Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-09-02

California. "Doc. r. 10, I'd sess. 29M Cong m 81, 81
Ifhe who does his masters bidding entitled
daion, how much he entitled TO it who anticipates
that will and precedes its open expression by full and per-
feet performance This pre- existing determination for the
military occupation Of California may also be seen from let
ter Of instruction from the Secretary Of War TO Gen Keay,
dated the 3D. Of June 1916, just wenyone days after the
with Mexico existed
"Shoud you conquer and take of New Mexico
and Upper California, considerable places IN either you
will establish temporary cim governments therein, aboishing
all arbitrary restrictions that may exist SO far as may be done
with safety. In performing this Duty il would be wise and
prudent To continue in their employment all such OF the exist
ing officers known be friendly the United States
and will take the oath of allegiance them The duties OF the
ought be reduced to such
may be barely sufficient to maintain the necessary officers,
the people those that the wish de-
sign OF the United States 10 rode for them free government
with the least possible delay similar to that which exists an
Territories. They will then be called exercise the
rights of eemen in ec their representatives the
Isgord Legislature is foreseen that what relates the
civil government viii bea difficult and unpleasant part your
Duty and much necessarily be left your dscre-
tion"-Doc H. n. 10, 2dsess. 29h Congress, page 5.
One evidence if more is needed, to show the positive
determination Of the Government possess and hold Caor
na found in the order from the Navy Department to Com.
Stockton, dated the 18th Of August, 1916, or the
mandng officer in the Pacific
lou will take inedfae possession of Upper California,
especially OF the three ports OF San Francisco Monterey and
San Diego that the treaty OF peace should be
the basis OF the M oSsidet It may LEAVE CALIFORNIA THE
UNITED STATES"
With this accumulated evidence the views and Intentions
Of the Executive Government Senator say that these
operations conducted without the authority the Gov
eminent " agree with him that eli becomes important to
the character OF country that these claims which pro-
pose by this bill recognise and pay should be properly and
distinctly understood and think they present part Of
the general scheme Of extended dominion"
Sir, lei return to Colonel Fremont Immediately after
his interview with Lieutenant Gillespie the borders OF the
Klamath lake, in May, 1885, ne turned his course into Cali
onia and the 24h of that month reached settlements
nG
pose expaaed citizens Of the United States and how far
international commty allows their protection after the act Of
eSpatriaon question of much Importance Under
circumstances it would be question Of vital Importance
These settlements and the settlers Colonel Fremont protected
Under his resistance made against the Mex
can authorities The plans for throwing of the Mexican
thoiity laid, and the revolution encouraged which
separated California forever from the Mexican power COL
Fremont says in his deposition:
The letter from the Secretary of State accredited the
bearer and indicated purpose sending which
inellgiby explained, Sc This officer Lieut. Giespe) in
formed that he had been directed Secretary
find me- and acqunt with his instructions which had
for their principal objects ascertain the disposition OF the
California people, to concae their feelings in favor OF the
United States, &c.
And this in country with which we were at peace and
against the Government of which every nvecve has been
cast and every species of injustice eachery, and bad faith
has been charged
Upon his arrival the Sacramento the settlers they
called desired protection; courier him
Sonoma asking decisive action On the 18th June he de-
cded TO march against the forces of Mexico under de Ia
Tore he set Gen. Castro defiance aud quietly under
his protection the flag of Californian independence was ra
cd svnotna, the 9Th day Of July Immediately Col
Fremont organized his battalion follow south
On the 9TH Com Soat raised the United States flag Mon
erey News of the existence OF reached the
10Th OF July On the llh the flag Of independence was
hauled down, (havng had brief existence OF days. and
the flag OF the United States up Thus ended the
instruction and revolution and all subsequent acts
ecuted under the known existence Of At Colonel
4 f.
there and the Mexican General Castro rereaied
fore him, leaving the country unresstng acquisition. Sir
he came he saw, he conquered He drove before him the
Mexican power in California, and made conquest OF the
country, and ALL they say, without authority sanction
his Government This is disproved by the evidence.
Suppose no had taken place with Mexco-suppose the
mission OF Mr. Sde to the republic had been successful
ask what would have been the condition OF Col Fremont
In November lS45, Mr. Sdel left this country for Mexico
mission OF peace with the olive branch his hand and
the OF friendship upon his lips He went to settle
the boundary between Texas and Mexico which claimed
to be the RIO Grande and also provide for the payment
Of certain ndemnes due TO citizens from that country
That mission was unsuccessful rather from its unfortunate
inception and the instability Of the Mexican Government than
from It's true aim and end. War cnsued, and all preceding
acts became merged IN that absorbing But suppose
the demands OF this Government had been acquesced by
the Mexican republic, upon what could Col Fremont
relied Tor justification OF his revolution and conquest
in California He had this anomalous and equvocal letter
from Mr. Buchanan and the living memory Of Lieut. Giles
PIE alone 10 sustain and justify him for these high handed
operations IN California. Suppose Mr. Gillespie had died in
the course OF events IN that country, the letter alone Of Mr.
Buchanan would have constituted the whole justification Of
this accomplished and gallant officer who perled life and
reputation upon tenure ail Is his authority denied
When has the Government disavowed any performed
by Col Fremont when has he been charged with fomenne
instruction and revolution and when has his resistance
the Mexican authority, ending did in the subiugaon Of
the country, been reproved condemned Never sir All
the Of Col Fremont and their consequences have passed
into the acquisition Of the country, and he reproyed
but we are told bis acts without authority.
Mr. President, the former explorations Of Col Fremont
through the wilderness OF the extreme West have given him
cnviabe reputation in the world Of science His maturity
Of thought, and polished and cultivated intellect, united
firm resolution and courage that quailed all emf
nenty fitted him for the mission he well and readily
dertook and performed His energy Of character qualified
him for the position in which his had placed him.
II condemn this Invasion Of the territory OF friendly
Power would not be understood rejecting upon the man.
who IN obedience 10 the Ses OF his Government conduct
ed that invasion, and carried those wishes the entire
subugaton OF the country would not sir, take feather
hom his plume, spg from the garland that encirces
his brow Whatever may be the rigid rules Of war; the
techncaes Of the service under which this officer has suf
fered his honor is unarnshed. His high reputation as
soldier unspoted The crowning Of his eventfu life
fresh in recollection When the commission which he
bore, and which he would have yielded up only with his life
became tainted with censue, firmly be rendered il back
the Executive whom he had obeyed and TO the country
which he had served so faithfully He is now citizen
amongst and deserves all confidence Heis identified
with the events in California, and who fitting him
bring these claims to just and proper conclusion
The honorable Senator from Virginia Mr.. MASON says
future history may refer to these events il not conadced