It is the wish and design of the United States to provide for
California, with the least possible delay, a free government,
similar to those in her other territories; and the people will soon
be called upon to exercise their rights as freemen, in electing
their own representatives, to make such laws as may be deemed best
for their interest and welfare. But until this can be done, the laws
now in existence, and not in conflict with the constitution of the
United States, will be continued until changed by competent
authority; and those persons who hold office will continue in the
same for the present, provided they swear to support that
constitution, and to faithfully perform their duty.
The undersigned hereby absolves all the inhabitants of California
from any further allegiance to the republic of Mexico, and will
consider them as citizens of the United States; those who remain
quiet and peaceable will be respected in their rights and protected
in them. Should any take up arms against or oppose the government of
this territory, or instigate others to do so, they will be
considered as enemies, and treated accordingly.
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