Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-07-29
che 4itextton 1l1ar.
Gen. Kearney's PROCLAMATION.

The New Orleans Pcayune of the 9th trans
lates from FL .MaciOnal, the official Gazette Of
Puebla, the following Proclamation of General
Kearney 10 the people of California, issued by
him on the LIST of March:
TO THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA.
! The President of the United States, havinc
devoved upon the undersigned the civil govern
ment of California, he enters upon his duties with
an ardent desire to promote as far as possible,
the interests of the country and well being Of
its inhabitants.
The undersigned is instructed by the Presi-
dent 10 respect and to protect the religious insti-
tutons Of California, to take care that the reli-
gious rights OF its inhabitants are secured in the
most ample manner, since the Constitution of
the United States allows to every individual the
privilege of worshipping his Creator in whatever
manner his conscience may dictate.
The undersigned is also instructed to protect
the persons and property of the quiet and peace
able inhabitants Of the country against each and
every enemy, whether foreign or domestic; and
now assuring the Californians that his inclina-
tons no less than his duty demand the fulfill
ment of these instructions, he invites them to
use their best efforts to preserve order and tran
guilty, to promote harmony and concord, and to
maintain the authority and efficacy Of the laws.
| 1t is the desire and intention of the United
States to procure for California as speedily as
possible, free government like that of her own
territories, and they will very soon invite the in
habitants to exercise the rights of free citizens
in the choice Of their own representatives, who
may enact such laws as they deem best adapted
to their interests and well being But until this
takes place, the laws actually in existence, which
are not repugnant to the Constitution of the u
nited States, will continue in force until they
are revoked by competent authority and persons
in the exercise of public empoyments will for the
present remain in them, provided they swear to
maintain the said constitution and faithfully dis
charge their duties.
The undersigned by these presents absolves
all the inhabitants of California of any further al
legiance TO the Republic of Mexico, and regards
them as citizens of the United States. Those
who remain quiet and peaceoble will be respect
ed and protected in their rights; but should any
one take up arms against the government of this
territory, or join such as do so, or nstigate others
to do so-al these, he will regard as enemies,
! and they will be treated as such.
When Mexico involved the United States in
War; the latter had no time to invite the Califor-
mans to join their standard as friends, but found
themselves compelled to take possession of the
country to prevent its falling into the hands Of
some European power. In doing this there is
no doubt that some excuses, some unauthorized
acts were committed by persons IN the service
of the United States, and that in consequence
some OF the inhabitants have sustained losses in
their property. Those losses shall be duly in
vestgated, and those who are entitled to indem-
MITIGATION shall receive it.
For some years California has suffered great
domestic commissions; from civil wars, like pos-
oned fountains have flowed calamity and pesti-
| lence over this beautiful region. These foun-
tains are now dried up; the Stars and Stripes
now float over California, and as long as the sun
shall shed its light they will continue to wave
over her. and over the natives of the country, and
over those who shall seek domcil in her bo-
som; and under the protection of this flag Ag-
rcuture must advance, and the arts and scien-
ces will flourish like seed in rich and fertile
soil.
Americans and Californans henceforth one
people, Let us then indulge one desire, one
| hopes let that be for the peace and tranquility
| Of our country. Let us unite like brothers, and
mutually strive for the improvement aud ad-
vancement of this our beautiful country which
within short period cannot fail to be not only
beautiful, but also prosperous and happy.
Given at Monterey, Capital Of California, this
LIST day of March, Of the year OF our Lord
lS47, and of the independence OF the Uni
ted States, the 7lst
S. w. KEARNEY, Brig. Gen. U. S. A.,
and Governor of California.