As he
believed the wild rumors which, falsely, accused the Californians of
treachery and cruelty, his proclamations were harsh and unjust to the
proud but kindly people whom he was conquering. Many of the late
historians find much to blame in the treatment given by the Americans to
the people of California. Severity was often used when kindness would
have had far better effect.
Los Angeles and San Diego were taken by Stockton and Fremont without any
fighting, and leaving a few troops in the south, both commanders
returned to Monterey. They were soon recalled by the news that the
people of Los Angeles had risen against the harsh rule of Captain
Gillespie, who had been left in command; that the Americans had
surrendered but had been allowed to retire to San Pedro, and that all
the south was in a state of active rebellion.
Landing at San Pedro, Stockton waited a few days, then fearing the enemy
was too strong for his forces, sailed away to San Diego. Here the
Americans received a hearty welcome, and much-needed assistance, from
the Spanish families of Bandini and Arguello.
Mr. Bandini escorted a body of the United States troops to his home
rancho on the peninsula of Lower California, where he gave them cattle
and other food supplies.
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