CAPTURE OF MONTEREY, IN UPPER CALIFORNIA.
In June, 1846, Commodore Sloat having received information that the Mexicans had crossed the Rio Grande, determined to take possession of the principal ports of Upper California. He sailed to Monterey in the frigate Savannah, and was there joined by the Cyanne and Levant, vessels of war. Having examined the defences of the small town, and completed the arrangements for capturing it, the commodore sent Captain Mervine to demand its surrender. The Mexican commandant replied that he was not authorized to surrender the town, and referred Commodore Sloat to Governor Castro. Captain Mervine then landed two hundred and fifty seamen and marines, hoisted the star-spangled banner amid cheers from the troops and bystanders, and a national salute from the squadron. Commodore Sloat then issued a proclamation, announcing that war existed between the United States and Mexico, and the arms of the United States would be carried throughout California. The conquest was subsequently completed as just related, by the great exertions of Commodore Stockton, who succeeded Sloat, and landed men from his fleet, marched to the relief of Kearney, fought pitched battles with the enemy, and never left the affair until the conquest of the country was fully effected.
BATTLE OF SAN GABRIEL.