Muster Roll for Company B of the First Battalion, Native Cavalry California Volunteers ["Californio Lancers"] - Aug. 31, 1865

Camp Low, 1865. Original partially printed document, 26cm x 77cm. Printed on both sides of the sheet, completed in manuscript. Darkening at folds from old tape repairs; partial splits to folds and extremities; complete and quite Good. Docketed verso, signed in ink by Lieutenant M[organ?] Owen. Lists twelve enlisted soldiers, most with Spanish surnames (two with French surnames). Fine. The formation of the California Native Cavalry in 1863 marked a significant chapter in the state's history. Comprising primarily Mexican-American individuals, colloquially referred to as "native" Californians, the California Native Cavalry unit was formed 1863. Initially commanded by Maj. Andreas Pico, a distinguished hero from the Mexican-American War, and later under Salvador Vallejo, the regiment drew its ranks from diverse backgrounds. Recruitment efforts began with vaqueros from southern California, expanding to include individuals from San José and San Francisco. The unit boasted a varied composition, encompassing not only Mexican-Americans but also Chilenos, California and Yaqui Indians, and even French legionnaires.
Company "B," a contingent largely recruited from the northern part of the state, is reflected in the existing muster roll. The company assembled at Camp Low near San Juan Bautista in 1865, making a striking entrance into the town. Described as "gay and gallant Spanish lancaroes," the cavalrymen presented a formidable sight with lances in hand and flags flying, leaving a lasting impression on the townspeople who had never before encountered soldiers."The gay and gallant Spanish lancaroes [sic] came dashing through the town with the lances in their hand, a flag flying from each of them. I assure you that they presented a war like appearance, the people here had never seen a soldier in their lives - Yes Sir!.." (letter, Maj. Michael O'Brien to Gov. Frederick Low, January 1865; quoted in Prezelski, "Lives of the Californio Lancers: the First Battalion of Native California Cavalry" in Journal of Arizona History, v.40, no.1 (Spring 1999).
Under the command of Capt. Porfirio Jimeno, Company B swiftly engaged in a critical mission: dismantling the notorious Mason-Henry Gang that had terrorized the San Juan region in the preceding months. Despite successfully wounding John Mason in early April 1865, the gang persisted for another month until Mason met his demise at the hands of a miner he sought to kidnap.
However, Company B faced challenges, including low morale and a high rate of desertions, with over 40 men leaving the company in 1865 alone. Transferred to Tubac, Arizona Territory, to confront the Apaches, the company encountered further desertions along the way. The muster roll, listing only twelve soldiers alongside Capt. Porfirio Jimeno, reflects this tumultuous period. Overall the muster roll provides scarce documentation of the role of Mexican-Americans in the Civil War, with few other examples in the trade or institutionally.