Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 24.djvu/217

 Oregon Mission 197 at Monterey, September 20, "have besieged Sutter's Fort, and demanded that the perpetrator of the murder should be punished by the laws of the country. They number, I understand, about 2000 warriors. I have no doubt but everything will be amicably arranged. Cook, the person who killed the Indian, is reported to have given himself up to the authorities, and is now on board one of the vessels of war." Commodore Stockton has issued a proclamation of war and declared all the western ports of Mexico south of San Diego under blockade. Neutral vessels were given twenty days to leave. The Commodore has issued the following circular : — "You are hereby advised that a war exists between the United States of North America and Mexico, and are cautioned to guard against an attack from Mexican Pri- vateers, and all vessels under the Mexican flag. "The Territory of California has been taken posses- sion of by the forces under my command, and now belongs to the United States, and you will find safe anchorage and protection in the harbor of San Francisco during any season of the year."