Kearny Proclamations & Treaty Guadalupe Hidalgo — Essential Points

Kearny at Las Vegas (Aug 15, 1846)

  • Context: General Kearny and the Army of the West declare possession of the territory and alignment with U.S. laws; aim to win local allegiance.
  • Core promises: protection of property, persons, and religion; safety from disturbance by troops without pay or owner consent; not to fight Mexicans or oppose their interests.
  • Oath of allegiance: local officials urged to take the oath; some comply with eyes down or refused to meet his gaze; he demands loyalty.
  • Religious tolerance: government respects Catholic and Protestant worship; some army personnel are Catholic; emphasis on equal protection of religion.
  • Authority and governance: declares, "I am your governor"; offensive measures against resistance: those in arms against him will be hanged; those peaceful will be protected.

Kearny at Santa Fe (Aug 19 and 22, 1846)

  • Reiterates protection from Indians (Apaches, Navajos) and safeguarding of persons and property; security of religious practice is guaranteed.
  • Oaths: continuation of local offices only if allegiance is sworn; potential to retain officials who take oaths.
  • Religious and cultural tolerance: asserts respect for Catholic and Protestant practices; notes a mixed army composition and vows to protect religious freedom.
  • Military force: signaled by larger, unseen troops; resistance deemed useless.

All the rights of citizens — Treaty context (1848)

  • Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo signed on February 2, 1848; three articles (VIII, IX, X) address Mexicans remaining in the conquered territory.
  • Article X was eliminated by the United States Senate before ratification (March 19, 1848).
  • Source references: Hunter Miller, ed., Treaties and Other International Acts of the United States of America (Washington, D.C.: 1931–32), 5:217–19, 241–43, 254–56, 380–81; Norman F. Graebner, The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: Its Background and Formation (Ph.D. dissertation, University of Chicago, 1950).

Key points

  • The proclamations frame U.S. sovereignty as protective and benevolent, offering rights and religious tolerance while demanding allegiance.
  • The treaty context shows ongoing concerns for Mexican residents post-conquest, though Article X was eliminated before ratification, limiting formal guarantees.