“The Mexican-American War - Momentous events occurred in the outlying Mexican lands that are today a part of southwestern United States. Texas had declared itself a separate republic in the 1830&s, and the forces of Sam Houston defeated Mexico’s General Santa Ana. In Alta California, there were only scattered Mexican forces and settlers along the coast. English-speaking peoples from the east were migrating west and taking up lands. It became clear that both England and France coveted possession of Alta California and its fabulous harbor at San Francisco. By 1837, the United States was making proposals to Mexico for the purchase of Mexican lands in the west. A mood of expansionism, manifest destiny prevailed in the United States. In 1845, James Polk was elected president, standing on a political platform advocating the annexation of Texas and the purchase of Alta California from Mexico.

As a result of the election mandate, the United States issued, and received acceptance of, an invitation for Texas to join the Federal Union. This annexation infuriated Mexican authorities and resulted in armed conflict along the border. In addition to the issue of Texas, the United States had various grievances against Mexico and also feared the potential takeover of California by England or France. As a result, the United States declared war on May 11, 1846.

Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, the United States had been prepared to pay approximately $25 million for California, depending on the inclusion or exclusion of Baja California. This either/or proviso would seem to indicate that obtaining possession of Baja California was not a primary goal of the United States government. However, once war started, military steps were taken to bring the peninsula under United States authority.

The decisive battles of the Mexican-American War took place in main land Mexico. Invading United States forces under the command of Zachary Taylor and Weinfield Scott conducted successful campaigns. The latter General captured Mexico City on September 14, 1847. Lesser actions took place in New Mexico and Alta California. Perhaps the least known of all were the battles that took place in the Baja Peninsula, where the fighting was actually heavier than it was to the north.

Commodore Sloat

A squadron of eight United States navy ships and their marine contingents had been stationed in Pacific waters for some time. They were commanded by Commodore John D. Sloat, who was under instructions to occupy San Francisco and other Alta California ports in the event of war with Mexico. Sloat stationed his fleet at Mazatlan, where there was a United States consul; it was apparently the best site along the entire Pacific coast for him to receive instruction from Washington.

On May 16, 1846, he received word that fighting had begun along the Rio Grande. While he did not know that war had been declared several days earlier, he moved his ships north along the California coast and during July, took possession of Monterey, San Francisco, and San Diego- without resistance.

After completing the assignment, some of the American ships returned south to blockade the Mexican coast and take possession of additional ports. In September 1846, these ships arrived in La Paz. The United States commander told local authorities they were under American control and secured an agreement that they would remain neutral. The United States forces were under orders to utilize this neutrality approach to pacify the Mexicans and to make them more receptive to change in authority. On March 29, 1847, the United States sloop Portsmouth sailed to San Jose del Cabo and imposed the same arrangement.

Prior to the declaration of war, the United States Congress had authorized the formation of battalions of volunteers as backup forces to the regular army. The first was to be the First Battalion of Volunteers from the State of New York. It was composed mostly of young boys eager for adventure and was referred to in New York newspapers as the Baby Regiment,

The Battalion was placed on ships and transported around Cape Horn to Alta California, where it arrived in spring 1947. The boys were assigned to guard the various towns in the region. Subsequently, two companies were ordered to La Paz, where they went ashore without incident on July 20, 1847.

Statement of Neutrality

Word reached the Mexican government of the neutral position taken by their small military force that was stationed at La Paz. In anger, they dispatched Captain Manual Piñada and a small group of officers and arms to take over military matters in the peninsula. Piñada had previous knowledge of the terrain and people of Baja. He crossed the Sea of Cortez from Guaymas and arrived at Mulegé in September 1847. Here, he organized the local people into a force to defend the peninsula from the Americans.

Hearing of Piñada’s arrival, the Americans dispatched the sloop Dale to Mulegé, where it arrived in October. The sloop’s commander sent a message ashore demanding that the inhabitants preserve neutrality. Piñada responded with a prideful message that he and his soldiers would defend their country until the last drop of blood was shed.

Hearing this, the United States commander sent boats ashore with some 60 men and a small artillery piece. Piñada and his small group of men fired upon this force. There followed a considerable exchange of gunfire, including some 135 canister shots from Dale. The Mexicans held fast, and by afternoon the Americans returned to their ship.

Having met with resistance, the Dale left Mulegé leaving a smaller ship behind to provide a blockade. All this action took place at the mouth of the Rio Santa Rosalia near El Sombretito, a small bit conspicuous peak that now bears the Mulegé lighthouse. It is in plain view from the highway and is several hundred yards from the Hotel Serenidad.

The heroic defense of Mulegé gave rise to considerable public spirit. Piñada was able to recruit a force that Mexican historians say numbered about 300 men. They came from the pueblos of San Ignacio, Mulegé, and Comondu, and later from San Antonio and Todo Santos.

Piñada marched his soldiers south. Part of the force was detached sent to San Jose del Cabo. On November 16, 1847, the main body of some 180 men under Piñada attacked the New York Volunteers who had fortified themselves within buildings in La Paz. There was to follow 12 days of fierce fighting, with the Americans defending themselves with cannon fire and by tearing down buildings, which were providing the Mexicans with cover. At one point these forces penetrated to within 100 feet of the fortified Americans, but Piñada finally had to withdraw due to lack of ammunition. After the fighting was over, American reinforcements arrived by sea.”