Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-10-08
FROM THE ST. LOUIS REPUBLIsAS.
GENERAL KEARNEY'S PROCLAMA'
Tl(lN.


GENERAL KEARNEY's PRoCLAMA-
TlON.
We find in the Lexington Express, received
by yesterdays mail, the following proclama-
ton. Il was furnished by volunteer attach
ed TO the "Army OF the West" and we pre-.
sumo no doubt can be entertained of its genu-
lneness. Ii strikes US as q very extraordinary
document. There might have been some pre-
text tor taking possession OF the territory claimed
by Texas, though never occupied. and which
would embrace the city Of Santa Fe; but that
General KEARsEv should undertake 10 seize
the whole of the Department Of New Mexico
and annex il TO the United States, is an extra
ordinary stretch OF power, which can only be
justified by express instructions from the Pre-
sident.
We had supposed, thatsome formalties were
necessary before such wholesale annexations
of territory could be made 10 the United States.
But it is said TO be '',he wish and the intention
OF the United States to provide for New Mexi-
co free government with the least possible
delay. similar TO those in the United States.
And the people of New Mexico will then be
called on to exercise the rights Of freemen in
electing their own representatives to the Terri
torial Legislature" This is broad enough,
and shows that Gen. KEARHEY has acted I'M
der the instructions of the President and tina:
it is no, deemed necessary TO consult Congress
or the people in matter Of so grave charac.
ter. For strict construcuonist of the cons;i-
tuition, the President seems to us as a gentle
man of about as easy manners as any official
we have ever met with, even in these DAYS Of
progressive Locofocoism."
PROCLAMATION
To the inhabitants Of .Nstc .Merico By Brigadier
General 5. w. krARNEY, commanding the
troops ofthe Z. States in the same.
As by he act Of the Republic of Mexico, a
state OF war exists between that Government
and the United States, and as the undersigned,
al the head Of his troops on the 18th inst. took
possession Of Santa Fe, the Capital of the De
partment Of New Mexico, he now announces
his intention to hold the Department with its
original boundaries (on both sides Of the Del
Norte) as a part of the United States, and un
der the name of the Territory of New Mexico.
The undersigned has come TO New Mexico
with strong military force, and an equally
strong one is following close in his rear. He
has more troops than necessary TO pu, down
any opposition that can possibly be brought
against him, and therefore ii would be but fol-
/ ly or madness for any dissatisfied or discon-
tented persons to think Of resisting him.
| The undersigned has instructions from his
Government to respect the religious institutions
of New Mexico, 10 protect the property of the
Church, to cause the worship Of those belong
ing 10 ii to be undIsturbeo, and their religious
rights In the amplest manner preserved to
them. Also to protect the person and proper
ty of all quiet and peaceable inhabitants with
in its boundaries, against their enemies, the
Eutaws, Navahoes and others, and while he
assures all that il viii be his pleasure as well
as his duty to comply with those instructions,
he calls upon them to exert themselves in pre-
serving order, in promoting concord, and in
maintaining the authority and efficiency ofthe
Laws; and to require OF those who have left
their homes and taken up arms against the
troops of the United States, to return forthwith
to them, or else they will be considered as en-
emies and traitors, subjecting their persons to
punishment and their property to seizure and
confiscation, for the benefit Of the public Treas
ury.
1t is the wish and intention Of the United
States TO provide for New Mexico free gov
ernment with the least possible delay, similar
to those in the United States and the people of
New Mexico will then be called on TO exercise
the rights of freemen in electing their own Re
representatives. to the Territorial legislature, but
until this can be done the laws hitherto in ex-
iSWuVe VIII ue Tuutluueu uutl CndDgeu OF
modified by competent authority, and those
persons holding office will continue in the
same for the present, provided they will con-
slider themselves good citizens and willing to
take the oath of allegiance to the United States
The undersigned, hereby absolves all per-
sons residing within the boundary Of New
Mexico, from further allegiance to the Repub-
lie of Mexico, and hereby claims them as c;ti-
gems of the United States. Those who remain
quiet and peaceable will be considered as good
citizens. and receive protection. Those who
are found in arms, or instigating other against
the United States, will be considered as traitors,
and treated accordingly. DoS MANUAL Ar
MILO. the late Governor of this department has
fled from it, The undersigned has taken pos
session of ii without firing gun, or spilng
drop of blood, IN which he most truly rejoices,
and for the present will be considered as Gov
er1,or Of the Territory.
Given at Santa Fe, the Capital Of the Terri
tory of New Mexico, this 23d day of August,
ls46, and in the 7lst year the Independence
of the United States
BY the Governor,
S. w. KEARNEY, Brig. Gen.