It's Just a Rumor!

In September 1842 while President Tyler was negotiating the purchase of California, Commodore Thomas ap Catesby Jones, an American commander, was aboard his ship in Peruvian waters when he heard a rumor that the United States and Mexico were at war and Britain had claimed California.  Jones went northward immediately, reaching Monterey Bay on October 18.  He  landed a force and seized the capital, raising the Star and Stripes.

Two days later, Jones learned there was no war and the flag was hauled down, apologies were made, and Jones remained in Monterey 32 days protecting the Americans living there, after which he sailed off to Los Angeles. 

In 1845 Texas was annexed to the United States. Americans removed the President, Jose Joaquin Herrera and began preparing for war.  John Slidell, (the new) President Polk's emissary had been authorized to purchase New Mexico and California and settle all outstanding disputes with Mexico. 

All had been ignored. Mexico was in no mood for negotiations...they wanted war!

Next time...Mexico Miscalculates
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Today in Pioneer History:  On April 10, 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is founded in New York City by philanthropist and diplomat Henry Bergh.