[p. 66] Chapter VIII The Conquest of California, p. 66
The American era of California history, begins with the raising of the flag at Monterey on July 7th, 1846. Within a week after that event all of the territory north of Monterey had been taken possesssion of without opposition. Castro, with a part of his force, had retreated to Los Angeles, and those remaining behind had disbanded and retired to their homes. Fremont had moved his battalion of about 130 men to a camp on the American river above Sutter's Fort. Here he was encamped when, on the 11th of July, a messenger bearing Sloat's proclamation and an American flag reached him. This flag was raised over the fort and saluted with twenty-one guns. Immediately afterward Fremont's battalion began its march to Monterey, where it arrived [p. 67] on the 19th. Fremont had an interview with Commodore Sloat which was not very satisfactory to either. Sloat was inclined to blame Fremont for acting wihout sufficient authority in precipitating hostilities and Fremont was disappointed because Sloat would not endorse his scheme of making a campaign against Castro.