Commodore Jones’s War
In the belief that either Britain or France was about to wrest California from Mexico, writes G.G. Hatheway, an American Commodore in 1842 attempted the venture himself, with some ludicrous results.
“Monterey, Wednesday, October 19, 1842.
Stiff breezes. Land in sight. Filling grape and musket balls for 9 pounder. A cummunication from the Commodore; all hands to hear it read. ‘We are now approaching Monterey in the territory of Mexico, the enemy of our country, whose flag it is our duty to strike, and hoist our own in its place...’ (this) together with a few spangled banners, eagles, glory and soldiers, a little mercy and American seamen filled up the harrangue. So it appears we are going to have a fight. Bueno!”
William H. Meyers on board the Cyane
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