Proceedings about a cannon stolen at Sta Bárbara; inhabitants made to pay for it

Proceedings about a cannon stolen at Sta Bárbara; inhabitants made to pay for it; the July-4-1848 celebration & the Sta Bárbara alcaldes' resignations: pursuant to order went to Sta Bárbara 19 June, arrived 21st; interviewed chief inhabitants, suggested their offering a reward of $100 to have the gun (cannon) or that reward offered to any one who would inform Padre González, under decree of the Confessional — the Padre secured he would not be required to reveal informant's name. 26 June caused a list of all inhabitants of 20 years & up to be published, posted at the usual places; up to 1 July collected but $100; on 2 July made an assessment on real & personal property according to best information, sent each a note stating amt of his assessment, required prompt payt by 7 p.m. July 4 — result was payt of abt $250; made levies on the property of two: one, a Mr. Uren, Irish but naturalized citizen of Mex., the other Mr. Scott [Wilson], firm of Scott & Wilson, who refused to pay his share because he was not a citizen of Mex. — both insolent & rude in refusals; several persons promised payt as loan as they could raise the money; several had to sell their cattle & horses at sacrifice; total collected $365, & Capt. Lippitt charged with collection of the balance. Detail: when he reached Sta Bárbara the inhabitants were determined not to pay the fine, but on being informed he assessed the principal inhabitants at a 'course reasonable, however painful… enforce the order, seizing property enough to cover the full amt, they could in no way escape the payt'; result satisfactory & people behaved better than any portion of Amns at home under similar circumstances. The two Alcaldes Pedro C. Carrillo & Ardison protest agt the payt, 'in consequence of holding Commissions under the Gov.'; they resigned their commissions but he did not accept the resignations, advising them not to attempt to protect the Gov's dignity, which they seemed to consider vulnerable, for the Gov. could take good care of his own dignity; Mr. Scott's protest was answered by telling him it would be referred to the Gov. Only two persons exempt from the fine (both Americans, who furnished evidence of services rendered to U.S.). The stolen cannon (of Brig Elizabeth): the gun together with 2 carronades sent to the beach by Capt. Lippitt for being carried by the Brig's master, but the master neglected to take them, they lay on the beach 5 or 6 days; finally offered to sell the gun to Capt. of Brig Louisa — bargain complete except the gun had to be delivered at Monterey, but somehow the gun had disappeared the same night; Capt. of the Elizabeth had failed to pay his men, they were dissatisfied & made threats to destroy his property; it is believed they concealed the gun; the gun was marks that it had been dragged sideways on the beach to the edge of the water where it disappeared; suspicion it was done with by the sailors; the $100 reward would have brought out the matter if any Californian had a hand in it. During his visits a great desire was expressed to hear a band of music — none had been heard except Commodore Stockton's when the town was taken — then they only play'd 'Yankee Doodle' & 'Star Spangled Banner'; determined to gratify them dispatched a wagon to bring the leader & his band & music (esp. old Sp. music); band arrived evening of 3 July under an officer commanding, playing French/Sp./Mexn pieces; next morning all came to thank him, & he allowed the fandango/ball given by the officers; that day the principal inhabitants also present at the celebration by himself, his officers, men & attendants of the 4th of July anniversary; manifested much interest & gratification; he had to speak of Amn victories in Mexico 'but did it without wounding their feelings, & expatiated upon the kindness & hospitality of the Californians & the friendly relations existing between them & the Americans since a legitimate govt & Commander was in the country'; on 6 July when he was leaving the town all the principal natives came to take leave of him; concludes hoping the Gov. will think the Californians were innocent of the disappearance of the gun

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