Stockton Story — California Campaign 1846

This is the story of what happened after the Bear Flag revolt in California in 1846. I started the story about Commodore Robert Stockton more than fifteen years ago. On the second draft, a secondary character shanghaied the story. I put Robert’s project in an overcrowded file drawer. The clutter scared me every time I opened the drawer. I kept the drawer closed.

A year or so ago, I purged my entire office. Yup. The drawer, too.

After that, the story wouldn’t leave me alone. I soon realized that the only way I was going to get any peace was to tell the story. I messed around with who should tell the story.

Finally, I’ve settled on twelve-year-old Sven i Johansson, 1/2 Mexican and ½ Swedish. He does not remember his father; he died at sea before Sven was born. Sven’s Mexican mother takes Sven to live on her family’s land next to Rio Nueces. Though his mother tries to help him fit in, Sven, with his mother’s brown eyes and father’s fair skin and blonde hair, suffers beatings from the neighborhood kids in the small village.

Then the USS Congress sails into the Galveston Bay.

When the USS Congress leaves for California, Sven is onboard as the Commodore’s personal scribe. The Commodore wants the voyage documented. Sven is to record everything the Commodore says. Thanks to his mother, Sven can write English much better than he speaks the language. His penmanship is perfect. Plus, he is quick and knows how to fend for himself.

At first Sven loves life at sea. The air is always fresh. The crew is friendly. He has a box of beautiful quill pens and five bottles of ink. However, after they round Cape Horn, Sven becomes determined to escape the ship and find a way back home. The treacherous water and wind and storms and ghosts terrified all the joy of the sea right out of him.

LONG TERM GOAL for this Blog

Martha Alderson’s long-term goal for this blog and her school visits is to expand students’ understanding of California History. Her desire is to bring Commodore Stockton’s name recognition to the same level as John C. Fremont.

Stockton took part in nearly every major historical event during his lifetime = War of 1812, Algerian War, founding of Liberia, Raritan and Camden Canal, the first screw-propelled battleship for the US Navy, the Conquest of California, The Peace Conference. For California students, he provides the most exciting part of the California Conquest.

I love any opportunity to share my passion about this great American patriot.

School Visits Include…

COMMODORE STOCKTON HISTORICAL TALKS

> 4th & 5th GRADE

What happened after the Bear Flag Revolt in California? Historic pictures bring 1846 California alive to show the final conquest. Achieve U.S. History content standards. 

 

> 6th – 8th GRADES

U.S. History as seen through the eyes of a famous American patriot — Commodore Robert Field Stockton.  Achieve U.S. History content standards.

 

PLOT WORKSHOPS AND INSERVICE

>Reading and Writing Plot Workshops for Kids

All Grade Levels

>Teacher Plot Inservice

All grade levels

Testimonials

“Martha Stockton Alderson made Commodore Robert Stockton more than just a name to me as well as to my students. After her presentation we felt as if we knew him — his dreams, his shortcomings, his successes.” Gayle Watkins, Program Specialist Commodore Stockton Skill School

 

“I found the background information on Robert Stockton helpful. I took forward to your book on Robert Stockton both for the historical value and its connection to the namesake. Thank you!” 6th Grade Teacher

 

“I was very impressed with Martha Alderson’s ability to engage a roomful of 120 2nd graders in creating and constructing a story from scratch. The management and engagement strategies she uses were very effective.” Stockton Unified School District Elementary Counselor

 

“Martha Alderson was a California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners nominee for her outstanding contribution in developing and providing annual Young Writers Workshops for children and youth of the Santa Clara County Children’s Shelter.” California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners

 

“The astonished look of accomplishment on the kids’ faces is a wonderful testament of your gift to teach. We are forever grateful for the time you shared and are anxiously awaiting your next visit. The Children’s Shelter is a temporary placemnt facility for abused, neglected, and d abandoned children. Thanks gain for making a difference in the lives of our children.” Mark Forrest, Recreation Director

 

“Amazing revelations of intuitive knowledge. Very useful to schools and libraries. Excellent!” California School Library Association Conference

 

“Great! All of it!” Santa Cruz County Reading Association, Grades K – 5

 

“Excellent! Helps to break down the mystery of how good books form.” Asilomar Regional Reading Conference, Grade 6