was the orator of the
day.

COL. THEODORE H. GOODMAN,
Of San Francisco, Cal.

33°

General Passenger A^ent of the Southern Pacific R. R. Co. Active Member ofthe
SIoatMonument Association. Member of the Loyal Legion aud Past Commander ofthe
California Department of the Grand Army of the Republic. MemberofMt. Moriah Lodge
No. 44, F. & A. M. Member of California Chapter No. 5, R. A. M, Past Grand Master of
the Grand Consistory of California. Life Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of
the Pacific Coast. He was a true aud tried soldier and officer of the Union Army during
the late Civil War.
When you start for Paradise, be sure you get your ticket bearing his signature, or you
may find yourself on the wrong train.

Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat 237
Here thou our fathers' steps did guide,
In safety through their dangerous way.
From o'er the seas with hearts aflame
They bore onr Banner of the Stars;
And here they placed it when they came
To float in peace or wave in wars.
We praise Thee, that Thine Own Great Light
Through all our land its radiance sheds.
Dispels the shades of Erior's night,
And heavenly blessings round us sheds.
A public vote of thanks to Capt. J. D. Adams, to his officers and
men of the U. S. Ship "Alert" for their valuable patriotic services on
this occasion, was unanimously given.
The Hon. George T. Bromley (ex-Consul-General to Tien Tsin,
China, the first Railroad Conductor in California, and at Sacramento in
1855, on the Sacramento Valley Railroad from Sacramento to Folsom)
was then introduced, and delivered the following humorous and char
acteristic address, which was received with the heartiest applause from
all present:
SPEECH OF HON. GEORGE T. BROMLEY.
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : When Major Sherman invited me to
be present and take part in the ceremonies of the day, I was at a loss as to what
could be his object, for I was not a veteran of any war, nor could I talk of battles
fought and won in which I have been a participant. But he gave me to under
stand that as a veteran railroad man I would be expected to assist in placing in
this monument the block of granite that was presented by the Central Pacific
Railroad Company, an honor that I most thoroughly appreciate; and I want to
say that this day marks an epoch in my four-score years of life that will stand out
in bold relief until shall come to me the one hundredth anniversary of my well-
spent life, which has been brim full, of enjoyment and of honor conferred, but
the honor of to-day is one that will be remembered by me until life's sun shall
set and time with me shall be no more.
The ceremonies of to-day have for me an interest far above and beyond most
of those who are here to assist in doing honor to the memory of Commodore
Sloat, for I knew him in his early manhood in my far-away New England home,
. when his son, Warrington Sloat, and myself were schoolmates; and could we
have foreseen that in three-quarters of a century from those schoolboy days I
would have been honored by participating in the raising bf a monument that
would perpetuate the heroic deeds of his honored father for all time to come, we
would have loved each other with a love that knew no variation or shadow of
turning. My railroad career, which is the head and front of my being with you to-day,
and which our patriotic and energetic Major Sherman would have me speak about
in. order to show that I know my lesson, was inaugurated in 1855, when, in charge
of the construction train, I assisted in building the first railroad operated on the
west side of the North American continent, and you can bet it was a wonderful

238 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
railroad; and of all those who took part in its building, with the exception of
Major Sherman, who assisted iu the surveying of it, I am the only survivor.
£t was twenty-two miles in length and connected Sacramento with Folsom.
For nine years I was conductor of the passenger train, outranking the stage
driver, who, up to the time of the advent of the conductor, was a power among
the women and children of that part of the country. My experience on the
twenty-two miles of road would fill a volume of thrilling interest.
Many of the passengers of those days, who deprived themselves of the neces
saries of Ufe to obtain transportation to the Comstock Lode in Nevada, returned
as millionaires ani became very respectable citizens.
And standing here on this historic spot, where Nature has showered upon us
her most generous gifts, the most beautiful climate, the most beautiful trees and
the most beautiful women iu the world, I feel like Ulysses returning to Penelope
and bringing to her the Golden Fleece, for he said to her, "I bring to thee the
thread which binds the West to the East, and 1 make friends of two countries
unknown to each other, aud may I make love the bond between two peoples, the
old and the new."
But, ladies and gentlemen, having said enough to convince you that no mis
take was made iu selecting; me for putting in place the memorial stone donated
by the Central Pacific Railroad Company, and thanking you for the kind atten
tion you have given me, I will now give way for the applause.
The applause was most heartih' and merrily given.
Gen. Thomas E. Ketcham, of Stockton, was then introduced, and
was equally welcomed and received with the plaudits of the large as
semblage of people, and spoke as follows:
SPEECH OF GEN. THOMAS E. KETCHAM.
Ou September 18, 1847, I, as Lieutenant of First New York Volunteers (J. D,
Stevenson's Regiment), sailed- from New York harbor, in command of one hun
dred recruits for Stevenson's Regiment on board the United States transport
"Sweden," to report at Monterey, California, to Colonel Masou, Commissary De
partment, in pursuance of orders received from Gen. Bankead, Superintendent
of Volunteer Recruiting Service at New York City, arriving af Monterey Feb
ruary 22, 1848. My command arrived at Monterey in a good state of discipline.
I lost two men by disease on the voyage — one by chronic diarrhoea and the other
by general debility, which, considering that no medical officer was sent with the
detachment, made me thankful that it was no worse.
A few days after my arrival at Monterey, I was ordered by Col. Mason to take
command of the first detachment bf recruits, (relieving First Lieutenant Thomas
I. Roach), with seventeen picked men of my old command, and to embark on
the bark "Isabella," Capt. Briggs, and sail for La Paz, Lower California, and
there report lo Lieut.-Col. H. S. Burton in Command. The order was afterward
modified by also sending Company D, Capt. H. M. Naglee, to reinforce Col. Bur
ton, two days after disembarking at La Paz Col. Burton marched in search of
the enemy and found them near the Mission of Todos Santos, and {Jefeated them
after a short conflict. I was in command of the rear guard on the march of that
day, and at the battle was posted on the flank ofthe Mexicans,.ind finally by
order of Col. Burton charged upon them, but they did not wait for us. The re-
.sult of that battle was, that the armed, enemy was driven out of the country.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 239
We remained at La Paz until the 2d of September, 1848, when the troops
evacuated Lower California, Company D, Lieut. Pendleton, Company B, under
me, embarking on the ship of the Ohio Line and landing at Monterey, where the
troops were mustered out of the service of the United States, October 22, 1848.
Lieut. George A. Pendleton, James B. Morehead, Young and myself, with Ser
geant Beasley aud Herman Ehreuberg, formed a company and bought six yoke of
Spanish cattle with carts, and loaded them up with six months' rations, which the
Government furnished us at the cost price, and left Monterey for the mines on
November 5th, arriving at Woods' Crossing (December 11, 1848), Tuolumne
County. Lieut. Pendleton and myself mined that winter at what is now James
town. In 1849 Pendleton and I walked to Stockton with the intention of buying
teams to haul up goods to the mines and establish a store. When we arrived at
Stockton, we found that we could not buy teams, but we had an opportunity to
buy brogan shoss at j!i2.oo psr pair, so we bought as many pairs as we dould
carry in knapsacks on our backs, took them up to our camp and sold them all in
two hours' time at the rate of S32.00 per pair. I sold out to my partner in 1853,
and then resided upon my farm near Stockton. September 16, 1861, I com
menced recruiting a company at Stockton for Conner's Regiment, Third Infantry,
California Volunteers. October 20th I lelt Stockton with my company under
orders to proceed to San Fraucisco and there embark on the steamer "Columbia"
for Fort Humboldt, Humboldt County, and relieve Major Charles S. Lovell, of
the Fifth Regular Infantry, of the command at Fort Humboldt and Fort Seward.
My Company A, Third Infantry, California Volunteers, until August 27, 1862, was
in Humboldt County, but left there at that time under orders to join my regiment
at Salt Lake. While in Humboldt County my company killed and cap'.ured six
hundred and fifty Indians. The citizens of Humboldt County presented my com
pany with a flag suitably inscribed iu recognition of services rendered to the
county. After the expiration of my term of service, I returned to my farm and
attended to its cultivation since that time.
His account of his early military and mining experiences in Cali
fornia was highly entertaining and well received by the assemblage
present. The following were elected Active and Honorary Members of the
Sloat Monument Association, viz. :
Active Members — Hon. Jacob H. Neff, Lieut.-Governor; Hon. Ed
ward C. Voorheis, State Senator; Gen. William A. Davies; Hon.
George T. Bromley; Capt. James D. Adams, U. S. N.; Lieut. -Com
mander John B. Blish, U. S. N. ; Lieut. Guy W. Brown, U. S. N.;
Lieut. Clarence M. Stone, U. S. N. ; Assistant Surgeon Samuel S. Rod
man, U. S. N.; Passed Assistant Paymaster Frederick K. Perkins, U.
S. N.; Edward Benjamin, Harold T. Power, Charles Warren and
William Gee, Jr., and C. W. Carruth and Daniel P. Adamson, of Oak
land. Honorary Members — Ensigns of the U. S. Navy Daniel S. Ma
honey, Orrin G. Murfin, Luther M. Overstreet, George C. Sweet and
James B. Gilmer, and  Scott, of Monterey. ^
All the brethren then, under the direction of the Grand Master of

240 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
Ceremonies, clasped hands around the base of the Monument, and with
the audience present united in singing "America."
AMERICA.
My Conntry, 'tis of Thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty,
Of Thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died.
Land of the Pilgrim's pride.
From every mountain side
Let Freedom ring.
My Native Country, Thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love:
I love thy rocks and rills.
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills
Like that above.
Let music swell the breeze
And ring from all the trees.
Sweet Freedom's song.
Let mortal tongues awake,
Let all that breathes partake.
Let rocks their silence break.
The sound prolong.
Our fathers' God, to Thee,
Author of Liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our Land be bright
With Freedom's Holy Light;
Protect us by Thy might.
Great God our King.
Benediction by Rev. A. A. McAlister, Chaplain, U. S. N.
Proclamation by M. W. William A. Davies, P. G. M., Grand Mas
ter of Ceremonies:
In the name of the Sloat Monument Association and by the concurrent orders
of its Honorable President and the Chief Grand Inspector, I declare these stones
to be duly laid and the ceremonies of this day to be duly closed. God save the
United States of America and the State of California! So mote it be!
The delighted assemblage then dispersed, the Naval Battalion re
turned .to the "Alert," which at 12 m. fired a National salute of twenty-
one guns, which closed our Celebration of the Day, Capt. Adams tak
ing his flag with him. He gave shore leave to one-half of his men for
the afternoon, and the next day the other half of his men were to enjoy
the same privilege.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 241
We accepted the invitation of Mrs. Emily Fish and the other ladies
of her Reception Committee to visit the Monterey Public Library, and
were most cordially and gracefully received, for which we returned in
person our sincere thanks. This Public Library is chiefly supported
and maintained by these ardent and public-spirited ladies, who deserve
every encouragement and aid.
We were invited by Mrs. M. M. Gragg to take a seat in her carriage
and accompany her to her elegant home, where we met her husband
and the rest of her family, and were most hospitably entertained, and
partook of an excellent lunch; after which we returned with her to the
Public Library, and thanked her for the kind attentions we had re
ceived at her hands
While a guest at her house, she expressed herself as not having
been fully informed as to the true situation of affairs, neither was her
brother, Mr. Sargent; but gave us their pledged assurance, that what
ever assistance thej' could render the Sloat Monument Association here
after, that it should receive their cordial support, for which we returned
our grateful acknowledgments.
THE LOCAL SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE AT MONTEREY
AND THE WORK ALREADY DONE.
On Friday, August 16, 1901, the following were appointed as the
Local Supervisory Committee at Monterey to arrange for the reception
and proper care of the stones provided b)' the several Counties and
organizations furnishing the same; to make all contracts subject to the
approval of the Executive Committee as directed, and to inspect and
measure the work performed, viz.:
Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, Receiver and Chairman; Jacob W.
Bagby, Henry A. Olmsted, Jonathan Wright, John R. Patrick, C. B.
Rosendale, Francis Doud, Mrs. T. G. Lambert, Mrs. E. A. Fish and
Miss Frances B Orton.
A more capable and honorable Committee of gentlemen and ladies
of the strictest honesty and sterling integrity was never formed any
where. They have most scrupulously and cheerfully, and without fee
or reward, performed the duties assigned to them
Since that date up to and including that of July 4, 1902, there have
been no less than 2,584 cubic feet of concrete foundation laid, besides
the following nineteen stones in addition to the Corner-stone, which was
laid on July 7, 1896, viz.: Alameda, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, Santa
Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Veterans of the Mexican War, Grand
Parlor of the Native Sons, San Joaquin, Placer, San Francisco, Sacra
mento, Solano, Napa, Grand Parlor of Native Daughters, U, S. Navy,
Mare Island Navy Yard, California Miners's Association and the Cen-

242 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
tral Pacific Railroad Company's stones. Besides these there are on the
ground ready to be laid, when the funds are provided, the stones of
Butte, Plumas, Ventura and Sonoma Counties.
The expenditures for labor and material alone on the work done
and paid for, is not less than §1,060.00, and all of the work
done to the present date paid for, besides other incidental expenses
allowed, of which the City of Monterey directly or indirectly has re
ceived the benefit through the channels of trade. With the stones laid
and those now on the ground, the cash value is $2,500.00, and the whole
at the present time $3,560.00.
In addition to this, Madera County has a stone in her quarries
ready to be shipped, and far-off Mono County, the other side of the
Sierra Nevada in the southeast portion of the State, will send a stone
of travertine, almost as clear and translucent as alabaster, which will
be equal in beauty to that of Solano County's onyx stone. It is hoped
and expected that the other Counties will quickly come forward and
furnish their stones with the required appropriations.
There are 10, 140 more cubic feet of concrete foundation to lay, 2,844
feet in the core to the level of the top of the walls, and 7,296 feet at and
in front of the base protecting the foundation and covering the entire
space of fifty feet square, granted by the War Department, and located
by the U. S. Engineers, who will inspect and report upon the same
when completed.
The base of this monument will be one solid rock when done, and
in case of a foreign war be serviceable upon which to mount two or
more breech-loading cannon of the largest caliber, sweeping all approach
to the harbor by an enemy; the faces of the base of the monument being
protected by sand-bags and earth ; the statue and pedestal to be tem
porarily removed if necessary.
There is a symbolic meaning to everything connecteS with this Sloat
Monument. First The site is just fifty feet square, to mark the Golden Jubilee,
or the fiftieth anniversary of Commodore Sloat's hoisting the American
flag and taking possession of California at Monterey on July 7, 1846,
and the laying of the Corner-stone on July 7, 1896, by the Grand
Lodge of Masons of California.
Second. The base is just twenty-four feet square, to represent the
twenty-four hours of the day. The stones are four feet in length, to rep
resent the length of a sailor's watch of four hours when on duty; and two
feet wide and two feet in thickness, representing the ' 'dog watch' ' of two
hours each, when the watches on shipboard are changed. There are
three courses of stones, as Commodore Sloat was a Master Mason ofthe

Life op Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 243
Third Degree, and the face wall being six feet in height, which is the
full height of a man.
2'liird. The pedestal will be thirteen feet in height, standing upon
an upper base of one foot, the number thirteen representing the number
of stripes in the American flag and the original number of States in the
Union. On the sides of the pedestal are to be placed the bronze me
dallions of Dr. Wm. Maxwell Wood, his Fleet Surgeon; Commodore
Stockton, Capt. John C. Fremont, and a view of the raising of the
American flag upon the Custom House.
Fourth. The height of the bronze statue of Commodore Sloat is to
be eleven feet, and he represented as standing by a capstan on the quar
terdeck of his flagship "Savannah," and pointing to the staff where the
flag is to be raised, eleven guns being a Commodore's salute.
The whole height from the foundation of the monument to the top
of the statue is to be just thirty-one feet, California being the thirty-
first State in the Union, and upon her admission on the 9th of Septem
ber, 1850, she just reversed the figures 13 of the original number of
States. Upon the base of the monument are to be mounted four guns of the
old ship "Independence," which once formed a part of the I'acific
Squadron under Commodores Sloat and Stockton, which are now at
Mare Island Navy Yard, reserved and marked subject to our order.
Such is the description of the Sloat Monument when completed,
which, it is hoped, will be very soon, and the fault will be with the
people of the other Counties of California if it is not.
As from the very inception of the work, the Sloat Monument Asso
ciation found itself confronted by the open as well as secret hostile op
position of the Bancroft, Davis, Hittell and Willey falsifiers of history,
which had to be met and overcome by the solid truth, it was therefore
deemed necessary to publish the "Life of the Late Rear-Admiral John
Drake Sloat," a work whieh had never been attempted before. The
Navy Department at Washington, the Masonic Fraternity in New York,,
and the relatives of the gallant Sloat, gave their fullest aid and sup
port, while our faithful U. S. Senator, Hon. George C. Perkins, Past
Grand Master of Masons of California, nobly championed the cause of
the dead Admiral, defending his good name, and for the third time snc-
ceeded in having the U. S. Senate pass a bill appropriating the sum of
ten thousand dollars for the superstructure to be erected on the base of
the monument.
This biography and history is now about to be issued to subscrib
ers, and the Hoards of Supervisors who have furnished the stones and
made appropriations for the monument, thus receiving some return for
their patriotic liberality and performance of duty, which they owed to^

244 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
their Country, their State, their Counties, and to the memory of the
gallant Sloat, to whom all are indebted for the acquisition of California.
We have performed the duty of Secretary of the Sloat Monument
Association for the period of sixteen years without fee or reward, and
expect to do so until the end. Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, the Receiver
at Monterey, our co-laborer in this patriotic enterprise, has also served
that full length of time and voluntarily without pay.
The Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast has given it
the fullest moral support and indirectly been largely the means of en
couraging the furnishing of stones and making appropriations and
securing of contributions for this noble and fiatriotic object. The other
officers and members of the Sloat Monument Association having the full
est confidence in the ability and integrity of their Secretary who is also
the Chairman of the Committee of Design and Construction, have
placed their proxies in his hands when it is necessary to call a special
meeting for any purpose, and their confidence is never betrayed. No
contract is made unless the money is in bank or in sight, and no debt
is allowed to be incurred without having the funds to meet it.
The monument being erected on the U. S. Military Reservation, the
War Department only is consulted, and therefore there is no municipal
control or local political influence to interfere with the progress of the
work or convert it into a means to promote private and selfish ends.
We are personally responsible to the U. S. Government, and to the
Boards of Supervisors of the several Counties and organizations which
furnish stones and contributions for the monument. We desire no quar
rel with anj^one, but are compelled perforce to resist and resent all in
terference with our plans and work by outsiders, who have never
directly or indirectly been connected with the Sloat Monument Asso
ciation or contributed one cent towards the monument. The experi
ence of 1896 had taught us the lesson that, if only the sum of $150 00
could be had out of $3,693. 15, or only four per cent., for the monument
(and that given out ofthe $1,629.00 sent down from San Francisco), in
the laying the foundation for the Corner-stone, prudence dictated that
a proper local Committee, chiefly composed of members of the Masonic
Fraternity and of the strictest honesty and integrity, should be ap
pointed to supervise the work, make the contracts, and attend to the
local business of the Association; and they have done so faithfully and
honorably to the entire satisfaction of the Sloat Monument Association
and the Counties and organizations that have furnished stones and
money. Monterey lies within the hollow of the elbow of a left arm, the shoul
der of which is the Del Monte Hotel and grounds. Pacific Grove the
hand and Point Pinos the extended index finger. The Southern Pacific

ftUPERT eCHMID. ScuLPTon THE SLOAT MONUMENT photographed in STUDIO
In Front of Old Fort Mervine, U. S. Military Reservation, Monterey, California
Design constructed by Rupert Schmid, Sculptor, under the immediate supervision and direction ot Major
Bdwin A. Sherman, Chairmau of the Committee on Design and Construction, and recommended to the Secre
tary of War for his approval.
COMMITTEE OF DE3IGN" AND CONSTRUCTION: Major Edwin A. Sherman, Oakland. Cal., Rev. A.
A. McAlister, U. S. Navy, Capt. Franklin J, Drake, U. S. Navy, Hon. Edward M. Preston, Nevada City,
Cal., Hon. Joseph M. English, Vallejo, Cal., Miss Camille Johnston, Alameda, Cal.
DESCRIPTION
There is a symbolic meaning to everything connected with this Sloat Monument.
First. The site is just fifty feet square, to mark the Golden Jubilee, or the fiftieth anniversary of Commodore
Sloat's hoisting the American Flag aad taking possession of California at Monterey on July 7, 1846, and the laying
ofthe Corner-stone on July 7, iSgS, by the Grand Lodge of Masonsof Califoruia.
Second. The bas^ is just twenty-four feet square, to represent the twenty-four hours of the day. The stones
are four feet in length, to represent the length of a sailor's watch of four hours when on duty; and two feet wide
and two feet in thickness, representing the "dog watch" of two hours each, when the watches on shipboard are
changed. There are three courses of stones, as Commodore Sloat was a Master Masou of the Third Degree, and
the face wall being six feet in height, which is the full height of a man.
Third. The pedestal will be thirteen feet in height, standing upon an upper base of one foot, the number
thirteen representing the number of stripes in the American Flag and the original number of States in the Union.
On the sides ofthe pedestal are to be placed the bronze medallions of Dr. Wm. Maxwell Wood, his Fleet Surgeon;
Commodore Stockton, Capt. John C. Fremont, and a view of the raising of the American Flag upon the Custom-
House. Fourth. The height of the bronze statue of Commodore Sloat is to be eleven feet, and he represented as stand
ing by a capstan ou the quarterdeck of his flagship "Savannah," and pointing to the staff where the flag is tobe
raised, eleveu guns being a Commodore's salute.
The whole height from the foundation of the monument to the to^ of the statue is to be just thirtj'-one feet,
California being the thirty-first State iu the Union, and upon her admission on the gth of September, 1850, she just
reversed the figures 13 ofthe original number of States.
Upon the base of the monument are to be mounted four guns of the old ship "Independence" which once
formed a part ofthe Pacific Squadron under Commodores Sloat and Stockton, which are now at Mare Island Navy
Yard, reserved and marked subject to our order.

W. BRO. HON. GEO. C. PARDEE, P. M.
of Oakland Lodge No. 188, F. and A. M., who laid the first County Stone, that of Alameda County, next to the
Corner Stone ofthe Sloat Monument on the U. S. Military Reservation at Monterey, Cal., on November 2, igoi.
This was the first stone on the ground.)

Life ok Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 245
Railroad follows the shore line to Pacific Grove, its terminus. The
Hotel Del Monte and its grounds do not lie within the corporate limits
of Monterey, while the U. S. Military Reservation bisects with a large
plat of 140 acres, a portion of the area of the town, and leaving what
is known as North Monterey lying next to the municipality of Pacific
Grove Ex-Governor Baxter, of Wyoming, having built a private
villa for a watering place lying in front of North Monterey, and not far
from the pious retreat of Pacific Grove, it has been facetiously called by
some as "Baxter'-s Saints' Rest."
To a great extent, Monterey lingers in the lap of the first half of
the last century, and the tourist who has ever visited Palestine might
think he had come to ancient Tyre, as the water front of rocks and the
old Custom House have become "a place where the fishermen spread-
their nets " and the municipal government of Monterey has not had
the local pride and courage to protect its own water front. It has per
mitted, if not encouraged, the encroachment of foreign fishermen upon
the U. S. Custom House Reservation, by the erection of houses and
shanties, the occupation of the long porch of the sea front of the Cus
tom House, and we are reliably informed that they now occupy the in
terior of the southern portion of that historic building. The staff or
pole upon which the American flag has been so often raised, leans over
at an angle of twenty degrees, and is only held in place in that condition
by being lashed with a small rope, leaving it in partial suspension. It
was not straightened up even for the 4th of July. The Mayor of the
town has recently been appointed by the Governor of California as one
of the Trustees to look after this Custom House, it having been leased
to the State fpr a term of years by the U. S. Government, provided it
would put it in a state of repair, and the Legislature of California has
appropriated some four thousand dollars for that purpose. We are in
formed that the Mayor of the town is the son of an Englishman, who
for man}^ years delayed taking out his naturalization papers, and who
had married a native California Spanish lady. If this is true, then the
sequel proves that from such stock no real spirit or manifestation of
true American patriotism may be expected, as already evidenced on the
recent 4th of July, when an American vessel of war was in the harbor,
•
and its ofiicers and men were to escort the Lieutenant-Governor an'd
other State officers, with officers of the U. S Army and the Sloat Mon
ument Association and Veterans of the Mexican War, to the site of the
Sloat Monument, where the U. S. "Navy and other stones were to be
laid, and to which the Mayor and City Council had been invited weeks
before, but who manifested no interest or recognition whatever in it.
The only newspaper in the town is published by a poorly naturalized
English subject, and apparently the naturalization failed to take. Neither

246 Life of Rear-Adwiral John Drake Sloat
before or after the 4th of July in his issues of the Monterey Neic Era
did he make any mention of the distinguished visitors, or of the laying
of the stones, or of the firing of the National and Commodore's salutes
by the Sloop-of- War "Alert" in the harbor on Independence Day.
Naturall}', it would be thought it would have been mentioned as a mat
ter of news; but no Englishman likes to hear read the Declaration of
American Independence, and a half naturalized Englishman turns
awa}- from it as if he were taking a sugar-coated pill when he
hears it read, for it tells of the tyrannj- and inhumanity of his fathers
in attempting to crush and stamp out American libertj' by the most
cruel oppression
No man ever yet thanked another for whipping him, nor any nation
return its gratitude in resolutions of thanks to the victor when defeated.
In the conquest of California, which was surrendered by treaty and
the sum of fifteen millions of dollars paid to the Mexican Government
for it, fifteen millions of dollars more should have been paid to the
native Spanish California families, instead of impoverishing them in
forcing them to employ rapacious attorneys to prove their land titles
before the U. S. Land Commission and all the courts, which reduced the
greater number at last to abject poverty. The male portion of the Spanish
California population gradually submitted and accustomed themselves
to the new order of things, but the female portion to-day, as a general
thing, remains unchanged in their sentiments If they marry Ameri
cans or Europeans, who form marital ties (the latter perhaps largely
from mercenary motives), the offspring imbibe the same sentiments of
their mothers who shape and mould the characters of their children.
Consequently, it is but an alloyed patriotism at the best, from such a
source, and is easily perverted under the influence of designing schem
ers, who have only their own selfish aims in view.
It is this which cau.ses a cloud of apathy and indifference to hang
like a pall over the ancient Capital of Spanish and Mexican California,
and keep it still in the background and in the rear of onward march
and improvement, where nature has done so much for it, and given it
the most beautiful harbor, with good anchorage for the largest ships,
whose waters are alive with fish from the smallest minnows to the
largest whales where sardines are caught with hooks without bait, and
baskets filled by the bushel from drop-nets from the wharf in that pis
catorial paradise.
As an illustration of the backward condition of Monterey at the
time, there had been no less than 216 Masonic Lodges organized in
California, and twenty-one years had passed since the Grand Lodge of
Masons of California had been organized,. before an effort was made to
organize one under its authority at Monterey, when Bro. Thomas G.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 247
Lambert, the Receiver of the Sloat Monument Association, with the
assistance of a few others, took the necessary steps for that purpose,
and the Dispensation was granted June 19, 1871, and the Lodge duly
organized. Scarcely had this been done, when fanatical hostility from
a clerical quarter manifested itself, the Masons were denounced, and
the people urged to rise and drive the institution out of the town, as
Masonry was the Devil himself The fanatic imagined himself as being
in his own country of Spain. He was accosted in the streets of Mon
terey by Bro. Lambert, one day (and who is a retired Yankee sea cap
tain of a whaler, and then, as he is now, Justice of the Peace), and in
formed "that he might denunciate Masonry or anything else he chose to
on his own premises; but that if he commenced to stir up strife and
trouble on the public streets of Monterey, that he would make a street
dust rag of him and immerse him in the waters of the bay, and act the
part of St. John the Baptist himself," and he certainl}^ would have
done it at that time.
From the time of the organization of Monterey Lodge, No. 217, F.
and A. M., there has been something of an improvement in that town,
and it has done as well, if not better, than was expected from the lim
ited supply of material from which to make its selection, and it has
been of stead}' and slow growth in that eddy where population from
abroad has been but small in comparison with other towns in Califor
nia, while nature itself has made it more attractive and supplied it with
greater resources than almost any other seacoast town in California.
In time Monterey may change for the better, as it is hoped it will.
Compulsor}' education was enforced upon the native Indians by the
Missionary Fathers, but the seeds of patriotism cannot be planted by
firing them into the ground from a shotgun, nor a suppty of patriotic
American blood be infused by a squirt from a syringe, or from a steam
force pump. It has to come up and grow spontaneously from the soil
first and then be carefully and properly cultivated afterwards. The Amer
ican population in Monterey need reinforcement by immigration from
elsewhere to advance it to the high and proud position to which it
ought to attain in the estimation of an enlightened world. The early
American settlers who still survive have worn themselves out in their
long life service to improve that part of the State, and impoverished
themselves in .so doing, and ere long abalone shells of the cretacean
period will be holding their ashes, while a grateful country will not
altogether be unmindful of their devotion and faithful services.

248 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat

CONCLUSION.
We now bring this "Life of the Late Rear-Admiral John
Drake Sloat," and subsequent events in connection with the Sloat
Monument up to date, to a close. We shall continue the work of
building the monument until it is finished and the statue of the gallant
Sloat unveiled, amidst the cheers of thousands who will be present on
that occasion, and amidst the thundering roar of cannon from vessels
of war and batteries on shore. There will be true patriotic American
journals in Monterey, edited by true Americans, to record the event, and
there will be no more insulting of an Admiral or other officer of the U. S.
Xavy when that joyful occurrence takes place, and Monterey will have
been redeemed from the claws of the few human alligators and coyotes
which have infested that locality too long, and who, when not preying
upon each other, have looked upon all visitors from abroad as their
lawful prey. In December, 1850, the Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of Masons of the District of Columbia, in reply to a letter writ
ten by Bro, Capt. George H. Derby of the U. S. Army from Monterey,
wrote to him, using the language of David to his servants who had
been badly treated by the Syrians, by having one-half of their beards
shaved off and their garments cut off in the middle above their waists,
and he sent them word to "tarry in Jericho until their beards be grown "
We do not know how long Bro. Derby remained in that locality, but
his beard must have grown very fast, for we met him in Sonoma
shortly afterwards.
We have herein portrayed the whole truth of history from the evi
dence given us and from our observations and experiences. We there
fore submit this work to our readers with gratitude to the Supervisors
of Counties and others who have aided us in the building of the Sloat
Monument thus far, and earnestly appeal to those Counties who have
not supplied stones to come forward and help the Veterans of the Mex
ican War, the Pioneers, the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden
West, to complete it, and thus we deliver this truthful history and biog
raphy into your hands.
Respectfully yours, EDWIN A. SHERMAN.

Life of Re.ar- Admiral John Drake Sloat 249

ADDENDA.
[Copy of Gen. Ketcham's Explanatory Letter.]
Stockton, Cala., July 8, 1902.
Major E. A. Sherman, Secretary Sloat Monument Association, 877 fackson St.,
Oakland, Cala..
De.\r Siii AND Comrade: Your favor of 7th inst., enclosing Reports of the
Proceedings of the Sloat Monument Association, was duly received. I find thal^
after the perusal of the same, I have done the Citizens of Monterey an uninten
tional injustice. You are right in presuming that what I did say had reference
to the celebration of iSg6.
In saying I stated that I had uo personal knowledge of the matter, but that I
had been informed by Citizens of Monterey that Senator Geo. C. Perkins had in
itiated a subscription in San Francisco for the Sloat Monument; that the money
so collected, instead of being paid over to the Sloat Monument Fund, had got
into the hands of the Citizen.s' Committee at Monterey, and that the Sloat Mon
ument received but jjStso.oo of the amount (the amount collected I understand to
be 13,600.00, your Reports state $1,629.00), I had no expectation of this being
published, but partly to explain one of the reasons why the members of the As
sociation were not anxious to parade with the Monterey Celebration.
There were various inaccuracies in the accounts published. For instance,
"Gen. Ketcham hoisted the Flag on the Custom House," which he did not do.
Capt. Adams invited Gen. Ketcham to accompany him to the verandah, but
Capt. Adams hoisted Vi^e. Flag. It was stated that "Capt. Adams turned over the
command of the troops to Gen. K." It was understood that Gen. K., when the
procession was formed, should place himself at the head of the column and put
it in motion; but the troops were not formally turned over to him.
It was also stated that "after my arrival at Monterey I went north and cam
paigned three months and then resigned." The fact was I went south to La Paz,
and remained in the service until the 22d of October, when the command was
mustered out of the service, perhaps the last M. W. Volunteers to be mustered
out. Since writing the above, I have looked over an article in the Chronicle of to
day, in which it is stated that "Senator Perkins did not donate $3,000.00, and so
my statement falls to the ground." I did not hear that he did; but that he
started a subscription for the Sloat Monument Fund in San Francisco, and that
the proceeds were sent to IVTonterey for the use of the Sloat Monument; but ac
cording to the Chronicle that was a mistake.
The Chronicle is rig ht in supposing that I had reference to the celebration of
i8g6. You will believe me when I say that it would grieve me to do an injustice to
any one. Yours truly, Thos. E. Kktcham,
Marshal Sloat Monument Associatiou.
Many thanks for your kindness.
Ketcham.
[Note.— Gen. Ketcham had not then been informed ofthe true state of affairs,.
and of what had recently occurred at Sain Jose and Monterey. He was right ia
the spirit but in error as to the facts when he first made his statement. E. A. S ],

250 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat

APPENDIX.
We take the following from the Appendix of the admirable speech
of the Hon. George C. Perkins, U. S. Senator from California, deliv
ered before the U. S. Senate, June 10, 1902, upon the building of war
vessels at the Mare Island Navy Yard. It has reference to the location
of that site by Commodore John Drake Sloat, U. S. N., in 1852:
I will not longer trespass upon the time ofthe Senate, but will ask permission
of the Senate to insert in the Record as an appendix to my remarks a concise his
tory of the selection of the present site by Commodore Sloat, who was Chairman
of the Commission which located the Mare Island Navy Yard in California, and
also such action as appears of record which has since been taken.
The President pro tempore. Is there objection? The Chair hears none, and
the matter will be printed in the Record.
The Appendix is as follows:
The following copies of letters and documents give all the information avail
able relative to the establishment of a Navy Yard at Mare Island:
Navy Department, Washington, June 7, 1902.
Sir: Replying to vour request of June 5th, that you be furnished with a sum
mary of tbe history of the establishment ofthe United States Navy Yard at Mare
Island, Cal., I enclose herewith copy of Report No. 14, Thirty-second Congress,
first session, submitted by Mr. Gwin, to accompany Senate Bill No. 13; copy of
letter of Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Joseph A. Smith, Chief of the
Bureau of Yards and Docks, dated January. 15, 1852, and the latter's reply there
to, nominating ofiicers composing Commission to choose a site for the California
dock; the precept of the Secretary of (he Navy, dated January 27, 1852, to these
ofiicers, viz.: Commodore John D, Sloat, Commander C. Ringgold, Lieut. S. F.
Blunt, and Engineer \V. P. S. Sanger, constituting them as a Board to examine
the shores and waters of the Bay of San Francisco, in California, for the purpose
of selecting a site for a Navy Yard and depot, etc.; copy of letter of the Secretary
of the Navy of December 13, 1852, to the Board, requesting them to state their
opinion as to the nature of the tract lately surveyed by the Board in California
for a site for a Navy Yard, known as Mare Island; copy of the Act approved Au
gust 31, 1852, authorizing and directing the Secretary of the Navy to select a site
iu the Bay of San Francisco, and the report of the Board dated December 13,
1852. I enclose, for your further information, extract from the Directory of the City
of Vallejo of 1870, concerning the origin of the name "Mare Island."
In Executive Document No. 31, House of Representatives, Forty-sixth Con
gress, second session, is the letter of the Secretary of the Navy in answer to reso
lutions of the House of January 21, 1880, calling for "any and all information in
possession of his Department relating to the formation of bars and deposits of
mud, sand and gravel at or near Mare Island," etc. The plan attached to the
¦document shows depth of water in front of Yard
Transmitted herewith is a copy of the report of the Board of Civil Engineers,
of which W. P. S. Sanger, U. S. N., was senior member, appointed to prepare a
plan for the improvement of the Navy Yard at Mare Island, California, 1873.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 251
This is all the information concerning the selection of the site and the estab.
lishmeut ofthe United States Navy Yard at Mare Island, California, in possession
of the Navy Department.
Very respectfully, W. H. Moody, Secretary.
Hon. Geo. C. Perkins, U. S. Senate, Washington, D. C.
[Thirty -second Congress, First Session.]
An Act making appropriations for the naval service for the year ending the 30lh
of June, 1853. (Approved August 31, 1852.)
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted. That the Secretary ofthe Navy be, and he
is hereby, authorized and directed to select a site for a navy yard and naval depot
in the Bay of San Francisco, in California, or neighboring waters, either by pur
chase or by reservation of public lands, as the case may be, and shall cause the
same to be surveyed and a plat thereof to be recorded in proper form; and when
such selection shall have been made, the said Secretary shall make such arrange
ments as may be necessary to establish a navy yard and naval depot upon the
most approved and economical plan ou the site so obtained, and cause to be
erected a foundry, machine shop, blacksmith's shop, boiler shop, engine house,
pattern shop, carpenter shop and storehouse, and for the purpose of carrying this
section into effect the sum of ^100,000 be, and the same is hereby, appropriated
out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Sec. 4. And be il further enacted. That the Secretary ofthe Navy be, and he
hereby is, directed to appoint some suitable naval officer or engineer to receive
aud superintend the construction of the floating dry dock in California.
Navy Department, January 15, 1852.
Sir: You will be pleased to name three naval officers and one engineer to
compose a commission to choose a site for the California dock.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, WiLL A. Graham.
Commodore Joseph Smith,
Chief of Bureau of Navy Yards and Docks.
Bureau oj Yards and Docks, January i6, 1852.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th
instant, and in compliance with your direction to name three naval officers and
one engineer to compose a commission to choose a site for the California dock, I
respectfully nominate Commodore John D. Sloat, Commander C. Ringgold, Lieut.
Simon F. Blunt, and Engineer William P. S. Sanger, as suitable and proper per
sons to compose that commission.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, Jos. S.MITH.
Iton. William a. Graham, Secretary of the Navy.
Navy Department. January 27, 1852.
Gentlemen: You are hereby constituted and appointed a Board to examine
the shores and waters of the Bay of San Francisco, in California, for the purpose
of selecting a site for a Navy Yard and depot, including a naval hospital and
marine barracks.
You will prepare yourself for this duty and proceed to San Francisco in the
steamer which is to sail about the last of March next from New York for Chagres
or Nicaragua.

2 52 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
You will make a requisition upon the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography
for such instruments as you deem necessary for this service.
You are authorized to visit and examine for your iuformation and satisfaction
the floating dry dock at the Navy Yard at Philadelphia and also of the working
of the floating dry dock in New York City.
You are authorized to appoint a draftsman, who will also act as Secretary to
the Board, and you will be allowed three chainmen, who, in addition to their ap
propriate duties, shall perform such olher service as the Board may direct.
On your arrival at San Fraucisco, you will call on the commanding naval offi
cer present to furnish for the service you are directed to perform such facilities
and assistance as you may require and he may have under his control.
If there should be no suitable vessel iu the squadron for your use you will
procure, on the best terms practicable, a small sailing or other vessel, and other
necessary appointments which the squadron can not furnish for the efficient pro
tection of the work confided to you, and in case of the death or total disability
(if any member of the Board the Commandant of the Pacific Squadron will ap
point a successor When ready you will proceed to explore thoroughly and min
utely the waters bordering on and the shores of said bay, noting and recording
as you proceed, the various advantages and disadvantages of both land and water
for the location of a Navy Yard and depot for the purposes above indicated.
After having examined these to your satisfaction, you will confer and consult
upon the result of your labor, and select the site best suited to the various pur
poses of a Navy Yard, hospital and barracks, and in making up your judgments
you will keep in view for attaiument, as far as may be, the following prominent
objects, viz.:
First. Its security from attacks by an enemy, aud its facilities and economy
for defense.
Second. Its security from violent winds and sea, and the accommodation for
safe anchorage in its adjacent waters.
Third. Its adaptation to the construction of a permanent stone dock, and for
the working of a sectional floating dry dock, in connection with a basin and
railway, if a basin and railway be practicable in those waters.
Fourth. The facilities for procuring, and the accommodations for boarding
mechanics, and workmen of various classes.
Fifth. The facilities afforded for procuring most readily materials, supplies,
and stores of all kinds.
Sixth. Its fitness and adaptation for the construction of piers, wharves, launch
ing ships, and building ways, storehouses for the reception and keeping of
various stores, marine hospital and barracks, workshops of the different kinds
required for the building and repairs of sailing and steam vessels of the Navy,
and such dwellings for the officers attached to the Yard as you may deem neces
sary. Before you shall decide upon the point and location of the depot, in support
of your opinion upon the advantages and practicability of its military defense,
you will call to your assistance and confer with Capt. Henry Wager Halleck or
other engineer of the United States Army, who will be instructed to give the
Board his experience and advice upon this very important subject.
After you shall have agreed and decided upon the best location available, you
will make a plan of the ground, showing the different elevations, with the topog
raphy, as well as may be, the plan to embrace the water near the shore, giving
the soundings and description of the ground uuder water, with the height of the

Henry S. Martiu Joseph R. Knowland W.D.Wagner Albert D. Barham M. T. DcoHng W.H.Devlin James A. Devoto Geo L Tones
Grand Treasurer Grand Trustee Grand Trustee  Inside Sentinel Grand Trustee Grand Trustee Grand Trustee Grand Trustee
Martin Murphy Jas. L- GaUagher Chas. B. McLaughlin Lewis F. Byington Henry Lunstedt H. R. McNoble
Grand Trustee Grand 3d Vice- Pres. Grand 2nd VicePres. l^Orand President Grand Secretary Grand ist Vice-Pres.
J. Kmmet Hayden
Grand Outside Sentinel
OFFICERS OP THE GRAND PARLOR OF THE NATIVE SONS OF THE GOLDEN WEST.IMav i, 1902.

W. BRO. HON. JOHNiWHICHBR
VJ. M. of King David's Lodge No. acq. F. & A.. M. of San ^Luis ObLspo, Cal. County Clerk of Sau Luis-
Obispo, Cal, and who laid the stone of that County in the base ofthe Sloat Monument at Monterey, Cal., on-
January 2, 1902.

W. BRO. DELOS WM. SMYTHE
VJ. M. of Friendship Lodge No. 210, F. and A. M., San
Jose, Cal., who laid the Santa Clara County Stone in the
base of the Sloat Monument at Monterey, Cal., on No
vember 2, 1901,

COL. GEORGE THISTLETON
Senior Vice-President of the Associated Veterans of
the Mexican War, San Francisco, Cal.

I<iFE OF Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 253
water during freshets and their duration; also, the rise and fall of the tides, and
the course and velocity Of the currents. Upon the plan you will work out on a ,
convenient scale what in your judgment are the best locations for a floating dock,
basin aud railway (if basin and railway are practicable there), stone dock, piers and
wharves, ship house and launching ship, storehouses, foundry, machine and boiler
shops, blacksmiths' shop, joiners' shop, offices and dwellings for officers. Navy
hospital and marine barracks.
You will ascertain, as far as practicable, from observation and inquiry, what
is the effect, if the evil exists to any extent, of the marine worm in those waters.
You will inform yourselves, as far as practicable, of the kinds and qualities of
materials for the construction of fabrics of masonry and wood, and of the best
means of procuring them. You will preserve all your original minutes, observa
tions and drawings, and when the duty assigned you shall be completed, which
the Department trusts will not occasion your absence over four or five months,
you will return to the City of Washington and make 50ur report to the Depart
ment, with the necessary plans and descriptions of what you have done iu the
premises. You will ascertain whether the site you may select be the property of the
United States or of individuals, and, if the latter, inquire into the title and prob
able crost, and you are at liberty to enter into contract for a tract of land sufficient
for the purposes aforesaid (if the title of the place selected be not in the United
States), subject to the ratification of this Department.
These inscructious you will regard as confidential, and will proceed in their
execution aud report your proceedings thereon with all practicable despatch.
Wishing you health and success in this important service and a safe return,
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
Will a. Graham.
Commodore John D. Sloat,
Commander C. Ringgold,
Lieut. S. F. Bldnt, and
W. P. S. Sanger,
Washington, D. C.
Unfortunately the report of the Sloat Board cannot be found among the rec
ords of the Navy Department, but Hon. R. W. Thompson, Secretary ofthe Navy,
in a communication to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, January 27,
1880, said:
"I have the honor to state that in the year 1852 a board of naval officers was
appointed to examine the Bay of San Francisco and adjacent waters and to select
a site for a Navy Yard. This Board made a very careful examination of the
points supposed to possess the requisite advantages for a naval station, and, after
mature deliberation, came to a conclusion, agreeing with the report of a former
Board composed of Army and Navy officers, that Mare Island was the most eligi
ble and advantageous position that could be found in the waters of the Bay of
San Francisco and its adjacent waters for naval purposes, and they reported ac
cordingly." Navy Department, Washington, December 13, 1852.
Gentlemen: You will oblige me by stating your opinion as to the nature of
the tract lately surveyed by you in Caliiornia for a site for a Navy Yard, known
as Mare Island. I desire to have your estimate of its value, with all its append
ages and advantages, regarding depth of water, harbors, etc. Your opinion may
be formed wiihout reference to the question of title, of which I could not expect

254 Life of Rear Admiral John Drake Sloat
you to express an official judgment, my object being to obtain some guide in the
estimate of its value for land and water, with a view to a contract of purchase.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, John P. Kennedy.
Commodore J. D. Sloat, U. S. N., Washington, D. C.
Commander W. S. Ogden, U. S. N., Washington, D. C.
Lieut. S. F. Blunt, U. S. N., Washington, D. C.
Engineer W. S. Sanger, U. S. N., Washington, D. C.
Washington, December 13, 1852.
Hon. John P. Kennedy, Secretary of the Navy —
Sir: In answer to your letter of this date asking "your (our) opinion as to
the value of the tract lately surveyed by you (us) in California for a site for a
Navy Yard, known as Mare Island," and desiring to have "your (our) estimate of
its value, with all its appendages and advantages regarding depth of water, har
bor, etc.," and stating that "your (our) opinion may be formed wiihout reference
to the question of title, of which I (you) could not expect you (us) to express an
official judgment, my (your) object being to obtain some guide in the estimate of
its value for land and water, with a view to a contract of purchase," we have the
honor to state the island, including the tule opposite Vallejo, contains about 900
acres, in addition to a large tract of tule extending toward Napa and S(5nonia.
There is ample space for all the buildings required for a Navy Yard, with good
anchorage for ships of war; and, as stated in our report of the 6th ultimo, we
consider it the most eligible location near San Fraucisco.
In reference to the value of this site for the purposes of a naval establishtnent
combining, as it does, all the advantages stated in our report with respect to
depth of water and general commodiousness as a harbor we are of the opinion,
though we are aware that a large portion of it, say, nearly three-fourths, was re
cently purchased for a much less sum, that it would not perhaps be overestimated
for the contemplated uses of the United States at $100,000.
Very respectfully, your obedient servants,
John D. Sloat.
Wm. S. Ogden, Commander, U. S. N. .
Simon Eraser Blunt, Sr., U. S. N.
W. P. S. Sanger.
United States Brig "Major Eastland,"
Mare Island Straits, July 13, 1852.
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department that the Board appointed
to select a site for a Navy Yard aud depot in Ihe Bay of San Francisco have, after
a careful examinatiou, come to the conclusion that Mare Island is by far the
most eligible location for that purpose in these waters.
The Board will present their plan of the survey and detailed report on their
return to Washington, according to instructions.
The island is held in eighty shares by five persons. The District Attorney is
now examining the titlts. If found good, the Boaid will endeavor to ascertain
for wh.-it amount it can be purchased, and conclude an arrangement, if thought
advisable, subject to the approval of the Department.
The Board hope to be able to leave for Washington on the ist of August.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, John D. Sloat,
Hon. William A. Graham, Senior Officer of the Board.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington City.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 255,
New York City, August 31, 1852.
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department of the arrival this day in
New York City, of the Board for the establishment of the location of the Navy
depot and dry dock at or near San Francisco, Cal.
In consideration of the debilitating nature of the journey from California, I
have thought it advisable to delay the meeting of the Board at Washington City,.
until the ist day of October, by which time the duplicate charts and drawing in
struments will have arrived which left San Franctsco in the steamer of the 15th
August. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,  .
Hon. John P. Kennedy, Secretary of the Navy.
Washington City, D. C, October i, 1852.
Sir: The instructions to the Board appointed to select a site for a Navy Yard
in the Bay of San Francisco require topographical drawings of the several points
examined; and as the Department is in haste for the report of the Board, it is
necessar}-, in order to expedite the work, that a topographical draftsman be em
ployed. I therefore respectfully ask authority to emfjloy a suitable person for
that purpose. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, John D. Sloa'i',
Senior Officer of the Board.
Hon. John P. Kennedy, Secretary of the Navy.
Washington, December 9, 1852.
Hon. John P. Kennedy, Secretary oJ the Navy —
Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith the report in triplicate (with maps-
and plans referred to therein) of the Board appointed to select a site for a Navy
Yard and depot, etc., at or near San Francisco.
The Board respectfully awaits your further disposition.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, John D. Sloat,
Senior Officer of the Board.
This letter, together with the report in triplicate and maps and plans re,
ferred to, did not reach the files of the Department until the 26th of February,.
1853, having been retained by the Secretary of the Navy pending a negotiation
with Wm. H. Aspinwall, of New York, for the purchase of Mare Island. See
letter of Secretary of Navy to Mr. Aspinwall of date the 26th of February, 1853
Navy Department, February 2, 1853.
Sir: I have the honor to submit to your consideration the accompanying
papers, relating to the titleof Mare Island, in the Bay of San Francisco, in Cali
fornia, for your opinion.
In pursuance ofthe duty assigned to me by the Act ofthe last session of Con
gress making appropriations for the naval service and directing the Department
to select and purchase a site for a Navy Yard in Califoruia, my attention has been
drawn to Mare Island, which has been recommended to the Department by a
board of officers appointed to examine and report upon the various localities in
California adapted to the proposed establishment. I have consequently entered
into negotiations with those who claim to be the owners of this island with a
view to its purchase.
The papers now submitted to you will show the nature of tbe contract I have

256 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
made and the character of the title offered to the Government. These papers
are — I. A contract dated December 10, 1S52, with William H. Aspinwall, wherein
he, as representative of the proprietors, has contracted on his own part and ou
the part of all other parties interested in the ownership of Mare Island or claim
ing any interest in the same, to convey by good and sufficient deed or deeds the
entire and absolute fee simple in that tract of land to the United States.
2. A deed executed by said Aspinwall and others and offered in pursuance 01
this contract.
3. Copies of certain deeds on record in California purporting to show the
validity of the title of said Aspinwall and the parties he represents.
4. Some memoranda of an adverse title to said land set up by Henry Sanford.
5. A note of the opinion of Messrs. Halleck, Peachy a'nd Billings, of California,
expressing their views of the validity of the title offered by Aspinwall and his
associates. 6. The opinion of George W. Cooley, Esq., the law agent in California, of the
United States, which opinion has been communicated at my request, inviting him
to inform this Department what questions of fact and law are proper to be inves
tigated with a view to ascertain the character of the title to this laud. Mr.
Cooley's large experience in the investigation of California land titles, derived
from his professional duties there, enables him to point out very fully the proper
course of inquiry for the ascertainment of this title, and his opinion will greatly
facilitate your examination of the subject.
7. A printed pamphlet containing the opinion of the Board of Commissioners
of California land claims in several cases which presented many cases of interest
in the investigation of titles, and which opinions are referred to in the communi
cation of Mr. Cooley.
This Department has plats ot charts describing Mare Island and its append
ages, furnished by the Board of officers on their recent inspection and survey,
with other papers illustrative of the subject, which will be submitted to your ex
amination if you should find it necessary to refer to them.
The Department is desirous to obtain your opinion, with a view to its final
determination on the contract, and in pursuance of the duty imposed upon it by
the (an omission iu the letter).
I beg leave to call your attention —
First, to the consideration of the character and validity of the title offered by
Mr. Aspinwall in pursuance of his contract with the Department.
Second, to the consideration of the conflicting title set up by Mr. Sanford..
Third, to the question whether, supposing the title offered by Mr. Aspinwall
to be doubtful, the title rests in any other party or whether it belongs to the
United States.
You will oblige me by stating what doubts or difficulties you may perceive to
exist in the title offered by Mr. Aspinwall, the points of litigation to which it
might possibly give rise, and the embarrassments it might present to the Govern
ment if this Department should take possession on any supposed title resting in
the Government without purchasing the conflicting claims of Mr. Aspinwall and
the other owners whom he represents. This point may be material to the de
cision of the Department in concluding any negotiations for the purchase.
I have the honor to be, with the most respectful consideration, your obedient
servant, John P. Kennedy.
Hon. J. J. Crittenden,
Attorney-General United States.

Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat 257
The Commission on Navy Yards reported on December i, 1883, to the Secre
tary of the Navy in regard to the advantages of the Mare Island Navy Yard as
follows: "Its approaches may be successfully defended against the attacks of a powerful
enemy; it is far enough removed from the sea to be beyond the reach of guns of
the longest range, or any possibility of being captured by a coup de main, and yet
not so far as to make it difficult of access. The adjacent harbor is good and per
fectly secure in all weathers. The channel is deep and never obstructed by ice.
The climate is even and salubrious the year round, and suitable to outdoor work.
The soil and characteristics of the site are such that dry docks or basins may be
constructed at reasonable cost. The Napa discharges at every ebb tide an amount
of fresh water which proves fatal to the teredo, a marine worm destructive of the
bottoms of wooden ships and pilings of wharves or other woodwork placed in
salt water.
"The yard is convenient to the railroad communications, which center on the
opposite shore of Napa Straits and on the shores of the Straits of Karquines, about
a mile distant. The convenient supply of fine timber for wooden shipbuilding is
practically inexhaustible. The depth of water abreast the Yard front averages
28 feet at mean low tide, and abreast Commission Rock, an obstruction that can
be easily removed at a small expense, 21 feet. Mean rise and fall of tide, 6 feet 5
inches. On the principal water front there are from 24 to 26 feet at mean low
¦water, and this depth may' be easily and cheaply maintained by occasional dredg
ing. There is no difficulty in our heaviest draft ships going up to the quay wall
at any stage of the tide."
[Extracts from Directory of City of Vallejo, CaL, of 1870.J
MARE island— why SO CALLED.
Frequent inquiry has been made as to the origin of the name "Mare Island,"
and most generally the explanation thereof has been faulty. It is a matter of
local interest that may find an appropriate place in a directory of Vallejo, with
which the island is so intimately connected. The name had its origin in this
way: In early days the only ferryboat on the waters near Vallejo and Benicia was
a rude one, made chiefly of oil barrels obtained from whaling ships and propelled
by sails. These barrels were secured together by beams and planking, and it was
divided into compartments for the accommodation of cattle, to the transportation
of which it was chiefly devoted.
One day, while this boat was coming from Martinez to Benicia, a sudden squall
overtook it, and the craft pitched fearfully. The animals (chiefly horses) became
restive, and some of them were thrown with such force against the weak partition
that they broke through it. The boat was upset and the living cargo thrown into
the bay. Some of the live stock were drowned and some managed to reach
either shore by swimming. One of the horses (an old white mare, owned and
much prized by Gen. Vallejo) succeeded in effecting a landing on the island and
was rescued there a few days after by the General, who thereupon called the place
"Isla de la Yegna," or Mare Island. This is the absolute fact and the whole his
tory of the above-named Mare Island.
GOVERNMENT POSSESSION.
The Government of the United States took formal possession of Mare Island
in 1854, through that noble and illustrious naval hero. Admiral David G. Farra
gut, then a Commander in the Navy, who came here with a single war vessel and
commenced operations. At first a modest building or two sufficed for the wants

258 Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat
of the Government. Now more than a score of stately structures are seen, and
1,600 mechanics and laborers are barely adequate to supply the wants of the
service. Admiral Farragut remained in command about four years, and it was under
his supervision that most ofthe buildings were projected and put up. The plans
were drawn and the Yard laid out by W. P. Sanger, Civil Engineer of the Navy
Department.

THE U. S. RECEIVING SHIP "INDEPENDENCE."
Mare Island Navy Yard, California.

The U. S. Receiving Ship "Independence"
Mare Island Navy Yard, California
[We are indebted to Mrs. Edythe Pratt Dickins, the accomplished wife of
Capt. F. W. Dickins, commanding the U. S. Receiviug Ship "Independence," at
Mare Island Navy Yard, Cal., for a beautiful tinted and highly finished photo.
graph of this staunch ship now nearly a century old, from a view taken by Mr.
W. F. Henry, the skilful photograph artist of Vallejo who also presented us with
a copy ofthe same, but plain, so that the first one might not be marred in mak
ing a half-tone plate from which the above cut is printed.]
"In our early boyhood and school days we often visited this grand
old ship, as she was anchored in Boston harbor where she first glided
into its waters from her ways in the Charleston Navy Yard where she
was built and launched in 1814. Many of our schoolmates who also
visited her, entered the U. S. Navy from time to time and rose to emi
nence in after years from boatswains' mates to commodores and admi
rals, as commissioned or warrant officers according to their ability,
rank and the original station in which they first entered the naval
ser\'ice, where some thought they might be successful in climbing the
masts by the short cut, through the "lubber holes," and improve the
chance for promotion by seizing Opportunity by his foretop, he being
baldheaded behind. But to our record of the old ship, as taken in part,
from her brief history framed and hung up in her cabin for the infor
mation of those who are from time to time assigned to her until ordered
elsewhere, and for the inspection of guests and visitors who are proud
of the naval history of our country, and of which from the command
ant down the youngest na^^al apprentice, who may be temporarily
attached to her, are proud of having at some time served on board of
this historic ship, connected with the hisfory of California during the
war with Mexico in 1845-48.
"The name 'Independence,' appeared on our Naval Records first
when borne by a sloop belonging to the Colonial Navy. This vessel
was destroyed in the Delaware in 1777, to prevent her capture by the
British. "The present 'Independence' was the first of the seventy-four gun
line of battle ships, built for service against the fleets of Great Britain
in the second war with that country. She was laid down at Boston in
1812 and launched in 1814 and in January of the following year (1815),
sailed on her maiden cruise for the Mediterranean Sea bearing the
flag ot Commodore Bainbridge. The 'Independence' sailed in com
pany with the frigates 'United States' and 'Congress,' the sloop-of-
war 'Erie,' the brigs 'Boxer,' 'Chiffona,' 'Firefly,' and 'Sara-
nac' and several smaller craft. At Gibraltar was found the squadron

Appendix m
of Commodore Decatur, consisting of the frigates "Guerriere," "Mace
donian," 'Constellation' and several ships of war, brigs and
schooners. "This was the most formidable fleet ever gathered in foreign waters
by our government, and coming so soon after the close of hostilities
with England, was a subject of considerable chagrin to the British.
Note. Tbe frigates "Guerriere" and "Macedonian," and the brig
"Boxer" had been captured from the British in fair fight by the frigate
"United States" and other vessels of the American Navy in that war.
E. A. S.J "The lattter had circulated the report 'That the Americans
were not allowed to build ships-of-the-line,' but the lordly proportions
of the 'Independence' was a sufficient contradiction. War had been
declared against Algeria, and the 'Independence' took part with the
¦other vessels of our navy in blockading the ports of that Barbary power
and bringing the war to a successful close.
"Of all our ships which so proudly flew the 'Stars and Stripes'
beneath the heights of Gibraltar during that October nearly eighty
years ago, the only ones afloat to-day are the 'Independence' and the
^Constellation,' the latter being used as a training ship. Upon the
return to the United States, the 'Independence' was used bv Commo
dore Bainbridge as Guard Ship in Boston Harbor, flying his flag until
1819. "In 1836, the 'Independence' wasrazed, being cut down from three
decks to two decks carrying fifty-four guns, and shortly sailed for
Europe as the flag ship of Commodore Nicholson. She was com
manded by Lieutenant Alexander Slidell, and her log of that period
bears this entry; 'She sails well and is a good sea boat. She has
logged ten knots on the wind and thirteen knots free. '
"In 1837, she carried the Hon. George Dallas to Russia as Minister
irom the United States and established the record for speed, during
the passage from New York to Cronstadt.
"In 1846, she was .sent to the Pacific as the flagship of Commodore
Shubrick and on the California and Coast of Mexico during the Mexi
can War, he having in turn succeeded Commodore Stockton in com
mand who had succeeded Commodore Sloat, after the Capture of Mon
terey, San Francisco and other places in Northern California. After
three years' service in these waters, during which time she participated
in the capture of the Guaymas and Mazatlan she returned to the
Atlantic, and later was the flagship of the United States squadron in
the Mediterranean.
"In 1854, the 'Independence' was refitted at New York and sent to
ihe Pacific for the last time as station flagship. Shortly after, she
became guard ship at San Francisco, California, lying off Third Street,

iv Appendix
and in 1858, she was converted into a receiving ship for the Navy
Yard at Mare Island, her final resting place, located in 1852 by the late
Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat, whp raised the American flag at Mon
terey July 7, 1846, and formally took possession of California.
"The 'Independence' is to-day the last of our line of battleships,
and the oldest in our navy preserving her original timbers."
Some of her guns which she carried at Monterey and during the
war with Mexico will be placed on the base of the Sloat Monument at
Monterey when ready to receive them, and are now lying at Mare
Island Navy Yard subject to our order, while two of them ornament
the Public Square of the City of Stockton.
In connection with the history of the staunch old ship "Independ
ence" and the "Life ofthe Late Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat, U. S.
N.," it is proper here togive the following extracts from the letter ofthe
Hon. Wm. M. Boggs, First Vice President of the Sloat Monument
Association, of May 21st, 1903, in which he says:
"I do not know where any one will go or seek to get a more truthful history
of the actions and operations of the United States forces in the conquest and
occupation of California by Commodoie Sloat, as compiled in his history by vou,
so far as my personal knowledge extends, it is the most authentic work in the
early history of the occupation of California by the U. S. forces yet published.
"I thank you for the souvenir "Reception Badge" of President Roosevelt as a
reminder of my visit to the famous old ship 'Independence,' on the day the Pres
ident visited Vallejo and the Navy Yard. As I wrote you before, I sauntered
around on the island alone in my every-day costume, and visited the old ship,
whose deck I had stood on when she was Commodore Shubrick's flag-ship; and
on my approach to the gangway I was saluted by several sentrys ou duty, and
not having a card of admission, I asked leave to go on board, as I had been on
the vessel fifty-seven years before. I was cordially invited on board aud intro
duced to the young officer of the day, and on making myself known, he
reported me to the Commander, Capt. Dickins, who at once ordered him my
escort, to bring me right up to his quarters, the same that were occupied by the
Old Commodore in 1846.
"Capt. Dickins greeted me with a hearty welcome and introduced me to his
beautiful wife, a bride of only a few mouths, and she acted as if she had known
me all her life and made me feel at home. And an orderly was instructed to
show me all through the old ship, which I found in perfect order and some hun
dred or more youug men in training costume. The interior of the staunch old
ship is in good order and just as sound as it was fifty-seven years ago, so far as I
could judge. The Captain and his lovely wife insisted that I should partake of
lunch with them at i o'clock; and a most sumptuous and delicately prepared
lunch it was. After lunch they showed me through the extensive bath and wash
houses for the crew on the land near by; also a flower garden, etc. The Captain
donned his full dress navy uniform and sword, and we stepped out on a rear bal
cony on top of the upper deck, and awaited the arrival of the President's boat,
which soon shot around the point of Mare Island when he gave the order to fire
the President's salute.
"The President's flag flies from the top-mast of this old ship. I sat in the

Appendix v
cabin with the Captain's wife, until the ceremony of laying the corner stone was
over at Vallejo, when the Captain ordered his steam launch alongside, and he took
me where the President landed at the Navy Yard; but before leaving Captain
Dickins' wife asked me to let her take a couple of snap shots with the kodak,
and get my shadow to keep as a souvenir; in addition to that I happened to have
my official badge as First Vice President ofthe Sloat Monument Association that
you sent me, in my pocketbook, and I gave it to her for a book-mark or souvenir;
and it was that I wanted you if you had an extra oue to send nie, instead of the
other; and if you have not got one, you will have to recognize the beautiful wife
of Capt. Dickins of the U. S. Navy as my deputy.
"With many thanks for your courtesies, etc., I remain as ever.
Fraternally yours, W. M. BoGGS."
We would be discourteous and ungallant, indeed, to omit the follow
ing fine description of the Hon. Wm. M. Boggs' visit to the old ship
"Independence," at Mare Island, written by the wife of Captain Dick
ins and published in the steady Mare Island Light, on May 25, 1903,
and printed on board of that ship by Malin & Arnold, the publishers,
which also gives an account of President Roosevelt and Secretary of
the Navy Wm. H. Moody's visits to Mare Island.
[From I\4are Island Light of May 25, 1903]
AN INTERESTING VISITOR.
W. M. BOGGS, A VETERAN OF THE MEXICAN WAR, ENTERTAINED BY THE COM
MANDING OFFICER.
The "Independence" had a visit on Thursday last from Mr. Wni. M. Boggs,
sergeant-major ofthe California Volunteers ofthe Mexican War, and the old ship
held a particular interest for him as the last time he stood upon her deck he paid
his respect to Commodore Shubrick, at Monterey, fifty-seven years ago.
Captain Dickins detailed an apprentice boy to show Mr. Boggs around the
ship, afterwards inviting him to luncheon in the cabin, and after he had heard
the "Independence" fire her salute in honor ofthe President took him up to the
Navy Yard to see the Presidential party land at the gate.
Mr. Boggs is First Vice President of the Sloat Monument Association, by
whom a monument is being erected on oue of the hills of Monterey close to the
old Custom House where the brave commander raised the American flag. Each
county is contributing a block of granite.
A great-grandson of Daniel Boone, and son of a man who was first lieutenant-
governor and then governor of Missouri during some of her most strenuous years,
Mr. Boggs' own story is a very romantic one. General Fremont, Kit Carson,
Commodore Sloat were not names to him, they were living men with whom he
had held daily intercourse and the days of the old "Independence's" glory were
the days in which he lived. He is hale and hearty as though the intervening
years between his two visits numbered only half as many, and took a keen inter
est in the modern appliances and machinery of war, as well as a sentimental one
in the old ship-of-the-liue that had figured so prominently in the Mexican
War. To him she was still the beautiful, stately ship of spreading canvas and
soaring masts, and though her exterior was changed and her sails and spars

vi Appendix
things ofthe past, the changes to him were only as the transformations of Time
in the faces of those we love.
In the spring of 1846 he crossed the plains from Missouri with a. train of one
hundred emigrant wagons, having been pursuaded by his father to accompany
him instead of going with Fremont the preceeding fall, as he had desired. The
journey across, accomplished by easy stages, over the same trail now followed by
a railroad over the Sierra Nevada mountains, occupied seven months crossing the
Rockies. The emigrants were met by the recruiting party of Fremont and nearly
all the stalwart youug men enlisted.
After settling his family in winter quarters, near Sonoma, Mr. Boggs mus
tered a company of about fifteen recruits, some of them sailors from whaling ves
sels, but the majority mountaineers like himself, and proceeded to San Fran
cisco. Their only way of crossing San Francisco Bay was by means of an old hulk
found in the tules, with a pole for a rudder and an old tent for shelter. On the
third day out they sighted the twelve adobe huts that constituted the City of San
Francisco, and went in under the bows ofthe old sloop-of-war "Warren," setting
their old hulk adrift. The latter caused quite a little excitement when the fog
lifted, the lookout on the "Warren" reported a strange craft in the harbor and
word was passed to stand by for spies. But the recruits were welcomed with
open arms and were sent to Santa Clara with ammunition.
Lieutenant Bartlett, the collector of the port, had been captured by Sanchez,
who was trying to retake California, and taken a prisoner to the old mission at
Santa Clara. When the recruits arrived at nightfall they found several little
camps of twenty men or so lying around the walls of the mission. Captain Mad
dox, ofthe Marine Corps, with a detachment of sailors and marines, was chosen
by Mr. Boggs as the officer with whom the little band would cast their lot, and
they were warmly welcomed and mounted. The next morning Captain Maddox
asserted his intention of attacking the mission at 7:30 o'clock and had his men
lined up for the charge. "How shall we fight. Captain," said the young moun
taineer, "mounted or unmounted?" "Fight as you d  please,'' returned the
Captain agreeably. Just as they were about to fire a horseman dashed upandproved
to be Lieutenant Bartlett. He wanted to know what was going on and Captain
Maddox informed him that they were about to attack the mission if the Span
iards did not surrender. "They are debating about it now," said Lieutenant Bart
lett. "Then I'll give them ten minutes," cried the fiery Maddox looking at his
watch, "for mv sailors here are ou horseback aud I cannot restrain them."
After that the Spaniards surrendered, and the next day Captain Maddox and his
victorious force, crossing the Salinas plain, heard the guns ofthe old "Independ
ence" saluting the flag at Monterey. '
On arriving at the ship the Captain, First Lieutenant and Sergeant-Major
(Mr. Boggs having risen to the latter rank) went to pay their respects to Commo
dore Shubrick. Shortly afterwards the Sergeant-Major's rifle was sent aboard
to be mended, a most important piece of work, as in those days the woodsman's
rifle was his closest friend, often meaning life itself to him. Mr. Boggs recog
nized the armory where his rifle was repaired (and very well repaired too!) aud
said that at the time he wished lo give something tothe sailor who did the work,
but as money was quite a curiosity just then, he could only promise him the
finest pair of moccasins to be found iu the state.
Mr. Boggs gave an interesting account relative to the raising of the Ameri
can flag at Monterey as told him by au eye witness. Commodore Sloat was down

Appendix vii
the coast on his flagship, the "Savannah,'' and close beside him lay the British
flagship, "Collingwood," both waiting to hear that war had been declared.
Fleet Surgeon Woods, on his way east, heard of the battles of Palo Alto and
Resaca del la Palma and sent a dispatch to Commodore Sloat who immediately
got under way, and upon arriving at Monterey, raised the flag on the old Custom
House. When seeing the British ship "Collingwood" coming two weeks after
ward he cleared ship for action and awaited her coming. Her commander soon
appeared on the "Savannah" and said: "Commodore, I see you have been exer
cising your men." "Yes, sir," replied Sloat, "I thought it might require a little
exercise to keep that flag there." "But what would you have done," inquired
the Briton, "if a ship of another power had disputed the possession ?" "1 should
have fired a broadside, if it had been my last act on earth, and lelt the rest to the
United States Government, sir," said the Commodore.
Edythe Pratt Dickins.

Testimoniails and Opinions
OF
DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC MEN AND WELL-KNOWN CITIZENS
OF THE WORK ENTITLED
"The Life ofthe Late Rear Admiral John Draiie Sloat, D.S.N."
By major EDWIN A. SHERMAN
Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association of California,
Besides other interesting matter relating to the construction of the
Sloat Monument at Monterey, where on July 7th, 1846, he raised the
Americau Flag and took possession of California.
Subscription price, and in aid of the monument. Three Dollars,
and only to be had of the Author and Secretary, 1364 Franklin Street,
Oakland, California.
Counties and Historical Societies that have already furnished stones
and the required appropriations, have each received a liberal specified
number free of charge, and those yet to contribute -will receive them ac
cordingly. Further information for those interested to be had of the Secretary.

LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT RECEIVED.
[Letter from Admiral George Dewey, U. S. N.]
(Copy)
Office of the Admiral, 1747 Rhode Island Avenue,
Washington, October 20, 1902.
Dear Sir: I have to acknowledge with many thanks, the receipt of the
copy of the "Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat," which you so kindly sent
me. I am sure that I shall enjoy reading it very much, as I have always had the
highest regard for this gallant officer and the work which he accomplished.
Very truly yours.
Major Edwin A. Sherman, George Dewey.
Oakland, Cal.
[From Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States.]
(Copy)
Personal White House, Washington, October 17, 1902.
My Dear Sir: Writing in the President's behalf, I beg to acknowledge the
receipt of a copy of your book, "Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat,"
U. S. N., and to thank you for your thoughtful courtesy.
Very truly yours.
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Geo. B. Cortelyou,
Oakland, Cal. Secretary to the President.

ii TESTIMONI.A.LS AND OPINIONS.
[Letter of Endorsement of Commander J. Dexter Adams, U. S. N., late Com
mander ofthe Sloop of War, Alert. J
(Copy)
The Anchorage, Saugerties-on-Hudson, October 22, 1902.
My dear Major Sherman: Very many thanks for the beautiful Mon
umental Edition ofthe "Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat," U. S. N., which
has just been received
I am taking great interest in its perusal and value it highly, not only for its
value as an addition to the history of our Country, but also as a remembrance of
my pleasant acquaintance with the author.
Believe me that I often look back on the stay of the "Alert" at Monterey
which although short was full of interest.
I trust that your labors in regard to the Monument may soon be crowned by
its completion and that I will be present at its unvtiling.
I am, very sincerely yours,
J. Dexter Adams,
Commander U. S. Navy.
[Letter from Chas. W. Stewart, U. S. N., the Acting Superintendent Naval War
Records.] (copy)
S — A. Navy Department, Library and Naval War Records,
Washington, D. C, October 17, 1902.
Sir: This oflBce acknowledges, with thanks, the receipt of your admirable
work, the "Life of Rear-Admiral Johu Drake Sloat.
Respectfully, ' Charles W. Stewart,
Acting Superintendent Naval War Records.
Mr. Edwin A. Sherman,
Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association, Oakland, Cal.
[Letter from Col. Joseph Stewart, a retired U. S. Army Officer, the second oldest
living graduate of West Point; President of the Sloat Monument Association;
President of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War; President of the
Pioneer Society of Alameda, Contra Costa and Adjacent Counties; the father
of the first American children born at the Presidio of San Francisco and Alca
traz Island; and who at one time was in command of troops at Monterey; a
gallant soldier and officer; a gentleman as polite as Lord Chesterfield and a
Bayard sans reproche, of the true Kentuckian blood and standard; with
scions of the same reliable stock, wearing the well-earned shoulder-straps of
the U. S. .-Vrmy, and emulating the career of their honored and gallant sire,
the idol of filial afiection of his devoted daughters, and loved by his Com
rades of the Mexican War.]
The following is his letter: Berkeley, November 28, 1902.
Major E. A. Sherman, Secretary oJ the Sloat Monument Association —
Dear Major and Comrade: When I wrote to you thanking you for the
"Life of the Late Rear-Admirable John Drake Sloat" you had kindly given me,
I had not yet been able to read it. I can now congratulate you upon the comple
tion of your work, which I know you have done as a labor of love and loyalty to
A departed Mexican Veteran. It is not only a full vindication of Sloat, but it is

Testimonials and Opinions. iii
valuable as a historical work, going back to a period anterior to the Mexican War.
The information with which the work is written, being in great part official and
of record, makes the work absolutely reliable, as auy one can verify by searching
the records of the Navy Department.
I am, Major, very respectfully and truly yours, J. Stewart,
President Sloat Monument Association.
[Letter of the Hou. Edward M. Preston, Past Grand Master of Masons of Cali
fornia, who laid the Corner-stone of the Sloat Monument at Monterey, Cal.]
Nevada City, Cal., October 22, 1902.
Maj. Edwin A. Sherman, Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association, Oakland —
My Dear Sir and Brother: On arriving home from the Grand Lodge, I
found ou my table a copy of the Monumental Edition of the "Life of the Late
Rear-Admiral Johu Drake Sloat," duly inscribed with the text of presentation
over your signature.
I assure you that C highly prize this volume, both because it is from your
peu and for the many happy associations which it recalls. It is always a source
of gratification to receive worthy commendations from one's friends, and espe
cially so to me, to receive this appreciative recognition from so illustrious a Mason
as yourself. I trust that I may prove always worthy of the marked consideration
which I have received from your hands.
With assurance of high esteem, I am sincerely and fraternally yours,
E. M. Preston.
[Letter from Hon. George T. Bromley, late U. S. Consul-General at Tsin Tsin,
China, and who was a schoolmate of Lewis Warrington Sloat, the son and
Private Secretary of Admiral Sloat when Commodore.]
1418 Washington Street, San Francisco, Cal., October 21, 1902.
To Major Edwin A. Sherman —
My Dear Major: Permit me, at this late day, to tender my most sincere
and heartfelt thanks for the honor you have conferred upon me in having given
my name a place in your exceedingly interesting and wonderfully well-written
volume on the "Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat." My warmest thanks
are also due and are hereby tendered for the volume which you have so gener
ously presented me with.
The sentiments that you have so kindly expressed, I assure you, are heartily
appreciated, as it gives to the volume an added interest, and it will be preserved
as a precious memento for all time to come.
Your allusion to our connection with the building. of the Sacramento Valley
Railroad was very happy, and I was more than pleased to read the lovely way in
which you referred to it, for I have considered my connection with that Railroad
as an epoch in my eventful career, of which I shall always feel proud.
I also wish to express my thanks for the mention you have made of my Ma
sonic career, and I have taken great pains in showing it to my many friends.
Again thanking you for your generous gift, I am most sincerely and frater
nally yours,
Geo. T. Bromley
We give an extract from a letter received from Hon. William M. Boggs, who
has furnished so much interesting and reliable information in the Life of the late
Rear-Admirable John Drake Slpat. He is the son of the late Hon. Lilburn W.
Boggs, ex-Governor of Missouri, who, before starting across the Plains for Cali-

iv Testimonials and Opinions.
fornia in 1846, received a passport from James Buchanan, Secretary of State, of
which the following is a copy:
Gov. Lilburn W. Boggs.
Passport.
United States of America.
To Alt to Whom These Presents Cowe— Greeting :
No. 951.
I, the undersigned. Secretary of the United States of America, hereby request
all whom it may concern, to permit, safely and freely to pass, Lilburn W. Boggs,
Wife and Eight Children, a Citizen of the United States, and in case of need to
give them protection. Given under my hand and the impression of the Seal of the De
partment of State, at the City of Washington, the 25th day of
[Seal.] ApriL A. D. 1846, in the Seventieth Year of the Independence
of the United States. (Signed): James Buchanan.
[Extract from a letter of his son, Hon. William M. Boggs, First Vice-President of
the Sloat Monument Association.]
Bakersfield, Cal., November 22, 1902.
Dear Old Friend and Comrade, Major E. A. Sherman: Your esteemed
favor of the T4th inst., together with the valuable history of Commodore Sloat
and the two views of the hoisting of the Flag at Monterey in 1846, came duly to
hand and in good order, for which you will please accept my sincere thanks.
* * * I note all you say about the success of this valuable book and history
of the Life of Commodore Sloat, with which I am highly pleased. I had forgot
ten that I had written you some letters which you have been pleased to embody
'\nyo\\.T ¦viox'\s., Ani. \^''W&a.y that they are all true. ******
My dear Ed, you will have to excuse me; I am in such misery that I cannot
do this subject justice. I hope I will be able to do better next time I write.
Yours very truly, W. M. BoGGS.
[Extracts from letters received from Hon. Samuel W. Boring, V. M. W., Second
Vice-President of the Sloat Monument Association, and a California Pioneer
of 1849.] (copy) San Jose, October 13, 1902.
Dear Major : Our Public Library will take one of your Books. I have ex
amined it with much pleasure. It is very interesting to me, for it takes me over
the half century or more of the history we have helped to make. * * *
San Jose, October 26, 1902.
Dear Major : Enclosed please find Three Dollars for the Book ordered by
our Trustees of the Public Library. The Lady Librarian, Mary Barmby, recom
mended it to the Trustees, stating "that it was just what was needed, as it fur
nished a history of the occupying of California, the acts of our Navy, and the
manner by which it was accomplished."
Kind regards to Lady and Self.
Fraternally yours, S. W. BoRlNG.

Testimonials and Opinions. v
[Letter from Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, Receiver at Monterey, who was the faith
ful Custodian of the Old Custom House at Monterey for a period of a quarter
of a century, and over half a century a resident of California, who says :]
After a careful examination of the "Life ofthe Late Rear-Admiral John Drake
Sloat, U. S. N.," by Major E. A. Sherman, and being personally conversant with
matters therein contained, I consider it a full, true and just account of the val
uable services of Admiral Sloat.
Thomas G. Lambert.
Monterey, Nov. 29th. 1902.
[Extract from letter of Gen. Thomas E. Ketcham, a Veteran of the Mexican
War, and Lieutenant of Col. J. D. Stevenson's Regiment, and for a time sta
tioned at Monterey, and at present the Marshal of the Sloat Monument As
sociation.] Stockton, Cal., November 10, 1902.
Major E. A. Sherman, Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association —
Dear Sir and Comrade: Your favor of the 4th ultimo, accompanied with
copies of history of the "Life of the Late Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat," was
duly received and the books distributed as you requested.
I have read the book and think that it should be in the libraries of California
for future reference. You certainly have expended a great deal of time and labor
iu collecting the facts and publishing the book. * * * There is one thing I
have to say about the Sloat Monument. I do not believe that there would be one
stone upon another iu the Sloat Monument to-day had it not been for the energy
and indefatigable efforts of Major E. A. Sherman.
Yours truly, Thos. E. Ketcham.
[Extracts from a letter received from Dr. James L. Cogswell, a California Pioneer
of 1849, temporarily sojourning with his daughter, Mrs. W. P. Mills, at Sitka,
Alaska.] Sitka, Alaska, November 11, 1902.
Maj. E. A. Sherman, Oakland, Cal. —
My Dear Bro. Sherman: That handsome and well-written book of the
"Life of the Late Rear-Admiral Johu Drake Sloat" came promptly to hand, for
which please accept my reiterated thanks.
No author could have possibly written it better; you have done him justice,
and I wish he was alive to read it.
When Paul Jones captured the English Ship-of-War "Serapis," he was hailed
as the "Washington of the Seas," and I feel certain that if he. Commodore Sloat,
had encountered the English fleet, being, as he was, brave and far-seeing, he also
would have come out victorious. * * *
Yours truly and fraternally, J. L. Cogswell.
[Extract from letter of Dr. Charles E. Lancaster, of Admiral Porter Post, G. A.
R., who was present and assisted in the laying of the Alameda and Santa
Clara County Stones in the base of the Sloat Monument at Monterey on No
vember 2, 1901.] Oakland, Cal., October 23, 1902.
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Oakland, Cat.—
My Dear Major: * * * i am reminded of your genuine interest and
kind thoughtfulness of me by the token before me left by your wife at my rooms
— the beautifully-bound volume of the "Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat."

vi Testimonials and Opinions.
It is always a great pleasure to me to be made the recipient of a book-gift,
and sometimes, as iu this instance, the value of tbe same may be greatly enhanced
by the fact that within its covers there lie the proofs of the loneful labors of the
author — the evidences by patient industry, honest purpose, lofty aims — vindica
tion from aspersion or injustice, in a word, unassailable biography. Hence, it
does follow that your gift to me, my dear Major, is of recognized value to me,
both as a literary production and a high compliment of a Brother of the Craft we
love. * * *
"Rendering unto Casar that which is Ctesar's," seems to have been your life's
purpose, and perhaps its persistency may have received no greater reward than
that of the happy consciousness of good deeds done. Now and then, however,
there comes along a fellow who is ready to acclaim the value of your honorable
singleness of purpose both to the living and the dead — as with hat in hand he
salutes you, aud that fellow now is your complimented Brother in Masonry,
Charles E. Lancaster.
[Extract from letter of Hon. Lewis A. Spitzer, the popular and efficient Assessor
of Santa Clara County, Cal., just re-elected for the sixth term, which will
make twenty-four years iu that office when completed.]
San Jose, Cal., October 19, 1902.
Major E. A. Sherman —
My Dear Bro. and Friend: The beautiful book, "Life of the Late Rear-
Admiral John Drake Sloat," that you have taken so much pains to write, has
been received, and I assure you appreciated. I think you are deserving of much
credit, as the early events of the early settlers should forever be kept green in
the memory of Californians and all residents of all sections of our great and glo
rious Republic. Yours fraternally, L. A. SpiTzer.
[Letter pf Samuel W. Levy, Esq., Treasurer ofthe Sloat Monument Association.]
212 Sansome Street, San Francisco, Oct. 13, 1902.
///. Bro. E. A. Sherman, 33°,
Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association, Oakland, Cal. —
My Dear Brother: I am in receipt of your grand book, "The Life of the
Late Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat, U. S. N." This work is as much of a
monument to yourself as it is to the Admiral. It shows the energy and per-
serverance you have displayed, since you have undertaken this noble and
patriotic work.
Herewith please find five dollars toward the expense of getting the work out;
but I will reserve this promise, that if the sum is inadequate you will let me know
and I will add to it whatever you think proper.
Thanking you for the copy and hoping that you and yours are enjoying good
health, I am sincerely your Friend aud Brother, S. W. Levy, 33°.
[Letter from Hon. George C. Perkins, U. S. Senator from California.]
[Copy.]
United States Senate, Washington, D. C, Dec. 13, 1902.
Hon. Edwin A. Sherman, 1364 Franklin St., Oakland, Cal. —
JlY Dear Major: I have before me your valued favor ofthe 15th inst. and
have read with much interest your communication in the Oakland Enquirer rela-

Testimonials and Opinions. vii
tive to my efiforts in behalf of the Sloat Monument and I assure you that I ap
preciate it, and if I can be of any further service please command me.
I have only had au opportunity thus far, of giving a cursory reading to the
"Life of the Late Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat." It is the first contribution
to his memory in book form, and certainly the author deserves great credit. You
wield a ready pen, and your style of diction has the fascination of a Prescott or
McCauley. I hope you have written to Congressmen McLachlan, Loud, Metcalf,
Needham, Coombs aud others, urging upon them the necessity of passing the
Senate Bill making an appropriation for the Monument. It seems to me a most
opportune moment, as the Government already has a Military Reservation or
Encampment near Monterey, and if they will give the measure their attention, I
think there can be no opposition to its passage in the House of Representatives.
As you are aware, I passed the Bill three times through the Senate, and would
even now follow it up through the House, but I feel a delicacy in doing so, so
long as we have such able Representatives in the House from California.
With kind regards, I remain fraternally and cordially yours, Geo. C. Perkins.
[ From the Oakland Evening Tribune.']
Admiral Sloat. — "The Life ofthe Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat," is a
very creditable publication, written and compiled after years of eff'ort, by Major
E. A. Sherman, of this city. This is a work in which the author has centered his
hopes. It has been to him a work of duty, because of the signal services rendered
to his country by the Admiral, as also of love, because Major Sherman is a great
admirer of the late naval commander. The work was undertaken because no
authentic biography, giving an account of the life and character of Sloat, who ac
quired California for the United States on July 7, 1846, had ever been published
before. It was also prompted by a desire to vindicate the Admiral's memory from un
just aspersion, detraction and misrepresentation, and to place his character and
gallant naval record before the American people, and especially the people of
California in a true light.
The book is gotten up in fine style and contains everything bearing upon the
acquisition of California, and the establishment of the Sloat Monument at
Monterey, together with a wealth of historic incidents, which will be of exceed
ing interest to every Californian.
[From the OaikXa.nA Enquirer .]
Life of Admiral Sloat. — An important contribution to biographical and
historical literature is "The Life of the Late Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat,''
compiled by Major E.A. Sherman, one of Oakland's well known citizens who has
resided here for many years. It is handsomely bound in blue and contains 25S
pages besides nineteen illustrations and sixty-seven half-tone pictures of officers
of the Sloat Monument Association and distinguished army and navy officers
both living and dead, as well as others whose lives have been identified with early
and latter history. The work is of great interest, especially to the student who
desires to know the truth. It has received the endorsement and approval of the
Navy Department which furnished the official records from the archives, and
which, with other evidence presented of a perfectly reliable nature, fully vindi
cates the official character of Admiral Sloat from unjust aspersion and misstate
ments made by unreliable authors.
The work has received the highest praise from Admiral Dewey, Commander

viii Testimonials and Opinions.
Adams and other naval officers, as well as those ofthe Army, the Veterans ofthe
Mexican War, California Pioneers and distinguished citizens in public and private
life. It is published in connection with the building of the Sloat Monument now
in process of construction at Monterey and was printed by Carruth & Carruth,
Oakland. The book is published iu aid of the Sloat Monumeut, a work which
should commend itself to the citizens of California.
[Resolutions of Associated Veterans of the Mexican War.]
Headquarters, Room 142, City Hall,
San Francisco, Cal., December 11, 1902.
Major Edwin A. Sherman —
Dear Sir and Comrade: At a regular meeting of our Association held
this date, on motion of Comrade Schaupp, seconded by Comrade Burnett it was
unanimously by a rising vote
Resolved, That our Comrade Major Edwin A Sherman, has shown such un
tiring energy, zeal and perseverance in instituting and building up the Monument
in memory of our late Comrade Admiral John Drake Sloat, who on July 7,
1846, raised our flag at Monterey, thereby taking possession for the Union of this
vast Domain of California, with its unrivalled climate, soil and vast mineral
wealth. Therefore be it
Resolved, That the thanks of this Association are due and are hereby ten
dered to Comrade Sherman, and that a copy of this resolution attested by our
seal, be forwarded to him.
[Seal.] Correct JOSEPH Stewart,
Wm. L. Duncan, President.
Secretary.
[Letter from Miss Laura Frakes Grand Secretary of the Native Daughters of the
Golden West, which organization furnished a beautiful stone and contrib
uted one hundred dollars towards the Sloat Monument as their Brothers, the
Native Sons ofthe Golden West had done the same before them.]
San Francisco, Cal., Nov. 2, 1902
Major Sherman, Oakland, California —
Dear Sir and Friend: Your beautiful gifts received aud delivered as per
your request. The ones intended for the Grand Parlor now occupy their respec
tive places. The "Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat" rests in its proper
place, in the N. D. G. W. Library; the picture, "The Raising of the American
Flag, etc." is framed and uow adorns the walls of the N. D. G. W. Headquarters.
Many thanks for your thoughtfulness and generous gifts; the N. D. G. W.
will ever be grateful to you for the same.
Please accept my individual thanks for so kindly remembering the Grand
Secretary. With best wishes for your future success and good health,
I am very sincerely,
[Seal.] Laura J. Frakes.
Grand Secretary, N. D. G. W.

Testimonials and Opinions. ix
[Letter from Mrs. Frances Eugenie Laird, great granddaughter of the late Rear-
Admiral John Drake Sloat, U. S. N.] 187 Maida Vale, London, W.
To Major Edwin A. Sherman —
Dear Sir: How can I thank you sufficiently for myself and the rest of the
relatives of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat ?
I am in receipt of the work which you have so admirably and am sure con-
sciencously compiled; not alone the family but the Nation must be grateful to so
loyal a friend to truth and heroism.
In your monumental edition ofthe "Life of Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat"
you absolutely frustrate all dispute as to whom the real honor and credit in tak
ing possession of California is due; no stone is left unturned that may assist in
bringing the truth to light, for which I thank you and all who have been in
strumental in the compilation of this noble and interesting history.
I remain most respectfully and gratefully,
Frances Eugenie Laird,
(Great granddaughter of the Late Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat.)
November twenty-fifth, nineteen hundred and two.
(Letter from Hon. James McLachlan, Member of Congress from California.)
Pasadena, Cal., Nov. 19, looi.
Edwin A. Sherman, Esq., 1^64 Franklin St., Oakland, Cat.—
My Dear Sir: Yours of the 15th inst, was duly received. Personally I
greatly appreciate the splendid work you have done towards inducing the Gov
ernment to properly recognize the services of Commodore Sloat. I introduced a
copy of the Senate Bill in the House during the last session and had several inter
views with the Committee with reference to the same. I shall use every means
within my power to secure favorable action thereon at the next session.
Hoping that I may be successful, I remain, very sincerely yours,
Jas. McLachlan.
[Letter from Hon. Victor H. Metcalf, Member of Congress from California.]
Oakland, Cal., November 17, 1902.
My Dear Sir: I want to thank you for the copy of the "Life of the Rear-
Admiral John Drake Sloat." It contains much valuable information and infor
mation that will be of benefit in securing the passage of the bill to which you
refer. I spent some time in the Congressional Library trying to get information
as to Admiral Sloat's life, but this book of yours will now supply every fact that
is necessary. You speak of Senator Perkins having three times passed the bill in the
Senate. It is a comparatively easy matter to pass bills of this kind in the Senate,
but they are always held up in the House. I introduced a bill at the first session
of Congress and had it favorably reported from the Committee, but it was abso
lutely impossible to get recognition for the purpose of calling the bill up. I did
everything in my power but was unsuccessful. It may be that better success
will attend our efforts at this session. You may rest assured that everything in
my power will be done to secure favorable action.
Please accept my sincere thanks for your congratulations and kind ex
pressions of good will and believe me sincerely yours,
Mr. E. A. Sherman, V. H. Metcalf,
1364 Franklin St., Oakland.

X Testimonials and Opinions.
(Letter from Hon. Frank L. Coombs, Member of Congress from California.)
Napa, Nov. 19, 1902.
Major Edwin A. Sherman, Oakland, Cal. —
Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter concerning the bill to complete the
Sloat Monument and I will be glad to do all I can for it when the session begins.
I feel much interest in the matter and would like to assist in pushing it through.
Truly yours,
Frank L. Coombs.
We would here note, that the bill is for the superstructure to be erected upon
the base of the Sloat Monument, which is being erected of stones furnished by
the several counties and patriotic and historic organizations of California, which
also furnish the required appropriations to meet the expenses of the same and
which receive in return a proportionate number of copies of the "Life of the
Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat, U. S. N." in honor of whose memory and his
taking possession of California, it is being erected.
EARTH FROM HISTORIC PLACES SPRINKLED ON SLOAT'S GRAVE.
California Society of New York Honors the Memory of the
Naval Officer who First Raised the Flag Here.
Major E. A. Sherman of this city. Secretary of the Sloat Monument Associa
tion of California, who recently forwarded to the California Society of New York
some earth gathered from historic spots in this State to be sprinkled upon Com
modore Sloat's grave, has received the following acknowledgment from Secretary
John V. Van Eaton of the California Society:
"My Dear Sir: I have been instructed by the California Society of New
York, as its secretary, to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of No
vember 20th, relative to the consecration services at the grave of Rear-Admiral
Sloat, on the 3Sth anniversary of his burial in beautiful Greenwood Cemetery.
"The California Society feels highly honored by the invitation to represent
the Sloat Monument Association on that occasion, and a committee, whose names
I will send you later, are this afternoon sprinkling the historic earth you sent,
over the grave of the hero who first raised the American flag over the Golden
State. The Society also ordered a magnificent floral piece to be placed on the
grave in behalf of the Sloat Monument Association and the California Society of
New York.
"Your intensely interesting letter has been spread on the minutes of the
Society, where year by year It will grow in historic value, calling attention as it
does so strikingly to events in the nation's history, second in importance to no
other event, unless it be the Declaration of Independence, by which the nation
was born. "To every loyal Californian, the name of Commodore Sloat is hallowed.
"The California Society of New York reaches across the great continenal di
vide, and with hearts beating with love for the most beautiful land that God's sun
shines upon, extends its fraternal greetings to the society founded for the pur
pose of immortalizing in the minds of Californians the glorious deeds of Com
modore Sloat, the naval hero who gave to the nation its grandest commonwealth.
Very cordially yours,
"J. V. Van Eaton."
Robert Mackenzie, D. D., formerly a Presbyterian divine of San Francisco, is
president of the California Society of New York, William Parmenter Martin is
first vice-president and Robert Dickson second vice-president. — Oakland Enquirer.

Testimonials and Opinions. x
WITH GOLDEN STATE'S SOIL.
California Society Will Consecrate Grave of Sloat.
Special Dispatch to The Call.
New York, Nov. 29. — At a general meeting of the California Society of New
York at the Waldorf-Astoria last evening, a committee consisting of Charles
Altschul, manager for Lazard Freres; United States Appraiser Marion De Vries,
and J. O'Hara Cosgrave, managing editor Everybody' s Magazine, was appointed
to arrange for the opening of permanent Califoruia Club rooms.
A communication was received from Edwin A. Sherman, Secretary of the
Sloat Monument Association of California, inviting the Society to consecrate the
grave of Admiral Sloat in beautiful Greenwood Cemetery, with earth taken from
historic spots in California. The ceremony will occur to-morrow afternoon at 3
o'clock. A delegation from the California Society, headed by President Mac
kenzie and all the officers, will represent the Sloat Monument Association. The
Secretary of the Navy and a naval detachment will represent the Government.
Secretary Sherman's letter follows:
"The earth we send you is California soil from beneath the flagstaff on the
old Custom House at Monterey, upon which Admiral Sloat hoisted the American
flag when he took possession of California, July 7, 1846; also earth from the base
ofthe Monument we are erecting in front of old Port Mervine, constructed and
commanded by his aide-de-camp. Midshipman William P. Toler, deceased, also
from Sau Jose, where the flag was raised by the Americans there July 16, 18461
which he gave them for that purpose; also from Portsmouth Square and the Presidio
of San Francisco, where Captain Montgomery of the sloop-of-war Portsmouth
landed and raised the flag by Sloat's orders, July 9; also from the foot of the flag
staff' at Sonoma, where the bear fiag was hoisted June 14, 1846, by the Bear Flag
party and which was hauled down and the American flag hoisted in its place July
II, 1846, by order of Commodore Sloat, by Lieutenant Revere, U. S. N., grandson
of Paul Revere of Revolutionary fame; also from Sutter's Fort at Sacramento,
where the American flag was hoisted on the same date and from four other places
including the site of Sutter's Mill, where Marshall discovered gold, that brought
representatives from every country on the globe to California.
"Admiral Sloat was buried with Masonic and naval and military honors No
vember 30, 1867, so it will be ou the thirty-fifth anniversary of his funeral and
burial that we ask you to act for us, in consecrating his grave with earth from
these historic spots of California made sacred to the people of our beloved Golden
State and nation at large."
The naval detachment to-morrow will be in charge of Captain James Dexter
Adams, as he was the last naval officer to raise the flag at Monterey, and his
vessel, the Alert, to fire salutes when the naval stones were laid in the base of the
Sloat Monument at Monterey on July 4th, last.
The California Society to-day ordered a magnificent floral wreath which will
be placed on Admiral Sloat's grave by President Mackenzie to-morrow.

There are many other testimonials in praise of "The Life ofthe Late Rear-
Admiral John Drake Sloat," but the foregoing will suffice, and we leave the re
mainder to the judgment of our readers, being fully satisfied in advance of their
concurrence in the opinions already expressed of this work.
Edwin A. Sherman,
Author and Compiler.
Secretary of the Sloat Monument Association.
1364 Franklin St., Oakland, California, Dec. 27, 1902.