Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1846-10-03
To the Inhabilnnt. Of California.

The Central Government oil Mexico having commenced
hostilities against tho the United States OF America, by In
yading It's 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 tho command Of Gen.
Arists, which army was totally destroyed and all their arth-
lery, baggage, etc. captured on the 9Th and 9th OF May
last, by a force Of two thousand three hundred men. under
the command OF Gen. Taylor. and the city Of Matamoras
taken and occupied by the forces Of the United States.
Tho two nations being actually nj war by this transac-
ton, I shall hoist tho standard OF the United States ut Mon
terey Immediately, and shall carry IL throughout Cslifor-
mia.
l declare to the inhabitants OF California, that although l
como in arms, with a powerful force. l do not come among
them as an enemy TO California, but on the contrary. l
come as their best friend, as honceforwsrd California will
be a portion OF the United States, and Its p~eaceablc inhab-
itsnts Will enjoy the same rights and privileges as the cin-
zens OF any other portion OF that nation, with all tho rights
and privileges they now enjoy; together with the privilege
Of choosing their own magistrates, and other officers for
the administration of justice among themselves, and the
sams protection will be extended To them a. to any oihtr
State Of the Union; they will also enjoy . permanent GO
vernment, under which life, property, and the constitution
al rights and lawful security to worship the Creator in q
way most congcnial 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 con-
slant revolutions TO promote their own interests, and OPP
press the people. Under the flag OF the United States.
California will be free from ali such troubles and expenses,
consequently the county 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 part, Of
the United Ststes-ahording them all manufactures and
produce Of the United States. free from any duty, and all
foreign goods a X one quarter OF the uuy tncy noW pay
A grcai. increase in the value of real estate. and the pro-
ducts Of California. may reasonable be expected.
With the great interest and kind feelings | know tho
Government and people Of the United States possess to-
wards the citizens OF California, the country cannot but
improve more rapidly than any other on the continent Of
America.
Such Of The Inhabitants Of California. whether natives or
foreigners, as may not be disposed to accept the high priyi.
lego OF citizenship, and to live peaeeably under the free
government Of tho United States, will be allowed time to
dispose OF their property and to remove out Of The country,
II they choose, without any restriction; or remain in IL, OBJ.
serving strict neutrality.
With full confidence in the honor and integrity Of the
Inhabitants Of the country, | invite the, Judges hlcsdes,
and other civil officers. to retain their offices, and to exc
cute their functions as heretofore, that the public tranquility
may not be disturbed, atleast, until the government OF the
territory can be more definitely arranged.
All persons holding titles VI real estate, or in quiet pos
session Of lands under color Of right, shall have their titles
and rights guaranteed to them. All churches, and the pro.
perty they contain, in possession Of the clergy of Califor-
MIA shall continue in the same rights and possession they
now enjoy.
All provisions aud supplies OF every kind. furnished by
the inhabitants for the use Of the United States ships or
troops. will be paid for at fair rates, and no private proper
y will be taken for public use without just compensation u,
the moment.
(SignedJ John ID. SLoAT,
COMMANDMENTS Chief OF the U. S. Naval forces
in the Pacific Ocean
US. SUR SAVANNAH,
Harbor Of Monterey, July 6, 1876.