Upon the breaking out of the war with Mexico, orders were sent to
Commodore Sloat, who commanded the squadron of United States vessels in
the Pacific, to take possession of all the ports of Upper California.
This was done, the people making but little resistance. Colonel
Fremont, the famous explorer of the far-west, then hoisted the flag of
the United States at Sonoma, a town in the northern part of California.
The Mexican governor fled. Colonel Fremont with one hundred and fifty
men, then hurried to join his force with that of Commodore Stockton,
who had taken command of the squadron. On the 13th of August, 1846, the
united forces entered the capital of California--Pueblo de los Angelos.
Thus the conquest of this valuable country was complete. The people
seemed to be very well satisfied with their conquerors. Commodore
Stockton issued a proclamation, announcing that he took possession of
the territory by authority of the government of the United States, and
offering security and protection to all who submit to that authority.
[Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT.]