Conquest of California; Capture of Sonoma by Bear Flag Men June 14, 1846 Raising the American Flag in Monterey by Commodore John D. Sloat, July 7, 1846
Santa Rosa, CA: Sonoma Democrat Publishing Company, 1896. Very Good Plus. First Edition. [6.5x6.75in], [1], 33 pp., five illustrations; Red paper wrappers with sewn and glued binding, black lettering on front; Some shelf wear to covers, edges and corners, minor age soiling along edges with small chips and rubbing, old repairs to spine edge, top edge of front free end paper and title page reenforced with archival tape, age-toning to text with old stain spots along top edge. Item #14437
On June 14, 1846, American settlers staged the "Bear Flag Revolt," seizing the Mexican garrison at Sonoma, California, to establish the short-lived California Republic. Led by William Ide and Ezekiel Merritt, the group declared independence from Mexico, raising a homemade flag with a bear and star. This insurrection, fueled by fear of expulsion and supported by U.S. Captain John C. Frémont, directly contributed to the U.S. conquest of California during the Mexican-American War. The California Republic lasted only a couple of weeks without any any form of governance. On July 7, 1846, U.S. Navy Commodore John D. Sloat raised the United States flag in the Capitol at Monterey that started the occupation of California. Over the next two years, battles were fought in Southern California with Mexico
Sonoma was the home of Colonel Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, commander of the small garrison in Northern California, a major land holder and political leader. A group of volunteers were sent to Vallejo's home to arrest him and he chose to surrender to the group. Vallejo's sympathies were with the American settlers and saw that the future of California was with the United States, not with Mexico's limited governance and support of Alta California. When Captain John Fremont's "exploration and survey party" arrived, Vallejo assisted him in consolidating control over Northern California.
Price: $175.00