458 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



government "with the least possible delay, similar to 

 that which exists in our territories. They will then 

 be called on to exercise the rights of freemen in 

 electing their own representatives to the territorial 

 legislature. It is foreseen that what relates to the 

 civil government will be a difficult and unpleasant 

 part of your duty, and much must necessarily be left 

 to your own discretion. In your whole conduct you 

 will act in such a manner as best to conciliate the in- 

 habitants and render them friendly to the United 

 States. 



It is desirable that the usual trade between the 

 citizens of the United States and the Mexican pro- 

 vinces should be continued, as far as practicable, 

 under the changed condition of things between the 

 two countries. In consequence of extending your 

 expedition into California, it may be proper that you 

 should increase your supply for goods to be distributed 

 as presents to the Indians. The United States super- 

 intendent of Indian affairs at St. Louis will aid you 

 in procuring these goods. You will be furnished with 

 a proclamation in the Spanish language, to be issued 

 by you and circulated among the Mexican people on 

 your entering into or approaching their country. 

 You will use your utmost endeavors to have the 

 pledges and promises therein contained carried out to 

 the utmost extent. 



I am directed by the President to say that the rank 

 of brevet brigadier-general will be conferred on you 

 as soon as you commence your movement towards 

 California, and sent round to you by sea or over the 

 country, or to the care of the commandant of our 

 squadron in the Pacific. In that way cannon, arms, 



