The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-12-25


enemy from all his positions Flores sssayed our
TANKS, but il impossible; nothing could withstand
the impetuosty of the attack Of the troops Flores
compelled TO retreat leaving the Commodore and his gal
liant associates possession OF the field OF battle which
their valor had won, and upon which they slept that
night with the pleasing consciousness OF having worhly
done their duty and shown themselves noble defenders
OF their counlry's cause and honor
Such. was the first meeting and encounter Of Stockton
and Flores during which the Commodore .sdaring and
opposite every danger" exposed his own person like
private soldier
This combat was brilliant commencement, Of the ex.
petition and one we'll calculated TO impress the Calior
mans with the conviction that they unable TO stand
The rude bravery OF Jack," who had proved him
self worthy fight by the side of regular troops at least
when under such bold leader as Stackton, who pos
sessed in extraordinary degree the art OF gaining his
affections and confidence.
Oar men, proud OF their success, though still in
ferior in numbers TO the enemy full OF enthusiasm.
and their confidence raised to such pitch that they
were now capable of enduring the greatest hadships and
performing the most daring deeds
The next day the little army continued its ad vance To-
wards the City OF the Angels" 1t had net proceeded
far, however before the enemy again made their appear
ance In 'front.' on the plains OF the "Mesa" for the pur
pose of making last stand in defence OF their capital
The plains OF the "Mesa afforded facilities and advan
ages to Flores Tor employing his noble cavalry which
have been the pride and boast Of the Cafornians
After some manGuvring and skirnishing, in which
Flores displayed his splendid line of cavalry the Commo
doe aud General advanced with their whole force fotmed
in square. AS Flores discovered this move
ment, he prepared 10 charge. All his troops
menced advancing with regularity, constantly increasing
velocity they approached until they advanced with
the utmost speed and gallantly charged with shouts from
every point Our troops received this furious charge
with their woned iImness and the incessent fire of
muskery and grape-shot caused such destruction and
disorder in the enemys ranks, that they compelled
fall back aud then fled from the field in confusion and
despair never to return again. au#
The Commodore and General during the action dis
played their accustomed GOODNESS and SKILL exposing
themselves in the dangerous positions, and inspiring
with confidence the hearts oil their comrades
The conduct OF the officers and men in these battles
is worthy Of the highest encomiums and affords brill
liant demonstration that sailors vie in boldness and
discipline with veteran soldiers.
After this defeat many OF the Cafornans returned in
despair their homes while party under Flores pushed
for Sonora, and another under Don Andres Pico.
rendered few days afterwards TO Lieutenant Colonel
Fremont, which will be distinctly noticed pres
emily.
The renowned city OF the angeles" now submitted
without further resistance, which the Commodore and
General entered with their troops on the 10th OF jan
uary, ls47 when our flag unfurled, ee-
waited in triumph over the capital Of California.
On the h the following brief and handsome address
was issued to the troops by the Commodore
CUIDAD ANGELES, +
January II, 1871.
The commando n-chief congratuates the officers and
men division OF the United States forces
California the brilliant victories Obtained by them
the the Sh and 9th nsants and taking
earliest commend the gallantry and good
duct both in the batle fought on the 9Th instant the
banks of the Rio San Gabriel and the 9Th instant the
plains of the Mesa The steady courage OF the troops in
forcing their passage the Rio San Gabriel" whore
officer and alike employed in dragging the guns
through The against the calling fire OF tho enemy
without exchanging shot, and their gallant charge up the
bank against the cavalry have perhaps never been
and the cool determine ton with which, In the
battle of the 9Th they epused the charge of cavalry made
ex,orcd the admiration OF the enemy and deserves the
r. +. STOCKTON,
Governor and Commander. n-cbef 'oi the Territory Of
California.
On The 18th of January Don Andres Pico, commander
chief of the California forces remaining in the country
entered into OF captulaon with Lieutenant Colonel
Fremont Cowngo by which the Californians surren-
dered themselves. delivered up their artillery, OF all
kinds and returned peaceaby TO their homes, agreeing to
conform all things to the laws and regulations which
the Commodore had established and engaged not again
to take up arms during the between the United States
and Mexico TO assist and aid in placing The country in
state OF defence and tranquility. and that all prisoners
should be released which stipulaons approved by
the Commodore. Thus, in less than twenty days, the
Commodore by the vigor and celebrity of his operations
the bravery and dexteny Of his troops, placed
California finally under American rule and laid the solid
foundation OF republican government.