of the territory. He was naturally not quite sure what would be his reception from the different factions. Before leaving Mexico he had caused to be printed a proclamation, which he now circulated, together with a brief notice of his arrival, also printed, and as it seems at Monterey. This was the first use of type in California.[1] I suppose that he brought a small quantity of type with some kind of a hand-press, or stamp, for printing cards and brief notices, more as a curiosity perhaps than for actual use.
- ↑ The notice is as follows: 'El Supremo Gobierno Federal se ha servido confiar á mi insuficiencia el mando Político y Militar del Territorio, de cuyos destinos he tomado posecion el dia de ayer que desembarqué felizmente en este Puerto; y al tener el honor de comunicarlo á V. desfruto el de ofrecerme á su disposicion, protestandole la mejor voluntad para servirlo y complacerlo, y suplicandole acepte las seguridades de mi mas distinguido aprecio y consideracion. Monterrey, 16 de Enero de 1833. José Figueroa.' The name has the governor's rúbrica on the copy before me — the only one I have seen — Earliest Printing in Cal. — the one sent to M. G. Vallejo at S. Diego. The impression is bad, as if done by hand with imperfect apparatus. The 'à' (with grave accent) shows that the type was not the same used by Zamorano in later years.
The proclamation printed in Mexico was as follows: 'The comandante general, inspector, and gefe político superior of Alta California, to the inhabitants of the territory. Compatriots; at my arrival on your coasts I consider myself under obligation to address you to announce peace, order, and liberty. Boons so precious being assured, you will enjoy the abundant advantages with which nature enriched you. The contrary produces nothing but countless evils, misfortunes, and desolation. If a fatal moment of excitement has disturbed your repose, let peace return to occupy her seat in this delicious country, and with intrepid patriotism let us cast discord to barbarians who have no country or rights to respect. Peace is the true happiness of mortals; and I restore to you a gift so precious in the name of the supreme federal government, which has seen fit to confide to me the arduous task. A perpetual forgetfulness will efface the memory of the political errors which gave rise to the startling occurrences of year before last. In the law of April 25th last [printed May, but April substituted in ink], you will find guaranties and security. To me it belongs to carry them into effect, and I promise it shall be done. Fear nothing, fellow-citizens; the government works for your happiness. I, who come to execute its just desires, am resolved to overthrow whatever obstacles may impede the development of your prosperity. It remains for you, united and faithful, to present to the world a testimony of concord, of respect for authority, and of obedience to law. The laws will be my guide, and never shall an arbitrary policy or disorder deprive you of the just and moderate liberty secured in the compact of our institutions. Fulfill, therefore, your social obligations, and doubt not that your rights will be respected by your fellow-citizen and friend, José Figueroa.' In Bandini, Doc., MS., 25; Vallejo, Doc., MS., i. 288; Dept. St. Pap., Angeles, MS., x. 2-3. Written communications of similar purport issued, Jan. 14th-20th, to ayunt. of Monterey, with invitations to a thanksgiving mass at F.'s house Jan. 19th. Dept. St. Pap., Mont., MS., vi. 20; Dept. St. Pap., MS., iii. 84-5. To ayunt. of S. José. Dept. St. Pap., S. José, MS., iv. 113. To ayunt. of Branciforte. Sta. Cruz, Arch., MS., 43. To military comandantes, through Zamorano. Vallejo, Doc., MS., ii. 1.
