TO THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA
On my approach to this place with the forces under my command,
Jose Castro the Commandant General of California, buried his artillery
and abandoned his fortified camp “of the Mesa,” and fled, it is believed,
toward Mexico.
With the sailors, the marines and the California Battalion of mounted Riflemen,
we entered the “City of Angeles,” the Capital of California on the 13th of August,
and hoisted the North American Flag. The Flag of the United States, is now flying
from every commanding position in the Territory, and California is entirely free
from Mexican dominion.
The Territory of California now belongs to the United States, and will be governed
as soon as circumstances may permit, by officers and laws, similar to those by which
the other Territories of the United States are regulated and protected. But until the
Governor, the Secretary and Council are appointed, and the various civil departments
of the Government are arranged, military laws will prevail, and the Commander-in-Chief
will be the Governor and protector of the Territory.
In the mean time the people will be permitted, and are now requested to meet in their
several towns and departments, at such time and place as they may see fit to elect
civil officers to fill the places of those who decline to continue in office,
and to administer the laws according to the former usages of the Territory.
In all cases where people fail to elect, the Commander-in-Chief and Governor
will make the appointment himself.
All persons of whatever religion or nation who faithfully adhere to the new Government,
will be considered as citizens of the Territory, and will be zealously and thoroughly
protected in the liberty of conscience, their persons, and property. No persons will
be permitted to remain in the Territory, who do not agree to support the existing
Government, and all military men who desire to remain, are required to take an oath,
that they will not take up arms against it, or do, or say anything to disturb its peace.
Nor will any person, come from where they may, be permitted to settle in the Territory,
who do not pledge themselves to be in all respects obedient to the laws which
may be from time to time enacted by the proper authorities of the Territory.
All persons who without special permission, are found with arms outside of
their own houses, will be considered as enemies, and will be shipped
out of the country. All thieves will be put to hard labor on the public works,
and there kept until compensation is made for the property stolen.
The California Battalion of mounted Riflemen will be kept in the service of the
Territory, and constantly on duty to prevent and punish the aggressions by the
Indians or any other persons upon the property of individuals, or the peace
of the Territory; and California shall hereafter be so governed and defended
as to give security to the inhabitants, and to defy the powers of Mexico.
All persons are required as long as the Territory is under martial-law,
to be within their houses from 10 o’clock at night until sunrise in the morning.
R. F.STOCKTON,
Commander-in-Chief, and Governor of the Territory of California.
Ciudad de Los Angeles, August 17th, 1846.