Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/159

Rh a preliminary step to negotiation, he must pledge himself to remain where he was with his forces, he instantly closed the conference, and informed the commissioners that this was out of the question, and that he "would either take the country, or be whipped out of it!" One of the commissioners returned, in a few days, with a letter from General de Castro, written in the most extravagant language, and proclaiming his determination to defend the territory to the last. The commodore declined making any reply to the communication, but sent orders to Lieutenant Colonel Frémont to join him on the route, and 00mmenced his march. Notwithstanding his boastful declarations, the Mexican general wisely concluded not to risk an engagement with the force advancing against him; his cannon were buried; his men dispersed; and Governor Pio Pico and himself fled to Sonora for safety.

The commodore was joined on his march by Lieutenant Colonel Frémont, with his battalion of volunteer riflemen, numbering one hundred and twenty men. The retreat of the enemy was so precipitate that they could not overtake them, and they entered Ciudad de los Angelos, and took possession of the government house, without opposition. Parties of the riflemen were sent out to capture the Mexican officers who had headed the Californians. A number of them were taken, but were allowed to go at large on their parole. Commodore Stockton soon after issued his proclamation, declaring the territory of California to be a part of the United States, by right of conquest, and announcing himself as the governor thereof. Lieutenant