BATTLE DAY 2015 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6

Vol. XXVIII, No 6
November/December 2015
BATTLE DAY 2015
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
California State Parks and the San Pasqual Battlefield
Volunteer Association proudly present Battle Day.
This is an annual, family friendly, North County
event focusing on the interpretation and commemoration of the 1846 Battle of San Pasqual, the bloodiest
battle fought in California during the US-Mexican
War. This year the event will have enhanced living
history activities that will transport visitors to the battlefield 169 years ago.
Visitors will have the opportunity to
 View the cannon cr ew fir e a twelve-pound
mountain howitzer.
 Watch r eenactor s in per iod attir e on hor seback demonstrate the 19th century military drills.
 Listen to the Battle Stor y told thr ough the eyes
of a Dragoon and a Californio.
 Experience life as a new r ecr uit, as par ticipants go through a 19th century military enlistment station.
 Smell the ar oma of per iod food as the camp
cook prepares salt pork and beans for the hungry
troops.
 Walk thr ough the encampment ar ea and witness life among the soldiers.
Event times: 11:30 am — 3:30 pm
Location: San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park
Free parking at the SD Archaeology Ctr upper field.
2014 photos
courtesy of
Michelle Wolf,
Melvin Sweet
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BATTLELINES
SPBVA 2015
BOARD
MEMBERS
Shirley Buskirk
Cliff Clifford
Royce Clifford
Donald Coates
Tom Cook
Jake Enriquez
Randall Hamud
Darlene Hansen
Ron Hinrichs
Gisela Koestner
Richard Meyer
Leroy Ross, Jr.
Stan Smith
Tom Vilicich
President’s Message:
BATTLE DAY is fast approaching.
This year it falls on Sunday, December
6, 2015, appropriate because the original day was Sunday, December 6, 1846.
We sure could use more volunteers to
help for the day. Unfortunately, once
again this year, we will not have the full
blown reenactment in the field across
the highway as it has been done for
more than 20 years. There will be an
equestrian event demonstrating the
trooper’s skills with the sabre and
horsemanship. There will be all the activities on Battle Day for which we
have been known in the past.
We’ve also been busy with school
tours. We had home schooled kids
come out to the park on October 25 and
we will have another school coming out
in November. We have also been busy
Nov/Dec 2015
by Tom Vilicich
with military groups. We had a group of
US Marines from Camp Pendleton on
October 23. We will be hosting two
more groups of Marines in November—one from Camp Pendleton of
about 100 Marines and a group of Maries from the Marine Corps University
from Quantico.
The San Pasqual Battlefield Volunteer
Association held its annual membership
meeting on October 27. Congratulations
to Shirley Buskirk, Ron Hinrichs, Darlene Hansen, Randy Hamud, and me.
All have been reelected for the SPBVA
board for a three-year term starting in
January 2016.
So come on out to the park for Battle
Day and join in on the fun of learning
about California history where it happened 169 years ago.
Bob Wohl
Officers:
President:
Tom Vilicich
Vice-President:
Don Coates
Treasurer:
Gisela Koestner
Recording Sec’y:
Open
Corporate Sec’y:
Ron Hinrichs
US Marines from Camp Pendleton visited the park on October 23, hosted by
SPBVA Dragoons Tom Vilicich (left) and Don Coates (right).
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BATTLELINES
Nov/Dec 2015
An Artist’s View
US Postage Stamp from 1946, honoring
100 years of Stephen Watts Kearny and
the Army of the West entering Santa Fe
Colonel Kearny’s Army of the West Entering the Santa
Fe Plaza, August 18, 1846 by Don Spaulding, Sunwest
Bank of Santa Fe
The Battle of San Pasqual by William H. Meyers, gunner of the USS Dale, 1847,
from the Collection of Franklin Delano Roosevelt
The Battle of San Pasqual by
Colonel Charles Waterhouse,
USMCR
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BATTLELINES
Nov/Dec 2015
An Artist’s View of the Battle
The Charge of the Caballeros by W. Francis,
California Historical Society
The Battle of San Pasqual by
Richard Gabriel Chase
Arrival of Relief Column by Colonel Charles
Waterhouse, USMCR
The Capitulation at Cahuenga
by Carl Oscar Borg
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BATTLELINES
Park Hours:
Saturday &
Sunday, 10 am
to 5 pm
Park Phone
Number:
(760) 737-2201
weekends only or
(619) 220-5422
www.parks.ca.gov
www.spbva.org
SPBVA Info:
Tom Vilicich
(951) 674-0185 or
[email protected]
School & Adult
Tours Contact:
Darlene Hansen
(760) 480-6320
BATTLELINES
Contributions
Deadline:
December 30,
2015
Contact editor,
Ellen Sweet,
[email protected]
History Discussions
September Discussion: Gateway to
California Conquest led by Tom Cook
Tom is one of our more ambitious
members. He sets lofty goals and is currently trying to get an area between
Warner Springs and Mule Hill designated a National Heritage Gateway called
“Gateway to California Conquest.”
Not only did he tell us about the project, he tried to pick our brains. He gave
us handouts with troop numbers and
questions. He wants General S.W.
Kearny’s exact route between those two
points. He wants to know what happened along the way and why didn’t
Andrés Pico finish off Kearny when he
and his men were trapped on Mule Hill?
Instead, Pico and his men just disappeared during the night. I thought that
last question was the easiest to answer.
Pico received a message that General
José María Flores, his boss, was being
held by the citizens of Los Angeles and
needed help. I’m not sure Tom was satisfied with that.
This was not a calm, boring meeting.
This was wide awake and noisy. Everyone seemed to have an answer or at
least an opinion. At one end of the table,
three or four were hovering over a map,
while at the other end a lively discussion was going on. In the middle was
Tom Cook, occasionally gaining control. People wrote what they knew or
thought on yellow pads Tom had provided and turned them in to him at the
end of the meeting.
It will be interesting to see how this
project goes. I’m sure we’ll hear more
about it when Tom finishes up his discussion in November.
October Discussion: John Augustus
Sutter led by Richard Meyer.
Sutter, born in Germany to Swiss parents, grew up in Switzerland, married
the daughter of a rich widow, and had
four children. Mounting debts and facing bankruptcy charges, he left his family and, with a French passport, sailed to
New York City. He then headed west,
working as an innkeeper and trapper.
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Nov/Dec 2015
by Shirley Buskirk
Five years later, he arrived in Oregon.
Heading for California, he sailed to Hawaii, then Sitka, before reaching San
Francisco.
After becoming a Mexican citizen,
Sutter obtained a land grant in the Sacramento Valley from Governor Juan
Bautista Alvarado and built a fort and
trading post there. It was enclosed by 18
foot high adobe walls, 2.5 feet thick. He
bought Fort Ross from the Russians and
moved everything to the Sacramento
Valley. Later, his herds increased to
4,500 cattle, 1,500 horses, nearly 2,000
sheep, and a large number of hogs. A
young man, John Bidwell, became his
clerk and later his bookkeeper, business
manager, and right-hand man. He established Hock Farm on the Feather River
to supply food for the fort.
At first Sutter had trouble with the Indians, but later he developed a militia of
400 Indians. He paid them in tin coins
that could only be redeemed at his store.
He became a captain in the militia, supporting Governor José Manual Micheltorena in a battle at Cahuenga. There he
was captured, along with a cannon from
the fort. It was this cannon that was later used in the battle at San Pasqual.
The discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill
led to the ruin of Sutter. His workers
quit to search for gold and squatters and
ruffians stole his animals and supplies,
taking even his mill stone. He petitioned
Washington for the damage done by the
gold seekers, sold the fort, and moved
to Hock Farm. He ran for governor, but
came in third. His Swiss wife joined
him and they reared three children of
their oldest son. The State gave him a
pension of $250 a month for five years
(repayment of property taxes paid on
land the State said was not his). The
house was set on fire, he sold Hock
Farm, and they moved to Pennsylvania
where his son funded a house. He died
in Washington, D.C., still petitioning
Congress, and was buried in Pennsylva(Continued on page 6)
BATTLELINES
2015 CALENDAR
Sunday, November 1
Living History, Park
Tuesday, Nov 17
History Discussion, Joslyn
Center, 4:30 to 6:30 pm,
Gateway to California Conquest II, led by Tom Cook
Friday, Nov 20
Board Meeting, 11 am-1 pm
History Discussions continued
(Continued from page 5)
nia.
Before his death, Sutter was interviewed by Hubert Howe Bancroft, who wrote that his great
kindness was the only thing good
about him. According to other articles, he was generous and obliging
to white settlers and travelers, offering them shelter, food, clothing,
and supplies. He outfitted John C.
Fremont and Kit Carson’s second
survey party at no charge, sent
supplies to the stranded Donner
Tues, November 17 4:30─6:30 pm
Gateway to California Conquest II
Friday, December 18
Board Meeting, 11 am-1 pm
Led by Tom Cook
No December History Discussion
Joslyn Senior Center, Escondido
210 E. Park Ave (off North Broadway)
Board Room/Library
, Call Ron Hinrichs, 760-746-8380 for information
Renewing Members
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Party, and outfitted James Marshall numerous time for prospecting with no results.
CHANGE of November Meeting Date: We will be meeting on
Tuesday, November 17 for the last
History Discussion of the year.
This will be the last part of Tom
Cook’s Gateway to California
Conquest. We do not meet in December. Join us in the library at
the Joslyn Senior Center, Escondido, 4:30p.
SPBVA’s
HISTORY DISCUSSION:
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
BATTLE DAY,
PARK 11:30 am to 3:30 pm
There will be no History
Discussion in December.
Nov/Dec 2015
Dragoon Level Members
Jane Stokes Cowgill, San Diego
Lyn & Graham Fleming, Escondido
Nancy Gentile, Escondido
Benita & George Gray, San Diego
Edith & Ben Hillebrecht, Escondido
Ron Hinrichs, Escondido
Robert Kelly, San Diego
Marge LaGrone, San Diego
Joan McDonald, Escondido
Andres Pico, Colorado Springs, CO
William Riddle, Oceanside
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Bob & Judy Bowman
Justin & Michelle Burkhard
Cliff & Royce Clifford
Donald & Vicky Coates
Jane Stokes Cowgill
Jake Enriquez Family
Kym & Debbie Lobdell
Melvin & Ellen Sweet
Thomas M. Vilicich
US Seagoing Marines Assn (Stan Smith)
Bob & Robyn Wohl
BATTLELINES
Nov/Dec 2015
submitted by
Tom Vilicich
First Sergeant’s Corner
ARTICLE FOURTH.
Running at the heads.
562.─To perfect the troopers in conducting their
horses and in the use of their arms, they are
exercised at the running at the heads.
For this purpose, four heads, made of canvas and
stuffed with hay, are placed upon wooden posts 5
feet 6 inches high, and ranged upon the two long
sides of the riding ground. They should be
numbered 1,2,3, and 4, and all placed at 1 pace
from the track except No. 2, which is at 2 paces,
and at which the trooper fires his pistol.
The first head is placed opposite the left of each
rank.
The second, at an equal distance from the first and
the third; at the middle of the long sides.
The fourth is placed opposite the right of each
rank.
In order to calm the horses, the instructor causes
the troopers to make several turns upon the track, to
both hands, at the walk and at the trot.
The troopers are then formed at the extremities of
the ground by the movement FRONT, so that the
two ranks face each other, the back toward the short
sides and 6 paces from the track. The pistols are
then loaded.
Only two troopers execute the course at the same
time. The instructor designates the one upon whom
the other is to regulate himself.
563.─At a notice from the instructor, the troopers
on the left of each rank places himself upon the
track in front of the corner of the riding ground, and
in rear of the left of his rank. Both troopers drawPISTOl, cock it, and take the position of raisePISTOL, holding themselves ready to commence
the march.
At the command MARCH, the two troopers move
off at a walk on arriving abreast of head No. 3 they
take the trot, and at the first corner they take the
gallop. They pass behind the opposite rank,
continue to follow the track, observing to keep their
horses steady; pass behind their own rank, and
when they come near head No. 2, they lower the
pistol, the arm half extended, aim and fire, taking
care to keep their horses well in hand; they then
return the pistol, draw the sabre, carry it to the
shoulder, and take the position of GUARD. The
two troopers pass again behind the rank opposite
their own, and continue to march upon the track,
taking the position of the first morion of frontCUT, as prescribed, No. 124.
Having arrived at head No. 1, which is on the left
of the rank opposite to their own, they cut it
vertically; they then take the position of the first
motion of right-CUT, No. 126.
Having arrived at head No. 3, they cut it
horizontally, and then take the position of the first
motion of in quarte-POINT, No. 118.
Having arrived at head No. 4, they give point,
take it off, and elevate the sabre to the full extent of
the arm, the blade and the wrist perpendicular to the
right shoulder.
They pass for a second time behind their own
rank.
At the middle of the long side, they take the trot
and then the walk; on arriving abreast of the
opposite rank, they leave the track, take the shortest
route to the right of their own rank, passing by the
rear, and return the sabre.
As soon as the two troopers have taken the trot,
they are replaced by the next trooper on the left of
each rank; and so on throughout the two ranks, until
the course is executed.
Running at the heads will be continued in the next
issue.
Battle Day 2014
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BATTLELINES
Nov/Dec 2015
JOIN NOW! Our non-profit organization supports the activities of the San Pasqual Battlefield State
Historic Park. All members receive BA TTLELINES, a 10% discount on all bookstore items, special
programs, field trips, history discussions, and opportunities to participate in our Living History Sundays
and in our annual December re-enactment of the Battle.
SAN PASQUAL BATTLEFIELD VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
P.O. Box 300816, Escondido, CA 92030-0816
(760) 737-2201
This is my/our membership application & dues for the following category:
____Student ($5)
____ Sustaining ($50)
____Dragoon ($100 or more)
____Individual ($15)
____Organization ($25)
____Benefactor ($1,000 or more)
____Family ($20)
____Corporate ($100)
Please make checks payable to: SPBVA
NAME(S)_______________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________________________________
CITY _______________________________________________________ STATE _______________ZIP _________________
PHONE_____________________________________________ EMAIL________________________________________
OCCUPATION_________________________INTEREST/SKILLS_____________________________________________
Off the
by Shirley Buskirk
Shelf...
.I don’t know about you, but for me it seems that
fall whizzes by. I’m still sleeping under just one
blanket and they are trying to sell me pumpkins in
the grocery store. My daughters and I were discussing who was having Thanksgiving dinner when
someone asked if we were having a reenactment
this year, and then an email from a newly married
grandson said, “We are coming down for Christmas.” Wait a minute! I’m not ready for all of this
yet!!
I do know that there will be lots going on at the
San Pasqual Battlefield on Sunday, December 6, the
169th anniversary of the battle. If you are reading
this, can I assume you already know about the battle
and what it was about?
Just in case you don’t know, here’s a short version. In chronological order, the people living in
California were Indians (who are still here), Russians, Spanish (who chased out the Russians), Mexicans (who got their independence from Spain), and
Americans (who wanted it and came out West to
take it). The resultant battle at San Pasqual was the
bloodiest in the conquest of California and it was
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not until the US captured Mexico City later that
California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah,
and parts of Colorado and Wyoming became part of
the United States instead of Mexico. Mexico lost
over half of its land in that war.
If you are a little fuzzy about all of this, I suggest
you come into the visitor center and buy a book—
for yourself or as a holiday present for someone
else.
We have books about the Indians who had a village where the visitor center is located, books about
the Spanish and Mexican periods, the battle and
participants, such as Kit Carson, and the entire USMexican War, along with some other interesting
subjects. Some are for adults and others are for children. There are also things besides books: medallions, reports, maps, prints, and postcards. They
range in price from 25 cents to $35, which should
fit anyone’s pocket book.
With that said, have a happy Halloween, a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, come visit us on December 6 and do some early holiday shopping while
you’re here.
BATTLELINES
9
Nov/Dec 2015