The land of gold; or, Three years in CaliforniaColton, Walter
History
The land of gold; or, Three years in California
Colton, Walter
California -- Gold discoveries; California -- History -- 1846-1850
SATURDAY, JUNE 19. We have at this time three young lawyers in Monterey,
as full of legal acuteness as the lancet cup of a phlebotomist. All want
clients, and fees, and the privilege of a practice in this court.
Mexican statutes, which prevail here, permit lawyers as counsel, but
preclude their pleas. They may examine witnesses, sift evidence, but not
build arguments. This spoils the whole business, and every effort has
been made to have the impediment removed and the floodgate of eloquence
lifted. I should be glad to gratify their ambition, but it is
impossible. I should never get through with the business pressing on my
hands in every variety of shape which civil and criminal jurisprudence
ever assumed. I tell them after the evidence has been submitted, the
verdict or decision must follow, and then if any in the court-room
desire to hear the arguments, they can adjourn to another apartment, and
plead as long as they like. In this way justice will go ahead, and
eloquence too, and the great globe still turn on its axle.
SATURDAY, JULY 17. Com. Stockton has left us on his return home over the
continent. His measures in California have been bold and vigorous, and
have been followed by decisive results. He found the country in anarchy
and confusion, and the greater part under the Mexican flag, and has left
it in peace and quietness beneath the stars and stripes. His position in
the march of the American forces from San Diego, and in the battle of
San Gabriel, has not been changed by any subsequent information in the
judgment of the candid and impartial. He tendered the command of the
expedition to Gen. Kearny, which that gallant officer deferred to the
commodore, out of regard to his position at the head of the naval forces
upon which the success of the enterprise must depend. The propriety of
this arrangement is seen in the fact that the general had but sixty
dragoons at his command, and those on foot, while the Pacific squadron
poured six hundred seamen and marines upon the field. There was no
confusion of orders or evolutions on the route; every general movement
emanated from Com. Stockton, with the good understanding and harmonious
action of Gen. Kearny.
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