Gillespie, in his examination before the Committee, re- marked, " I was directed by Mr. Buchanan to confer with Colonel Fremont, and make known my instructions, which, as I have previously stated, were to watch over the interests of the United States, and counteract the in- fluence of any foreign agents who might be in the coun - try with objects prejudicial to the United States. I was also directed to show Colonel Fremont the duplicate of the despatch to Mr. Larkin, Consul at Monterey, and telling him it was the wish of the Government to concihate the feehngs of the people of California, and encourage a friendship towards the United States."
The Government, of course, knew as well as Mr. Thompson that the Califomian settlers were anxious to re-enact the Texan game. It is not to be supposed that so much secrecy and pains were taken to have agents on the spot to watch over our interests, and encourage friend- ship toAvards us, without intimating the means to be used in effecting their object. An independent republic in Califoraia, composed of American citizens, would, should peace continue with Mexico, inevitably result in annexation : should war ensue, it would greatly facilitate tht conquest of the territory.
The messenger from Washington reached Fremont on the 9th May. Immediately all his scientific pursuits were abandoned, and he and his party, together with Gillespie, hastened to the American settlements in California.
These were reached on the Sacramento River in thirteen days. And now opened another scene in the plot. The gentleman " about visiting the