State journal & flag., 1846-10-23
STATE JOURNAL & FLAG OF THE UNION.
California.

Below we publish the Proclamation oil
Commodore Sloat, commander of The Pa
ci6c Squadron, to the inhabitants OF Cali
fornia, on his taking possession of that Pro-
vince, from which it appears that that coun.
try has been formally annexed 10 the United
States.
TO THE INHABITANTS OF CALI.
FORNIA.
The Central Government of Mexico having
commenced hostiltles against the United
States OF America, by invading its territory,
and attacking the troops Of the United States
Stationed at the north side of the Rio Grande,
with force of seven thousand men, under
the command of Gen. Arista, which army
was totally destroyed and all their artillery.
baggage, etc. captured, on the 9Th and 9th
Of May last, by force of two thousand and
three hundred men, under The command oil
Gen. Taylor, and The city of Matamoras ia
ken and occupied by the forces of the Uni
ted Safes.
The two nations being actually at war by
this Transaction, | shall hoist the standard
of the United States at Monterey immedi-
ately, and shall carry it through c lfornia.
| declare 10 the inhabitants of California,
that although como 10 arms, with power
ful force.--I do not come among them as
the enemy Of California. but On the contrary,
come us their best friend, as henceforla
California, will be a portion of the United
States. and its peaceable inhabitants will
enjoy the same rights and privileges as the
citizens of any other portion of that nation,
with ali the rights and privileges they now
enjoy; together with the privilege Of choos
ing their own magistrates, and other Officers,
for the administration OF Justice among them
selves, and the same protection will be ex.
tended TO them as to any other State of the
Union; they will also enjoy a permanent
government under which life. property, and
The constitutional rights and lawful security
to worship the Creator in way most con.
genial to each ones sense of duty, will be
secure; which, unfortunately, the Central
Government of Mexico cannot afford them.
destroyed as her resources are, by internal
factions and corrupt officers, who create
constant revolutions 10 promote their own
interests, and Cypress the people. Under
the flag of The United States, California will
be free from all such troubles and expenses,
consequently the country will rapidly ad
vance and improve, both in agriculture and
commerce, as Of course the revenue laws
will be the same in California as in other
parts OF the United Slates-affording them
all manufactures and produce of the United
fafo fro AItu nj e.
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
reasonably be expected.
With the greatest interest and kind feel.
ings | know the Government and people Of
the United States possess towards the citi-
zens OF California. the country cannot bu
improve more rapidly than any other on the
continent Of America.
Such Of the inhabitants Of California
whether natives or foreigners. as NAV not BIZ
disposed to accept the high privilege of citi-
zenship, and TO live peaceaby under the free
government OF the United States, will b,
allowed time TO dispose OF their property anc
to remove out of the country, if they choose
without any restriction or 10 ROMAN in IL
observing strict neutrality.
With full confidence in the honor and in
fegrity of The inhabitants of the country,
invite the Judges, Alcades, and other clvi
| officers, TO retain their Offices, and TO exc
cute their functions as heretofore, that tn,
public tranquility may not be disturbed. a
least, until the government of the territor,
can be more definitely arranged.
All persons holding titles of real estate. o
in quiet possession of lands under color q
right, shall have their titles and rights guar
anteed TO them. All churches, and III,
property they contain, in possession of tb,
clergy of California, shall continue in tn,
same rights and possession they now enjoy
All provisions and supplies of every kind
furnished by the inhabitants for the use OF tn,
United States ships or troops, will be pait
for at fair prices, and no private property
will be taken for public use without Just com
pensation at the moment.
| (Signed,) JOHN d. SHOAT.
Commander-in-chief of the U. S. Naval
forces of the Pacific Ocean
U. S. SHIP SAVANNAH. }
Harbor Of Monterey, July 6, 1916.
~---~~-~~~--~-->-~