The Larkin Papers: Volume 6 1847 [Reprint 2020 ed.] 9780520321229

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The Larkin Papers #

General Mariano Guadalupe

Vallejo

THE

Larkin Papers Personalj Business, and Official Correspondence of Thomas Oliver Larkin, Merchant and United States Consul in California JZ7*Edited by George P Hammond, Director of the Bancroft Library #

V O L U M E

VI

1847 #

Publishedfor

UNIVERSITY

the Bancroft Library by the

OF

BERKELEY

CALIFORNIA AND

1

LOS

9 59

ANGELES

PRESS

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA P R E S S B E R K E L E Y AND LOS ANGELES oCAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY P R E S S LONDON, ENGLAND

COPYRIGHT, 1 9 5 9 , B Y THE REGENTS OF T H E UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

PREFACE #

T

HOUGH the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo between Mexico and the

United States was not concluded till February 2, 1848, California's

participation in the Mexican War came to an end with the Treaty of Cahuenga, signed in the hills overlooking Los Angeles on January

13, 1847. T h e Spanish Californians had by then taken their last hostile fling at

the invaders in a dashing but abortive uprising, as brave as it was hopeless. Without exception, the local citizens now accepted the new regime, which many of them had already come to feel was desirable and for which they had been gradually prepared by Thomas O. Larkin, Juan B. R. Cooper, Abel Stearns, Benjamin Davis Wilson, and other Americans, long resident in the province. T h e most urgent problem facing the victors was what kind of government to establish and who would take charge of it, pending the final outcome of the national struggle with Mexico. Commodore Robert F. Stockton, the ranking officer before the arrival of General Stephen W . Kearny, had proclaimed that California would become a part of the United States, and that its inhabitants would have the same rights and privileges as the citizens of this republic. Since he planned to leave soon with his fleet to cooperate in the war against Mexico, he had appointed Lt. John C . Fremont as temporary civil governor, but the outbreak of unexpected opposition in southern California late in 1846, after the entire province had apparently accepted the Bear Flag uprising, and the ensuing difficulty of conquering the Californians, requiring every effort of the available American forces, tarnished Stockton's reputation, and that of his protege, Fremont, too, and prevented the intended governor from taking steps to organize a governmental system. In fact, this revolt involved the most bloody fighting of the war in California. A l l of the Americans, with Commodore Stockton in command of the N a v y , Lt. Fremont in charge of the Battalion of California Volunteers coming down from the north, and General Kearny leading the soldiers up from the south, had [v]

cooperated in the final defeat of the common foe at Los Angeles. A n d both Kearny and Stockton, the respective senior officers of A r m y and N a v y , had too much good sense to engage in a fight among themselves to decide who should be top man, after the enemy's surrender. Each, however, claimed authority as the senior representative of the United States in California, Stockton by orders given to Sloat, his predecessor, issued early in 1846, and Kearny by discretionary powers dated June 3 when he was preparing to set out with his A r m y of the West for the conquest of N e w Mexico and California. T h e former was directed to "at once possess yourself of the port of San Francisco, and blockade or occupy such other ports as your force may permit," which he had done, and much more, occupying different points in the interior, which federal officials in Washington had not even surmised he might be able to do. In this action he evidently relied on Fremont's presumed orders, which, however, were neither specific nor recent. But it was under this rather thin shadow of authority that Stockton and Fremont had acted. Kearny's instructions, issued at various times before and after his departure on the expedition to the Southwest in the summer of 1846, were later than Stockton's. They authorized him to take possession of California, to take command of the land and sea forces, not only of his own but of those already there or on the way, and also of such volunteers as might have been organized among the settlers. This was pretty comprehensive. A n d he was specifically given authority to establish a temporary civil government, a power Sloat and Stockton had presumed to exercise, but without definite orders to that effect. A s historical events actually unfolded, Kearny did not reach California with his fine A r m y of the West, fresh from its conquest of N e w Mexico, but with only a mere fraction of it, about 100 troopers. T h e rest he had sent back to Santa Fe on the assurances of Kit Carson that California was already in American hands. So Kearny proceeded toward San Diego with his small party, unaware of the final outbreak of hostilities in California, which had taken place after Carson's departure. On December 6, 1846, he suffered a surprise encounter with the Californians at San Pasqual, on the way to San Diego. This affair cost him the loss of more than 20 men killed, and, serious though that was, caused even greater injury to his prestige and position. A s a consequence, when he reached the Coast and learned that Commodore Stockton had already organized a temporary civil government under Fremont, he was in no position to form another, but in fact had to acquiesce in what had already been done, partly due to his

[vii] own inferior situation (with virtually no troops to command), and partly due to the successful maneuver of Stockton in placing Fremont at the head of a civil government, though it was yet to be organized. In this manner, the Stockton-Kearny-Fremont quarrel was launched. Stockton, stiff-necked and unyielding (called by John Coffin Jones "a blustering, hypocritical, would-be-important being"), was relieved by Commodore

W.

Branford Shubrick on January 22, 1847, w h o at once endeavored to settle the controversy peacefully. H . H . Bancroft, assessing the merits of the arguments a quarter century later, concluded that Stockton had been in the wrong, in respect to organizing a civil government, and Kearny in the right. W h i l e Fremont held the title of Governor from late January to early M a r c h , 1847, he exercised little authority outside of Los Angeles, where he had his headquarters. In fact, there was not much business requiring attention, and he joined in the social pleasures of the people, seeking to curry favor and make friends. T h e chief difficulty he experienced was in obtaining funds to pay the expenses of the Battalion. D u r i n g the war, he had seized property as needed—horses, cattle, and supplies—paying with promises of the government. N o w the holders of these claims, some probably inflated to suit their own tastes, began to doubt that they would be honored. Indeed, they were to become the subject of litigation for decades. C a u g h t between the scarcity of money on the Coast and the quarrels among his superiors, Fremont was quite helpless. Kearny's situation in this unseemly dispute was clarified on receipt of supplementary orders in February, 1847, from Washington. T h e senior officer of the land forces, i.e., Kearny, was to be civil governor, the California Battalion of Volunteers was to be mustered into the regular service, Fremont was not to be detained in California longer than the necessities of the service might require, the military and naval chiefs were to act in concert and harmony, and Colonel Richard B . M a s o n was to become governor and commander in the absence of Kearny, w h o was permitted to retire as soon as a temporary civil government had been organized. In pursuance of these orders, Kearny and Shubrick issued a joint circular on M a r c h 1, 1847, naming Kearny as governor, with Monterey as the capital. Kearny then required Fremont, w h o was still at Los Angeles, to accept the new administration, but he, after a good deal of hedging and after an unsatisfactory interview with Kearny at Monterey at the end of M a r c h , declined to obey. In this situation, Fremont could no longer remain in California and reluctantly agreed to accompany Kearny to Washington, where he had powerful

[ viii ] political friends and fully expected to be vindicated. Before they reached the capital, Kearny ordered his arrest for disobedience, and Fremont soon was brought to trial and court-martialed for his refusal to obey his superiors in California. T h e verdict of the court was unanimous: conviction on all three counts, namely, i ) mutiny, 2) disobedience to commands of a superior officer, and 3) conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline; and sentenced to dismissal from the service. President Polk approved the sentence, but remitted the penalty of dismissal as an officer in the A r m y . Fremont, unwilling to accept such a humiliating end to the affair, resigned his commission. Far from being a defeat, the trial was a turning point in his career, for it advertised him to the American public as he had never been advertised before, and he emerged from it a great national figure. The papers presented in Volume V I of The Larkin Papers reflect in some measure the attitude of Californians toward Fremont and his activities among them. T h e number of correspondents who were bold enough to put their thoughts on paper were few, and these very circumspect. A notable exception was Gillespie, who wrote Larkin on March 5, 1847, from Los Angeles, before he had learned of the Kearny-Shubrick order of the 1st, naming Kearny governor and making Monterey the capital, that: You people in Monterey, I fear, think too much of the rising Sun. [That is, Kearny.] Take care it may be eclipsed, and you will all be lost in the fog! You must not consider the above remark as throwing down the gauntlet for Fremont—not at all. But this I say, he is Governor by a properly appointed authority, and the best you can all do is to sustain the dignity of the country, by supporting him by every means in your power until the views of the Government can be known, which will be certainly by 15th April. . . . In somewhat the same vein Faxon D . Atherton, a merchant in Valparaiso, but an old Californian, "sounded off" when he learned about Fremont's attempt to become governor and his refusal to obey Kearny's orders. His informants were officers of the service, he wrote Larkin, and he expressed disappointment that his particular favorite, Fremont, had not conducted himself in a soldierlike manner toward Kearny. "I can hardly believe it, and although the information is given by an officer of standing, I still do not give full credence to the story until I learn the full particulars, hoping there may be two sides to the story." Gillespie described Fremont's policy as favoring "the country people in every particular, & I think, to the injury of the foreign residents." A s for his own ideas on the subject, he professed that he "would make every one of these ras-

cally Californians pay most dearly for every drop of American blood they have spilt, through their treachery and want of faith. Had they waged an honest open war from the commencement, I would then have some sympathy for them, but as it is I feel myself surrounded by assassins, and I would deal with them accordingly." Larkin was much less outspoken, or too astute to become a partisan to such a senseless conflict. H e was, nevertheless, partial to Fremont, judging by his comments to Stockton, to whom he wrote on the most intimate basis, March 15, 1847, urging him to come back to Monterey to accept the company of his friends, and, with Fremont, to help clear up the bills incurred on behalf of the Battalion. "I hope you will be among us this spring and we will show them some rides and some balls. Your presence here, and at the North will shew you that you are not yet forgot, but well remembered." T o Fremont in Los Angeles, Larkin consoled with words of praise. "I regret exceedingly that former Government arrangements cannot be carried out. I hear very favourable reports of your gaining popularity among the Californians. You have acted as Governor of California, and you will so be known by the United States at large, and although the time was short, it will be of future service to you in the public opinion." Larkin's own position in California was not above attack, as he admitted to Gillespie. "From all the long tongues and big tongues, I get it in every shape at the Yerba Buena [San Francisco]. I have seen a letter from Semple, in a home paper trying to prove I keep down all patriotism in California, and have other letters, printed and original, condemning me and my views in every way. The new emigration think none but themselves placed our Flag in California. You better than any other person now in California know how long I have been engaged, and how deeply in Government affairs. . . ." One of Larkin's critics, apparently from California, had started a campaign against him. Various articles in midwestern and eastern newspapers were published, highly unfavorable, charging that, in the Fremont episode, for example, he had given advice to suit his private business, that American emigrants had been required to get passports from him, for a fee, and that citizens in distress had applied to the British Vice-Consul for relief in preference to their own consul. Such charges Larkin resented strongly, and this may have been a factor in his decision to give up his government business—for which he was getting but little compensation, and much abuse—to devote himself to personal affairs. Since he had helped provide money and credit for Fremont and other govern-

ment agents to get horses and supplies, and was unable to collect from the government to pay these claims, he, as the middleman, reaped a harvest of criticism. It would, he informed Bandini, require $350,000 to pay the government's debts in California from September, 1846, to April, 1847. Edwin Bryant, then in San Francisco—and soon to become famous for his book, What I Saw in California—voiced the fear that the claims would not be paid until Congress should pass a special appropriation. Many of the soldiers and their families were destitute, the time for the spring planting had passed, and all were filled with anxiety or excitement over their plight, wrote Bryant. For this mess there was no immediate solution. In fact, years passed before the claims were paid and some were either never paid or were scaled down as overinflated. While these disputes ruffled the serenity of California politics, Larkin continued to stand high in the esteem of Secretary of State Buchanan and President Polk. Evidence of this prestige was his appointment as United States Navy Agent, early in 1847, and in September, his appointment as Navy Storekeeper for the port of Monterey. John Bidwell, called by Rockwell D. Hunt the "prince of pioneers," spoke highly of Larkin, of his long experience in the country, of his influence with the governor, and urged him to use it in such useful ways as in securing a permanent adjustment of land surveys, a matter of basic importance to all the settlers. Evidence of the respect in which Larkin was held and the value of his judgment in matters of government and politics are reflected by his appointment to the legislative council proposed by Stockton in his plans for a temporary government in California early in 1847. This was to consist of seven members, Larkin being one of the three foreigners included. The others were David Spence of Monterey, a naturalized citizen, and Eliab Grimes of San Francisco, a noted Honolulu trader. The Californian members were Juan Bandini of San Diego, Juan B. Alvarado of Monterey, Santiago Argiiello of San Diego and Los Angeles, and Mariano G. Vallejo of Sonoma. The above events indicate how largely the year 1847 was a period of transition, not only in respect to matters of government, but in everything affecting life in California. Emigration from the East was heavy, marked not only by the arrival of Kearny's soldiers of the Mormon Battalion, but of Colonel Jonathan D. Stevenson's New York Volunteers, nearly a thousand strong, plus the emigrants who came over the mountains. Of the soldiers, some were mustered out of service and began to look for homes and employment. The impetus of the year's immigration, and the freedom of commerce from Mexican restric-

[zi] tions, were significant. M u c h speculation in land followed, especially in San Francisco and Benicia, the latter a new town, born of some speculative dreams of Robert Semple and Mariano G. Vallejo. Vallejo soon sold his interests to Larkin, giving him a half-interest in the new metropolis, destined, Semple was convinced, to become the Pearl of the Pacific. Lots were sold, homes and business houses planned. The name of the new town was to be Francisca, after Vallejo's wife, Francisca Benicia Vallejo, but when that term remained firmly attached to San Francisco by the Golden Gate, the city by Carquinez Straits was called Benicia, happily also a part of Mrs. Vallejo's chain of baptismal names. With the demand for homes came a need for lumber, stretching to the limit the ability of workmen to get tools for cutting and sawing the timber, to transport it to the places where wanted, and finally to utilize it in San Francisco, Benicia, Monterey, and elsewhere. Even an influential citizen like Larkin had difficulty in this respect. Costs rose rapidly, suggestive of the upheaval which was to come a year later on the discovery of gold. Larkin's letters during 1847 are burdened with these problems, for even with his advantages of position, he experienced much delay in providing shingles, cut boards, and other essential needs, as well as in getting the necessary workmen. A t Monterey, his friend, Dr. Walter Colton, formerly chaplain of the U . S. S. Congress and now alcalde of Monterey, had erected an extensive building, 25 x 70 feet, to be used for a school and other civic purposes. It was a stately structure, which still graces the town of Monterey under the name of its founder, Colton Hall. In San Francisco, probably 200 houses would be built in 1847. There was a spirit of optimism everywhere. It was the beginning of the first great real estate boom in California history. Larkin's purchases of real estate, both before and during 1847, were extensive, to judge from his letters. Besides numerous properties in Monterey, San Francisco, and Benicia, he acquired several large tracts in the interior. In addition, one came as a direct grant from Governor Manuel Micheltorena, but that was to his children, who, being born in California, were eligible under the law. Larkin himself never adopted the citizenship or religion of the Californians, which would have smoothed his path to fortune, but chose to retain his N e w England heritage and American citizenship. The grant to the children, commonly called the Children's Rancho, consisted of 10 square leagues, or more than 44,000 acres. It lay on the west bank of the Sacramento River, a few miles above the town of Colusa.

T h e other properties consisted of the Cotate Ranch, a diamond-shaped tract of four square leagues, or 17,239 acres, lying midway between Petaluma and Santa Rosa, which Larkin purchased from Juan Castañeda on September 25, 1846; the Jimeno Grant, an irregular strip extending from Knight's Landing to Colusa, about 30 miles long and one wide, on the west bank, of the Sacramento River, with 48,854 acres; and the Boga Grant on the right bank of the Feather River a short distance south of Oroville, purchased from Charles William Flügge, consisting of five square leagues or 22,185 acres. T o start some essential farming on one of these, the Boga, Larkin employed John S. Williams in January, 1847, but wet weather and the Indians impeded his progress. Of the Indians there were many, he reported, and though he had given presents to their chiefs, this did not seem to pacify them. Larkin cautioned him to avoid bloodshed, knowing that an outbreak of fighting could only lead to endless conflict between red man and white. In March, Larkin informed Williams that he had purchased Flügge's ranch and wished to put someone on it. With this in mind he asked Sutter to build a house for him, to cost from $300 to $500, for which he would pay in land, giving a piece one mile wide, "either the upper or the lower mile, or one half mile on the river & three miles back." This was on condition, however, that the site selected should not take in the large Indian rancherías. In M a y , Larkin engaged Jasper O'Farrell of San Francisco to survey the farm, but the latter now found conditions so changed that he could not do the work for the "ordinary price," but would have to charge at least $20 per mile, owing to the difficulty of getting men. For Larkin, as for so many others, the year 1847 had been very eventful. It had opened with his capture by the Californians during the war with the United States, the death of his daughter Adeline during his imprisonment, the subsequent political wrangling between the American officials as to who was to organize the temporary government and serve as provisional governor. In this seesaw battle, revolving about the colorful and dashing Fremont, Larkin was right in the middle. In his position as American Consul, N a v y Agent, and Confidential Agent of his government it was inevitable that he should be drawn into the vortex of action. When this issue was settled with the appointment of Richard B. Mason, and the withdrawal of both Stockton and Kearny, Larkin could turn to his own interests. This he was eager to do, for he had long neglected his own affairs in order to devote his energies to the service of the government.

A s the year 1847 advanced, Larkin began to think of taking a hurried trip East, possibly in November, to see his boys, who were at school, and old friends of former days. But he found it hard to leave California, where his entire life, personal as well as public, had been woven into the very fabric of a new and booming society. His home was an oasis to newcomers, who were happy to take advantage of Mrs. Larkin's food and lodging. A s he once wrote to Teschemacher, "Unkle Sam's N a v y have taken possession of my wharf, and his A r m y my table and house." In October, 1846, Larkin was in correspondence with Alexander McRae, whose son Archibald, a midshipman in the N a v y , had been the bearer of dispatches from Washington in 1846 and was stopping with his family. Five or six months later, the young man felt that Larkin's family was too big, not only in numbers but in the quality of its "brass" for him to remain there. By that time, as we learn from the scanty documents available, both General Kearny and Colonel Mason were enjoying the warm hospitality of Larkin's home. "I have a dance today," Larkin wrote to McRae on March 17, 1847, "and hope your son will attend. He, knowing Spanish, can enjoy himself better than many of his brother officers." This period probably marked the zenith of Larkin's career. Everyone still consulted him or entrusted their affairs to him, whether it was Abel Stearns of Los Angeles writing a detailed letter about his subscription to the

Californian,

of which he did not wish to miss a single number; whether Larkin was inviting Lieutenant Joseph W . Revere, then in Monterey on board the Portsmouth, to visit him; whether it was Washington A . Bartlett, alcalde of San Francisco, soliciting a job as clerk for a friend in Larkin's offices at Monterey; or whether it was more important affairs of government. For of course he was still handling an enormous volume of business for the United States. The attractive frontispiece used in this volume of The Larkin Papers is, of course, of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, distinguished representative of Spain and Mexico in California. The portrait was loaned by my friend, Miss Frances M . Molera, granddaughter of the pioneer Californian, Juan Bautista Rogers Cooper, and was made by Bradley and Rulofson, noted San Francisco photographers, probably in the late 'sixties or early 'seventies. William H . Rulofson was the creative artist and business man in the firm. His special interest was portrait photography, which earned for him numerous medals of merit—at Vienna, Chicago, San Francisco, Santiago, and Paris, and the presidency of the American Photographic Association, in 1874. Vallejo, born at Monterey in 1807 (not 1808, as commonly stated), entered

[xiv] military service in the city of his birth at the age of 15 and rose from the ranks to prominence and influence as military commandant of northern California with headquarters at Sonoma. He was a close friend of Jose Figueroa, governor of California in the mid-1830's, of Larkin, and of many others. Juan Bautista Alvarado, who succeeded Figueroa, was his nephew. At the Sonoma garrison, Vallejo performed a valiant service in organizing and defending the northern frontier against hostile Indians. When the mission properties were secularized, Figueroa chose him to administer Solano mission, a duty he carried out with efficiency and a fine regard for the welfare of the Indians. None of the political chiefs in California dared to interfere in his district, but accepted him as the representative of law and order in the north. American immigrants looked to him for encouragement and support, which he gave generously. Consul Larkin found in him a good friend, and, as noted in previous volumes of this series, won him over to the idea of peaceful annexation to the United States. Vallejo expressed his views on the subject at a public meeting in Monterey, April 2, 1846, when he said: "Why should we go abroad for protection when this great nation is our adjoining neighbor? When 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 choosing our own federal and local rulers. "We shall have a stable government and just laws. California will grow strong and flourish, and her people will be prosperous, happy, and free. Look not, therefore, with jealousy 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." From Joseph Warren Revere, A Tour of Duty in California, New York, 1849, pp. 29—30.

CONTENTS #

Preface Alsop & Co. to Larkin, M a y 5, 1847 Juan Bautista Alvarado T o Larkin, April 30, 1847 James P. Arther to Larkin March 6, 1847 April 29, 1847 Faxon Dean Atherton to Larkin February 5,1847 March 31, 1847 M a y 9, 1847 M a y 22, 1847 Miguel Avila to Larkin, September 21, 1847 Andrew Baker to Larkin. Agreement. April 12, 1847 Edward Turner Bale and Ralph L. Kilburn to Larkin, July 5, 1847 . Washington Allen Bartlett to Larkin, February 22, 1847 . . . . Josiah Beiden to Larkin March 31, 1847 September 2, 1847 James Biddle to Larkin March 6, 1847 March 13, 1847 March 14, 1847 June 10, 1847 John Bidwell to Larkin April 26, 1847 M a y 30, 1847

v 151 132, 134 39 130 18 77' 79 158 168 351 96 231 29 79 306 40 48 51 204 120 180

[xvj

[ xvi ] John Bidwell to Larkin August 3, 1847

252

August 5, 1847

257

Lilburn W . Boggs to Larkin, June 6, 1847

156

James R. Bolton to Larkin, September 25, 1847

358

C. Brewer & Co. to Larkin, September 1,1847

303

Samuel Brown to Larkin July 20, 1847

235

September io, 1847

331

Edwin Bryant to Larkin, March 31, 1847 Bryant & Russell to Larkin, September 26, 1847

80 356

James Buchanan to Larkin January 13, 1847

5

April 9, 1847 McKean Buchanan to Larkin, August 27, 1847

93 296

José Burton to José Maria del Refugio Sagrado Suarez del Real, February l

5> i 8 4 7 José Maria Carrasco to Larkin, July 30,1847

3 242 2

Ebenezer Larkin Childs to Larkin January 13, 1847 April 24, 1847

7 115

May 3, 1847

144

June 12, 1847

213

August 25, 1847

293

September 25, 1847

354

Isaac Childs to Larkin July 3 1 , 1 8 4 7 September 23, 1847

2

44

352

John Bautista Rogers Cooper to Larkin June 30, 1847

224

August 27, 1847 Antonio José Cot to Larkin, June 28, 1847

223

William Heath Davis to Larkin March 18, 1847

67

March 30, 1847

77

[ xvii ] Olivier Deleissegues and Larkin. Agreement. June 9, 1847

.

.

.

.

201

Lewis Dent to Larkin, April 26, 1847

121

John Downes, Jr., to Larkin, August 22, 1847

286

John Eagar to Larkin, February 21, 1847 Lucy Eagar to John S. Barker, September 28, 1847

26 357

John H . Everett to Larkin February 21, 1847 M a y 12, 1847 September 6, 1847

27 163 319

Donald McNeill Fairfax to Larkin, July 1, 1847

230, 231

Henry Delano Fitch to Larkin, September 9, 1847

328

Charles William Fliigge to Larkin M a y 17, 1847

167

August n , 1847

266

August 12, 1847 Benjamin H . Folger to Larkin, September 18,1847

271 347

James Alexander Forbes to Larkin March 2, 1847 September 9, 1847

33 328

William Forest to Larkin, June 4 , 1 8 4 7

194

Roland Gelston to Larkin, M a y 2, 1847

138

Gelston & Co. to Larkin, August 3, 1847

253

Archibald H . Gillespie to Larkin March 5, 1847

37

April 1, 1847

82

April 7, 1847

87

June 30, 1847 Henry A . Green to Larkin July 21, 1847

235

August 8, 1847

260

September 7, 1847

322

Talbot H . Green Certificate April 26,1847

121

June 1, 1847

188, 189

[ xviii ] Talbot H . Green T o Larkin, June 23,1847

221

T o the Navy and War Departments, June 7, 1847

196

Eliab Grimes T o Talbot H . Green, April 6, 1847 T o Larkin, April 15, 1847

84 101

William H . Hardy to Larkin, September, 1847

359

Charles Heath to Larkin, August 10, 1847

264

William Davis Merry Howard to Larkin M a y 16, 1847

166

August 3, 1847

254

August 11, 1847

268

Robert Howel to Larkin, M a y 27, 1847

175

Joseph B. Hull to Larkin, September 30, 1847

359

Francis Hiittmann. Affidavit. June 1, 1847

189

George Hyde to Larkin, August 5,1847

258

William Brown Ide to Larkin February 22, 1847 March 8, 1847 Johnson & Richardson to Larkin, August i, 1847 John Coffin Jones to Larkin, June 10,1847

28 45 246 205, 207

Cayetano Juarez to U . S. Government, M a y 3,1847

145

Gerrit Parmele Judd to Larkin, M a y 15, 1847

165

William H . Kelly. Bill of lading. M a y 7, 1847

157

Thomas Oliver Larkin And Jose Abrego, et al. Bond. September 16, 1847

344

T o David W . Alexander, August 10, 1847

262

T o Guy R. C . Allen June 1, 1847

185

June 3, 1847

194

T o William Anderson, June 1, 1847

186

T o Luis Arenas, August 10, 1847

262

T o James P. Arther, April 24,1847

115

T o Faxon Dean Atherton, March 16, 1847 T o Theodorus Bailey, M a y 5, 1847

57 152

[xix] Thomas Oliver Larkin To Edward Turner Bale, July 30, 1847 To Juan Bandini, March 25, 1847 To Moses Yale Beach or James Gordon Bennett, August 4,1847 . To Josiah Belden August 10, 1847 August 14, 1847 271, September 9, 1847 To James Gordon Bennett, June 1, 1847 To James Biddle March 5, 1847 March 6, 1847 March 13, 1847 March 14, 1847 May 4, 1847 June 9, 1847 To JohnBidwell, June 6, 1847 To Boggs & Scott, July 28, 1847 And Samuel Brown. Contract. July 17, 1847 To Samuel Brown, August 18, 1847 To Edwin Bryant March 26, 1847 April 7, 1847 April 9, 1847 May 28, 1847 To James Buchanan January 14, 1847 March 16, 1847 April 29, 1847 June 1, 1847 June 30, 1847 August 25, 1847 September 1, 1847 To Benjamin R. Buckelew, September 13, 1847 To Henri Cambuston, August 2, 1847

242 71 255 263 272 327 186 36 39 49 51 148 200 195 239 234 280 72 89 93 175 8 56 128 184 225 291 302 337 249

[xx] Thomas Oliver Larkin T o Captains of United States Vessels, . . . June 19, 1847 .

.

.

.

218

T o José María Carrasco, August 1 2 , 1 8 4 7

270

T o Henry Chever, September 14, 1847

339

T o Ebenezer Larkin Childs, March 17, 1847

62

T o Isaac Childs, March 15, 1847

53

T o Copmann & Lomer, M a y 24, 1847

171

T o Antonio José Cot, July 26, 1847

236

T o William Heath Davis, March 13, 1847

48

T o Joel R Dedmond April 18, 1847

105

April 20, 1847

109

T o Nicholas Augustus Den, et al., June 19, 1847

218

T o Richard Somerset Den, March 15, 1847

53

A n d Manuel Diaz. Contract. July 28, 1847

239

T o Samuel Francis Dupont, March 14, 1847

52

T o Job Francis Dye, August 3 1 , 1 8 4 7 T o John E agar, March 1, 1847 T o Henry Delano Fitch, September 15, 1847

300 32 341

To Charles William Flügge M a y 28, 1847

176

July 27, 1847

237

T o Jessie (Benton) Frémont, March 16, 1847

58

T o John Charles Frémont, March 16, 1847

59

T o James Alexander Forbes March 4, 1847 August 18, 1847 T o Gelston & Co., August xo, 1847

35 282 263

T o Archibald H . Gillespie March 16, 1847 March 24, 1847 April 27, 1847 T o James H . Gleason, August 23, 1847

60 70 127 287

A n d Henry A . Green. Contract. July 16, 1847

233

T o Henry A . Green, July 27, 1847

238

[xxi] Thomas Oliver Larkin T o Henry A . Green August 14, 1847 August 15, 1847 August 21, 1847 T o Lansford Warren Hastings, June 9, 1847 T o James B. Hatch, June 3, 1847 T o William Davis Merry Howard March 1, 1847 April 27, 1847 August 15, 1847 August 21, 1847 To George Hyde August 10, 1847 September 11, 1847 T o Elbert P. Jones March 27, 1847 August 28, 1847 T o Stephen Watts Kearny March 6, 1847 May 29, 1847 To Rachel (Hobson) Holmes Larkin January 11, 1847 January 17, 1847 January 22, 1847 T o William Alexander Leidesdorff March 12, 1847 April 7 [8], 1847 April 12, 1847 April 13, 1847 April 16, 1847 April 17, 1847 April 19, 1847 April 20, 1847 April 26, 1847

272 275 285 202 194 32 127 277 286 265 333 74 298 41 177 2 11 15 47 91 96 99 104 104 107 110

122

[ xxii ] Thomas Oliver Larkin T o William Alexander LeidesdorflE June 9, 1847

202

June 19, 1847

219

September n , 1847 T o LeidesdorfiE and Richard M . Sherman, April 7, 1847

333 .

.

.

.

List and Description of Real Estate

90 360-361

T o George McDougal, M a y 28, 1847

176

T o Alexander McRae, March 17, 1847

63

T o William A . T . Maddox, June 11, 1847

210

T o Joseph L. Majors, August 25, 1847

294

T o John Young Mason M a y 3,1847

143

September 17, 1847

345

T o Richard Barnes Mason, June, 1847

228

T o Francis Melius April 12, 1847

97

September 8, 1847

326

T o Mott Talbot & Co., M a y 24, 1847

173

T o William Nelson and J. H . Johnson, M a y 1, 1847

136

T o Howard Oakley, August 25, 1847

295

T o Jasper O'Farrell, June 7,1847

198

T o Antonio Maria Osio, August 23, 1847

287

T o Robert A . Parker, June 11, 1847

211

T o John Paty, September 6, 1847

316

T o William Dane Phelps August 10, 1847

266

September 10, 1847

330

T o William Dane Phelps and John Paty, September 6, 1847 .

318

T o Stephen Pleasanton, M a y 31,1847

183

T o Victor Prudon, August 14, 1847

273

T o José Maria del Refugio Sagrado Suarez del Real, February 24, 1847 T o James Frazier Reed, June 7, 1847 Review of Foreign and Coastwise Shipping, February 16, 1847 T o Edward D . Reynolds, September 6, 1847

31 199

.

23 316

- [ xxiii ] Thomas Oliver Larkin T o William M . Rogers March 17, 1847 M a y 6, 1847

65 155

June i, 1847

192

June 9, 1847

203

T o Charles Roussillon September 4, 1847

312

September 6, 1847

318

September 15, 1847

340

September 28, 1847

357

T o Roussillon and Sainsevain, March 12,1847 T o Joseph L. Ruckel, August 2 8 , 1 8 4 7

48 299

T o Pierre Sainsevain April 20, 1847

hi

M a y 4, 1847

149

T o Scott & Boggs, August 17, 1847

280

T o Robert Baylor Semple April 26, 1847

124

M a y 28, 1847

176

June 9, 1847

204

June 19, 1847

220

July 28, 1847

240

July 30, 1847

243

August 14, 1847

273

September 7, 1847

321

September 8, 1847

324

September 14, 1847

339

September 20, 1847

351

T o Richard M . Sherman March 13, 1847 April 10, 1847

50 94

August 14, 1847

275

September 6, 1847

317

T o William Branford Shubrick, September 13, 1847

338

[ xxiv ] Thomas Oliver Larkin T o William Branford Shubrick, et al., September 18, 1847

346

T o Stephen Smith, August 2, 1847

249

T o Nathan Spear, April 11,1847

95

To William Speiden, September 4,1847 A n d John Sturzenegger and Abstrum R. Cannifax, June 23,1847 . T o Abel Stearns, January 28, 1847

312 .

222 18

T o Robert Field Stockton March 15, 1847

54

March 16, 1847

60

April 13, 1847

100

April 26, 1847

126

M a y 8, 1847

157

M a y 29, 1847

179

A n d James Stokes. Lease. March 27,1847

75

T o James Stokes April 19, 1847

108

M a y 3, 1847

147

T o John Augustus Sutter July 30, 1847

243

August i l , 1847

269

T o Thomas Swords, April 24, 1847

117

T o Henry Frederick Teschemacher April 7, 1847 April 12, 1847

90 98

T o Alpheus Basil Thompson, September 8, 1847

326

To U . S. Department of State, September 1, 1847

305

T o U . S. N a v y Department, March 31, 1847

81

T o José de Jesus Vallejo, March 14, 1847

52

T o Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo January 22,1847

16

August 23, 1847

288

September 2, 1847

306

T o Salvador Vallejo April 6, 1847

87

[ XXV

]

Thomas Oliver Larkin T o Salvador Vallejo April 12, 1847 T o Frank Ward, M a y 4, 1847

.

.

.

.

T o Ward & Smith April 20, 1847 July 30, 1847 August 23, 1847 August 27, 1847 September 7, 1847 September 13, 1847 T o William Mark West, September 15, 1847 A n d David Wight. Contract. June 10, 1847 . A n d James Williams. Contract. August 2, 1847 T o James Williams, September 6, 1847

.

T o John S. Williams March 13, 1847 April 20, 1847 M a y 3, 1847 M a y 5, 1847 August 1 1 , 1847 T o Henry Wilson, M a y 1, 1847

.

.

T o Charles W . Wooster August 15, 1847 September 9, 1847 September 10, 1847 Jacob Primer Leese to Larkin, M a y 24, 1847 William Alexander Leidesdorfi to Larkin March 26, 1847 April 6, 1847 April 15, 1847 April 18, 1847 April 29, 1847 M a y 10, 1847 M a y 3 1 , 1847

.

.

[ xxvi] William Alexander Leidesdorff to Larkin September 15, 1847 September 28, 1847 Julio Lomer to Larkin, February 1 1 , 1847 John Lucas to Larkin, August 25, 1847 Robert M . Lyons to Larkin, M a y 30, 1847 Andrew Jackson McDuffee to Robert Thomas Ridley, September 9, 1847

342 358 21 294 180 328

George McKinstry, Jr., to Larkin, July 8, 1847 232 William A . T . Maddox to Larkin, June 10, 1847 208 Charles D. Maxwell to Larkin, May 14,1847 165 Francis Melius to Larkin April 3, 1847 84 April 6, 1847 86, 87 April 18, 1847 107 Henry Melius to Larkin, M a y 20, 1847 167 William H . Meyers to Larkin, August 16, 1847 279 John Stoney Missroon to Larkin, September 2, 1847 309 I. Thomas Mott to Larkin M a y 13, 1847 164 September 29,1847 359 Mott Talbot & Co. to Larkin, February 11, 1847 22 Municipality of Monterey to Modesta Castro and Angustias (de la Guerra) Jimeno. Grant of Land. June 14, 1847 . . . . 216 Esteban Munras to Larkin, April 9, 1847 94 Timothy Murphy to Larkin, August 24, 1847 Jasper O'Farrell to Larkin, May 3, 1847 Gaspar Orena to Robert Field Stockton. June 7, 1847 Antonio Maria Osio to Larkin, August 20, 1847. Francisco Perez Pacheco to Larkin, M a y 2, 1847 Parrott & Co. to Larkin, February 8, 1847 John Paty to Larkin January 8,1847 September 12, 1847 Miguel F. de Pedrorena, August 22, 1847 Peoples Committee, Tualatin Co., Oregon, to Larkin, April 8,1847 .

290 146 199 282, 283 139 20 1 336 286 91

[ xxvii ] William Dane Phelps T o Talbot H . Green, M a y 11, 1847

162

T o Larkin March 18, 1847

68

August 1, 1847

247

September 17, 1847

346

Rodman M . Price T o Talbot H . Green, March 17, 1847

64

Receipt for Bread, March 17, 1847

64

José Maria del Refugio Sagrado Suarez del Real to Larkin, February 1 9 , 1 8 4 7 James Frazier Reed to Larkin, May 26, 1847

25 174

Joseph Warren Revere to Larkin, September 3, 1847

310

Edward D . Reynolds to Larkin, August 26, 1847

255

Stephen Reynolds T o Talbot H . Green, January 17, 1847

13

T o Larkin March 7, 1847

42

M a y 2, 1847

139

September 2, 1847

308

September 20, 1847

349

William Antonio Richardson to Larkin. June 30, 1847

229

Robert Thomas Ridley to Larkin, September 19, 1847

348

William M . Rogers to Larkin April 26, 1847

122

July 16, 1847

234

August 3, 1847

2

54

September 11,1847

333

September 15, 1847

343

Charles L. Ross to Larkin, June 11, 1847

212

Roussillon &C Sainsevain T o Larkin, August 1, 1847

248

T o Ward & Smith, September 6, 1847

319

George W . Russell to Larkin, February 16, 1847

24

Sainsevain & Co. to Larkin, February 23, 1847

30

[ xxviii ] Moses Schallenberger to Larkin, August 17, 1847

279

Robert Baylor Semple to Larkin May 3, 1847 May 30, 1847

146 181, 182

June 12, 1847

214

August 5, 1847

2

59

August 27, 1847

297

September 7, 1847

323

September 9, 1847

329

September 12, 1847

335

Richard M . Sherman to Larkin March 17, 1847

65

March 30, 1847

76

August 3, 1847

255

August 20, 1847

283

William Branford Shubrick to Larkin September 15, 1847

342

September 18, 1847

347,348

September 25, 1847

355

September 27, 1847

356

Samuel Smith to Larkin, M a y 26, 1847

174

Stephen Smith to Larkin, August 15, 1847

278

Jacob Rink Snyder to Larkin, March 15, 1847 William Speiden to Larkin, September 4, 1847

56 314

Abel Stearns to Larkin May 23, 1847

170

July 7, 1847

2

August 28, 1847

299

Henry A . Steele to Larkin, January 2, 1847

32 1

Edward Lapham Stetson to Larkin February 18, 1847

24

February 22, 1847

30

Robert Field Stockton to Larkin, April 20, 1847

112

James Stokes. Certificate. June 1, 1847

193

John Augustus Sutter to Larkin, June 25, 1847

222

'[ xxix ]• Thomas Swords to Larkin, April 23, 1847

114

Anthony Ten Eyck to Larkin, June 2, 1847

193

Henry Frederick Teschemacher to Larkin, March 17,1847 John Townsend to Larkin, June 19, 1847 Uhde & Pini to Larkin, M a y 5, 1847 United States Navy to Larkin, March 10,1847

.

.

.

.

66 221 '53 47

Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo to Larkin M a y 4, 1847

149

M a y 24, 1847

173

M a y 31, 1847

183,184

August 9, 1847

261

Salvador Vallejo to Larkin M a y 1, 1847

137

September 4, 1847

314

Ward & Smith T o Larkin August 23, 1847

290

September 2, 1847

310

September 6, 1847

320

September 19, 1847

350

T o Roussillon & Sainsevain, September 1, 1847

304

James Horatio Watmough to Larkin August 31, 1847

301

September 4, 1847

314

William Mark West to Larkin, August 20, 1847

284

John S. Williams to Larkin January 19, 1847

14

February 8, 1847

20

March 3, 1847

34

April 15, 1847

103

M a y 2, 1847

142

M a y 4, 1847

151

M a y 9, 1847

160

June 17, 1847

217

July 28, 1847

241

[ XXX

]

S. H . Williams & Co. to Larkin, September i, 1847

303

George Wisner to Larkin, August 2, 1847

251

Charles W . Wooster to Larkin August 8, 1847

261

September 3, 1847

311

September 4, 1847

316

A n n Rogers (Larkin) Wright to Larkin, April 24, 1847

118

VOLUME VI 1847 #

M

The Larkin Papers January-September, 1847

[HENRY A. STEELE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V . I . ]

Wilmington Delaware January 2d. 1847

Dear Sir.

I HEREWITH introduce to you M r . James Heyward of this place. A s he is a young friend of mine I must request of you those attentions towards him you have hitherto rendered your countrymen who have visited California. M r . Heyward is desirous of seeing and knowing something of your territory, and I can refer him to none better fitted for the task than yourself. He is the nephew of Commodore Shubrick, Commanding the Pacific Squadron, and may desire to join his uncle's vessel (the Flag ship), in which case I must ask of you to give him all the assistance he may require. Should he desire to negotiate a bill of exchange I can inform you, or any other merchant, that such bill will be honored. Our old ship the "Saint Louis" is in ordinary—Captain Forrest is at the seat of war—whilst I am laid up as an invalid—the effects of an African cruise. With my respects to Mrs. Larkin I am Dr Sir Very Respectfully Your Ob. Servant

Henry A . Steele, [Rubric] Lieutenant, U . S. N a v y

[JOHN PATY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

M r . Thos. O. Larkin

Honolulu, Oahu.

January 8th 1847

Monterey Dear Sir

I

. ARRIVED at this place on the 8th. Deer.—all well, and found the market

quite bare of the articles which we wanted most and have consequently awaited for the arrival of two vessels—one from N e w York—and the other from China,

M which vessels have been daily expected for the last 20 d a y s — b u t as they have not arrived as yet I have concluded to pick up what articles I can find in the market, suitable for California, and expect to sail for Monterey one week hence—and I expect to be at Monterey soon after you receive this. T h e articles we have already purchased are 95 bbls. flour, lot sea coal, oars, pickles, grindstones, clocks, shoe blacking, women's shoes, boiled turkey, boiled beef, wheel barrows, 8 x 10, 1 0 x 1 2 glass, figs, boots, arrow root, axes, dried apples, mat bags, bro. drill, white cotton thread, wooden pails, velvet slippers, straw bonnets, iron hoops, duck pants, hooks & eyes, crape shawls, coffee, buttons, calf & goat skins, corks, wine, sheath knives, nails, paints assorted, powder, manufactured tobacco, brooms, shovels, spades, sugar, tea, tumblers, wine glasses, linseed oil, spirits turpentine, salt, bread (small quantity), brown cotton, cream of tartar, 14 windows (complete with pullies & weights), bed ticking, wine, solder, tubs, bagging, sheet lead, brads, whiskey, bunting, bricks, sperm candles, silk handkfs, carpet bags, woollen shirts, drawers and frocks, merino, spices, cigars, playing cards, hinges, iron (small lot), mill saws, door locks, mattresses, needles, tin ware, coffee mills—and a number of other articles—which I intend to purchase. N o news of importance—in greate haste. A l l well here. I have another daughter born 1st day of Janry. M y brother sends his respects. Yours truly John Paty

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO RACHEL (HOBSON) HOLMES LARKIN. V ^ . ]

City of the Angeles. Jan. 1 1 , 1847 Mrs. Rachel Larkin My dear Wife I

YESTERDAY wrote a short letter to you but with little hopes of its

reaching you. A t Captain Dana's farm, about the 20th of Nov., I had his promise that he would send a courier to M r . Green. Don M . Castro told me he left a passport for the bearer about the 25 same month. I wrote a long letter to you and another to M r . Green, dated Santa B. These letters were read to M . Castro, and by him forwarded to San L u i s — y o u know if they reached Monterey. O n m y arrival at Santa Barbara, Dr. Den had me taken to his house, where

for four days he fed me and an officer and i o or 1 2 men. Having poor horses, I was 4 or 5 days reaching this place arriving here Deer 1 . On being delivered to the principal Government house, I was ree'd by Don Jose A . Carrillo, 2d in command, who offered me bed, bedding, & c . , food of such qualities and hours as I choose. On the 3rd or 4th Deer. Señor Flores undertook to send me by land to Mexico with 1 5 or 20 other prisoners. I prepared to go, but told the Cal. officers they must expect to pass Cape Horn if we was taken out of C . There was soon a revolution against Flores, who gained, puting in prison Carrillo, M . Castro, G . & J. de la Torre, F. Rico, Ths. Soberanes and others. In 2 weeks they were discharged. Comt Flores called on me and offered me bed, beding, furniture, clothes, food, at my own hours, and money whenever I might ask for it. From Doña Dolores and her mother I had tea and bread twice a day, two meals besides, of 3 or 4 courses each. From Señor Celis breakfast at 8, making 5 meals a day. Grapes and oranges were sent to me also. A t the same time I could not go to the back house without a soldier nor could I talk English to any one, and Spanish only in presence of an officer. From this confinment and irritation & excitement, I began to grow sick, when I was removed to the house and vinyard of Don Luis where I had no guard or restraint whatever. This was the 26 or 27 Deer. Here I had 400 yds. of ground, and little by little the Americans came to see me. T h e day after my capture I was in sight of an action during which Lorenzo Soto, seing his nephew shot down, came 1 5 0 yards full speed on me to shoot me, when with pointed gun and 1 0 yards off, I backed my horse between another and he put up his gun. Having a too good a horse, at the time, Rafael Linares exchanged with me during the fight. Soon after Luce's son again exchanged with me. A t last I had a one dollar horse and two dollar saddle. Supposing I should see them in the morning I paid but little attention to it, but I have never seen either of them since. On the 8 this Jan. & the 9, Comt. Flores, at a distance gave fight to the Como. A t one at noon on the 9 Gen. F. sent for me to carry me on the field then 3 miles from here. Thinking I might be bound to Mexico, I would not start until well prepared, and being unwell walked my horse. I arrived there at 3. The battle was over. T h e Americans in a solid square on foot in sight. On arriving Soto (I believe) who M r . Colton put in prison saw me and exclaiming,

here is the man who made a rope to hang me in M . came to me (drunk) with his musket lined to shoot me. Don Andres Pico being nigh with some trouble took away his gun. On being presented to Flores, he took me one side and for a long time gave me reasons and excuses why he was General, and said he would on the spot call a Council of Officers to release me. In the meantime Mrs. Luisa Zamorano sent to the field a short proclamation exhorting her countrymen to send me back to Don Luis Vignes where 20 families had taken protection, or the worse was theirs. Without this the Officers were willing. It was decided to return me at 8 at night free to go where I choose. A t the time I told the Genrl I could not go without an officer for protection against the mad and drunken people. I [he] himself saw me home with 5 or 6 officers. A t night discharged me on parole. On the 1 0 the Como. took possession of the town. I suppose Col. F. is 8 or 1 o leagues off. Fifteen or 20 will cover all the killed & wounded on both sides of the 8 or 9. From Mont., Esteban Espinosa was killed within town on the 1 o riding into town armed a horse back drunk. On the night of the 7 when drunk he with two others disarmed the town rondo. On the 9 Juan Soberanes rec'd a bullet in the thigh which he showed me. Don A . Pico told me he himself forced Juan with much trouble into the action. His 3 brothers I could not find on the field, nor the two de la Torres. M . Castro & F . Rico are very valliant in an action. I am now living about town as I like, but can not live as well as when a prisoner. I believe I am as heavy perhaps more so than before, yet from fear, care, confinement, and anxiety of yourself and children, and my uncertain chance of again seing you, I have suffered much. When preparing for Mexico, by permission I obtained pen and paper. I made my will, left one copy with, Dr. R. S. Den of this place & 8 pages for M r . Green. Sent to Dr. Den of Santa Barbara another copy & 1 6 pages for you. After geting thro' this writing I felt as if I had a great weight of my mind, and was more prepared for my fate, turn out as it might. T h e day after my capture, I tried to have M . Castro exchange me for Pablo and his brother. He said his companions ( 1 3 0 ) had said they would not exchange for less than 1 0 0 Californians. On my way down some put at a better prize than 10 men of war. Others concluded the taking of California was now ended. Anything and everything for 1846 against C . was charged to me, receiving Gillespie, sending for Fremont, for the Congress, & c . , & c . T h e Como. and General Kearney, with 600 to 7 0 0 men entered this town at noon on the 10th, the opposite forces having from 500 dwindled to 250

more or less. You may imagine my happiness on being able to join my countrymen, and for a half hour could not ask the officers how you and our children were, being afraid to hear about our youngest child, when without asking Dr. Henderson of the Portsmouth said I suppose you have heard of the death of your child. I allmost fell from my horse, and could no more answer the many questions put to me, when I believe the Doctor told some of them to ask no more. I back[ed] my horse out of the crowd, left undone 2 or 3 things the Como. and others had asked of me, rode to Don Luis's, put the bridle into the first hands I met, and shut myself up for the afternoon. Since the death of my brother in twenty years ago I never suffered as I did then, and now I c r y — I stop my writing. Oh Heaven could I but have been present to have consoled you, and gave Adeline my last kiss—but I can go no farther. Affectionately your Husband Thomas O. Larkin A t present there is no vessel at San Pedro. I shall wait for one to go home as the road is not safe.

[JAMES BUCHANAN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.1 COPY. OFF. CORR.]

Department of State Washington January 13th 1847 Thomas O. Larkin Esqre late U . S. Consul, Monterey

Sir " Y o u r despatches, numbered 46, 48, 49, 50 & 52, & four without number, dated 22nd 23rd & 27th of August & 22nd of September last, have been received. Nos. 43, 44, 45, 47 & 51 have not yet come to hand. Of these, together with those specified in my letter of the 14th July, Viz. Nos. 14, 15, 17, 19 & 40 I will thank you to furnish duplicates as early as practicable. In your despatch, under date the 27th of August last; you state that our conquest of California being completed, your "Official capacity as U . S. Consul has expired," & after tendering your services in any way which may be con1 From the copy in Record Group 59 of the General Records of the Department of State, Consular Instructions, Volume XI, National Archives, Washington, D . C.

[6] ducive to the interest of our cause in that Country, you express the hope that "in the meantime until our relations with Mexico are fully settled & understood by Treaty, securing California to the Union, you may be continued in your confidential agency." I thank you for this offer of your services & have determined, that under all the circumstances of the case, you shall continue, at least for the present, as Confidential Agent, in the Californias. Your appointment can only be continued on the principle that those Provinces having not yet been ceded to us by Treaty, nor our possession of them recognized by A c t of Congress, are yet in such a condition under the law of Nations, that I may use the contingent fund for foreign intercourse in paying your per diem & expenses. Your services in this character have heretofore been valuable & are justly appreciated; and they may be of great consequence hereafter. From the fact that the Californias are yet considered foreign territory, so far as to enable me to continue your agency, you are not to infer, that the President contemplates any contingency on which they shall ever be surrendered to Mexico. I regret to inform you that of the two drafts to which you refer in your Despatch of the 22nd of August last, the first for $1,200 in favor of William M . Rogers has only been paid. A s soon as your account shall be filed, with vouchers in support of it, where these can be obtained in accordance with your instructions, the remaining draft shall be honored. T h e holder of it has received notice to this effect. I have known no instance in which Clerk hire has been allowed to a confidential agent, though I do not say this may not be done to a limited amount, under special circumstances; nor can I consistently with the rules of the Department allow you out of the contingent fund for foreign intercourse, the expense of couriers properly chargeable to the N a v y Department. The 4th Section of the A c t entitled " A n act making appropriations for the Naval service for the fiscal year ending the thirtieth day of June, eighteen hundred and forty five" provides as follows, "That no person shall be employed or continued abroad, to receive and pay money for the use of the naval service on foreign stations whether under contract or otherwise, or to perform the duties usually performed by navy agents, who has not been or shall not be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate: Provided, That this shall not apply to the disbursement of any sum now in the hands of any person hereto-

fore employed for such purposes." Under this provision the Secretary of the N a v y has determined (I think correctly) that Commodore Stockton did not possess the power to appoint you navy agent. Your services will however be employed as I am informed by the Secretary, when necessary for the accommodation of the N a v y on the North West Coast of the Pacific, and will be compensated as in other similar cases. His instructions to the naval commander on that coast are explicit on this subject. Your despatch N o . 40 of which you desire a copy has never been received at this Department. I am, Sir, very respectfully & c . James Buchanan

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : 6 . ]

Washington City Jany 13, 1847 My

dear brother

I HAVE but a few minutes only to say a few words to you this evening & therefore this letter will be very brief. I regret very much that I have had no opportunity to see M r . Norris, but I received your letter thro' the Post Office after he had gone to Philadelphia. T h e next day I was obliged myself to go to Boston, from which city I returned last evening. This evening I learned by accident that he was to leave on his return tomorrow morning. It is now near 1 o, so I must be short. Several letters of mine are in M r . Norris' mail, I presume, for they were left at the Department some weeks ago. I can only say I saw all our friends at Lynn, Boston OL. Russell leaves this today for your place. I take advantage of the opportunity to send you a few lines, to request you to send me upon his return, information in relation to m y requisition for $1000 upon Purser W a r e of the Warren, made payable to your order, whether you recieved it, and if you drew the amount, and what ballance there is upon your books to m y favor. Supposing you had received the funds, I drew upon you for $50 in favor of M r . Antoine Roubidoux, which I hope you will have paid. T h e great scarcity of money in this quarter, unless obtained at an enormous discount, obliges me to request you to send me b y Col. Russell $200 should you have in hands the ballance upon the requisition, after paying the draft in favor of Capt. Vincent. T h e Guiposcuana arrived from the Islands with but half the funds expected, and such stores as she brought, are very highly charged. J. B. M c C l u r g & C o . write me, that there is a scarcity of almost every article of provisions, & for a long time past their market has never been so bare as at present. Everything is very quiet, & has the appearance of remaining so; indeed, the policy adopted by Fremont, should secure it; for he favors the country people in every particular, & I think, to the injury of the foreign residents. However, his feelings and mine are widely different upon that subject, consequently m y policy would be different, particularly with the force now in the country, for I know full well, that whatever may be the private feelings in relation to his appointment, which will most undoubtedly be confirmed, there would be one unanimous action in the event of any outbreak or difficulty. Military men cannot differ when the common cause of "Our Country" is at stake. T h a t point conceded, I would make every one of these rascally Californians pay most dearly for every drop of American blood they have spilt, through their treachery and want of faith. H a d they waged an honest open war from the commencement, I would then have some sympathy for them, but as it is I feel myself surrounded b y assassins, and I would deal with them accordingly. I am very happy to learn that Guadaloupe Vallejo has consented to accept the appointment, and had hoped he would have been here before this. Y o u people in Monterey, I fear, think too much of the rising sun [i. e., Kearny]. T a k e

[38] care it may be eclipsed, and you will be all lost in the fog! You must not consider the above remark as throwing down the guantlet for Fremont—not at all. But this I say, he is Governor by a properly appointed authority, and the best you can all do is to sustain the dignity of the Country, by supporting him by every means in your power until the views of the Government can be known, which will be certainly by 15th April, when the Malek Adhel should be back. So much for my lecture. Don't you keep the Deputies any longer but rather send them this way, and come yourself. Keep old Russell sober and his mouth shut if you can. Give my memorias to all enquirers and believe me Yours truly Archi H . Gillespie [Rubric] P. S. Pray ask M r . Greene, if he sent my hat box and white cane in the Tasso. Neither have come to hand. Excuse this sheet, paper is scarce. B y the way, you promised to send me some paper and some Congress steel pens (the large size). This last you can send me by Blunderbus (Col. Russell) should you not come yourself. Yours A . H . G . [Rubric] March 6th P. S. I open my letter to say that Russell from some cause or other was detained until today. There is nothing further new. Should you have any newspapers rec'd by the last arrivals, pray spare me a few; we have no news whatever. Fremont recieved some by the courier who came down lately but has not favored our eyes with a sight of them. By the way, give your "poison editor" a hint, that he better not attempt to bolster up Mervine too much, in relation to his disgraceful defeat here—he may get such information through the Star as will do him no good. The remarks of the letter writer respecting "the success of the Californians upon that occasion, having made them arrogant," is as true as Gospel. Yrs A . H . G . [Rubric]

[JAMES P. ARTHER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

Sn. Francisco, March 6/47 Thomas O. Larkin, Esq. Sir you of my save arrival here, with a part of Colnel J. D. Stevensons regiment on board U . S. Volunteers about 250 in number, stores & ordnance & c . in the ship Thomas H . Perkins of Boston, 700 tons burden. I should be happy to see you if you could conveniently come up here to see me. I could have a chance to introduce you & tell you all about the folks, the Colnel himself is with me. He is gone to be the civil Governour in this country, likewise the Quarter Master which has all to due with the buying of articles, plenty Dollars. A t inner rate you must come. I have a lot of New Cask which you can purchase & sundry other articles if you like. New whalers cask contains each 240 Gallons & c . I

INFORM

I have deliverd the mony which I reed from Mr. Howard & your sons according to instruction from you. I deliverd the children in the best stile, in good health. They were quiet different boys when I arrive, then what they were when I receive them. Frederick in particular spoke better English then Thomas. I had a good deal of difficulty with Mr. Faxon on my passage. The other gentleman Mr. Mallet vent of without paying his passage. I shall lay here probably fifty days. From here I am bound to Manilla & then to Boston. You must come to see me if you can. I will tell you about the boys & sundry other information. M y compliments to your lady & all other inquiring friends, Mr. Watson & Mr. Spence, M r . Green if he is with you. Very respectfully your Obdt. Servant James P. Arther [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JAMES BIDDLE. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 5 5 . ]

Sir

Monterey March 6, 1847

0 > a p t . Paty of the Hawaiian Bark Don Quixote and myself wish to get up a voyage to San Bias, and perhaps Acapulco, for the purpose of bringing to this country a cargo of provissions, and such merchandise as can be obtained.

[40] W e therefore wish to know if the vessel can bring a cargo to California for a market. Capt. Paty (a citizen of the United States) having a commission from the Hawaiian King, carries a pendant, and by the Mexican authorities would be allowed to enter their ports. H e could therefore carry or bring any correspondence for you, and might bring news of peace. A n answer from you this afternoon will much oblige me, as Captain Paty wishes to sail tonight if the contemplated voyage is not agreeable to you. I am Sir Yours respectfully. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin To Commodore James Biddle Commanding the U . S . Squadron in the Pacific

[JAMES BIDDLE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

U . S. Ship Columbus Monterey March 6, 1847 Sir I HAVE received your letter of this day's date. T h e declaration of blockade of the West Coast of Mexico made by Commodore Stockton in August last has been revoked by me. The ports of Mazatlan and Guymas only are now blockaded, and in answer to your letter, I inform you that the Hawaiian Barque Don Quixote is at liberty to go to San Bias or Acapulco and return to this port. Very respectfully Your Most Obedient James Biddle, Comg Pacific Squadron

[ T H O M A S O L I V E R L A R K I N TO S T E P H E N W A T T S K E A R N Y . C O P Y . O F F . CORR. 1 : 1 5 4 . ]

Monterey, March 6, 1847 Gen. S. W . Kearny

Sir T H E following is the number and location of the Troops, according to my opinion. At the town of San Diego It Mission of San Luis R e y u Town of Angeles u Town of Santa Barbara u Mission of San Luis Obispo u Town of Monterey tt Mission of San John tt Mission of Santa Clara u Town of San Jose a Town of Yerba Buena it Town of Sonora it Town of New Helvetia ti Some Ranchos above New Helvetia it A t two points on San Joaquin Total

100 more or less. it tt tt 60 a u tt 400 a a 11 100 u it tt 60 tt it tt 400 ti u 11 60 3 0

60 100 60 60 3° 60 1580

A tt

11 u

B u

tt

it

11

u

u

tt

it

tt

»

a u

ti

11

u a a a 11

tt

u u

it

II II

11

It

it

tt

it

tt

The above distribution is calculated on the principle of defence against the Mexicans, at the points marked " A . " Against the Indians at the points marked "B." T o defend the entrance of San Francisco, a much larger number than is above mentioned will be required. I am Your most Obdt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O Larkin

[STEPHEN REYNOLDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

Honolulu M a r c h 7th 1847 H o n . T . O . Larkin California Sir

_ L h e news that you were released from your imprisonment and return to your home & family was received with pleasure & satisfaction, by the Brig Currency Lass, in the evening of the 3rd. I hope you will have the pleasure of getting some satisfaction, but do not let revenge get the better of reason, and go beyond satisfaction. It was the Fortune of W a r — U n c l e Sam's War!! Perhaps your captors tho't it a good opportunity to pay old grudges. N o w if Uncle Sammy should send a host of troops & Men-of-War here, you cannot imagine how quick the Judd-ites would hunt up some of the O l d Residents— M e in all conscience—they would leave no stone unturned to get me into their clutches!! H o n . Eliab would be shown the Collar & Harnes were he to be here too!! W h o m do you suppose would be the first to hunt us? Guess! W m . Paty Esq, Collector Genl, David P. Penhallow Harbor Master; John M e e k P i l o t — J. J. Jarvis, Director of Printing Press. T h e y would be the blood hounds to scent out objects to glut their almost insatiable thirst for "Revenge." W h y U . S. does not make some effort to reduce this "Prodigious" great Nation to sense of decency, is truly astonishing. W h a t advantage are the Sandwich Islands to California? A n y ? W h a t advantage can they be, or might they be, if they were well cultivated, well governed, well drilled & trained to respect their sacred promises, maintain their treaties in good faith and sound integrity? Is it not of some importance, or if not now, will it not be of some future benefit to have a good treaty between these Islands & U States? W i l l California ever be a Manufacturing Country? W o o l & flax I think would be raised to make manufacturing profitable. C a n cotton be raised at Pueblos, St. Diego, or other places on the coast? If not, good cotton can be raised here, and manufactured by Californians—Yankee Californians—of course. D o you, or do you not, consider that a treaty between U . S. and this Giant Government of Dwarfish magnitude! is the question? Y o u & the Honorable Eliab Grimes are so well acquainted with the commerce of the two Countries,

it is not necessary for me to deal in particulars. A treaty, good or bad, cannot be made with the present Ministers, because they will not make a treaty only of the worst possible features. The only way that I think a treaty will be entered into with this Government is for a stern, stringent commander of one of the "Big Ships" to do as Com. Stockton did, in regard to re-instating Commissioner Brown. "Must" do it, or as Com. L'Place did, give them so many days—things would soon be fairly adjusted without more trouble. I am of the opinion that the Commander in Chief of the naval forces in the Pacific, should make himself acquainted with the importance, if not the necessity, of a treaty with this Govt, and United States, that any delay will be much against the commercial interests of the territory. One thing might be done, that would be decidedly in favor of this Government. The laws of this country might be made to charge United States produce & manufactures of the old U. S. or new territory, duties, as high as they please—whilest U. S. laws are fixed and permanent! and moderate charges on foreign vessels. I trust you will be able to gather my meaning & views as to the propriety & necessity of a Man-of-war here—or two if need be. The subject I hope will meet your approbation so much as to use your kind offices with the Commander of Naval force. I wish it might prove that Com. Biddle comes. He has been here, knows some of the ropes, the disposition of the Ministers, and their true characters. If there is nothing done before Com. goes off your coast, arrogance, impudence, tyrranny will reign triumphant among us or over us here. These people are so foolhardy that you cannot reason with them—and when fair words & gentle manner will not do, they should be dealt with in a more severe manner. I have every hope that some of the Men-of-War will be here soon and put everything to rights in short order. And with many years livelihood for the mutual benefit of all. Quere. Have Kanakas any legal right to go to the California Territory and enjoy all the rights and privileges of U. S. citizens? Can they, the Kanakas, either black or white, vote, hold office civil or military, own lands in Fee? (I think every country ought to grant in fee, then the possessor will improve it. He will add wealth to the country which he cannot take away, more particularly in new countries. He should not hold office until lived in the country at least a year.) How is it, will the Kanakas go to California in Kanaka vessels, take American products & manufactures which have been entered here at the Islands—duties paid &c.—on the same terms as Americans? Do the Americans give Kanakas, never mind the color, the same rights & privileges as the

Americans, without treaty stipulations? Give the Kanakas, black or white, all the facilities you can, in justice, afford. I am inclined to believe the Ministers of this great nation will make trouble if they can. The sooner a treaty is made the better, at least such is my belief. The little minds which bear sway in this kingdom cannot distinguish between power & right. They think their power is their right to do just as they please, without the least regard to justice, and take frequent opportunities to show their disregard to all uprightness. I have just heard a native vessel called Hoikaika has been sold to Messrs. J. J. Jarvis, A. H. Everett (late American citizens, now Haawaiian subjects), Mr. Gray & Mr. Blume, late German, now Haawaiian subjects. Said vessel has changed her name to "Gen. Kearney." Another, Frenchman, & now is— and E. H. Von Pfister named "Col. Freemont." Some say the Gen. Kearney is nominally documented as American property—of the fact I know nothing— that the U. S. Consul is to give the proper Documents!! That he will write a consular letter to the authorities on California hoping that every facility will be afforded &c., &c., and lay the foundation of a commercial intercourse &c., &c., &c. In all humility I would ask you if you do not wish you were Consul again to grant Ships Registers, and thereby let the world see how great your . . . Ears. . . . Will these Kanaka vessels have the right to go coastwise on California? G. P. Judd and John Ricord will not let vessels coast among the Islands. What will you do with my great HERO! John Ricord? I have written this at odd moments and it will no doubt be an odd mess for your honor, but it is well meant. Remember we at Sandwich Islands are hard pushed in these times. Remember us in your leisure moments. Remember we have not navies at our doors to "grin chastly smiles" on those who show fight or look fightish. Remember the Commodore can do much for us only by appearing off the Harbor. Remember how much you may have to account for unless you put in a strong word that the needy and unprotected need help. Whatever you may effect in duty & honor to befriend the helpless will be good investment—the harvest will be great. I have no doubt that if the Commodore, or some good Commander, might do much to facilitate a favorable treaty to both U. S. Territory, California and this Government. Why is it that all the world are so prone to look at strangers, catch the words of strangers as they fall, take them up as the Wisdom of Solomon—when an old acquaintance and long tried friend will not be listened to? I do not know what will be best—to remain on Oahu, suck my claws &

scratch my head—or be off to California. I find I am older than I was twenty years ago—rather too old to start on a race—a race where all [are] strong. I expect emigration will be rapid to California, for awhile many will be for re-emigrating because all cannot get baskets of gold, without toil. A new country does not hold out the ease for drones that old countries do. Wishing all health & happiness to all our countrymen, Greeting them as neighbors—whispering to them the joy of our sudden proximity—with every good wish and good feeling I Remain Your Obt. Sert. Stephen Reynolds

[WII.I.IAM BROWN IDE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : ^ ]

Sta. Clera March 8th 1847 Dear Sir J . HE above1 I received of Mr. Williams with directions to hand it to you should I see you. If not, to seal it and send it to Monterey. I take the liberty to write on the same sheet. I was taken sick immediately after I saw you at Mr. Duttons, which prevented my immediate return to Yerbe Buena. I consigned the care of those indian girls of Booker's to Mr. Dye for you. He said that you had spoken to him about it. I herewith enclose to you the order you gave me on William A . Leididorff which was of course not presented for payment. I have commenced and proceeded as far with the survey of your lands as your written instructions to me direct. You will pleas send me the maps by the bearer of this, Mr. Wambo. I shall be engaged in surveying 5 or 6 weeks on borders of the Bay of San Francisco. As I told you when I saw you last I was under the necessity of measuring one side of Doct. McGee's Ranch in order to determine the commencement of your upper Ranch. If you obtain the surveying of Doct. McGee's land for me, it will lessen somewhat the expense of your survey. From the instructions you gave me I understand that the back line of your lower Ranch has one break, or angle in it; i. e., it forms two courses which shall 1

Ide here refers to J o h n S. W i l l i a m s ' letter of F e b r u a r y 8, 1 8 4 7 , to L a r k i n . See under that date.

be parallel to the general course o£ that part of the River bounding the easterly side of the Ranch and that the back line of the upper Ranch is in one course or straight line, parallel to that part of the River which bounds the eastern side of that Ranch: but for the courses of the end lines I wish to see the maps. I have examined to some extent for the best location for a sawmill and am of opinion that it is preferable to build on the Sacramento River. On this subject I will write more at another time. Pleas do what you can in m y behalf in the matter of an appointment as an authorised Surveyor of lands by the Gov. of California and also in behalf of the citizens of the Upper Sacramento in the matter of obtaining a new district and Pleas send the papers, if you would, to me by M r . Wambo. W i t h every consideration of respect I remain your friend and Obt. Servt. William B. Ide T o Thomas O . Larkin Esqr Monterey, California \ln the handwriting of Larkin:] I should be pleased to assist the amt. on the upper part of the S. River and obtain your appt. but must have petitions to present. I am very glad M r . Williams is on the farm. M r . Bidwell can give you any information. H e may be up there next month. If you can do without him go on with the survey. Y o u will not go by m y verbal opinion given in Oct. 1846 respecting the boundaries as I really know nothing about it. I also wish you to begin at the lower end of m y farm, and measure the rancho of Don Manuel Jimeno eleven leagues down the river, one league back. In both farms put down all the rivers, creeks, slues, lakes, prominent hills, meadows, Indian Villages, etc. and dot the part covered with trees. I hope you will use better ink. I could hardly read M r Smith letter. A l l the printed and written words on the maps have done handsome. Shew this letter to Williams & Smith.

[ u . S. NAVY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. RECEIPT. V ^ . ]

Monterey California March [ i o] A . D . 1847 U . S . N a v y Department T o Thomas O. Larkin Dr. Pursers

Department T o 6.734 pounds of bread

at i2f!

$808.08

I hereby certify that I have received on board of the U . States Frigate "Savannah," six thousand seven hundred and thirty four pounds of bread as per above bill. D . Fauntleroy, Purser Approved for eight hundred and eight dollars and eight cents. W m . Mervine, Captain Received from Purser . . . of the U . States Ship . . . eight hundred and eight dollars and eight cents, in full for the above bill.

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 5 7 - ]

Monterey March 1 2 , 1 8 4 7 Capt. Leidesdorf? Sir Y o u will please take out two lots of one hundred yards square each, at the best place now available at Yerba Buena, in my name and in the name of M r . Greene, and pay for them, bringing me the titles when you return. I am Yours respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ROUSSILLON & SAINSEVAIN. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 5 6 . ]

Monterey March 1 2 , 1847

Gentlemen I N addition to the contract made last week with Don Carlos for twelve thousand pounds more of bread, you will please deliver to any American vessel of war which may stand in need of it, an extra amount of six hundred pounds, making the whole amount of contract to be fifty thousand, six hundred pounds, or fifty thousand seven hundred pounds. Very respectfully, I am yours T o Roussillon & Sainservain

(Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM HEATH DAVIS. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 5 8 . ]

Monterey March 1 3 , 1847 William H . Davis

Sir I WISH you would not mention to others at present the circumstances of a person at the South having the deed you spoke of. I think there may be some mistake. Therefore it may be an injurious thing for others to know it, until it is explained. Yours in haste, (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[JAMES BIDDLE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V^O.]

U . S. Ship Columbus

Sir

Monterey March 13, 1847

" Y o u r letter without date is received. I am not authorized to purchase a wharf at Monterey, nor is it expedient that a wharf for the N a v y be purchased, as the presence of our Ships of War in this Bay is only temporary. It is more

[49] likely that the A r m y may require a wharf, and that you should address yourself to General Kearny rather than to me. I request that you will send me a copy of any written agreement you may have made with any of m y predecessors in command of the Squadron in relation to the wharf. Very Respectfully Your Most Obedient James Biddle

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JAMES BIDDLE. COPY. OFF. CORR. I : i 6 l . ]

Monterey March 13, 1847 Commodore James Biddle

Sir ^K^our letter of this morning is received. I have no contract with any of your predecessors, relative to the wharf. From some months before Commodore Sloat took possession of Monterey, to the present month, I have felt too much interest in affairs of my Government, in this quarter, to enter into question of my private rights. I told Commodore Sloat, and Commodore Stockton, that I had a right to the wharf, and expected Government would either purchase it, or pay for the use of it. One of the two proposals they said, must be complied with. For reasons as above, I did no more in the business at that time. I do not request you to purchase the wharf, if it is inconsistent. I only wish to know if it is taken from me. If it is not, I wish to take possession of it as m y property, and take care of it. Under present circumstances the wharf daily receives injuries, for want of care. Previous to writing my last letter I was informed by Governor Kearny I had better apply to you on the subject. I am with much respect Your most Obdt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO RICHARD M. SHERMAN. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 5 9 . ]

Monterey March 13, 1847 M r . R. M . Sherman

Sir SHOULD any brickmakers wish to make brick on my land, I wish you would make a written contract with them in my name, obtaining as near five per cent for clay and firewood as you can. The chief object is to hold my right. Alcalde Bartlett in October 1846 gave me possession and ordered M r . O'Farrel to survey it. If he has not done so, please ask him to begin. I remain Your Obdt. Servant (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOHN S. WILLIAMS. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 6 2 . ]

Monterey March 1 3 , 1 8 4 7 M r . John Williams Sacramento Valley

Sir I HAVE received your letter of the nineteenth January, and am glad to hear you are actually on my Rancho, and the good opinion you have of the place. I will as soon as possible forward the articles you require. I prefer waiting untill M r . Bidwell arrives here, which will be soon. H e can carry up what you want, and can point out the land. M y imprisonement and the late wars have prevented me from carrying out many late plans. Soon as the rains are over, I shall be prepared to carry out all our former views. By all means keep on good terms with the Natives: blood once shed may cause future mischief. I have purchased M r Flugge's Rancho, and wish in M a y to put some one on it. I send this in duplicate, and the Californian from N o . . . to N o . . . .

[5>] [JAMES BIDDLE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

U . S. Ship Columbus Monterey March 14, 1847

Sir

I HAVE received your letter of the 13th in which you say you only wish to know if your wharf is taken from you by government. Certainly you already know that I have not taken your wharf from you, and that I cannot possibly have any information upon the subject except that which you have written to me. Very Respectfully Your Most Obedient James Biddle, Comg. Pacific Squad.

[JAMES BIDDLE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

U . S. Ship Columbus Monterey March 14, 1847

Sir

I HAVE received your letter of the 13th. I can only say that I have been upwards of 47 years in the N a v y , and as far as I know our public ships upon foreign stations always pay for what they buy. It appears from the copy of the contract which you sent me, that the whole amount of the bread which you contracted to furnish was to be delivered on or before the middle of last November. Very Respectfully Your Most Obedient James Biddle

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JAMES BIDDLE. COPY. OFF. CORR. I : i 6 o . ]

Sir

Monterey March 14, 1847

^LCCOMPANYING this you have a copy of a contract for bread. You will oblige me by informing me if the respective pursers of the Squadrons who had

— [ 5> ] the bread are to pay for it, or to whom I am to apply. Your answer before the sailing of the Savannah will oblige me. I am Your most Obdt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin T o Commodore James Biddle

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO S A M U E L FRANCIS DUPONT. COPY. OFF. CORR. I : 1 6 3 . |

Monterey March 14, 1847

Sir Y

O U

will be pleased to receive from Messrs. Roussillon & Sainsevain,

bakers, at Santa Clara, the balance of the contract for bread, amounting to, say from twelve to thirteen thousand pounds. I remain With respect Your most obdt Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin T o Comdg. J. F. D u Pont U . S. Ship Cyanne, Bay of San Francisco

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOSÉ DE J E S U S VALLEJO. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 6 4 . ]

Monterey March 14, 1847 Jose Jesus Vallejo

Sir demands you may have upon me for flour I wish you to present to me for payment, before the departure of Commodore Stockton, from the country, otherwise I cannot be held responsible for them. Respectfully & c . & c . (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ISAAC CHILDS. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 6 5 . ]

Monterey March 15, 1847 Dear Brother

" Y o u r letter and one from America was received during my imprisonment. I felt much anxiety to know that Oliver and Frederic had arrived. I found your letter in my wife's hands on my return home. Respecting Oliver's and Frederic's spending money, I wish them to have each, the same as you allow your own son. Oliver is of a speculative mind and may ask for a host of articles. A t his age you remember I was just where he now is, and was a great trader for a boy. The money you give your boy is six times more per week than you or I had in our boyhoods. Y o u must in all cases use your own discretion about the boys. I wrote to them three or four times in 1 8 4 6 . 1 now send you some newspapers. You can if you choose shew my journal to your printer. Send the papers and this letter to Ann, as I have no time to write. I cannot promise, but I shall try to go home this fall, and return immediately, stopping in the States two or three months. I remain, Your Obdt. Servant (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin M r Isaac Childs Lynn Massachusetts

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO RICHARD SOMERSET DEN. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 6 6 . ]

Monterey March 15, 1847 D r R. S. Den Pueblo de los Angeles Sir

.ACCOMPANYING this you have a Government paper you gave me to present to Purser Speiden. A s I told you they would not pass thus. The purser refered them to the Surgeon for valuation, who would have nothing to do with them. I gave them on my return to Monterey to your brother, who unknown to me left them here, I supposing they were packed up in his trunk.

[54] T h e form of your demand is all right—could not be better, but one half of the price would be called dear—yet might pass. Your brother also thought they were very high. I am Yours respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ROBERT FIELD STOCKTON. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 6 7 . ]

Monterey March 15, 1847 Sir O n

my arrival here, I found the arrangements of yours relative to the

Council would be annulled, and soon after I was told you would be here in a few days. I wrote to Col. Fremont and not to you, under the idea that you would be on your way up. Don M . G . Vallejo came as far as Yerba Buena, on his way south. Although the members might have been willing to serve, yet they and the community disliked the Capital being at the Angeles. W e have here two Commodores, and I think Commodore Shubrick is much mortified at the promises and counter arrangements of Secretary Bancroft. H e goes to San Francisco. T h e only one, I think, in fact. In my opinion neither of them will do much in California, and should circumstances afford them an opportunity, I do not believe they will ever, jointly, do what you have singly done. I am very anxious to see you again in Monterey. It is of much importance that you should be here with Colonel Fremont to settle hundreds of accounts that the present Commanders will hardly look at. I think Capt. Hull has accepted and approved of many bills of expenses of Col. Fremont's Captains, to make the holders believe in the credit of your Government and different appointments. I wish I could believe that others higher in rank was of the same mind for action as Capt. Hull. You are at present third in command on this coast, and perhaps others may talk light of your campaign because you have left nothing for them to do. Whether you are third or not, I hope you will be among us this spring and we will show them some rides and some balls. Your presence here, and at the North will shew you that you are not yet forgot, but well remembered. I may be mistaken but I think your Seniors in Office would speak but little in your favour. Yet I think should you come here and use your usual and natural mode and

ways you would be third in rank, but first in order. There appears to be a desire to put off everything, to wait for Commodore Stockton and hear what he says on this, or that subject. Even with all those that are here I would value more your support and influence, than theirs, if you was at anchor alongside of them. Some say their was no occasion for the Navy to take the interior of California. Perhaps there was in their opinion no occasion for the Navy to do anything. You thinking otherwise, acted otherwise and as far as I know, all that our Navy has performed in the Mexican war was done by the order of Commodore Sloat and yourself. He was well received at home, and so will you be. I am going home this year if possible, and should be pleased to go with you, that I may be able to see and hear what I believe will take place. I do not suppose you will sail from California without coming North. In fact the act would draw down much censure, and make you many enemies among the emigrants, soldiers, and others who have three hundred thousand dollars claims against the United States Government. But should we not meet in California, which I should much regret, and I visit the States, I shall visit your family mansion house, where I should find a welcome, and feel at home without any assurances on your part. I sincerely regret you are not to remain in command on this Coast. You are now acquainted with California, and know how to act. Commodore Biddle will probably never know much about the country, and appears to be only stopping here. W i t h my best wishes for your future success, and prosperity in public and private life, I am Yours respectfully, (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin To Commodore R. F. Stockton U. S. Ship Congress

[56] [JACOB RINK SNYDER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : ^ . ]

Angeles March 15th 1847

Sir I

HAVE

this day drawn on you a bill in favour of W m . Stenner or order

for the sum of nine hundred and fifty (dolls) which I beg you to honour if it is possible for you to obtain any government funds; and place it to the act. of California Battalion, U . States Troops. Very Respectfully Your Most Obt. Servant Jacob R. Snyder Quartermaster Cali. Battalion [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JAMES BUCHANAN. 1 OFF. CORR. NO. 6 3 . ( 1 1 : 6 4 ) . ]

Monterey M a r 16, 1847

Sir

B v Commodore Sloat I forwarded to the State Department some valuable information of many pages relative to the imports, exports, resources, state of afTairs etc. of California, also a biographical history of the principal people in California with the amount of debts due by C . on the first of January 1846 as far as was known at that date by the Treasurer. I also forwarded you a list of all the civil and military officers of California on the 1 st day of Jany. 1846, with the amount of their months pay, and the sum due each officer at the time. I should be sorry to hear those dispatches did not reach the State Department. A l l is quiet here at present. I am sorry to say that I have no Dispatches from you for more than 1 2 months. I am with much respt. Your most obdt. svt. Thomas O. Larkin [Rubric] Hon. James Buchanan, Secretary of State City of Washington D . C . 1

From the original in the National Archives, Washington, D . C . T h i s document was erroneously numbered " 6 3 , " though Larkin's letter of January 1 4 already bore this number. In his letter-book, now in the Bancroft Library, Larkin assigned the correct number to his copy of the letter ( 1 1 : 6 4 ) . A n o t h e r copy of the letter appears in the first volume of the Official Correspondence ( 1 : 1 7 3 ) .

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO FAXON DEAN ATHERTON. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 7 2 . ]

Monterey March 16, 1847 M r . F. D . Atherton Valparaiso Sir ^ ^ o u r two letters by the Independence I have received. I let Don M . G . Vallejo have last October a French draft of five hundred dollars for you to send by Capt. Bonnete of the French ship Lyon. Your brother arrived here during my absence. (See papers November twenty eight and twenty nine) and went North. I sent for him and engaged him as a clerk. I send you a file of newspapers, as a subscriber. I cannot really write you much now. If I could have obtained my pay last month from the Squadron, Captain Paty and myself would have sent the Don Quixote to your port. Commodore Stockton, and Col. Fremont under the former, owe three hundred thousand dollars in California. They have no money, and up to February when I left the Commodore in San Diego, he would not sell drafts at a discount. H e sent the Erie to Callao for one hundred thousand dollars. Captain Turner thinking he had not time to be at Panama by the twentyeth of January, for the land mail, did not go for the money. T h e farmers, mechanics, Riflemen, and merchants are therefore without pay. M y house has near twenty thousand dollars against Government. On eight thousand we are paying two per cent per month borrowed money. Commodore Biddle will have nothing to do with the debts. W e look for Commandore Stockton daily and Colonel Fremont. Goods are almost as dear as ever. A t the South they are the same. Yet there may soon be a glut. Prices are very uncertain for the next six months. If you would send a cargo of fifteen or twenty thousand dollars (vessel and cargo included) to California, selecting yourself mostly wines, brandy, groceries, shoes & clothing, iron, bread, flour, some dry goods, I will be concerned in half the risk, profits, and loss. I remain Yours respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[58] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO J E S S I E (BENTON) FREMONT. COPY. OFF. CORR. K I 7 I . ]

Monterey March 16, 1847 Mrs. Jesse Benton Fremont Madam " Y o u r much esteemed favour of the [24th July, 1846] with Col. Fremont's Journal I received per United States Ship Independence. I am much obliged to you for the journal. A copy of your letter I forwarded to Col. Fremont, at the Ciudad of the Angeles, four hundred miles south, supposing he had no letter from you at the time, as at that date you expected he was on the homeward road. By Colonel Mason Colonel F. received letters. You overate my services to your husband. Had you not made such kind mention of them, I should never have supposed I had done more for him than any other United States officer who has been in California. Commodore Stockton gave to Colonel Fremont the appointment of Governor of California, subject to the approval of the President. H e also appointed a Council of seven members to assist the Governor in forming a Constitution and Code of Laws for California. I was one of the Council appointed for two years. I accepted, with the understanding of my resignation in two or three months or as soon as Governor Fremont could have the Council brought together, and organized, and another found to take my place. The arrival of General Kearney and Commodore Shubrick annul all this arrangement of Commodore Stockton. I presume Col. Fremont will leave here in two or three months for the States. I expect him here in twenty or twenty five days. I was with him last in June, at the South. By this conveyence I send you a few of the Monterey newspapers. I am with much respect Your most Obdt. Servt. (Signed) T . O. Larkin

[59] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOHN CHARLES FREMONT. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 6 9 . ]

Monterey March 16, 1847 Lieut. Col. J. C . Fremont

Sir I WROTE to you by Juan Flaco and by M r . Knight, to which I have no answer to this date. I have taken the deed from Alvarado for the ten or eleven leagues of land. The drafts sent to Oahu allowing the discount will cover the sale. M r . Greene is obliged to go South to see Commodore Stockton, and yourself to settle his account. H e has borrowed at two per cent, per month over six thousand dollars in cash. H e can go no farther in his business until he can recover some part of his claims. You will oblige us both by assisting him. Hoping to see you soon I do not write much at present. I regret exceedingly that former Government arrangements cannot be carried out. I hear very favourable reports of your gaining popularity among the Californians. Y o u have acted as Governor of California, and you will so be known by the United States at large, and although the time was short, it will be of future service to you in the public opinion. More of these affairs when we meet. I am Your Obdt. Servant (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOHN CHARLES FREMONT. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 7 0 . ]

Monterey March 16, 1847 Col. J. C . Fremont

Sir I THINK it would save you and the paymaster some trouble, by giving to M r . Green a draft of large amount, and he undertake to pay off the Riflemen, and others, when in funds. M r . Green, should he meet you, will offer some plan of arrangement to this effect. I remain, Yours Sincerely (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[6o] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ARCHIBALD H. GILLESPIE. COPY. OFF. CORR. I: 1 7 4 . ]

Monterey March 16, 1847

Sir ^ A c c o m p a n y i n g this you have your account current to date by which you find . . . in my favour. I have been obliged to charge you all Capt. Leidesdorff's account, he holding my orders to last June to advance to you. I must pay him. N o attention whatever is paid by the Purser of the Warren to Commodore Stockton's draft. H e will neither pay it, nor protest it. Will you oblige me by settling with M r . Greene for the above amount. I am Yours respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin T o Capt. A . H . Gillespie Pueblo de los Angeles

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ROBERT FIELD STOCKTON. COPY. OFF. CORR. I : i 6 8 . ]

Monterey March 16, 1847 Commodore R. F. Stockton

Sir N

OT knowing when you will be in Monterey, M r . Greene is obliged

to go to San Diego, with the hopes of meeting you and Colonel Fremont. I have advanced in September and October four thousand five hundred dollars in cash and hides on account of the bread contract. I could not engage to accept the contract, only at the original price, and I pay in advance. T h e remainder of the bread will I suppose be delivered on board the Cyanne this week, making the sum six thousand dollars. The money I advanced is worth to me ninety dollars per month, since October. I shall by M r . Greene, send a certified copy of the certificates as far as I have them. T h e Purser of the Portsmouth did not give me the bakers receipts at San Diego. I asked him four or five times for one. H e always answered by saying in an hour or two. I have Capt. Hull's certificates for the amount taken by the Portsmouth.

M r . Greene informs me he is paying two per cent per month, or over six thousand dollars for money advanced Government at different periods. His business is therefore brought to a stand for the present. I mention these things to shew you the necessity of his seeing you immediately. You are aware I have during our acquaintance never pressed on you my private affairs before this time. I wish you would give M r . Greene a document stating his salary as Collector from the receipt of his commission, granting him as fair a sum, per year, as you can. Your kind and prompt attention to M r . Greene in settling his account will oblige both of us. I suppose you will have to give him drafts. The United States drafts sold at Yerba Buena were disposed of at from fifteen to twenty per cent. I sent four thousand dollars in drafts to Oahu which sold at eighteen per cent discount. Is there any way that you can give me a large amount of drafts in different sums, and I agree to pay off the Riflemen, and claims of any legal kind, that have, or may be approved of by you or Colonel Fremont. If this can be done I will give my property in pledge, as security, and you would afford me an opportunity of doing a good business. M y time since Jany. 1846 has been spent for Government. I often told you that one thousand dollars per month would not pay me for the last ten months, yet I am well satisfied with my part in the wars, and do not wish to recall the time. I however now wish to turn Merchant, and will prepare myself for business. In the hurry and press of time caused by the wars M r . Greene may not have all his papers well made out. If so will you please order to M r . Speiden to assist him. I hope something can be done to make good so much interest paid out. I have made out a Bill for wharfage, as the two Commodores think the United States Government need not take the wharf and pay my claim on it, amounting to four thousand and fifty nine dollars with some interest. You will oblige me by admitting the account. I remain Yours respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 7 6 . ]

Monterey March 17, 1847 E . L. Childs Esqr. Washington City, D . C . Sir

T H I S

will be handed you by Lieut. N . M . Howison, U . S. N a v y , who

has been attached to the Pacific Squadron and has spent some time upon California. H e will be able to furnish you with much information, in every particular, respecting California, and the movements of the Squadron here. Very respectfully Your most Obdt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 7 7 . ]

Monterey March 17, 1847 E. L. Childs Esqr. Washington City D . C . Sir

I^RMIT

me to introduce to you D . Fauntleroy Esqr. Purser in U . S.

N a v y , lately attached to the Squadron in the Pacific, and who has spent the last year in California. Y o u will learn much from him that will interest you, as he has travelled somewhat in the interior of the country. Very respectfully Your most Obdt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[63] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ALEXANDER MCRAE. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 7 5 . ]

Monterey March 17, 1847 Alexander McRae Esqr.

Sir _toR some years I have lost all trace of my former friends in N e w Hanover. For a short time I had a few correspondents there. N o w none. In 1844 I had the very great pleasure of affording Consular assistance to one of the Mallet family of North Carolina, in a visit I was making to San Francisco at the North. By him I sent home many letters to reopen my old Carolina correspondence. In September last while with Commodore Stockton taking possession of different towns in California, I met a son of yours. This caused me at the time to address a letter to you, to know if I could obtain your assistance in learning something about some debt I may owe there, if they were not paid by the Trustees; for of no one, or no business can I learn respecting this affair. I again write to you on this subject, as my first letter may have failed. I forward to you two or three newspapers of Monterey, the first ever published here. Your son, this week sent me some Wilmington newspapers, but not a name can I trace out of my acquaintance. If you will hand the papers I send to you to one of your editors, it will be the means of shewing all my old friends my whereabouts. For much time before our flag was raised here I was much engaged in Government business in California. If there had been no war the three coloured flag would have flown its last in California in '48. In October your son was stoping with my family. H e now says I have too much "Big Company," General Kearny Colonel Mason and others being members of my household. I have a dance today, and hope your son will attend. He, knowing Spanish, can enjoy himself better than many of his brother officers. I am Yours respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[64] [RODMAN M . PRICE TO TALBOT H. GREEN. V ^ . ]

Cyane, San Francisco M a r c h 17th 1847 DrSir

I

ENCLOSE

you m y certificate of the amt. of bread received on board this

ship from St. Jose, approved b y Captain DuPont. I think it is in such form, as you can receive your pay upon its approval by the Commodore, with an order for its payment. I have never seen the contract under which the bread was delivered & was therefore unable to state the price. I suppose you are very busy with so large a fleet in your harbour, & I hope on the high road to fortune. It gives me great pleasure to facilitate your receiving payment for the supplies you furnish. Please make m y warm reccollections to M r . & M r s . Larkin. Resptfly. & truly yrs. Rodman M . Price

[RODMAN M. PRICE. RECEIPT FOR BREAD. V ^ . ]

U . S. Ship Cyane San Francisco M a r c h 17th 1847

I

CERTIFY

that the following amounts of bread have been received on

board this ship from St. Jose under the contract with Thomas O . Larkin Esqr. and not paid for by this s h i p — D e c e m b e r 1 i t h 1 8 4 6 — 1 7 4 0 lbs., December 17th 1 8 4 6 — 1 3 4 1 lbs., M a r c h 4th 1847—9929 lbs., making in all 12,910 lbs (twelve thousand nine hundred and ten pounds of bread). I have given separate receipts for the bread received, and have paid freight and charges of thirty dollars for transporting the bread from St. Jose to Yerba Buena, which I believe is chargeable upon the contract—given in duplicate. Rodman M . Price, Purser A p p d . S. F. DuPont, Commander

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM M. ROGERS. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 7 8 . ]

Monterey March 17, i847 W m . M . Rodgers Boston Dear Sir time since I sent to the house of Mott Talbot & Co. Mazatlan

S O M E

the first of a set of Exchange, drawn by J. C . Fremont, Brevet Captain Topographical Engineers U . S. Army on Colonel J. J. Abert, Chief of the Topographical Bureau, Washington, for one thousand dollars to be forwarded to their agents to be remitted to you in cash. I have received no advices from you upon the subject, and know not whether one ever reached you. Enclosed you will find the second of the same, which if the first has not been paid will be honored when presented at Washington. Should the first have been paid this will become annulled. With respect I remain Your Obdt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O Larkin

[RICHARD M. SHERMAN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

San Francisco March 17, 1847 T . O. Larkin Esqr Sir "YOURS

of the fifth was duely received. Supposeing you would come up

here very soon after your arrival in Monterey, I did not write you by the Savannah or Warren as I otherwise should have done. In relation to the Presidio I have not been able to go out as I have been very much confined & horses very hard to procure. I know however that some of the tiles have been brought from there here. Learning that M r . J. C . Davis had brought some, I spoke to him about it. He said he did not know that they belonged to any individual & if they did he would pay for all he got. I think some others have brought tiles & will make enquiries. Capt. Mervine of the Savannah brought quite a lot of adobies from there for Melius & Howard who wanted them for ovens to bake

[66] bread for the ship. I suppose he will settle w i t h you for w h a t he has done in this w a y . I have done nothing about paying for the fence on your lot here, though Ridley says he owns it. C a p t . Paty sold off the old adobies; some to M e l i u s & H o w a r d . I had a long talk w i t h M r . F . W a r d , C a p t . Paty's agent about it, but he contended they belonged to Paty and he had a right to take them off. If they have done w r o n g or w h a t they had no right to do, they are liable to prosecution. I gave C a p t . H u l l permission to use your oven, on your lot. H e built a house over it & also another on the northwest corner of the lot. I could not see that this would be any disadvantage to y o u . C a p t . D u p o n t is still bakeing in the oven. N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g all m y care and caution to many, some one has carried off a few pieces of the fence. I have not heard of the intention of any one to make brick on your land, b u t will enquire. I will if possible go over next Sunday and see w h a t can be done about m a k e i n g 2 or 3 houses habitable. I am willing to serve y o u in any w a y I can, and will look out for your lot here, but I am so confined to m y business here and the Precidio is so far off, that it is impossible for me to pay that attention to that property w h i c h the nature of the case requires. In fact it can not be well guarded unless some one lives there. It seems to me, people think here, that all property not in the very snug possession of some one is common & use it as such. Perhaps some one not so m u c h confined m i g h t be found to take care of the Precidio. I would b y no means take upon myself responcibility w h i c h I can not attend to. I would prefer, that y o u engage some one else to look to the repairs of the Precidio. I am Y o u r T r u l y R. M . Sherman [Rubric]

[HENRY FREDERICK TESCHEMACHER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

Y e r b a Buena M a r 17 1847 T h o m a s O . Larkin Esq Dear Sir SINCE

m y arrival here I have been so busy that I have not had much

time to attend to your business. H o w e v e r I saw the man to w h o m w e talked about the affair, and he tells me that he cannot do it for less than fifteen hundred dollars ($1500). I shall advertise in this week's paper, and y o u can either make

[6/] an arrangement with him or wait for other proposals, but I think that you will not get it done for less. M r s . Hinckley is not here, but I intend going to Pinole shortly and will then see her on the subject. N o t h i n g new here to m y knowledge, but as I have not been on shore much I cannot undertake to give you all the scandal. Capt. Arther is still in port and will probably stop some time longer. Loochoo, S. Drew, and M o u n t Vernon daily expected. T h e Xylon has arrived at last; nineteen days from the Islands. M r . M c C l u r g comes on as passenger and brings some cargo, but how much I do not know. Intending to write again soon I remain Y o u r M o . O b t . Svt. Frederick R. Teschemacher [Rubric] P. S. M r . Leese has just arrived and has not brought me any definite answer about the adobies. D o n Salvador does not appear to be very anxious about the affair. Y r . F.R.T.

[ W I L L I A M H E A T H DAVIS T O T H O M A S OLIVER LARKIN.

San Francisco M a r c h 18, 1847 T . O . Larkin Esqr Dear Sir

Yours

of the 11 th was dueiy received. I have not to m y recollection

said any thing to any one in relation to the subject you allude to in that communication. W h e n I gave you that information I did it for your good, having myself no interest in the matter. In relation to m y title to the lot in rear of your Vallejo lot, I am satisfied with it. I shall probably leave next week for the S. Islands in the brig, and intend to send her back immediately with a cargo. I will send you some black sand by the Moscow if I can get some. I remain Yours truly William H . Davis [Rubric]

[WILLIAM DANE PHELPS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN? COPY. VOL. V ^ I . ]

Ciudad de los Angeles M a r c h 18, 1847 T H I S is to certify that there is now due Messrs. W a r d & Smith the sum of three hundred & fifty dollars for ammunition & c . furnished for the use of the California Battalion, United States forces. (Signed) John K . Wilson, Ord. Officer Cal. Battn. U . S. Forces. Approved (Signed) J. C . Fremont Lt. Col. U S A Copy Angeles, M a r c h 12th 1847 This is to certify that there is due W a r d & Smith the sum of one hundred & forty one dollars 5 0 / 1 0 0 , for sundries furnished the California Battalion, United States Forces, as pr vouchers rendered. Signed J. R. Snyder Quartermaster Cal. Battn. U S Forces. Approved (signed) J. C . Fremont Lt. Col. U . S . A . T h e above certificates bear the endorsement of W a r d & Smith to }. B. M c C l u r g & C o . after that, the endorsement of the latter party. It has been represented at Washington, by M r . F. W a r d that W a r d & Smith's signature is not genuine. T o obviate any objection which the Govt, may have to paying when they are ready to [do] so, it is desirable to obtain a deposition or certificate from some party having knowledge of it, stating that the certificates were duly assigned or sold to M c C l u r g & C o . for value reed. M r . A b e l w h o was senior partner of the latter firm & w h o I understand is now in San Francisco can probably explain the matter & give a deposition stating that he reed, the certificates from W a r d & Smith and paid the full value named therein for the same. I received the certificates from J. B. M c C l u r g endorsed by the firm of M c C . & C o . for hides which I sold & delivered to him in Monterey. These with other claims of a similar character were endorsed by me to J. B. Eaton of Boston, Mass. & he is the only person who has the exclusive right to receive them. T h e most important point would be to obtain from W a r d & Smith or either of them signing for the firm, or a legal assignee or assignees of the firm, a power of attorney—a form of which as required b y Govt. I annex. Frank W a r d has been sought f o r — b u t w e are unable to learn his place of residence and it is difficult to conceive what his object would be in denying their signature.

[69] I£ M r . Larkin will have the kindness to do what is needful in the above matter I shall feel much obliged & I doubt not that M r . Abel will also set this matter right so far as he can & much oblige, his H . Svt. W m . D . Phelps Know all men by these presents that I (Frank Ward or any one authorised to sign for the firm) of

county of

and State of

hereby constitute & make Joseph B. Eaton of Boston, Mass. my attorney and in m y stead to receive of the Government of the United States the amount of the two claims described as follows, Viz. (Copy) "Ciudad de los Angeles March 18, 1847. This is to certify that there is now due Messrs. Ward & Smith the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars for ammunition & c . furnished for the use of the California Battalion U . S. Forces. (Signed) John K . Wilson, Ord. Officer Cal. Batt. U . S. Forces. Approved (Signed) J. C . Fremont Lt. Col. U . S . A . Ciudad de los Angeles March 1 2 , 1 8 4 7 This is to certify that there is due Ward & Smith, the sum of one hundred & forty one dollars, 5 1 / 1 0 0 , for sundries furnished the Cal. Battalion U . States Forces, as per vouchers rendered. (Signed) J. R. Snyder, Quarter Master Cal. Battn. U . S . Forces. Approved (Signed) J. C . Fremont Lt. Col. U . S . A . " This power of attorney refers to "Act of Congress for support of the Army"—approved A u g . 5th 1854. Signed in presence of Signature of Ward & Smith Place & date Witnesses Then personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the County of

State of

acknowledgment of deeds, the above named going having been read & fully explained to him edges the same to be

free act & deed.

having authority to take and the foreacknowl-

[70] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ARCHIBALD H. GILLESPIE. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 7 9 . ]

Dear Sir

Monterey March 24, 1847

Yo .OURS of the fifth was received. Colonel Russell returned back and forwarded the letters in his charge by the last person, three days after this first opportunity. Owing to this you and others will not receive letters per Savannah. Purser Ware would neither pay nor protest the draft from Commodore Stockton. I then applied to the Alcalde and there could not succeed until I received the whole set of drafts. I suppose the Moscow has them. I have paid M r . Roubedor, and all orders of yours that has been presented. W e are owing over eight thousand dollars borrowed money at two per cent. Have had no goods for a long time. This borrowed money has been advanced to Government, as we obtained it. I was aware per Don Quixote that Arguerra's [Aguirre's] bark would bring but little in goods or money. I sold to M r . Greene at cost my half of the Quixote's cargo. I am glad the policy of Colonel Fremont gains friends. When I was at the South I could see this was to be the case. I know your feeling and opinion is different, but believe his course is the best policy. I am inclined to think you suppose I have forgotten my early compatriots and that you yet expect me with the other members of the council to go to the South, to the Pueblo. By no means have I forsaken them, nor can I go South as one of the Legislature. Captain Du Pont was prevented from going back. I was told that the Commodore would soon be here, and I know that Colonel Fremont was ordered here, and you to Washington. What could I expect if I went down, to see no one? M r . McLane wrote to Colonel Fremont. I wrote twice to him. I suppose our letters offended him as he did not answer them. Mine was written in good part. If I offended it was without such intention. I admit that our mutual friend was appointed Governor by him who had the power when he promised the appointment; but with General Kearny above one, Commodore Shubrick higher than the other, what could I do? The names of Stockton and Fremont, I support day by day, however numerous or strong their opposers. From last September to this time have I endeavoured to purchase writing paper for you. I am asking Pursers and Captains for a quire at a time. Had I in February been sure that you all would have been at the South until this time I should have gone there. A s a deputy to act I could not, for none of the number

would have gone with me. T h e "Star" has much to say about this assumption of power in appointing this Council. From all the long tongues and big tongues, I get it in every shape at the Yerba Buena. I have seen a letter from Semple, in a home paper trying to prove I keep down all patriotism in California, and have other letters, printed and original, condemning me and my views in every way. T h e new emigration think none but themselves placed our Flag in California. You better than any other person now in California know how long I have been engaged, and how deeply in Government affairs. I do not know that I understand your observations of our worshiping the rising sun, and that we may find ourselves in some future fog. I shall not if I am able to assist those I began with in '46. I shall do but little as I am becoming merchant. One thousand dollars per month would not be a compensation for my loss of time in Government business since you landed in California, or rather since June 1846. This I often told Commodore Stockton of. President Polk cannot give me an office equal to my commercial business. In all I have been engaged, as far as he knows, he approves of. This I know by my despatches, and from his different conversations with others. Therefore I have my reward. I do not think that Commodore Stockton's letters or newspaper writers will admit of my claims. This matters not. I now return to what I came from—commerce. I wish to write to Colonel Fremont but have wrote too much and not received answers. I must wait until next opportunity. I remain Your Obdt. Servant. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin T o Capt. A . H . Gillespie Pueblo de los Angeles

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JUAN BANDINI. COPY. OFF. CORR. l : i 8 o . ]

Monterey March 25, 1847 Don Juan Bandini Sir I did not go to the Angeles, as we both expected, you must have been surprised that I did not write to you. On my arrival here I found Commodore Shubrick who ranked Commodore Stockton soon after reaching here. The

latest instructions came from Washington as you must have seen, by the joint proclamation of the Commanding Generals. Commodore Shubrick counter ordered the return of the Cyanne to carry me and the other deputies to San Diego. I had suffered too much by imprisonment to go South on horseback, and the other members would not proceed South as members until they were fully aware who was Governor. They could not acknowledge Col. Fremont, when they knew there was one General and three Colonels above him. Of course there is a probability that Col. Fremont may yet be appointed Governor of California by President Polk. In that case all others either Naval or Military will come under his orders. I suppose Colonel Fremont did not like my remaining here. I understood Commodore Stockton would be in Monterey before the first of this month, and the Colonel during the month. I now wish I had gone South if only as a private person. A s Commodore Stockton wished the Council to open at the Pueblo, I said nothing against it, but was confident the majority would make objections to the location. I shall always recommend that there be five hundred soldiers stationed at the Pueblo, or South of it until peace. After that event none will be needed within the towns—at least a year afterwards. I beg of you to forward the boat you spoke of, and draw on me for the expense. Your letter to Gen. Vallejo, and Alvarado they received. Don Guadelupe and Don Prudon and W . W . Leace are now here. The Thomas H . Perkins with two hundred and fifty soldiers, Susan Drew with the same, and two ships with stores and munitions of war have arrived. Three others are expected. Business here and at the North is at a stand for want of money. It will require three hundred and fifty thousand dollars to pay the Govt, debts in California from Sept. to April. The Vandalia leaves today for the South. With my respects to your family and Mrs. Stearns, I am Yours respectfully

(Signed) Thomas O Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO EDWIN BRYANT. COPY. O F F . CORR. 1 : 1 8 2 . ]

Sir

Monterey March 26, 1847

H

AVING

a little leisure I forward this to you. Capt. Turner arrived here

on the twenty fourth from San Luis Rey. Colonel Cook with two hundred and fifty men was to take command in the Pueblo de los Angeles. Major Swords, Quarter Master, is on his way to Monterey by land, from the Pueblo.

The German Bark Matilda arrived at San Pedro, with a cargo of Mexican goods, from San Bias, brings intelligence that she spoke the "Portsmouth" off Cape San Lucas; all well. General Scott with twenty thousand men was marching from Tampico for Vera Cruz, where he would act in connection with a fleet of twenty three Sails under Commodore Connor. General Wool was marching into Sonora. The inhabitants had in public juntas adopted resolutions not to fight the United States Army without something besides orders from Mexico. Lieut. Col. Fremont and Captain Jose Jesus Pico arrived at my house yesterday three and a half days from the Pueblo de los Angeles (four hundred miles). Col. Fremont came on business with General Kearney. He left today expecting to reach the Pueblo in three days. The Warren will probably sail in a few days for San Pedro to bring up all the Batallion of Lieut. Col. Fremont, who will himself return to Monterey by land about the tenth or twelfth of April. This intimation to yourself and friends will give you an opportunity of seeing him on business while he remains here. Colonel Russell with 3 party of fifteen men was preparing to leave the Pueblo for the United States. I presume he has gone. A false report was raised at the South, by interested people, that some troops were on the march from Sonoma [Sonora], when a M r . Money arrived from that department with information that Capt. Flores, Ex Prefect Castro, and others who fled from California in January reached Sonoma [Sonora] on foot. This did not look like troops coming to California under Flores Command. I should be happy to hear from you. Yours respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin To E. Bryant, Esqr. Alcalde of San Francisco

[74] [WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK1N. V ^ . ]

San Francisco March 26th 1847 Thos. O. Larkin Esqr. Monterey Sir

"YOURS

of the 20th inst. came to hand this day, requesting me to act as

your agent in relation to the house, lot and Presidio, to which I have no objections, but you are aware that the "Presidio" is in possession of the U . S. Government, and in order to act as agent I must have the documents to prove that it is your property. Yours Very Respectfully, W m . A . Leidesdorff [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ELBERT P. JONES, EDITOR OF THE "CALIFORNIA STAR." COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 8 1 . ]

Monterey March 27, 1847 Sir T H E Reverend Padre Francisco Rial having adopted the singular course of publishing in the "Star" an uncalled for letter from his Reverence to myself, I am obliged to forward to you my answer, which by common courtesy should have been sent by him. Had I commenced this correspondence, it would in my opinion have been a breach of trust to have made it public, much more so when his Reverence commenced it without necessity. Should he continue this course he must do without any farther remarks from me, as I forward this with reluctance. I remain Your most obedient (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin T o Editor of "California Star" San Francisco

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN AND JAMES STOKES. L E A S E . V : ^ . ]

[March 27, 1847]

0 > o n t r a c t

entered into this 27th day of March A . D . 1847, between

James Stokes on the one part and Thomas O. Larkin on the other part: "Witnesseth" That for and in consideration of the sum of eight hundred & twenty dollars, to be paid unto the said James Stokes, his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, by the said Thomas O. Larkin, the said James Stokes, his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns bind themselves, to rent the dwelling house, store and lot, situated at the head of the principle street in Monterey, with its outhouses, sheds, garden, and all other appurtenances contained within the walls of said premises, except the corner shop, occupied by . . . for the term of one year. Possession to be given and rent to commence on the 1st day of M a y A . D . 1847; payments to be made quarterly in four equal proportions of $ 2 0 5 dollars, each. It is understood by this contract, that when the buildings and premises are delivered back to the said James Stokes, they are to be in as good order, repair, and condition as at present, with the exception of reasonable wear and tear & unavoidable accidents excepted. It is agreed by the said Thomas O. Larkin that the shop fixtures now attached to the premises, if removed, shall be replaced by the said Thomas O. Larkin, and at his expense: all improvements, alterations and repairs to be made by the said Thomas O. Larkin at his expense, but the premises not to be used as a hotel. Signed this 27th day of March, A . D . eighteen hundred and forty seven, at Monterey California. James Stokes

Thomas O. Larkin [Rubric]

Witness Edwd. L. Stetson [Rubric] Monterey April 28, 1847 T h e above contract is hereby this day annulled, made void and of no effect, by mutual consent. James Stokes Witness Edwd. L. Stetson [Rubric]

Thomas O. Larkin [Rubric]

[RICHARD M . SHERMAN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

San Francisco March 30, 1847 T . O. Larkin Esq

Sir

"Yours of the 18th was received this morning by James Antonio. I have not seen Brookie but from what I hear, think he must be a worthless fellow. Antonio has given him $8. for which he has endorsed the contract over to Antonio entirely. This I conceive to be well as I think Antonio is a smart man & determined to go ahead. In relation to the purchase of 12}/% feet of Mrs. Hinckley, M r . Teschermacher will attend to that, though I do not think she will sell any of her land at a reasonable rate. M r . T . is now here. I have put Antonio in possession of one of the sheds built on your lot & think it will answer well for him. T h e Government left one end of this shed entirely open. A little cash will be required soon to pay for the closeing up of this end & for any other incidental expense that may occur, also some to pay Antonio soon after he commences, as the purchase of a scraper & of tools will be expensive here & will probably take most of the money Brookie has left him. If I had money I would advance any small sum that might be required but I have none & know of no one of whom I can hire it. I think $ 1 0 0 or $ 1 5 0 would be sufficient to commence with. M r . O'Farrell says he has not commenced the survey of your land yet but will soon. T h e Govt, has taken the Precidio in and I believe has already made three or four of the houses habitable. If you can not at present engage some one else to do so, I will endeavour for the present, to look out as well as my business will permit for the workmen, but it will be impossible for me to do so long, as I expect to leave here in three months for the leeward coast. I Remain Yours & c . R. M . Sherman [Rubric] P. S. If M r . Stetson is with you, please say to him, that M r . Davis thinks there was a letter put on board the Euphemia in Monterey by him for me. If so it got mislaid as I have not received any from him. Yours & c . R. M . S. [Rubric]

[WILLIAM HEATH DAVIS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V^Ó.]

San Francisco M a r c h 30, 1847 T . O . Larkin Esq Sir

I

on or about the 20th inst. to M r . T . H . Green a package contain-

SENT

ing papers of importance. I sent it by M r . Richardson of the Moscow & marked it on the envelope "Private." I have recently learnt that M r . Green has gone south, and as these papers are valuable I feel some anxiety about them. W i l l you have the goodness to write me by first opportunity and say whether you have received such a package. If you have please take good care of it till the return of M r . Green to Monterey and oblige Yours T r u l y W . H . Davis b y R. M . Sherman [Rubric]

[FAXON DEAN ATHERTON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

Valparaiso M a r c h 3 1 , 1 8 4 7 Thomas O . Larkin Esq Monterrey Dear Sir

I

have

already written some half dozen letters to your address without

having had the pleasure of a reply, although it is perhaps as yet hardly time. Letters were received here from San Francisco something like a month ago by M r . Hobson giving a reported story of Capt. Stockton having defeated Castro's party near the Pueblo. Since which we have received news from Oahu to Dec 8/46 giving information taken there by the " D o n Quixote." A m o n g s t other items it stated you had been taken prisoner, how, why, when, or wherefore I could not learn. H o w they came to get hold of you, or who had hold of you, is to me an enigma. W h e r e the devil was you when taken? In the country of course. However I am pretty well satisfied they will not have done you much harm, perhaps you have not been taken at all. H o w is it that Castro and his gang have been allowed to get ahead so far in

[78] the Pueblo. I am afraid there has been bad management. W h y leave so few men in a place like the Pueblo? Where were the Marines of the two Frigates. They surely should have been sent on shore to keep guard if there were no other soldiers to be had. I am afraid affairs have been managed there as all our naval affairs are managed, damd badly with very few exceptions. Our friend Capt. Dupont I have great faith in and if he has an opportunity feel certain will do the needful, but he is but one among a number. Ere this I make no doubt that my favourite Capt. Fremont, will have put things to music if he has been allowed an opportunity. A few days since I saw in the London Times a very interesting letter copied from the Washington Union written by Senator Benton giving a most interesting account of his proceedings in California. The story appeared to me all very straight till he came to the account of Col. Fremont being stopped by the snow on the mountains in the month of June from proceeding to Oregon, and consequently oblidged in self defence to turn upon our friend Castro who is represented as pursuing him. Now, was it the snow or Lieut. Gillespie with despatches from home which stopped him? It may be it was snow, but I don't believe it, and I doubt if any one else will who has read his book so much as I have. The man who will start from Vancouver in the month of November to find his way across the Rocky Mountains, is not to be deterred by California mountains in the month of June. That part of the story will do for people at home to swallow. God grant that no untoward accident may happen to Capt. F. in his journeyings. It will give me exceeding great pleasure to hear of his success, and I hope in the course of time to have the pleasure of devouring another of his interesting accounts of his travels. From what I can hear I suppose Stearns, Temple & c have been levied upon to support the expenses of the war on the part of Castro & Co. I am interested to know how Don Guadalupe stands affected by affairs there. I have an idea he will be on our side if not from choice at least from interest. Perhaps Alvarado would be the same if he had as much interest at stake. I have finally obtained a passage for young Vallejo in the Confederación and have drawn on his father for the passage money, say one hundred dollars, which I hope he will make no difficulty in paying. The balance of account against the young man is some five hundred dollars which I have written Don Guadalupe you could put him in the way of sending me either by Government drafts, whalers drafts, or cash should there be any vessel coming this way. I have given Admiral Wooster a letter of introduction to you which should he present have the goodness to show him all the kindness in your power a [MS.

[79] torn\ old gentleman is a fine honest old fellow as ever lived generous to a fault when he had the means of being so. A t present he is in rather reduced circumstances owing to the ungenerous treatment of this government. D o all you can to help him along with the sale of his cargo, which I am afraid will not do much at best. Don't forget to suscribe for the "Californian" and send me b y every opportunity. If they insert advertisements please have the inclosed card copied and I will pay the bill. Confound you if you don't write me giving the full particulars of all that has occurred and your ideas of probable occurrences. Remember me to all m y old acquaintances and wishing you all sorts of good luck I remain Yours & c . F. D . Atherton [Rubric]

[FAXON DEAN ATHERTON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARK1N. V ^ g . ]

Valparaiso M a r c h 31 / q j M r Thomas O . Larkin Monterey Dear Sir

J.his

will serve to introduce to your acquaintance M r . A l f r e d A . Town-

send, whom I take much pleasure in reccomending to your kind attentions. A n y advice or assistance you may be pleased to favour him with will confer an obligation on Yours & c , F. D . Atherton [Rubric]

[jOSIAH BELDEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ y . ]

Cooks Rancho M a r c h 31 st Mr Larkin

I

arrived

here night before last from Yerba Buena and yesterday went

to the Pueblo and engaged two men to go to work at the mine, but they will not commence until M o n d a y next on account of the feast days. I engaged M r .

Weeks to draw off a copy of the documents concerning the mine placed in the jusgado of the Pueblo by Don Andres Castillero, and I presume they are ready for me now, but I cannot get them to send by the bearer of this. I shall get them and send them to you by the next opportunity that offers. M r . Chard says the priest told him that he has now received from the government of Mexico a title for two leagues of land about the mine including all Cooks ranch and a part of Berreyesas. The title being dated in M a y last. I think he is foolish if he expects the American gov't, will allow the Mexican Gov't, to take a ranch from one man who has a good title to it and give it to another. Please write me how the [work?] goes on there, and whether the archives have come up yet. I can't get anyone to survey the land yet who understands it. Yours, }. Belden

[EDWIN B R Y A N T TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V:6o.]

San Francisco March 3 1 st 1847 My Dear Sir ^ f o u R note of the 26th inst. was duly recieved, and I feel much indebted to you for your obliging attention in transmitting the interesting intelligence which it communicates. Your note of a previous date was also recieved and the one hundred vara lots to which it refers, have been selected and granted. T h e lots deeded to you and M r . Green are the best which are vacant but not as well situated as I could have wished. There has been a great "rush" for town lots in the last month, and all the most desirable locations had been taken up, before your order arrived. W e have no intelligence from any quarter, which would be new or interesting to you. T h e people in this quarter are looking with much interest to the action of Gen. Kearny in reference to the organization of the Government, and feel every confidence that what he does will be done for the best, and well done. Rumors that the debts contracted by Com. Stockton and Col. Fremont in the progress of the war in California, would not be paid, until a special act of Congress could be passed authorizing the settlement and payment, leave a good deal of anxiety and considerable excitement. M a n y of the volunteers who have been out since last fall, are in a totally destitute condition, and their families are

[ 8 i ] suffering. T h e entire season has passed away in which they could sow and plant, and they are left with no resource for subsistence during the present summer, except the sums due them for their services. T o be deprived of these is an extreme hardship, and will create, I fear, an unhappy state of public feeling throughout the country. It is most earnestly to be hoped that Col. Fremont when he returns to Monterey, will settle up his accounts, and that measures will immediately be taken for their payment. The Moscow with a portion of Col. Stevenson's regiment of volunteers on board sailed from this port yesterday bound for Monterey. There was an arrival from the Sacramento this morning. A l l the emigrants who have been in the mountains during the winter, have reached Sutter's, except seven, some of whom have declined coming, unless their property could be brought with them. M a n y of them have died from cold and starvation. The accounts of their cannibaldom in their state of insane hunger, are more shocking than any cir{cum]stances that ever came to my knowledge. Several of them have ben brought here to have their frozen limbs amputated. I repeat my thanks to you for your letter, and for a continuance [of] your favors in this respect. Very Respectfully Yours Edwin Bryant [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO U. S. NAVY DEPARTMENT. V : 6 l . ]

[March 3 1 , 1 8 4 7 ]

U. S. N a v y Department, Purser's Department T o Thomas O. Larkin T o 6,734 pounds of bread

Dr. @

12^

$808.08

I hereby certify that I have received on board of the U . States Frigate "Savannah" six thousand, seven hundred and thirty four pounds of bread as per above bill. D . Fauntleroy, Purser Approved for eight hundred and eight dollars and eight cents. W m . Mervine, Captain Monterey California

March 3 1 , A . D . 1847

Received from Purser . . . of the U . States Ship . . . eight hundred and eight dollars and eight cents, in full for the above bill.

[8,] [ARCHIBALD H. GILLESPIE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.

\:6j.]

Angeles April ist 1847 My Dear Sir ' Y o u r favr. dated 24th ulto. came to hand 30th inst., an hour after the arrival of Col. Fremont, who, to our great surprise, arrived at one o'clock on that day, having made from this to Monterey & back, perhaps, the best time in which the journey has been performed. I regret very much to learn, that Purser W a r e did not honor the requisition for f i o o o ; for it places me in an embarrassing and delicate position. In the very great scarcity of money, I know not how to provide for the bills drawn, calculating upon an obedience to C o m m o . Stockton's order; however, the last draft of $208.32 in favor of M a j o r Swords, I shall protect b y the first oppy. to send specie to Monterey. I write him at this time, and you will oblige me by stating to him, that you have heard from me upon the subject, and that such is m y intention. I hope you will get possession of the requisition, keeping it for future action. T h e movements at your place certainly looked very much like the desertion of those in this country, whom you know have done the work. D o n Guadalupe Vallejo wrote to this place, that he and others of the Deputies were ready to come to the Angeles, and was disappointed by your not meeting the arrangements proposed. T h e impression here is, & it would seem just, that had you but shown a willingness, all would have come. C o m m o . Shubrick had nothing to do with the acts of C o m m o . Stockton previous to his arrival, and Gen'l. Kearney had less, until he received the last instructions; and then, courtesy would have dictated a different procedure, had he not been actuated by personal motives, and a feeling of importance. However, let it all go for what it is worth. T h e sequel will show whether the Government will sustain such a course as has been pursued against the officers, sent to this country before those last comers were thought of. T h e A r m y Gents may think they have caught the hare, but I doubt much if they will hold it. I thought Fremont's policy in treating these people with such distinction bad enough, but if no troops are sent to this place, and some disposition evinced to give this part of the country the same or more protection (for it requires it) than the Northern, much blood and treasure will be wasted, in putting down a revolt, which the slightest precaution might prevent. T h e people laugh at the Dra-

goons, and hold the Mormons in sovereign contempt. The bayonets of well organized infantry would make them respect both. I am told Gen'l. Kearney charged Fremont with treating the people of the country harshly. It must be a mistake; for such a charge to come from one so embittered, and who seemed to entertain such deep feelings of vengeance against these, now meritorious rascals, appears incredible. The "Warren" has not arrived. Last night & this forenoon there was a fresh S. East wind, with a fine quantity of rain. I am very happy to learn that you have such fine commercial prospects. I really hope your best expectations may be realized, & that you may reap a rich harvest from the "seed in the rich and fertile soil" of this "which soon must be our happy and prosperous home." Good old Uncle Grimes must have wished himself young again, when he read the happy effort of the last proclamation. It no doubt brought him back to his schoolboy days, when " M y name is Norval on the Grampian Hills &c" was all the rage. M y best regards to the Hon. member if you please saying I hope he is well. Remember me to McLane. Messrs. Maddox & Green are expected here daily by land from San Diego. I will write again by them. Very truly Yours Archi H . Gillespie [Rubric] Thomas O. Larkin Esqr Monterey P. S. Of course it is needless for me to remark, that the expression of opinion relative to Gen'l. Kearney's motives of action, is wholly private and confidential!—and I will add, that such is formed from what came under my own observation. In haste. Yours &c. A . H. G. [Rubric]

[FRANCIS M E L L U S TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VlÓ^]

Yerba Buena April 3, 1847 1 hos. U. Larkin hsq Dear Sir

T„

.HIS will be handed to you by M r . Robert A . Parker, supercargo of the

ship M t . Vernon. Anything you can do for him to forward his business I shall take as a personal favor to myself. With much respect I remain Your Obt. Svt. Francis Melius [Rubric]

[FRANCIS M E L L U S TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V:66.]

Thomas O. Larkin Esq

Yerba Buena April 3, 1847

Dear Sir

I

HAVE just given M r . Parker of ship M t . Vernon a letter to you. He

asked me for it and I could not well refuse him. H e has on board several articles for sale, amongst others a "3 horse power" for grinding, sawing & c . I have advised him to dispose of them in Monterey and have also mentioned to him that you will probably purchase of him. You will find him a tough customer. With much respect to yourself & family I remain Your Obt. Svt. Francis Melius [Rubric]

[ELIAB CRIMES TO TALBOT H. GREEN. V.68.]

T . H . Green Esq

San Francisco 6 April 1846 [47]

Dear Sir

Yo

_ou will not forget to present my claims on Col. Fremont. On his

return see if he will do anything about them. Should he not I may give them up as last reports are so various respecting him I do not know how to act. One is

Capt. Turner has been sent to arrest. Others say he is gone to Mexico to take charge of his regiment that was got up for him last year. Y o u will not forgit to ship the soap to Oahu when an opportunity offers. T h e X y l o n is bound there but will not take it. Says it will subject the ship to tonage duties. Truly yours E . Grimes

[WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V:6y.]

San Francisco April 6, 1847 Thos. O . Larkin Esqr Monterey Dear Sir "YOURS dated 29th ult. rec'd. this day requesting me to look after " A l e x V . Brooker" & "James Antonio" (who are to build your cellar) and containing memoranda of the contract, which I will do and pay them the amt. stated if requisite. Y o u r favor of the 20th ult. came duly to hand, was answered the 26th ult. and sent to Monterey via Santa Clara. In it I stated that I had no objections to act as your agent about the house, lot, & presidio, but the presidio being in the hands of the U . S. Government it would be nessessary to have the documents to prove that it is yours. V e r y Respectfully Yours W m . A . Leidesdorff [Rubric] Enclosed you will find the deeds for Larkin & Green's lots. A m t . Juan Castenados A / c $52.87 Bonita Diez

"

$95.00

[86] [FRANCIS M E L L U S TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

Yerba Buena April 6, 1847 Thomas O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir M

R. Teschemacher requested me to superintend your work now going

on by Antonio, and as there has already been some difficulty about the shed, erected by Govt. (Capt. Hull) upon your land, I wish to inform you of the particulars: When M r . Sherman rec'd. the land and house, the latter wanted one end to the south, and a door to the north, as also a strip under the eaves on the west side, which he had added at an expence of seventeen dollars 1 7 $ for the convenience of Antonio, who also added a floor, partition and chimney at his own expence, costing him 25$ for which amt. Capt. Dupont has agreed to settle with Antonio. Commodore Shubrick, wanting the shed for a hospital to receive some unfortunate emigrants, and not acknowledging that you had the slightest right to it, as it was Govt, property, put up by people in Govt, employ, and for the use of Govt; ordered Antonio to leave the house, giving him permission to occupy the shed erected over the oven, also by Government, at the same time refusing to allow him to remove the floor and partition, which as he probably intends to settle with him for, is right enough, or not, as you may think. The manner of Commodore Shubrick in ordering Antonio out, was, in my opinion, quite as arbitrary as ever an Emperor could assume. Had he merely said that he must have the house, but would be very willing to satisfy Antonio for his trouble and expence, it would have been different, but no, he must immediately move and not a word of reply; he even said he would take it by force. I have just seen Leidesdorff and as he has accepted the agency of your land affair I have the honor of resigning and remain Your Obt. Svt. Francis Melius [Rubric]

[87] [FRANCIS M E L L U S TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V 7 0 . ]

Yerba Buena April 6,1847 Thos. O. Larkin Esq Dear Sir IENCLOSED I send you Antonio's acct. against the U. S. Government. Capt. Dupont referred me to the Commodore and as I do not choose to have anything more to do with him, I send the affair to you, hoping you will be able to settle it for him. I remain Your Obt. Svt. Francis Melius [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO SALVADOR VALLEJO. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 8 3 . ]

Don Salvador Vallejo

Monterey April 6, : 847

Sir I HAVE agreed with Captain Wilson respecting paying him hides on your account. I can make no trades with the carpenters till you inform me in writing that you will in all M a y commence making my adobies in Yerba Buena, and finish them during the summer. A t making them and puting them up at twenty dollars a thousand you will much oblige me. By answering this, immediately, you will much oblige. Send me one letter and one to M r . Sherman in Yerba Buena. I am Yours respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[ARCHIBALD H. GILLESPIE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. SAVAGE COLLECTION, 1 1 : 7 5 . ]

My dear sir B ,

Angeles April 7th 1847

M r . Green I had the pleasure to receive your favor accompanying

my account current, which is quite satisfactory, and I only regret to find myself in your debt, when I should have a ballance due me, had my requisition been

paid, which would have been done, from what I can learn, had the three copies or triplicates been in your hands at the time of your arrival north. T o settle the ballance, I know of no other way than to let the requisition remain at is stands, for the arrival of Commr. Stockton at the North, when the same will be honored and your demand paid. I am obliged for your paying the drafts, made in favor of discharged men from the California Battalion. It is a favor which I will be very happy to reciprocate at any time. By this time, I had hoped to have been able to raise the funds, to have sent the $ 2 0 8 3 2 / 0 0 by this opp'y to meet Major Swords draft. However, either by the Warren or Col. Fremont I will send the wherewith to pay it. The arrival of Col. Mason at this moment, has been very fortunate, for although he follows out his instructions, which are harsh under the circumstances, he is very gentlemanly and reasonable, and has engendered a much better feeling than any other officer of the A r m y in command who has been here or acting immediatly under Gen'l Kearney's orders. The Dragoons have bad luck. They been again beaten, and that by the Indians. A party of twelve & a few Californians went out to-day to look after some marauders, who had been stealing horses. They left at one o'clock & at sunset the news came in, that about twelve miles from this the Dragoons met the Indians in some brush, charged them & were driven back with the loss of one of the Sepulvidas and 2 Dragoons wounded. T h e particulars have not reached me, although a courrier has arrived. Henry Melius is to be married on Monday next, would have been married tomorrow but for some church law. Col Fremont hopes to leave this for Monterey early in next week, when I will send you further. Yours very truly Archi H . Gillespie [Rubric] P. S. From the best advices from the North, we have the feeling there is quite as it should be. It is all right here. Go ahead! G .

[89] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO EDWIN BRYANT. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 8 5 . ]

Monterey April 7, 1847 Dear Sir

" Y o u r s was received. M y letter to you was not intended for the papers, yet extracts from it might do but you should have left out "my house." I do not care about having whole letters of mine in print. I am sorry I had to print my answer to the Padre's letter. Major Swords, Quarter Master, and Major McCloud, paymaster, have arrived here. The troops per Lexington were twenty four hours arriving. They have encamped in front of the church where they remain until the barracks are made ready. Twenty-three Californians hunting wild horses have lately been surrounded by the Indians. Others went out and assisted them to come in. They lost most of their horses. M r . Smith who was twenty days back wounded by the Indians, when in company with eight others has died. I am happy to be able to send you the printed mail arrangements. I agree with you about the shame and mortification attending the non payment of the Volunteers and California Farmers. Had my plan been adopted in January at the Angeles this trouble would be less. You may depend when General K . issues out his Laws, Constitution, etc. of California the people in general will like it. Of course some parts will be objected to by some, Council or no Council, take my advice for this much. The Warren will sail from San Pedro for your port and there land the Riflemen. A Frenchman and three Californians arrived today who were chased by the Indians yesterday on the road. Some Americans arrived last night who saw the Indians pass by, but were not attacked. In much [haste?] Yours respectfully (Signed) Larkin To Edwin Bryant Esqr

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF AND RICHARD M. SHERMAN. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 8 4 . ]

Monterey April 7, 1847 Gentlemen I ENCLOSE you the Contract entered into by James Antonio—the original of which is in his possession, for digging the cellar and laying the foundation of the houses to be erected on the lot in San Francisco. I have addressed it to both of you, not knowing which has taken the business in hand. The duplicate and triplicate of the contract I will send you in a few days when I will write more particularly regarding it. Very respectfully Your Obdt. Servt. (Signed) T . O. Larkin To W . A . Leidesdorff, R. M . Sherman

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO HENRY FREDERICK TESCHEMACHER. COPY. OFF. CORR. I : i 8 6 . ]

Monterey April 7, 1847 Frank Teschermacher Dear Sir ^ENCLOSED you will find a note of William S. Hinkleys for three hundred and nine dollars and twenty five cents, due me, which amount was paid by me in cash, at the time of his baptism and marriage, and for sealing the church and other work. In reference to the purchase of the twelve feet more or less of her land, I wish you to use your own discretion whether to give her from one hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars cash but if this cannot be effected I am willing to give up this note in order to obtain it, although the sum is much more than I consider it worth. You are the best calculated to judge upon what terms you can best arrange the purchase. Very respectfully Your Obdt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[ 9i ] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 8 7 . ]

William A . Leidesdorff

^

7

&

^

Sir "YOURS of the 6th of April has been received, enclosing the titles of town lots for M r . Greene and myself. Enclosed you will find the two contracts made with James Antonio, the first of which I sent you yesterday. These you will please have signed and witnessed, reserving one for yourself, and sending me the other. You will percieve that the contract does not mention the name of Brookie. This is because I have heard he does not bear the best of character and I thought it was best to have as little to do with him as possible. I hold their receipt for two hundred dollars which was paid in advance and for which Antonio is responsible. M y reasons for applying to you, Sherman, and Teschermacher to attend to this business was that I could get no answer to any of my letters which were sent up. Yours of the twenty sixth which you speak of in your last letter never came to hand. It may be necessary to have a carpenter to look on and see if the cellar is properly constructed. If so you will please ask M r . Davis to look into it occasionally. I shall also soon want to contract for the carpenter's work, of the joice for roof, etc. I wish you would inform me if you will be able to furnish me with joice and boards for the same. I have written Don Salvador Vallejo respecting the adobies. I wish you would write him also and ascertain from him, when, how, and at what time he is to commence. Nothing new. The Xylon arrived yesterday. I am yours truly (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[PEOPLE'S COMMITTEE, TUALATIN COUNTY, OREGON, TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V . J l . ]

_ „ _ . . T o Thomas O. Larkin

Willamette River, April 8th 1847

Dear Sir interview with Capt. Young, informs us that you are N a v y agent, & would be the proper man to whom we can advantageously address a communication touching our wants as farmers of Oregon. You are doubtless

aware that our merchantile business is done by a monopoly & such cooperations as deprive the producers of that normal exchange which would enable us to obtain the necessaries of life, & by reference to the Oregon Spectator, for the last few weeks you will perceive that the farmers are uniting in the different counties for the purpose of doing their own business, & for this purpose we are making the necessary arrangements for having our flour manufactured that we may have it in store when opportunity may offer for making sale directly to the consumers of the same, that we may avail ourselves of the profits of our labors as those who have gone through great hardships in thus far having opened Oregon to the civilised world. W h a t we wish is to learn whether we can hope for a purchaser the coming autumn who will come in & buy our flour from the people's agent having charge of the sale of the same? W e the subscribers are a Committee of the producers of Tualatin County for such purposes, & to whom you can address a communication touching this enquiry. If therefore flour is wanted, we think you have a good prospect of obtaining a cargo in the month of October next. Could the producers inteligently look for a vessel at that time it would expedite their movements towards flouring their crop early (by means of their opportunities of so doing at Governor Abernathy's establishment that is good & competent for so doing) for the purpose of returns the coming autumn rather than storing the same for the Spring market. W e are wishing as soon as opportunities offer for permanent arrangemnts for stated supplies to our N a v y in the Pacific, feeling confident that as soon as our Government is aware of the situation of their farmers in Oregon the last few years, they will as willingly see us enjoy such privileges as any others. Please envelope your communication to Gov. Abernaty's care by first opportunity. J. S. Griffin

"I Peoples Committee

David T . Lenox

r

of

David Hill

J

Tualatin County

P. S. W e have addressed a similar communication to Quarter Master Swords with whom you may confer. Yours & c . Com.

[JAMES BUCHANAN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 COPY. OFF. CORR.]

Department of State Washington April 9th 1847 Thomas O. Larkin Esqre U . S. Consul, Monterey Sir

I

TAKE much pleasure in introducing to you K i r . Charles W . Rand,

Collector of the Customs, at Nantucket, Mass., and will be gratified by your affording to him any information, which you may from time to time be possessed of, regarding our whaling fleet in the Pacific. I am & c . Jas. Buchanan Same to U . S. Consuls at Lima, Valparaiso, Talcahuana & Bay of Islands.

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO EDWIN BRYANT. COPY. OFF. CORR. I: l 8 8 . ]

Monterey April 9, 1847 Dear Sir I , LAST year, purchased from J. A . Forbes Esqr a house lot of fifty varas square on the beach in your town. Until his present visit to Monterey I have been unable to obtain the title from him. I think from carelessness they have not had this title recorded. H e says he supposed before his year was out would do. Y o u will oblige me, by receiving from him the titles and hold them for me, and have some stakes, or fence put on the lot and merely hold it in m y name until I arrive. Respectfully Y o u r Obdt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin T o M r . Edwin Bryant Alcalde of San Francisco 1

From the copy in Record Group 59 of the General Records of the Department of State, Consular Instructions, Volume XI, National Archives, Washington, D . C.

[ESTEBAN MUNRÁS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

Rancho de Sn. Vísente A b l . 9 de 847 Sr. Don Tomas O. Larquin Muy Sr. mió E N contestación a la solicitud de V . digo: Estoy muy gustoso en serbir á V . y á esse caballero qe no conosco, en las condiciones ciguientes. 1 . M i esposa tiene amplias facultades para el ajuste del precio del alquiler, lo qe. ella aga estara bien echo. 2. N o quiero qe. las obras qe. se agan (pasen) de lo preciso para la comodidad del sujeto qe. ba a ocupar los dos pizos. 3. N o me quitara ningún capialsado de los qe tiene puestos y serrara con adobes la puerta qe tiene comunicasion con las Viviendas de la familia. 4. Ara una cocina en el patio en parte qe en caso de incendio no me queme la casa, porque no quiero correr esse riesgo ni qe. los criados se rebuelban a la cocina para dese modo conserbar la buena unión, es tanto el miedo qe. tengo a essa clase de jente qe. si no me lo inpidieran muchos motibos, de mejor gana le daria mi mesa, pero no puedo. 5. El patio podra aser uso de el para leña uno ó dos caballos, sin molestar el serco y algunas otras cosas qe. sean de nacesecidad. M e párese es cuanto y deseando a V . la mejor salud; mande a su afmo. qe. B. S. M . Esteban Munrás [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO RICHARD M. SHERMAN. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 8 9 . ]

Monterey, April i o, 1847 M r R. M . Sherman Sir " Y o u r two letters of March thirtieth I have received. Your Government papers are in my charge. I will give them to M r . Greene on his return. I wish you to collect from M r . Davis any sum you see fit for the tiles he brought away and send me an account of anything you know of taken by others, with their names. Y o u will settle in some shape at once with M r . Davis.

Supposing you could not attend to my affairs in Yerba Buena I wrote to Capt. Leidesdorfi to recommend some person. Please understand with him for a time. I hope to go North this month. A s k him to shew you my letter. I will send the cellar contract bye and bye. I told Antonio to beware of Brokie. From my two letters to Captain Leidesdorfi you will know what to do. If Brokie is your way and you can hire him for one hundred dollars, do so. I remain Yours respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO NATHAN SPEAR. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 9 4 . ]

Monterey April 1 1 , 1847 M r . Nathan Spear

Sir I

UNDERSTAND

you have the refusal of M r s . Hinkley's lot at Yerba

Buena. I am about building on the Vallejo lot, and wish twelve feet of the other lot to make my block complete one hundred and fifty English feet. You will much oblige me by informing M r . Teschermacher or Francis Melius that I can have it (if so say to them to inform Capt. Leidesdorfi) and I will pay you any reasonable sum, or I will purchase four new lots of one hundred varas each for you in Yerba Buena for the twelve feet or send you the money immediately. M y mason will have to wait in a measure your answer. I am sorry I could not go to your place in October. I expect to go to Sonoma again in M a y , and hope to see you. I understand M r s . Spear has a child. I congratulate you. M r s . Larkin gave birth last night to a son. Mother and child are doing well. This however is a common affair with me. You young folks make great rejoicing on such occasions. I send you an advertisement of the sale of a schooner. The mail arrangements are now in force, and we may expect to renew our old acquaintance. With my respects to M r s . Spear, believe in your old friend, and Obedient Servant (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[96] [ANDREW BAKER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ j . ]

Monterey April 1 2 , 1847 I HEREBY agree for the sum of seventy five dollars cash, to be paid me by Thomas O. Larkin when the work is compleated, to build for him two log houses on his lot near the beach in this town—to wit: to take the logs and joist on the spot, hew off the rough places of the logs and put them up in a workmanship manner, puting in one sett of joice, and leaving nockes cut out, to saw down the spaces for the doors & windows, the houses not to be over thirteen logs high each—the logs of each side to be of an equal thickness—said Larkin to have the logs and joist ready and to loan me two axes and cross cut saw. his Andrew + Baker mark Witness, Edwd. L. Stetson

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 9 1 . ]

Monterey April 1 2 , 1847 Captain W . A . Leidesdorff Sir I FIND from Messrs. Teschermacher and Melius' letters that Commodore Shubrick has been rather too high handed respecting some sheds on my Vallejo lot. These sheds were built by Captain Hull to cover my oven that he wanted to use, and for his men to live in. When he vacated them they were mine. I shall see Capt. Dupont on the subject, and then apply to Commodore Biddle. You are aware that the more one assists Government the less thanks they may receive. I was not aware that M r . Melius could attend to my affairs; you may; but as you offer to do so I so prefer it. I shall have to pay Antonio, and to Don Salvador if he builds the wall about two thousand dollars in money. I wish you would contrive to pay Antonio from your goods or from some other store some goods that I can pay you in hides a part and make the one thousand dollars I

borrowed for you hold out, or I may fail in funds. From present appearances I think I shall so fail. T a k e Antonio to some one of the fullest stores, and give him credit there. Pay all in hides. M r . Greene has not arrived. I believe the Savannah has sailed from San Diego. Commodore Stockton remains there, waiting for the arrival of his Secretary from Washington, in the Malec Adel. I am confident M r . Greene will bring up no money. W e owe from seven to eight thousand dollars in Monterey, and are paying two per cent. H o w I am to build here and in your town as much as I want to I do not know. If you can employ a carpenter, taking pay from your hide notes, it would oblige me. I first want to put in the beams, pillars for the two corridors, and put on the roof. I must also depend on you for the lumber, payable in hides. I have put down (6) six feet as the width of m y cellar doors. I am afraid this may be so wide as to cause the Capialsados to bend. Y o u must take the opinion of a carpenter and see if (5) five feet wide wont do. I will send you a plan of the windows. B y having the cellar door immediately under the window, the weight and strain will be less. Y o u will object, in form, to Government using those sheds. D o not receive payment for anything M r . Teschermacher or others may have spent on the house, unless the Commodore tries to remove the sheds. This also object to. It would be better to quietly talk to Commodore Shubrick on the subject. Should Commodore Shubrick have sailed, settle it in the best manner you can. If in no other way take the matter before the Alcalde. I am Yours respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO FRANCIS MELLUS. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 9 3 . ]

Monterey, April 1 2 , 1847 Dear Frank Melius ^ ^ o u r s of the sixth I have just received. In part answer I refer you to a letter now written to M r . Teschermacher. I am sorry and surprised that Commodore Shubrick should intrude as you state. I will attend to it. I am now in question with those who are, respecting some property, and believe I shall have m y own in both cases. I am thankful to you for your good will, in accepting m y business. A s you have leisure, I am sorry I did not know of your acceptance

before. What did you do with the one hundred dollar bill. W h y did you not go and see my boys last September, and write to me respecting them. Will you try and see M r . Spear about the odd feet. I will pay for your trip there, if you can go up. I am Yours respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO H E N R Y FREDERICK TESCHEMACHER. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 9 2 ]

Monterey, April 1 2 , 1847 M r . Frederic Teschermacher

Sir I

HAVE just received your letters of the fifth, and found one of my

expectations realized, namely that I in my haste to have some one to attend to Antonio, asked too many, and probably have your blame for my trouble. When Antonio returned he informed me you told him you could not remain in Yerba Buena as you expected. I therefore supposed that M r . Melius wished you to go on board the Barnstable, in place of remaining with the Tasso. A day or two afterwards you wrote to me that you had not advertised, and said perhaps Antonio's terms were as good as I could obtain. Supposing you on your way North I closed with him and sent him up. M r . Sherman had received, in October, written instructions to see to my land, but appeared to have no time. When Antonio went up having no other one to apply to, I wrote to him soon after I wrote to Capt. Leidesdorff to act for me, or recommend some person. H e accepted the appointment. I last week requested him to advance money to Antonio, and see to him. I am sorry I have no more distinct reply about Mrs. Hinkley's lot. Cannot you write to M r . Spear, and in the meantime state to Capt. Leidesdorff how the affair is, and in the meantime let Antonio work on the farther end (as he promised) until you hear from M r . Spear. Send up in duplicate. Please accept my thanks for your trouble. Unkle Sam's N a v y have taken possession of my wharf, and his A r m y my table and house. T h e shed business is, therefore, a small affair in two ways. I wish, should you have any goods, to let Antonio have them in part payment of the contract. I will pay you in hides. This will save me some cash. Communicate with M r . Leidesdorff respecting the amounts from time to time.

I do not want to receive from Government pay for what you or Antonio have done to the House (I want the House) unless they remove the building. I remain Yours respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO SALVADOR VALLEJO. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 9 0 . ]

Monterey April 1 2 , 1847 Don Salvador Vallejo Sir I HAVE made arrangements with Capt. John Wilson to pay him hides on your account. I cannot conclude a trade with the carpenters until you inform me by writing that in all M a y you will commence making adobies for me in Yerba Buena, and continue making them during the Summer, making them and building the walls at twenty dollars per thousand. D o me the favour to answer me immediately in two letters, one to me the other to M r . R. M . Sherman, in Yerba Buena. I am Your Obdt. Servant (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 9 5 . ]

Monterey, April 13, 1847 Capt. Leidesdorf? Sir I HEAR nothing from you respecting my favourite horse that you was to send to Capt. Richardson for. Do send him to me by first sure opportunity. I remain Your Obdt. Servt (Signed) T . O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ROBERT FIELD STOCKTON. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 9 6 . ]

Monterey April 13, 1847

Sir

I

. LEARN by the Julian and by arrival by land of one of our principal Cali-

fornians that the Savannah has left San Diego for home and you yet remain in California. I am rejoiced at the information. I am aware that Commodore's full pay is never an object to you, and that nothing more in this country remains for you to do. I am sure there is more room and opportunity for you at home, than all our Commodores can find to do here. Y e t you remain, and we shall again see you in this port. Colonel Fremont was at my house one night last month. H e thinks I ought to have gone South as a member under the appointment I had the honor to receive from you. One of my Southern correspondents writes me I only am to blame that the Members did not go to the Pueblo, that I did not carry out the proposed arrangement for their accomodation and passage. You kindly lent us the Cyanne, but Commodore Shubrick prevented her return. T h e members could not go by land and reach in time. They also objected moving in the business until your despatches by M r . Norris should reach you as they said there were naval and military officers on the coast, who could annull anything you or Colonel Fremont might do. There was in my opinion no possibility of acting under existing circumstances. I should have liked to go to San Pedro or San Diego in the Don Quixote. She had hardly any cargo, and the Captain did not like to go. I was with M r . Green fairly wound up in our business for want of funds. W e are now paying two per cent per month for from six to eight thousand dollars. I understand that Commodore Shubrick looks for you daily, and I was aware that General Kearny was going to send for Colonel Fremont. I could not therefore expect to find either of you. Had we endeavoured to open the cession I think we should have been prevented. I occupy this much of your time in self defence, because I am informed that some busy bodies have given you false reports respecting me. On what subject I know not. I have more than once said to you I will support your fame in your absence. N o one to me can yet say the contrary. I think I have it on all sides, as here I am known as being very favourable to you and our mutual friend Fremont.

I paid Don Manuel Jimeno for his ten leagues of land on my return from San Francisco last October. I found he had lost his titles. He lent it to Don Manuel Garfias, to shew to Governor Pio Pico. When I was a prisoner of war I spoke to Garfias who told me he gave the deed to Don Pio and know no more about it. I suppose it will never be seeen again. I have only a kind of bond from Jimeno, to sell me the land. As his deed is lost I shall call on him for the amount paid. You several times offered me the half. Having no full title deed from the owner I did not wish you to pay for it till I had. Should you still want to be a landholder in California on your arrival here, perhaps I can sell you some other rancho of five or six leagues, but it will be at a higher price. I have in my possession from Don M . G. Vallejo one of the most beautiful Mexican Manzas [manga, i. e., poncho] ever seen in California as a present to you. It was made in Mexico. I believe it was a present made from President Bustamente to Senor Vallejo. The embroidery is silver and very heavy and handsome. Should you wear this on one of your New Jersey race courses you will draw the attention of the whole field. I take a pleasure in shewing it to generals, commodores, and others, as your property and a present from him Many are anxious to know why Don Guadalupe wanted to give it to Commodore Stockton. M y only answer is because he fancies the man, and chooses to do so. I am With much respect Your Obedient Servant Thomas O. Larkin To Commodore R. F. Stockton U . S. Ship Congress, San Diego

[ELIAB GRIMES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V 7 5 . ]

T . O. Larkin Esq

^

FrandsC

°

A

Pdl

^

Dear Sir I H A V E given an order on you in favour of Mrs. Lucy Eager for twenty eight 2 5 / 1 0 0 dollars which please pay when presented. She with her two fine dughters goes to your place with the intention of residing there and beg you

— [ 1« ] will show them that attention and kindness that virtue & industry deserves more espetially being strangers. Do me the favour to enquire of Como. Biddle & Genl. Kerney if vessels under foreign flag can have of trading coastwise as heretofore has been allowed. You will please inform me the result of your enquiries. Also write our M r . H Grimes at Ohu for our guidance by the Xylon you will confer a favor on your obt. sevt. E . Grimes [Rubric] P. S. Pleas let me know when the order is paid that I may give you credit.

[WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ A . ]

San Francisco April 15, 1847 Thos. O. Larkin Esqr Monterey D. Sir T H E man Antonio of whom you wrote me some few days since has quit work under pretence that he cannot obtain a yoke of oxen good enough for him. On receipt of your letter I immediately looked after him, and paid several bills for him, and at his request bought a yoke of oxen. A few hours after recieving the oxen he came back, said the oxen were not good enough and as it is my opinion that he wishes to break the contract and stop work, it will be difficult to obtain a yoke of oxen to suit him in this part of the country. T h e Mormons are the only people that take up these contracts here, and I would immediately contract with them, were it not they wished a higher price than this "Antonio" or perhaps more than you would be willing to give. Very Respy Yours W m . A . Leidesdorff [Rubric]

[JOHN S . WILLIAMS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V 7 4 . ]

Bute Creek April 15th 1847 M r . Larkin Sir I

AM here purchaseing hoghs of M r . Dutton. I have paid him two

ploughs, that you sent, and am to pay the rest in goods. I received the articles you sent. T h e cross cut saw was to short, but will answer some purposes. Pleas send the mill stons as I wish to get the mill in opperation by harvest. Send without fail thre or four doz reap hooks, blacksmith tools. Send the goods soon. I shall make adobies next month, and shall want something to pay Indians, before harvest. There will be some two or thre thousand bushels of wheat sent to your imbarkidaro this season, to go down the river. Pleas inform me concerning the market, what price & c . I shall start for Sonoma in a weeak, for the cattle. Old M r . Anderson did not go down on the lower part of your ranch, owing to rains and high water. H e wants a small peice of land in a place that will be no damage to the farm. H e is a good man with a small family and a very useful man in the neighbourhood. I think your upper place, is the best in the valley. Come up as soon as you can make it convenient. Write the first opertunity. Yours Truly John Williams P. S. Your Indian Girl was delivered according to aggreement one weeak after you left here at Capt. Sutters. She is a smart girl and is learning no good habits there. Your D . Dutton [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 9 7 . ]

Monterey April 16, 1847 Capt W . A . Leidesdorff Sir Y o u will oblige me by sending to me by first vessel three or four dozen cups and saucers—three or four dozen dinner plates, three or four dozen breakfast plates, three or four doz Soup plates, two dozen knives and forks, two doz chairs, common or midling. Be careful to have the front edge of my wall five feet from the edge of the street that I may build a corrydoor of that width. Capt. Richardson informs me that you have only this week asked him for my horse. Do send him down by first safe opportunity. I shall expect the Congress from the tenth to the twentieth of May. I am Yours respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 0 3 . ]

Monterey April 17, 1847 William A . Leidesdorff Sir you have an obligation or mortgage given by "Charles Barick & Co" to Messrs. Lomer, Melcher & Co. and endorsed to me which you will please put in force on the arrival at your port of the vessel. I have not instituted proceedings here, because the vessel was under Government Charter, and it appeared better that she should earn her freight. The copy of Messrs. Lomer's letter to me is for your private information. Should you need the original bond I will send it. After the Sherif or Marshall has seized the vessel they should go through the usual form of advertising. Mr. Swasey may shew you a right to hold the vessel. N o attachment (only) can claim while she is under a mortgage. Should there appear a mortgage older than the one I send it H E R E W I T H

[ io5 ] will supercede this one. N o other class of paper can. Again, the authenticity and legality of M r . Swasey's commission, in a strict point of law, may be doubted, at the present time. Y o u will remember that interest at Mazatlan is one and a half per cent per month which ought to be collected on this bond. I am Your Obdt. Servant (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOEL P. DEDMOND. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 9 8 . ]

Monterey April 18, 1847 M r . J. P. Dedman

Sir I

AM much obliged to you for your kind thoughts respecting my

foundation, and wish to avail myself of your generous offer. I understand from M r . Bartlett that the alterations of your town made no material difference to my house lot. I have written to M r . Davis to look at the work not knowing you was there. You will oblige me very much by calling on Capt. Leidesdorff and look at my plan, and offer to him your services. I un[der]stand Antonio is digging the cellar at the street. It must be six feet back, that I can build a corrydoor. Will you give your opinion to Capt. Leidesdorff whether six feet space is too wide to hold up a heavy wall. If so I want it less. I hope to be your way between the first and fifteenth of M a y . Would you like to contract to put up three sets of beams, the joist, pillars, and railing of a front corrydor six feet wide and a back one ten feet wide, and the roof, perhaps all the door and window frames. I am not certain that I can engage payable in forty seven in cash. This depends on my collection from Government. If they prove good and I think I can obtain lumber, and I think I can at Santa Cruz, I will engage to finish the four houses. If you are out of the trade, can you inform me who will undertake to close in the house, and perhaps do the outside work. Write me by return of mail. I am Yours Respectfully, (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : y 8 . ]

San Francisco April 18th 1847 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr Monterey D. Sir I RECD. from you a few moments since several letters accompanying contracts made with Antonio for building your house and hasten to answer them pr the mail which leavs this place tomorrow morning. I will be unable to see this Antonio so that I cannot get the contracts signed in time for this letter, nor do I think he will sign them as he is living comfortably in a shed adjoining your house (that is to be) built over your oven that Capt Hull used and as he is making adobies for another man. I presume he finds it more profitable and the excuse that he cannot obtain oxen to suit him is all a sham for I have bought him as good a yoke as can be obtained in this place and he is not satisfied with them. H e is waiting for M r Larkin to come here so as to have a talk with him. The yoke of oxen he obtained of M r . Larkin in St. John he is willing to give up to me, and it is my opinion the cheapest way would be to make a new contract with another person as he is unwilling to go on. I can furnish you lumber in quantities as you may require at $50 cash delivered in this place which is and has been the market price for some time. If you would have it furnished at that price I can have it sawed to suit you at Smiths Mills for which I am agent. It will be a great saving of lumber to you. "Dedmund" the carpenter is willing to take up this contract as regards the carpenter work and will give information about building the house. I shall write Vallejo tomorrow and ask him when he is to commence the walls. A s regards your horse I called on Capt. Richardson who says that the horse is on his farm and as soon as he can find him he will deliver him over to me. I am willing to pay the thousand dollars I borrowed in Monterey in the way you speak of to any man who will go on with the contract. I have settled with both M r . Melius and M r . Sherman. Should you wish me to make a contract with anyone in case that Antonio will not go on, I will do so to the most advantageous terms but you cannot expect it done as cheap as this Antonio has agreed to do it. Having no more to say at present I remain Your Obt. Servt. W m . A . Leidesdorff [Rubric]

[

10

7 ]

[FRANCIS M E L L U S TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

Yerba Buena April 18, 1847 Thos. O. Larkin Esq. Dear Sir I HAVE just rec'd yours of 12th inst. and have merely to say in answer to the first part, that Leidesdorff has accepted the charge of your land affairs here— notwithstanding I have just seen M r . Spear and he says that if Mrs. Hinckley keeps her word with him, which is, to allow him the preference if she sells the land, he wants it himself. All that I did while in charge for you, was to get for Antonio articles to the amt. of about 30$ promising payment as soon as I rec'd funds from you. I have given Capt. Leidesdorff an acct. of the several accts. This is I believe the third letter I have commenced to you but somehow or other I have not been able to get the others off. I went to Lynn and saw your boys who were quite well and hearty, and appeared quite contented. The bill is counterfeit, upon the word of an old banker in Salem and a Boston broker, and I have it here. Had it been good, it would have sold for from 60 to 7 0 % . I had not nor do I now write you more fully as I had expected and still expect to have seen you here soon. Did you receive from M r . Parker a sealed letter from me? You will find him a tough Yankee. Please give my respects to Mrs. Larkin and believe me truly Yours Francis Melius [Rubric] P. S. M r . Teschemacher has just informed me that Mrs. H . has leased her house and of course her lands he believes for eight (8) years. M r T . will write you in the course of a day of two.

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF. DRAFT. V:y6B.]

19 Apr. [1847] " Y o u r of the 1 5 is before me. You will please sue . . . and . . . for two hundred dollars I advance them as pr enclosed copy certified by our Alcalde. Sue them for swindling if possible. You had better advertise for proposals send-

[ i o 8 ] ing me word the best offer and wait my answer. If you can at once contract with any sure person to build the cellar at not over i o per cent more than the contract I have, prehaps it will be best to save time as I hope (tho* am not sure) Don Salvador will begin in M a y to make adobies. T r y to pay half in goods & I can pay for them in hides—or pay the contracter half or so in hides. I consider cash and hides in Oct. the same but they are not so to me at present. I enclose you the original contract of the two men. I wish you to make them feel the effect of breaking the contract. But be sure to take from them a waggon they obtaind in my name from Gilroy's rancho or thereabouts, and any other things you can obtain from them that they have purchased for the work. Sue them for all other sums advanced. I hope to be with you the i to 1 5 M a y . Expect M r . Green & Col Fremont hourly, the Congress in M a y . Do not allow any private contract made between the two men prevent yr pushing the two on my demand if they continue to fail in their contract.

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JAMES STOKES. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 1 9 9 . ]

Monterey April 19, 1847 M r James Stokes

Sir w

„

a good deal of surprise I have read in your letter two accounts

you bring against me. The latter part of one thousand eight hundred and forty six you tried to offsett a part of your note due me, by an account of twenty dollars. Last March in answer to my request to know what the twenty dollars was for, you said it was just or you should not have presented the bill. T o make good your demand of twenty dollars, you now send me a bill of eighteen dollars and a half of the articles in this bill, word for word. I find in my "Journal" in eighteen hundred and forty six page two hundred and eighty six when we settled and you gave me your writing for the amount due that day, in face of your own bills and note to balance. You now demand pay the second time, to satisfy a note that should have been paid months ago. D o you not remember I was giving you my note for cash lent when you shewed a bill of merchandise. I said you owed me

a long time hides. " W h y do you not let it go that way?" Your answer was "Oh! groceries are cash," and I must have cash. I said this smacks of a Californian "otra cuenta" but let it go so. Did you not receive the cash in Yerba Buena, for both cash lent and the groceries. If I have had things of the kind you mention twice, you will inform me. I have told M r . Daubenbiss two or three different times when from home his bill was a hard one that my private purse must pay it, yet as he supposed he was working for me, I could pay him but had no cash at the time although I had done over much to hasten on affairs. His answer at our last interview was if Government do not pay you, I do not want it. If you will pay three fourths of the expense I will put in brick in the two fireplaces, and change the back door to a window and vice versa, then alter the stairs. If it does not prove cheap and a benefit to the house you can pay less of it. Send me word soon. I expect to move in M a y the tenth or fifteenth. I remain Yours respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOEL P. DEDMOND. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 0 4 . ]

Monterey April 20, 1847 Sir I HAVE just received yours of the 19th. If Cap Leidesdorff gets up the foundation in the place of the cellar (the walls only two feet), and Don Salvador builds up the walls I shall be pleased to give you a very large job for the enclosing of four houses, then the furnishing of them if I have cash. Everybody asks me cash, and my debtors all only offer me hides. In October they will be both alike. See if you can get the following at thirty five or forty dollars per M in cash and hides put in Yerba Buena. Seventy beams more or less, twenty five feet, four by ten for lower floor. Seventy beams more or less, twenty five feet, four by fourteen, second floor. Seventy beams more or less, twenty five feet, four by eight, for garret. For lentills . . . four by eleven or four by twenty two. For window and door frames . . . two and a half by eleven more or less. Capt. Richardson says for goods and cash I can have thick stuff sawed on my

brother's land for about thirty $ per M , and pay eight dollars for boating [boasting]. Which do you prefer, by the year or job? See my letter today to Capt. Leidesdorfi for plan of the house. I am Yours in haste (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin. To M r J. P. Dedmund

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1:200.]

Monterey April 20, 1847 William A . Leidesdorfi Dear Sir " Y o u r letter of the fifteen is received. As Antonio Brokie proves so worthies, and Antonio gives up the work, I have concluded not to build the proposed cellar. In fact as times go I may need funds to prevent my building too much. You will, if possible, compel these men to manual labor for the debt. I now wish you to engage some one to build me a foundation, on the plan laid down, but only two feet in the ground, and two feet wide. A t the end near Mrs. Hinkley's sixteen inches above ground, then on the other end a sufficient height above ground to make the wall level on top, about six or eight inches above ground I shall put in the joist say four by ten. By having them level with the top of the stone, the wall near Mrs. Hinkley's will be about sixteen inches above ground. There must also be iron bars every ten or fifteen feet put in to let in the wind and air. Have the front edge of the front wall six feet from the edge of the street. This wall is about one hundred and eighty yards all told in front, and would cost from one dollar seventy five cents to two dollars1 long in Monterey. Mr. Reynolds says he could boat [boast, i.e., smooth] the stone. Endeavour by law to compel Antonio and Brokie (in particular to compel Brokie) to pay their debts in manual labour. Should you deem it advisable engage Antonio for the foundation. The wagon he took is mine. This, and all other things they may have purchased for the work get into your hands. In fact do with these men as you see fit for my interests. 1

Here the words "per y a r d " are crossed out and no others substituted.

I expect D o n Salvador to begin making the adobies in M a y , but as yet have only his verbal promise. I think I shall be with you from the first to the fifteenth of M a y . A s k M r . Teschermacher if he can purchase twelve feet front from M r s . Hinkley. I am very anxious to make m y front one hundred and fifty English feet. M r . Dedmund offers to help lay off m y foundation and keep a look at it. C a n you on account of the hides you will owe me, sell me joist four by ten for the lower floor, four b y ten for the second floor, and three b y seven for the upper. Each joist being long enough to go fifteen or sixteen inches on the wall. I remain Yours in haste (Signed) Thomas O . Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO PIERRE SAINSEVAIN. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1:201.]

Monterey April 20, 1847 Sir I HAVE received Capt. Dupont's approval for four thousand four hundred and seventy pounds of bread. I told D o n Carlos two or three times that if you was too long sending the bread down it would not be taken as Capt. Leidesdorff was going to sell it cheaper. H e always said he would ensure it would be taken. I only had a bargain with him to take pursers receipts. Therefore can do nothing with the bread you have deposited. I think you had better go to Yerba Buena, and try to sell it to the Warren. I will take any pursers receipts for the ammount of bread you have at Yerba Buena. I remain Y o u r Obdt. Servant (Signed) Thomas O . Larkin T o D o n P. Saunsevoin

[ROBERT FIELD STOCKTON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V 7 9 . ]

(Private) "Congress" 20th April '47 Dear Sir I THANK you for your letter of the 1 2 t h inst. I never doubted you as my conduct to M r Green I hope will assure you. I believe I have done all you have asked me to do, and shall continue my confidence until something occurs of my own knowledge

to shake that con-

fidence. A s soon as the ship arrives come on board. I wish much to see you—all my obligations shall be met, private & public. There is not one act of mine since I have been in command that I would annul, alter or modify if I could. Truth & time will put all of us in our proper places. Y r friend R. F. Stockton

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WARD & SMITH. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1:202.]

Monterey April 20, 1847 Ward & Smith Gentlemen I UNDERSTAND you have received bread on deposit in my name. I have given no order to this effect and can have nothing to do with it. I can only take Purser's receipts for bread delivered by the French bakers. I presume it would oblige them if you could get Captain Hull to take the bread in question. I have to thank you for the flannel per M r . Wells also a letter of introduction by him. I am sorry I could not be of service to a friend of M r . Ward. M y house was overcrowded and I had not a hour at my disposal. I am Yours respectfully, (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[»3] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOHN S. WILLIAMS. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 0 5 . ]

Monterey April 20, 1847 M r . John Williams

Sir "YOURS

of the first of April I have received. Since January I have re-

ceived three or four letters, and have always answered them. In the month of March I sent you one crosscut saw, one grindstone, hand mill, some drawing paper & c . & c . The mill stones I have not yet obtained. Soon as I can I will send you some goods. You must not complain if you do not receive all your wants in time. I will bye and bye make it up. Don Gaudalope Vallejo received pay in October eighteen hundred and forty six for three hundred young cows to be delivered when called for. M r . D y e has been paid for taking them up. A s he failed I prefer you to take them up, and I make him refund. Don M . G . Vallejo is to let you have as many bulls as you may ask for, say fifteen or twenty for the three hundred young cows. You have my orders on him for several more cattle. I have arranged with him for one hundred mares, and some colts if you want them. H e promised to write to you on his return home. I am afraid you sent for the cows while Don Gaudalope was in Monterey. If so do not get impatient but go yourself with this letter. I am arranging with Lawyer Greene to sue M r . M a r k West. If he has to sell cattle by force he will buy them, and let you know when to come for them. I cannot promise to purchase a launch this year, but wish you to describe the kind you want, that I may know the class should anyone offer to sell one. Y o u say you had not enough wheat from Capt Sutter, and from W y m a n I purchased forty fanegas. I shall be in Yerba Buena I hope the fifteenth of M a y , and shall try to send you some goods. Enclosed you have M r . Leese's certificate for one hundred mares and colts. These are a part of those you can obtain from Don Gaudalope Vallejo. M r . John Bidwell will soon be at N e w Helvetia say in fifteen or twenty days. I wish you to have him go to the farm and shew you the limits. I am sorry Smith did not keep on. Say to W y m a n that I wrote to him to take the cloak. I suppose he and his wife are short of clothing. I hope to supply them by June. I wish him to continue with you. When all is well under way there I will endeavour to set him up in something to put him ahead. You speak of our prospects. I hope they will continue to grow brighter. Do

not be afraid but that I shall, in time, do more than I agreed to. Being so long a prisoner of war, and now M r . Greene having to go to San Diego to settle with Commodore Stockton puts me back in a measure. I have partly engaged three hundred head of sheep, and have purchased some English geese to send to you. Have you asked M r . Sinclair for three or four turkies for me. I occasionally send you some newspapers. I shall send by three letters three orders on M r . Leese for the mares. You will collect but one. I send so many that you may be sure of receiving one. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin Copy of Bond of Agreement enclosed with the foregoing letter. "Between the first and fifteenth of M a y next, or any day in July next, as they may be called for, I promise to deliver to T . O. Larkin, or his order, a certain band of animals of about one hundred, consisting of good breeding mares, and one or two year old colts, sucking animals not to be counted. I am to deliver them on my farm near Sonoma, and put T . O. Larkin's brand on them. In witness whereof I have signed in triplicate, one being accomplished the other two to stand void. Monterey April 20, 1847. (Signed) Jacob P. Leese"

[THOMAS SWORDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : 8 l . ]

Quarter Master's Office ^

Monterey, California, April 23d 1847 O N

examining your account current for expenses incurred in the erec-

tion of the wharf at this place, I found the amount ($8200.62) to be so large, that I did not consider that I would be justified in paying you the balance ($4059) which you claim as still being due you, without special instructions from Genl. Kearny to do so. The matter was therefore referred to him, and it is now decided, that as the wharf was used as public property, before the arrival of Genl. Kearny in the Territory, that you be placed on the same footing as other persons having claims on the Govt, for property taken for the public service. The wharf will therefore be retained as public property, leaving the amount to be paid you to be settled by some future action of the Government. Respectfully Your Obt. Sevt. Tho. Swords, Qr. M r .

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JAMES P. ARTHER. COPY. OFF. CORR. I : 2 o 6 . ]

Monterey April 24, 1847 Capt. James P. Arthur Sir "YOUR letter of the twentieth I received last night. Yours of March, accompanying one from M r . Reed I received last night also. As you suppose I had received your letters, it was natural to suppose that I was acting strangely by not writing to you. In fact whether I did, or not, receive letters from you I confess I should have wrote to you, even if only to thank you for the favor I am under relative to my two boys. M y only excuse is that for over a month M r . Greene has been absent. M y time is therefore devoted to his business more than it was months back and my house is full of people, and Mrs. Larkin lately confined (of a boy). The various letters I have sent of late to San Francisco have been wrote by those in my employ and I have only signed urgent letters on business. Letters to friends have only been put aside, not forgotten. That you may receive this I shall send a copy to Yerba Buena, and one to Oahu. I must now thank you for your constant and kind attendance to Oliver and Frederick, on their passage home, and your two letters to me. Wishing you a safe and pleasant passage via East Indies to Boston, and hoping you may this voyage have the wherewith to remain hereafter in the bosom of your family, I am Your Obdt. Servant (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

Washington City 24 April '47 Dear Bro. Oliver "YOUR letter of Jan. 17 reached me yesterday, Lt. Gray having arrived at Baltimore on the previous day. Some month ago or more, I saw some mention made of your capture (in a Boston paper) which had of course given me much uneasiness, & the uncertainty as to your fate has been truly painful. I told all who spoke of it, however, that I had no fears for you if you had fallen into the

[.,6] hands of the regular authorities or officers of the Mexican government, but feared for your life if your captors were those acting on their "own hook." It seems I was correct, for if I understand you, those who took you threatened your life, but when at the city you were treated with respect & consideration. I am truly rejoiced at the peaceful termination of your detention, & trust the troubles are ended, & that the country will now have peace & quiet, and yourself & others who have participated in the dangers & difficulties of the times, will long enjoy its advantages. After reading your letter twice over to my family & others I sent it to George as requested. I have not seen M r . Gray, & do not expect to, for none of those people ever call; but Mrs. Speiden has seen him &

my

brother-in-law Sam (who is now here on duty) have seen him & thro' both I have heard of you, & the events in your region. By Mrs. S. I heard that a messenger was to leave the city for the Pacific on Monday, & it is by him that I am preparing to send this. T h e enclosed from Will. R. I have had in my hands for 4 or 5 weeks. While I think of it I will mention what have been my last letters—say since 1846. Jan. 1 5 & 2 1 " Feb 27

v i a N Y & Vera C z . package by Ship Brooklyn. viaNY&VC.

June 24

Thro' State Dept via Chagres. 1

Aug 3

By some officer, overland.

Aug 21

to Capt. Stringham N Y to go via Chagres. 1

Dec. 1 1 & Jan 1 3 47

by M r . Norris. 2

Most of these, I think, have not been acknowledged. I have an impression that I also sent by the Ship Xylon of N Y , but of this I have no record. I do not know what you mean by the "seven legislators," but we conclude it must be a sort of Legislative Council to aid the Governor in his duties. During the late Session of Congress you were appointed by the Prest. & Senate, N a v y Agent, which I imagine must be a good office as the force on the coast is large. I would gladly join you in California if it were possible for me to leave my family in comfort, but I cannot, & they could not go with me. I am very uneasy & discontented here, still I cannot quit, & they wont turn me out. I was at Lynn in Jany & since then have twice heard from there—the last time say one month ago. A l l is well there I have no doubt, or I should have heard. 1 In the margin the letter " R " has been added in a different handwriting before the date, evidently to indicate that the message had been received. 2 T h e letter " R " is written in the margin before the date, Dec. n , and the notation " R e e d " before Jan. 1 3 .

[»7] M r . Gray says you have recently lost one of your children, but as you make no mention of it I presume he must be mistaken, & I hope it may prove to be an error. T h e death of a child must be a distressing affliction at any time but more especially so when separated from home & unable to render assistance & witness the closing scene. I am glad to hear once more from my old friend Bryant—he is a man of talents, honor & integrity, but of misfortune also. I would be very glad to hear of his abundant success in the new world. Several states are destined to rise up & flourish on the ground you have assisted to subdue—may you & he rise up with them. Say to M r . Speiden that I rec'd his note & will write if I can. His family complain that he does not say enough of himself. Goodbye, may God be with you. Ever Yrs. ELC

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO THOMAS SWORDS. COPY. V ^ . ]

Monterey California April 24th 1847 Sir " Y o u r letter of yesterday is received, in which I find that since you showed me your decision in writing respecting the wharf, you have changed your mind. On the 20th inst. after one or two verbal propositions between us, and you having received a copy of the only Mexican official paper I had on the subject, you showed me your decision in a written memorandum, wherein you agreed to take the wharf in this port for the U . S. Government at the price it owed me ($4059), paying me from the future wharfage which Govmt. would collect, and allowing me the interest of one per cent per month until paid. Y o u afterwards informed me, that you had presented these written propositions to Govr. S. W . Kearney and that he approved of them, with this addition, that I should receive the amount due me in cash immediately, at least in this manner I understood you. On the next day, or the day after, you requested me to give you an account current between me and the Custom House of this Department relative to the wharf. This had by no means in my opinion anything to do with the business,

[

]

not having been signed by any Mexican Officer. I however gave you all you asked for, thinking it was of no force or consequence in the question, as when you agreed to take the wharf, you was aware you had received every official paper I was possessed of; and as I held the wharf & the Custom House itself was under mortgage to me for the sum of ($4059) with interest from July . . . 1846 of one per cent per month due me by that Custom House of this Department of California. It appears however that the paper, which I was not obliged to give, has prevented you from complying with what I thought was settled between us. You observe in your letter, that you find the cost of the wharf much more than you had anticipated. This does not increase the amount, which was understood you was to pay me, and when we consider the enormous prices formerly paid for every material used for building in California, the whole amount does not appear to me to be large, at least it was not objected to, by the Mexican authorities who had then the control of it. I do not admit as you observe, that the wharf was used as public property before the arrival of Genl. Kearney. I have Commodore Biddle's statement that he has not taken the wharf from me, and I presume Commodore Stockton expects to pay wharfage during the time he was in command on this coast, unless Government relieves the mortgage. The mortgage I hold no power can abrogate or alter. There is no reason for, nor does the case admit placing me on the same footing as other persons having claims on the Government, as there is no other claim of this class to my knowledge. I remain Sir Very Respectfully Your Most Obdt. Svt. [Notation in margin reads: Copy of letter written and not sent Major Thomas Swords, Q. Master, U . S. A r m y . ]

[ANN ROGERS (LARKIN) WRIGHT TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V:82.]

Neponset April 24, 1847 My dear Brother C ^ o u s i n W m . sent me down this morn letters from you, to him. Glad indeed was I to see them. W e have heard nothing from you, or your family, since we saw of your arrest, and imprisonment. I have felt extreemly anxious

about you, fearing you would not only lose your liberty, but also life. Deeply did I regret your being in the country of the enemy. Still I suppose it must be so. You say in your letter you think of moving to another place in '48. Would you were coming to the United States. I know you are making money, but what is money to life. I have felt much for your wife, since I heard from you. She must be painfully situated, knowing you to be exposed to every danger. Tell her I sympathise with her, in all her afflictions. I was sorry to hear of the death of your little Adeline. Wherever we are death is present. Our children are taken from us. Oliver and Frederic have been out to visit us. They had been here but a few days when Frederic was taken sick with a fever. H e staid with us untill he recovered. I never see him so well and hearty as he is now. Oliver is very well. They seem happy and contented. H o w often have I wished your whole family were here. The boys are going to school. Them seem to improve. Fred is a remarkable good scholar, one of the most studious children I ever saw. Oliver is more active. H e is presicely what you was at his age, ambitious, and fearless of danger. I feel much interested in them. They seem very dear to me. I look forward to the time, when they will well repay the care and expense you bestow upon them. I hope it will not be so that they will have to return to California. I suppose William will write and send you what news there is, if any. Our friends in Lynn are well. George has been at home this spring. H e is doing well I expect in Tennesee. H e has promised to bring his wife, to visit us, this summer. W e have never seen her. Maria and family are well. Her eldest daughter is married, her son is at college. Aunt Gibson is now making her home at Uncle W m . probably will always stay there. Otis is still very much out of health. H e has not been able to do any business for two years. H e is not confined to the house, but is week, and feeble. Our children are well. I hope we shall here from you again soon. It is uncertain if I can send this, but I shall try. I shall have to send this to Cousin W m . today and have not time to write much. When you are from home tell Sister Rachel to write me, if she has an opportunity to send letters. The family all send love to you and yours. Your ever affect. Sister Ann

[JOHN BIDWELL TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : 8 6 . ]

Monterey 26th April 1847

Sir

H

AVING

noticed in a St. Louis paper a letter derogatory to your charac-

ter, I deem it but justice to state my views upon the subject. T h e letter referred to is signed John Armstrong and dated N e w Helvetia 1846, and as I have resided at that place and in its vicinity for a number of years, and particularly at the date of the letter, I am at a loss to know who that Armstrong could be, and cannot recollect of ever having seen a person by that name. I am better able to give my opinion from the circumstance of being in the employ of Capt. John A . Sutter, owner of the fort and establishment of N e w Helvetia, at which nearly all the emigrants to this country both from Oregon and the U . States, arrive; and from that place they generally separate—some go to San Francisco, some to the north side of the Bay, while others proceed south to Monterey. T o this last place all persons of note formerly made it a point to go, as soon as convenient after their arrival in the country, in order to obtain the necessary passports and permission to remain, from the Mexican authorities. Upon leaving N . Helvetia they never failed to accept of the kind offer of Capt Sutter who always furnished them with letters of introduction to you, and many have expressed their gratitude for your kindness and attention to them while in Monterey. Your unbounded hospitality is proverbial in California, and thousands can testify to the falsity of the charges and slanderous imputations set forth in the letter referred to. The St. Louis Editor who published this infamous letter must have been under the impression that as there was no law or justice in the country for the American resident, he was not entitled to any at home. Your unwearied exertions while acting in an official capacity, are too well known to need comment, and I hope never to have occasion to refer to such statements again. In the meantime please accept of the grateful acknowledgements of Sir, Your most Obt. Servt.

John Bidwell [Rubric]

[

]

[LEWIS DENT TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. COPY. V:88.]

Monterey, U . C . April 26th 1847 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr

Dear Sir I READ an article published in the St. Louis Reveille purporting to have been written by one John Armstrong at N e w Helvetia, U . C . speaking in the most derogatory terms of your character while American Consul for U . California. Since which I have made enquiries of men whose long residence and high standing in California entitle them to the fullest confidence and I am happy to say, Sir, that their statements of your conduct while in that capacity corroborated that favourable opinion of your worth and standing which I had previously formed when experiencing your hospitality and friendship. Yours Respectfully (Signed) Lewis Dent

[TALBOT H. GREEN, CERTIFICATE. V:85-]

Upper California April 26th 1847 T H I S will certify that I delivered to the Purser of the U . States Ship "Savannah" for and on account of Thomas O. Larkin in the month of September or October 1846: one thousand five hundred and sixty five pounds of ship bread ( 1 5 6 5 pounds), and received from the Purser, one hundred and eighty seven dollars and eighty cents ($187.80) for the same. I also received from the Purser of the U . States Ship "Dale" in December 1846 for one thousand and seven hundred and thirty one pounds of bread ( 1 7 3 1 lbs.) that she received on account of M r . Thomas O. Larkin, the sum of two hundred and seven dollars and seventy two cents ( $ 2 0 7 . 7 2 ) the whole being at the rate of twelve cents per pound. Talbot H . Green [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF. COPY. OFF. CORR. I : 2 0 9 . ]

Monterey April 26, 1847 Capt. W . A . Leidesdorff

Sir I

IMPROVE

the present opportunity of sending the enclosed duplicate

letter & also an answer to your last, of the n t h inst. by Capt. Richardson who goes up from here tomorrow. I think it best by all means to merely build a wall the whole front of my lot & fifty feet back: two feet under ground, one foot above at the highest point near Mrs. Hinckleys, then carry it out level on top to the other end which will make a foot above ground: the cross walls in the middle from end to end & three cross walls from front to back to make four houses of equal size: all two feet wide, above ground, spaces for iron bars to let in the air. Push Brookie & Antonio well. Move the latter from my land. Should you engage some one to build the foundation & Don Salvador put up the walls, I shall be happy to engage M r . Dedmund for a very large job, knowing him an honest man and good workman. I should feel safe (were I absent or present) in his doing me good work. If you ask 50$ for boards, what is the price of thick stuff. If I have to pay you 2000$ or 3000$ in cash for lumber, why do you not admit the hides you are to pay me. I can obtain joist at $40, therefore cannot give you any more. Very Respectfully Your Obdt. Svt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[WILLIAM M . ROGERS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ . ]

Boston April 26th 1847 My dear Cousin I

HAVE

reed, (yesterday) yours of the 15th & 18th of Jany—City of the

Angels. They relieved our fears, which had been somewhat excited by the news of your capture, and the uncertainty wh. seemed to hang over your fate. W e knew not whether something of the bloodthirsty disposition which has prevailed in N e w Mexico might not extend also to California. M a n y thanks to

[

12

3 ]

you for the confidence wh. you have exhibited in me, by my appointment as guardian to your children, in the event of your death. I am heartily glad that you are spared to care for them yourself, both on your account and theirs. I dispatched the news of your rescue to Lynn and to A n n at Neponset. The boys were here a day or two since, and Frederick had an ill turn, in consequence of some undue indulgence while visiting Boston, but a few days brought him round, and he has returned to Lynn. T h e boys seem content and well-cared for—tho' A n n thinks $3 pr wk. too high to pay for board. She understands the matter better than I do. A n n is well, but her husband is not rugged. Uncle and Aunt are well, tho' exhibiting the effects of advancing years. I am living close by them, at D . tho' I receive all my letters directed to Boston, as I have a box in that office. I wrote you by Capt. Gelston in N o v . by Washington in Dec. and in March—informing you of your affairs and my return from Europe. I have pd. Kimballs draft for $ 2 0 0 0 . I have loaned E. L. Childs, as directed, $500 on his note. I have got from the Government $ 1 2 0 0 on Fremont's note, and $ 1 2 0 0 on your draft. They have refused to pay your draft for $ 2 6 0 0 because they had no vouchers. T h e money in my hands, has been invested for the most part in sound stocks, principally railroad, so that I can turn it into cash, whenever your affairs render it desirable. I will send you an exact ac/t. of the whole, from my leaving your affairs in M r . Giles hands, to the present as soon as I can. The property lays well, unless wanted for business purposes, and now amounts to $ 5 0 0 0 more or less. The whole however is not invested. I keep a few hundreds by me for contingencies. It will be well for you, if you contemplate a business with Boston, to have, as you have suggested, a commercial house as your agts. I recommend Hardy, Baker & Morrill, 44 Commercial Str., Boston, and shall be ready to pay over, on your direction, the monies of yours in my hands, to them or any other party. I shall of course know nothing of the Salem folks, except you draw on me. Reed has paid in full $3500 on the hides. I reed, your draft on Government for $36 or 3800, covering the same ground as the two above mentioned, one for $ 1 2 , the other for $ 2 4 or 2600. I did not present it, as the last had gone on to Washington. Should you transfer your funds to other hands, give me express directions, respecting the note of E. L. Childs for $ 5 0 0 . A m I to collect it, or is it to remain as a favored note? Is it to remain in my hands? or pass with your other funds. I am sorry for your disappointment in getting no vessel from the States. T h e

[-4] famine has taken up every thing. Freight has gone up for corn to Ireland to 60 cts. pr. bushel. Hardy & Co. bo't a ship for $10,000, and got $5,000 freight out of her on a trip to Ireland. I have heard of nothing for California. Your order has been for months in the hands of Hardy, Baker & Morrill, waiting a ship—the order for bricks, carriage & c . They will come on by the first vessel. M y dear Cousin. If you have got together $40,000, is it not time to think of coming home. The training of your children is a matter of the utmost moment, and impracticable in C. and imperfectly done here, without a father's watch. The sum would place you in a condition of independence here, amidst the comforts and enjoyments of friends and civilized life. Then why toil on, putting much to constant risk to enlarge enough. I think your good wife will enforce what I say, I have sent some of your ore to Dr. Jackson, to be analysed, as there may be silver in it. If so you should know it. The rest is distributed. Your letters give me no account of John. Where is he, what is he doing? I hope you will inform us all about him, as Uncle as well as myself would be glad to hear from him. You will understand, that I do not feel at liberty at this late day, to enter into arrangements with anyone for a voyage to Cal. and your funds invested by me, will remain invested until I have further directions from you. I do this because my last in March, informed you no vessel could come out, and on that supposition you may have drawn on me. With kind remembrances to your wife, I am Yours Wm. M . Rogers [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ROBERT BAYLOR S E M P L E . COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 0 7 . ]

Monterey April 26, 1847

T e n or fifteen months since you wrote a letter to the States, that was published in a paper at St. Louis in which you state that by my giving interested advice to suit my private business, Col. Freemont left California last March, when Genl. Castro thought of driving him out of this department. Some months ago I saw this letter published, but adhering to my policy not to expose my public acts or letters to protect myself from newspaper attacks I

did not endeavour to do away the impression you created. T h e Secretary o£ State having permitted the Hon. Thomas H . Benton to publish my letters relative to the times concerning which you wrote, I now send you the "Washington Union" of November, 1846, containing information in regard to Col. Freemont that you may judge if you wrote on a subject you understood or respecting a person you was then acquainted. I also forward to you the St Louis "Reveille," of the 13th of September last, containing a letter signed by one John Armstrong dated N e w Helvetia April 2, 1846, and handed to the Editor by S. P. Sublett, in which many charges are brought against me. I now call on you for your present opinion respecting these charges. You must be aware that when you and this John Armstrong (if there was such a person at N e w Helvetia) wrote these letters, that I had never been at that establishment nor had any agent there, and could not have demanded passports from the emigrants. You also know whether you paid for one, or saw any others do so at N e w Helvetia. Charges in my office or in that of the Vice Consulate at Yerba Buena were not customary for passports. T h e U . States Consular laws demand a fee of two dollars for the taking of certain certificates to obtain one and this has been taken but in few cases. One hundred dollars will excel all the money ever paid to the United States Consulate in California for this purpose, or for any case of distress although many have received passports & assistance. Chapter 1 1 , Article 50, in Instructions to United States Consuls, states "no allowance will be made to Consuls for expenses incurred in defending seaman & c . " Yet you know or can know how many have been defended by me, at much expense, and trouble, even from being from home a month at a time at a very heavy expense. For your own satisfaction you will please call on Ex Governor Alvarado, and David Spence, Esqr. who was Alcalde in 1840, & with whose respectability and veracity you are well acquainted, or any respectable person in Upper California, for the truth of the letter said to have been written by John Armstrong or for any statements therein respecting distressed citizens of the United States applying to the British Vice Consul for assistance in preference to their own Consul. Y o u can if you see fit, enquire if this is the case or the reverse. I am Sir Yours Respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin T o Robert Semple, Esqr. Monterey

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ROBERT FIELD STOCKTON. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1:210.]

Monterey April 26, 1847 Commodore R. F. Stockton Dear Sir ^(^our much esteemed letter of the 20th, I have this hour reed. I am much obliged to you for your kind remembrances. Affairs are going on here quiet, in fact so quiet that I know of no government action of note, only for some weeks past preparations have been making to place 30 natives at $23.4 per month each, with 30 American soldiers under Capt. Nagle to go against the Indians who are now by far worse than we ever knew them. M r . Norris arrived here three days back in the U . S. Ship Preble from Callao. He left Washington last of January. M y despatch from M r . Buchanan was dated the 13th. He says Commodore Biddle has explicit directions respecting my Naval Agency when it is for the accommodation of the U . S. N a v y on the N W Coast of America. Col. Freemont was supposed to be on his way to Mexico & few or no letters came for him. M r . Norris was advised by Comr. Biddle to remain here a day or two as you would yesterday or today receive your answer to his despatches per "Julia." M r . Norris has many letters for you & will write by a courier tomorrow. He told me the present courier was sent by Capt. Gillespie & must start at sunset. M r . Norris is now on board. If Genl. Kearny will let me have his January Washington Union I shall send it. By the Californian & Star you can gather as much news as I can give you. Com. Stockton's actions stood public opinion at home as well as here in California. This is not supprising. Captn Hull has my President's Message of January last. If I can get it in time I shall send it. I have but two or three hours and many letters to write. Very Respectfully Your Most Obdt. Svt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ARCHIBALD H. GILLESPIE. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 1 1 . ]

Monterey April 27, 1847 Capt. A . H . Gillespie Dear Sir " Y o u r favor per express, I have just received. Reports of the kind you mention are to common & I suppose little or no faith will be placed in this one. A s you added, I could use your letter as I saw best, I have showed it to Genl. Kearney and others. Those who live so far from "Warners Pass" as we do, I presume will let the subject rest until it draws some nigher to them. I am not so much of a Govmt. man now as I was, therefore have but little pros or cons with those in my house on political subjects. I am broke up in all my building plans for the present for want of funds. I this day by chance succeeded in lifting my own note & that of M r . Green for 3 2 0 0 $ at 2 pr cent, by giving one note at one per cent. This is about half we owe at one pr cent. Comdr. Stockton informs me on the 20th that not a cent shall be lost by his promises to any one. I do not need his letters to make me believe that. I know it by my own opinion of him. On his arrival along side of Comr. B[iddle] he might call for the funds wanted, if he could not obtain them any other way. The loss on drafts he need not care about, so much as I think the commander in chief would or should. Very Respectfully Your Most Obdt. Svt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM DAVIS MERRY HOWARD. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 1 2 . ]

Monterey, April 27, 1847. 2 o.clk P M M r . W . D . M . Howard Sir Y o u r s of the 22nd has this moment been received. I hardly know what to make of the news you send. While by the papers Mexico appears to be struggling for her existence, I do not see how she can send men much less arms to California. I have shown yours & Capt. Gillespie's letter to Genl. Kearney.

[ l , 8 ] H e does not appear [to think] there is any danger from the Mexicans. Travelling is rather dangerous from the Indians. Strong as the Americans may think themselves, a force of 30 Californians are raising here under Lt. Phillipe Button to join 30 Americans under Capt. Naglee to go to the San Joaquin. General Kearney gave M . G . Vallejo an escort from this place to the Pueblo. You will oblige me beyond measure, by shipping to me the 40 bbls. of aguardiente & any other you can obtain due to M r . Green. Should aguardiente fall in price after this, I shall not like to take which I ought to have had before, at some future day, & at a low price. I send to Capt. Gillespie some M . & San Francisco newspapers, to which I refer you for news. Very Respectfully, Your Obdt. Svt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JAMES BUCHANAN. 1 OFF. CORR. NO. 6 5 ( 1 1 : 6 5 ) . ]

Monterey California April 29th 1847 Sir " Y o u r dispatch of the 1 3 Jan. I received by M r . Norris on the 24th inst. I find that you forwarded a dispatch to this office on the 1 4 July 1846, which has not come to hand, excepting the first & a printed Circular of M a y 1846. Your dispatch of October 1845, by Commodore Stockton is my last letter from the Department of State. I now send copies of Numbers 14, 15, 17, 19, 40, 43, 44, 45, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 6 1 , & 63,2 the originals of which it appears have not reached Washington. This I regret in particular if they remain in Mexico. Since July all my dispatches have gone by Panama. With this I send my discription of the Commerce, Resources, and People of California, containing . . . pages. T h e originals I sent the first of 1846—the duplicates and some fifty copies of Proclamations and letters relative to California from January to June 1846 I sent by Commodore Sloat. While he had command on this station I lent him a copy, expecting him to return it to me for the use of his successors on this Coast. H e took it to the United States with him. I shall feel obliged if you will have it returned to the Department of State, 1 1

From the original in the National Archives, Washington, D . C. Larkin's copy adds numbers "47, 5 1 , 53, 54."

subject to my order, as I do not wish my private opinion of the character of the people in California in the possession of any person out of the Department. The description & c . of the country can be made public as there may be occasion for. In M a y or June I sent the Department a M a p of California, and another by Com. Sloat. It appears almost impossible that they, and all my correspondence taken home by him should be mislaid. Respecting the amount paid by me to couriers, most of them I dispatched by order of Como. Sloat. On his leaving, he wished me to charge it to your Department. Altho I supposed it wrong, I did so. I shall now call on Como. Stockton for the amount. Respecting clerk hire, I have paid perhaps seven to eight hundred dollars in 1846, and have sent home a vast deal of writing, altho much of it may have miscarried. M y semi-annual Consular returns, with vouchers, for January and July 1846, have not been forwarded. M u c h of the past year I was from Monterey. A part of the time my Archives had to be kept on board a ship for fear they should be lost. A s yet I do not know why my first consular draft, dated Deer. 3 1 st 1845 for 724$2 2 was protested. I only was informed that I charged too much for a flag (it was under price as the makeing cost nothing). I wished to send you triplicate copies of the different proclamations & c . I mentioned, and some time back wrote to Como. Biddle wishing to know when he should dispatch a vessel to Callao. H e has not answered it. I now find the vessel ready before I am. I am extremely gratified by your kind mention of my services. I see by some newspapers of St. Louis of Sept. 1846 that I am slandered in a higher degree than in general falls to the lot of one man to receive from one newspaper. M y relative M r . E . L. Childs ,Washington, who has noticed it shall receive [as soon] as possible sufficient refutation of the whole. 1 I am Very Respectfully Your Obediant Servant Thomas O. Larkin [Rubric] Hon. James Buchanan, Secretary of State Washington City 1

Larkin's copy reads "shall soon receive as sufficient a refutation, of the whole, as possible."

[JAMES P. ARTHER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ I . ]

San Francisco, April 29th /8q7 Thomas O. Larkin, Esq Dear sir I HAVE to ask a favour from you, by obliging me to forward the inclosed letter, a letter which contains one of my charter party signed by Asst. Q. Master Captn. Folsom & valuable to me & my employer. I have veared much about you not answering my letter, bud, I presume you never receive anny. I had not been manny hours here before I inquired about a chance to send you your letters, one from M r . Reed & one of my own handwriting, given you & account of my passage home & your children. Captn. Stevenson was the bearer of those letters. I likewise send one for M r . Pryer down in the Pueblo requesting you to forward it. I shall sail in a day or two for Manilla & if you write me a few lines to Boston the same time when you forward the inclosed, I should like at much. If I cane due anny business for you, I will be happy to due it, in anny way. Please forward the inclosed by overland male, by the first chance. By so duing you oblige and well wishing old friend to you & all your family. M y compliments to your Lady & all other inquiring friends. I remain your were Respectfully James P. Arther [Rubric]

[WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : ^ . ]

San Francisco April 29, 1847 Thos. O. Larkin Esqr Monterey DSir IMMEDIATELY on receipt of your several letters and papers in reference to the brig "Primavera," I called on " M r . Bryant," alcalde, and endeavoured to settle the business without the aid of a lawyer, but at his advice (he saying the case was one which required great talent, the best kind of advice & c . and that

I had better obtain M r . Hastings) I called on M r . H . but he charged so high that it was impossible to make any arrangement with him. M r . H y d e being absent I was obliged to engage M r . Jones, the only remaining lawyer here who immediately issued an attatchment against the Brig and the sheriff sent on board, I being obliged to give security to twice the amt. of the mortage. T h e following day the parties were assembled for a decision, M r . Hastings taking the part of the Brig and then I gave the case up as hopeless, as I knew that it was another "one sided question" similar to the one I had the other day, which was also decided against me, M r . Hastings being counsel for the opposite party. Enclosed you will find the written decision as also a copy of my protest against the decision concerning the Brig. The reason given for not detaining the Brig, M r . Bryant gives out as she being in the service of the U . S. T o prove to the contrary of this, Capt Folsom the Quartermaster, called on the Capt. of the Brig and offered him freight to Monterey, which was refused, the Brig's Capt. fearing that she would be seized in Monterey again, saying that he had made out to get her clear here and would take good care not to go to Monterey, knowing she would be seized there by you. If this is not helping people out of the reach of justice, what then is it. T h e other day when M r . B. decided against me in the Russian case I asked him if that was Mexican law. He answered "No," it was a conscientious decision. By the papers I forward you, you will know how to act in regard to the Brig and who to hold responsible for the amt. mortage. She sails tomorrow I am told for "San Pedro," and if she meets a judge at that place who will make another conscientious decision, I am afraid you will never recover your mortage. For my part I have given up the idea of receiving justice under the present administrators in this place. A s regards your house I have as yet been unable to make a bargain with any one. The Mormons ask $800, and stones for the foundation to be delivered on the spot. M r . Davis's launch is at present employed by Capt. Folsom, or I should have employed her to obtain stones, and also employed people by the day to lay the foundation. Untill I can get the stones brought in that way nothing can be done. T h e foundation of my own house cost me over $800 and all that I payed for stones was $ 1 . pr cart load. A s regards your horse, you mentioned in your letter that Capt. Richardson remarked or said that it was only a week or so since I mentioned anything about it to him. I beg you to understand as I have written you before, that I asked him for the horse immediately on my arrival from Monterey, and to obtain the

horse the only way I know of will be to employ some one and ransack the farm untill the horse is found, then put him in a boat and bring him over here as Capt. Richardson is very apt to forget his promises. The land you spoke of as belonging to Mrs. Hinckley has been leased by her to M r . Ward for 8 years, consequently there are no hopes of purchasing any of it. Nothing new that I know of but hoping to hear from you soon I am Yrs. Very Respectfly W m . A . Leidesdorff [Rubric]

[JUAN BAUTISTA AL VARADO TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. 1 X : g 2 . ]

Monterrey Abril 30 de 1847 Señor Dn. Tomas O. Larkin Muy Sor. mió C^>on mucha sorpresa hé savido que algunos Edictores de periódicos de su pais de V . han criticado mucho su caracter publico y privado. H e visto en él "Reveille de Sn. Luis" de 1 3 de septiembre de 1846 varios cargos contra V . los que con la sola ecsepcion de lo que se dice con respecto a pasaportes (de cuyo asunto yó por supuesto no puedo saber nada) conosco ser enteramente falsos, pues durante los últimos diez años nuestras familias han vivido á una distancia de cien varas la una de la otra. En cuanto á lo que se dice en dicho periodico referente á mi y á mi compañero de armas el Señor Comandante General Dn. José Castro digo que se aparta tanto de la verdad como el que lo escrivió se aparta de la honrradez y de la decencia, ó en otros términos, que es una solemne falcedad. La prisión de los extrangeros en el año de 1840, se efectuó por orden del gobierno, los motivos de cuyo acontecimiento no podrá V . conocer ni aun á esta fha.: mas entonces no tenia V . conocimiento ninguno de las circunstancias un minuto antes de haber sucedido. V . se presentó a mi como Gobernador del Territorio el primer dia que empesaron los arrestos, y varias veces durante la semana para preguntarme porque sus paisanos estavan en la cárcel, y como V . entonces no ejercía ninguna función publica, no me convenia satisfacerle. A consecuencia de la grande conmocion publica que existia en ese tiempo no se pudo atender devidamente á la comida de los presos, y me consta que V . casi solo 1

For a translation into English b y Hartnell, see the document immediately following (V

los abastesió de víveres á unos sesenta y ochenta de ellos por algunos dias. Bien me acuerdo tanbien que V . quiso salir fiador con su persona y bienes por la libertad de Isaac Graham, José Majors, Guillermo Chard y algunos otros, cuya oferta no pudo admitir el juez que entonces presidia en el distrito; como igualmente que cuando llegó aqui el Capitan de la marina de los E. U . Señor French Forrest, la actividad que manifestó V . en ayudarle á tomar disposiciones le atrajo una reprehencion de parte de las autoridades, y últimamente que cuando volvieron á California los Americanos desterrados, mantuvo V . á los principales en su casa por meses enteros, lo que no agradó mucho á los havitantes de aqui entonces. Cuando tomó V . posecion de su Consulado en el año de 1843 ° no solo recivió V . los paravienes de todos los ciudadanos mas respetables del lugar, si no del gabernador y de todos los empleados tanto civiles como militares que fueron en cuerpo á felicitarle y parece que todos convenían en que su gobierno de V . no podia haber echo una elección mas asertada. Tan persuadido de esto se hallava el Señor Gobernador y Comandante General Dn. Manuel Micheltorena, que le dio á V . un permiso especial para enarbolar en su casa el pabellón de los E . U . privilegio no concedido á ningún otro cónsul de la Republica Mejicana, y hasta la fha. no há dejado V . de hacer uso de ese privilejio. En cuanto á la protección dada por V . á sus compatriotas, no se que V . halla negado jamas su amparo y ayuda á ningún Americano y otro que los halla pedido; lo que si sé es, que ninguno de su clace de V . ha echo tantos reclamos al gobierno departamental como V . Para refutar el cargo que se le hace de ser V . Mejicano puedo declarar que cuando yo hera gobernador trate varias veces de persuadirlo á que se hiziese ciudadano y me parece que todos los demás gobernadores que há havido despues que V . se vino á radicar entre nosotros han procurado persuadirle á que sacase su carta de ciudadanía, y que V . siempre se há negado á ello. Sabiendo que se le há calumniado á V . tan groseramente, no puedo menos de dar á V . este testimonio en refutación de dichas calumnias; y como hace mucho tiempo que le conozco y por muchos años estoy observando desde las ventanas de mi havitacion que la casa de V . se halla continuamente frecuentada por los forasteros mas respetables (no haviendose establecido ningún Hotel hasta el año pasado no dudo que deva V . tener muchos gastos é incomodidades y á la verdad si las acciones de V . con respecto á sus compatriotas no son meritorios yó no se en que quieren hacer consistir el mérito de sus empleados. Siento mucho que V . halla sido tan infamemente ofendido en el citado periodico Reveille y tanto mas, cuanto porque teniendo V . familia en su país

esta deve haber sufrido alguna inquietud verdaderamente natural por las dificultades que ofrece la larga distancia para poder sofocar inmediatamente esas acriminaciones, pero tiene V . un campo muy abierto y muchas personas respectables por donde combatir con toda justicia á sus enemigos. Soy de V . con las devidas consideraciones su affmo. servidor q. b. s. m. Juan B. Alvarádo [Rubric]

[JUAN BAUTISTA ALVARADO TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. TRANSLATION. V ^ . ]

Monterey April 30th 1847 Senor Don Thomas O. Larkin

My Dear Sir I

HAVE with great surprise learnt that some newspaper editors of your

country have severely criticised your public &

private character. I have

seen in the "St. Louis Reveille" of 13th September 1846 many charges against you, which with the sole exception of what is said respecting passports (of which affair I of course can know nothing) I know to be entirely false, for during the last ten years our families have lived at the distance of a hundred varas one from the other. A s relates to what is said in said periodical in reference to me and my companion in arms, the Commandant General Don José Castro, I say that it deviates as much from the truth, as he who wrote it deviates from honour & decency, or in other terms, that it is a solemn falsehood. T h e imprisonment of the foreigners in the year 1840, was carried into effect by order of government, the motives of which occurrence you cannot know even at this day, but then, you had no knowledge of the circumstances, one minute before it happened. You presented yourself to me as Governour of the Territory, the first day that the arrests commenced, and several times during the week, to enquire why your countrymen were in prison, and as you then did not exercise any public function, it was not convenient for me to satisfy you. In consequence of the great public commotion that existed at that time, due attention could not be given to the food of the prisoners, & I am aware that you almost alone furnished some seventy or eighty of them with provisions for some days. I well recollect also that you desired to become security with your person & property for the

freedom of Isaac Graham, Joseph Majors, William Chard & some others, which offer could not be admitted by the judge who then presided in the district; as likewise that when M r . French Forrest, Captain of the United States N a v y arrived here, the activity which you manifested in assisting him to take depositions, drew upon you a reprimand from the authorities; and lastly that when the banished Americans returned to California, you maintained the principal ones at your house for months together, which did not much please the inhabitants of this place at the time. When you took possession of your consulate in the year 1843 or 1844 you did not only receive the congratulations of all the most respectable citizens of the place, but of the governour & all the civil & military officers who went in a body to give you joy, and it appeared that they all agreed that your Government could not have made a better choice. So persuaded of this was the Governour & Commandant General, Don Manuel Micheltorena, that he gave you a special permission to hoist the United States Flag at your house, a privilege granted to no other Consul in the Mexican Republic, & up to this date you have never ceased to make use of this privilege. A s regards protection given by you to your countrymen, I don't know that you have ever denied your protection & assistance to any American or other who may have asked for them; what I do know is, that none of your class, has made so many reclamations to the Departmental Government as you have done. In refutation of the charge brought against you of being a Mexican, I can declare that when I was Governour, I tried several times to persuade you to become a citizen & I think that all the other Governours who have been here since you came to reside amongst us have endeavoured to persuade you to take out your citizenship & that you always refused to do so. Knowing that you have been so grossly calumniated, I can not do less than give you this testimony in refutation of said calumnies; & as I have known you for this long time, and for many years have been observing from the windows of my habitation that your house is continually frequented by the most respectable strangers (there having been no Hotel established here until last year) I doubt not but you must be at great expense & trouble, and truly if your actions with respect to your countrymen be not meritorious I don't know in what they wish to make the merit of their officers consist. I am extremely sorry that you should have been so unjustly insulted in said periodical "the Reveille," and more so, inasmuch as you have got relations in your own country, who must very naturally have suffered some inquietude,

['36] from the great distance, making it so difficult to suffocate immediately those accusations, but you have a wide field open, and many respectable persons, wherewith to combat with all justice your enemies. I am with due consideration your affectionate servant, who kisses your hands. (Signed) Juan B. Alvarado The foregoing is a correct translation of the original. W . E. P. Hartnell, Govt. Translator [Rubric]

[In the handwriting of Larking Monterey, M a y 30, 1847 I have read the foregoing translation of a letter of Don Juan B. Alvarado ex governor of California. I know nothing whatever of the subject to which the letter refers, but I am personally acquanted with Don Alvarado & know him to be a gentleman of high standing and that his word is entitled to full credit. (Signed) S. W . Kearney, Brigd Gen & c .

[In the handwriting of Colton:] Monterey, June 14th I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the certificate signed by Genl. Kearney; and any communication bearing the name of Don Juan B. Alvarado is entitled to respect and confidence. Walter Colton, Alcalde of Monterey

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM NELSON AND J. H. JOHNSON. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 1 3 . ]

Monterey M a y i st 1847 Henry Nelson Esq. (U. S. Consul, Panama) J H Johnson, Esq. (U. S. V .

"

Callao)

Gentlemen B v recent advices from the Hon. Secty. of State, I learn that many of my despatches to the State Department have never reached Washington. I am fearful from the impossibility of travelling taking letters when crossing the

['36] from the great distance, making it so difficult to suffocate immediately those accusations, but you have a wide field open, and many respectable persons, wherewith to combat with all justice your enemies. I am with due consideration your affectionate servant, who kisses your hands. (Signed) Juan B. Alvarado The foregoing is a correct translation of the original. W . E. P. Hartnell, Govt. Translator [Rubric]

[In the handwriting of Larking Monterey, M a y 30, 1847 I have read the foregoing translation of a letter of Don Juan B. Alvarado ex governor of California. I know nothing whatever of the subject to which the letter refers, but I am personally acquanted with Don Alvarado & know him to be a gentleman of high standing and that his word is entitled to full credit. (Signed) S. W . Kearney, Brigd Gen & c .

[In the handwriting of Colton:] Monterey, June 14th I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the certificate signed by Genl. Kearney; and any communication bearing the name of Don Juan B. Alvarado is entitled to respect and confidence. Walter Colton, Alcalde of Monterey

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM NELSON AND J. H. JOHNSON. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 1 3 . ]

Monterey M a y i st 1847 Henry Nelson Esq. (U. S. Consul, Panama) J H Johnson, Esq. (U. S. V .

"

Callao)

Gentlemen B v recent advices from the Hon. Secty. of State, I learn that many of my despatches to the State Department have never reached Washington. I am fearful from the impossibility of travelling taking letters when crossing the

[i37] isthmus that they have been detained at Panama or Callao. Should you know o£ any, I should feel extremely obliged by your forwarding them so that they will reach in safety, & you will please give any Purser of the U . S. N a v y receipts in triplicate for any expenses incurred, which will serve as vouchers for me. I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your Obdt. Svt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[SALVADOR VALLEJO TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V:95-]

Sonoma Mayo i de 1847 Señor Dn. Tomas O. Larkin Muy Señor mió S u carta de V . fha. 6 del próximo pasado abril, es mi poder, relativa á nuestro contrato pr. la casa en Yerbabuena; y su contestación es la siguiente. M e mandó V . una carta orden para q. yo estubiera seguro de q. el Señor Wuilson recibía su palabra de V . pr. mil ochocientos pesos; pero por desgracia no la admitió diciendome en buenas palabras q. no abenturaba su dinero, pr. lo q. me propuse hacer yo el pago con cueros sebo & & & . haviendo comensado ya el acopio de esquilmos, asi es q. solo espero tiempo oportuno para hacer mis abonos y chancelar mi cuentesita. Siento mucho q. no nos huvieramos combenido en nuestro trato, pr. q. me hubiera V . librado de sacrificios q. solo la necesidad me exije. Quedo como siempre Su Servidor q. atento S. M . B. Salvador Vallejo [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO H E N R Y WILSON. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 1 4 . ]

Monterey M a y i st, 1847 Henry Wilson Esqr Purser, U . S. Ship Preble Sir W

L

this you have my despatches to the State Department and 20$.

You will please have them forwarded by the most direct manner possible taking receipts in triplicate for any expenses incurred. A n y difference in the expense of postage, I will honor on your arrival here. With respect, I am, Your Obdt. Svt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[ROLAND GELSTON TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.

San Francisco Harbor M a y 2/¿[j T . O. Larkin Esq Dear Sir Y o . have been troubled in this way so often that an apology sometimes would seem superfluous, and yet having addressed two packages to you a day or two since the finding the mail would be sent to-morrow morning I am inclined to write again not so much on my own account as my passengers. I mentioned in mine to you under date of 30th April that I would be under lasting obligations if you would forward all letters directed to me or to my care to this place and all expenses shall be cheerfully met and the matter settled when we meet in some four months hence if I am spared (as I am bound to Columbia River thence back to this port and Monterey) or you will draw on M r . C . L. Ross whom I leave here with goods and I shall instruct him to see your Dfts. duly honored. Letters therefore to Rev. W m . Roberts, Rev. J. H . Wilbur, M r . E. F. Folger, M r . Geo. Wardle, M r . Geo. Whitlock, M r . Richard Hoyt, or M r . C . L. Ross which may possibly reach Monterey overland being directed there you will please forward to this place. Excuse my seeming urgency and please be kind enough to attribute it to my

[ 139 ] extreme love to those I have left in m y native land more especialy when you know that one of m y own children when I left was quite sick. Yours very respectfully, Roland Gelston

[FRANCISCO PÉREZ PACHECO TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V\C¡C).~\

„ Señor D . Tomas O . Larquin

San Felipe Guadalajara M a y o 2 de 1847

Muy Sor mío E

L

portador de esta me ha entregado una carta que dise me manda V .

y aunque no la entien por que esta en ingles pero conosco cual sera su contenido que sera que le de carga por Monterrey, y yo apresiaria mucho aprobecharme de esta ocasion pero amigo me a tocado la bes en que no tengo que darle nada de carga y lo ciento mucho el perder esta ocasion, pues tengo mas de 600 pesos de jabón pero por falta de tequesquite, no lo e podio sacar. Quisas en otra ocasion que pienso no sera muy tarde le mandare carga, y si se buelve ha ofreser igual ocasion yo lo apresiare mucho. Si V . me puede aser el fabor de conseguirme un barril de aguardiente para mi eradero se lo agradesere a V . mucho, y mandare por el, mandándome abisar en primera ocasion. Soy de V . como siempre su afmo. y S. S. q. B. S. M . Franco. Perez Pacheco [Rubric]

[STEPHEN REYNOLDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN? V ^ . ]

Sir

w.

Honolulu M a y 2nd 1847

Poor Souls!! are very hard run, on all sides. W e have a bad M i n -

istry to look after, and with all our watching and vigilance they work, mole like, under ground, keeping in front of U S — a n d crawling out of the corner by boroughing. Then, when we complain to our own Govt, it is so very hard of hearing it will not hear!! W h a t are we to do? If we hoist a "paw" (Bear flag) we shall

be obliged to dance upon nothing—which will be hard work. What Noble Souls our Navy Folks be—be'ent they? If Com. Stockton had stopped one week he might have settled many of the difficulties then and now existing. Biddle, I suppose, feels sore at being ordered to California instead of going home. So is as testy as . I am glad to hear you are becoming "civilized" by becoming children of Uncle Sam—and having been bro't under Stripes— wish we had Stripes for the headstrong and obstinate who reign among us. I hope you will stripe John Ricord to his content. If he ventures among you— which God grant—and so "maul & mutt him" with words of truth and soberness, that he will recant him of his evils! We expect Ship Montreal every hour. She was at Tahaite Mar. 30th. M r . Chamberlain, Mrs. Hooper, & two children, and some others, are passengers. Everything is now very quiet at Tahaite. Hannah Holmes died on the morning of 23rd April. She had been quite ill for five or six months, by spells, violent pain in the side. Hiram Grimes & wife intend going to California in Brig Euphemia. We have two strangers from New London, Connecticut, who are coming to establish as agents for all the whale ships. So I suppose, Poor We must of necessity be off to save ourselves, and lucky at that. Cannot you spare a good resolute commander with a good Frigate to come here, and put everything to rights? What need have you of all the Navy in port, and shall I say Home Port? Drive them abroad, let them aid, assist, and support their country in distress. We had the Montreal from Tahaite Monday morning. All doing well at Tahaite. Wednesday morning Brig Mary from Canton. She bro't the sad news that the Wm. Neilson had not arrived at Manilla, or Canton—seven months out. Mr. Geo. Brown, late commissioner from U . S., his son, Capt. Dominis & Mr. Green passengers! Mrs. Dominis received the sorrowful news with great distress altho' she had long anticipated it. Brig Mary bro't news of a new French Consul for Honolulu. The person named had been Consul at Isle of Mauritius—had given some offence to an English navy officer. The English required of the French his removal, so they moved or gave orders to move him to Honolulu. I think he may be a lad of "Spirit" by his having offended "Johnny." Mr. Dudoit, it is tho't will join the Sandwich Island Government, as he is a real Vicar of Bray. Hope the new French Consul will be an able, intelligent body. We have dunces enough already (Consul Dunces). What we Yankees can look forward to is more than I can see, but one thing

appears clearly evident—Doct. Judd is determined to do get Rich!!! but whether on the principle of the Rob Roy principle or not I cannot say. . . . John Ricord is out of office. For some particulars see his Official Valedictory in Polynesian M a y 8th. A s he advertised that he is going to California, you may get much from him—only tell him you think the Sandwich Island Government must miss him, that it must inevitably perish without his sustaining abilities, and as much else as you please. You will gain all the news—that is if you choose—without great labor. I will not say without labor. . . . I have been appointed a Commissioner with John Meek, Jas. Robinson to join W m . Paty & Nehemiah Liliamanu "to appraise the unimproved value" of E . & H . Grimes premises. " W e three" would agree that the "unimproved value" must be the value of the land when it was obtained, and no doubt paid for, from Kamehameha III. W m . Paty, I believe for himself & Colleague Liliamanu, as he Paty only appeared [to] think they must suppose all improvements moved away from the land so as to make it as near as possible it would be, without any improvements on it this day, but not remove the improvements around it. What will California be, on such a scale, twenty, thirty & c years hence? Paty is Collector General of Customs, is a salaried officer of the government. Is man on all occasions for govt. The rule to be adopted in deciding the "unimproved value" of the building lots & farms is to take one third of the "unimproved value" for the government! After the first possessors of the ground paid the King, or his agents, for the time being in most if not all the cases, the revenue to the government (alias Judd & Richards) will be on the Island of Oahu more than $50,000. Righteous, pious missionary conduct—and I think they all receive a share of the loaves and fishes. I expect to be robbed of most of my real estate, which has cost me over 30,000 dollars. I may save some. I hope they will see the error of their w a y s — repent & sin no more, or their sins be visited on their own heads—not, by my wish, their posterity. J. O. Carter keeps the Mansion House in co. with a man by the name of McFarlane—they have good run of company and appear to do well. Hiram has sold out—going to California. W e have had a California fever raging very high. Since Cowlitz arrived and Andrew Johnstone returned in her, it has greatly abated. Say I, Amen! Do you? W m . H . Davis arrived 18th ult.—his mother died 23rd about 2 A . M . She has left him something handsome say from 2,000 to 2,500 which he will keep as I think as a patrimonial.

W e have no later news than Deer, about i oth by way of Canton. Nothing new from the Armies in Mexico. Whether they will fight or not, is not yet heard. Some seemed to think they would wait til Spring. A l l Yankee eyes have been looking, because they hoped, for Commodore Biddle or some other big Yankee ship to see if they could get any satisfaction from the Ministers of his Majesty's Government, for you may judge of them as you do of the wrongs, insults, oppressions & c & c of the California grandiloquents towards Yankees & others, before they hailed to themselves the Glorious Rights of Yankees!! Do, if you can, have the goodness to state things at Sandwich Islands in such manner as will induce some of the commodores to come, or send to throw water to put the fire out. It is hoping against hope to hope the present ministers will ever accord justice because it is a quality and commodity they do not possess. Your Obt. Sevt. Stephen Reynolds

[JOHN S. WILLIAMS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : ^ . ]

Sonoma M a y 2nd 1847 M r . Larkin

Sir I RECEVED your letter of 20th Aprial to-day. I have sent to M a r k West for those cattle by M r . W y m a n which he refused to deliver you 1 o days since, but I am agoing there tomorrow myself to see him again abut them. Those that Gen. Vallejo is to deliver I shall receve on the 15th of this month. I have commenced making dobes and am in grate need of some goods to pay the Indians with, but I will try to make out until the 15th of the month which time you think you can send them. When you send the goods I would like for you to send me a small assortment of medicines laybilled in case of sicness which is very common on the Sacramento. I sent M r . W y m a n to Sonoma on our bisness who was gone upwards of 20 days, during which time he hired to Cap. Soutter to mark colts. When he returned I discharged him, becase I did not think sutch a man worthy of our imploy any longer. M r W y m a n has receved the cloak and has made use of it, the ballance of his pay I will give him orders on you to settle.

[ 143 ] I also have settled with M r . Smith and gave him a small order on you to be paid in goods. I want you to send me some day books and a quantity of letter paper and some steel peens. I have fore lots in the Yerba Buena which (should you come up there) I like you to examine and sell some of them to improve the rest. The lots are taken up in my brothers and my name, but they all belong to me. I wish you to send me twenty dollars by M r . Bidwell to defray some nessary expences which I am compeled to pay money for. I remain yours with respects etc.

John Williams

T o Thomas O. Larkin eqr N . B. I would be glad (in case Leese's cattle are sold) that you would bye them for there is as much expence in attending to one or two hundred as two or three thousand.

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOHN YOUNG MASON. 1 NAVAL REC. COLL. NO. I (il: P. 1 1 7 ) . ]

Monterey Upper California M a y 3rd 1847 Sir B y

a letter received from Commodore Biddle this day containing an

extract from your despatch notifying him of my appointment as U . S. N a v y Agent I have to inform you that I have entered upon the duties of the office and engaged a clerk whose salary is to be determined by you. N o t having any orders or instructions from your Department I cannot enter fully upon the duties of my office, nor am I informed to what amount I am required to give bonds, which information with instructions I hope to receive in a short time. Money for Government use cannot always be obtained in large quantities on this coast. Perhaps every month merchantmen leaving this coast for Canton, South America, or the United States would part with their gold and silver they have, for drafts given2 on your London agent or on you. These drafts could I presume be sold on favorable terms. Vessels bound from California to the 1

From the original in Record Group 45 in the Naval Records Collection, Office of Naval Records and Library, National Achives, Washington, D . C . The date of this letter on Larkin's copy in the Bancroft Library was changed to M a y 4. 2

The copy in Larkin's letter book, now in the Bancroft Library, here adds: "in this Port."

Sandwich Islands w o u l d not take drafts on fair terms, as they could obtain them at ten to t w e n t y percent discount there. I am inclined to believe that Government drafts to the amount of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars would sell here this year. A t M a z a t l a n during the existing war money is obtained at a small advance, during peace on better terms. Should C o m m o d o r e Shubrick take possession of that port, it will be more plenty and drafts will rise in value. I b e g leave to tender to you m y thanks for the appointment I have received, and trust I m a y at some future day tender the same in person to our President. I have the honor to be Sir, V e r y Respectfully, Y o u r O b e d t . Svt. T h o m a s O . Larkin [Rubric] T o the Honourable John Y . M a s o n Secretary of the N a v y , W a s h i n g t o n , D . C .

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V: IOO.]

W a s h i n g t o n C i t y 3 M a y 1847 My dear brother W

e

n

I wrote the letter of the 24th A p r i l w h i c h y o u will receive by

this conveyance, I did not k n o w w h o was to be the bearer, having heard thro' M r s . Speiden merely that despatches were g o i n g from the N a v y D e p t . A f t e r wards I saw M r . Grey w h o told m e that the messenger was to be M r . T o l e r of this city; being well acquainted w i t h him I called to see him & ascertained that he carries despatches, & also has some appointment under the government w h . will locate him at M o n t e r e y . H e was formerly Consul at some Spanish port & speaks the language

fluently—he

is a man of integrity & honor as I beleive,

but is passionate & testy, and those w h o have business w i t h h i m should be cautious. M i d n . Toler of the Savannah is his son & he takes his daughters with him. I have reason to believe that M r . T . understands the views & intentions of the administration w i t h regard to California & perhaps will not hesitate to say w h a t he knows. I regret that I cannot be one of the first to go in & possess the land w h i c h the fortunes of war &

the prowess of our arms has given to the American

U n i o n — t h a t some will be made rich, indeed that m a n v will, there can be no

doubt, for commerce will receive a new impulse from the opening of such a vast country with its fine ports & harbours, and more especially from the new channel to be constructed across the Instmus of Panama; that enterprize is to be undertaken I believe, & it will revolutionize the commerce of half the world. I hope & trust that you will reap golden harvests from these events as they progress but I am too old & too much fettered by adverse circumstances to share in the advantages. I called to see M r . Toler this afternoon but found he had gone to N . York not to be back till the 6th, & on that day I go myself to that city for 6 or 7 days, so I probably shall not see him again. I shall give him an open letter to you. T h e year for which I subscribed for the Union for you has expired & I feel at a loss whether to renew it or not; you have not mentioned its receipt & I do not know if it is sent from N e w York. I think I will be governed by the result of enquiries in that city. Wishing you health, peace, & prosperity I remain Very truly & affectionately Yours ELC

[CAYETANO JUAREZ TO U. S. GOVERNMENT. V : i O I . ]

Sonoma, Upper Califorina, M a y 3d 1847 United States Govt. T o Cayetano Juarez

Dr

T o the following: 1846

To Forty five (45) Horses at " Two Saddles (2) " " Seven Heads of Cattle (7) "

45 35 8

$2,025.00 70.00 56.00

Two Thousand One hundred & fifty one Dollars $2,151.00 [Signed, on the reverse:] Cayetano Juarez [Rubric]

[JASPER O'FARRELL TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V: 1 0 3 . ]

San Francisco M a y 3d /¿fl T . O. Larkin Esqr Dear Sir I HAVE made a commencement of the measurement of your farm. I find it more difficult than I at first anticipated; in consequence of the great quantity of under and brushwood. I therefore discontinued the work, and shall do so untill further orders from you, as it is impossible to do it for the ordinary price. Less than twenty dollars per mile, I cannot do it. It is difficult to get men and therefore they require high wages. Therefore unless a survey and map is indispensible were I the owner I should not have it done as I assure you the above is the lowest price. Yours respectfuly Jasper O'Farrell

[ROBERT BAYLOR SEMPLE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : i 0 4 . ]

Monterey M a y 3rd 1847 M r . T . O. Larkin Sir I RECEIVED your note of 26th ult. inclosing letters from several gentlemen in relation to publications made in St. Louis and other places in the United States, and the publications taken from the Reveille, and alluding to a letter written by myself which was published in the St. Louis Reporter. I arrived at N e w Helvetia in January 1846 and remaind there and afterward at the Rancho at the head of Bear River. I have never heard of a man named John Armstrong on the Sacramento—nor no American of that name in California. It is my opinion that the letter is a forgery. M r . Bidwell is a highly respectable man, and was clerk for Capt. Sutter, and in fact kept the accounts of almost every man in that section of the country. A t the time I wrote, blaming you for Col. Fremont's departure, so much against our wishes, I did not know the particulars, nor was I acquainted with you. I got my opinion of you from

the few Americans which I saw during the winter, most of them sailors who had left their ships without leave of absence. Since that time I have lived in Monterey, that is, since August last, have had much intercourse with you and have recently heard the matters alluded to by E x Governor Alvarado, M r . Spence, who was at the time Alcalde, and many other highly respectable gentlemen who have long known you and I have no hesitation in saying that I do not believe there is any foundation for the charges made by M r . Armstrong. Since my first acquaintance with you, I have always found you hospitable and attentive to strangers arriving in town, and have seen nothing in your conduct derogatory to the character of a gentleman and an American. With great Respect Your obt. Servt. R. Semple

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO J A M E S STOKES. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 1 6 . ]

Monterey M a y 3, 1847 M r . James Stokes

Sir w

„

this you have triplicate receipts for Henry Bee to sign, as his

others were dated M a y by mistake. When I receive these I will remit the old ones. T h e triplicates for M r . Dobbindish, I put at thirty dollars, to collect from Comr. Stockton & when collected will send him the cash. D o not send in your first letter only two of each receipt. The others send in a second letter. I want them as soon as possible for Com. Stockton. Very Respectfully Your Obdt. Svt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[ T H O M A S OLIVER LARKIN TO JOHN S . W I L L I A M S . COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 1 5 . ]

John H . Williams

I

send

M a n w e y , M a y 3rd, 1847

to you care of M r . J. A . Sutter for the use of my Rancho, a pr of

mill stones & the box of dry goods as per bill annexed. I suppose you can sell the calico white & col'd manta & linen, at three rials the vara. I send the mangas & blankets, thinking Whyman may want them. A l l the goods Wheyman may want for his own use, you can let him have them at cost as pr bill, with a very little addition for freight. I hope soon to send you some iron & a sett of blacksmith's tools when I can obtain them. I shall from time to time send you such articles as you may want, & in all probability more animals than I agreed to. I have in Monterey 40 mares & 1 0 or 1 2 colts which I expect to send up in all this month. By two conveyances I forwarded you two receipts of M r . Leece for 1 0 0 mares & colts. I shall expect as you say in your letter that your sowing & reaping will pay the expenses of the farm. In that case you may depend upon my sending up large supplies to make my farm the most important place on the upper Sacrimento. You had better lay your foundation at once & build a good house whenever you may think it best. If we need another after we come up we can build it. T h e goods I send will do to pay the Indians & for other purposes of the farm, which you will sell at such prices as you may think best. I send this kind of tobacco because I can get no other. A l l the goods are packed in the box, with the exception of the mill stones. M r . Leece is to deliver the mares & colts from the 1 st to 15th of M a y , & all the month of July. Very Respectfully Your Obdt. S t

(Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[ T H O M A S OLIVER LARKIN TO JAMES BIDDLE. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 1 8 . ]

g.

Upper California Monterey M a y 4th, 1847

Y o. o u r

letter of yesterday containing an extract from a letter to you

from the Hon. Secretary of the N a v y dated Jany. 1 1 , 1847, giving me the information that I am to perform the duties of N a v y Agent I have received.

I have now to inform you that I am ready to enter upon the duties of this Naval Agency, and shall be happy to be of service to you while you remain on the coast of California & to your successors in command. I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your Most Obdt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin T o Commodore James Biddle Commander in Chief of the U . States Naval Forces in the Pacific Ocean

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO PIERRE SAINSEVAIN. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 1 7 . ]

M r . P. Sanservain

Monterey M a y 4, 1847

Pueblo de San Jose Sir I WISH you to send me within a few days all the receipts for bread taken from you, that you have not sent, as it is necessary I should have them in order to settle my accounts with Com. Stockton by the 1 oth or 15th of this month. It appears to me that you are not quite so punctual in despatching as your partner at Santa Cruz, or else my former letters have never reached you. Very Respectfully Your Obdt. Svt. Thomas O. Larkin

[MARIANO GUADALUPE VALLEJO TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : i o 6 . ]

Sonoma Mayo 4 de 1847 Señor D . Tomas O. Larkin Muy Sr. mió y de mi aprecio L

A S

cartas de V . para su Mayordomo arriba del Sacramento fueron

puestas por mi mismo en sus manos, quedando arreglado todo lo relativo á las instrucciones que recibió de V . El quince de este mes estara su dho. mayordomo aqui para recibir las baquillas, yeguas y cuanto yo pueda entregar por cuenta de V .

Conforme al modelo que V . me dio, se han formado las cuentas de algunos Sres. que han sufrido en los pasados meses, y se interesan en el cobro, si es posible, de su dinero, pagando por de contado lo que sea justo á V . por sus trabajos en tal asunto. Por mi parte no he querido incluir en la cuenta algunas cosas de mi uso personal porque algunos Sres. me han asegurado que el Sr. Freemont me las devolverá, y sin duda quedaré mas satisfecho que con el pago. Le desea felicidades y7 buena salud su servr 7y amigo Q. B. S. M . 6 V \Note in the handwriting

, M . G . Vallejo [Rubric]

of Henry Cerruti, a member of Bancroft's research

staff:] M . G . Vallejo refers to the fact that Fremont appropriated to his own use some of his private property. Gen. M . G . V . refuses to make a claim for his losses of priv. prop.

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO FRANK WARD. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 1 9 . ]

^

Monterey M a y 4th, 1847

. ^ L t my request, M r . Stetson has had placed upon the wharf a box of merchandize & a pr. of mill stones for M r . Jno Williams Sacrimento River &C directed to the care of Capt. J. A . Sutter. On your arrival at San Francisco, you will please do me the favor to forward them per first safe opportunity & by so doing you will much oblige Your Most Obdt. Svt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin Frank Ward Esqr, Monterey Monterey M a y 6th 1847 P. S. Sir. M r . Stetson placed on the wharf of this town a pr. of mill stones and a box of merchandize for M r . John Williams Sacremento River, which the captain of the Comdr. Shubrick saw, & promised to take care of. These goods I had requested you to forward to Capt. Sutter per first safe opportunity. I now understand the box of goods are missing, 1 but I presume they will come to hand. Very Respectfully Your Obdt. Svt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin 1

See Larkin to Theodorus Bailey under date of M a y 5 , 1 8 4 7 (Off. Corr. I:22i).

[JOHN S. WILLIAMS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : I 0 5 - ]

Sonoma M a y the 4th 1847 M r . Larkin Sir

I WENT out to see M r . Mark West yesterday about those cattle. He says that he has paid you all that he owes you last fawl and refuse to gave me any father satisfaction about them. I waunt you to bye as many reep hooks as you can and if there are none upon the co[a]st I want you to rite to me as soon as posable so that I can have same made againt harvest. If there is any blue cloth I want a vest and pantaloons made and sent me and also some cooking vesels and pauder and leed, a lanch that will draw three feet wauter when loaded and to carry about 1 0 0 fernagers [fanegas] of wheat will sout the Sacramento river better then any other. I want you to inquier what one can be bilt for. A l l the things you have or may hereafter send to me I want you to send me bills of. I remain yours & c . John Williams

[ALSOP & CO. TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V l i o y . ]

Valparaiso M a y 5, 1847 T . O. Larkin Esq Monterey Dear Sir I N conformity with instructions from M r . H . Cheever of Honolulu we have shipped to you by this vessel for his account five cases merchandize respecting the probable consignment of which he will no doubt have written you and sent his orders & to them we refer touching their disposal. Bill of lading & specification of their contents please find enclosed. Yours respectfully. Alsop & Co

Valparaiso 5th May 1847 Invoice of Merchandise shipped by Alsop & Co on board the American Barque Georgian, Kelly master, bound for California, by order and for account of Henry Chever Esqr. & consigned to T . O. Larkin Esqr. Monterey. 2

cases denims

#2807—576 "2808—582^

blue drills

l

1 1 5 8 ^ yds @ J4 /ii

168.0

1 8 2 0 y d s @ I2f
!35-9 6 1,880.00 I

«°93-S7 1,000.00 456.23 355-°° 350.00 320.50 277.00 200.00 180.00 102.00 69.00 50.00 21.00

18,851.13 1,338.00

106.00 1,567.12 3>93 I - I 9 444.00 125.00 I2

5-75 58.50 117.50 350.00 622.50 2,080.88 880.09 406.63

10,855.16 $31,044.29

[ i

9

8 ]

Cr B y cash from Purser Dunn Sale of Schooner "William" Bill against Mr. Larkin Bill against Mr. Green Auction sale of sugar Draft on Sect of the N a v y No. " " " No. " " " No. " " " No. " " " No. « " " No. " " " No. Cash from Purser Speiden Discount on cash J . C. Fremont's certificate Error to balance

13 14 20 21 22 23 24

4,002.00 3,200.00 343-^9 74-73 418.55 500.00 1,400.00 1,338.00 3,000.00 2,000.00 865.00 615.00 2,251.75 180.14

8,039.17

9,718.00 2,431.89 10,855.16 .07 $31,044.29

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JASPER o'FARRELL. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 4 0 . ]

Monterey June 7, 1847 Gasper O'Farrel Esqr Dear Sir " Y o u r s of the 3d inst. is at hand and contents noticed. The price you mention is so exorbitant that I think it out of the question to have the survey made, unless it can be done for less. It is my intention to visit San Francisco the last of the month when I will see you upon the subject, thus you will please wait my arrival. Respectfully Yours & c . (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

—[ 199 ] [ T H O M A S OLIVER L A R K I N TO J A M E S F R A Z I E R REED. O F F . CORR. 1 : 2 3 9 . ]

Monterey June 7th 1847 M r . James F. Reed Sir "YOUR letter of the 26th was received this day. I shall be at Yerba Buena on the 29th and perhaps at the Straits on the 24th. I however am willing for you to take the orchard and vinyard (both in one) this year without any other consideration than the value in labour you shall bestow on it. I will also agree that you shall have it the year 1848 on condition of having you and your workmen put it in first rate order, [cut?] the vines, prune the trees, put up the falling houses or the chief ones and the walls, all of which we can speak of when I meet you there. A t any rate you can have it this year & I am willing to pay you one hundred dollars (if you understand cuting vines and pruning fruit trees) on condition you move in it at once and next December, January and February cut and dress the vines, prune the trees and have the whole piece of land fit for cultivation for 1848. 1 By that time we shall meet on the spot and I will give you a good trade as I only wish to have it in good hands for 1848 and 18492 but you must perfectly understand vine cutting or have a proper person to do it. Respectfully Yours (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[CASPAR ORENA TO ROBERT FIELD STOCKTON. T R A N S L A T I O N .

V:^.]

Monterey June 7th 1847 Commodore I TAKE the liberty of addressing you with the object of fulfilling a commission given to me on my leaving Santa Barbara by my cousin Don Miguel de la Guerra y Noriega. I will explain myself; in September last year when said Don Miguel was in 1

L a r k i n ' s r o u g h d r a f t of this letter written on Reed's note of M a y 26 (V:i^o) 1849. 2 Larkin's rough d r a f t here reads " 1 8 4 7 & 1 8 4 8 . "

gives the y e a r as

[ l o o ] this city receiving the horses which Lieut. Maddox brought from the farm of San Julian, at the time of their delivery by your orders, the officer commissioned for that purpose, manifested that you requested two horses to be put aside for your use. Don Miguel de la Guerra not wishing to part with these two horses as he had a great liking to them, answered that he would not sell them, but seeing that notwithstanding this refusal the officer persisted in having the horses set aside, he asked for one of them i o o f and for the other 60$ which amount not appearing reasonable to the officer, he offered to give 1 0 0 $ for the two observing at the same time that if he did not wish to take that price, that you would still keep them; the fact of the matter is, that Don Miguel has remained without his horses, and received no payment for them nor any receipt either. After this explanation, I leave it to your just deliberation [to] decide whether my representation in the name of Don Miguel be admissable or not, and at all events I hope that you will be pleased to give me the answer, whatever it may be, for my exoneration. I have the honour to present you on this occasion the assurances of my distinguished esteem. (Signed) Gaspar Orena Commodore R. F. Stockton United States of the North's Ship "Congress" I the undersigned do hereby certify the foregoing to be a correct translation of the Spanish original as found in the "California Star" of June 26 N o . 25. W . E . P. Hartnell, Govt. Translator [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JAMES BIDDLE. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 4 4 . ]

Naval Agency Monterey California June 9 , 1 8 4 7 Sir

I

FIND

the duties of the Naval Agency at Monterey are such that it will

be necessary for me to be provided with a clerk to assist in the duties of the Office. I shall be obliged to you for information as to the provision to be made under

_ [

M l

]

Govt, authority in such a case or your opinion on the subject. I am with respect Y o u r Obedient Servant (Signed) Thomas O . Larkin N a v y A g e n t , California T o Commodore James Biddle Commanding United States N a v a l Squadron Pacific Ocean

[OLIVIER DELEISSÉGUES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ O . ]

[June 9, 1847]

Y o

Olivier Deleissegues, vecino del Puerto de Monterey, por las pre-

sentes me obligo hoy dia de la fha. á vender á D . Tomas O . Larkin una faja de tierra de mi pertenencia, situada detras de la Aduana de este Puerto y al Norte del terreno mió, colindando con la calle que hoy dia hemos cedido dho. Señor Larkin y yo á esta Poblacion; dho. terreno corre todo el ancho de mi citado terreno la distancia de cien varas, con treinta varas de fondo: cuyo terreno de cien varas de largo y treinta de ancho, me obligo á vendar á dho. Señor Larkin por la cantidad de cuatrocientos cueros de res y doscientos pesos en plata. M e obligo igualmente á dar á dho. Señor Larkin, ó á la persona que él me señale, títulos separados por cualesquiera porciones de dho. terreno que le convenga á él vender ó enagenar á otras personas, si acaso le conviniese dividirlo en solares diferentes. Y para el cumplimiento de esta contrata y obligación, obligo mis bienes havidos y por haber, constituyéndome responsable por todos los daños y perjuicios que le puedan sobrevenir al comprador en caso que faltase yo al trato hecho, en testimonio de lo cual firmo la presente en el Puerto de Monterey á los nueve dias del mes de Junio de 1847. Olivier Deleissegues [Rubric] Witness Moses Schallenberger [Rubric]

- [ 202 ] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO LANSFORD WARREN HASTINGS. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 4 2 . ]

Monterey June 9, 1847 Captain Hastings Sir I HAVE wanted some time to hear of your proceedings relative to my 50 vara lot. I sent to you the deed from M r . Forbes to myself. Have you received it? In the English translation I gave you, it says 50 varas; in the original 50 varas square. I expect to see you by the 26 or 27th of June. I am Yours & c . (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF. COPY. OFF. CORR. L 2 4 5 . ]

Monterey June 9th 1847 Captain W . A . Leidesdorff

Sir M

Y last to you was by a private express with the information to your-

self and others of the unexpected march of General Kearny and Col. Fremont. I understand you went to the Pueblo but did not see them. In this case it only added one more rub to those already received. W e hold Lt. Col. Fremont's certificates for over ten thousand dollars for which we have good vouchers to show why he owes it. W e did not receive one "Rial" in cash on a/c of the Battalion and had to take N a v y bills at par for hard dollars weekly advanced on N a v y account since October. Some of the drafts I have disposed of at 8 % discount to stop some thousands of dollars borrowed at 2 % per month. I expect to leave here on the 20th inst. to be at the Straits on the 24th. Then myself and Pay Master McCloud (and perhaps the Governor) will expect to meet some of you Yerba Buena gentlemen there in a boat and go down with you, as I wish to be with you on the 29th. Although the contract I made in August for bread is partly annulled (but

not by my consent) I yet can deliver to the Congress 7 2 1 7 lbs. If you can get Purser Speiden to take this on my account I will allow you ten cents per lb on hide account. I am aware you have sold at 1 o cents cash, yet I think you would like to deliver more at the same price in hides as you can obtain plenty of flour. I can obtain it of the Frenchman. I am anxious to make something on this 7 2 1 7 lbs having lost on the other by paying 2 % per month on $3,000 or $4,000 since October 1846. Respectfully Your Obt. Servt.

(Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM M. ROGERS. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 4 3 . ]

„ , . ,, , M r . William M . Rogers

Monterey California Tune yqth 1847 7 ™

Boston, Mass. Sir ^ENCLOSED you have the first of a draft, Number Twenty One, dated in Monterey June 7th 1847, drawn by William Speiden on the Secretary of the N a v y in favour of Commodore R. F. Stockton and endorsed to you for three thousand dollars (3,000) which please pay over to Elbridge G . Kemball of Salem, Mass, or the proceeds of the draft, unless you have previously paid M r . Kemball. I am informed by the Secretary of State that my draft of twelve hundred dollars was ordered to be paid and that certain charges of mine against his Department must be charged to the N a v y Department. I have now received a draft from a Purser of the Squadron on the Secretary of the N a v y for one thousand three hundred and thirty eight dollars ( 1 3 3 8 ) for such expences which I shall negocíate here. I have no time to make out accounts and forward vouchers to balance act's but the State Department is still in my debt. I am Respectfully Yours (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ROBERT BAYLOR S E M P L E . COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 4 1 . ]

M r . Robert Semple

Monterey June 9 , , 847

Sir ^ E n c l o s e d you will find the translation of the contract annuling the contract between yourself and D o n Mariano G . Vallejo. I shall in time send to Alcalda Boggs another copy, also one of Genl. Vallejo's deed to us requesting him to record them, also the original now in Don Gaudelupe's hands. I have had so much to do that I have not drawn from your writing our own contract. I shall have it in time to carry with me, or perhaps sooner as you should sign it before the 24th inst. I shall with Major M c C l o u d and perhaps Col. Mason leave here on the 20th for the Pueblo thence to the Benecica on the 24th, where we shall cross over our horses and leave them hopeing you will have a boat to carry us to San Francisco. Thence we go to Sonoma by water—thence up the Sacramento at least the Paymaster and myself. I wish to go to Bodego to sell Capt. Smith some land for lumber for the new house. I was in hopes your boat would have the oppertunity of passing over the General and party. Endeavour to have a boat at the Strate to carry us with you to Yerba Buena. Put down on your list Charles Wooster, Valparaso, as a subscriber and send his paper to me from first number new series. Also print the enclosed card three months. Respectfully Yours & c . (Signed) Thomas O . Larkin

[JAMES BIDDLE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN, U. S. NAVY AGENT AT MONTEREY. V ^ I . ]

U . S. Ship Columbus g.y

Monterey June 1 0 , 1847

^ ( ^ o u r letter of the 9th is received. Without the previous sanction of the Secretary of the N a v y , I presume that no allowance for clerk hire in your office will be admitted. V e r y Respectfully Y o u r M o s t Obedient James Biddle

[JOHN COFFIN JONES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN V : ^ . ]

West Newton, June i oth, 1847 My dear Sir I AM going to scratch you a fiew lines, by a ship (the Charles) which sails in a fiew days from Norfolk, with stores for the squadron at Monterey. This is my fourth letter since my arrival in this country to you. God knows if you will ever recive any one of them. They have gone by circuitous routs. I have now been here a little over a year, and have not yet received the scratch of a pen from any one in California. Thro' the Sandwich Island papers and one which is published in Monterey, I have occasionally learnt some little of what is going on in California. Our last accounts report that all was quiet, that the Californians had been completely used up, and had surrendered and returned to their homes, those who had any. All here, who knew anything about the nature of a Californian, have been completely astonished at the resistance they have made, and the desperate struggle they have made to recover and hold their own territory. Who would ever have believed that a body of armed Americans would ever have retreated before a host of Californians whatever might have been their superiority as to numbers or arms, but so it has been and unfortunately the superiority as to numbers, on the side of the Americans. What an aggreeable time you must have had whilst a prisoner. A pleasant ride thro' the country to be shure, and with the prospect of beeing marched or rather draged to Sonora, your situation must have been anything but enviable. I was glad when I learnt that you had been liberated and had reached the Angeles. I long to see a statistical account of the battles, with a list of the killed and wounded on the Mexican side. Some of my precious relations I think must have been amonghst the number. Thomson, Park, Robins & Hill were allso made prisoners as report says. Their captivity must have been short in comparison with yours. What battles General Kearny & his worn out troops fought with the troops of Flores; the odds was frightful, and the slaughter must have been appalling. All people here censure the Commodore for the position he has taken against Kearny. It admits not of a question on which side was the right, and the most astonishing thing is that Comd. Shubrick did not immediately put Stockton in his proper place. The valiant Commodore stands very low in the estimation of his countrymen and has done so for many years. He is considerd a blustering,

hypocritical, would be important beeing, but when sifted, there is found no substance in him. Commodore A p Jones is firing out in the Ohio for Monterey, at N e w York. H e will be a commander that will, no doubdt, put all to right. I shall write a long letter by him. I am sorry to say, there is less prospect of peace than ever. T h e Mexicans will hear of no terms, their blood is up, and they are rallying to the rescue. They will be able to fight no more pitched battles, but they will prosicute, what they are so well adapted for, a guirella war, and that will anoy our armies most dreadfully. Hereafter they will fight under the banner of the Cross and their Lady of Guadalupe. They will swear to pursue with death, the Anglo Americans, their followers, defenders or allies, wherever they may be found; depend upon it, that the war, as yet, has hardly begun. You will see by the papers, that Scott has taken the Castel, Santa Cruz, Jalapa, Perote and Puebla. Beyond that he cannot advance till reinforced, as about 5 0 0 0 of his army (volunteers) have left him, their time of service having expired. H e will probably in time march into the Capital, but what will he do when he gets there. H e will find none to treat with, probably none to oppose his entrance. I fear myself, that once in the City, the people will rise en masse, and annihilate his whole army. It is often much easier to march into an enemys country than to march out. It may be so with Scott. Santa Anna, you will perceive is used up. His disgraceful retreat from Cerro Gordo, has killed him. His countrymen have branded him as a coward and traitor. H e is trying to get together a fiew followers at Orizaba, with which to enter the City, but he will not succeed. There are a thousand daggers there drawn to reach his heart, whenever he shall expose himself. T h e war in this country, is every day becoming less popular. A l l people of respectability have long since condemned it as unjust, unchristian and as cowerdly. It has brought the country in debdt over 1 2 0 millions and will cost as much more before it is finished. There are those, and men of the highest standing who believe that the country will be bankrupt. James Polk's reign will close in 49 the most disgraceful one recorded in the annales of our country. T h e Wigs will again take the reigns and General Taylor is destined to fill the Chair. Business never was brisker than it is here at present, owing to the great demand for breadstuffs in Europe and the incredible supply that this country affords. Money is plenty at 5 per cent, whilst in England such houses as the Barings cannot get their paper discounted, and the greatest alarm prevails, that

[ -7 ] arc the most serious apprehensions that the Bank of England will have to suspend specie payments. What a catastrophy that would be. N o doubt remains but all and the most wealthy houses in England will become bankrupts. I have lately heard thro' Rev'd M r Rodgers that your children were well and learning fast. I presume he will write you about them. I am living in the country ten miles from Boston, close by the Raild Road, and can be in that city whenever I wish, in fifteen minutes. I am working on the farm myself to get a living by the sweat of the brow. M y family have been constantly unwell since I have been in this country. Thay have had a dozen diseases. I number now three. W e are going next week to N e w York to visit my sister there and Mrs. Robinson. I am in hopes it may be of service to her. She stood the winter uncommonly well but it was an unusually mild one, the thermometer never fell below zero. I dread the next, and fear from the present state of her lungs she will hardly be able to endure it should it prove severe. God knows but I may yet have to end my days in California; it is far from beeing impossible. If you know when you are well off stay whare you are, and let well alone. If I was there now I would never leave. Accept my best wishes and remember me kindly to Mrs. Larkin. If you value life write me. Very truly J. C . Jones P. S. I have sent several letters to your care. Do see that they reach their destination.

[JOHN COFFIN JONES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : ^ . ]

Boston, June i oth 1847 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr U States N a v y Agent, Monterey My dear Sir w

,

you allow me the pleasure of introduceing to your acquaintance

and particular attention, the bearer of this M r . David Carter of Boston, who leaves in a fiew days, in the ship Charles for Monterey. M r . Carter is in the employ of my esteemed friend M r . W m . H . Boardman, one of our most

respectable merchants, who will feel grateful for any kindness you may extend to M r . Carter; and I can assure you that you will greatly oblige me, by offering him your best services, and well known hospitality. Very truly Your Friend & Obd. Svt.

John C . Jones [Rubric]

[WILLIAM A. T. MADDOX TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : I 5 2 . ]

T . O. Larkin Esq

Monterey June i o, 1847

Sir

I

WILL

be extremely obliged to you, if you will inform me in writing of

the conversation which occurred between yourself and M r . McKinley upon his return from San Luis Obispo on the 15th of November last, as I wish to be informed particularly in regard to these facts. I am Sir Very respectfully Your Obdt. Servt. W m . A . T . Maddox, Lieut. U . S. Marines Late Commdt. of the Central Dept of California

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN AND DAVID WIGHT. BUILDING CONTRACT. V : ^ . ]

[June 1 0 , 1847] J . HIS is to certify that I, David Wight, carpenter by trade, now living in Monterey California, do this tenth day of June, one thousand eight hundred & forty seven, agree with Thomas O. Larkin to do the carpenters work of a certain building being put up by said Larkin within his premises now occupied by the Quarter Master of the U . States A r m y ; which building is to be about seventy two feet front and forty two feet back on the foundation: the carpenters work to be done in a good and faithful manner rendering the house inhabitable after it is plastered and white washed inside: the principal parts of said carpenters work to consist of three setts of joist (middle sett planed), three sett's of flooring, all planed, tongued and grooved, and well laid: the middle

floor planed both sides: the plates for joist, roof, and lintels, to be spliced together and pinned: the lintels to be planed, where exposed to view: corridor ten feet wide: pillars eight square, with one floor well laid in the second story, with bannisters and railing: roof to be well framed and fastenend. Shingles to show five inches: gutters for the roof, front, back & south end: the roof to be hipped or cottage style on the south end: the corridor to have one wide pair of stairs with petition to debar entrance to coral: within the house, three pairs of stairs, with bannister and closets: the adobie walls within and without to have thirty four door and windows, frames with door and window shutters, (the latter in pairs), to be made of inch boards not more than six inches doubled and well nailed with wrought nails; the six rooms to have two inch partitions, planed both sides, tongued and grooved, and each a door with its facing: window seats to have two inch plank: base boards eight inches high or more, all round the rooms nailed to blocks well built in the walls. A l l door frames above and all frames below to be of wood, at least three by ten inches. The window frames above to be made for weights and pullies. Doors and windows, in front, to be finished with architictural plates outside. Said Wight to have the general superintendance of the putting up of the wall by the masons that it may be well done: the carpenters work not to detain the masons unless there is a want of timber & are not to put any lumber in unless it be seasoned. Said Larkin is to find locks, bolts, shingles, nails, putty, glass, lumber, and other materials that he wants for the house and to be furnished as fast as circumstances will allow him to obtain them, and to pay said Wight the sum of fifteen hundred and sixty dollars ( $ 1 5 6 0 . 0 0 ) in full for his work: one third in advance—one third by the time the work is done if demanded, and the remaining third four months after the whole is finished. A s witness my hand in Monterey California this 10th day of June 1847. It is understood that the windows which have iron bars are to have no shutters. David Wight Agreed to the same day and date by me, Thomas O. Larkin [Rubric] Witness, A . Jackson M c D u f f e e [Rubric]

Received Monterey June 18th 1847 from Thomas O. Larkin the sum of two hundred and seventy dollars ($270), the same being on account of pay for the within contract. $270.00

David Wight

Witness Edwd. Lapham Stetson [Rubric] Received Monterey June 19th 1847 from Thomas O. Larkin the sum of two hundred & fifty dollars ($250) the same being on account of pay for the within contract. $250.00

David Wight

It is agreed this 1 2 th day of August 1847 between David Wight and Thomas O. Larkin, that in place of said Wight's putting in the back part of the within named building at the second story three double doors—he will put in three sash pannel doors, and in place of putting in the front part of the second story six windows with glass, he will put in three windows of the class mentioned within and three sash pannel doors: these six doors to be well made with sash and pannels with a pair of pannel shutters, and sixteen peins of glass, 9 by 1 2 , or 1 o by 1 2 to each, for which difference of work, the said Thomas O. Larkin is to pay the said David Wight forty dollars. Thomas O. Larkin [Rubric]

David Wight

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM A. T. MADDOX. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 4 6 . ]

Monterey California June 1 1 th 1847

Sir

I N answer to your letter of yesterday requesting information relative to M r . James McKinley I would state that he arrived here on the 15th day of November from the Mission and roadstead of San Luis Obispo expecting to travel North in a few days. I made personally and particular enquiries of M r . McKinley relative to the state of the country, and who was in arms, how many, and where he had seen people? H e informed me that there was no Californians in arms at San Luis Obispo nor this side of it, and at the mission there was no persons but the residents of the place (a few in number whom I was acquainted with).

During the afternoon of the day that M r . McKinley arrived in Monterey I left here on horseback with one servant for San Francisco (supposing the roads were safe). That night about 25 miles from here I was taken prisoner by some Californians under a Mexican officer and carried to a camp fifteen miles from Monterey, where I found about 80 Californians in arms, with a drum and a Mexican flag. N e x t day they numbered 1 3 0 and met by accident a body of Americans which brought on an action in my presence. There were 7 men killed in the action and more than that number wounded. With a party of those Californians I was carried South as a prisoner, traveling with them two weeks. From the tenor of the conversation I had with the officers of these armed men and one of the prisoners, I have reason to beleive they purchased munitions of war from M r . McKinley. I am Yours Respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin T o Lieut. W . A . Maddox, U . S. Marine Corps Late Military Comidante of Central Department, Monterey, Cal.

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ROBERT A. PARKER. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 4 7 . ]

M r . Robert A . Parker

M o n t e r

^

June 1 1

'

18

47

Sir I HAVE two lots in San Francisco upon which I intend building and am desirous of making an arrangment with some business man in your place to conduct the work for me in such a way that it may be a source of convenience and advantage to him and myself, as it is inconvenient for me to be there during the time that will necessarily be ocupied in building. Should you see fit to enter into an arrangment with me I should be willing to advance some funds to carry on the work and will so fix the matter that you may hold the property under your control until the rents shall reimburse you for the balance of expense of building allowing you a certain rate of interest for your outlays. A s I contemplate expending some ten or fifteen thousand dollars there it is inconvenient to advance the full amount at present.

I wish at once to have two houses erected, one on my upper, and one on my lower lot, the first to have a stone foundation one or one & half feet above the ground, and brick or adobie walls, and the latter to be a frame—both to be built in first rate manner by the best mechanics. M r . McDougle would like to make arrangments for doing the stone & adobie work, but should I make arrangments with you, an arrangment with him would be at your option. I shall be at San Francisco on the 25th inst. and write this that you may have time to consider the matter previous to my arrival, when we will speak of the matter more fully. Respectfully Yours & c . (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin Addressed a duplicate copy of the above to Capt. W . A . Leidesdorff and informed each of duplicates being sent.

[CHARLES L. ROSS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V H 5 6 . ]

San Francisco June 1 1 th 1847 Sir I HAVE learned that you are the owner of the lot opposite the store owned by M r Pettitt, & in a line with Frank Ward's & M r . Grimes—the corner lot. I occupy the store of M r . Pettitt with a part of the cargo of the Barque Whiton, as you are I presume aware. I find it too small & also exceedingly unpleasant in the afternoon, on account of the wind. It is quite impossible to keep the door open at all, and in this country people seem to think a store closed, unless the door is open. I write to inquire at what rate you will rent Gelston & Co. a privilege to erect a temporary building about 16 by 36 on the beach front, for one year. I may not occupy it more than three months and I may the year. I will sell it to you when I am through with the business here, at what it may be deemed worth or remove it, as you may think best. I have been told you intend to erect a building on the lot. T h e two need not interfere. I should have no objections to attend to any improvements you may design upon the lot, and if you have not contracted for a building I will erect such a one as you may desire, as I have some dealings with mechanics, and can occasionally buy lumber in trade. I have had much to do with builders at home and would try to do what I undertook, well. I have some funds on hand and may have no call for it

until the barque returns and i£ not, would as leave employ it, and make no demands upon you until the building is finished. This however is o£ no consequence, but the erection of a building at once in which to put goods, is. I trust you will be disposed to be liberal. Every building erected here enhances the value of property & adds to the business of the place. I wish if my stay must be short, to leave my mark. A n immediate answer will oblige Yours Truly C . L. Ross

[EBENEZER LARK1N CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : ^ . ]

Washington City 1 2 June 1847 My dear brother M

RS. Speiden sent one of her boys to my house this afternoon to say

that M r . Beale was to leave on Monday morning for the Pacific, & tho' I have nothing of moment to say I cannot permit the opportunity to pass without sending one short letter at least. On the 24th April & 4th M a y I wrote letters which went by M r . Toler hereafter to be one of your neighbors, & perhaps a family connexion. After my last (of 4 M a y ) was written & while I was at N e w York M r T . called at my house & made some enquiries of my wife respecting bro. John, & intimated that his son had formed an attachment for one of Johns daughters & might one day make her his wife. W e possessed not much information of him, his family or concerns, & therefore Sarah could not say much. If "annexation" takes place I hope it may be for the happiness of all concerned. On the 27th M a y I rec'd yours of Jan. 2 1 which is the latest date I have from you, tho' I see in the papers intelligence one month later. It came to me by mail from St. Louis post marked M a y 19. Lt. Rowan I have not seen, or M r . Carson. I heard a week ago of a M r . Rittenhouse who had seen you, but have not met with him. I believe he was in the Levant. T h e Ohio is about sailing for the Pacific coast with Com. Jones. I do not know that I am acquainted with any of the officers except Dr. Washington who is one of my neighbors. M y brother in law Lt. Larkin who is now here, says one of the lieutenants, M r . Green, is a friend of his, & a very clever

-[ 214 ] fellow—was with him last cruise, three years. Capt. Hardy of the Marines may be in the ship. I know him somewhat—he is the ugliest old fellow you ever saw. Sam sends his respects & says he may call & see you one of these days. H e is now stationed at the Observatory in this city. You ask if Sarah rec'd the California ring you sent. She did not—never heard of it. She gets no presents except from me, & but few of them, for I have no means. I recollect M r . Everett or M r Johnson had some written directions from you about the distribution of some rings or other jewelry to several friends, but not my wife. I feel very much obliged for your proposition to give up your legislative honors to me if I were on the spot. It would not require the temptation of an office to induce me to join you. Could I but provide for my family I think I would be on my way very soon—but as I have before written, I could not find her a safe home even for a year, & she could not, at first, go with me. A n d then Wentworths studies must be completed or all that has been done would be in a measure, lost. I find as bills come in, & time passes, that he costs me $400 a year, & may run up to $450 & when he is ordained he will need a library & outfit of as much more. I have no belief that California will ever revert to Mexico or from the U . States. T h e country is fairly ours by right of conquest, & Mexico is too weak to attempt to recover her losses, even if she has any such desire. Our government had in view, I believe, the permanent occupation of California & N e w Mexico in making the war. I have heard nothing from Lynn since my last—have no doubt they are all well there or I should have been informed. Bad news always travels fast. M y nephew M r . Towne has been invited to a church in this city, & has accepted. Very truly Yours

[ROBERT BAYLOR S E M P L E TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : ^ . ]

Dear Sir

San Francisco June 1 2 t h 1847

T H E Plan of "Benicia City" is now finished and the lots numbered after the plan of the square I sent you. There has been a number of lots selected by men who will build on them. Some of them are the even lots, for which you will make them titles. There has been no even ones taken since you bought.

[

21

5 ]

I went up last Saturday in 6^2 hours and returned on Monday in six hours. There are two gentlemen preparing houses there for stores. It is pretty well ascertained that there is a great abundance of coal at the point opposite the head of Mare Island south side. The very first consideration now is, to have lumber at the place. If I could now advertise that I had fifty thousand feet of lumber there, I could sell it for cash in three weeks. I have three frames, which will be ready to put together by the 15th July. If you can possibly make any arrangement for lumber try and do so, and if possible get some ship to go up there. I am anxious for you to come up and spend a week at the place. Come by land. Y o u will have no trouble in crossing; we crossed 24 horses on Sunday last and had no trouble with them. Benicia City is making quite a stir even in the Great city? of San Francisco. I am having some deeds printed, with m y own name, which I can not fill up until the contract between you and myself is consumated. Y o u can have it signed and witnessed on your part and then send it up for my signature, which will be as good as though we were together. Do not by any means delay it, for there are four or five persons now getting their timber to the place for building and will want their titles before they build. Let us throw no obstacle in the way by our delay. I have bought 1 0 0 0 yards long and three hundred yards wide on the opposite side, which will be room enough for a ferry house. I have great hopes of being able to go there to live soon, for it is one of the most delightful places I have ever been at. If I get no news by the mail to-night I shall not write more. I find there will be but little use in making conditions to lot titles. A number of persons take two lots and will improve one of them now but would be unwilling to be obliged to build a shanti on the other. A n d at the public sale, the drawback of 25 percent will be some inducement. Come up if you can, before the 24th. Your ob't Serv't. R. Semple

[ 216 ] [MUNICIPALITY OF MONTEREY TO MODESTA CASTRO AND ANGUSTIAS (DE LA GUERRA) JIMENO. COPY. V:I6O.]

[June 14, 1847]

WHEREAS Doña Modesta Castro and Doña Angustia Gimeno, having

applied to this court for a lot or parcel of land within the boundaries of this

Municipality consisting of five hundred yards square situated as follows, to wit: Beginning at the southern boundary line of a lot of land owned by Milton Little and running nearly south at the back or to the westward of the Fort as it now stands, leaving between the front of this lot and the Fort boundaries a space of sixty six feet for a street five hundred yards. Thence nearly west five hundred yards. Thence nearly north five hundred yards and thence nearly east five hundred yards to the place of beginning. Whereas said lot or parcel of land is now vacant and at the disposal of this Municipality; and whereas the said Doña Modesta Castro and Doña Angustia Gimeno have paid the sum per yard required by law they become therefore fully and justly entitled to the same to be held and owned by them, their heirs and assigns forever in fee simple to the preclusion of all other claims whatever. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, this fourteenth day of June in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and forty seven. (Signed) Walter Colton, Alcalde (Seal) A record of the above is kept in the Alcaldes office at Monterey in the book of registers for building lots on page 2 0 2 . (Signed) William R. Garner, Secretary William R. Garner Clerk of the first Alcalde's court within and for the jurisdiction of Monterey Upper California do certify the foregoing instrument of writing to be a full, true, and complete copy of the original. William R. Garner, Clerk of the first Alcalde's court within and for the jurisdiction of Monterey March 2nd 1850 Recorded in the Book (B) of Records of the Municipality of Monterey— page 50. W m . S. Johnson, Acting Recording Clerk In new Book of Records page 50. N o . 69. Hugo Reid [Rubric]

[

21

7 ]

[JOHN S. WILLIAMS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : i 6 l . ]

Upper Sacramento Citty Point June 17th 1847 Mr. Larkins Dear Sir I W R I T E to inform you about the state of affairs procedeings and situation of your place. It this present time wee have arraived from Sonoma with the stock. Wee got here with [MS. illegible] head of cattle and 175 head of horses— kind mares colts and studs. I was used verry dogedly about the cattle. After parting out the cattle at Suquel we started with them and had not gone a mile until thay parted out 8 or 10 head most of wich I knew I had received. I remonstrated with the maridoma about such usuge. He cald a halt and said he must have a receipt for the cattle in full. We ware then not more than a mile and a half from the rodier ground. The cattle as wild as elk and himself and buckaros ware a going to leave us and wee would be obliged to take the cattle over the mountains to Susun by ourselves. I proposd parting out the cattle I received in Sonoma and not receive the other but the men that ware with me said I would loose more that way then I would on the road. I finally concluded to receipt for them knowing whaat gott away would go back. When [MS. torn] araived hire and markd thay fell short about 20 head. When I returned to Sonoma for the mares I told the General how [MS. torn] had used me about the cattle and told him if he could not [MS. torn] better by me with the mars he need not rhodier them. He flew in a passion and said he never had a man talk that way to him before and probably if the laws had been the same as thay ware one year ago he would confine me. I state these partickulurs to you so that [you] may know of the whole matter. N o doubt when you see the General he will tell you a diferent tale from this but [MS. torn\ is the truth and I have plenty of proof for the same. I [have] from two to three thousand adobies made and shall soon comence laying up a house. From your Obt. S[vt].

John Williams P. S. I wish you to send me up some goods immediately if possible. I have indians makeing adobies and next week shall commence cutting wheat. I have nothing to pay them only what I pay the highest price for. The family liveing here is in a maner destitute of clothing and if you cannot send me some im-

[118] mediately I shall be obliged to leave my buisness and go to the Yerbabueno and puchase some myself. John S. Williams Gordons rancho June the i8nth /Afj I received your letter of the first at this place. I was marriade yearsterday and shal return the farm Saturday or Sunday. Yours & c . John S. Williams

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO CAPTAINS OF UNITED STATES VESSELS ARRIVING AT MONTEREY. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 5 0 . ]

Monterey June 19, 1847 T o any Captain or Agent of a vessel from the U . S. arriving at this port consigned to me or sent to me for orders. Sir I AM obliged to leave this town on business at the North and expect to return here by the 20th next July. Should you arrive here during this absence of mine and require my services, you will be guided for the time being by orders from Talbot H . Green Esqr. merchant of this town respecting your commerce and movements on this coast. I have every confidence in the directions you will receive from M r . Green for the benefit of your voyage therefore do not write more fully. I am Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO NICHOLAS AUGUSTUS DEN, et al. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 5 3 . ]

Monterey June 19 1847 Sir í ^ x l o w

me the pleasure of introducing to you Chas. G . Wooster Esqr

the bearer of this & late of Valparaiso who arrived here in the Ship "Confederación" and is about to visit your part of California.

Y o u r k i n d attentions towards h i m w i l l o b l i g e Y o u r O b t . S e r v t . (Signed) T h o m a s O . Larkin

A C o p y of the a b o v e w a s addressed T o D r . N . A . D e n , A b e l Stearns Esqr, T h o m a s R o b b i n s Esqr, John T e m p l e E s q r , H e n r y D . F i t c h Esqr, Senor D o n Juan B a n d i n i .

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1:248.]

M o n t e r e y June 19, 1847 Captain W . A . Leidesdorfi Sir I

START t o d a y for the Straits to m e e t M r . S e m p l e o n t h e 2 4 t h . F r o m

t h e n c e I shall g o w i t h h i m in a boat to S a n Francisco. B y Purser D u n n I sent to y o u a fine w r i t i n g desk c o n t a i n i n g silver spoons, f o r k s & c . — a n d as I m a y n o t be w i t h y o u l o n g e n o u g h to attend to it before I g o u p the B a y , w i l l y o u bargain w i t h the silver s m i t h (provided he can e n g r a v e letters h a n d s o m e l y ) to e n g r a v e t h e desk " L a r k i n to V a l l e j o 1847," o n t h e spoons w h e r e there is space "Francisca d e V a l l e j o , " w h e r e there is n o t "Fra. de V a l l e j o . " I i n t e n d the w h o l e as a present a n d w i s h t h e m w e l l d o n e . Y o u r newspapers a n d n e i g h b o r s are c o m i n g o u t as I e x p e c t e d .

General

K e a r n y has a letter of m i n e o n the s u b j e c t w h i c h h e p r o m i s e d to g i v e to President Polk. Y o u will b y &

b y see our h o m e papers speak o n the s u b j e c t C a l i -

fornia is c o m p l a i n i n g a b o u t . E n c l o s e d y o u h a v e the original V a l l e j o deed of m y lot. Please h a v e it recorded a n d t h e n retain it in y o u r possession for the present. V e r y R e s p e c t f u l l y Y o u r O b t . Servt. (Signed) T h o m a s O . Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ROBERT BAYLOR S E M P L E . COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 4 9 . ]

Monterey Tune iq, 1847 7 y ^

M r . Robert Semple Sir

I

START

tomorrow via Pueblo & San Jose Mission to meet you at the

Straits on the 24th, from there to go with you in a boat to Yerba Buena, as I wrote to you last week. I also sent you some papers relative to Benicia. Will you ask Lawyer Hastings if he received from me M r . Forbes deed to me in English of his Yerba Buena house lot? 'Tis strange I have no letter from him acknowleging its receipt & c . I find the San Francisco sale of lots is postponed. If this happens with yours, and you do not go to the Straits, by all means have a boat there for me on the 24th, at any expense to carry me to Yerba Buena. I think Capt. Libbey will assist me 'tho I presume your sale goes on. Enclosed you have the following copies, v i z . — 1 deed (new) For Genl. Vallejo's signature 1 copy of disannulling agreement between Vallejo & Semple 1

"

" contract between Vallejo, Semple & Larkin

1

"

"

"

"

Larkin & Semple

M y name was signed to the latter in presence of M r . Hyde. I also carry with me copies of the same. T h e new deed of Vallejo I think of much importance and we can first one also [j]

Tepic August 25th 1847 M r . T . O. Larkin Dear Sir I TAKE this present opportunity of writing to you hoping you are well as this leaves me quite so at present. Dear Sir—I wish to know if there is a good decent farm close to Monterey to be disposed of as I am thinking about leaving here and try my luck at farming. I have got a little cash. If there is one please to send me word where about it is and likewise the price of it as near as possible you will be able to buy it for. I saw in one of the California papers that Don Joaquin Gomez had advertised his farm for sale. If it is not sold please to send me what the price of it will be. You will have an opportunity of writing when M r . Forbes returns. That will be very soon. Please to give my best respects to all my old acquaintances not forgetting Old George Allen. So no more at present from Yours most obedient Sevt. John Lucas Two o'clock in the morning.

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOSEPH L. MAJORS. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 9 3 . ]

Monterey August 25, 1847 M r . Joseph Majors Sir X 3 o me the favour to call on M r Howard Oakley the day after you arrive home and ask him to sign the deed I send by you. I wish you to return the deed to me in 5 or 6 days or I cannot dispose of it. You may find Jose Rodriguez comeing in with lumber this week. Send by him. Your immediate attention to this will oblige Yours Respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO HOWARD OAKLEY. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 9 2 . ]

Monterey August 25, 1847 M r . Howard Oakley

Sir I HAVE sold the Yerba Buena lot I had from you at $75 in the way of trade. T o save multiplying deeds you will do me the favour to sign the title I send you before two witness and have the Alcalde attest it on the receipt of which by me I will send you the former one. I wish M r Majors to send me the deed immediately or I may not dispose of it. Sign your name in full. Yours & c . (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[EDWARD D. REYNOLDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V:225-]

U . S. Store Ship Southampton Monterey August 26th 1847

Sir T H E R E is required for the use of this Ship in the Pursers Department the following articles, V i z . — " A c c t . Provisions." Seventy Gallons Molasses, Eighteen Bushels Beans, Eight Hundred pounds Sugar. Very Respectfully E . D . Reynolds, Purser T o Thomas O. Larkin Esqr N a v y Agent, Monterey Approved, Robt. D . Thorburn, Lieut. Commg. Approved, E. A . F. Lavallette, Capt. & Senr. officer

[ 296 ] [MCKEAN BUCHANAN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.

\:22C).]

U . S. Ship Dale

Duplicate

Monterey August 27, 1847

Sir T H E R E

is required for the use of this Ship the following articles of

Clothing: 22 pieces blue dungaree, 134 pairs men's shoes. I am very Resp'y & c . McKean Buchanan, Purser T o Thos. O. Larkin Esquire, N a v y Agent Approved, Thos. O. Selfridge, Commander Captain & Senior Officer Approved, E. A . F. Lavallette Capt. & Senior officer

[JOHN BAUTISTA ROGERS COOPER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : 2 2 8 . ]

Yerba Buena A u g . 27 1847 M r . T . O. L. Dear Brother s o ™ h. «

b„t

his

^

frame t r o m C „

K

M a J e „ . The

Brig is up at the Carquines with lumber. I guess it is all a hoax about Semples buying Perry Macoons launch. I thought is something curious myself about it. The other day I was at Mark Wests house about a forghtnight back & he went at Kotate and came back dambing about such a farm that had no water on it not enough even to make adobies therefore could not build your house on account of not being water. I then a few days after went and examined & saw 2 springs coming from the hills. One I think must be yours, but the other I am certain it is where the old rancharia was and jest the place where you ought to have your house built which I can tell will not be done by Mark West this summer. I want you to let John [?] Gacia or Juan Antonio have a few things or a few dolls, worth in case they have ironed my cattle on the Salinas as it is not in my power to be there and the season is getting late. Yours J. B. R. Cooper

[ W

]

[ROBERT BAYLOR S E M P L E TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : 2 2 7 . ]

Benicia City A u g 27th 1847 Dear Sir I HAVE just received from J. B. M c C l u r g & Co. twenty-four thousand two hundred and eighteen ( 2 4 , 2 1 8 ) feet of lumber. There is but about four thousand feet of inch boards some thick boards and the balance of heavy scantlin. It was slow coming but let me assure you, it was very acceptable. T h e Brig came up in three hours and 2 0 minutes from anchor to anchor. I saw M a j . Cooper before I received your letter. H e is anxious to come here and will probably be here to-morrow to begin his house. I have a few goods here, and am building a storehouse. I have agreed with M r . M c C l u r g and M r . Hait to give them sixteen lots, out of those which he selected, provided he will at once build a good storehouse and warehouse, and keep a good supply of lumber and goods. I expect of course you will agree to one half. I have dug a ditch six feet wide on one side and thirteen feet on the other side which makes a good canal for launches, and will furnish the dirt for filling up the road, and the rock to make the road can come long side. It improves the appearance of the place wonderfully. Three houses have started since the Brig got here. Every day convinces me more fully of the success of the place even beyond your expectations. I should like to see you as soon as you can come up. I think we had better stake out the front part of the town soon, as there are several persons who wish to build on it. T h e Blacksmith is already building on one lot. I will write you more fully in a day or two when I have a little more time. Y o u r obt Serv't. R. Semple

[ 298 ] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WARD & SMITH. COPY. 1 OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 9 4 . ]

Monterey August 27, 1847 Messrs Ward & Smith Gentlemen ^(^ours of the 23d was received today. The bread you speak of was a part of a contract made for the Squadron. Don Pedro not bringing it down2 it was not received when it reached your town. I had several conversations with Purser Speiden on the subject but obtained no satisfactory answer. A few weeks ago I informed it was necessary for him to comply with the contract and hoped he would take the bread from you. I have heard nothing on the subject but the information you now give me. Some 20 days back I made a part payment to Don Carlos one of the Partners and he looks to me for the whole. When you know it has gone on board— please send me a/c of sales. You will please hold the funds untill I learn more upon the subject. I am Respectfully Yours & c . (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ELBERT P. JONES. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 9 6 . ]

Monterey August 28, 1847 M r . E. P. Jones Sir ^ ^ o u r letter is before me. I have never spoken to you or any one relative to M r C Woosters subscription for the "Star." In fact he was not on the coast untill long after you gave up the paper. Should the memorial in favour of the persons you mention reach its destination I am very confident of its favourable reception. I am offering for sale, two parcels of land 30 by 136 feet English measure or one 60 by 136 of my Vallejo lot joining Mess. Ward & Smith. Before I accept proposals can you give me their fair market value. I am Respectfully (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin 1

Larkin's draft of this letter appears in Volume V , N o . 2 1 9 , of his Documents for the History of California. 2

Larkin's draft here adds the words "in time."

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOSEPH L. RUCKEL. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 9 5 . ]

Monterey August 28, 1847 Mr. J. S. Ruckle Sir I H A V E not been able to obtain a circular saw for the machine you was desirous of purchasing and think there is no chance of doing so at present. It would be an excellent power for a wheat mill and I should like to sell it to you for that purpose. In case you see fit to make the purchase I should be willing to give you a reasonable credit on it provided such an arrangment would be any accomodation to you. I am Respectfully

(Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[ABEL STEARNS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V.1^2..}

Angeles Agosto 28 de 1847 Thomas O. Larkin Esqr. DrSir I H E R E W I T H remit to you your account current by which you will see there is a ballance due me of sixty dollars reals ( $ 6 0 . 5 ^ rs). Not having been advised by you whether you have paid my subscription 5$ for the Californian, and also for the California Star 6$ as requested some time since, I have not credited you with these items—eleven dollars. I believe the year is up for the first subscription of the Californian although I have not received many of its numbers. Still you will please pay my subscription for another year 5 dolls, and send me the receipts—which when paid by you will make 16 dolls to be placed to your credit, leaving a ballance still due me of forty four dolls 5J/2 rs., which you will please pay to M r . Wm. D. M . Howard taking his recpt. for the same.

Please inform me if you subscribed for me for the California Star, and at what date that I may know when the year is up, that is if you subscribed at all. Yours very respectfuly & c . Abel Stearns [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOB FRANCIS DYE. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 2 9 7 . ]

Monterey August 3 1 st 1847 M r . Job F. D y e Sir ^ENCLOSED you have an order on Ward & Smith for 4 7 / 6 and one on A . B. Thompson for 25$ and 48$ in cash. I some days ago wrote to Mess. Shelly and Norris to send to me two kegs of nails 4d also two or three 4d & 8d to M r . Robert Semple. If they have not completed my order I wish you to procure for me 2 kegs 4d 1 keg 8d & 1 keg iod & send them to M r . R. Semple and two kegs 4d to me at Monterey immediately on your arrival at San Francisco. You will through Ward & Smith, if they do not attend to it, through yourself send to M r Semple, four dozen of butt hinges & screws two sizes for light batten doors and batten window shutters. Also six or eight stock locks. Please obtain them at the lowest cash prices and bring the bill to me. Should you have more of my funds than are requisite for the above purchase you will please expend the balance in same articles and be sure to have those for me sent immediately, and those for M r Semple stored and write him of the fact. Please ask M r . Buchanan (clerk of the court) for my original deed of the Vallejo lot, which I left for recording, and one from M r . Forbes to me. Your personal attention to the above will oblige me. I am bound to have the nails at Benicia by the 15th September. The two kegs of 4d I shall want in 20 days for my house here. Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servant (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[ 301 ] Memorandum 1 kegs 4d for Monterey @ iiyit 25.00 Monterey 4d & iod 3 kegs 4d & 8d for Benicia 1 1 % 37-5° Benecia 4d & 8d 4 dozen butts & screws @ 1 y i each 12.00 8 stock locks 6 to 8 rials 8.00 Recording two deeds 6.00

or say 4 kegs to 37-5° 4

"

Deeds locks & hinges

$88.50 Funds sent Order on Ward & Smith " " A. B. Thompson Cash 3 ounces

" 50.00 6.00 37-oo

$120.50 47-5° 25.00 48.00 $120.50

Sent Duplicate (in form of copy) of the above to M r Robert Semple informing him M r Dye would be at Y . B. about the 5th inst.

[JAMES HORATIO WATMOUGH TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.

U.S.S. Portsmouth August 3 1 st 1847 Sir I SEND you nine hundred & twenty five dollars which please pay to Don Guadalupe Vallejo on his sending you Deeds for a farm of a mile square near Sonoma, and also for a lot in the Town of Sonoma ( 1 0 0 varas square).

The farm is to be as good land as any on the General's Rancho. One of Gov. Bogg's sons pointed out a place to Lt. Revere which I should prefer. I send you a card with a sketch of the same. I also send you in addition to the above one hundred dollars for the purpose of building a shanty on the lot. Truly your Obd Ser. Jas. H . Watmough [Rubric]

[ 302 ] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JAMES BUCHANAN. 1 OFF. CORR. NO. 6 9 ( 1 1 : 6 9 ) . ]

United State Consulate Monterey Upper California September i st, 1847 Sir W T H

this I have the honor to forward you the a/ct current of this

Office with the State Dept. for supplies furnished destitute seaman to the amt. of one hundred & seventeen & 8 6 / 1 0 0 dollars also account current* for contingent expenses which amount to one thousand seven hundred & seventy three & 6 0 / 1 0 0 Dollars. 3 T h e accompanying vouchers for sundry sums will show the amount expended for various objects connected with my consulate and other affairs of Government through me. T h e amount of clerk hire now added with the one before forwarded makes the sum of seven hundred & thirteen dollars which has been expended. M y various duties the last eighteen months cause this sum with the other items, indispensable & the expense for couriers now forwarded, was occured before the arrival of Commodore Sloat, therefore was not added to the list which was paid by Commodore Stockton. T h e amount of expenses for traveling is far under the actual sum expended by me. The bill of stationary of Henry Melius being used by the office, I have placed it (perhaps against common practice) in the general account and given the consulate credit for the fair value of the blank books partly used, taking them for my other official purposes. T h e sum of eighteen hundred and ninety one & 5 0 / 1 0 0 dollars, now presented, being expended by me in various Government purposes, I forward the same for approval and payment. If the circumstances I have been placed in does not warrant this amount of expenses, during the important changes in California (which will be explained to the Auditor of Accounts as the Department may consider best) I must lose such proportion of it, as may be thrown out, although the sum is small in comparison to the object. I am not aware that there will be any further expenses of this class to be 1

From the original in the National Archives, Washington, D . C . There are also two copies preserved in the Bancroft Library, the letter book copy in Off. Corr. II:6g, and document N o . 234, Volume V , of Larkin's Documents for the History of California. 2 See immediately below (V:237). 3 T h e two copies now in the Bancroft Library give these amounts as $ 1 1 7 and $ 1 1 7 3 . 6 4 .

occurred by me in California. I have the honor to be Most Respectfully Your Very Obdt. Svt. Thomas O. Larkin [Rubric] To the Honorable James Buchanan Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. [Cover bears note: Respectfully referred for the perusal of the 5th Auditor of the Treasury. Dept. of State, Jany 27th, 1848.]

[ c . BREWER & CO. TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. CIRCULAR. V : 2 3 5 A ]

Dear Sir

Honolulu, September 1, 1847

T H E Co-partnership heretofore existing between Charles Brewer, James F. B. Marshall, and Francis Johnson, at Honolulu, Oahu, Sandwich Islands, under the name and style of C. BREWER & CO., expired by limitation on the 31 st ultimo. All the unsettled business of that concern will be arranged by either of the Partners, who are duly authorized to use the name of the Firm for that purpose. Recommending our friends and successors, S. H . W I L L I A M S & CO., to your favorable notice, We remain Your most Obedient Servants, C. Brewer & Co. [Rubric]

[ s . H. WILLIAMS & CO. TO LARKIN. V : 2 3 5 B . ]

Thos. O. Larkin Esq Monterey

Honolulu, Oahu, Sandwich Islands September 1, 1847

Dear Sir V V E beg to announce to you that we have this day entered into a Co-partnership, under the name and style of S. H . W I L L I A M S & CO., for the transaction of a G E N E R A L C O M M I S S I O N B U S I N E S S at these Islands.

With the offer of our best services whenever you may be in need of them, W e are Respectfully Your Obedient Servants, S H Williams & Co. S. H . Williams will sign S H Williams & Co. J. F. B. Marshall

"

S. H . Williams & Co.

W m . Baker Jr.

"

S. H . Williams & Co.

[WARD & S M I T H TO ROUSSILLON & SAINSEVAIN.

V.236.]

San Francisco, Sept. i st 1847

A
]

Canton (China) 6th Sept. 1847 Dear Don Tomas I

HAVE before written you from this place but have not reed, any of

your favors, nevertheless I improve the present chance, in the hope of once more beholding your signature to a long letter. You cannot imagine how anxious I am to hear from California and at this moment I wd. prefer a letter from you or some one of my friends on the Coast to any that could be sent me from home. I have seen occasional papers from the Sandwich Isl'ds & read with much interest an account of your arrest & imprisonment by the "Brave" Californians & congratulate you, that you fared no worse. One or two of the troop ships have come over here from the Coast & I was in hopes to have reed, letters from some one but grieve to say I was dissappointed. I shall write to Howard by this opportunity & perhaps to Reid at Sn. Gabriel who is a first rate correspondent, when he does write. What is the prospect for trade direct between China & your place. Could a cargo of China goods, silks, trunks etc. be sold & the payment realised in specie—or has the taste changed with the new arrangement of Govt.

&

coarser articles be used in their places. Should any vessel leave this direct for California, those who write me will find I have not forgotten them. I do not hold this out as a bribe to you, but perhaps it might influence some others. M r . Cummings of the Islands who was here a short time since, told me he

thought of going over to the Coast and I charged him to remember me to all m y friends there & also sent letters by him. I shall (if I live so long) probably remain here in China three years at least perhaps longer & I shd. really like to carry on a regular correspondence with some one on the Coast, as I take a very great interest in all that concerns that portion of the U . S. I only heard this forenoon of the opportunity to write & have been quite busy with other matters or you should have no reason to complain of the brevity of this but trusting that it will be the means of calliing out an answer from you I remain Y r s truly John H . Everett A d d r e s s — C a r e of Augustine Heard & Co, Canton. In case M r . Larkin shd. have left the country I beg M r . Green would fill his place & write me a long a/c of all that has taken place since I left or at least during the war. 1 would like to know what part the different foreigners t o o k — w h o sided with the Americans & w h o against. I have heard that M c K i n l a y & Capt. Wilson were in the opposition. But how did Fitch, Stearns, Temple, Robbins & others act. Y r s truly J.H.E.

[WARD & SMITH TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. VI248.]

San Francisco Sept 6, 1847 M r . Thos. O . Larkin Dear Sir

w

,r

E have reed a letter from you dated the 23d A u g . stating that there

is a balance on our last years a/c in your favor of $47.75. W e do not find this so. Please examine the within a/c & send us word if incorrect, T h e amt. of $31.50 we shall give to M r . D y e in goods or more if you say so, for your account. O w i n g to our former bookkeeper having left us & M r . Ward's departure for the U . S. we are not certain that the acct. is correct. W e are respectfy Y o u r obt. Sts. W a r d & Smith by Jas. C . W a r d

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WARD & SMITH. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 0 8 . ]

Monterey September 7th 1847 Messrs Ward & Smith Gentlemen E n c l o s e d you have a letter [September 6, 1847. Off. Corr.

1:304]

from

Messrs Roussillon & Sainservain respecting the bread delivered by you to Purser Speiden. Please send me a/c sales. Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ROBERT BAYLOR S E M P L E . COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 0 9 . ]

Monterey September 7, 1847 M r . Robert Semple Dear Sir . A l B o v e you have copy of a letter of instructions [September 6, 1847. Off. Corr. 1:302.] to Captain Paty relative to the freighting of some timber to San Francisco or Benicia. I should advise you if possible to see Capt. Paty and persuade him to land the same at Benicia, in which case you will pay $ 1 5 per thousand, but if only at San Francisco $ 1 0 per thousand feet. Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin P. S. I received your letter relative to the boards received by the Francisca. They should have been one half of it in inch boards. I hope to be in Benicia between the 20th & 30th of the month.

[HENRY A. CREEN TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : 2 4 9 - ]

M r . T . O. Larken

S o n o m a Se

P C ' 7 A D 1847

Sir " Y o u r s of the 14 & 20 of August came to hand this day. That of the 14th informed me that you had sent me a letter incloseing a note ( V S) V . Prudon which has not ben received. M r . Boggs informed me you had instructed him to pay $ 1 0 0 in goods. I have received of Messr. Scott & Boggs $ 2 0 0 cash on your act. The men that I imployed to do your work have advansed much faster than I expected. The rafters laths & lintles are all made & will be at the imbarcadaro this week. The materials for boath houses is also got out & will be redy for transportation in a short time. I expect to frame them at the imbarcadaro. M r . Semple informs me that he will frate the lumber for $5 for 1 0 0 0 which will be better than to cart it. I have used the money that I reed you & shall nead more soon. A s my contract with my men was to pay them as soon as there work was done you will pleas send me a draft for $300 cash which will answer my purpose untill the work is complite. M r . Semple's boat will be at this place in a fiew days & I shall send the doors & windoes as I had them made here. I have furnished nales & hinges for thim. You will give me instructions about nales for the houses. M r . Brown has received your letter & contract and wished me to inform you that he should not comply with the contract you sent him. You may depend on me for 100,000 shingles & two more houses like those I am now building for you, & will take land as I offered by have chois after M r . Oferrel's mile if the land is as good as I expect. A s soon as it is surveyed I will go and sea it. I have ben at Benicia & am well pleased with the place & shall build there as soon as I can. I have my own house to finish immediatily & then I shall get out the materials for your 2 & one for my silf as soon as posible. I have understood that M r . Cooper is prepareing to go to Benisia to keep a publick house. A n y thing that I can do for you to advanse your interest at Benicia I will do as you shall direct at any time you may wish. H . A . Green [Rubric]

[ROBERT BAYLOR SEMPLE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ O . ]

Benicia City, Sept. 7th 1847 Dear Sir

I

HAVE

just received yours of the 24th ult. complaining of m y silence.

I plead guilty to the charge for this is about the first afternoon that I have had time to sit down. M y time is occupied from sun up til late at night. I will however, give you a short history. If you do not come soon you will not know the place. I have a canal, thirteen feet wide between 1 st and Second streets East which furnished me dirt enough to fill up a road, 30 feet at one end and 48 at the end next the Bay in the center of which, is a graveled slope to low water and on each side is room for a wharf all of which I think I shall finish before the rain. I have a storehouse 28 feet by 18 which will be finished in 8 days. I have commensed a small house for a dwelling 36 by 18 two stories high viranda in front, kitchen 12 feet in the rear, under same roof. M r . Tuston has an adobe house 38 feet b y 18 nearly finished living in it. T h e Blacksmith has an adobe 18 b y 17 done except the roof work in it. Benedict has a house, wood, 1 8 x 1 6 done except the door chimeny to it. Family living in it. M r . Bryant has just arived with three frames and planks to finish them has selected lots and commensed his houses, moved his family here. Gen. Vallejo was here 3 days ago selected the rocky point in front of Block N o . 29. I told him he should have all the lots in front of H street between 2nd and 3rd streets west, and he has commensed a house 130 feet by 36, in six apartments. Intends making one story and a temporary roof to be raised another story next summer. Messrs. M c C I u r g and H a i g h t have made a contract to put a large storehouse and keep at least three thousand dollars worth of goods here, and to run the Brig to this place so as to keep as much lumber here as can be sold, in consideration of which I promised to give them sixteen lots out of those which they had already selected. M r . Barbour has his frames ready and I shall send for them as soon as the mast for the boat is finished. H e will move his family here. M c C I u r g & Haight have made a contract with a M r . Wilson and W i n k l y to build their store house. T h e y will move their families here and build houses

for themselves. Green was here, says he will have his houses ready in a few days. Kilburn has some boards on the landing. The "Francisca" came up here in 3 hours and 20 minutes and went back in two tides all safe. Commodore Shubrick came up here with the Julia. He says he can bring up the "Independence" safely. I had to go down to Yerba Buena after the Francisca and the D

fools there wer very near defeating me then, but I fur-

nished him a crew to bring him up and back. W e have a great abundance of chalk, quick silver, and coal all within a few miles of the city. I believe there no longer exists a doubt on the mind of any intellignt man, as to the success of our enterprise. Those interested at Yerba buena and Sonoma, keep a few persons from coming here, but when they do come, they do not go back without taking an interest. All the lies they tell about us now, will eventually terminate in our favor. A s soon as you can possibly leave home, you will be highly gratified with a visit to Benicia. It will be thousands to you to come up before the emigration reaches the valley. It is important to have a ferry boat at the mouth of Feather River, but it will be impossible for me to spare a boat, unless I can get one from McClurg, which I will try to do. I can not promise to write once a week until I get a house for I have to write this on my knee while the men are eating, and having but one table, it is occupied in some way about

of the day. As soon

as my road and canal is finished I shall keep none but ferrymen, and Whale boat men, and I think I can use Indians for both. I have two good Indians and I think I can pick up 3 or 4 more soon. If you can not come up soon send me two hundred dollars, if convenient. I shall have to pay part for my lumber from the Peralta's. It is no coming in. Y

°ur'StruI^

R. Semple

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ROBERT BAYLOR S E M P L E . COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 1 2 . ]

M r . Robert Semple

Monterey

Se

Ptember

8th

18

47

Dear Sir " Y o u r letter of the 27 August I have rec'd. In this letter you say "there is but 4000 feet one inch boards, some thick boards and the balance in heavy

scantling." In your receipt to M r M c C l u r g you sign a paper that the lumber was delivered according to contract. I some time back ordered a copy of the Contract to be sent to you (also some 5 or 6 other copies of contracts). W e can not find the original, and think it may have been sent to you. Send me a copy of whatever you have of McClurg's. In my second contract (I refused the first) with M r . McClurg, I was to have half in boards, and half in sawed thick stuff to build small houses. Your receipt to him compells me to pay for anything, however he may have landed it. If Messrs. Haight & M c C l u r g & Co enter into an obligation to go as you say, I will on having a copy, comply with your request or rather in preference give my bond to do so, but I would advise for only settlers. W e shall hurt our Town by having to many owners for speculation in our front. Prehaps F . G . H . Streets will do comprising one Block. I am making out deeds for those to whom you promised lots, four lots to Brown & Hudspeth & 3 to Smith on your account. I want a whole square to lay off to my children and build on it, and shall want your eight lots. Of that we will speak by & by. I heard you speak often of some sure sawyers sending you boards. Have they done it. A r e you helping Green, Barber & Brown to boat my stuff and frames down. I hope to be at Benicia 25 September to 5th of October. I have sold half a Eleven League Rancho joining my childrens rancho on the Sacramento for $ 1 5 0 0 half cash to pay M c C l u r g

in a draft to pay Capt.

Phelps. I shall have in six months to pay M r . M c C l u r g more money than I shall be prepared to do in comfort. I have or am building a house that uses up 25,000 adobies (at the Quarter Masters). It costs me more cash than I anticipated. I am going to be hard up for money as I before wrote to you, having purchased so much lumber. I do not want to be called on by you if you can avoid it, yet as I told you shall lend $ 2 0 0 if you can get hands at $40 at Benicia as you told me. I was much pleased to hear of the safe and quick trip up and down of the first cargo to Benicia. I heard Dedmund was on board as Pilot but could not attend to his duty, and that you piloted the Vessel up. I dreaded some in liquor being on board. It's now over—the question is half settled, and if you can persuade Don M . G . Vellejo to give some "Whaler" all the beef he wants prehaps you may have a Whaler at the Anchorage and the question will be fully settled if she goes and returns like the "Francisca." I hope Captain Phelps or Paty will

land you a small load of hewed timber, that your neighbours may by sawing them into

or

inch weather boarding obtain a supply of boards. I offer

Paty $15 per M . or a house lot for every two M . of freight. I beleive that 2000 feet small framing stuff at my Brother's farm has been ready a long time. I am Respectfully Yours (Signed) Thomas O . Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ALPHEUS BASIL THOMPSON. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1:310.]

Monterey September 8, 1847 M r . A . B. Thompson Sir J I n c l o s e d you have a statement of your a/c with me showing a balance in your favour of $51 5 0 / 1 0 0 . O w i n g money to M r . F. Melius, I sent the N o t e I hold of yours for $282, to him for collection on account of the debt. Y o u will please pay him in full and on your return to Monterey I can pay you the balance due you on a/c. I am Respectfully Yours (Signed) Thomas O . Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO FRANCIS MELLUS. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 1 1 . ]

Monterey September 8th 1847 M r Francis Melius Dear Sir ^ENCLOSED you have M r . A . B. Thompsons note for $282. Y o u will please collect the same and place the amount to my credit. I am Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O . Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO CHARLES W. WOOSTER. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 1 3 . ]

Monterey September 9th 1847 Charles W . Wooster Esqr. Dear Sir ^ENCLOSED you have your deeds for lots in San Francisco and Benicia which two amount to $ 1 0 0 . The former has [illegible word] I did not make out supposing that I should see you again on your return here and deliver them to you in person. I also enclose you the original grant of the San Francisco lot given by the Municipalty of that town which is fully signed, sealed & recorded. I am Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOSIAH BELDEN. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 1 4 . ]

Monterey September 9, 1847 Mr. J. Belden Dear Sir " Y o u r letter of the 2d inst is at hand. I now enclose you the deeds of the lots in Benicia City for the several persons to whom you have already spoken to. Mr. Brown's two lots, M r Hudsputh's two lots and Mr. Smith three lots. I shall make arrangements for the settlement of Mr. Smiths lots with R. Semple also those of Brown & Hudspeth and on this subject have already written him. As Mr. Bennett goes to Benicia and will probably select lots for himself I have made out the deed of the lot formerly in his name in that of yours and which you will find enclosed. I have sent Saml. R. Palmers deed for his lot but as he is not able to pay for it at present please take his note or obligation that it shall be paid at some specified time say 1 st December. I received by the hands of Mr. Haight the Vallejo deed & will answer other parts of your letter at a future time. I am Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[ANDREW JACKSON MCDUFFEE TO ROBERT THOMAS RIDLEY. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 1 8 . ]

M r . Robert T . Ridley

Monterey September 9 , ,847

Dear Sir I ^ R request of M r . Thomas O. Larkin I send you Per Capt. Paty 1 o boxes soap 348 cakes each is 3480 cakes @

( $ 1 7 4 ) One hundred & seventy

four dollars wich amount you will please place to M r Larkins Credit. Respect^

(Signed) by Thomas O. Larkin's order A . Jackson McDuffee

[JAMES ALEXANDER FORBES TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V ^ I . ]

Sta Clara 9th Sept. 1847 1 hos. U . Larkin Jbsq Monterey Dear Sir " Y o u r s of the 18th ulto. was duly reed but which I have not answered because I have been expecting to proceed to Monterey. I shall give you the draft you request in a few days. Your Obt. Servt. Jas. Alex. Forbes [Rubric]

[HENRY DELANO FITCH TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : 2 5 3 . ]

T . O. Larkin Esqr

San Francisco Sepr. 9th 1847

Dear Sir

I

ENCLOSE you a letter from Dn. Salvador Vallejo. You will observe

what he answers relative to the note you gave me in M a y 1846 concerning the 86 dollars which he or you are owing me, and which ought to have been de-

ducted from the cattle, that was delivered to you by him. H e says that he will not pay it over again, and it appears that between you, I shall be the sufferer. I wish you could arrange it some way that I might get m y pay. I have had the land recorded in the Alcaldes office here, that D n . Francisco Guerrero and myself asked for to the southard of the Presidio, and in a few days shall have it surveyed. Theres not the least sign of a doccument in the office, that you have any claim, and there is of ours, well authenticated. I wish you was here to settle it at once. I expect that D n . Francisco would sell his part to you reasonable. I remain Yours respectfully H . D . Fitch [Rubric]

[ROBERT BAYLOR SEMPLE TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V - 2 ^ . ]

Benicia C i t y Sept. 9th 1847 Dear Sir

I

WROTE you a day or two since and letter is not gone but there is no

room to write more, and I have much to say. I have measured down 1st street and staked the cross streets. T h e Blacksmith has built an adobe house on lot N o . 9 in Block Seven and M r . Benedict has built a house on N o . 13 of B. 7 fronting on 1st st. M r . John J. W . H . Drummond, an industrious steady man w h o wishes to build immediately has deposited with me sixteen dollars and wants to get a deed for lot N o . 8 in Block 7 so as to put up his house at once. I hope you will send it as it is a great object with us to get good men to settle here. I do not refuse to actual setlers any lots on which I am not actually improving. M r . W m . Bryant has selected N o . 13 in Block 1 corner 1 st and B sts and N o . 4, B. 1 on the south end of 1st street. There is room outside for one good lot, next the river. M r . Henry Russel, his partner wishes you to send him a deed for 12 and 16 in Block 8 on the west side of 1 st str. from C to D streets, fronting the Blacksmith and Benedict's houses. T h e y are industrious men and have three houses here ready to put up and 6 or 7 thousand feet of lumber at the Corte Madera ready for shipment. T h e y want to put up eight houses on as many lots, and have selected four of mine and four of yours I am building a dwelling house on N o . 3 in B. 43 and as it will probably be

a residence part of the town I should like to change m y corner i and 5 for your's 4 and 8 so as to have 100 yds. in a square and if I should ever be able to build a fine house I shall have a good square and the other fourth of the block is equally as pretty a place. If you are willing to change please fill up two deeds and bring them up with you. M y canal will be finished to-morrow and think I shall have the road paved and the wharf finished before the rainy season. I can bring the ferry boat up to the high land at the cabins. If you have not given special orders to Messrs. Green, Barbour & c . as to what lots to put your houses on, I shall direct them to occupy N o . 12, 16, 2 and 6 in Block 20 that is the B. in front of my storehouse and in the same B. with Tuston's adobe and I think the best neighborhood for houses at present, and the lots all lie well to become valuable lots. It is desirable, as far as practicable, to draw the first settlements away from the point of the ferry landing. I will write every oportunity and try and keep you informed of all important facts, but remember that I am very anxious to see you here. M r . Davis has found one of the richest quicksilver mines in California. Your's truly R. Semple

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM DANE PHELPS. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1:338.]

Monterey Upper California September 10, 1847 Capt. W . D . Phelps

Sir Y o u

will please place the f i o o o you had of me in deposit with

William H . Davis or the person in charge M r . Sherman taking a receipt to be delivered to you or order on demand. I suppose the money is to go to Sonoma. It does not belong to me. I must again put you in mind to stop at Santa Cruz. Yours & c . (Signed) Thos. O . Larkin

[331] [ T H O M A S O L I V E R L A R K I N TO C H A R L E S W . W O O S T E R . C O P Y . O F F . CORR. 1 : 3 1 5 . ]

Monterey September i o, 1847 Charles W . Wooster Esqr Dear Sir " Y o u r favour of the 4th inst came to hand last evening. I forwarded yesterday morning per hands of Capt. Paty Schr. "Mary A n n " your deeds for lots in Benicia & San Francisco, & they will probably reach you in three or four days. Your letter for M r . Hobson has also been received. Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[ S A M U E L B R O W N TO T H O M A S O L I V E R L A R K I N .

September the 10th 1847 M r . Thomas O. Larkin Sir

"Your

lether of the 20 [18?] of august I Receaved with a Bond inside.

I am sorrey to Say to you that it dont correspond with the contract i mate with you on the 17th of July in Sonoma. I onderstood you that if i Liked the land well anough to dow the work acording to the bargen mate that day, i should gow on with it and dow it assoon as i could. I acordingley went and looked at the land. I concluded to gow on and dow the work. The Lether and Bond i sent you. The Bond was made by govener Booggs mearly for the land and i wished you to make out a Bont for the houses acording to Contract and sent it to me and i will signe it before witnesses and sent it to you. The bond you sent me contains more work then we contracted for. I was to dow the same amount of work that M r Green contracted for—two fraim houses 16 by 30 two storey high window and door a soficand quontity batten doors and window shuts below the lower floor to be jinted the upper tung and graved the work to be don in workmenship stile the timbers to be of a soficand sice for the fraims. I hat all the timbers for your houses readey and that of a good sice. The sills is 8 in squair, the coner postes is the same, the girts and tyes and senter postes

is 4 b y 8, the studing and braces is 3 by 4 ^ , joist and sleapers is 3 by 7. This i hat all ready for somtime before i got your lether. Window sash and patision walls nor dressing of the wether boarding if sawed was not under stood by me nothing more then to jont the edghes. If M r Green told you that i would build houses the same as he is and take

in trade he told

you something i never said. The houses i bild for you i would not bild for less then 800$ in money. M r Green told me that he could buy the mile of land you let Oferrel have for 300$. M r . Hedspeaths told me that your land would not take the land i expected to git. Thare is a spring in the noth west coner of your place wch affortes but litle wauter and the land is not verry good. Poor land for sowing. But if you wish for me to gow on i will finish them in the Spring after the foling mener. I cant git sutable lumber to dow it this fall. I must have som boarts i / 4 inch thick for window and door fraims and i must have wether boarding sawed so i can lap it. Split out wether boarding is worth nothing. I tryed it at Sonoma. A f t e r its put on it will split all to peaces so i wodend wish to put it on a house to make a good chob. I have in contemplation a saw mill wich i will have in action in tow month. Then i will saw plank and studing and so on be sites M r . Killburn and Bale owes me 5 0 0 $ in lumber. M y retwoods whare i build my mill is about 1 0 miles from the Napa Imbarkadary on Don Salvedore land. I wont to build me a house in Benicia next sumer. If you wish to sell thirty feet front of your lot in San Frencisco next to Word & Smith i will buy at a fair price and pay in lumber in the Spring. Pleas Let me know assom as you can. I will build your houses as miney as i can next sumer if you and me can agree on the price and i take part in cattle and land and c & & c . I will sent you a plan of the houses wich i contracted for with you and the amount of work i understood that i would dow on the houses for two miles of land Spenish mesher and six hundred dollars in cash. If you wont me to finish the houses acording to contract i wont you to wright a bont and bind your self to make me a good deed for the land and if you fail to dow it bind yourself to pay me the money back 1,000$. T w o fraim houses each to be 16 by 30 feet two storey high, strong well made frams, to wether boarding and tow floors in each house covered in, window and door fraims batten doors and batten window shuts below. A l l to be don in workmenship order. I agreas to furnish all the above lumber. This is the trate as i understand] it. Rite to me as soon as you can. I am your Samuel Brown

[333] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO GEORGE HYDE. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 1 6 . ]

Monterey Sept 1 1 , 1847 George Hyde Esqr

Sir ILEASE deliver to Capt. Leidesdorff the Deeds for my different Water Lots also one for the lot I purchased. If you will also have the transfer made for this one, I will pay the fee. I wish the whole done before you leave. I am Very Respectfully Your Obt Servant (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 1 7 . ]

Monterey September 1 1 th 1847 Capt. William A . Leidesdorff

Sir ILEASE send me an a/c current between us, and inform me if the small house on the beach lot is rented. Have you received from Alcalde H y d e 3 deeds for my 3 water lots. They are paid for, and you have my order to receive the deeds. I wish you would obtain all my other deeds including the one I purchased. Governor Mason will be at your town in about 1 2 days. Respectfully Yours (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[WILLIAM M. ROGERS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : 2 5 6 . ]

My dear Cousin

Boston Sept 1 ith/47

I RECD your letters by Gen. Kearney and noted the contents Sept 5th 1847. 1 . A l l your drafts as per schedule sent me have been recd and all have been

[ 334 ] pd. excepting two—viz.—Your draft on Govt, for $ 2 4 0 0 dated June 30 1846 and Lt. Revere's draft for 1 1 2 5 . 0 0 . A l l monies reed on these drafts have been passed to your ac/t by M r . Giles or myself. A m o n g the drafts pd. I include one of whose payment you say you have reed no notice, viz. that drawn by Col. J. C . Fremont on Col. J. J. Abert, Top. Bur. payable to Jose Abrigo, and dated Jan. 28/46 for $ 1 0 0 0 , because I suppose it to be the draft sent Mott, Talbott & Co. who pd. me $987.40 thro' Howland and Aspenwall of N . York. T h e Govt, have informed you as well as myself, that the want of vouchers is their alleged reason for not paying the draft of $ 2 4 0 0 . When you send them let me know, and I will try them the third time. I have presented the draft of Lieut. Revere to Thomas Lamb Esq. and there is some hesitation about its payment. It seems that M r s . Revere has some property, and Lamb and another are trustees of it for her, and that the draft if pd. must be pd. out of the wife's property. They are deliberating about it, and are to let me know on Wednesday next, whether yes, or no, I hope in time to write you by Com. Jones. If they say no, I shall have the draft protested, and told M r . Lamb so. I think they will pay it. They seem to be tender of Lieut. Revere's feelings. I have pd. Kimball's note for $ 4 1 0 0 and more, and sold for that purpose your bank stock, and 1 1 shares Old Col. R. Road. I do not know whether your appointment is or is not confirmed, but I will write Eben to inquire of the Sec. of State and inform you with reference to it, and the bonds. I suppose it must pass the ordeal of the Senate, and it is possible that the enemies who made themselves heard thro' the St. Louis Reveille, may make themselves felt thro' Benton or otherwise. I shrink from being your bondsman, or rather from being bondsman for any man. I am already on the Consular bonds for $ 2 0 0 0 . I cannot put my peace of mind and possibly the little I have, at the risk of such responsibility. A mistake, a blunder on your part would bring down the Govt, on me, and perfect ruin would ensue. But if you can get no other one, I will do this, viz: if you will put into my hands the amount of the bonds, the principal to remain in my hands until the bonds are given up, as my security, then I will be your Bondsman, and pay the proceeds as they accrue, in the interim, to any purpose you may indicate, and at the rendering up of the bonds the principal. But such amt. must not be liable to be drawn upon—during such time as the bonds are in force— only the yearly interest being subject to your disposal. Such money deposited as security, I promise to invest in safe stock, and never to use for any personal speculation. But I hope you will be able to do better than this.

[ 335 ] I do not know whether bonds will be required until California is definitely annexed at a peace. Y o u are not a part of the U . S. A . Y o u do not come under the operation of laws affecting such offices in the U . S. A . California is held by the right of war, and all arrangements must be provisional. So that what the Dept. may think it best to do I know not. Uncle and A u n t are well. So is A n n and so are the boys. There have been no farther attacks on you in the papers. It seems to me best to keep from the publication of the documents forwarded by you, unless something further should occur. I shall retain your funds invested and await further instructions. Remember me to John and all the family. Yours ever W m . M . Rogers [Rubric] P. S. N o t h i n g has been sent you in the shape of Merchandise. Y o u order for carrige & c has been for 8 months in the hands of Hardy, Baker and Morrill unexecuted because no ship has sailed for California from Boston.

[ROBERT BAYLOR S E M P L E TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : 2 5 8 . ]

Benicia City, Sept 1 2 , 1847 Dear Sir I

FIND

it impossible for me to leave here, even for a few days; and I send

M r . Davis who will be able to give you any information which you may wish in relation to Benicia. I have written two letters which M r . Davis takes with this. T h e y explain most of the important changes which have taken place here. One of the main objects in sending at this time is to get some money. M r . Trow has deliverd upward of three thousand feet of lumber and says that if I give him 1 7 5 dollars he will have the lumber as fast as I shall need it. H e has 6 or 7 0 0 0 feet more sawed and is hauling with two carts. I have also to pay a good deal on m y road and wharf. I want about three hundred dollars if possible. M r . Green has several of the bills made by M r . M a d d o x which I sent to him, the amount of which I do not now remember, but if he is paying any thing on them please say to him that he will accomodate me much by sending it by M r . Davis. I think after this, with the assistance of three hundred dollars, I shall be able

to go ahead. T h e Launch went to Sonoma yesterday, and has not yet returned, but I have no doubt of the utility of m y scows for the river navigation. I saw the Launch into the mouth of the river. She stood the waves in the Bay very well. I think it will take two trips for Barbour's lumber. Kilburn has some boards on the landing at Napa, which I shall begin to ship as soon as I am done at Sonoma. I shall be ready to ship Green's timber as fast as he gets it to the landings. I have an immense labor to perform here, and I have no doubt, if you will ride up here you will find something worth your attention. It is impossible for me to write all I would like to say to you. I have one house so nearly done that I can at least give you a room to sleep in, and some beef and beans. Y o u will not know the place when you get here. Your's truly R. Semple

[JOHN PATY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V:259.]

St. Cruz Sept 1 2 t h 1847 M r . Thos. O . Larkin Monterey Dear Sir I

SHALL not be able to take but a small quantity of your timber to St.

Francisco as it is mostly too large to take in our small vessel. W h a t I do take will be on board tomorrow, and I expect to sail next day. I shall advise the Captain of the Francisca to take lumber for you for Monterey as I understand that she is bound there with but a small cargo on board. There is but little lumber on the Beach at present, although I think there will be a good quantity one month hence. Yours John Paty [Rubric]

[ 337 ] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WARD & SMITH. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 1 9 . ]

Monterey September 13, 1847 Messrs Ward & Smith Gentlemen "^^our two letters of the 2d & 6th are received and contents noticed. Your statement of account is correct. The piece of flannel $ 1 0 and the passage money $5 had not been entered on my books which accounts for the difference. The balance however of $ 3 1 5 0 / 1 0 0 is a cash balance and not to be paid in goods unless at my option. In regard to the bread, in my letter of the 20th April I informed you I only could accept Pursers receipts on this contract and had nothing to do with the storage. Don Carlos with whom I have always dealt in this trade, at all times spoke to me of the bread as mine. A month or two ago I accepted his order in part pay and of late paid the supposed balance and forwarded to you his order for the proceeds. Very Respectfully Yours (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO BENJAMIN R. BUCKELEW. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 2 0 . ]

Monterey September 13, 1847 M r . B. R. Buckelew Sir ILEASE stop my advertisement relative to the sale of part of my Vallejo lot. I do not wish to sell, but needing money to build I am forced to make a sale if I can obtain a high price for so desirable a stand. Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

— [ 338 ] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM BRANFORD SHUBRICK. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1:321.]

Monterey September 13th 1847 Commodore W m . Branford Shubrick Sir .tern the last two months having offered to captain's, owner's, & supercargo's of vessels in the Bay of San Francisco some building lots in the new T o w n of Benicia, Straits of Carguines, Bay of San Francisco, if they would take their vessel to the anchorage of that town, for the purpose of proving the navigation from the entrance of the Bay to the Straits, I follow up m y plan by asking your acceptance of, and of your Officers who accompanied you in the U . S. Brig "Julia" last month to Benicia, eight lots in square number forty four (44) being all I own in that square or block, no part of which has been deeded to any other person. I have made a consideration in each title, in case at the expiration of the period some of the officers may not choose to occupy or own the property which would prevent the use of it b y the town or individuals. A s you are the first American Commodore that reached Benicia with the U . S. Vessel I have named the square "Shubrick Square" to commemorate the event. Annexed you have the names of the officers to w h o m I wish to present building lots to. W i l l you please put to the names of each any number from two to sixteen inclusive and send me the same to guide me in making out the deeds. T h e other eight lots (odd numbers) belonging to M r Semple, I shall request him to reserve for some simelar event. I am Sir, V e r y Respectfully Y o u r O b t . Servt. (Signed) Thomas O . Larkin Commodore W m . Branford Shubrick, Lieut James M

Wattson, Lieut

George Selden, Master Henry H . Wise, Purser H u g h W . Greene, Lieut. Henry H.

Lewis, Fleet Surgeon Saml. Moseley, Secretary Henry La Reintrie. (Sent a C o p y of the above to M r . R. Semple.)

[339] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ROBERT BAYLOR SEMPLE. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 2 2 . ]

M r . Robert Semple

Monttrc

r ^

^

I4th

1847

Dear Sir H

AVING offered to several captains, owners & supercargo's of vessels one

or two building lots in Benicia if they would anchor their vessels at that place and thus prove the anchorage, I have concluded to give Commodore Shubrick and others who accompanied him to Benicia my eight lots in Square N o . 44, which in their deeds I call "Shubrick Square." See my letter to the Commo. which you have enclosed. I wish you would reserve the other eight lots to present for any other arrival of our Ships of War. Prehaps it may cause a larger vessel to go there. Commodore Shubrick, and all his Officers who went with him, speak in the highest terms of our new Town. Capt Watson of the "Erie" says he could with all ease take up the "Independence." If that is the case, and these Officers are firm in their opinion the going to Benicia of the Julia has been of immense importance to us. The arrival of Francisca was an event that brought up the place; the Officers say people in Yerba Buena may talk against Benicia as they please but all will not do. Its course must be onward. I hope to be there the first week in October. Today I try to charter the "Francisca" or "Elizabeth" to carry up hewed timber. Respectfully Yours & c . (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO HENRY CHEVER. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 2 3 . ]

„ Henry Chever bsqr TT

Monterey 14, 1847 y September 1 1 1 /

Sir 1 1 EREWITH you have copy of letter and invoice of merchandise shipped by Mess. Alsop & C o of Valparaiso for account of yourself, which was received per Barque "Georgian" at San Francisco and transhipped from that Port to this by Capt. Kelley in the Barnstable.

[340] I have put them in the hands of Messrs. J . B. McClurg & Co and herewith send copy of their receipt for the same. I am Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO CHARLES ROUSSILLON. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 2 4 . ]

Monterey September 15th 1847 Don Carlos Roussillon Dear Sir SHOULD

the "Matilda" not touch at your Port for lumber according to

promise you will have boards ready to send me by the Brig "Francisca." (McClurg when he arrives at your place this week.) I hear that you have promised to deliver McClurg lumber in this month, which if such is the case, you will not be able to fulfill both agreements. Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO WILLIAM MARK WEST. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 2 5 . ]

Monterey September 15, 1847 M r . William M . West Sir

"YOUR

letter of the 20th August I have received. Yours of the 18th

July did not reach me. I am rather surprised that prior the 18th July you could find no water on the "Cotate" Rancho to make adobies—28 days before that date I saw sufficient. Previous to receiving your letter I was informed by a person who says he was on the farm in August—and saw water enough, that you would perhaps give up the contract, and send me word there was no water. In answer to your letter of the 20th A u g . I only inform you, I shall expect the

contract completed next season and that you during the winter have the timber sawed out—hauled in M a y & June 1848 and the house walls began at one of those two months, and that you during the rains make a begining at the foundation. It may eventually prove of much importance to me, that the "Cotate" house is began at once. Should I come to damage, by your not doing something at least about the foundation and haul a few loads of the lumber to the spot I shall look to you, and will write to M r . Leace to see about the spot for building, and know more fully about the whole affair. Altho' you say the farm is of so little value, I expect to sell one quarter for $ 3 0 0 0 . I am & c . Yours (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO HENRY DELANO FITCH. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 2 6 . ]

Monterey September 13, 1847 Capt. Henry D . Fitch Dear Sir " Y o u r letter of the 9th inst is before me. You have at my request showed me your Deed of the land you speak of and the favour shall be returned whenever called for. A s to your wish to my being with you to settle because your partner as you say would sell cheap, it matters not. I have already purchased the land from the owner, and have gone through too many forms to have any fears upon the subject. If you or any other person spend funds, that may prove to be only a benefit to others I shall not be to blame. There is no Tribunal that I know of in present existence that could interfere in the premises whether you build on my land or not. A s to there not being proofs of a document of my papers in the office, and there is of yours, is not supprising. Too many have had papers in charge, to suppose otherwise but that there has been. I refer you to a hint given in your own papers in your documents. If they have since disappeared or not I cannot say. The question is not for the present and prehaps not for our day to find a final settlement. Therefore we need not spend money in law suits before our time or have any feeling between us on the subject. I am & c & c . (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin

[WILLIAM BRANFORD SHUBRICK TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : 2 6 l . ]

U . S. Ship Independence Monterey, September 15th 1847

Sir ^ENCLOSED with this you will receive an appointment as N a v y Store Keeper for the Port of Monterey. A s you have previously received an appointment as N a v y Agent, and have not yet entered into bonds, a due regard to the interests of the United States requires that you should, before entering upon the duties of this office, execute a bond in the sum of twenty thousand dollars, with sufficient sureties, for the due and faithful performance of the duties of N a v y Agent and N a v y Store-Keeper. The bond must be executed in duplicate, one to be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State of the Territory, and the other delivered to me for transmission to the Secretary of the N a v y . I am, Very Respectfully, Your Obedt. Servt. W . Branford Shubrick, Comdg. Pacific Squadron Thomas O . Larkin Esqr Monterey, California

[WILLIAM ALEXANDER LEIDESDORFF TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. y . 2 6 3 . ]

San Francisco Septbr 1 5 / 4 7 T . O. Larkin Esqr

Dear Sir S I N C E you left this place I have only received one short letter from you. I now inform you that I have rented out your house on the beach for fifty dollars a month to M r . Ross. It appears that he only wants it for a short time. H e first wanted to rent the lot and not the house that is, on this consideration to fence it in and use it for a year. I told him that I would do the same. I beleive his object was to keep you from improveing it before that time. There is all sorts of game carried on here. There is a new clique down on M r . Hyde again. I was asked by M r . Hyde weather my appointment as vice consul had ever been

[ 343 ] revoked and I told him no. When a short time afterwards he wrote me an official letter wishing me to act as vice consul, in a whalers case, I told him that I had not acted for some time in that capacity but I would if they could not settle it in any other way. It was between a carpenter of a Whaler and his captain. H e tried to feighn sick & . & c . I called two doctors to examine him. They answered that he could proceed on the voyage and I told him he must go onboard. That settled the matter. I inclose you M r . Hydes letter to me. You can return it by first opertunity. When Comador Biddle was here, we got into conversation about my vice consulship and I asked him for information how it was, that Capt Montgomery had left a sick man with me last summer and told me that I was the only one that could receive. I asked the commador if he thought that the government would pay me in case that I had any expences with such a man. He told me they would. However I expect you know better. I then inquired of him if I should be called upon this year what I should do. He told me to act if I thought proper or not. N o w I want you to advice me as regards this affair, as I dont thinck that I ought to have anything to do with it. A s regards your lots I have received the 3 deeds, but Alcalde Hyde says that the others are not recorded yet, consequently I cant get them. A s regards your acct. current I cant send it now as I have just received your letter by M r . McDougald, and my clerk is away on a dunning expidition. I have had your two Vally lots fenced in and paid for both $ 1 2 0 cash. N o news of consequence, except our election which I suppose that you have heard of. Your obt. Servt. W m . A . Leidesdorff

[WILLIAM M. ROGERS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V 1 2 6 2 . ]

Boston Sept 15th 1847 My dear Cousin ^R-EVERE's draft for $ 1 1 2 5 has been paid and passed to your ac/t. Eben, to whom I wrote requesting him to make inquiries of the Govt, as to your commission and bonds, informs me, that neither he or I can do any thing as to the bonds, that a commission and blank bonds go out to you, I presume by Com. Jones. I presume by this, that the bonds can be filled in California. If so let me suggest as a matter of necessity, that whoever are your bondsmen, you

procure the endorsement and certificate of the highest Govt. Officer, that they are good for the sums for which they give their names. I was obliged to do so when I signed your consular bonds. Yours ever W m . M . Rogers [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN, JOSÉ ABREGO, et al. BOND. COPY. V:26z|.]

[September 16, 1847] I ^ n o w A l l M e n By These Presents that we Thomas O. Larkin, principle, and José Abrego, James Watson, Charles Wolters and Juan Malarin sureties all of Mont, are held and firmly bound unto the United States of America in the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) to be paid to the said United States For payment whereof we bind ourselves our Heirs, Executors and Administrators, jointly and severally firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals. Dated the sixteenth day of September in the seventy second year of the Indépendance of the United States, and in the Year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty seven. Whereas the above named Thomas O. Larkin has been appointed N a v y Agent for the United States for the North West Coast of America, and N a v y Store Keeper for the Port of Monterey, California, and has entered upon the duties of the same. N o w should the said Thomas O. Larkin truly and faithfully comply with, and fulfill his duties, according to Law, as N a v y A g e n t and N a v y Store Keeper according to the Instructions he has received or may receive, and the United States not come to loss or damage by reason of the acts of said Thomas O. Larkin in the above named employs or any person or persons acting under his orders in the same, then shall the above Bond be void and of no effect, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue. Sealed & signed before us the subscribing Witnesses in M . , Upper Cal. on the day & year above mentioned. Monterey Upper California September 16th A D . 1847 I, Walter Colton, Chief Magistrate of Monterey Upper California hereby certify that the within named persons viz Thomas O Larkin Principal & Jose

Abrigo, James Watson, Charles Wolter and Juan Malarin, sureties, are residents of this Town, and are good and responsible men for the purposes of the within mentioned Bond. Walter Colton [Rubric]

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO JOHN YOUNG MASON. 1 OFF. CORK. 11:2.]

Monterey Upper California September 17, 1847 Sir I

HAD the honour of receiving from Commodore W m . Branford Shu-

brick, Commander in Chief of the U . S. Naval Forces on this Station an appointment of U . S. N a v y Store Keeper for this Port dated the (14th) fourteenth instant. I have entered into duplicate Bonds of Twenty Thousand Dollars with four sufficient surities: passed the same to the Commodore: engaged a clerk, and today have commenced receiving stores from Purser Murray, Acting N a v y Storekeeper for the last four months in this Port. This employ I receive in addition to my Office and duties as N a v y Agent. It being of much trouble and responsibility, I receive it under the condition of remuneration as Store Keeper sepperate and apart from the N a v y Agency. Should it be your desire that I should so continue, you have but to give me your instructions. Should you wish the two appointments to be held by sepperate persons I should prefer being N a v y Agent and would consider it a favour to be so continued by the N a v y Department in Washington. In my despach of the third (3d) of M a y 1 8 4 7 , 1 informed you I had a clerk in the N a v y Agency whose salery must be determined by the Department. I have one employed in the N a v y Storekeepers Office and if I am required to continue the two employs, this additional clerk will be indespensibly necessary. When I was in commercial business which I have retired from since 1845 I paid my clerks from four hundred dollars (400$) to five hundred dollars (500$) per year and two hundred & fifty dollars (250$) to three hundred dollars (300$) for board. Some time having elapsed since my appointment as N a v y Agent has been 1

From the duplicate in Record Group 4 5 of the Naval Records Collection, Office of Naval Records and Library, National Archives, Washington, D . C., there being no original of this document in the file.

announced in the public prints, my appointment and instructions must soon reach me. These I am anxious to receive that I may enter fully into the duties of the Naval Agency. I am With M u c h Respect Your Obedient Servant Thomas O. Larkin [Rubric] N a v y Agent T o the Honourable John Y . Mason Secretary U . S. N a v y , Washington D . C .

[ W I L L I A M DANE P H E L P S TO T H O M A S OLIVER LARKIN. Y . 2 6 5 . ]

Thos O Larkin Esq

San Francisco Sept. 17th 1847

Sir I RECEIVED your note of the 1 oth yesterday, and have this day deposited in the hands of M r . R. M . Sherman one thousand dollars, taking his receipt for the same, payable on demand to me, or my order, as directed by you. I cannot positively say as yet whether I can call at Sta. Cruz or not, but will bear your request in mind. I am Sir Respectfully Your Obt St. W m . D . Phelps [Rubric]

[ T H O M A S OLIVER LARKIN TO W I L L I A M BRANFORD S H U B R I C K , et i l l . C O P Y . O F F . CORR. 1 : 3 2 7 . ]

„

,

Monterey Sept 18, 1847 J r

Uentlemen

''

" Y o u being the first American Officers that have ever visited Benecia in any U . States Vessel of War, I have the honor to present you each with a house lot in said town in Block N o . 44 the lot being numbered as per Title Deeds, which you will please find enclosed. I have the honor to be Gentlemen Your most Obt Servt.

/c.

^ T ,. n (bigned) 1 hos. U . Larkin

Commodore W m . Branford Shubrick, Lieutenant James M . Watson, Lieutenant George Selden, Master Henry A . Wise, Purser H u g h H . Greene, Lieutenant Henry H . Lewis, Fleet Surgeon Saml. Moseley, Secretary Henry Lakeintrie.

- [ 347 ] [BENJAMIN H. FOLGER TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.

W2.66.]

2 1 9 Pearl Street, N e w York September 18 1847 T . O. Larkin Esqr Monterey California M v

SON, M r Edward F. Folger, under date of M a y last, directed me to

address him to your care. A t that time he expected to sail for Oregon City in some ten or fourteen days, in the Bark "Whiton" Capt. Gelston, and to return to Monterey in about three months. It may be that before the receipt of this and of several letters by other conveyances, he will have returned to Monterey and San Francisco and taken his leave for N e w York. In such case you will confer a favor on him and me by paying up all postages and returning the letters to me here by some Naval officer, asking him to repay you the postage money and receive it from me when he reaches here or—if you will return the letters by any conveyance and instruct me to whom to repay the amount, whether at N e w York, Philadelphia, Baltimore or Washington, it shall be attended to immediately on the receipt of your instructions. Respectfully Benjn. H . Folger [Rubric]

[WILLIAM BRANFORD SHUBRICK TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.

\:z6j.]

U . S. Ship Independence Monterey, September 18th 1847 Sir

I

have

received your letter of the 17th inst. with the Bond in duplicate,

which is in proper form. The Marine Guard will be continued at the Store-house for the present, but it is desirable that such arrangement should be made as will enable you to dispense with their services, if the public service should require them elsewhere. It is my intention to make such arrangements of the Store ships as will preclude the necessity of hiring any private warehouse, and a case can hardly occur

w h e n it will be necessary to hire laborers, as m e n will be furnished from any ship of war or store ship that m a y be in the harbor, on your requisition, for the purpose of storing or removing provisions or other public stores. Y o u are authorised to repair the roof of the public-store w i t h tiles; it is not deemed proper to shingle it, on account of the risk from fire, and only such repairs are to be put on it as m a y be necessary to keep out the weather. A suitable allowance will no doubt be made to y o u b y the Department for stationary. If a suitable Patent Balance and a pair of small scales can be procured on reasonable terms here, I will direct their purchase. I am, Respectfully & c . W . Branford Shubrick, C o m d g . Pacific Squadron

[WILLIAM BRANFORD SHUBRICK TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V:2Ó8.]

U . S. Ship Independence M o n t e r e y Septr. 18, 1847 Sir I n issuing bread from the Store house, upon requisitions for the same, y o u will be careful to issue first, that w h i c h came from Valparaiso in the "MariaHelena." V e r y Respectfully & c . W . Branford Shubrick, C o m d g . Pacific Squadron T h o m a s O . Larkin Esq. U . S. N . Store Keeper, M o n t e r e y

[ROBERT THOMAS RIDLEY TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.

San Francisco Sept 19th 1847 T h o s . O . Larkin Esqr Monterey Dear Sir

" Y o u r s per M a r y A n n was duly received, and b y w h i c h I learn that there is $ 174 soap on board for me, for w h i c h C a p t . P a t y expects m e to pay the

[ 349 ] freight. By my contract with you, I was to receive $400 in soap delivered here, which amount I am much in want of; I cannot of course receive the above unless you pay the freight. Yours & c . Robt. T . Ridley

[STEPHEN REYNOLDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN.

Honolulu Sep. 20th 1847 T . O. Larkin Esq Monterey, California Sir S I N C E your Consulate has become obsolete you must not suppose, for one minute, that I shall not scribble. I received two copies of the Californian from Mr. Green, for which I feel greatly obliged. Please do the needful for me to him.

What do you call your Com. Stockton's Proclamation? I will not "call it." I wish he may be honored with the honorary title of D . D . — F . First because D.D. is sometimes put to express Doctor of Divinity. Secondly, because, by adding F. it may be put for Father—Friend. . . . Fool!!! Read as you like, and if you do not like—read nothing. As you take the Polynesian you will see his sermon delivered to the natives in the native church, interpreted by Brother Armstrong. Which will be best in battle call all hands to hear a sermon; or have them at their stations, fighting with good powder & shot in their guns. Keep Peace! The Arbitration between government & Messrs. Ladd & Co is undergoing a most thorough investigation. Mr. Richards was upon the stand six days four to five hours each day. He is the only witness yet examined. Mr. Ricord uses all the cavil he is master of. Whether it helps, or hurts his cause it is all the same. Whether for good or bad he will cavil. How the matter will terminate is not possible to judge. I think much information in regard to Missionary movements behind the curtain—enough from Mr. Richards to blast an honest man at any time or place. We are fortunate so far in our Commissioner. How he will cary thro' is more than we can say. Our new consul is truly a great man, if corpulency be the test,

but if talent be the scale alas for the interests of U . S. H e is a great crony with the Ministers of State—thinks this a fine place, wishes he had a good farm here!!! Wishing you all manner of good things with your new Rulers & c & c & c . I Remain Y o u r Obt St. Stephen Reynolds

[WARD & S M I T H TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V . 2 7 0 . ]

San Francisco Septr 19th 1847 M r . Thos. O. Larkin Monterey Dear Sir w

have just reed, yours of the 1 3 t h inst. & are glad to find that our

books were correct. W e delivered M r . D y e on the 8th inst for your account 339 lbs. of nails amounting to $40.68. W e are rather surprised at the view you take of the bread affair. In your letter of the 2 0 t h April to which you refer us, you say "I understand you have received bread on deposite in m y name. I have given no orders to this effect, and can have nothing to do with it." W e did not "receive the bread on deposite in your name." M r . Sainsevain was anxious to sell it to us & upon our declining consigned it to us to be sold for their acct.—the proceeds to be carried to their credit. W e have acted up to the letter of M r . S.'s instructions. Y o u are labouring under a mistake if you suppose we have charged you with any storage. This affair is one solely between Mess. Rousillon & Sainsevain & ourselves. Our books show no balance in their favour & they cannot think of drawing for the proceeds of the sales. W e have already sent you by this mail a copy of the acct. sales according to their request. W e remain Y o u r obt Sts. Ward & Smith by Jas. C . Ward

[THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO ROBERT BAYLOR S E M P L E . COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 2 8 . ]

M r . Robert Semple

Monterey Sept 20, 1847 '

Sir Í ^ . b o v e you have a list of the lots that I have signed deeds for & recorded them in my Book of Records. A s soon as you send me a rough map of the Blocks to be numbered, I will make out the deeds you wrote for. I hope you will reserve the lots in Block N o 44 to make presents of in the same manner as I have. You will please not promise any of my lots only to actual settlers. Yrs. (Signed) Thos. O. Larkin

[MIGUEL AVILA TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V . 2 7 2 . ]

„ , . Señor D . Tomas Olibero Larquin

Sn. Miguelito 2 1 de Septiembre de 1847

Mi muy Sor. mió este mes de Junio recibí una carta escrita en ingles. Creo sera de un dependiente de V , la misma que conteste inmediatamente, y haora que vino Agustín Ernandes de Monterrey me dijo que havía sabido por V . que no havia recibido contestación mia, lo que e sentido mucho pues V . no pience que es poco aprecio, pues la contestación que le di fue del tenor sigiente. Sn Miguelito 1 5 de Julio de 1847 Señor D . Tomas O. Larquin MUÍ

Sor. mió

E n estos últimos dias recibí una carta de un dependiente de V . quien me esije el cobro de 289 pesos que soy a V . deudor y me dice que pase á su oficina de V . a pagar esta deuda según me esplica quien me la llebo; a lo que digo que estoy en la mejor dispocicion en pagar á V . como pueda esta cantidad, pero Sr. conosco lo mal que é quedado, pero la causa ha sido que en todo este tiempo la

suerte me ha tenido de bajo, porque el único albitrio que he tenido en todo este tiempo ha sido las siembras, y para esto V . sabe que todos los años pasados han sido malos escasos de agua, y por lo mismo ha cido mui poco lo que he abonado; este ultimo año tanto por esto, como por las circunstancias en qe. nos hallabamos no abone nada á V . y todo lo dicho ha cido causa de haber quedado mal con V . pero sin enbargo de esto le digo que por haora dispensándome V . no puedo pasar por lo pronto á Monterrey por que me hallo solo con mi siembra tirada, y mi mujer mala de conbalecencia de una emfermedad larga, y esto me impide pasas y por lo mismo le propongo que si V . quiere tomar mi casa que esta halla por la deuda V . me dirá, pues de Monterrey hace poco tiempo que me la mandaron tratar; y por otra parte D . José Castro poco antes de irce me ofrecio 300 pesos en la primera entradada que hubiera de lo que no hubo nada por qe. se fue; Doña Modesta se que me la quiere conprar á quien por este mismo conducto le escrivo que si no la quiere V . tomar y ella la quiere, puede tomarla en 300 pesos los mismos que le entregara á V . en lo que guste, y si de este modo no se satisface V . le satisfacere en estas cocechas. El trigo que tengo esta logrado, y en lo demás que tengo senbrado de mais, frijol, papas, y demás que coceche, y tomando empeño en cubrir á V . la cantidad, por lo que me escribirá según el parecer en que se halle, haciendo á V . precente que no me olbidare de V . y quedo con el mayor empeño en conformar á V . suplicándole me bea con concideracion fabor que le vivirá eternamente agradecido su affmo. Servidor Q S M B Miguel Abila [Rubric]

[ISAAC CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : I 8 5 ; 2 7 3 . ]

Lynn Sept 23 1847 Brother Oliver O N

another sheet you will find my account for the year ending June

23 1847 from the time Oliver & Frederic landed in Boston, which I hope you will find correct. A s no particular agreement has been made as regards the price of board, I have at the suggestion of M r . Rogers put it down at that price ($6 pr week) but I think it rather lower than it should be, considering that we have the whole care & responsibility of them, mending & taking care of their clothes, seeing to

— [

353 ]

their conduct, habits, appearances & c & c — b u t all this we do with a great pleasure & have become attached to them, almost if not quite as much as we should with our o w n — & should not be willing to part with them very easy. I shall be willing for you to say whether you should be ready to allow any more. W e are in hopes of having the pleasure of seeing you in Lynn this Fall & then we can talk it over together. I see by the papers that Gen. Kearney & Col. Fremont have arrived in this country & Fremont is to have his trial soon. T h e last accounts we have from California is to July 18th & find that Com. Stockton had left or about leaving for the States. By some of them or some other way, we have received 2 or 3 letters from you, but no papers as you said you sent. The reason is that the postage on papers must be paid at the office they are put into, by our Post Office laws. This goes out in the Brig Sabine, Capt. Vincent, & also I send you a bundle of newspapers, among which you have 2 or 3 numbers of the N e w York Herald, which somebody I can't tell who, sends regularly every week directed to O l i v e r — & one of his drawing manuscripts. W e have thought it best as he has a good taste for it, to send him to learn as it is science connected with the profession of an Archetect, which is here a very profitable & respectable bussiness, & the learning of which may be of great benifit to Oliver, when he comes to be a man & returns to Monterey. Oliver is not so fond of his other studies as I could [wish] him to be, but all things considered I believe they are making as much progress as could be expected. They now attend the Academy & M r . Batchelder is considered a good Teacher. Their health has been generally good, been sick but very little. I hardly think you would know Fred if you should meet in Boston. H e & Herbert get along first rate together & are very fond of each other. So far I have written about the boys & perhaps it is time to speak of others. In the first place the Family are well except M r . Wright, who is still unwell, though I have not heard from for 2 & 3 weeks. A u n t Larkin of Boston died a few weeks since aged about go. George was here a short time ago with his wife. Elizebeth is a going for to be marrried, I believe the 1 2 t h Oct. to W m . M . E a m e s — & so Ruth is going to live & die an old maid—if she dont git married before. W e are to have a cattle show & exhibition next week in this town & also a Fair to raise money to build a fence arount our Common. T h e town is to pay half the expence. M a n y parts of Lynn is so altered that I hardly think you would know the place. If you should not return to Lynn I should not be surprised to hear that you

had removed to San Francisco. The letter writers think that place is destined to be Liverpool & N e w York of the Pacific. When the affairs are amicably settled, I expect there will be great emigration to California expeccially when the Rail Road is built to Oregon. Capt Gordon of this town thinks he shall go to San Francisco next spring, but I doubt it. With our best regards to you & wife I remain Y r Brother Isaac Childs [Rubric]

[EBENEZER LARKIN CHILDS TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : 2 7 4 - J

Washington City Sept 25 1847 My dear brother T H E enclosed letter was prepared, as its date indicates, one month ago, but it turned out that the officer in question (Lt. Forest, I beleive) was going round the Cape & not overland as I supposed, so the chance amounted to nothing. I now hear that Com. Jones is going out to assume command of the Pacific Squadron, & tho' not sure that he is to go by sea or land I shall get a package for him ready & trust to its reaching you some day or other. Yours of June 1 I received on the first of this month, via St. Louis. The papers enclosed I have disposed of as you desired that is sent them (copies) to W m . Rogers, N . Y . Herald, & St. Louis Reveille. I was as well satisfied of the entire falsity of the charges contained in the infamous Armstrong letter as I am now & did not need anything in their refutation, still I am glad you sent them. W m . Rogers & myself both think it not worth while to make any publication, as the original calumnies produced no effect whatever & are now forgotten. In case of a second attack we shall be prepared. I have not received the letters via Panama to which you refer. I suppose they will come by & bye. I cannot understand why you found the arrangement with Gen. Kearny so disagreeable. I would not have so many people in my house as you seem to have continually for a hundred dollars a day, unless indeed I set up a Hotel in good earnest—but you seem to like it & as the General & his suite paid board which I presume never happened before with your guests, I do not comprehend your perplexity. I shall try to see Col. Fremont or Gen. Kearny or both. Col. Benton where Col. F. stays lives in the street next south of me. I can see his front from my back

windows, but I do not know his family. People censure him (Col. F.) generally in the matter between him & Gen. K . His recent letter to the War Dept. is couched in language arrogant & unbecoming and has done him no good. I hope he will come out of the fire unscorched, but fear rapid promotion & popular applause has turned his head. Sept. 29. I was interrupted at the above paragraph by company & now I have to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters of M a y 1 . I found them in the post office—dont know how they came. I have pd W . M . R. $65 on the note, $ 1 5 being 6 mos. interest. I obtained an insurance of $ 5 0 0 on my life on purpose to protect your claim—the premium on this joined with the interest at six pr cent to be paid you makes the 1 0 pet which the loan costs me. T h e insurance, however, will be valuable to me when the note is long paid, I hope, so it may be right to say the cost is 1 o pr ct. I shall pay fast as possible. Your Com. as N a v y Agent was sent to you March 20. I hope you will find it a profitable office. You have never said whether the Weekly Union has been received regularly. I wish you to say if it shall be sent after the present year is completed which will be in Feb 1848. I have paid $4 subs & $ 1 . 5 2 postage—the $7 which I had of you for pamphlets was long since expended. The Blue Bks cost $3/4 each. H o w was the last Blue Bk lost? It was sent pr Ship Brooklyn I believe & I thought you had mentioned its receipt. I leave tomorrow for N . York with Wentworth, thence I go to Mass., N . H . & Vermont on government business—expect to be absent five or six weeks. Shall see your boys. George & his wife were here last week for three days. Good bye. Ever Yrs. 7

E.L.C.

[WILLIAM BRANFORD SHUBRICK TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V : 2 y 5 . ]

U . S. Ship Independence Monterey, Septr. 25 th 1847

Y o , will receive from Purser H u g h W . Greene, and Lieut. W . W . Russell, U . S. M . Corps, a quantity of clothing in their departments, condemned by survey, and which you will sell, at auction, to the highest bidder,

[ 356 ] giving the United States credit for the amount of the proceeds of said sale, in your Account Current with the N a v y Department as N a v y Store Keeper at Monterey. Respectfully Your Obedt. Servt. W . Branford Shubrick, Comdg. Pacific Squadron Thomas O. Larkin, Esqre U . S. N . Store Keeper, Monterey

[BRYANT & R U S S E L L TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. \:2-/6.]

Benicia G t y Se

M r . T . O. Larkin

Pt'

26th

18

47

Dr Sir H AVING settled in this City and purchased some lots upon which we are now erecting buildings we are desirous of becoming the owners of the two lots in Block N o . 13, which lots are numbered on the map 4 & 8. Our reasons for wishing them are these—owning the opposite corner we wish to put up our buildings as nearly together as possible. If we can have them please inform us at the earliest moment that our buildings may be erected this fall. Respectfully

Bryant & Russel

P. S. Our lumber now lies on the lots ready to be used as soon as we hear from you.

B & R

[WILLIAM BRANFORD SHUBRICK TO THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN. V:277>]

U . S. Ship Independence Monterey, September 27th 1847 " Y o u will receive from Purser R. M . Price of the Cyane, a quantity of provisions purchased at the Sandwich Islands for the use of the Squadron, and for which you will receipt to him. Very Respectfully & c . Thomas O. Larkin Esq

W . Branford Shubrick, Comdg. Pacific Squadron

U . S. N . Store Keeper, Monterey

[ 357 ] [THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN TO CHARLES ROUSSILLON. COPY. OFF. CORR. 1 : 3 2 9 . ]

Monterey, Sept 28th 1847 Don Carlos Roussellon JLHE bearer Polatorio owes me for a long time the hauling of two loads of lumber. Please let him have two thousand feet of boards, soon as he comes for it & send them to me. If no boards sent joist, but I want boards. (Signed) Thomas O. Larkin Polatorio has 20 days allowed him to deliver the same to T . O. L. in Monterey.

[LUCY EAGAR TO JOHN S. BARKER. RECEIPT FOR MERCHANDISE. V : 2 7 8 . ]

Yerba Buena Sept. 28th 1846 1 ]R.ECEIVED of Capt. John S. Barker of Ship Edward the following goods to sell on his acct.—Said goods to be accounted for at the following prices or returned to him on demand. Box # 1 . Containing 25 pieces ribbon do 2. 14 do do 10 do velvet cord do 3. 9 do ribbon do 4. 1 1 do do do 5. 6 pieces prints

@ 1.50 2.75 2. 2.75 1.75 7.00

37.50 38.50 20.00 24.75 19.25 42.00

$182.00 Lucy Eagar [Signed, on the reverse:] John S. Barker 1 While this receipt is dated September 28, 1846, Larkin's clerk dated it "Septbr. 2 8 / 4 7 , " eluded it among his bound manuscripts for the year 1847.

an