In 1851, after the ratification of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, congress passed an ‘act to ascertain and settle the private land claims in the state of California,’ which provided that all persons claiming land in that state, given by Spanish or Mexican land grants, should present their claims to certain commissioners appointed for the purpose within two years from March 3, 1851, the commissioners to decide all such claims, subject to an appeal to and final determination of the federal courts. Warner received his grant of the land from Mexico in November, 1844. It was in June, 1840, that the Mexican government granted to Jose Antonio Pico what was known as the San Jose del Valle ranch on condition that the Indians residing there should not be harmed. The history of the Indian’s old home at Warners is as follows: The fact that the bulk of the Indians consented to the removal appears to have satisfied the government’s representatives. The fact that these few decided not to go to Pala was not considered significant. The understanding was these would not number more than a dozen, women and children included. The Tribune’s runner met two of the Indian wagons returning from the Valle del San Jose section of the ranch, empty and was informed by the rivers that a few Indians there had decided not to acompany the others to Pala and that they would probably take up their abode at Santa Ysabel. Mooat appears to have changed his mind during the night. Mooat was the only Indian who was for staying on the old home, or rather was opposed to going to Pala. The understanding is that in an effort to pacify them that the commissioners promised them that upon arriving there and they should not be satisfied with the land that steps would be take immediately to buy more. The most strenuous complaint, which the Indians put forth was that of the poor land at Pala.

He was also informed that Attorney Brown arrived there from his 108 mile ride from San Bernardino yesterday afternoon and that thereupon a council was held between the Indians and the representatives of the government.

The runner was informed that the parting, though sad, many of the women and children being almost heart broken, was tranquil.

Once a Marine by Cat Grant