Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1850-01-28
(Copy.t
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, !
Hon. TnoM,s BrrLER ktNG.

.1ppoinfed igehi ofhc u. States 10 California.
Sir: The President reposIng fall confidence IN your
integrity, abilities, and prudence has appointed YOU an
agent Tor the purpose of conveying important instructions
and dispatches 10 naval and military commanders ia
California l. his desire that you should lnse time
in repairing thither by the best and most expeditions
route. in the prosecution ii The duties devolyed upon
You. which shall proceed to explain in the following
lnslrnciions
The situation 0f the people Of California and Ne y
Mexico has already. AT This eafly period o his Admin
siraon, attracted his attention. by The late treaty with
McKee, provision made r the future admission Of
these Territories into The Union States and, IN the
line the Government. of the United States is hound
protect the inhabitants. residing IN them, in the free
and entire enjoyment nfeir lives liberty aud property
and 10 the exercise Of Their civil and religious gt's.-
Owing 10 causes with which you are fully acquainted
lie Congress of The United States failed 10 assist the
Executive. by TIE passage of law establishing gov
ernneni in either of the new Territories You are a
ware however that act passed at the last session
extend HE laws of The United States the
territory and waters OF Upper California This act
nies collection district IN Calornia and YOU also know
that by another previous act certain mail facilities have
been extended 10 the territory. Whatever can he
done by the and OF the Constitution Of the United States
the treaty with McKee, and the endcnents 81 Congress
afford TO the people OF the Territories the henetS OF
civil government and the protection thai Is due lhen.
Will be anxously considered and attempted by the Exc
cuve
You have been selected by The President, 10 convey
In them these aud especially the assurance
ri his firm determinations 50 far as his constltn unal pow
extends 10 om nothing that tend TO promote aud
their peace and happiness You fully poss ssed
Of The Presidents views. and can, with prnpney sug
ges the people Of California The adoption Of measures
best calculated 10 give them effect. These measures
must. Of course, originate solely with themselves. Assure
them the sincere desire Of The Executive al the Uni
td States protect aud defend them in the formation Of
any government publican IN lis character hereafter
10 be submitted To Congress which shall bo the result Of
their Deliberate choice; but let be, at The time.
distinctly understood by them that The plan If such
government must originate with themselves aud with
ou the interference Of the Executive.
The laws Of California and New Mexico. they ey-
lSed a. the conclusion Ut The treaty at Guadalupe lldal
90, regulating the relations of The inhabitants With each
other. viii necessarily remain Ia force IN the Territories.
Their relations with the former government have been
dissolved; and relations crealed 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
supetcede them. Our naval aud military commanders
these stations will be fully instructed 10 cooperate
With the friends OF order and good government. 50 far
their cooperation be useful and proper.
An mportant pafi Of your duty will be 10 acquire and
transmit this Department the best aud fullest urna
lion IN regard 10 the popaaton The productions and the
resources Of the country the aud character Of all
grants OF land made by Mexcn prior to the late treaty.
the quantity and condition of the public domain and
pecaly Of those portions which rendered valuable by
their metallic and mineral wealth. and the general fit
and capacity Of these acquisitions for the great
purpose Of agriculture. commerce and manufactures
The development of the Of this vast aud inter-
esng region, in all that the interest aud wei
fare of lis present and future occupants, cherished
object OF this Government; and all information which you
obtain In relation To these subjects will be most
cep'ahc 10 This department..
1t is desirable to know the number of 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 MeXlcans held captlves there by
savage tribes whose release and restoration To their own
country this Government is bound TO exact by the 1h
and llth articles nj the treaty. also nearly may be-
tho number Of Mexlcans who within the year after the
exchange of the Publications of the treaty. have with
drawn from the territories, and the number of those who
have declared their nienon Ia preserve the character OF
citizens of the Mexican republic, ageeeby 10 the Sh
tlcle OF the treaty.
II is not credited by this Government tina, any attempt
oil he made To ALLEVIATE either "f these portions OF the
territories of The United States. 10 establish an indie
pendent government within their limits. But should the
existence OF any such project be detected you will moi
fail To bring 10 the immediate notice OF your govern
ment that proper for the protection Of the in
teres Of The people Of the United States may hepromp
ly adopted
You fully authorized 10 confer with military
and naval commanders within these Territories, who viii
be instructed assist you in the accomplishment of the
objects of your mission Your compensation will be at
the rate of eight dollars per diem, from The time ot
departure on the business of your mission until your
turn home; and you will be allowed your travelling aud
other expenses during your Absence for which you will
be careful 10 take vouchers in all where they can
be obtained.
The sum of thousand dollars is advanced TO YOU on
account.
am, sir respectfully. your ob't serv't,
Signed JOHN NJ. CLAYTON.