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Finding aid of the Crabb Expedition Papers
C058819
C058819
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Table of contents
Title: Crabb Expedition Papers
Identifier/Call Number: C058819
Contributing Institution:
Society of California Pioneers
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
1.0 folder
(3 letters, 3 items)
Date (inclusive): 1856-1857
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.
creator:
Crabb, Henry Alexander, 1822?-1857
Conditions Governing Access note
Collection open for research.
There are no restrictions on access.
Crabb Expedition Papers. The Society of California Pioneers.
Existence and Location of Originals note
The Society of California Pioneers, 300 Fourth Street, San Francisco, CA, 94107
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.
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.
Donor and date of acquisition unknown.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Hine, H.
Phelps, C. B.
Correspondence.
Filibusters--Mexico--Sonora (State)
San Francisco (Calif.) - Newspapers
Sonora (Mexico : State)