United States Expansion and Governance Senate Report No 75 1848 Addressing California War Claims and Federal Obligation

Lewis Cass

Pamphlet

Cass, Lewis. California Claims, February 23, 1848, presents a United States Senate report addressing financial claims made by residents of California for supplies and services rendered to American forces during the Mexican American War. Prepared within the United States Senate, the report evaluates petitions led by John Charles Frémont, who advocated for compensation on behalf of civilians and participants involved in the American conquest of California. The document provides evidence of how federal authorities addressed obligations to local populations whose cooperation supported military operations, situating California within the broader process of territorial incorporation following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. It supports research into U.S. territorial expansion, military finance, and early governance of newly acquired regions.

Cass, Lewis. California Claims. In Senate of the United States. February 23, 1848. 30th Congress, 1st Session. [Senate] Rep. Com., No. 75. Washington, D.C., 1848. First edition. Disbound pamphlet, 83 pages, measuring approximately 6.5" x 9". The report includes testimony, memorials, and committee findings regarding claims submitted by California residents, with statements such as: “Half a million dollars would pay all the just claims of California” and assertions that “the people of California served the United States faithfully and patriotically, and deserve to be fairly and promptly paid.” The document details the logistical and financial contributions made by civilians and military personnel, including the provision of money, goods, and operational support during the conflict.

Issued in the same year that the United States formally acquired California, the report captures a transitional moment before the onset of the California Gold Rush and prior to statehood in 1850, when questions of governance, compensation, and political incorporation remained unresolved. Frémont’s involvement links the document to earlier events including the Bear Flag uprising and the establishment of provisional American authority in the region. As a record of federal response to wartime obligations and local cooperation, the report contributes to understanding the administrative and political challenges accompanying rapid territorial expansion in the mid-nineteenth century. Disbound with expected wear; pages toned with handling; text complete and legible; overall in good condition.

Item #16597

Price: $550.00