Soon after the Americans took possession of New Mexico, General Kearney, with only one hundred dragoons for an escort, began a march through an unknown and hostile country for Upper California. On the 5th of December, having reached the frontier settlements of that territory, he was met by Captain Gillespie, with a party of riflemen, who had been sent out to give him information of an insurrection that had occurred in California. Captain Gillespie informed General Kearney that an armed party of Californians was encamped at San Pasqual, and the general immediately resolved to attack them. At daybreak, on the 6th of December, he encountered the enemy, and a well-fought action ensued. The California lancers committed some havoc among the Americans, but a furious charge from the dragoons compelled them to retreat. The fight, however, was renewed, when the enemy saw the small force that pursued them, and they were not completely defeated until about one-third of the Americans were killed or wounded. The loss of the Californians was also heavy. The subsequent junction of Commodore Stockton and his brave band of sailors with the force of General Kearney, decided the conquest of California.
SIEGE OF MONTEREY.
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.