Page 27 - bonsal_efbeale1912
P. 27
CHAPTER II
THE WAR WITH MEXICO
Secretary Bancroft s Instructions to Commodore Stockton
upon Taking Command of the Pacific Squadron
The Situation in California The Army of the West
at Fort Leavenworth General Wool Kearny at
Santa Fe The Meeting with Kit Carson Kearny
Pushes on to California Battle of San Pasqual
Beale Commands the Guns Mexicans in Over
whelming Force Kearny in Straits Beale and
Carson Undertake Desperate Journey Bringing News
to Stockton The Relief Column Benton s Speech
in the Senate His Tribute to Beale Beale s First
Visit to San Francisco Bay in the Fall of 1846 His
Letter to Fremont.
purpose of the Administration at this
THE and the situation in Mexico is well
juncture
described in the instructions of Hon. George
Bancroft, the historian, then Secretary of the Navy,
to Commodore Stockton when this distinguished
officer was on the point of sailing from Norfolk, Va.,
on the Congress to take command of the Pacific
Squadron.
It is the earnest desire of the President [writes Mr.
of peace, and he is anxious
Bancroft] to pursue the policy
9
