Larkin Index

The Larkin Papers
Vol 5, pg 107

John Drake Sloat, General Order nr 1

                                                              Flag Ship Savanah  7th July, 1846
                          Monterey Harbor

General Order    

We are now about to land on the Territory of  Mexico with whom the United States is at War, to strike their Flag and hoist our own in place of it is our duty. It is not only our duty to take California but to preserve it afterwards as a part of the United States at all hazards. To accomplish this, it is of the first importance to cultivate the good opinions of the inhabitants and reconcile them to the change.
    We know how to take care of those who oppose us, but it is the peaceable and unoffending inhabitants whom we must reconcile. I scarcely consider it necessary for me to caution American Seaman and Marines against the detestable crime of plundering and maltreating unoffending inhabitants.
    That no one may misunderstand his duty the following regulations must be strictly adhered to as no violation can hope to escape the severest punishment.
    1st. On landing no man is to leave the shore untill the commanding Officer gives the word to march.
    2nd. No gun is to be fired or other act of hostility committed without express orders from the Officer commanding the party.
    3rd. The Officers and Boat keepers will keep their respective Boats as close to the shore as they will safely float, taking care they do not lay aground and remain in them prepared to defend themselves against attack and attentively watch for signals from the Ships, as well as from the party on shore.
    4th. No man is to quit the ranks or enter any House for any pretence whatever, without express orders from an Officer. Let every man avoid insult or offence to any unoffending inhabitant, and especially avoid that eternal disgrace which would be attached to our names and our Countrys name by indignity offered to a single female, even let her standing by however low it may be.
    5th. Plunder of every kind, is strictly forbidden; not only does the plundering of the smallest article, from a prize forfeit all claim to prize money, but the offender must expect to be severely punished.
    6th. Finally, let me entreat you, one and all not to tarnish our hope of bright success by any act that we should be ashamed to acknowledge before God and our Country.

     (Signed) John D. Sloat
Commander in Cheif of the U. S. Naval Forces in  the Pacific Ocean.       

         
    Note: Original documents misspelled were not corrected in the publication.

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