Identifier: oldnavaldayssket00meis (find matches)
Title: Old naval days; sketches from the life of Rear Admiral William Radford, U. S. N.
Year: 1920 (1920s)
Authors: Meissner, Sophie Radford de
Subjects: Radford, William, 1809-1890 United States -- History, Naval
Publisher: New York : H. Holt and company
Contributing Library: University of California Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: MSN

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Jones, commanding theU. S. Pacific Squadron in 1842, believing war to have been de-clared between the United States and Mexico, entered the harborof Monterey with two ships, the United States and Cyajie, onOctober 20th, and sending ashore 150 men under CommanderStribling demanded the immediate surrender of the place.The garrison, unable to defend themselves, marched out ofthe fort with music and colors flying, but the following day,it having been discovered that the war rumors were devoid offoundation, the place was restored to its rightful owners, theAmerican garrison retiring to their vessels, which immediatelyfired a salute in honor of the Mexican flag.) ^ It also is a very small place, and what Commodore Joneswanted with it I cannot imagine. . . . We only remained theretwo days and sailed for this place, where we will make as shorta stay as practicable. From what I saw and learned of Californiait can never be a very densely populated country, as by far the 1 Bancrofts California.
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s § m ^ fc OUTBREAK OF THE MEXICAN WAR 119 greater part is too mountainous for cultivation. I saw some ofthe Immigrants who came across the mountains, at St. Francisco. ( The immigrant parties of 1844, like those of the precedingyear, were two in number; and, as in 1843 also, one came fromOregon, while the other crossed the Sierra by a more direct routeto California,) ^ They were not pleased with the Oregon country and hadwandered along the coast until they reached St. Francisco, andfrom what I have learned the Oregon is not a very desirableCountry. It is much better timbered than the Californias thoughreport says it is very unhealthy. However, we should and oughtby rights to have some possessions on the Pacific, and I for oneam willing to fight for this country. If we give up the OregonCountry to the English or any other Nation I think we had betterabandon our Navy and throw ourselves upon the mercy of anyNation who may think proper to take our possessions from us. I have not receiv

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