dition of the population made her rule in this province so feeble as to be almost ridiculous. The result was numerous revolutions, in which the Americans usually took part, and such a state of political unrest that men accustomed to a settled and strong government could scarcely be blamed for wishing a change. The interest which the United States already had in Oregon, the continued emigration of her people by sea and land to California, the letters written back by these emigrants, the reports of official visitors and the books of far west travellers produced a feeling that our country must finally become possessed of the southern as well as the northern section of the Pacific coast. After 1836 there was always danger of war between the United States and Mexico over the question of annexing Texas to the Union, thus increasing the feeling of uncertainty respecting California. It was well understood that in case of hostilities this province would doubtless be captured by the American fleet.^
The Bear Flag Revolt, June, 1846. By the spring of 1846 there were several hundred Americans scattered through the country, the most numerous body of them in the vicinity of Sutter's Fort. Lieutenant John C. Fremont, the "Pathfinder," with his surveying party, had wintered in California, where he came into conflict with the government authorities. He then
1 In 1842 Commodore Jones, believing that war had broken out between the two nations, actually took possession of Monterey and hoisted the American flag. He gave up the place a few hours later on learning his mistake.
