Edwin A. Sherman to Editor of Weekly Patriot, July 27, 1861

DEAR SIR:

In response to your request in giving an account of the state of affairs in this and the adjoining counties, I herewith comply by giving in detail what has passed under my own observation, and also the information given me by responsible persons during the past three months. About the middle of May the movements of some of the Spanish population began to excite suspicion among some of the American farmers who live upon the outskirts of the settlements. A Mr. Shackelford was the first to inform me of the fact. He stated that he was continually meeting parties of armed Mexicans who appeared to be engaged in some movement of a doubtful character. They on being questioned by him would give him no satisfaction, and were very insolent, which was new and strange to the general demeanor of that class of people. The Indians appeared to be somewhat disturbed also. Mr. Shackelford lives on Doctor Edgar’s farm, in this county, and [is] a man of veracity. At the same time I was informed by Mr. James Leonard, of this city, that the American population of Santa Ana and other settlements were excited about something, and their actions were strange. Some Americans had been endeavoring to raise recruits among them for the South, among which was a man by the name of Jordan, who had been the most active. Secret meetings were being held and the indications were that some extraordinary movement was about to take place. I thought it was time that something should be done in order to distinguish friends from foes. A public meeting was called for the purpose of organizing a Union club and to bring the matter to a close test. I offered the inclosed resolutions.* After some debate those who claimed to be Union men adopted them, and others who were opposed sat in sullen silence. Simultaneously with these * Not found. proceedings the “bear flag” was raised in the Monte, and threats were made that a descent would be made upon this place. The club continued to meet about twice a week, gradually dwindling away in numbers, and finally it was impossible to get them to meet at all. An unaccountable fear or dread seemed to pervade the community. Rowdyism and drunkenness, shooting in the streets, hurrahing for Jeff. Davis, and all sorts of outrages were being continually committed, and no person was safe in the streets after dark. I received information that an attempt would shortly be made by the secessionists to destroy my press. I met a gentleman by the name of Paul R. Hunt, who had blank constitutions for Union clubs. We gathered some five or six Union men together and organized a Union club agreeable to the constitution named, said club now numbering sixteen in all, one of whom has since proved to be a traitor. Relying on this club as my only protection, we prepared ourselves for defense. I was soon informed that a dentist by the name of Dr. Shrewsbury was busy in the country, and especially in the mines, in circulating a paper and obtaining signatures of secessionists who were to act in concert with those in the Monte, pledging themselves to destroy my press. Of this I was informed by a Mason. I have been also informed by a man by the name of Baldwin that a Mr. Hathaway and some others came up from the Monte with the avowed intention of drawing me into a difficulty and forcing me to act on the defense, and then take my life. Mr. Baldwin overheard their conversation in his house, and immediately gave me friendly warning. Whether through fear or other motive they desisted from making the attempt [ am unable to learn. It was said that an attempt would have been made to raise the “bear flag” and tear down the American flag here on the 4th of July. Although some of the secessionists, 1 am told, were present, no attempt was made. I visited Holcomb Valley on the 21st of the present month. I there learned from the best authority that the secessionists had for a long time previous to the 4th of July held a rod of terror over the Union men, threatening them 1n every manner possible, and it had been unsafe for Union men to express their opinions. I also learned that Mayor Marchessault, of Los Angeles, had been up there in company with Captain Ridley for the purpose of obtaining recruits for the secession forces. Both money and official position was promised, and a Doctor Hoge, a Mr. Hopkins, and Doctor Shrewsbury had been very busy in this matter.

EDWIN A. SHERMAN,