Exclusive of transient visitors and of men about whom the records show only their presence in California at one date, the number of foreign residents, properly called pioneers, who came to the country before 1830 was 180, as per lists that have been already given.[1] Of this number 140 are known to have been in the country after 1835. Meanwhile in 1831-5, as named in the annual lists given later in this chapter, there came 170 more of the same class, of whom 160 left records of their presence after 1835. Therefore we may take 300 as a near approximation to the foreign male population in 1835, including sons but not daughters of pioneers by native wives. The number includes visitors who did not become residents until later; but there were doubtless a few whose presence after the year mentioned has left no trace in the records. It was the new-comers who a little later were to cause the authorities so much trouble rather than the older foreign residents. The latter were for the most part well-behaving citizens, many with Californian families, and all with Californian habits of life more or less deeply rooted. Now, as before and later, the trade of the country was largely in their hands, and as yet they meddled but slightly in territorial or local politics. They were as a rule well liked by the Californians; and though 'taking life easy,' they still exhibited a degree of energy that excited admiration, if not imitation. There are no startling adventures or great achievements to be noted in connection with any name in the list; neither did any fall into especial disgrace or misfortune. Some were married, and others baptized; a few obtained naturalization papers, and many got passports; several received land grants, the foundation of future fortunes; of many we have nothing at this time be-
- ↑ See list at end of vol. ii., this work; also annual lists for 1825-30 in chap. i., vi. of this volume. See also, for brief biographic notices of foreign residents and visitors, the Pioneer Register at end of vol. ii.-v., this work, which will serve also as index, including references to all that is written of any early Californian in any part of the work.
