Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-01-26

safeguard of all civil rights extended Caornia
the Both May ls4s the day which late treaty with
Mexico finally consummated From that day its inhabi-
tans became entitled all the blessings and benefits resulting
from the best form Of civil government ever established
amongst That they will prove worthy Of this nesi-
mabe boon, no doubt is entertained.
Whilst the population of California will be composed chiefly
Of our kindred, Of people speaking language,
and educated for sefgovernment under institutions
portion of them Mexican citizens before the
late treaty of peace These, citizens, ought be-
and from the justice and generosity Of the American charac-
ter the President confident that they will be- treated with
respect Kindness and thus be made that by changing
their allegiance they have become prosperous and happy
Yours, very respectfully, JAMES BUCHANAN.
Letter from Mr.. Clayton to Mr.. King.
DErARTMEsr STATE,
| WASHING TON, APRIL 9, lS49
appointed Agent Of the United Stales to California
SIR The President, reposng full confidence in your in
tegy, Abilities and prudence, has appointed you agent
for the purpose of conveying important instructions and de
patches naval and military commanders in California
his desire that you should lose time repairing hith
by the best and most expeditions route in the prosecution
Of the duties devoved upon you, which shall proceed
explain in the following instructions.
The situation of the people Of California and New Mexico
1
tracted his attention. By the late treaty with Mexico pro-
made for the future admission of these Territories
into the Union States and in the time the Govern
men of the United States 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 with which you
fully acquainted the Congress OF the United States failed
assist the Executive by the passage Of law establishing
Government in either of the Territories You
aware however, that passed the last session
to extend the laws of the United States the
territory and waters Of Upper California. This creates
collection district in California And you also know that
by another previous ACT, certain mail facilities have been
tended to the same Territory. Whatever be done, by the
aid of the Constitution of the United States the treaty with
Mexico, and the enacments of Congress- afford to the
people Of the Territories the benefits of civil and
the protection that is due them, will be anxousy considered
and attempted by the Executive.
You have been selected by the President convey ohem
these assurances and especially the of his firm
determination, far his constitutional power extends
to omit nothing that may tend promote and their
peace and happiness You fully possessed Of the Pre
dents views and with proprey suggest to the people
California the adoption Of best calculated to give
them effect These must ofcourse, originate solely
with themselves. Assure them of the sincere desire of the
Executive of the United States project and defend them
the formation Of any Government republican in its character,
hereafter to be submitted to Congress- which shall be the
suit of their deliberate choice But let itbe the
me distinctly understood by hem that the plan of such
Government must originate with themselves and without the
interference of the Executive.
The laws of California and New Mexico, they existed
at the conclusion of the treaty of Guadalupe Hdago regu
ang the relations of the inhabitants with each other, will
necessarily remain in force in those Territories Their rela-
tons with their former Government have been dissolved and
/
the United States but the existing laws regulating the ela
tons Of the people with each other will continue until others
lawfully enacted shall supersede them. Our naval and mill
tary commanders those stations will be fully instructed
operate with the friends of order and good
far 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 information
in regard to the population, the productions and the
Of the country the extent and character of all grants
of land made by Mexico prior to the late treaty the quan
y and condition Of the public domain, and especially of
those portions which rendered valuable by their metallic
and mineral wealth and the general fitness and capacity of
these acquisitions for the great purposes of agriculture,
commerce, and manufactures The development Of the
of this and interesting REGION in all that
the interest and welfare Of its present and future occupants
is cherished object Of this Government and all information
which you obtain in relation to these subjects will be
most acceptable to this Department
1t is desirable know the numbers of the various Indian
tribes which form portion Of the population of the Terrific
es their power, characters and modes of life and the
Of Mexcans held capves there by any savage tribes
whose release and restoration their country this Gov
bound exact by the 4h and th articles of the
treaty aso nearly may number of Mexicans who,
within the year after the exchange of the racatons of the
treaty, have Withdrawn from the Territories and the number
of those who have declared their intention preserve the
character citizens Of the Mexican Republic agreeaby the
9Th article of the treaty.
II is credited by this Government that any attempt will
be made ALLEVIATE either of these portions of the territories
of the United States, establish independent Govern
men within their limits But, should the existence Of any
such project be detected you will fail to bring it to the
immediate notice of your Government that proper
for the protection Of the interests of the people of the United
States may be promptly adopted.
You fully authorized confer with Military and
Naval Commanders within these Territories, who will be in
uced assist you the accomplishment of the objects
your mission
Your compensation will be the Of eight dollars per
dem from the time Of your departure the business Of your
mission until your return home and you will be allowed
your travelling and other expenses during your absence for
they be obtained.
The sum one thousand dollars is advanced to you on
account.
4 am sir, very respectfully, your cbedent servant,
i JOHN NJ CLAYTON.
For more perfect understanding of the precise