Read about the Bear Flag: Virtual Museum of San Francisco [From
The Californian of November 29th, 1846 -- an early number of the
American newspaper first published in California -- we extract
the following verses, written in commemoration of events which
culminated in the acquisition of the Golden State.] For “The
Californian.” Soft o’er the vale of Angeles The gale of peace
was wont to blow, Till discord raised her direful horn And
filled the vale with sounds of woe. The blood-stained earth, the
warlike bands, The trembling natives saw with dread; Dejected
labor left her toil, And Summer’s blithe enjoyments fled. But
soon the avenging sword was sheathed, And mercy’s voice by
Stockton heard; How pleasant were the days which saw Security
and peace restored. Ah! think not yet your trials o’er; From
yonder mountain’s hollow side, The fierce banditti issue forth
When darkness spreads her curtain wide. With murderous arms and
haggard eyes, The social joys away they fright; Sad expectation
clouds the day, And sleep