| The “Los Californianos” Society celebrates Pasado del Presidio June 27, 2010 Compatriots, Gentlemen, Friends: California SAR Participate at the San Francisco Presidio on June 27, 2010 The San Francisco Presidio was settled more than 230 years ago. In 1776, a group of soldiers and pioneering families completed their long trip from Nueva Espana, current day Mexico, to the bay of Alta California. Here they settled and built El Presidio, a fortified settlement. From this, the City of San Francisco would be founded. Every year the Pasado del Presidio celebrates "San Francisco's birthday" and the founding of the Presidio. The first colonizing party, consisting of over 240 men, women and children, arrived on June 27, 1776 to establish the Presidio of San Francisco and Mission Dolores, occurring before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Presidio of San Francisco was officially dedicated on September 17, 1776. The "San Francisco's birthday" is celebrated in partnership by the San Francisco Presidio Trust and "Los Californios." Last year SAR National Officer, Karl Jacobs, presented an SAR Proclamation to celebrate the event. This year Vice-President North, Keith Bigsbee, represented California SAR at the outside part of the ceremony. SAR Ernest Garcia, assisted by SAR Leroy Martinez, added Spain's California role in the American Revolution at the Luncheon Banquet. Also present was SAR Tom Silva. SAR was represented because Spain, before the Declaration of Independence, aided the American colonies. From 1781 to 1783, Spain took a more active role in the war strategy because it was able to contribute more financially. Spain's aid continued until the Treaty of Paris, 1783. Presidio officers were told that English Captain James Cook and maybe others would try to spy and find a way to penetrate the Pacific side of North America. Ships were built in San Blas, Nueva Espana for the purpose of a possible Pacific coast vessel battles. Spanish exploration and trade in the Pacific stopped, from 1779 to 1783. British ships were not allowed aid or assistance during 1779 to 1783. Only the Spanish Coast Guard went up and down the Pacific coast from South America to North America in case of a threat from England. Russians at first became allied with England and was yet another threat, but the Russians later rejected England's alliance. But most important is the "Donativo," the one-time war donation. King Carlos III asked all Spanish colonies and Native Americans under Spanish rule for a donation which partially went to the Continental military, along with supplies, medicine, and arms. Spaniards were asked for two pesos and Native Americans were asked for one peso donation. Records of this can be found in the Library of Congress, Washington, D. C., Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, CA and other foreign archives. One issue sometimes raised is why the Spanish Colonies, being so poor themselves, would allow themselves to be taxed and donate to the Continental Colony cause when the American Colonies themselves were complaining of "Taxation without Representation." First, because of Loyalty to the King of Spain, who requested the donations. Second, because the Spanish were neighbors to the colonies and the fear that British invasion was imminent. Third, Spain wished to regain territories lost when helping France in the French and Indian war, following the Treaty of Paris 1763. These are the primary reasons for the aid, along with other factors, such as English occupying Spanish possessions or attacking Spanish ships before Spain's Declaration of War with England during 1779. The end result for the Colonies, France, and Spain being on the losing side meant England could rule all three. Spain had much to lose once it entered the war against England and allied with the American Colonies. The Spanish military were under orders to pursue and fight the English, where ever and when ever possible. Part of that pursuit was on our American soil and seas. Thus, we recognize and appreciate that contribution at this San Francisco Presidio. |
