History of the State of California
The following extract from the Placer Times of the 17th of July, 1850, under the head of "Great Discoveries of Gold – Gold Lake," will afford the reader a lively conception of the degree of excitement caused in California by every new announcement of a newly discovered locality abounding in gold:
"We were inclined to give only an average degree of credit to stories that have reached us during the past few days, of the unprecedented richness which this locality has developed. A few moments passed in Marysville on Saturday, convinced us that there is much more show of reality in this last eureka report, than usually attaches to the like. In a year's experience of local excitements from the same cause, we have seen none equal to what now prevails in that town. It has visited all the inhabitants indiscriminately, lawyers, doctors and judges, traders, teamsters, mechanics and gamblers. Our readers know we are the last to justify the circulation of unfounded or exaggerated reports, but we deem it right to conceal nothing of what may prove (for aught that we can see to the contrary) one of the most astounding discoveries in the modern history of diggings. The specimens brought into Marysville are of a value from $1600 down. Ten ounces is reported as no unusual yield to a panfull, and the first party of sixty, which started out under the guidance of one who had returned successful, were assured that they would not get less than $500 each per day. We were told that the previous morning two hundred had left the town with a full supply of provisions and four hundred mules. Those who could not go were hiring others in their stead. The length of the journey and the quantity of provisions required, there being no stores in the region, rendered an outfit rather expensive. Mules and horses had doubled in value, and $400 were considered no more than enough to furnish a proper start.
The distance to Gold Lake was first reported two hundred miles; the best informed, however, say that it is but little more than half of that. It lies at a very considerable elevation among the mountains that divide the waters of the South Fork of Feather from those of the north branch of the Yuba. The direction from Marysville is a little north of east. The story has of course spread ere this far and wide among the miners high up on the Feather and Yuba, and the spot will be as crowded as all other good places are, ere the tardy adventurer from this region could reach it. The region of the Gold Lake wonders is a new one, however, and lies between what are established to be diggings of unsurpassed richness. It is our belief that it is better for one who has got some initiation into the gold mysteries, (if there be any,) not to be content in old 'used up' localities, but to push along to the great field yet unexplored; and that, though the search be long and laborious, the big lift is ultimately pretty sure for those who are patient and persevering."
The same paper of July 18th, contains additional particulars, having a tendency to add plausibility to the reports. Among other things, a man by the name of McLelland came into Marysville on the 17th, with $7000, the result of four days' labor at Gold Lake. Whatever may be the truth of the reports, there is no doubt of one thing – the whole population of Marysville and its vicinity have become infected by the news, and are taking up their march thitherwards in crowds.
The Transcript speaks rather doubtingly on the subject; it says – "The reports come as a general thing, through teamsters and other persons whose interest it is to give as favorable accounts as possible. The statements are very conflicting."
To this we may add the statement of a gentleman who reached this city from Marysville, direct, on Tuesday night. The excitement, he says, is great; but no one could give any definite information of the locality or of its productiveness. Yet all seemed to think there was no doubt in the matter, and as many as could get away were starting, or getting ready to push for the new El Dorado. Upon his way down, on board the boat, he conversed with a man who professed to have explored that region lately, although he did not claim to know where Gold Lake was. But between the North Fork of the Yuba and Feather Rivers, at the foot of the great chain of mountains, he reported a series of lakes of various dimensions, and "two thousand people," prospecting all about. The snow was very deep – "six feet" – and but little gold.
The following extract from the Placer Times, is the most positive information within our knowledge.
On the arrival of the "Lawrence," yesterday, from Marysville, we received more news of the Gold Lake excitement, now prevailing in those parts. It promises to spare no one. Many who would not be understood to have yielded to it, seek, under various pretences, to get away – some pleading business in other quarters of the mines; others desiring the recreation of a country jaunt. It is reported that, up to Thursday last, two thousand persons had taken up their journey; that many who were working good claims, and had made considerable progress, were deserting them for the new discovery. Mules and horses were almost impossible to be obtained. A supply from this quarter was expected daily, and most anxiously awaited. Although the truth of the report rest on the authority of but two or three who have returned from Gold Lake, yet but few are found who doubt their marvellous revelations. The first man who came into Marysville took out a party of forty as guide, on condition they paid him one hundred dollars each if his story was verified, and offering his life as a forfeit for any deception.
"This party, it is understood, came near losing their way, from the difficulty the guide found in retracing his path, after the snow had melted. Fortunately, however, they encountered another man, who was on his way returning, and he showed the track. The second person has since left with a much larger party, who are to give him two hundred dollars each, and the same forfeit is provided. The spot is described as very difficult of approach, and it is feared that many will lose their way. A party of ten Kanakas are reported to have wintered at Gold Lake, subsisting chiefly on the flesh of their animals. They are said to have taken out about $75,000 the first week. The lake is not large, and, after the wet season ceases, has no outlet; at present, however, the water runs over the basin, and finds its way into the North Fork of Feather River. At a lower stage, it admits of easy drainage, and the undertaking is already projected.
"Of course the most extravagant anticipations are founded on the result of this work, induced by the yield from the borders of the lake which have already been realized. The "placer" proper is very limited, and little encouragement is given as to the character of the surrounding country; indeed, it is probably entirely unexplored, as the region lies about as far up among the snows as the most adventurous have yet penetrated."
The Yuba River is destined to be thoroughly rifled of its wealth. Three miles above the new town of Lina, a company has turned the river from its course, and made it run through a lateral slough. Prospecting of the bed has proved very satisfactory, and the shares in the company's stock have sold at a high rate.
As was apprehended, various difficulties have occurred between the owners of land at Sacramento City, and a large number of squatters upon it. The ground was bought and surveyed, and the title to ownership was perfect. But the number of emigrants who arrive at Sacramento at particular seasons forces them to encamp outside of the regularly built town, and when thus encamped, they consider themselves as settlers, and are unwilling to give up possession of the ground. The power of the law has been called into requisition several times to eject these squatters.
The emigrants to California by way of the Great Salt Lake route have endured terrible hardships during the present year. The rigors of the season, and the want of water, have been but secondary matters. The Indians, always unfriendly, have been particularly hostile, and several battles between them and the emigrants have taken place. In one of the battles, thirty Indians were killed, while the whites had several wounded, but none killed. It is supposed that the assailants belonged to the Utahs. The Salt Lake City is the great refuge of the belated emigrants upon that route, and the Mormons are hospitable to all who visit them for shelter, or for mere curiosity.
The great body of the emigrants continue to take the old route, which we have elsewhere described, and find that it is the safest and shortest of the land routes. Judging from the statements of the number of emigrants who have passed Fort Laramie this season, we should say, that the route could scarcely be called a wilderness, when it is impossible to travel thirty miles without meeting with parties and families of whites. Part of this tide of emigration will flow to Oregon, no doubt, on account of the fertile lands to be there obtained; but the golden land will get the bulk of it.
In a recent tour through the region bordering on Moqueleme River, in California, a couple of gentlemen from Stockton, discovered a cave or grotto of great extent. They found that it contained large quantities of stalactite, and saw evidences of gold. The Indians who accompanied the gentlemen were horror stricken at their audacity, when they entered a cave which tradition said no man returned from alive. The skeleton of a human being was found at some distance from the opening.
An event has occurred which will no doubt exercise a great influence on California affairs. This is the discovery of the existence of abundance of gold in Oregon territory. The discovery created great excitement through the various cities and towns of Oregon, and the northern towns of California. That which is exhibited, shows an entirely different character to any of that dug in the mines of California. It contains large quantities of platina, and is said to be of a richer character. The mines just discovered are situated about two hundred miles from Oregon City. The consequences of this discovery may be easily apprehended. Oregon will secure a larger share of the emigration from the Atlantic States than she had before, and her progress will be rapid, for her soil and climate render the country an attractive place of residence. But will the progress of California be less rapid in consequence of this? We think not. The united attractions of the two territories will operate for the benefit of both, and only tend to increase the quantity of emigration.
CHAPTER XV
A GENERAL VIEW OF CALIFORNIA AT THE PRESENT TIMEWe have followed the narrative of the events in the history of California up to the present time. We have traced her progress from her first settlement up to the time when she appears as a sovereign republican State; and we have seen the effects of her vast metallic wealth working wonders in a short space of time. We have seen her towns before and after the gold discovery, and marked the contrast; and we have seen her territory become thickly peopled, and her resources developed in a space of time which other territories less favored, would require for an infancy. We have also considered her soil, climate, productions, and population, and exhibited each subject as fully as our information warranted. But in order to give a clear conception of the general character of California and her resources and capabilities, and to enable the reader to obtain an idea of the bright future to which she is destined, we have concluded to add another chapter upon the general state of things there at the present time.
California is now a State – in organization at least, if not in being a member of the Union. The country has become thoroughly American in its government and laws. A Constitution is adopted as a State organization, which bears the impress of enlightened sentiment and just principles. The most liberal provisions have been made in that instrument for the grand end of public education. The power and capability of the people to rule themselves has been recognized in the matter of electing nearly all the officers of the government – including the judges of the various courts over which the State has control. The Legislature, in the course of a laborious session, has abolished the old civil law which ruled the country under the Mexican government, and continued after the acquisition of the territory by the United States, and have substituted the common law of England and many of the States in the Union. In taking this step, they were actuated by sound policy. Few of those who were subjected to be tried, or to have their suits decided by the rules of this civil code were aware of the nature of these rules; and from their crude and unintelligible character, it would have been a long time before they could have been fully or certainly informed. The old common law is that to whose rules they have conformed in the older States, and which is better suited to their habits and principles of action.
But with her complete State organization, California has applied for admission into the Union, and from various causes, without reason, as we conceive, has not yet been admitted to her claim. This delay, continued through a long session of Congress, has somewhat irritated the Californians, who are anxiously watching the doings of Congress. The state of feeling on the subject is clearly stated in one of the California papers; and it is worthy of attention. We extract it.
"Shall California be Admitted? – We desire once more to state calmly and firmly the grievances under which the State of California labors, in order that Congress, in her hesitation, which may terminate in an open refusal to admit us as equal sharers in the benefits, as we are of the burdens of the general government, may not act in ignorance of the true state of feeling existing here upon a point so vital to our future.
"California feels that she has been made the sport of gambling politicians long enough. This is the universal sentiment of one hundred thousand citizens of this State, expecting daily reinforcements which will swell the number to an aggregate of two hundred and fifty thousand before the second session of the present Congress. She feels that such a mass of men, born under the flag of the Union, have a right to some of the privileges which they were taught to suppose it typified. She feels that she has no right to be taxed and not protected – to be taxed, and not represented, to be taxed, and nothing but taxed. Nothing else has been done for her. We hear of no Indian agent in the country. American citizens are slaughtered weekly if not daily by savages on our border. An agent of the Postoffice Department has been sent here, but his power to put into successful operation a thorough mail system, commensurate with the wants of the people, has been effectually crippled from the want of an appropriation to meet the necessary expenses. We are without admiralty courts; yet the interests of the commerce of the Pacific are centring in the Bay of San Francisco. We are paying millions into the treasury of the United States yearly. Our custom-house is thronged daily with captains and consignees of vessels, paying government dues, which eventually come from the pockets of the citizens of the whole State; yet there is hardly a possibility that one dollar in a thousand will ever be expended for our benefit.
"This state of things is unnatural – too much so for a quiet endurance, unless stern necessity is at the bottom. Were there any reason why we should be treated thus, we could patiently suffer on. But there is none. And now a sentiment is fast gaining ground here, that it is the intention of Congress – or a portion of Congress, to throw us back upon a territorial organization. It may not be amiss to state that California, under no circumstances, will give up her State organization. She has just escaped from the crudities and unintelligibilities of the Mexican code. Under it, she would still be laboring, had the action of Congress been awaited. Neither to this state of vassalage to institutions foreign to the habits and education of her citizens, nor to a second vassalage of territorial government under Congress, will she submit now. She knows her interests too well for this. If we are driven to take matters into our own keeping, the responsibility rests not upon us, neither should the odium, if any attaches. Should Congress ever come to its senses, and do what naked justice demanded months ago, California will ever be ready and proud to form one of the States of the Union; but it is asking too much that she should offer herself a willing sacrifice on the altar of demagogues."
This is strongly and firmly said; and we hope that it will exercise some influence on those to whose attention it is directed. Nothing can be more unjust in politics than taxation without a due compensation of protection and of law. There is scarcely any prospect, however, that California will be required to go back to a territorial organization. Such a request would be absurd in the highest degree, and none but ultras recommend it.
Whether California be admitted into the Union at the present session of Congress, or not, we may consider her Constitution and many of her laws necessary for carrying out the provisions of the Constitution, as fixed and operative. We have then, in a knowledge of their laws, a view of the character of society in California, in many particulars, but there are others which require further observation. One feature strikes the observer at first glance. It is the variety of nation which marks the population of the principal cities of California. There may be seen the rapid, yet prudent Yankee, with a sharp eye to the main chance, and a ready comprehension of the consequences of a bargain or a speculation; the cool, slow, and heavy-moving Englishman, wishing to be sure of his game, and, therefore, late in grasping for it; the lively and sociable Frenchman, contrasting appearances and manners with things in Paris; the coarse-looking German, with a lively conception of the wealth of the country, and a deep consideration of the means of grasping a goodly share of it; the half-Spanish native of California, with his love of indolence, and easy of satisfaction; the Chilian, with the ferocity and the cowardice of the descendants of the Spaniards, and loving fandangoes and riding horses, as intensely as the Californians, the Chinese, with dirty, but industrious habits, and the native Indians – a mean, degraded specimen of that noble race that once were lords of the American forests.
At the present time, it is a matter of doubt, whether the Americans or the foreigners predominate in the population of California. It is certain that the former have things pretty much their own way in the various cities and in the mines. But that may be from a want of unity of action among the foreigners. The habits and modes of life belonging to the Americans are generally prevalent in the cities; but in the smaller and older towns, the native Californians conduct every thing in the old Spanish mode. The difference between the society of Los Angeles and Sacramento City, is wide, and affords a good contrast between the restless, enterprising, utilitarian spirit of the Americans, and the indolent, pleasure-loving spirit of the Californians. With the Americans, in the cities where they are in the majority, business is the uppermost consideration upon all occasions, and profit and loss, and chances of obtaining a competency, the constant subject of thought. With the Californians, the enjoyment of the present, which alone is theirs, is at all times a matter of prime importance; and gambling, drinking, dancing, guitar-playing, and riding on horseback, are the principal sources of their pleasures. Which of these modes of passing away life is the most philosophical, we leave to the speculative. But it is apparent in California, that the energy of the American character is exercising a great influence on the descendants of the Spaniards. Their spirit is infectious. In some of the towns upon the coast, one half of the buildings are occupied by persons who have emigrated from the Eastern States; and the contrast between their log and brick houses, and the adobé houses of the Californians, is singular, and seems as if the old dead looking trunk of the tree had suddenly sent out new branches full of life and freshness.
All the vices consequent upon a heterogeneous population, suddenly thrown together and stimulated to an extraordinary degree of activity, have fully exhibited themselves in California. Nearly every body in the mining regions carries deadly weapons of some sort, and with the promptings of avarice, and the excitement of passion, many shocking, secret murders, and many open, revengeful encounters are continually occurring. The practice of carrying deadly weapons can only be abolished when a stronger feeling of security, induced by a confidence in the protection of the laws, shall take the place of constant dread. The mining population is of as mixed a character as that in the commercial cities; and national jealousies will occur occasionally. The elation consequent upon successful gold digging and speculating, leads to excess in drinking and gambling, and these lead to frequent quarrels and deadly encounters. The remedy for these things is only to be found in the reaction to which a few years will lead, when the power of the law shall be supreme throughout the gold region.
The principal thing which has contributed in some degree to influence the prospect and the labors of the miners, is the government tax upon the foreigners who wish to work upon the public lands in digging and washing gold. The tax is certainly a just one, but many are of opinion that it is too high. A lighter tax would more readily receive the assent of the mass of foreigners; but whether it is not just that they should pay a tax of eight dollars for every ounce of gold they obtain from the land of others, is another question. The greater portion of the gold region belongs to the government, and was paid for by the government. The people of the United States should, therefore, have the sole right to occupy it; and it is but just, that those people of foreign nations who wish to reap a profit from it either by digging gold or cultivating the ground, should pay for the use of it. The effect of the tax is, that those who must pay it, either must give up mining or work harder to reap sufficient profit. In either case, the country is benefited.
The mining region is constantly increasing in extent. The placers first worked still yield a profit sufficient to reward the gold seeker for his labor, and the frequent discovery of new ones by parties prospecting, keeps up the heat of excitement. The region is constantly extending towards the north. The vicinity of Trinity River is the most northern part of California where gold is obtained in any considerable quantity, and the source of the San Joaquin, is the most southern. The entire region embraced between these two points is known to abound in the precious metal, and is traversed by the gold "prospecters." Of the gold obtained, a great quantity – a third, at least, remains in the country. Another is carried out of California by the foreigners, and the remainder is sent to the Atlantic States of the Union. This is but a rough estimate; but it seems warranted by the facts of the number of foreigners in the country, and the necessary current money of the residents. Certain it is, that were we to judge of the quantity of gold obtained in California, by the amount received in the United States, we would fall far too short of the truth.
The growth of the commerce of California necessarily carries with it the growth of all those cities and towns which have any commercial advantages, or which are connected with the various ports. Not only has San Francisco constantly in her harbor a tremendous fleet of merchant vessels from all parts of the world, pouring into her lap the commodities necessary to a new country and a rapid building city, and Sacramento, the commerce of the mines continually passing through it, but all the towns along the coast have felt the impulse, and have become the seat of a traffic of some sort. San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Pedro, and Monterey, are all commercial ports, which have become the resort of those traders who wish to escape the crowd of competitors to be met with at the more northern towns, and to have a pleasant place of residence besides. Los Angeles, twenty-five miles from the port of San Pedro is the centre of an extensive inland trade, and from its being a delightful place of residence, will contribute to the building up of San Pedro in a greater degree than the commerce of San Pedro can influence it.
