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Vol. XXX, No 2 March/April 2017

Stolen SP Monument Plaque Finally Replaced

Photographs courtesy of Tom Vilicich.

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President’s Message: by Tom Vilicich

BATTLELINES Mar/Apr 2017

Much has happened at the park since the last Battlelines. The new plaque to replace the one that had been stolen from the monument a few years back is finally here and has been installed. (See photos on page 1.) We are working on plans for a rededication. And to go along with the new plaque, the trail from the park to the monu-ment has been cleared and is open for hiking. The monument is where General S.W. Kearny made camp after the battle. So, lace up those hiking boots and come on out to the park and take a hike.

Also in the planning is a harvest festival this fall. More information to come. There will be an oppor-

tunity to volunteer for Earth Day on April 22 at San Pasqual. Please call the park for more information on the day’s activities and volun-teering for it.

We have several school tours coming up in the next few months. And the military tours have been keeping us busy too. In February, we hosted the USMC Academy from Camp Pendleton, USMC School of the Infantry, and two platoons of Detachment Al-pha from Miramar Marine Air Base.

April 24th we will be hosting the CINCH meeting at the park. And in May, we will be participating at Fort Rosecrans for Memorial Day.

SPBVA Info:

Tom Vilicich

(951) 674-0185 or

Trooper284@aol.com

School & Adult Tours:

Darlene Hansen

(760) 807-7807

BATTLELINES:

Contributions Deadline:

April 28, 2017

Editor, Ellen Sweet,

ELSweet@gmail.com

Tom Vilicich photographed the challenge coins provided by the group of Marines who visited the park this past month.

Park Phone Number:

(760) 737-weekends only or

(619) 220-5422

www.parks.ca.gov

www.spbva.org

Park Hours:

Saturdays & Sundays,

10 am to 4 pm Oct — Mar;

10 am to 5 pm Apr—Sep

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2017 CALENDAR

Sunday, March 5

Living History, Park

Friday, March 17

Board Meeting, 11 am-1 pm

Tuesday, March 21

History Discussion, Joslyn

Center, 4:30 to 6:30 pm,

The War in Baja California

led by Don Coates

Sunday, April 2

Living History, Park

Friday, April 21

Board Meeting, 11 am-1 pm

Saturday, April 22

Earth Day, Park

Monday, April 24

CINCH Meeting, 10:00 am

at SP

Tuesday, April 18

History Discussion, Joslyn

Center, 4:30 to 6:30 pm,

Oaxaca, Mexico led by

Dianne Cowen

BATTLELINES Mar/Apr 2017

January Discussion: The Elec-toral College led by Shirley Buskirk

The subject seemed timely. Hillary Clinton won the recent popular vote, but the Electoral College elected Donald Trump president. So what is it? It is a process, not a place. Estab-lished by the Founding Fathers in the US Constitution, it was a com-promise between election of the president by a vote in Congress or by a popular vote of qualified citi-zens.

In 1787, the divisions were not be-tween big and small states, but be-tween the North and South and be-tween the coasts and inland. Because each state’s number of electors is based on population, the North had a huge advantage. That led to a com-promise where each black person was counted as 3/5 of a person, giv-ing the southern states more electors. In seven out of the first eight elec-tions, the president was a white, slave-holding Virginian.

Problems arose. Each elector voted for two people. The one with the most votes was president, the next was the vice-president. One election resulted in the offices held by oppos-ing parties and another resulted in a tie, which took 36 re-votes in the House to settle. So, in 1803-04, the Electoral College system was changed to the one we now use. Each state selects their own elec-tors—popular vote, party selec-tion—however they want. Forty-eight states have a winner take-all, while Maine and Nebraska are di-vided into districts. They never meet as a body, but usually meet in their state capitols on the Monday after the second Wednesday in December. There, they vote and make six certif-icates, which are signed by all the electors, certified, and sent by regis-tered mail to various places.

Votes are opened before a joint

session of Congress, usually on Jan-uary 6. Since 1932-33, the newly elected Congress declares the win-ner, the sitting vice-president presid-ing (Congressmen take office Janu-ary 3 and the president and vice-president January 20.). This election seven “faithless” electors, the most ever, did not vote for their party’s nominee: four in Washington, one in Hawaii, and two in Texas. In Colo-rado, two of the three who declined to vote for their party were replaced and the third changed his mind.

A proposal to do away with the Electoral College was filibustered in 1971, 67 votes shy of passage. It has been brought up again. Campaigns now focus on Electoral College votes. There is no incentive to ap-peal to voters everywhere, just in swing states. Why spend money in safe states or those you know you’ve lost? In 2012, Obama and Romney campaigned mostly in Ohio and Florida and last year the candidates were in seven swing states—no one came to California. In a popular vote, every vote counts.

February Discussion: California State Historian’s Report on Battle Sites led by Stan Smith

The Battle at San Pasqual took place in 1846—that is 170 years ago. Wouldn’t you think that we would have figured it out by now? There are reports by state archaeolo-gists, historians, people in the battle, etc.

In my years involved with the state park, I have seen a procession of people who present new theories based on new archaeology digs, new maps, newfound papers and articles, and some who go out and try to walk the trail. A few names of these new investigators that come to mind are Steve Clugston, Peter Price, Stuart Resor, George Hruby, and Lee Bibb.

(Continued on page 4)

by Shirley Buskirk History Discussions

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SPBVA 2017

BOARD

MEMBERS

Shirley Buskirk

Donald Coates

Tom Cook

Randall Hamud

Darlene Hansen

Jody Hansen

Ron Hinrichs

Gisela Koestner

Stan Smith

Tom Vilicich

Bob Wohl

Officers:

President:

Tom Vilicich

Vice-President:

Don Coates

Treasurer:

Gisela Koestner

Acting Secretary:

Gisela Koestner,

Discussions continued . . .

BATTLELINES Mar/Apr 2017

These people have their own views as to what route Kearny took getting into the valley and the sites of the various encounters Kearny had with the Cali-fornios.

Stan Smith introduced us to new possibilities when he handed out cop-ies of a 1921 paper: The Battle of San Pasqual: A Report of the California Historical Survey Commission with Special Reference to is Location. It was written by Owen C. Coy, Ph.D., Director. Coy’s report also contains a copy of Emory’s 1846 topographical map of the battle actions, a picture of the Carson-Beale monument (when it was in the Smithsonian), and a topo map showing the routes of Kearny and Pico, including Mule Hill.

Stan went over Coy’s report and in-dicated the battle positions on a map. There was discussion and we took a vote affirming that Dr. Coy “did pre-sent a viable hypothesis back in 1920; that Kearny’s ‘first engagement site’ was the circular knoll of Emory’s sketch, now known as the Pioneer Cemetery. The purpose of the vote was to put Coy’s hypothesis into the

mix to be tested. Stan is not backing any one theory, but is conducting re-search on them. The Rio Hondo Fire Academy will begin testing on April 5th with a staff ride and Stan has invit-ed some ex-military members of the discussion group to be monitors.

The meeting was then turned over to Tom Cook, who presented Hruby’s and Bibb’s maps. There was no dis-cussion or debate as to which route was correct, so we all went home still speaking to one another.

Coming Up: The W ar in Baja Cal-ifornia (March) and Oaxaca, Mexico (April)

(Continued from page 3)

Bob & Judy Bowman Justin & Michelle Burkhard Cliff & Royce Clifford Donald & Vicky Coates Jane Stokes Cowgill Jake Enriquez Family Randy Hamud Greg Hill Bob Johnson—Milo Johnson Automotive

Service Kym & Debbie Lobdell Melvin & Ellen Sweet Thomas M. Vilicich US Seagoing Marines Assn (Stan Smith) Bob & Robyn Wohl

Dragoon Level Members

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Bill and David Jackman, third generation Escondidoites, have been supporters of the Battle reenactment for many years and prob-ably have not missed one in the last twenty-five years or so. They were most solicitous and concerned when they watched me whack my Mameluke sword deep into a post sup-porting a cabbage during the Running of the Heads exercise, snapping off eight inches of the blade. Being sword experts and collec-tors, the brothers knew more about my sword than I did, and had all manner of advice on how it might be re-welded, the temper and quality of the steel likely used in its construc-tion, and so forth. Finally, Bill said , “Heck, I got a replica of a Spanish cavalry sword on my wall that I’m tired of looking at. You can just use that. It will serve you better!” Bill is featured on the right, together with his finest Mountain Man beard, his Col. Car-son award for all those years of support, and the residue of the Mameluke.

by Stan Smith

Brotherhood of the Broken Sword

BATTLELINES Mar/Apr 2017

SPBVA’s HISTORY DISCUSSIONS:

Tues, March 21 4:30─6:30 pm

US-Mexican War in Baja Calif Led by Don Coates Tues, April 18 4:30—6:30 pm

Oaxaca, Mexico Led by Dianne Cowen Joslyn Senior Center, Escondido 210 E. Park Ave (off North Broadway) Board Room/Library , Please call Ron Hinrichs, 760-746-8380 for information

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BATTLELINES Mar/Apr 2017

First Sergeant’s Corner submitted by Tom Vilicich

School of the Squadron, Mounted Change of Direction, continued

596.—The column marching right in front, to form it in line on its left flank, the first Captain commands:

1. Left into line. 2. MARCH. 3. Right—DRESS. 4. FRONT. At the command, MARCH, the four leading files

turn to the left and march straight forward; when they have marched 30 paces, the chief of the first platoon commands: HALT.

At this command, the four leading files halt, and the particular guide places himself on the right of the squadron. All the other files come up succes-sively, and without the command of the chiefs of platoon, form to the left and on the alignment of the first, as prescribed, No. 464, observing to keep in the same direction, before turning to the left, so as not to approach the new line until the proper time.

The first and second Captains, the chiefs of pla-toon, and the particular guide of the left, conform exactly to what is prescribed for the front into line.

597.—The column marching right in front, to form line upon the prolongation and in advance of its right flank, the first Captain commands:

1. On right into line. 2. MARCH. 3. Right—DRESS. 4. FRONT. At the command, MARCH, the four leading files

turn to the left and march straight forward; when they have marched 30 paces, the chief of the first platoon commands: HALT.

At this command, the four leading files halt, and

the right particular guide takes his place on the right of the squadron. All the other files continue to march forward, and come up successively without the commands of the chiefs of platoon, forming to the left and upon the alignment of the first, as pre-scribed, No. 466, observing to keep themselves square in the same direction before turning to the right, so as not to approach the new line before the proper time.

The first and second Captains, the chiefs of pla-toon, and the left particular guide, conform exactly to what is prescribed for the front into line.

598.—The squadron is broken by the left, at the commands: 1. By fours from the left; 2. MARCH; 3. Guide right; and is exercised at the march in col-umn, the changes of direction, and the individual oblique marches. It is also exercised at the different formations, which are executed, following the same principles, but by inverse means, at the com-mands: 1. Front (right or on left) into line; 2. MARCH; 3. Left—DRESS; 4. FRONT.

599.—In all formations, greater regularity is re-quired in the execution as the troopers become more habituated to them, and the horses become more calm.

The first instruction is repeated several successive days; and when the principles of the direct march in column by fours, the changes of direction, the obliques, and the different formations in the line are firmly impressed, all these movements are exe-cuted at the trot, and then at the gallop.

Alexa Clausen, Escondido Donald & Vicky Coates, Escondido Jake Enriquez Family, Escondido George & Benita Gray, San Diego Randy Hamud, San Diego MaryLou Jimenez Family, Cypress Richard Meyer, Oceanside Janice Ryan, Carlsbad

Renewing Members. . . Thank You!

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BATTLELINES Mar/Apr 2017

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JOIN NOW! Our non-profit organization supports the activities of the San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park. All members receive BATTLELINES, a 10% discount on all bookstore items, special programs, field trips, history discussions, and opportunities to participate in our Living History Sundays and in our annual December re-enactment of the Battle.

SAN PASQUAL BATTLEFIELD VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION P.O. Box 300816, Escondido, CA 92030-0816

(760) 737-2201

This is my/our membership application & dues for the following category:

____Student ($5) ____ Sustaining ($50) ____Dragoon ($100 or more)

____Individual ($15) ____Organization ($25) ____Benefactor ($1,000 or more)

____Family ($20) ____Corporate ($100) Please make checks payable to: SPBVA

NAME(S)_______________________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________________________________

CITY _______________________________________________________ STATE _______________ZIP _________________

PHONE_____________________________________________ EMAIL________________________________________

OCCUPATION_________________________INTEREST/SKILLS_____________________________________________

BATTLELINES Mar/Apr 2017

by Shirley Buskirk Off the Shelf...

The contract has been signed with the State of Cal-ifornia and we are back in business. We now have 24 book titles that we were out of or only had a copy or two left. I’d like to tell you about two of the books, written by local authors and printed by near-by publishers. They used to be hardback books, but now one of them has come out softbound with a picture that not only takes up the spine and front and back covers, but also goes around the corners to be on the inside of the covers.

The hardback Indian Stories of the Southwest was written in 1917 by valley resident Elizabeth Judson Roberts, who passes on stories told to her by local Indians about their lives and legends. If you ever wondered why there is a Felicita Park, school, shop-ping center, and numerous streets, read this book. One of thestories is about Felicita, daughter of Pantho (or Panto), head of the San Pascual Indians. She had a romantic encounter with an injured US Dragoon and a blond-haired, blue-eyed daughter by him. When he is dying, she promises to give their daughter to his sister to be raised in the East.

In the 1920s a local optometrist wrote a play about

the battle and Felicita’s story, which was presented near Felicita Park for many years. Although Mrs. Roberts later said that part of the story was fiction-alized, it is one of the most moving stories in the book. The real Felicita was said to be over 100 when she died in 1916. She is buried in the nearby Indian cemetery, next to the San Diego Archaeolog-ical Center.

The other book is San Pasqual, A Crack in the Hills. Author Mary Rockwood Peet was two when her family settled in San Pasqual Valley in 1881. Her book chronicles the history of this seemingly peaceful valley. The site of feuds and murders, there’s even a haunted house. The chapter “Boyhood Days” was written by Henry Fenton, who also arrived in 1881. He was seven and worked on the Thompson ranch for room and board. In 1916, he bought that ranch, which became his life-long home, and went on to become an extremely success-ful businessman. Now, almost all of the valley is an agricultural preserve, owned by the City of San Die-go.