On missions of San José & Santa Clara — horse-thieves & necessity for a prison on the San Joaquín river

On missions of San José & Santa Clara — horse-thieves & necessity for a prison on the San Joaquín river: visited the missions, examined into complaints of Padres & Cal.; found emigrants in possession who have injured the buildings very seriously, removing doors/windows/tile & the vineyards also damaged; at San José the emigrants did not even ask for the key to enter the buildings — they broke open the doors, & took entire possession, not even leaving the room occupied by the priest when he visits; much damage; there is no need of stationing troops at pueblo de San José, they could not prevent the Indians stealing the people's horses & their action — Indians come in small parties of two or three from different directions, must at some preconcerted place & commence their operations, carrying off from time to time 200 or 300 head, & are in constant communication with those at the ranchos; recommends a company be stationed on West bank of the San Joaquín river; there are three passes over the mountains by either one of which the Indians must pass with their stolen horses before reaching the San Joaquín; 'it might be good policy to add to that company 30 native citizens of Cal., mounted volunteers, to serve 12 months, with same pay & rations, & allowance for horses & clothing, as allowed by law'

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