And That's a Wrap

General Stephen Kearny, commanding the US Army of the West, had earlier marched his 1600 men from Kansas to Santa Fe and captured the town without a struggle.  Kearny carried orders naming him Commander in California, instructing him to establish civil government as soon as possible.

Kearny believed the war was all but over, so he went westward with  only a small detachment of 100 men.  He entered California in late autumn of 1846.  Early in December, Kerney's men, who were exhausted from the long marches, were severely beaten by Californios near San Diego.  Kearney himself was wounded twice. 

In January 1847, Kearny joined forces with Robert Stockton and they 600 man army routed the defenders of Los Angeles in the final battle at La Mesa on the 8th of January.  The Californios fled north into the arms of John Charles Fremont where they surrendered on January 13, 1847.

All of California was now in American hands.

Next time...Mr. Polk's War
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Today in Pioneer History: On April 27, 1865, the worst maritime disaster in American history occurs when the steamboat Sultana, carrying 2,100 passengers, explodes and sinks in the Mississippi River, killing all but 400 of those aboard.

Not the Way to Govern!

Archibald Gillespie, left to govern newly conquered Los Angeles in Robert Stockton's absence, made no effort to hid his contempt for Mexicans.  He succeeded to arouse the Californios (native Mexicans living in California) far more than appeal to their patriotism had ever done.  Within six weeks his rule had generated a true guerrilla movement.

On September 29, 1846 outgunned and outnumbered, Gillespie was forced to surrender to the insurgents.  Their leader had more chivalry and good sense than Gillespie himself.  The Mexicans granted the Americans their freedom with the promise that they would leave the providence.

Instead of keeping that promise, Gillespie joined forces with Navy Captain William Mervine at San Pedro Bay, and together they made a drive to retake Los Angeles.  On October 8, the Americans and guerillas clashed again.  Although outnumbered four to one, the Californios had one advantage - an ancient cannon hidden during the US occupation of Los Angeles.  Dragging that cannon from place to place, they tore huge holes in the American lines, sending them retreating. 

The Americans knew they had a war on their hands in the south.  They regrouped for another offensive.  Meanwhile a new force under General Stephen Watts Kearny was approaching California across the desert.

Next time...Kearny lends a hand
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Today in Pioneer History:  On April 24, 1800, the Library of Congress is established.  President John Adams approves legislation to appropriate $5,000 to purchase “such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress,” thus establishing the Library of Congress.