Title:

"History of the California Old Indian War Bonds": a document with annotation by A. J. F. Phelan, 1864?

Creator/Contributor:

Phelan, A. J. F.

Two-page printed document titled "History of the California Old Indian War Bonds". There is no attribution and no date of publication. "Copy" has been written in the margin of the second page which is also perforated at the top as if for filing. On the verso is an unsigned note in pencil; this has been transcribed.

The document is a summary of attempts by the State of California to retire bond debt incurred in financing local militia operations against Indian tribes in the 1850s. During this period the federal government was unable to supply troops to provide protection to California settlers and the state had to rely on local militia. The newly-organized state had no financial resources to pay and equip these militia so the legislature authorized the sale of bonds for this purpose with the proviso that the federal government would appropriate monies at a later date to fulfill the debt thus incurred.

As these bonds matured negotiations took place between the State of California and the federal government in regard to this "Indian War Debt". The document in this collection was evidently prepared after the negotiations in 1861/62. The California legislature had appointed General James Wilson Denver and Samuel B. Smith as Commissioners of the War Debt and A.J.F. Phelan from the State Treasurer's Office as their clerk and directed them to go to Washington, D.C. They were to transmit original payment vouchers showing the expenses incurred by the State -- these were required by the then Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis, in order to substantiate California's claim for reimbursement. The Commission departed Sacramento during June or July of 1861 and remained over a year because negotiations were protracted by the start of the Civil War. The result, however, was an appropriation by the federal government for some of the monies requested.

But there was still debt outstanding and so, in 1864, the California Legislature was once more taking up the question of the "Indian War Debt". This document recounts the events up through the 14th Session of the California Legislature in 1863, providing a narrative of events as well as references to California statute and to documents contained in the official records of the Legislature. It may have been prepared by the State Treasurer or, perhaps, a legislator, in order to provide an historical overview to aid in legislative deliberations. This copy was the property of A.J.F. Phelan as evidenced by the note he wrote, possibly for use in testimony to the Legislature regarding his role in the negotiations.

"When I arrived in Washington hostilities with the vouchers the City was in a very disturbed state and it was impossible to effect a settlement the officers were so busy with transacting the active operation of the War. Genl. soon after his arrival was appointed a Brigadier Genl. in the Army and Mr. Smith principally remained in New York so that I was alone in Washington City nearly all the time, and it is well known that the settlement was effected by my untyring efforts -- and if I left the vouchers would be either mislaid of lost. Trusting that the Legislature when conversant with the facts would do me justice and remunerate me for my time and labor --- "

Date:

1864 (issued)

Subject:

n-us-ca

Phelan, A. J. F -- Correspondence

Bonds -- California -- History

California -- Militia -- History

California -- Appropriations and expenditures -- History

Legislative histories -- California

Indians of North America -- California -- Government relations

"History of the California Old Indian War Bonds" : a document with annotation by A. J. F. Phelan, 1864?

Unrestricted. Please credit California State Library.

print

2 items

English

MANUSCRIPT SMCII Box 17 Folder 8

Origin:

California

Unrestricted. Please credit California State Library.