Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1846-10-16
Bylho Governor,
S. w. KEARNEY, Brig. Gen.
PROCLAMATION OF COM. SLOAT.
To the inhabitants of California.


The Central Government of Mexico having
commenced hostirios against the United States
of America, by invading its territory, and attack
ing tho troops Of the United States stationed at
the north side Of the Rio Grande with force Of
seven thousand men, under the command otGen.
Arista, which army was totally destroyed and all
their artillery, baggage, &c. captured on the 9th
and 9th of May last, by force Of two thousand
three hundred men, under the command Of Cen
oral 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 standard at Monte
roy Immediately, and shall carry it throughout
California,
declare TO the inhabilants Of California, that
although come in arms, with powerful force,
do not come among them as an enemy to Cali
iornia, but on the contrary, | come as their best
friend, as hencelorward California will ba a por-
ZION of the United States, and its peaceabe in
habitants will enjoy the same rights and priyile-
gos as the citizens OF any other portion of that
nation, with all the rights aud privileges they now
enjoy: together with tho privilege of choosing
their own magistrates, and other officers, for the
administration 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 government, under which life,
property, aud the constitutional rights aud law
lul security to worship the Creator in way most
congoniaI to each ones sonse OF duty, will be
secure; which, unfortunately, the Central Gov
enmcnt of Mexico cannot afford them, destroy
ed as her resources are by internal factions and
corrupt officers, who create constant revolutions
to promote their own interestseand oppress 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 agriculture and
commerce, az OF course the revenue laws will
ba tho same in California as in all other paris oil
the United Slates-alording them all manuiac-
lures and produce of the United States, FREQ from
any duty, and all foreign goods at one quarter
OF the duty they now pay. great increase
! in the value of real estate, and the pro
duets Of California, may reasonably be expec
| ted.
With the great interest and kind feelings
know the Government and people of the UniteC
States possess towards the ctizens of California
the country cannot but improve more rapidly
than any other on the continent Of America.
Such of the inhabitants of California, whelhe,
natives or foreigners, as may not be disposed tc
accept the high privilege OF citizenship, and tc
live peaceably under the free government of the
United States, will be allowed time TO dispose o
their property and 10 remove out Of the country
if they choose, without any restrictions; or TO re-
main in it, observing strict neutrality.
With full confidence in the honor and integri
y Of the inhabitants Of the country, | invite the
Judges, AIcades, and other civil officers, to re-
tain their officers, and 10 execute their function:
as heretofore, thar the public tranquility may no
bs disturbed, at least, until the government oftht
territory can be more definitely arranged.
All persons holding niles Of real estate, or ii
quiet possession of lands under color Of right
shall har3 their titles and Eighta guaranteed tc