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
______________________________
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.

The Birth of the Bear Republic

John Charles Fremont appeared in California in December 1845, under the impression that he was resupplying his survey team.  Fremont's instincts told him that war between the US and Mexico was near and that new rewards would be given him if he could accomplish the conquest of California.  Since there was no war yet, he convinced Mexican officials of his peaceful intentions.

By Spring however, Fremont and his men were still there, had ignored an order to leave by the Mexican military governor, Jose Castro, and had actually constructed breastworks under the flying US Stars and Stripes.

Castro dispatched a military force and Fremont was finally urged to leave.  He and his men moved north slowly into Oregon where in May 1846, he was overtaken by US Marine Lieutenant Archibald Gillespie.  Once told of imminent war, Fremont was convinced it was his duty and his ambition to go back to California.

When Fremont entered the territory, the Americans settlers were ready to stand behind him.  His men entered the village of Sonoma, north of San Francisco on June 14.  They took the village's commander prisoner and over brandy arranged for Sonoma's surrender.

The Americans declared California an independent republic and raised a homemade flag for the new Bear Republic.  The nephew of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln actually designed the flag raised over Sonoma in 1848.

Next time...The Bear Republic is short lived
______________________________________
Today in Pioneer History:  On April 17, 1970, Apollo 13, a U.S. lunar spacecraft that suffered a severe malfunction on its journey to the moon, safely returns to Earth.