USA > California > The conquest of California and New Mexico, by the forces of the United States, in the years 1846 & 1847 > Part 21
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The point, or points of debarkation of the regiment under your command, should be settled as speedily as practicable after your arrival upon the Mexican coast, and the transports discharged. The land forces will, thereafter, be attended with the vessels of the squadron. The ordnance, ammunition, arms, and all descriptions of public property which are not required on shore, or cannot be safely deposited there, will be transferred to the public ships. Upon them the land forces must rely for bringing supplies, where water transportation is necessary. If the exigency of the service requires these forces to remove from one place to another on the coast, the public vessels will furnish the means of doing so.
The regiment under your command, as well as the company of Captain Tompkins, which has preceded it, is a part of General Kearny's command ; but it may be that he will not be in a situation to reach you, by his orders, imme- diately on your debarkation. Until that is the case, yours will be an independent command, except when engaged in joint operations with the naval force.
It is not expected that you will be able to advance far into the country ; nor is
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it advisable for you to undertake any hazardous enterprises. Until you shall fall under the command of General Kearny, your force will be mostly, if not wholly, employed in seizing and holding important possessions on the sea-coast.
The government here have received information, which is deemed to be relia- ble, though not official, that our squadron in the Pacific had taken possession of Monterey, as early as the 6th of July last.
There is reason to believe that California is not favorably disposed to the cen- tral government of Mexico, and will not be disposed to make a vigorous resist- ance to our operations in that quarter. Should you find such to be the state of things there, it will be of the greatest importance that the good will of the people towards the United States should be cultivated. This is to be done by liberal and kind treatment. They should be made to feel that we come as deliverers. Their rights of person, property, and religion, must be respected and sustained. The greatest care must be taken to restrain the troops from all acts of license or outrage; the supplies drawn from the country must be paid for at fair prices; and, as far as practicable, friendly relations should be established. In the event of hostile resistance, your operations must be governed by circumstances; and you must use the means at your command to accomplish the objects in view-the military occupation of the country. It is not, however, expected that much can be done, if preparations shall have been made to resist, until the forces under General Kearny shall have entered the country.
You are directed to embrace every opportunity to communicate with this department, and to furnish it with not only a full account of your movements and operations previous to your coming under the direct command of General Kearny, but with such other information as may be useful for the department to possess in regard to conducting the war in that quarter.
Your attention is particularly directed to that portion of the instructions to the commanding officer of the squadron in the Pacific, herewith, which has reference to the joint operation of the land and naval force, and you will conform your conduct thereto.
You are also furnished with an extract from instructions to General Kearny, giving directions for the course of conduct to be pursued while in the military occupation of any portion of the enemy's country-together with a copy of a letter to General Taylor, enclosing one from the Secretary of the Treasury in regard to commercial intercourse with such parts of the enemy's ports, &c., as may be in possession of our forces. These are to be regarded as instructions to you, should you find yourself placed in the circumstances therein contemplated. You will take the earliest opportunity to make the commanding officer of the squadron in the Pacific fully acquainted with your instructions and the accom- panying papers. Where a place is taken by the joint action of the naval and land force, the naval officer in command, if superior in rank to yourself, will be entitled to make arrangements for the civil government of it while it is held by the co-operation of both branches of the military force. All your powers, in this respect, will of course be devolved on General Kearny, whenever he shall arrive in California and assume the command of the volunteer regiment. As soon as practicable, you will furnish him with a copy of this communication, and the other papers herewith transmitted.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Col. J. D. STEVENSON,
W. L. MARCY,
Secretary of War.
Commanding Regiment of Volunteers, Governor's Island, harbour of New York.
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No. 4.
Extract of Letter of Major General Scott to Lieut. Tompkins. [CONFIDENTIAL.] HEAD-QUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, June 20, 1846.
SIR : As the commander of a company of the 3d artillery, you have been ordered to embark with the same on board of the United States ship the Lexing- ton, now lying in the harbour of New York, and bound to the north-west coast of America.
„I am now to inform you that, with your company, you are destined to act in conjunction with the United States naval forces in the Pacific, against the republic of Mexico, with which we are at war. The commander of that squadron may desire to capture and to hold certain important points, as Monterey, and towns or posts in San Francisco bay. The company under your command may be needed for both purposes, and you will, on consultation, give your co-operation.
It is not intended to place you under the orders, strictly speaking, of any naval officer, no matter how high in rank. That would be illegal, or at least without the authority of any law; but you will be held responsible, when associated in service, whether on land or water, with any naval officer, without regard to rela- tive rank, to co-operate in perfect harmony and with zeal and efficiency. Great confidence is reposed in you, in those respects, as also in your intelligence, judg- ment, temper, and prowess. See in this connection paragraphs 24, 25, and 26, in the old General Regulations for the Army, (edition of 1825,) a copy of which book I handed to you in my office.
Your condition, and that of your company, on board the Lexington, com- manded by Lieutenant - - of the navy, or other United States vessel to which you may be transferred, will be that of passengers, not marines ; but in the event of the ship finding herself in action, you, and the company under your command, will not fail to show yourselves at least as efficient as any equal number of ma- rines whatsoever. In such case, again, the utmost harmony, upon consultation, would be indispensable ; and in no case will you fail, so far as it may depend upon your best exertions, to conciliate such harmony.
On the landing of the ordnance and ordnance stores belonging to the army, placed on board of the Lexington, you will take charge of the same, unless you should be joined for that purpose by an ordnance officer, in which case you will give him aid and assistance in that duty.
On effecting a successful landing in the enemy's country, it may be necessary, after consultation with the naval commander, as above, and with his assistance, to ercct and defend one or more forts, in order to hold the conquered place or places. In such service you will be on your proper element.
It is proper that I should add, you may find on the north-west coast an army officer, with higher rank than your own, when, of course, you will report to him by letter, and if ashore, come under his command.
It is known that you have made requisitions for all the proper supplies which may be needed by your company, for a considerable time after landing. Further supplies, which may not be sent after you from this side of the continent, you will, when ashore, in the absence of a naval force, and in the absence of a higher officer of the army, have to purchase on the other side; but always in strict conformity with regulations. On board, it is understood that your company will be subsisted from the stores of the ship or navy.
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Should you not come under the orders of an army officer, or should you not be landed by the naval commander, as above, you will remain on board of the squadron, and be sent home on some ship of the same.
I need scarcely add that, afloat or ashore, you will always maintain the honour, &c.
No. 5. Letter from General Kearny to General Wool.
HEAD-QUARTERS ARMY OF THE WEST, Santa Fé, New Mexico, August 22, 1846.
GENERAL : I have to inform you, that on the 18th instant, without firing a gun or spilling a drop of blood, I took possession of this city, the capital of the department of New Mexico; and that I have this day issued a proclamation claiming the whole department, with its original boundaries, for the United States, and under the title of " the Territory of New Mexico."
Every thing here is quiet and peaceable. The people now understand the advantages they are to derive from a change of government, and are much grati- fied with it.
I have more troops (Missouri volunteers) following in my rear. On their arrival, there will be more than necessary for this Territory. I will send the surplus to you. Should you not want them, you can order them to Major Gene- ral Taylor, or to their homes, as you may think the good of the public service requires.
I am destined for Upper California, and hope to start from here in the course of a few weeks. Success attend you.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. W. KEARNY, Brig. Gen. U. S. A.
Brig. Gen. JNO. E. WOOL, U. S. Army, Chihuahua.
No. 6.
SECRET AND CONFIDENTIAL.]
UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, June 24, 1845.
SIR: Your attention is still particularly directed to the present aspect of the relations between this country and Mexico. It is the earnest desire of the Presi- dent to pursue the policy of peace ; and he is anxious that you, and every part of your squadron, should be assiduously careful to avoid any act which could be construed as an act of aggression.
Should Mexico, however, be resolutely bent on hostilities, you will be mindful to protect the persons and interests of citizens of the United States near your station ; and, should you ascertain beyond a doubt that the Mexican government has declared war against us, you will at once employ the force under your com- mand to the best advantage. The Mexican ports on the Pacific are said to be open and defenceless. If you ascertain with certainty that Mexico has declared war against the United States, you will at once possess yourself of the port of
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San Francisco, and blockade or occupy such other ports as your force may permit.
Yet, even if you should find yourself called upon by the certainty of an ex- press declaration of war against the United States to occupy San Francisco and other Mexican ports, you will be careful to preserve, if possible, the most friendly relations with the inhabitants; and, where you can do so, you will encourage them to adopt a course of neutrality.
Should you fall in with the squadron under Commodore Parker, you will signify to him the wish of the department that, if the state of his vessels will admit of it, he should remain off the coast of Mexico until our relations with that power are more definitely adjusted; and you will take directions from him, as your senior officer, communicating to him these instructions.
The great distance of your squadron, and the difficulty of communicating with you, are the causes for issuing this order. The President hopes most earnestly that the peace of the two countries may not be disturbed. The object of these instructions is to possess you of the views of the government in the event of a declaration of war on the part of Mexico against the United States-an event which you are enjoined to do every thing consistent with the national honour, on your part, to avoid.
Should Commodore Parker prefer to return to the United States, he has per- mission from the department to do so. In that event, you will command the united squadron.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE BANCROFT.
Commodore JOHN D. SLOAT,
Commanding United States naval forces in the Pacific.
No. 7. UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, May 13, 1846.
COMMODORE: The state of things alluded to in my letter of June 24, 1845, has occurred. You will therefore now be governed by the instructions therein contained, and carry into effect the orders then communicated with energy and promptitude, and adopt such other measures for the protection of the persons and interests, the rights and the commerce of the citizens of the United States, as your sound judgment may deem to be required.
When you establish a blockade, you will allow neutrals twenty days to leave the blockaded ports; and you will render your blockade absolute, except against armed vessels of neutral nations.
Commending you and your ships' companies to Divine Providence,
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE BANCROFT.
Commodore JOHN D. SLOAT,
Communding U. S. Squadron, Pacific.
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No. 8.
UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, May 15, 1846.
COMMODORE: By my letter of the 13th instant, forwarded to you through dif- ferent sources, in triplicate, of which a copy is enclosed, you were informed of the existing state of war between this government and the republic of Mexico, and referred to your instructions, bearing date, June 24th, 1845, in reference to such a contingency, and directed to " carry into effect the orders then com- municated, with energy and promptitude, and adopt such other measures for the protection of the persons and interests, the rights and the commerce of the citi- zens of the United States, as your sound judgment may deem to be required."
I transmit you herewith, by the hands of Midshipman McRae, whom you will employ on your station, a file of papers, containing the President's message, and the proceedings of Congress relative to the existing state of war with Mexico. The President, by authority of Congress, has made proclamation of war between the United States and Mexico. You will find a copy of the proclamation in the papers enclosed.
You will henceforth exercise all the rights that belong to you as commander- in-chief of a belligerent squadron.
You will consider the most important public object to be to take and to hold possession of San Francisco, and this you will do without fail.
You will also take possession of Mazatlan and of Monterey, one or both, as your force will permit.
If information received here is correct, you can establish friendly relations between your squadron and the inhabitants of each of these three places.
Enymas is also a good harbour, and is believed to be defenceless. You will judge about attempting it.
When you cannot take and hold possession of a town, you may establish a blockade, if you have the means to do it effectually, and the public interest shall require it.
With the expression of these views, much is left to your discretion, as to the selection of the points of attack, the ports you will seize, the ports which you will blockade, and as to the order of your successive movements.
A connection between California, and even Sonora, and the present govern- ment of Mexico, is supposed scarcely to exist. You will, as opportunity offers, conciliate the confidence of the people in California, and also in Sonora, towards the government of the United States; and you will endeavour to render their relations with the United States as intimate and as friendly as possible.
It is important that you should hold possession, at least, of San Francisco, even while you encourage the people to neutrality, self-government, and friend- ship.
You can readily conduct yourself in such a manner as will render your occu- pation of San Francisco and other ports a benefit to the inhabitants.
Com. Biddle has left, or will soon leave, China. If occasion offers, you will send letters for him to our agent at the Sandwich Islands, conveying to him the wish of the department that he should appear, at once, off California or Sonora.
You will inform the department, by the carliest opportunity, of those ports which you blockade. You will notify neutrals of any declaration of blockade
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you may make, and give to it all proper publicity. Your blockade must be strict, permitting only armed vessels of neutral powers to enter ; but to neutrals already in the ports, you will allow twenty days to leave them.
The frigate " Potomac " and sloop " Saratoga" have been ordered to proceed as soon as possible into the Pacific; and Capt. Aulick in the Potomac, and Com- mander Shubrick in the Saratoga, directed to report to you at Mazatlan, or wher- ever else they may find your forces. You would do well, if occasion offers, to send orders to Callao and Valparaiso, instructing them where to meet you.
Other reinforcements will be sent you as the exigencies of the service may require.
You will communicate with the department as often as you can ; and you will, if practicable, send a messenger with despatches across the country to the Del Norte, and so to Washington.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE BANCROFT.
Commodore JOHN D. SLOAT.
Commanding U. S. naval forces in the Pacific.
No. 9. .
UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, June 8, 1846.
COMMODORE : You have already been instructed, and are now instructed, to employ the force under your command, first, to take possession of San Francisco ; next, to take possession of Monterey ; next, to take possession of such other Mexican ports as you may be able to hold ; next, to blockade as many of the Mexican ports in the Pacific as your force will permit ; and to watch over Ame- rican interests and citizens, and commerce, on the west coast of Mexico.
It is rumoured that the province of California is well disposed to accede to friendly relations with the United States. You will encourage the people of that region to enter into relations of amity with our country.
In taking possession of their harbours, you will, if possible, endeavour to esta- blish the supremacy of the American flag without any strife with the people of California.
The squadron on the east coast of Mexico, it is believed, is in the most friendly relations with Yucatan. In like manner, if California separates herself from our enemy, the central Mexican government, and establishes a government of its own under the auspices of the American flag, you will take such measures as will best promote the attachment of the people of California to the United States; . will advance their prosperity ; and will make that vast region a desirable place of residence for emigrants from our soil.
Considering the great distance at which you are placed from the department, and the circumstances that will constantly arise, much must be left to your dis- cretion. You will bear in mind generally that this country desires to find in California a friend, and not an enemy ; to be connected with it by near ties ; to hold possession of it, at least during the war ; and to hold that possession, if pos- sible, with the consent of its inhabitants.
The sloop of war " Dale," Commander Mckean, sailed from New York, on
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the 3d instant, to join your squadron. The " Lexington," Lieut. Bailey, will sail as soon as she can take on board her stores. The "Potomac" and " Sara- toga," have also been ordered to the Pacific.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE BANCROFT.
Commodore JOHN D. SLOAT,
Commanding U. S. naval forces in the Pacific ocean.
No. 10.
Extract from the General Regulations of the Army-edition of 1825.
ARTICLE 6 .- Relative rank and precedence of land and sea officers.
24. The military officers of the land and sea services of the United States shall rank together as follows: 1st. A lieutenant of the navy with captains of the army. 2d. A master commandant with majors. 3d. A captain of the navy, from the date of his commission, with lieutenant-colonels. 4th. Five years there- after with colonels. 5th. Ten years thereafter, with brigadier-generals; and 6th. Fifteen years after the date of his commission, with major-generals. But, should there be created in the navy the rank of rear-admiral, then such rank only shall be considered equal to that of major-general.
25. Nothing in the preceding paragraph shall authorize a land officer to com- nand any United States vessel or navy yard; nor any sea officer to command any part of the army on land; neither shall an officer of the one service have a ight to demand any compliment, on the score of rank, from an officer of the other ervice.
26. Land troops serving on board a United States vessel as marines, shall be subject to the orders of the sea officer in command thereof. Other land troops, em- parked on board such vessels for transportation merely, will be considered, in espect to the naval commanders, as passengers ; subject, nevertheless, to the in- ernal regulations of the vessel.
No. 11.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 17, 1846.
COMMODORE : The United States being in a state of war by the action of Mexico, it is desired by the prosecution of hostilities to hasten the return of peace, and to secure it on advantageous conditions. For this purpose orders have been given to the squadron in the Pacific to take and keep possession of Upper California, especially of the ports of San Francisco, of Monterey, and of San Diego ; and also, if opportunity offer and the people favour, to take possession, by an inland expedition, of San Pueblo de los Angeles, near San Diego.
On reaching the Pacific, your first duty will be to ascertain if these orders have been carried into effect. If not, you will take immediate possession of Upper California, especially of the three ports of San Francisco, Monterey, and
-
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San Diego, so that if the treaty of peace shall be made on the basis of the uti possidetis, it may leave California to the United States.
The relations to be maintained with the people of Upper California are to be as friendly as possible. The flag of the United States must be raised, but under it the people are to be allowed as much liberty of self-government as is consist- ent with the general occupation of the country by the United States. You, as commander-in-chief of the squadron, may exercise the right to interdict the en- trance of any vessel or articles that would be unfavourable to our success in the war into any of the enemy's ports which you may occupy. With this excep- tion, all United States vessels and merchandise must be allowed, by the local authorities of the ports of which you take possession, to come and go free of duty ; but on foreign vessels and goods reasonable duties may be imposed, collected, and disposed of by the local authorities, under your general superin- tendence.
A military force has been directed by the Secretary of War to proceed to the western coast of California for the purpose of co-operation with the navy, in taking possession of and holding the ports and positions which have been speci- fied, and for otherwise operating against Mexico.
A detachment of these troops, consisting of a company of artillery under command of Captain Tompkins, has sailed in the United States ship Lexington. A regiment of volunteers, under Colonel Stevenson, will soon sail from New York, and a body of troops under Brigadier-general Kearny may reach the coast over Santa Fé. Copies of so much of the instructions to Captain Tomp- kins and General Kearny as relates to objects requiring co-operation are herewith enclosed.
By article 6 of the General Regulations for the Army, (edition of 1825,) which is held by the War Department to be still in force, and of which I enclose you a copy, your commission places you, in point of precedence, on occasions of ceremony or upon meetings for consultation, in the class of major-general ; but no officer of the army or navy, whatever may be his rank, can assume any direct command, independent of consent, over an officer of the other service, excepting only when land forces are especially embarked in vessels of war to do the duty of marines.
The President expects and requires, however, the most cordial and effectual co- operation between the officers of the two services, in taking possession of and holding the ports and positions of the enemy, which are designated in the in- structions to either or both branches of the service, and will hold any commander of either branch to a strict responsibility for any failure to preserve harmony and secure the objects proposed.
The land forces which have been, or will be sent to the Pacific, may be de- pendent upon the vessels of your squadron for transportation from one point to another, and for shelter and protection in case of being compelled to abandon positions on the coast. It may be necessary also to furnish transportation for their supplies, or to furnish the supplies themselves, by the vessels under your direction.
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