"You've given it to me. Is this the scale of a large landowner's family?"
When my father handed me a medal and a reward of 5,000 pesos, it felt transactional, as though granting my request for funds was a reluctant obligation. Perhaps he doubted my plans or believed I would fail. However, my mother, with her unwavering support, gave me 7,000 pesos to assist with my venture to California.
Altogether, I had accumulated a fortune of 17,000 pesos. To this, I added the 1,000 pesos I had saved personally, bringing my total to 18,000 pesos—an extraordinary sum in this era.
For perspective, an average worker during this time earned 1 peso a day, amounting to about 20 to 25 pesos per month. Holding onto such wealth was almost unfathomable for most. If measured in modern terms, each peso, with its silver content equivalent to the Spanish dollar, would be valued at approximately $13. In total, my fortune amounted to about $234,000 in 2022 U.S. dollars or around 320 million won in Korean currency. It was a staggering amount, and I was keenly aware of its potential.
"To think I hold the equivalent of 40 months' salary for a common worker in my room without anyone daring to steal it," I mused, amused and a little nervous at the audacity of my ambition.
My primary objective was clear: to secure land and access gold-rich territories in California. Land prices weren't a concern, as there was an abundance of unexplored and undeveloped land during this time. Settlers were often incentivized with free land to encourage development, and my family's influence ensured favorable treatment. However, I recognized the complexity of pioneering. Success depended on careful planning, strategic resource allocation, and effective leadership.
I calculated the expenses needed to establish the settlement: supplies for building, mining equipment for extracting gold, food for the journey and early settlement, horses, carts, and wages for miners. My funds were just sufficient to cover these costs. Initially, the plan was to focus on placer mining and open-pit mining. Once initial exploration yielded promising results, further investments in underground mining would follow.
My father, recognizing the importance of this expedition, assigned Major Manuel, a trusted and experienced officer, as the captain of my bodyguard. He commanded a force of 50 soldiers, including 3 officers, divided into two companies. This military escort provided not only protection but also legitimacy to my venture. With their assistance, I began recruiting families for the pioneering expedition.
The promise of free land, farming equipment, food for the journey, and financial support during the early stages of settlement attracted widespread interest. Within two days, over 100 families applied to join the expedition.
However, not everyone was accepted. The journey would take four to six months, and the physical demands were significant. Families with pregnant women, small children, or insufficient resources, such as horses or carts, were excluded. Preference was given to healthy families with teenage children who could contribute to the labor-intensive tasks ahead. Ultimately, the group was limited to 100 households, as my funds couldn't support more.
While the settlers were eager, my family's reaction was mixed. My mother was deeply worried. "Do you really need to go there yourself?" she asked, her voice heavy with concern as she squeezed my hand.
"Don't worry, Mother. I'll return within a year. With Major Manuel and the escort, nothing will happen to me." I tried to reassure her, though I knew her fears were valid. Mexico, still recovering from the decade-long War of Independence, was rife with banditry and lawlessness. As the eldest son of Emperor Agustín I, my safety was paramount.
My father, however, saw the expedition as an opportunity. He patted my shoulder and said, "As the crown prince of the Mexican Empire, your safety is your top priority. But I commend your initiative. Congress is impressed by your efforts and is expediting the drafting of the long-delayed constitution."
He added, "Don't forget your responsibilities here in Mexico City. We'll handle matters in your absence."
With that, the final preparations were made. Supplies were purchased and loaded onto carts, and the 500-strong expedition—consisting of 100 families, soldiers, guides, and other personnel—was ready to depart. I hugged my mother one last time before mounting my horse.
"Be careful," she whispered, her voice trembling.
As we set off, I resolved, "This must succeed." The journey ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but failure was not an option.
The journey to California took five grueling months. We traveled for 10 hours daily, alternating between riding and walking to alleviate the discomfort of horseback travel. Despite the challenges, we arrived safely, thanks to the guidance of seasoned travelers and the vigilance of our escort.
The path was not without risks. Bandits roamed the countryside, and local leaders, often independent of central authority, could have posed threats. Yet, by some stroke of luck or divine favor, we encountered no major incidents.
When we finally arrived near the Sacramento River, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. "This is it," I said, pointing to the map. "This is where we begin."
Sacramento, with its vast gold reserves, fertile lands, and favorable climate, was an ideal location. The settlers erupted in cheers as I announced our arrival. "We've made it!"
The reclamation of California had begun.
As I led this pioneering effort, I was acutely aware of the broader geopolitical implications. Mexico's northern territories, including Texas and California, were sparsely populated and vulnerable to external influences. The United States, with its expansionist ambitions, posed a significant threat.
Stephen Austin, often called the "Father of Texas," had already begun settling American immigrants in Texas under a contract originally granted by Spanish authorities. By 1823, Austin had secured approval from Agustín I to continue his colonization efforts, albeit under modified terms. In historical reality, these settlements grew rapidly, and by 1830, Texas's population had swelled to 20,000 Americans. This influx of settlers, combined with Mexico's weak control over the region, ultimately led to Texas's independence and subsequent annexation by the United States.
Determined to prevent a similar fate for California, I proposed stricter terms for settlement. Immigrants would receive smaller land grants, and Mexican officials would oversee the reclamation process to ensure compliance. Additionally, for every American settler, an equal number of Mexican settlers would be brought in to maintain cultural and political balance.
This strategy aimed to integrate immigrants into Mexican society while minimizing their loyalty to the United States. While these conditions were harsher than the original contracts, they were necessary to secure Mexico's northern territories.
Political Developments in Mexico
Meanwhile, back in Mexico City, the political landscape was shifting. The confiscation of 29 congressional seats for embezzlement had temporarily weakened the Republicans. Of these, 20 seats were filled by conservatives, and 9 by Republicans, through a political compromise.
The Republicans, who favored a constitutional monarchy similar to Britain's, sought to limit the emperor's power. However, Agustín I and the conservatives, bolstered by public support and military control, were in no hurry to concede. The emperor's strategy involved replacing federalist commanders in the provinces with loyalists, further consolidating his authority.
"Relax," Agustín I told his advisors. "We'll wait until the time is right. Let the Republicans rush. We'll strengthen our position in the meantime."
As the pioneers set to work building the settlement, my focus shifted to gold mining. The initial phase involved placer mining and open-pit mining, techniques well-suited to California's gold-rich terrain. Equipment for extracting and refining gold was brought in, ensuring efficiency.
Simultaneously, farmland was prepared to sustain the settlement. While gold was the primary goal, a self-sufficient settlement would provide long-term stability. Each family was allotted land and provided with farming equipment and seeds. My leadership was crucial in maintaining morale and ensuring everyone understood their role in this ambitious endeavor.
Looking Ahead
This expedition was more than a personal venture; it was a critical step in securing Mexico's future. The stakes were high. If successful, the settlement would solidify Mexico's claim to California, prevent American encroachment, and provide resources to strengthen the empire.
As I stood on the banks of the Sacramento River, watching the settlers build their new lives, I felt a profound sense of purpose. This was only the beginning. The journey had been long and arduous, but the promise of a brighter future for Mexico made it worthwhile.
"We have arrived," I whispered to myself. "Now, let's build something that will last."