Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1846-12-26

UNITED STATES NAVY Drr.nrmrsr,

UsIrED STATES NAVY DEPARTmEST,
81 n07 WAsHISeToN, JUsE 8, 1916.
CoNMoDoRE You have already been instructed, and are
instructed employ the force under your command first
take possession Of San Francisco next take posses
sion of Monterey next to take possession of such other
Mexican ports You may be able to hold next to blockade
many Of the Mexican ports in the Pacific your force
will permit and to watch American interests and citizens
and commerce, on the west coast Of Mexico.
II is nmored that the province Of California is well dispos-
ed TO accede TO friendly relations with the United States You
will encourage the people Of that region into relations
OF amy with our country.
endeavor establish the supremacy Of the American flag
without any strife with the people of California.
The squadron the OF Mexico il is believed
in the most friendly relations with Yucalan In like manner
if California separates herself from enemy the Central
Mexican Government, and establishes government Of its
own, under the auspices of the American flag you will take
such will best promote the attachment of the peo-
pie of California the United States will advance the pros
pery, and will make that region desirable place of
sidence for emgrants from SOIL
Considering the great distance which you placed from
the Department, and the circumstances that will constantly
arise much be left your discretion. You will bear in
mind generally that this country desires to find in California
friend and not enemy to be connected with by near
ties hold possession of it, at least during the and
hold that possession if possible with the consent of its nha
bitants.
The sloop.of-war "Dae," Commander Mexican, sailed
from New York on the Sd instant to join your squadron
The Lexington, Lieut.. Bailey win sail as she
take board her stores. he Pot0mac and Saratoga
have also been ordered TO the Pacific.
am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE BANCROFT
| Com. John ID, SLo.T,
Cong u. S. Naval forces in the Pacific ocean,
UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT.,
WAsHlNsToN, JULY IL, 1916
CoMNoDoRE Previous instructions have informed you Of
the intention of this Government pending the with Mex
leo, take and hold possession of California For this end
company of artillery, with cannon morars, and munitions
of is sent you the Lexington for the purpose Of
operating with YOU according to the best Of your Judgment
and of occupying under your direction such post posts
you may deem expedient in the Bay of Monterey, in the
Bay Of San Francisco in BOTH In the absence of a mill
ary officer higher than captain, the selection of the first Ae
rcan post posts the waters of the Pacific California
left to your discretion.
The object Of the United States is under its rights as
bellgeen nation, possess itself entirely of Upper California
When San Francisco and Monterey secured, you WILL
possible send small vessel of take and hold posses
of the port of San Diego and it would be well to ascc
tain the views Of the inhabitants of Pueblo de los Angeles
who according to information received here may be
ed upon DESTROYS of coming under the jurisdiction of the
United States If you take possession of it you should
do
The object of the United States has reference to ultimate
peace with Mexico and if at that peace the basis of the m
possdets shall be established, the Government expects
through your forces TO be found in actual possession Of Upper
California.
This will bring with the necessity of civil administra
ton Such government should be established under your
selecting persons 10 mold
should be had to the wishes Of the people of California rs well
the actual possessors Of authority in that province 1t
may be proper to require an oath of allegiance to the United
SiafAs from those W n" are '"..h ""h"y 70" 'h
also the people of California Of the protection of the
United States.
In reference commercial regulations in the ports which
you in actual possession ships and produce the United
States should come and go free Of duty.
For your further instruction enclose you copy of
dential instructions from the War Department Bngadier
General s. W. Kearny, who is ordered overland to California
You will also communicate your instructions to him. and in
form him that they have the sanction of the President
The Government relies the land and naval forces
operate with each other in the most friendly and effective
manner
After you shall have secured Upper California yoar force
sufficient you will take possession of and keep the harbors
the Gulf Of California far down Guymas But
this not to interfere with the permanent occupation of Upper
California.
during the have been called for by the Govern
ment and expected sail from the first the tenth of
August This regiment will in the first instance, report to
under the command of General Kearny who appointed
conduct the expedition by land.
The term of three years having nearly expired you
have been in command of the Pacific squadron Commodore
Shubrck will be sent out in the Independence relieve
you The Department confidently hopes that all Upper Cali
orna will be in hands before the relief shall arrive
Very respectfully,
Commodore JoHS d. SLoAT,
Commanding U. $. naval forces in the Pacific ocean,
Secretary Of The Nary to Com. Stockton.
CONFIDENTIAL
UNITED STATES NAvI DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 1916.
COMMODORE Commodore Sloat has arrived in this city,
and delivered your letter OF the 2sth July umo, with the
copy Of your address the people of California which
companed it, The Department is grafed that you joined
the squadron before the Of the Commodore health
dered il necessary for him TO relnqush his important
mand.
The difficulties and cmbarrassments Of the command with
knowledge Of the proceedings Of Congress the sub
tons OF the Department which followed those proceedings
Justly appreciated and it is highly gratifying that much
has been done in anticipation Of the orders which have been
transmitted.
You WILL without doubt have received the dispatches Of the
18th of May last addressed Commodore Sloa and
send you, for your guidance copy Of instructions TO Com
modore Shulrick of the 9TH August He sailed early in
September in the Independence with orders join the
squadron with the least possible delay On his assuming the
command, you may hoist red pcnnant If you prefer you
may hoist your pcnnant the Savannah, and home
with her and the Warren.
The existing with Mexico has been commenced by her
Every disposition felt and manifested by the United States
Government procure redress for the injuries Of which
complained and to settle oil complaints her part in the
spirit peace and Of Justice which has characterized
intercourse with foreign nations That disposition s exists
and whenever the authorities Of Mexico shall manifest will
ngness adjust unsettled points Of controversy between the
two republics and to restore honorable peace they viii be
met in a corresponding spirit.
This consumaton is not TO be xpeced nation
al honor to he mainained without vigorous prosecution Of
the part. Without being animated by any amb;-
ous spirit Of conquest naval and military forces must