the Pueblo of Los Angelos, where he was rejoined by General Castro, who reorganized the forces and assumed the command himself.  The exploring party had now become a military expedition, and around this nucleus the Americans, then in California, flocked to pour out their vengeance against their country’s foes.  Having quite a little army at his disposal, Fremont left a strong detachment at Sonoma, and departed with the rest of his command for Sutter’s Fort.  On arriving there, he placed the fort under military rule, and left his prisoners, General Vallejos and the two captains, who had been captured at Sonoma.  Also an American by the name of Lace, who was a brother-in-law to General Vallejos, and whose predilections appeared to lean in favor of the Mexican side.  With all his mountain men, including Kit Carson, Fremont then took up his line of march towards Monterey, for the purpose of attacking and taking possession of the town; but, this movement had been anticipated by Commodore Sloat and the American squadron.  Soon after Fremont’s arrival at Monterey (where he was very kindly received by the commodore and his officers), Commodore Sloat left the country, and the command devolved upon Commodore Stockton.

A consultation having been held among the officers, it was the prevailing opinion that it would be impossible to overtake and engage the Mexicans by following them up on land; therefore Fremont asked for a ship to take his force to San Diego, where he could obtain animals and march on to Los Angelos.  The United States vessel Cyane, under the command of Capt.  Dupont, was furnished him for this undertaking by Commodore Stockton.  In four days time the party arrived at San Diego, where they landed.  They there parted with the ship and the gallant captain, with many pleasant reminiscences of their short voyage.  At San Diego, Fremont found himself at the head of about one hundred and fifty men, which was not a very strong force to be in an enemy’s country with, especially so far from their homes as they were.  However, nearly every man was a veteran in war, and the whole body felt themselves invincible, which was a source of great consolation to their leader.  From San Diego, parties of the command were sent to scour the neighboring country, in order to bring in a sufficient number of horses to mount the men.  This being accomplished, Fremont set out for Los Angelos, where the Governor and Gen. Castro had a force of seven hundred men at their disposal.  These officials, with their soldiers, on learning the near approach of the Americans, broke up and fled, most of them taking the road to Sonora, while the balance scattered, not apparently caring where they went, as long as they did not come in contact with the Americans.  Fremont marched within about one league of the town, and encamped to await, as had been previously agreed upon, the arrival of Commodore Stockton, who soon joined him at this place with a party of sailors and marines, “As fine a body of men,” says Kit Carson, “as ever I looked upon.”