The rapidity with which the conquest of Cahfornia was effected, was hot however, entirely owing to the adroit measure of stationing armed vessels on different points of the coast, ready to make their descent the moment Taylor had succeeded in provoking hostilities on the Rio Grande.
It will be recollected that the Mexican Government had been alarmed some years. before at the ingress of Ameri- cans into that province, and had passed an order requiring their departure. Nor will it be forgotten that, intimidated by the bullymg demeanor of Mr. Thompson, and his threat to demand his passports, the order had been revoked. The reader will call to mind that gentleman's confession of his " compunctious visidngs" on the occasion, well-knowing that these foreigners were intending to re-enact the Texan game. The alarm of Mexico was well founded. The conquest of the province was prepared and facilitated by the treasonable course of the American settlers previous to their knowledge of the existence of the war. The history of the rebellion in Cahfornia is but imperfectly known. The only information respecting it, disclosed by the Cabinet at Washington, is contained in REVIEW OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 14?
the report of the Secretary of War, made oth December, 1846, and from this document we gather the following narrative. In May, 1845, shortly before " the secret and confidential" instructions were given to Commodore Sloat, Captain Fremont, of the United States Army, was des- patched by Government on a tour of scientific exploration beyond the Rocky Mountains. He had sixty-two men under him; but the Secretary declares that the expedition was not of a military character, and that the attendants did not belong to the army. On reaching the frontier of California, the Captain proceeded alone to Monterey to solicit