Page 28 - bonsal_efbeale1912

io Edward Beale
Fitzgerald
that you and every part of your Squadron should be
assiduously careful to avoid any act which could be con
strued into an act of aggression. Should Mexico, however,
be resolutely bent on hostilities you will be mindful to
protect the persons and the interests of citizens of the
United States, and should you ascertain beyond a doubt
that the Mexican Government has declared war against us,
you will employ the force under your command to the best
advantage.
The Mexican ports on the Pacific are said to be open and
defenceless. If you ascertain with certainty that Mexico
has declared war against the United States you will at once
blockade or occupy such ports as your force may admit.

When Stockton reached the California coast,
however, the situation was somewhat different.
By June, 1846, war had been declared, and after
driving the Mexicans at Palo Alto and Resaca de
la Palma, General Taylor lay at Matamoras await
ing definite instructions from Washington which
were slow in coming.
In the meantime, a small force, somewhat pom
pously styled the Army of the West, assembled at
Fort Leavenworth. It was commanded by Colonel
Kearny who was instructed as soon as his prepa
rations were made to march into New Mexico,
capture Santa Fe, and then proceed to California.
The Army of the Centre, a much larger force under
command of General Wool, had assembled at
San Antonio, and was making ready to march into
Chihuahua.
Kearny, apparently oppressed by the fear that
the war would be over before he had fairly placed