USA > California > The conquest of California and New Mexico, by the forces of the United States, in the years 1846 & 1847 > Part 9
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103
PACIFIC SQUADRON.
CHAPTER VII.
Pacific Squadron-Com. Sloat-Any Emergency-Distance and Difficulty of Communication-Orders and Instructions-Operations commenced-Bay of Monterey occupied-Proclamation-Bay of San Francisco-Capt. Fremont- Enrolment of Militia-British Man of War-Company of Dragoons-Com. Sloat returns to the United States-Com. Stockton-Operations and De- spatches-Proclamation-Tariff and Civil Government-Newspaper esta- blished-Com. Stockton and Fremont-Despatch-Fremont Governor- Insurrection-Los Angeles-Santa Barbara-Battle-Military and Naval Operations-Settlements and Towns-Com. Stockton's Despatches-Gen. Kearny and Battles of Los Angeles-Fremont and Capitulation-Com. Stockton-Gen. Kearny and Col. Fremont meet at Los Angeles and separate -Com. Shubrick arrives-Capt. Tompkins' Artillery, and Col. Stevenson's Regiment-Com. Shubrick, Gen. Kearny and Joint-Circular-Col. Mason, of First Dragoons, Governor and Commander-in-chief of the Land Forces- Gen. Kearny, Com. Stockton, and Col. Fremont returns-American flag waves over California.
OF the combination of forces employed in the conquest of Cali- fornia and New Mexico, the Pacific Squadron had been early pre- pared to perform an active and efficient part.
On the 24th of June, 1845, Com. John D. Sloat, commanding the United States naval forces in the Pacific,* was instructed by a "secret and confidential" order of the Navy Department, "as soon as he ascertained with certainty that Mexico had declared war against the United States," at once to possess himself of the port of San Francisco, and to blockade or occupy such ports as his force might permit." In fact, he was required "to exercise all the belligerent rights which belonged to him on the declaration of war, or the commencement of hostilities."
Com. Sloat lost no time in preparing to meet any emergency that might arise, having, at that time, and on that distant coast, to contemplate not only the probability as to Mexico, but the possi- bility of a war with England. At the commencement of the year 1846, the largest American fleet ever collected in that quarter,
* Appendix, No. 6.
104
INSTRUCTIONS TO COM. SLOAT.
were on the west coast of Mexico. The Pacific squadron was then composed of the frigates Savannah of 52 guns ; (the Consti- tution 50, and the Congress 52 guns under orders to join,) the sloops of war Portsmouth, Levant and Cyane, each of 22 guns, with the Warren of 24,-in all 244 guns and 2210 officers and men. This gallant force anxiously awaited the arrival of the President's message, to learn his views in regard to our Oregon and Mexican relations, especially in reference to the latter. In the confidential instructions, Com. Sloat's attention had been par- ticularly called to the then aspect of the relations between this country and Mexico-that it was "the earnest desire of the Pre- sident to pursue the policy of peace," &c .- " should Mexico, however, be resolutely bent on ' hostilities," he was required "to protect the persons and interests of citizens of the United States near his station; and should he ascertain, beyond a doubt, that the Mexican government had declared war" against the United States, he was "at once to employ the forces under his command to the best advantage." The then Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Bancroft, added, "The great distance of your squadron, and the difficulty of communicating with you, is the cause of issuing this order."
The line of conduct prescribed by these instructions was ob- served by this officer " with such intelligence and fidelity, that no complaint has ever been made of any unauthorized aggression on his part."*
On the 13th of May, 1846, the Secretary of the Navy wrote to inform Commodore Sloat that "the state of things alluded to in his letter of June 24, 1845," had occurred ; that he should be governed by the instructions therein contained, and should "carry into effect the orders then communicated, with energy and promptitude."
Two days thereafter, the Secretary again wrote him, and trans- mitted through Midshipman McRae, sent express, a file of papers containing the President's message, proceedings of Congress, and the President's proclamation of war, &c.
* Report of Secretary Mason, of December 5, 1846.
105
INSTRUCTIONS TO COM. SLOAT.
On the 8th of June following, Com. Sloat was told by the Sec- retary of the Navy, "it is rumoured the province of California is well disposed to accede to friendly relations with the United States ;" that he should " encourage the people of that region to enter into relations of amity with our country ;" and that, "in taking posses- sion of their harbours," he should "if possible, endeavour to establish the supremacy of the American flag without any strife with the people of California," &c .*
The order, now given entire, contains the substancet of the two mentioned above, with other details :
UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, July 12, 1846.
COMMODORE : Previous instructions have informed you of the intention of this government, pending the war with Mexico, to take and hold possession of California. For this end a company of artillery, with cannon, mortars, and munitions of war, is sent to you in the Lexington, for the purpose of co-operating with you, according to the best of your judgment, and of occupying, under your direction, such post or posts as you may deem expedient in the bay of Monterey, or in the bay of San Francisco, or in both. In the absence of a military officer higher than captain, the selec- tion of the first American post or posts on the waters of the Pa- cific, in California, is left to your discretion.
The object of the United States is, under its rights as a bellige- rent nation, to possess itself entirely of Upper California.
When San Francisco and Monterey are secured, you will, if possible, send a small vessel of war to take and hold possession of the port of San Diego; and it would be well to ascertain the views of the inhabitants of Pueblo de los Angeles, who, according to information received here, may be counted upon as desirous of coming under the jurisdiction of the United States. If you can take possession of it, you should do so.
* The letters from which quotations are here made, may be found in Ex. Doc. No. 19, of House of Reps. of U. S., 2d sess. 29th Cong., which embraces all the orders as yet promulgated, and are here seriatim noticed or given in full.
+ Appendix, Nos. 7, 8, and 9.
106
INSTRUCTIONS TO COM. SLOAT.
The object of the United States has reference to ultimate peace with Mexico ; and if, at that peace, the basis of the uti possidetis shall be established, the government expects, through your forces, to be found in actual possession of Upper California.
This will bring with it the necessity of a civil administration. Such a government shall be established under your protection ; and, in selecting persons to hold office, due respect should be had to the wishes of the people of California, as well as to the actual possessors of authority in that province. It may be proper to require an oath of allegiance to the United States from those who are intrusted with authority. You will also assure the people of California of the protection of the United States.
In reference to commercial regulations in the ports of which you are in actual possession, ships and produce of the United States should come and go free of duty.
For your further instruction, I enclose to you a copy of confi- dential instructions from the War Department to Brig .- Gen. S. W. Kearny, who is ordered, overland, to California. You will also communicate your instructions to him, and inform him that they have the sanction of the President.
The government relies on the land and naval forces to co-operate with each other in the most friendly and effective manner.
After you shall have secured Upper California, if your force is sufficient, you will take possession, and keep the harbours on the Gulf of California as far down, at least, as Guaymas. But this is not to interfere with the permanent occupation of Upper California.
A regiment of volunteers from the state of New York, to serve during the war, have been called for by the government, and are expected to sail from the 1st to the 10th of August. This regiment will, in the first instance, report to the naval commander on your station, but will ultimately be under the command of Gen. Kearny, who is appointed to conduct the expedition by land.
The term of three years having nearly expired since you have been in command of the Pacific squadron, Com. Shubrick will soon be sent out in the Independence to relieve you. The department
107
INSTRUCTIONS TO COM. BIDDLE.
confidently hopes that all Upper California will be in our hands before the relief shall arrive.
Very respectfully,
GEORGE BANCROFT.
Com. JOHN D. SLOAT,
Commanding U. S. Naval Forces in the Pacific ocean.
This was followed by the order of August 13, given entire below :
UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, August 13, 1846.
SIR: 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.
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 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 Cali-
- fornia 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 consistent 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 entrance of any vessel or articles, that would be un- favourable to our success in the war, into any of the enemy's ports which you may occupy. With this exception, all United States vessels and merchandise must be allowed, by the local authorities
108
INSTRUCTIONS TO COM. BIDDLE.
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 superintendence.
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 specified, 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 Col. Stevenson, will soon sail from New York; and a body of troops under Brigadier-general Kearny may reach the coast via Santa Fé. Copies of so much of the instructions to Capt. Tompkins and Gen. Kearny as relates to objects requiring co-operation are here- with enclosed .*
By article 6 of the "General Regulations for the Army,"t 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 [that is, the commission of Commodore Biddle ] places you in point of prece- dence, 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, inde- pendent of consent, over an officer of the other service, excepting only when land forces are specially 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 instructions 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.
* See Chapter 4, and Appendix.
t Appendix, No. 10.
109
INSTRUCTIONS TO COM. BIDDLE.
· The land forces which have been or will be sent to the Pacific may be dependent upon the vessels of your squadron for transpor- tation 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.
In all such cases you will furnish all the assistance in your power which will not interfere with objects that, in your opinion, are of greater importance.
You will, taking care, however, to advise with any land officer of high rank-say of the rank of brigadier-general-who may be at hand, make the necessary regulations for the ports that may be occupied.
Having provided for the full possession of Upper California, the next point of importance is the Gulf of California. From the best judgment I can form, you should take possession of the port of Guaymas. The progress of our arms will probably be such that, in conjunction with land forces, you will be able to hold possession of Guaymas, and so to reduce all the country north of it on the gulf.
As to the ports south of it, especially Mazatlan and Acapulco, it is not possible to give you special instructions. Generally, you "will take possession of, or blockade, according to your best judg- ment, all Mexican ports as far as your means allow ; but south of Guaymas, if the provinces rise up against the central government, and manifest friendship towards the United States, you may, according to your discretion, enter into a temporary agreement of neutrality. But this must be done only on condition that our ships have free access to their ports, and equal commercial rights with those of other nations ; that you are allowed to take in water and fuel, to purchase supplies, to go to and from shore without obstruc- tion, as in time of peace ; and that the provinces which are thus neutral shall absolutely abstain from contributing towards the con- tinuance of the war by the central government of Mexico against the United States.
K
110
INSTRUCTIONS TO COM. SHUBRICK.
Generally you will exercise the rights of a belligerent ; and bear in mind that the greater advantages you obtain, the more speedy and the more advantageous will be the peace.
The Savannah, the Warren, and the" Levant ought soon to re- turn. If you hear of peace between the United States and Mexico, you will at once send them home.
If war continues, you will send them home singly, or in com- pany, at the earliest day they can be spared. The Savannah will go to New York, and the Warren and Levant to Norfolk.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE BANCROFT.
To Com. JAMES BIDDLE, or Com. R. F. STOCKTON, or The SENIOR OFFICER in command of the
United States Naval Forces in the Pacific ocean.
Four days after the date of the above, on the 17th of August, Mr. Bancroft addressed to "Commodore W. B. Shubrick, ap- pointed to command the United States naval forces in the Pacific ocean," a letter of instructions* exactly similar, (with the omission of the words in brackets, " that is the commission of Commodore Biddle,) and with the insertion of the following :
" Should Commodore Biddle be in the Pacific, off the shores of Mexico, at the time you arrive there, you will report yourself to him ; and as long as he remains off the coast of Mexico, you will act under his direction in concert with him, communicating to him these instructions."
On the 1st of July, 1846, the naval forces under the command of Com. Sloat consisted of the frigate Savannah; sloops Ports- mouth, Levant, Warren, and Cyane; schooners Shark, and store-ship Erie. They were reinforced by the frigate Congress, Commodore Stockton ; the sloops Saratoga,* Dale, and Preble, and
* Appendix, No. 11.
+ Saratoga, disabled by stress of weather, returned before reaching her destina- tion.
111
COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS.
by the razee Independence, under command of Com. W. Bradford Shubrick, who went out to relieve Com. Sloat, under orders issued in August, 1846.
The frigate Columbus, Com. James Biddle, had also been or- dered on the 6th of January, 1846, from the China seas, to the north-west coast of America, and to assume the command, but could not reach the station till a later period.
The active operations of the Pacific squadron were commenced under the order of June, 1845, which required the commander of the naval forces "to exercise all the belligerent rights which be- longed to him on the declaration of war, or the commencement of hostilities by Mexico against the United States."
On the 7th of June, 1846, Com. Sloat received, at Mazatlan, satisfactory information, through Mexico, "that the Mexican troops, six or seven thousand strong, had, by order of the Mexican go- vernment, invaded the territory of the United States, north of the Rio Grande, and had attacked the forces under Gen. Taylor, and that the squadron of the United States was blockading the ports of Mexico on the Gulf, and he properly considered these hostilities as justifying his commencing offensive operations on the west coast."*
Distance had precluded their knowledge of the order of the 13th of May, 1846; issued on the day when the American Con- gress recognised the fact that war existed-and, indeed, of all the subsequent instructions, until the Conquest of California had been almost consummated.
Thus had the time of action arrived, and right quickly did our gallant tars enter upon a series of achievements as glorious and important as they were novel and exciting.
On the day after the receipt of the war news, Com. Sloat, in the flag-ship Savannah, left Mazatlan, and, on the 2d of July, reached Monterey in Upper California. Here he found the Cyane and Levant, and learned that the Portsmouth was at San Francisco, as before arranged. -
* Report of the Secretary of the Navy.
112
SEIZURE OF MONTEREY.
Having previously examined the defences, &c., of the town, and made every arrangement, on the morning of the 7th, Capt. Wm. Mervine, of the United States navy, was sent to demand its immediate surrender. By 9 o'clock A. M., the answer of the Mexican commandant was received. He stated that he was not authorized to surrender the place, and referred Com. Sloat to the commanding general of California, Don Jose Castro. By 10 o'clock, the necessary force of 250 seamen and marines were landed under the immediate command of Capt. Mervine, assisted by Commander H. N. Page, as second, and were immediately marched to the custom-house, where Com. Sloat's "proclamation was read, the standard of the United States hoisted amid three hearty cheers, by the troops and foreigners present, and a salute of twenty-one guns fired by all the ships. Immediately after- wards, the proclamation, both in English and Spanish, was posted up about the town, and two justices of the peace appointed to preserve order and punish delinquencies, the alcaldes declining to serve."* ,
The following is the proclamation above alluded to :-
To the Inhabitants of California.
The central government of Mexico having commenced hostili- ties against the United States of America, by invading its territory, and attacking the troops of the United States stationed on the north side of the Rio Grande, and with a force of 7000 men under the command of Gen. Arista, which army was totally destroyed, and all their artillery, baggage, &c., captured on the 8th and 9th of May last, by a force of 2300 men, under the command of Gen. Taylor, and the city of Matamoras taken and occupied by the forces of the United States, and the two nations being actually at war by this transaction, I shall hoist the standard of the United States at Monterey immediately, and shall carry it throughout Cali- fornia.
I declare to the inhabitants of California, that, although I come
* Com. Sloat's despatch, of 31st of July, 1846.
113
COM. SLOAT'S PROCLAMATION.
in arms with a powerful force, I do not come among them as an enemy to California : on the contrary, I come as their best friend, as henceforth California will be a portion of the United States, and its peaceable inhabitants will enjoy the same rights and pri- vileges they now enjoy, together with the privilege of choosing their own magistrates and other officers for the administration of justice among themselves, and the same protection will be ex- tended to them as to any other State in the Union. They will also enjoy a permanent government, under which life, property, and the constitutional right and lawful security to worship the Creator in the way most congenial to each one's sense of duty, will be secured, which, unfortunately, the central government of Mexico cannot afford them, destroyed, as her resources are by in- · ternal factions, and corrupt officers, who create constant revolu- tions to promote their own interests and oppress the people. Under the flag of the United States, California will be free from all such troubles and expense ; consequently, the country will rapidly advance and improve both in agriculture and commerce, as, of course, the revenue laws will be the same in California as in all other parts of the United States, affording them all manufac- tures and produce of the United States, free of any duty, and all foreign goods at one quarter of the duty they now pay. A great increase in the value of real estate and the products of California may also be anticipated.
With the great interest and kind feelings I know the govern- ment and people of the United States possess towards the citi- zens of California, the country cannot but improve more rapidly than any other on the continent of America.
Such of the inhabitants of California, whether native or foreign- ers, as may not be disposed to accept the high privileges of citi- zenship, and to live peaceably under the government of the United States, will be allowed time to dispose of their property, and to remove out of the country, if they choose, without any restriction ; or remain in it, observing strict neutrality.
With full confidence in the honour and integrity of the inhabit- ants of the country, I invite the judges, alcaldes, and other civil x2 8
114
SUMMONS TO GEN. CASTRO.
officers, to retain their offices, and to execute their functions as heretofore, that the public tranquillity may not be disturbed ; at least, until the government of the territory can be more definitely arranged.
All persons holding titles to real estate, or in quiet possession of lands under a colour of right, shall have those titles and rights guarantied to them.
All churches, and the property they contain, in possession of the clergy of California, shall continue in the same rights and posses- sions they now enjoy.
All provisions and supplies of every kind furnished by the inhabitants for the use of the United States ships. and soldiers will be paid for at fair rates ; and no private property will be taken for public use without just compensation at the moment.
JOHN D. SLOAT,
Commander-in-chief of the United States · Naval Force in the Pacific ocean.
Previous to landing, Com. Sloat had an order read to the crews of all the ships, in the spirit of the proclamation, enforcing order, vigilance, &c., so that, from the moment of landing to that of de- parture, not the least depredation, or slightest injury, or irregu- larity, was committed.
Immediately after taking possession of Monterey, a courier was despatched to Don Jose Castro, with a copy of the proclamation, requiring him, in order to prevent the sacrifice of life and the hor- rors of war, to surrender every thing under his control and juris- diction in California ; and he was invited to meet Com. Sloat at Monterey, to enter into articles of capitulation, that he, with his officers and soldiers, together with the inhabitants of California, might receive assurance of perfect safety to themselves and pos- terity.
To which a reply, dated " Head-quarters, San Juan de Bautista, July 9," was received, stating, that in a matter of so much import- ance, he must consult the governor and assembly of the depart- ment ; meanwhile, he should spare no sacrifice in the defence of
115
SEIZURE OF YERBA BUENA.
the country under his charge, as long as he could reckon on a single individual to join him in the cause.
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