THE BORDER EAGLES

CHAPTER ELEVEN

FAMILIES AND FORTUNES

Rancho Tres Arboles, 16, January 1848.

Sunday morning the Duarte, Weddington and now Rodgers families went to church. Kate still wearing black with her rings concealed under gloves as they were still keeping the wedding secret. Even though it was obvious to the congregation that the handsome Senor Rodgers was courting her, to the disgruntlement of several young and not so young men. Kate whispered; "We are married, Mi Corazon but it feels li8ke you are courting me." Rick whispered back;

That's because I am courting you and will be all our lives. Kate smiled,

That is fine Mi Corazon but I will be courting you too. There are many women who would try to steal you from me."

"That's something they could never do you are the perfect woman for me plus I now have two perfect daughters,"

Kate grinned, squeezed his hand and whispered; "Hush Mi Corazon the mass is starting. Surprising himself, Rick sank into the peace and joy of the service. After the mass, Rick invited Father Carrano to the rancho for luncheon, which the priest happily accepted. After lunch, the men settled in the salon. Don Luis got out a heavy vellum paper. He handed it to Rick.

"This is the deed to Rancho Agua Dulce Legally it must be in your name although it belongs to Catalina and you. I will not burden you in the month after your wedding but at that time we must have a family meeting."

Flashback

After the incident of the bandits following them from camp, it was decided that a little more stealth was needed. If uniformed soldier were seen arriving at the rancho, too often the Duartes might be seen as collaborators, causing trouble with their neighbors. The few times, early on that they arrived at the rancho, no one had been on the road to see them turn off onto the Duarte's private road. Don Luis and Rick agreed that their luck wouldn.t hold forever.

A plan was devised. A small cabin and stable sat on the edge of Duarte land about a mile from the city. It was completely surrounded by a copse of evergreens. Four horses and civilian tack were kept there and a vaquero was always staying there on rotating shifts. Civilian clothes were purchased by Don Luis and kept there. Three civilian hunting carbines were also purchased by Don Luis and paid for by Rick. Rick also bought a double barrel shotgun and had the barrels cut back to twenty inches.

Rick and his men would ride out of camp in uniform and normally armed. Once nearing the cabin and making sure that they were unobserved, ride to the cabin, change into civilian clothes and switch horses. Pistols were put into saddlebags, the military long arms exchanged for the civilian ones. They would then ride out to the rancho. When they encountered anyone, Rick's Spanish enabled him to pass himself as a wealthy guest of Don Luis and his escort, being new to the area.

Of course, after the ball, Rick was seen to be the Irish gentleman courting Kate. Another fortunate thing for Rick and Kate, was that the rancho and the village being more than ten to twelve miles from the city no one from that area had been at the American camp or headquarters. Additionally, all the patrols were platoon or company size, thus normally led by lieutenants or captains, Thu when on duty, Rick was generally at battalion or regimental headquarters.

Colonel Reynolds covered Ricks frequent absences by cutting him orders that stated that he and his escorts were

on semi-detached duty on intelligence or "goodwill missions." In one sense, this was even true.

Rancho Tres Arboles, 22, January 1848

The family, employees and friends were gathered for another wedding. Patrick Kearney and Consuelo Gonzales were getting married. It too would have to be kept secret for a time.

Father Carrano was ecstatic. Two marriages within a week of each other. One of which had led to bringing another soul into the true church. And both of them, in a small way, healing the breach between American and Mexican. Antonio gave his sister away. as their father had died from pneumonia several years ago. Sean Dolan, one of the escorts, served as Patrick's best man.

After the wedding there was a small party, a bit livelier than Rick and Kate's had been. But as usual with such things, the bride and groom left long before the party was over.

Rancho Tres Arboles, 04, March 1848.

Kate had waited long enough. She called father Carrano out to the rancho. She said;

"Father, we have waited long enough. I will no longer wear black! I am a wife, not a widow. I am tired of men looking at me as if they might have me. One week from tomorrow you must announce, in church, that Senor Ricardo Rodgers and I have married in a private ceremony conducted according to the rites of Mother Church, by you."

"If you have waited long enough, why wait a week?"

"Because I am making a new dress to be worn for the first time, in public, as Senora Rodgers."

Again, Elenora came to the rescue. She had a bolt of printed silk in forest green with vertical light green stripes. She, Kate, Carlotta Elizabeth and Lanie all worked on it almost all day, every day for that week. It had a fitted bodice with a pointed waistline a modest sweetheart neckline and a bell-shaped skirt. Lanie went into the city to purchase a new pair of white silk gloves and a white mantilla.

They also made new dresses for the twins.

Rancho Tres Arboles, Sunday 11, March 1848.

The whole family got ready for church. They had enjoyed a hearty breakfast and now gathered in the salon. Kate and the girls wore their new dresses. Rick defying the Beau James inspired black frock coat and trousers wore a bottle green frock coat, complimenting his wife's dress, dove gray trousers and a gray vest.

The women and twins rode in carriages, the men on horseback to the small town's church. There were many whispers as Kate and Rick entered the church. It was obvious that something had changed and most of the people who knew Kate were sure what it was.

Father Carrano called for quiet. He raised his arms and said;

"Before we begin the Mass, I have an announcement to make. I had the honor of uniting Senor Ricardo Alexandro Rodgers and Senora Catalina Beckett de Duarte in holy matrimony. I charge you all to respect those blessed bonds."

There was a brief surge of quiet comments before Father Carrano again quieted them and began the Mass. After the service, some of the Duarte acquaintances and friends came up and congratulated the couple, albeit a couple of the men did it a bit grudgingly.

Rancho Tres Arboles and the American camp, 12, March 1848.

Due to some unrest, there was a need for the American troops to remain on occupation duty. So, Rick couldn't resign his commission as soon as he wanted to. The due date for the occupation to end was June twelfth. Rick would not necessarily have to wait until then because not all of the troops would be released at the same time. Some would rotate earlier.

Kate was disappointed but since nothing could be done about it, she would be patient.

Rancho Tres Arboles, 17, March 1848.

That Saturday afternoon Don Luis called a family meeting.

"I believe that for the next few years, there is going to be much unrest in Mexico. There are too many factions competing for power often violently. Too many bandits with too little law to catch them. Enrique, Vincente and I have been discussing it and we have decided that the family must leave Mexico. Vincente has made arrangements to sell his Rancho and that will be done within the month.

Ricardo, as soon as you are out of the army you must take your family to Alta California and take ownership of Rancho Agua Dulce. My nephew is managing the rancho, but he is only the manager so, he is not as devoted to the rancho as you, the owner will be. Catalina shall have her dowery of five thousand Spanish Reales. Antonio and his family will go with you. He will be your Segundo. Six of my vaqueros will also go to be your manos de rancho. I know that there are vaqueros on the rancho, but I don't know how good they are or about their loyalty. These men I am sure of." He paused to take a sip of wine.

Once you are established, find another rancho, near you and make arrangements to buy it. I am sure that there will be Mexicans willing to sell out and return to Mexico. I am sending another five thousand Reales with you to make that purchase or at least a down payment.

The de la Vegas have shown interest in buying this rancho, in the past. Once you find something I shall sell it to them. I have already sold Miguel's rancho. Once that is done, we shall need to find a third property. It only needs to be a hacienda with a little land. Enrique and Elizabeth will live there. They will return to England just long enough to settle their affairs and then join us."

"That is putting a lot of trust in my abilities." Rick said.

"Not more than you can handle. Besides, Vincente will be with you to help with the negotiations. He and Carlotta will live with Elenora and I on the rancho. Vincente intends to study American law and open a law office.

The plans were studied and revised as much as they could be, in advance. Vincente and Carlotta would travel with and stay with Rick, Kate, Leona and the twins. As soon as the plan was finalized, Don Luis sent a letter by a private courier to Raoul explaining everything to Raoul and authorizing him to turn everything over to Rick. It would take the courier a month to get there, exchanging horses at various ranchos along the way. He was heavily armed and never carried large amounts of money. So, he wasn't worth the trouble to try and rob.

Rancho Tres Arboles, 15. April 1848.

Things had been going much too smoothly for life at the rancho and of course fate had other ideas. Emilio was at the rancho delivering two new frock coats with accompanying trousers. Rick's civilian clothing had been sadly lacking for an upper- class gentleman. The family was gathered admiring the new clothes, when one of the vaqueros burst in.

"Don Luis, Bandidos are coming. Joaquin spotted them they are about two miles away."

"Is he sure they are coming here?"

"Si, senor."

"How many?'

"I do not know, senor."

Rick took charge.

"Responding to this is what I am trained to do. Pedro, gather the closest vaqueros and have them arm. He Went outside and called his escorts.

"Men, bandits are coming get your guns and get ready to repel them.
He got his revolvers, shotgun and telescope out. loaded and capped the shotgun. The revolvers were already loaded. He went back inside.

"Luis, Vincente, Henry, let's get everything in the gun room loaded."

Rick loaded the Colt revolving carbine, and Kate's Patterson. The other three loaded the flintlock rifles and the fowling piece.

The six vaqueros that were close to the house arrived. Between them, they had four flintlock carbines and two flintlock pistols. Rick told them where to take up positions. Gave Kate the Patterson.

"Stay back, Sweetheart, only use that if any get past us. But don't try to warn them. Just shoot and shoot to kill."

Rick took his telescope and went up to the second floor, looking out the window. He counted about twenty bandits, an unusually large number in one band. They were armed with a wide variety of weapons. Some stolen muskets, pistols, knives, clubs and even a couple of bows.

As most bandits do, they were hoping for easy pickings. They figured that they could easily overpower a single household. They never expected one to be partially defended by trained soldiers.

They rode up to the yard yelling and firing shots into the air. Then they stopped and their leader yelled;

"In the house, we are many and you are few. Give us what we want and we will go away and not hurt you. We want twenty cows, ten horses, one hundred silver Reales and your guns."

Rick called out;

"If you want our guns, come and take them. Volley fire. Fire!"

Thirteen shots rang out. Not all hit, of course, but eight bandits went down. The shocked leader, unfortunately not one of them. Rick had loaded his shotgun with slugs. He fired the second barrel taking down his second bandit. He lay the shotgun down and picked up the Colt carbine and opened rapid fire, hitting three more out of five shots. The third shot going a little low, smashing into the leader's left knee, shattering it. He fell from his horse, screaming in agony. When the smoke cleared, twelve of the bandits lay on the ground. Three dead, four dyeing, four wounded and one pinned under his dead horse, his leg broken. Five ran away, but the vaqueros coming in at the sound of the guns chased them down, caught three of them and hung two of them on the spot. The third, a thirteen-year-old boy was merely beaten and let go.

Father Carrano was called to give last rites to the dyeing men. The dead men were carried off Duarte land and dumped into a small ravine, dirt dumped on their bodies and heavy rocks piled on top. The wounded and injured men were bandaged but that was really no mercy.

The town's authorities took them away and hanged them the very next day. The dyeing men lasted several hours and were taken into the town and buried. They, at least got proper if unmarked graves. The two surviving adult bandits spread the word to avoid the rancho at all costs.

At the rancho, Rick had quite a bit of work to do, to ease the minds of the rancho's men. Most of the were shocked. Except for Rick and his men, none of them had ever even shot at a human being, much less killed one.

American camp, 30, May 1848.

With only two weeks to go until the official end of the occupation, some of the units were released early. The Mounted Rifles regiment was one of them. With four years of service completed, Rick was allowed to resign his commission, which he did, immediately. Since he was an officer, he had purchased all of his weapons, they were not government property so he was allowed to keep them.

Both Patrick Kearney and Sean Dolan had been members of the dragoons who had transferred to the Mounted Rifles. Both of their enlistments were up in May, so they mustered out in Mexico and stayed at the rancho. They would go with Rick and Kate's party when they left for California. As their plans were being finalized, Rick knew that he needed to talk to Robert.

After losing his left leg below the knee, Robert had been kept in the field hospital until it healed sufficiently to be fitted with a wooden prothesis. That had been done and it had taken these months since the battle for him to learn to walk again. He was now able to get around with difficulty with the aid of a cane. He was due to go home with his regiment and be discharged in New York.

Rick had told Robert about the wedding as soon as he could after it happened. Robert had understood about keeping it secret.

Rick had said;

"I'm sorry Bob about keeping it from you until it was done, but I couldn't risk anything slipping out if they gave you too much laudanum. I'm also sorry that you weren't there for the ceremony or that you couldn't be my best man but even if you knew there was no way to get you there without raising suspicion."

Bob said;

"I am a little hurt, but I do understand. Don't worry, brother I forgive you, I will keep it to myself and I can't wait to meet your bride."

Third Artillery Camp, American Base Camp, 01, June 1848.

"Bob, we've been a team all of our lives. I don't want that to end. As soon as we get to California Kate and I will own a ranch. Well, actually we own it now but the deed will have to be registered in California. The deed was witnessed by a judge advocate officer as well as the Mexican authorities. The original travels with us and an official copy was sent by courier to the ranch manager. The manager has ten vaqueros working for him and I am bringing nine men with me. All armed to the teeth in case anyone tries anything wrong. What I want, if you agree, is for you go home and get a better wooden leg fitted. After that, we, Kate and I want you to join us in California. You'll live at the ranch and work with me until you establish a business of your own."

Bob said;

"I like that idea. But I also think that we can establish some kind of business together aside from ranching. How much do you know about that?"

"Not very much, right now, but my foreman and our vaqueros do know all about it and will teach me. There is also a manager on the ranch who will help."

They talked for three hours in that time Rick had told Bob all about the Duarte family and their plans. Toward the end of the discussion Bob said;

"You know that with this leg I won't be able to pursue any profession that requires a lot of vigorous activity. So, while I am in New York I will buy a copy of Blackstone and read for the law. I 'll also buy some books on engineering and surveying. You could study those."

"That sounds like a good plan of action, but buy two copies of Blackstone and send one to me. Vincente can use it."

The two men parted after having a beer together, having agreed on the plan.

Rancho Tres Arboles 07, June 1848.

Five days before the occupation forces were to leave, Rick took one of the carriages o the artillery camp to pick bob up and take him to the rancho. Patrick and Sean rode with him, as escorts. When they entered the house Kate and the twins were first to greet Robert. Rick said;

"Bob, may I introduce my wife Katherine and our daughters Beatrice and Elisa. Katherine, this is my brother, Robert. Beatrice, Elisa, this is your Tio Roberto." Kate embraced Bob and kissed his cheek.

"I am so pleased to meet you, Robert. But I needed no introduction, I would recognize you anywhere. You and Richard are like two peas in a pod. Richard has told me you will join us in California. I am thrilled. Please stay with us, here until you have to leave."

"Thank you for the invitation. I shall be very happy to. Richard has told me of your beauty and graciousness. He certainly did not exaggerate."

Beatrice, always the bolder of the two marched right up and said;

"Buenos Dias Tio Roberto, you look just like Papa." Bob smiled.

"That is because I am his hermano gemelo."

Elisa, shyly partly hid behind Kate's skirt. Rick then introduced Bob to the rest of the family. Don Luis welcomed him effusively. Bob spent a very enjoyable four days at the rancho, surprised how easily he was welcomed to this unique family

Rancho Tres Arboles, 15, June 1848.

Now completely out of the army Rick could devote all his time to the preparing for the move to California. The decision was to go by ship as the overland journey would place too many hardships on the women and children. Also, for a large part of the journey, there would be the constant danger of bandits and other outlaws and, of course hostile native Americans. With the fast packet steamships now in service the sea voyage was much faster and safer than sail powered vessels. It took another month to get everything together and arrange for passage on a British flagged steamship, Rick, Kate, the twins, Vincente, Carlotta and Leona would travel as first- class passengers Everyone else had to go in second class. They would travel a hybrid route allowing them to reach California in twenty- three days. Six days from Vera Cruz to Panama, one day to cross the isthmus, another day to board another ship and fifteen days to San Francisco and then two days to Los Angeles by coastal packet.

Port of Vera Cruz, Mexico, 21, July 1848.

The Rodgers party sailed from Vera Cruz aboard the British flagged steamship Atlantic Venture, eager to embark on this new phase of their lives. The ship had a combination of steam power and three masts carrying square rigged sails. She was one of the first to use a propeller instead of paddle wheels.

She was filled to her maximum safe capacity. News of the California gold strike had reached Mexico. Americans weren't the only ones trying to reach the gold fields. Only the fact that the captain and purser were honest men kept the berths from going to the highest bidder and from overloading the ship.

The party crossed the isthmus by horseback, coaches and wagons. All the men on horseback, alert and with their weapons visible. Before leaving Mexico City, Rick ad done some shopping at the sutlers. He'd found another Colt revolving carbine and bought it along with two hundred .52 caliber balls and plenty of gun powder. He also found one sutler that specialized in guns. He had ten civilian cap-lock carbines in .54 caliber, basically cutdown smoothbore copies of the 1841 rifle. Rick bought the lot. The workmanship was so good that Rick figured that they'd come out of the back door of the Remington factory.

Patrick and Sean had managed to wheedle a pair of "combat lost "M1841rifles and a brace of pistols out of the quartermaster. The piece de resistance was the tube and tools for a captured Mexican six pounder went missing, as had a carriage, it was dismantled and packed in crates marked farm implements.

After crossing the isthmus without incident, they boarded another British ship, the Pacific Queen for the voyage to California. Surprisingly, the voyage went without incident and they arrived in San Francisco in the time advertised.

There were no hotel rooms available so Rick arranged with the captain to stay on board the ship for the three days that the ship lay over in the harbor Taking on supplies and arranging for southbound passengers.

In that time Rick was able to find and charter a coaster and get all the baggage and other supplies transferred.

The two -day sail down the coast was uneventful as was the offloading in San Pedro and arranging transportation to the San Fernando valley.

Rancho Agua Dulce, The San Fernando Valley, California, 19, August 1848.

"Thank God you are finally here, Senor. Raoul said. There has been some trouble. A Norte Americano named Joshua Davidson is trying to steal our rancho, claiming that Americano citizens should own the land."

"I have the deed to the land, in my name witnessed by American officers that will put a stop to that and the guns to back it up, if needed."

It took two days to get everything unpacked and everyone settled in. Part of that time spent assembling and readying the six-pounder.

The next day, Rick, Vincente and Raoul escorted by Patrick, Sean and Antonio rode into Los Angeles to the courthouse and registered the deed as no county recorder office had been set up yet.

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