Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-01-24

These our new citizens ought to be- and from the Justice
and generosity THE American character the President
is confident that they will be treated with respect and
Kindness and thus be made to feel that by changing
their allegiance they have become prosperous and
happy. Yours, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN
(Copy0
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, !
WASHINGTON, Sd April, l849.
Hon. THOMAS BUTLER KING,
SIR The President, reposing full confidence in your
integrity Abilities and prudence has appointed you
agent for the purpose OF conveying important nsruc
tons and dispatches to our naval and military com
manders in California 1t is his desire that you should
lose time in repairing thither by the best and most
expeditions route, in the prosecution OF the duties de-
volyed upon you which shall proceed to explain in the
following instructions:
The situation Of the people of California and New
Mexico has, already, at this early period OF his Admin
istraton, attracted his attention. By the late treaty
with Mexico, provision made for the future adms
sion OF these Territories into the Union States; and
in the meantime, the Government OF the United States
is bound protect the inhabitants residing them
the free and entire enjoyment OF their lives, liberty and
property and in the exercise OF their civil and religious
rights Owing to causes with which you are fully
quained, the Congress of the United States failed to
assist the Executive, by the passage OF law establish
ing government In either OF the new Territories. GU
are aware, however, that act passed at the
last session to extend the revenue laws OF the United
States over the territory and waters OF Upper Caor
and you also know that by another previous act certain
mail facilities have been extended to the territory
Whatever can be done, by the aid OF the Constitution of
the United States, the treaty with Mexico and the
enactments of Congress- to afford the people of the
Territories the benefits of civil government, and the
protection that due them, will be anXously considered
and attempted by the Executive.
You have been selected, by the President, to convey
to them these assurances; and especially the
oil his firm determination, so lar as his constitutional
power extends, to omit nothing that may tend to pro-
mot md thar md Won
fully possessed OF the Presidents VIEWS and cam with
proprety suggest to the people OF California the adop
ton OF measures best calculated to give them effect
These measures must OF course, originate solely with
themselves Assure them OF the sincere desire OF the
Executive of the United States to protect and defend
them in the formation OF any government republican in
its character, hereafter to be submitted to Congress-
which shall be the result of their deliberate choice;
but lei it be- the same time distinctly understood by
them, that the plan OF such government must originate
with themselves and without the interference of the
Executive.
The laws of California and New Mexico, as they
existed at the ncuslon OF the treaty OF Guadalupe Hi
dago, regulating the relations OF the inhabitants with
each other will necessarily remain III force IN the Ter
rtories. Their relations with the former government
have been dissolved and new relations created between
them and the Government OF the United States but the
existing laws regulating the relations OF the people with
each other, will continue until others lawfully enacted
shall supersede them. Our naval and military comman
ders on these stations will be fully instructed coope
rate with the friends OF order and good government SO
Tar as their cooperation can be useful and proper
An important part OF your duty will be to acquire and
to transmit to this Department the best and fullest in
formation in regard to the population the productions,
and the resources OF the country the extent and char
acer OF all grants OF land made by Mexico prior to the
late treaty, the quantity and condition of the public do
MAN. and especially OF those portions which are rem
dered valuable by their metallic and mineral wealth,
and the general fitness and capacity OF these
QUESTIONS for the great purposes OF agriculture, com
nerce and manufactures The development OF the re-
sources of this vast and interesting region, in all that
interest and welfare OF and t
ture occupants, cherished object of this Government;
and all information which you obtain in relation to
these subjects will be most acceptable ohs department.
1t is desirable to know the numbers the various In
dian tribes which form portion OF the population OF
the Territories; their power character and modes OF
life; and the number OF Me&lcans held as capVes there
bv anv savage tribes whose release and restoration
their own country this Government is bound to exact,
bv the 4th and 18th articles OF the eaty Also nearly
as may be- the number Of MeXcans who, within the
wear after the exchange OF the Publications OF the treaty.
have whdrawntrom the territories and the number OF
those who have declared their intention to preserve the
character of citizens ofhe Mexican republic, agreeaby
to the 9Th article the treaty.
tits not credited by this Government that any attempt
will be made to ALLEVIATE either OF these portions OF the
territories of the United States, or to establish inde
pendent government within their limits. But should the
existence of any such PROJECT be detected, you will not
fail to bring il to the immediate notice OF your govern
ment that proper measures Tor the protection OF the M
teress OF the people OF Tie Onited states may %
promptly adopted.
Yon Are fully authorized to confer with our military
and naval commanders within these Territories, who
will be instructed to assist you N the accomplishment OF
the objects Of your mission. Your compensation will
be at lie rate OF eight dollars per dem from the time Of
your departure on the business of your mission until
your return home; and you will be allowed your ira
yelling and other expenses during your Absences for
which you will be careful to take vouchers in all cases
where they can be obtained,
The sum OF one thousand dollars is advanced to you
on account,
am, sir very respectfully, your obedent servant,
TSgnedl JOHN M. CLAYTON.