Taylor.

'Zth July, that place was once more, without resistance, seized by our forces, and Sloat, like his predecessor, Jones, forthwith distributed his proclamations in English and Spanish. Where or when they were prepared, and whether they were in manuscript or print, does not appear. Two days after, St. Francisco was Ukewise in our possession. Sloat's proclamation reflected the determination of his employers —''Henceforward California will be a portion of the United States.'' On landing at Monterey, the Commodore addressed a general order to his men in which he told them, " It is not only our duty to take Cahfornia, but to preserve it afterwards as a part of the United States, at all hazards.* It is the duty of commanders to make conquests, but not to anticipate the terms of a treaty of peace. Yet here we find a naval captain solemnly proclaiming that the con- quest he has made is never to be restored. He foresees and proclaims the annexation of California, without appa- rently knowing the wishes and intentions of his own gov- ernment, or without speculating on the fortunes of war. On the 13th August, Pueblos des los Angelos, the capital of the province was taken, and on the 1 7th