Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1846-10-07
Commodore SlOat'S Proclamation.


TO THE INHABITANTS OF CALIFORNIA.
The Central Government of Mexico
having commenced hostilities against the
United States force 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 de-
stroyed, and all their artillery, baggage,
&c. captured, on the 9Th and 9th OF May
last, by force of two thousand three hum
dred men. under the command of Gen.
Taylor, and the city of Matamoras taken
and occupied by the forces of the United
States:
The two nations being actually at war
by this transaction, shall hoist the stand
ard OF the United States at Monterey i'm
mediately, and shall carry 1t throughout
California.
IdecIare to the inhabitants of California
that although come in arms, with pow
erful force, do not come among them as
an enemy TO California, but on the contra
ry, come as their best friend, as hence
forward California will be portion of the
United States, and its peaceable inhabH-
ants will enjoy the same rights and prl-
vileges as the citizens of any other portion
of that nation, with all the rights and prI-
vileges they now enjoy; together with the
privilege of choosing their own magls-
raies, and other officers, for the admins
tration of Justice among themselves, and
the same protection will be extended to
them as to any other State of the Union;
they will also enjoy permanent govern
ment, under which life, property, and the
constitutional rights and lawful security to
worship the Creator in way most congo
NAL 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 advance and improve, both IN agrl-
culture and commerce, as of course The
revenue laws will be the same in Calitor-
MIA as in all other parts of the United
States-aiiording them all manufactures
and produce of the United States, free oil
any duty, and all foreign goods at one quar-
ter 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 great interest and kind feel.
ings know the Government and people
of the United States possess towards the
citizens of California, the country canno
but improve more rapidly than any othel
on the continent of America.
Such Of the inhabitants of California
whether natives or foreigners, as may nc
be disposed to accept the high privlleg
of citizenship, and to live peaceably unde
the free government of the United State:
will he allnwed iimo TO dispose OF ihci
property, and TO remove out of the coun
try, if they choose, without any restriction
or TO remain in it, observing strict net
trality.
With full confidence in the honor an
integrity of the inhabitants of the coun
try, | invite the Judges, Alcaldes, an
other civil officers, to retain their offices
and TO execute their functions as hereto
fore, that the public tranquility may nc
, be disturbed, at least until the governmer
. of the territory can be more defnitel
arranged.
All persons holding titles of real estate
, or in quiet possession of lands under colo
: of right, shall have their titles and right
{ guaranteed to them. All churches, an
the property they contain, in possession {
. the clergy of California, shall continue
: the same rights and possession they no'
!. enjoy.
All provisions and supplies of ever
kind, furnished by the inhabitants for th
use of the United States ships or troop.
u u will be paid for at fair rates; and no pr
), vate property will be taken for public u;
;, without just compensation at the mOmen
!. (Signed) JOHN D. SLOAT,
G Commqnder-in-Ch Chief U. S. Napal fore
IS IN the Pacific Ocean.