THE CAPITULATION AT CAHUENGA
(Reproduced as it was written and published by Col. John C. Fremont, California Battalion, 1847.)
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, GREETING:
Know ye that, in consequence of propositions of peace, or cessation of hostilities, being
submitted to me, as commandant of the California Battalion of United States forces, which have so far
been acceded to by me as to cause me to appoint a board of commissioners to confer with a similar
board appointed by the Californians, and it requiring a little time to close the negotiation; it is agreed
upon and ordered by me that entire cessation of hostilities shall take place until tomorrow afternoon
(January 13th), and that the said Californians be permitted to bring in their wounded to the mission
of San Fernando, where, also, If they choose, they can remove their camp, to facilitate said
negotiations.
Given under my hand and seal this twelfth day of January, 1847.
J. C. Fremont
Lieutenant-Colonel United States
Army, and Military Commandant of California
Articles of Capitulation made and entered into at the Rancbo of Cahuenga, this thirteenth day of
January, Anno Domini, eighteen hundred and forty-seven between P. B. Reading, Major; Louis
McLane,.Ir, Commanding Artillery; Wm. H. Russell, Ordnance Officer, Commissioners appointed by
]. C. Fremont, Lieutenant-Colonel United States Army and Military Commandant of the Territory of
California; and Jose Antonio Carillo, Commandante de Esquadron, Augustin Olivera, Diputado,
Commissioners, appointed by Don Andres Pico, commander-in-chief of the California forces under
the Mexican flag.
Article 1. The Commissioners on the part of the Californians agree that their entire force shall, on
presentation of themselves to Lieutenant-Colonel Fremont, deliver up their artillery and public arms,
and they shall return peaceably to their homes, conforming to tile laws and regulations of tile United
States, and not again take up arms during the war between the United State's and Mexico, but will
assist and aid In placing the country in a state of peace and tranquillity.
Art. 2. The Commissioners on the part of Lieutenant-Colonel Fremont lit agree and bind
themselves on the fulfillment of Elie first article by the Californians, that they shall be guaranteed
protection of life and property whether on parole or otherwise.
Art. 3. That, until a treaty of peace be made and signed between the United States of North
America and the Republic of Mexico, no Californian or other Mexican citizen shall be bound to take the
oath of allegiance.
Art. 4. That any Californian or other citizen of Mexico desiring, is permitted by this capitulation to
leave the country without let or hindrance.
Art. 5. That, in virtue of the aforesaid articles, equal rights and privilege are vouchsafed to every
citizen of California, as are enjoyed by the citizens of the United States of North America.
Art. 6. All officers, citizens, foreigners, or others, shall receive the protection guaranteed by the
second article.
Art. 7. This capitulation Is intended to be no bar in effecting such arrangements as may In future
be in justice required by both parties.
P. B. Reading, Major California Battalion
Wm. H. Russell, Ordnance Officer of California Battalion
Louis McLane, Jr., Commanding Artillery California Battalion
Jose Antonio Carillo, Commandante de Esquadron
Augustin Olivera, Diputado
Approved.
J. C. Fremont
Lieutenant-Colonel United States Army,
and Military Commandant of California
Approbado.
Andres Pico
Commandante de Esquadron y en Gefe
de las fuerzas nacionales en California.
Additional Article
That the paroles of ail officers, citizens, and others of the United States, and of naturalized Citizens of
Mexico, are by this foregoing capitulation canceled, and every condition of said paroles from and after
this date are of no further force and effect, and all prisoners of both parties are hereby released.
[Signatures the same as above]
Ciudad de Los Angeles
January 16, 1847.