is pointed out as the place where representative men from various parts
of California convened and framed the first American Constitution for
the State, September 3, 1849. On November third of the same year the
first election was held, with the result that Peter H. Burnett was
elected Governor, John McDougall, Lieutenant-Governor, and Edward
Gilbert and John Wright first Congressmen from California. From Monterey
the State Capital was removed to San Jose, where John Fremont and
William Gwin were appointed senators, and it was they who pressed the
Government to admit California as a state, with the result that
California was admitted as such on September 9, 1850. Major Robert
Selden Garnett, U. S. A. designed the state seal.

In 1854 the capital was removed to Sacramento from Benicia which held it
one year, San Jose having held it two years as, also Vallejo.

The discovery of gold in 1849 brought on a mad rush of all classes of
people into California and acts of lawlessness and violence became
numerous and frequent; for the purpose of checking these disorders the
"Committee of Vigilance" was formed in San Francisco in 1851. This
committee was composed of responsible men and much good came of it but
like in so many enterprises of the kind, many abuses were committed and
many innocent persons were unjustly punished.

As soon as affairs became settled and order established, American rule
in California became marked by progress and order, the discovery of gold
brought on a wonderful increase in population and more towns and cities
sprung throughout the state.

Much indeed could be said of the present, but as our story is only a
brief sketch intended to deal chiefly with the beloved old missions and