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

WASHINGTON, Mar Is, 1876.
COMMODORE By my letter Of the 18th instant, forward
cd to you through different sources trpcate Of which
copy enclosed you informed of the existing state Of
war between this Government and the Republic Of Mexico
and referred TO your instructions bearing date June 24h
ls4o, IN reference 10 such contingency, and directed
cary into effect the orders then communicated with energy
and promptude and adopt such other for the pro-
lection OF the persons and interests rights and the
OF the citizens of the United States as your sound
judgment may deem TO be required"
transmit you herewith, by the hands Of Midshipman
McRae, whom you will employ your station, file Of pa
containing the Presidents message and the proceedings
OF Congress relative TO the existing Of with Meg
co The President by authority Of Congress has mace
proclamation OF between the United States and Mexico
You viii find copy Of the proclamation in the papers en-
closed.
You will hencefoh exercise all the rights that belong o
you commander-in- chief Of a belligerent squadron
You will consider the most important public object TO be 10
take and to hold possession Of San Francisco and this you
will DO without fail
You will also take possession Of Mazalan and of Monte.
reg, one or both, your force will permit.
II information received here is correct, Won can establish
friendly relations between your squadron and the inhabitants
Of each Of these three places.
Guymas also good harbor and believed to be defence
less. You will judge about attempting it,
When you cannot take and bold possession Of town. you
may establish blockade If you have the means to do e
fectualy, and the public interest shall require il.
With the expression Of these views much left TO your
discretion the selection Of the points Of attack the ports
the order Of your successive movements
connexlon between California, and Sonora and the
present Government of Mexico supposed scarcely TO exist
on will, opportunity oilers, coBciate the confidence of
the people IN California, and also in Sonora towards the
Government Of the United States and YOU will eneavor to
render Their relations with the United States as intimate and
as friendly possible.
It IS mpora that you should hold possession Of
San Francisco while you encourage the people TO
taliy, scfgovernment, and friendship.
You can readily conduct yourself in such will
render occupation Of San Francisco and other ports
benefit 10 the inhabitants
Commodore Biddle has Left or will som leave China II
occasion oilers, you will send letters for him agent
the Sandwich Islands conveying 10 him the wish of the De-
parment that he should appear once, of California
Sonora.
You will inform the Department. by the earliest oppolu-
nifty, OF those ports which you blockade You will notify
neuals Of any declaration Of blockade you may make and
give to all proper publicity Your blockade must be strict
permitting only armed vessels Of neutral Powers to enter
but to neu,ra already in the ports you will allow twenty days
| to leave them.
The fngae "Potomac" and soop Saratoga have been
ordered to proceed possible into the Pacific
Captain Auick in the Potomac and Commander Shubricl
in the Saratoga, directed 10 report you OF Mazaan o.
wherever else they may find your forces. You will do well
il occasion Offers 20 send orders Calao and Valparaiso
structing them where TO meet you.
Other reinoTcements will be YOU as the cxigences
the service may require.
You will communicate with the Department as often as 70,
cam and You WILL If practicable, send messenger with de
spaches the country TO the Del Nore and Wash
1 ingion.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
| GEORGE BANCROFT.
| Commodore JouS ID. SLoaT,
| Commanding U. $, naval forces 10 the Pacific