Of the causes of the war which followed, beginning by official declaration on May 13, 1846, it is not the province of this history to treat, but the writer may be permitted to observe that no one of those who protest most loudly against Anglo-Saxon aggressiveness has ever shown how to stop it; and, what is of more importance, it is absolutely certain that every territory that has been taken by Anglo-Saxon aggressiveness has been greatly benefited by the rule of the aggressors, whether found in Asia, Africa, or on the Pacific coast of North America. Not because of commercial considerations, for these are commonly detestable, but because “the only race that possesses a proper conception of the two pillars that support civilization—Liberty and Justice”—is the Anglo-Saxon race, every humanitarian views with satisfaction the spreading power of the English-speaking people, even though it be “inevitable that causes of offence should arise.” That policy which would confine the United States Government to its present geographical limits, however good the motives of its advocates may be, is short-sighted and wholly devoid of philanthropy.
No one proposes that as an act of justice either Calcutta or San Francisco shall be returned to their former rulers. The dominant race shall rule a willing world.
However false the declaration of the American Congress, made on May 13, 1846, that “war exists, and notwithstanding all our efforts to avoid it, exists by the act of Mexico herself” (and certainly that statement was absolutely false), a war was unavoidable. It was absolutely impossible to prevent the expansion of the American Republic to the Pacific. The American Government tried repeatedly to buy the territory, but Mexico would not sell, and where individuals led the way their government was compelled to follow.
John B. Montgomery.
From a photograph.
When the war at last began, Captain John Drake Sloat, Commodore of the Pacific Squadron, was at Mazatlan, Mexico, in the frigate Savannah. He heard the news on June 8th, and sailed at once for Monterey, California, where he found the Warren, the Cyane, and the Levant at anchor. A force of two hundred and fifty men from the ships took possession of the town, and Commander John B. Montgomery of the Portsmouth, took possession of the settlement on San Francisco Bay the following week. The capitulation of Sutter’s Fort, on the Sacramento, and a couple of other stations followed.
R. F. Stockton.
From an engraving by Hall of a painting on ivory by Newton, 1840.