Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/157

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THE CALIFORNIA BATTALION.

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On his arrival at Monterey, Lieutenant Colonel Frémont informed Commodore Sloat of his proceedings, and of his desire to capture the force under de Castro. The commodore declined to aid him in the enterprise, as he was about to return to the United States, in consequence of his enfeebled health; but when the authority on shore was intrusted to Commodore Stockton, he entered into the project at once, and gave it a most hearty and efficient support. A battalion of mounted riflemen, consisting mainly of the American settlers in California, was immediately formed, and the command given to Lieutenant Colonel Frémont, with the rank of major — the fact of his promotion being still unknown in California. This force was organized for the purpose of cooperating with the marines and sailors employed on the land under the orders of Commodore Stockton.

It was understood, at this time, that Pio Pico, the Governor of California, and General de Castro, the military commandant, were near Ciudad de los Angelos, at the head of seven hundred cavalry, well mounted, and brave and expert horsemen.^[1] A threatening proclamation had been issued by the governor, denouncing

↑ The force under Pico and de Castro was chiefly composed of armed Californians, under Mexican leaders. The former are celebrated for their skilful horsemanship, and their dexterity in the use of the lance. Their horses are small, but remarkably ﬂeet, easily trained, and capable of great endurance. In March, 1847, Lieutenant Colonel Frémont, with two companions, travelled on horseback, from Ciudad de los Angelos, to Monterey, and returned again immediately, at the rate of one hundred and twenty-five miles in a day. Each of the party had three horses,which were in turn, under the saddle. The six loose horses ran ahead, without bridle or halter, and were caught with the lasso when required. At the end of the journey the horses were apparently as fresh as ever. The riders, also, it may be added, showed themselves capable of enduring extraordinary hardship and fatigue Without difficulty.

[1] The force under Pico and de Castro was chiefly composed of armed Californians, under Mexican leaders. The former are celebrated for their skilful horsemanship, and their dexterity in the use of the lance. Their horses are small, but remarkably ﬂeet, easily trained, and capable of great endurance. In March, 1847, Lieutenant Colonel Frémont, with two companions, travelled on horseback, from Ciudad de los Angelos, to Monterey, and returned again immediately, at the rate of one hundred and twenty-five miles in a day. Each of the party had three horses,which were in turn, under the saddle. The six loose horses ran ahead, without bridle or halter, and were caught with the lasso when required. At the end of the journey the horses were apparently as fresh as ever. The riders, also, it may be added, showed themselves capable of enduring extraordinary hardship and fatigue Without difficulty.

[1]