Not the Way to Govern!

Archibald Gillespie, left to govern newly conquered Los Angeles in Robert Stockton's absence, made no effort to hid his contempt for Mexicans.  He succeeded to arouse the Californios (native Mexicans living in California) far more than appeal to their patriotism had ever done.  Within six weeks his rule had generated a true guerrilla movement.

On September 29, 1846 outgunned and outnumbered, Gillespie was forced to surrender to the insurgents.  Their leader had more chivalry and good sense than Gillespie himself.  The Mexicans granted the Americans their freedom with the promise that they would leave the providence.

Instead of keeping that promise, Gillespie joined forces with Navy Captain William Mervine at San Pedro Bay, and together they made a drive to retake Los Angeles.  On October 8, the Americans and guerillas clashed again.  Although outnumbered four to one, the Californios had one advantage - an ancient cannon hidden during the US occupation of Los Angeles.  Dragging that cannon from place to place, they tore huge holes in the American lines, sending them retreating. 

The Americans knew they had a war on their hands in the south.  They regrouped for another offensive.  Meanwhile a new force under General Stephen Watts Kearny was approaching California across the desert.

Next time...Kearny lends a hand
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Today in Pioneer History:  On April 24, 1800, the Library of Congress is established.  President John Adams approves legislation to appropriate $5,000 to purchase “such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress,” thus establishing the Library of Congress.