Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1846-12-04
PROCLAMATION OF GOV. STOCKTON

Com. Stockton, as Commnnder.in-chef and
Governor of California" issued the following
proclamation soon after taking possession Of tho
Mexican territory:
To the People Of California:
On my approach 10 this place with tho forces
under my command, Jose Castro, the Comman.
der General of California, buried his artillery
and abandoned his fortified camp "of the Mesa,
aud fed, it io believed, toward Mexico.
With the sailors, the marines, and the Call!
forniu battalion Of mounted rinemen, VIC entered
the "City Of the Angels" the capital OF Calilor
MIA, on the 18Th OF August, and hoisted the
North American Flag.
The flag Of the United States is now flying
from every commanding position in the Terrific
ry, and California is entirely free from Mexican
dominion.
The Territory Of California now belongs to
the United States and will be governed, as soon
as circumstances may permit, by officers & laws
similar TO those by which the other Territories
Of tho United States are regulated and protected
But until the Governor, the Secretary and
Council are appointed and the various civil dc.
parments Of the Government are arranged, mill.
tary law will prevail, and the Commander.in.
Chief will be the Governor and protector of the
Territory.
In the mean time the people will be permitted
and are now requested, to meet in their several
towns and Departments at such time and place
as they may see ft TO elect civil officers 10 fill
the places Of those who decline 10 continue in
office, and to administer the laws according tc
The usages of the territory.
In all cases where the people fail to elect, the
Commander-in. Chief and tho Governor, will
make the appointments himself.
All persons, of whatever religion or nation,
who faithfully adhere to tho new Government
will be considered as clizens fthe Territory, anC
will be zealously and thoroughly protected in the
liberty Of conscience, their persons and properly
No persons will be permitted 10 remain in tht
territory who do not agree 10 support the exist
ing government, and all military men who desir,
to remain, are required to take an oath that they
will not take up arms against it, or do or say any
thing to disturb the peace.
Nor will any persons, como from where the,
may. be permitted 10 settle in the territory, VIII,
do not pledgs themselves 10 be, in all respects
obodent TO the laws which may be, from tim
to time enacted by the proper authorities Of III
territory.
All persons who, without special permission
are found with arms outside OF their own house
will be considered as enemies, and will be shir
ped out of the country.
All thieves will be put to hard labor on tn
public works, and there kept until compensate
is made for the properly stolen.
The California battalion Of mounted rAeme
will be kept n the service of the territory an
; constantly on duty, to prevent and punish any ai
gresson by the lndians, or any other person
upon the properly of individuals or the peace
! the terrI'ory-and California shall hereafter
: so governed and defended as TO give security
: the inhabitants and defy the power Of Mexico.
% Il is required that all persons shall remain
their houses from ten IL, night until sunrise
y Tho morning during the time this territory is u
II der military law.
= Signed R. F STOCKTON,
l. Commander.in Chief and Governor Of the TIE
Ir rtory OF California.
n Cl,y OF the Angels, California, Aug. II, le4(