It was an unconscious race to all concerned, however.  The French scientists knew nothing of the search in England.  Adams’s papers had never been published; and very annoyed the French were when a claim was set up in his behalf to a share in this magnificent discovery.  As for Adams himself, we are told that by no word did he show resentment at the loss of the practical consummation of his discovery.  His part in any controversy that arose was calm and dignified; but for a time his friends fought a public battle for his fame.  It so happened that the public took a keener interest than it usually takes in scientific predictions; but the discussion has now settled down.  All the world honors the bright genius and mathematical skill of John Couch Adams, and recognizes that he first solved the problem by calculation.  All the world, too, perceives clearly the no less eminent mathematical talents of M. Leverrier, but it recognizes in him something more than the mere mathematician—­the man of energy, decision, and character.

(1846) THE ACQUISITION OF CALIFORNIA, Henry B. Dawson

In the history of the United States, the acquisition of California, carrying with it that of New Mexico, was a peculiar and unusual event, and one of immense significance in the expansion and development of the Republic.  Together with the annexation of Texas, it was the most important result of the Mexican War.  The California country, formerly an indeterminate territory of vast extent, was settled by Spanish missionaries in the seventeenth century.  Their settlements within the present limits of the State of California date from the first foundation of San Diego in 1769.  In 1822 the entire region called California became a part of the Mexican Republic, and it remained a possession of Mexico until the time of the transfer described below.

At the beginning of 1846 the population of California included, with about two hundred thousand Indians, six thousand Mexicans and perhaps two hundred Americans.  War against Mexico had been declared in May, 1845, and already General Taylor had won the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, and had compelled the surrender of Monterey.  While these operations were leading the United States forces to the rapid accomplishment of their work in Mexico proper, other movements were undertaken, the execution and outcome of which form the subject of Mr. Dawson’s narrative.  In 1848 California and New Mexico were ceded to the United States.

Immediately after the opening of hostilities in the valley of the Rio Grande (March, 1846), among the expeditions which were organized by the Federal authorities was one to move against and take possession of California and New Mexico, two provinces in the northern part of the enemy’s country.  The command of this expedition had been vested in General Stephen W. Kearney, and the force under his command had rendezvoused at Fort Leavenworth; and the most energetic measures had been adopted to insure its early departure and its ultimate success.