Crabb Expedition Papers, 1856-1857

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Summary

Title:
Crabb Expedition Papers
Dates:
1856-1857
Creators:
Crabb, Henry Alexander, 1822?-1857
Abstract:
This folder contains three letters written by H. Hine to his brother C.B. Phelps in Stockton, CA: the first sent from “Sonorita”, probably near Caborca, Sonora, Mexico), and the remaining two sent from the What Cheer House in San Francisco. There are also three duplicates of newspapers from 1857 reporting on the massacre.
Extent:
1.0 folder (3 letters, 3 items)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Crabb Expedition Papers. The Society of California Pioneers.

Background

Scope and content:

This folder contains three letters written by H. Hine to his brother C.B. Phelps in Stockton, CA: the first sent from “Sonorita”, probably near Caborca, Sonora, Mexico), and the remaining two sent from the What Cheer House in San Francisco. There are also three duplicates of newspapers from 1857 reporting on the Massacre of Filibusters.

Biographical / historical:

Born in sometime between 1822-1824 in Nashville, TN, and became a prominent member of the Whig party. He married Filomena Ainsa. Crabb left San Francisco, CA for Caborca, Sonora, Mexico in early 1857 with an expedition party intent on filibustering. Their goal was to inspire a revolt which would establish the Republic of Sonora which would ultimately join the US. Over eight days, twenty-five Americans were killed, with even more on the Mexican side. On the last day the Americans failed to blow up the chuch and the expedition was captured. They were executed by firing squad on April 7, 1857. After being shot with more than 100 bullets, he was decapitated and his head preserved in mezcal. His men’s bodies were left to be eaten by animals. Mexican troops crossed into US territory and executed four more Americans a few days later, brining about an end to the practice of filibustering in Mexico. Of the 84 men who led the raid, two survived: Crabb’s brother-in-law Jesus Ainsa and 16 year old Charles Edward Evans.

Acquisition information:
Donor and date of acquisition unknown.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Alexandria Brown
Date Prepared:
10/18/2011
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2011-12-06T14:33-0800

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection open for research.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions on access.

Preferred citation:

Crabb Expedition Papers. The Society of California Pioneers.

Location of this collection:
300 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94107, US
Contact:
(415) 957-1849 ext. 160
mmdevine@californiapioneers.org
Website