The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 20, July 1916 - April, 1917 Page: 153

Stockton's Proclamation to the San Diego Insurgents 153
San Diego,
Headquarters,
Nov. 24, 1846.
Sirs:
I have to acknowledge the receipt of the inclosed communica-
tion relative to your fellow citizens and friends, who have been
induced by false representations and lies to oppose the present
government of this territory and I must say to them that the
government of the United States desires nothing so much as the
happiness and prosperity of California. They [the United States]
have made war against Mexico; but they have ardently desired
to save the people of California and their property from the ter-
rible calamities of the war.
In spite of this, so many are the Californians who have been
induced to make war against the United States by a gang of
demoralized Mexicans and Sonoran robbers, that the United States
have been obliged to make preparations to prosecute the war with
great severity.
There are now in the field and coming from northern points
irresistible forces, and if they arrive before your friends come into
this garrison, I cannot be responsible for their lives and property.
But in consideration of your firm adhesion and the fulfillment of
your promises, and because of the important service which you
have performed by your efforts for the salvation of California from
the wicked deeds of its worst enemies-I declare by these presents
that all those, who come into this garrison as soon as they receive
this offer of protection and friendship, will be received as friends
and the security of their persons and goods is guaranteed by these
presents by the Government of the United States.
Done under my hand and signature this 24th day of November,
1846.
Signed
R. F. Stockton
Commander-in-chief of the forces of the United States
and governor of the territory of California.
This is a copy translated from the original
Miguel de Pedrorena