Mormon Battalion Association’s Church History Indexing

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[Mormon Battalion / MB CR 1234 1 B47F30 unknown San Diego Citz / CR_1234_1box_47_fd._30-Unknown_letter-ORIGINAL_Page_01]

San Diego.

Jan^y 8^th 1848.

To the Editor of the Californian.

Sir,

I take the liberty of addressing a

few lines to you for insertion in your valuable paper. Should you

deem them of sufficient public interest; to merrit a nook in your

columns, they are at your service. The remarks I have to make

have been suggested by rumors; current here, that in March next

our present efficient garrison at San Diego will be disbanded,

when in all probability we shall be left again without protection

by the United States authorities in Carlifornia; whose cause we have

recently espoused, and through whose wise policy, we had fond-

ly hoped to realise our ardent anticipations: of promised security.

When on the 29^th of July, 1846, the United States, ship "Cyan"

arrived here, and Captain Dupont, hoisted the American flag in

San Diego, — he found many true hearted friends:— friends to the

American cause:— who were not only willing to take shelter under

the wide spread wings of the American "Eagle," but who were also

willing to sacrifice their lives, their fortunes, and ^{to engage} their sacred honor:

in its defence.

Eleven days after arrival of the "Cyan," the inhabitants

were not a little surprised at the preparation for her departure;

they represented to Captain Dupont, their former anticipations

of a longer stay of his vessel:— they received a polite answer in

return.—— Colonel Freemont; also soon left, and was imme-

diately followed by Captain Gillispie; leaving the inhabitants

who had voluntarily embraced the American cause, to protect

themselves; or become a prey to their enemies. We remained in

this condition until Colonel Cook, ordered company (B.) Mormon

Battalion of volunteers, commanded by Captain Hunter, to

garrison this post; they remained here about three months when

their term of Enlistment having expired, we were again left to ourselves.

A short time after their departure, a report reached

Colonel Stevenson, the commandant of the Pueblo: that

the Mexican flag had been rehoisted here, a vessel was despatched