Updates to this post as new proclamations are discovered:
Daily Alta California, Volume 21, Number 6928, 8 March 1869
AMUSEMENTS, ETC
Mechanics’ Pavilion.— The attendance still continues to be large at the Velocipedestrian School. A few days ago Emperor Norton was present, and he mounted one of the bicycles to find how it went. Helios, the photographer, was present, and took a picture of his Imperial Majesty on the new toy; but Norton considers it disrespectful to him to exhibit him in a position that is not up to his ideas of official dignity, so we understand that he has issued a decree prohibiting the sale of the photographs.
Daily Alta California, Volume 21, Number 6929, 9 March 1869
Important Decree of Emperor Norton.— Fearing that one dry season may probably be succeeded by another the following year, desires the honorable the Board of Supervisors to have officially published the following proclamation:
Whereas, From present indications there is considerable doubts as to whether there will be sufficient rains for an abundant crop of wheat and barley: therefore, we, Norton I, Dei Gratia Emperor of the United Sates and Protector of Mexico, do hereby prohibit the further export of wheat and barley abroad from the ports of the Pacific Coast until the result of the ensuing crops shall have been fully ascertained, and all Courts of law and justice are hereby commanded to punish any violation of this, our Imperial decree, as the circumstances of the case may warrant. Norton I. March 9th, 1869.
Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 37, Number 5651, 7 May 1869
LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO
After luncheon I went down to a friend’s at the Lick House, where, sitting at a window, we watched the passing crowd.
…
Here comes Emperor Norton, the dear, good-natured old nuisance, with his knotty cane under his arm and that ever blooming rose on his breast ; and, bless your heart, he is talking with one of our noblest old Spanish Dons, who knew him years ago, when he was a princely merchant and had an unclouded mind.
…
Marysville Daily Appeal, Number 121, 23 May 1869
EMPEROR Norton and the Morning Call are much alarmed at the advent of George Francis Train. Norton threatens a proclamation, and the Call raves.
Red Bluff Independent, Number 23, 2 December 1869
Emperor Norton is is mourning for Geo. Peabody, as he has been informed that the deceased philanthropist has bequeathed him $5,000,000. He will start immediately for London, and the lunch tables of San Francisco; which once knew him, will know him no more.
Sacramento Daily Union, 11 December 1869
Proclamation by the Emperor. — Emperor Norton I was in the city yesterday, having come up from the Bay to see for himself how matters and things were progressing here. His Majesty is healthy and handsome as ever, and his brilliant wardrobe and proboscis indicate that the stringency of the money market had not affected him to any great extent. The Emperor inspected the Capitol, watched the legislators at their work, and expressed satisfaction with the appearance of the whole. We regret to say that his Majesty deemed it necessary to issue the following proclamation, which he has commanded us to publish: Whereas, We, Norton I, Dei gratia Emperor of the United Stales and Protector of Mexico, now on a royal visit to the city of Sacramento, are grieved to find the streets so dirty and neglected; and Whereas, We do consider that since the establishment of the depot of the Continental Railroad in this city that affairs are now substantial; now, therefore, we do hereby command the Board of Supervisors to forthwith make appropriations to have the streets properly graded and kept clean, so that capitalists can direct their attention to railroad cars for the convenience of the public. Norton I. Sacramento, this 10th day of December, 1869.
Sacramento Daily Union, 14 December 1869
More Proclamations. — His All Serene Highness, Emperor Norton I, has issued the following proclamation: To the citizens of Sacramento — Complaints have been made that your city is much in need of a first-class hotel, and that many transient passengers would remain a few days with you if there were such accommodation. We, therefore, command that you have such an hotel immediately built for your own interest. Norton I, Subsequently His Majesty issued the following : Our attention having been directed to the great need of more street lamps, the present number being quite insufficient know all whom it may concern, that we, Norton I., Dei Gratia, do hereby command that this request of the public be complied with. Norton I.
Marysville Daily Appeal, 5 January 1870
Emperor Norton will leave San Francisco to-
morrow morning via W. P. R. R. for Sacra-
mento, to attend to affairs of State.
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 23, 1870.
Proclamation.
Being anxious to have a reliable weekly imperial organ, we, Norton I, Dei Gratia Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, do hereby appoint the PACIFIC APPEAL our said organ, conditionally, that they are not traitors, and stand true to our colors. Norton I.
Pacific Appeal, Number 28, 17 January 1872
Proclamation.
Understanding that the title to the land which the new City Hall is being built vest in Joshua Norton, alias Emperor Norton, and is his own personal estate, we, therefore, command all parties interested, to obtain our deed, properly certified before competent authority,previous to the laying the foundation stone, and prevent the city from having to pay an enormous price at some future time therefor. Norton I.
Pacific Appeal, Number 30, 2 March 1872
Proclamation.
The Emperor congratulates the City of San Francisco on the laying of the Corner Stone of the new City Hall, and hopes that the nation will now take a new Departure, and lay the foundation of Honor and Justice, and thereby insure a future glory for the Bay City. Norton I. Emperor S. S. A.
Pacific Appeal, Number 44, 8 June 1872
Proclamation.
Let the Emperor have his royal prerogatives or close up the Theatres. Whereas, rebellions subjects take advantage of the absence of our Imperial guard, and occasionally have the audacity to refuse us admittance to the theatres; now therefore we, Norton I, Dei gratia Emperor, etc., do hereby command the closing of any theatre which may persist in insulting the dignity of our office by refusing us admittance. Norton I.
Pacific Appeal, Number 9, 26 October 1872
Manifesto of Norton I.
The Emperor now protests that the suicidal financial policy of the Republican Government must end in total loss of national credit, and also that, in case there is no radical change, the Empire will be under the necessity of repudiating all the national interest or private estates from getting encumbered by capitals at home and abroad. Norton I.
Pacific Appeal, Number 48, 9 August 1873
Proclamation.
It has been publicly announced that Captain Jack and his tribe surrendered to Emperor Norton, etc.,Being desirous that the U. S. Army should maintain their honor, now, therefore, we, Norton, I Dei Gratia, Emperor of U. S and Protector of Mexico, do hereby prohibit any action in their case without our sanction and under our seal and signature. Norton I.
Pacific Appeal, Number 49, 16 August 1873
Proclamation.
Whereas we are informed that about 200 families have become for the present destitute by the fire of Portland, Oregon, the Emperor does not command, but appeals to the generosity of all the churches over the Pacific coast, to come forward and give their mite for their relief. Norton I., Emperor.
Pacific Appeal, Number 3, 13 September 1873
Proclamation.
The Emperor warns any foreign nation against sending any of their subjects to this country who are not loyal to the person and interests of the Imperial Government of Norton I, as they will be watched and find themselves disappointed in all their undertakings. Norton I.
Pacific Appeal, Number 9, 25 October 1873
Proclamation.
Whereas, the conduct of Marshal Morris is unbecoming a public officer, he is therefore relieved from his position, and it is hereby ordered that another person be appointed. Norton I. Emperor U. S. and Protector of Mexico.
Pacific Appeal, Number 36, 2 May 1874
Proclamation.
Understanding that Vasquez can only be captured by an order from us in person, know, therefore, all whom it may concern, that we, Norton I, Dei gratia Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, do hereby command that he be given up forthwith to the legalized authorities, to be dealt with according to law. Norton I.
Pacific Appeal, Number 21, 9 January 1875
Proclamation.
The Emperor congratulates Spain on the prospects of peace in electing Alphonso Murphy as King. In case of any opposition or trouble Norton I will use his influence to allay it. Norton I. Signed at the City of San Francisco, State of California, United States of America, on the 5th day of January, A.D. 1875. Gas and Water Companies take warning. The Emperor will have his decrees obeyed. Norton I.