The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 50 (Part I), page 479, 480, 551-553
ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTERS OFFICE,
Los Angeles, Cal.,
May 7, 1861.
Maj. W. W. MACKALL,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.:
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that a site br an encampment for the troops has been selected, which will be assigned to them unless it is not approved by the general commanding. It is outside of the town, beyond all buildings some distance, aimd directly in front of my corral, and in hill view of it. I am putting up store-tents in the corral and will remove all the public property from the present store-house, so that there will be but one point to guard. The troops will be half a mile distant therefrom or less and on the side of the town toward San Pedro. Water will be hauled to the troops by water carts, for which facilities are at hand, as the towim is supplied in that manner. The horses will have to be ridden about half a mile to water. But the advantage is that you do not have to pass through the town to get to the point to be protected, which would be the case were they encamul)ed along the river above the town. With the troops placed as proposed there would probably be no necessity of having more than a picket guard of three men in my corral, amid they only at night. Possibly they would not be required at any time, as the troops would have entire command of the corral from that point. I do not think tlmat there will be serious trouble here soon. Still a command of troops umider good discipline stationed near the town would be well enough, judging from recent developments. No good citizen would be inter- fered with, and their presence is desired by many of the population. The bear flag was paraded through the streets of El Monte (twelve miles eastward) on the 4th instant, and was escorted by a number of horsemen, varying (according to the reports) from forty to seventy, most probably the former. It was understood that it would be paraded here the next day. It was not. Then it was said that it would be on the subsequent day (yesterday, the day of the municipal election). I was prepared for it. It was not attempted, however. The bear flag is being painted here, and I think it will be paraded soon, possibly next Sunday, or some other day when the company, kiiown here as the secession company, drills. I have taken all the precautions possible and that I think necessary, and I believe I can get all the assistance I require, until the troops arrive, from among the citizens to resist any open attack upon the public property (but I do not think they are~ ready for such an attempt). The leaders in politics among those who have sympathies antagonistic to the Government, and the principal citizens, do not wish to see force used (they are mcii of property), arid oppose carrying matters to extremities; yet the open expression of their opinions has helped to inaugurate disaffection. Siiice it has been thought wise to send troops here, a sufficient number to have a strong moral effect should be sent, and it would be better that a show should be made at once, since it is known that it is to be made at all. It would be better, I think, even were it to be but a temporary matter, that the dra~ooiis (with at least a piece of artillery) should be at hand. When once a revolution commences the masses of the native popula- tion will act, and they are worthy of a good deal of consideration. If they act it will be most likely against the Government.
I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant,
WINF'D S. HANCOCK,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.
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Los ANGELES, May 7, 1861.
Maj. W. W. MACKALL: The "bear flag" was raised at El Monte, twelve miles distant, on the 4th instant. The escort was, say, forty horsemen. I have, I believe, reliable evidence that it will be raised here on Sunday, the 12th instantthat is, that flag will be paraded through our streets under a strong escort. I do not then anticipate an assault; yet, to avoid insult to our flag, it might be well to have all the efficient dragoons from Fort Tejon at this point by Saturday next. Major Carleton is to leave tomorrow, and if his presence here be desired a dispatch can reach him.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WINF'D S. HANCOCK.
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.
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SAN BERNARDINO, July 27, 1861.
Maj. JAMES H. CARLETON, U. S. Army:
DEAR SIR: In response to your request in giving an account of the state of affairs in this and the adjoining counties, I herewith comply by giving in detail what has passed under my own observation, and also the information given me by responsible persons during the past three months. About the middle of May the movements of some of the Spanish population began to excite suspicion among some of the American farmers who live upon the outskirts of the settlements. A Mr. Shackelford was the first to inform me of the fact. He stated that he was continually meeting parties of armed Mexicans who appeared to be engaged in some movement of. a doubtful character. They on being questioned by him would give him no satisfaction, and were very insolent, which was new and strange to the general demeanor of that class of people. The Indians appeared to be somewhat disturbed also. Mr. Shackelford lives on Doctor Edgars farm, in this county, and [is] a man of veracity. At the same time I was informed by Mr. James Leonard, of this city, that the American population of Santa Ana and other settlements were excited about something, and their actions were strange. Some Americans had been endeavoring to raise recruits among them for the South, among which was a man by the name of Jordan, who had been the most active. Secret meetings were being held and the indications were that some extraordinary movement was about to take place. I thought it was time that something should be done in order to distinguish friends from foes. A public meeting was called for the purpose of organizing a Union club and to bring the matter to a close test. I offered the inclosed resolutions. After some debate those who claimed to be Union men adopted them, and others who were opposed sat in sullen silence. Simultaneously with these proceedings the "bear flag" was raised in the Monte, and threats were made that a descent would be made upon this place. The club continued to meet about twice a week, gradually dwindling away in numbers, and finally it was impossible to get them to meet at all. An unaccountable fear or dread seemed to pervade the community. Rowdyism and drunkenness, shooting in the streets, hurrahing for Jeff. Davis, and all sorts of outrages were being continually committed, and no person was safe in the streets after dark. I received information that an attempt would shortly be made by the secessionists to destroy my press. I met a gentleman by the name of Paul R. Hunt, who had blank constitutions for Union clubs. We gathered some five or six Union men together and organized a Union club agreeable to the constitution named, said club now numbering sixteen in all, one of whom has since proved to be a traitor. Relying on this club as my only protection, we prepared ourselves for defense. I was soon informed that a dentist by the name of Dr. Shrewsbury was busy in the country, and especially in the mines, in circulating a paper and obtaining signatures of secessionists who were to act in concert with those in the Monte, pledging themselves to destroy my press. Of this I was informed by a Mason. I have been also informed by a man by the name of Baldwin that a Mr. Hathaway and some others came up front the Monte with the avowed intention of drawing me into a difficulty and forcing me to act on the defense, and then take my life. Mr. Baldwin overheard their conversation in his house, and immediately gave me friendly warning. Whether through fear or other motive they desisted from making the attempt I am unable to learn. It was said that an attempt would have been made to raise the "bear flag" and tear down the American flag here on the 4th of July. Although some of the secessionists, I am told, were present, no attempt was made. I visited Holcomb Valley on the 21st of the present month. I there learned from the best authority that the secessionists had for a long time previous to the 4th of July held a rod of terror over the Union men, threatening them in every manner possible, and it had been unsafe for Union men to express their opinions. I also learned that Mayor Marchessault, of Los Angeles, had been up there in company with Captain Ridley for the purpose of obtaining recruits for the secession forces. Both money and official position was promised, and a Doctor Hoge, a Mr. Hopkins, and Doctor Shrewsbury had been very busy in this matter. A difficulty took place in a disreputable house and shots were fired; one man was killed and several were wounded. Doctors Hoge and Shrewsbury were among the party. They are both very bad men. I have been informed that they have already received com- missions in the rebellion army. A Mr. Hopkins and Doctor Shrews- bury met a gentleman by the name of J. L. Ware in conipany with another, whose name is Joseph Caldwell. Mr. Ware offered a drink of spirits to Mr. Hopkins, who offered a toast to the health of Jeff. Davis. Ware immediately snatched the bottle from his lips and dashed it against a rock and started on, when Hopkins said to Shrews- bury: As we have got to begin somewhere pretty soon, we may as well begin with him. They started in pursuit of Ware, who saw them coming with their revolvers drawn in a threatening maimer; immediately dismounted from his horse and loaded his ride and pre- pared to receive them. When they saw this they turned and remarked they would let him go this time, but the next time they would have his as well as every other Union mans scalp before long. On the 4th of July the Union men were threatened that if they raised the American flag they would be shot down. About 100 Union men armed themselves and assembled at Don Luis Marsinos house, raised a liberty pole and hoisted the Stars and Stripes. Several secessionists made their appearance, but seeing the determined attitude of the Union men immediately left. The Union men throughout the mines took courage, and many have come out and declared their sentiments. They fear no open attack, but every prominent Union man is in danger of a secret assassination when traveling alone on the different mountain trails. There are about 1,000 men in the mines, though widely scattered. Fully one-third are openly declared secessionists, and probably two-ninths are neutral, the balance Union men. In the valley two-fifths are secessionists, one-fifth positively declared neutral men, the balance Union men, yet nearly all leaving room for doubt.
In answer to your question as regards the political complexion of the inhabitants of this valley with regard to existing troubles, and whether the Union sentiment would be likely to be strengthened by the presence of troops here: As to the first part of the question, it is my opinion that if the matter could be fully tested, with out the pres- ence of the troops, I believe that the secession sentiment would greatly prevail, and in the present political campaign a great deal of money will be spent to purchase the Spanish vote in order to secure the elec- tion of secession candidates, both State and county. Being a candidate myself for the senate, running solely on the Union side of the issue, and in favor of using the whole power of the Government to sustain the Union, and, so far as I am able to learn, I am the only true Union candidate in the field, there is a possibility of being elected, but it is extremely doubtful. As a criterion to judge by, out of a population in the valley of over 1,500 persons, of which there are some 500 or 600 voters, I have not over fifty subscribers, and of 1,000 miners in Holcomb Valley I have only about forty subscribers, when I publish the only paper in the county. In answer to the latter portion of your question, I would say that not only would the Union sentiment be strengthened, arid if martial law could be proclaimed we would have protection to our persons, but also to our property. It is my candid opinion that if at least one company of U. S. troops were stationed here it would be of great benefit to the Union men of this section. having thus given you as fair a statement as I possibly can at present,
I remain, yours, truly,
EDWIN A. SHERMAN, Editor of Weekly Patriot.
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David Upton