HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



455 



expedition, but it will not probably be more than a 

 few weeks. When you arrive at Santa Fe with the 

 force already called, and shall have taken possession: 

 of it, you may find yourselves in a condition to garri 

 son it with a small part of your command (as the 

 additional force will soon be at that place), and with 

 the remainder press forward to California. In that 

 case you will make such arrangements as to being 

 followed by the reinforcement before mentioned, as in 

 your judgment may be deemed safe and prudent. I 

 need not say to you that in case you conquer Santa 

 Fe, (and with it will be included the department or 

 state of New Mexico), it will be important to provide 

 for retaining safe possession of it. Should you deem 

 it prudent to have still more troops for the accom 

 plishment of the objects herein designated, you will 

 lose no time in communicating your opinion on that 

 point, and all others connected with the enterprise, to 

 this department. Indeed, you are hereby authorized 

 to make a direct requisition for it upon the governor 

 of Missouri. 



It is known that a large body of Mormon emigrants 

 are en route to California for the purpose of settling 

 in that country. You are desired to use all proper 

 means to have a good understanding with them, to 

 the end that the United States may have their co 

 operation in taking possession of and holding that 

 country. It has been suggested here that many of 

 these Mormons would willingly enter into the service 

 of the United States, and aid us in our expedition 

 against California. You are hereby authorized to 

 muster into service such as can be induced to volun 

 teer ; not, however, to a number exceeding one-third 

 of your entire force. Should they enter the service 



