The convention assembles. All classes are represented on September
1, 1849. The first legal civil body is convoked west of the Rockies.
Men of thought are here. Men destined to be world-famous in the
unknown future. Settlers, hidalgos, traders, argonauts, government
officials of army and navy, and transient adventurers of no mean
ability. A little press already works with its magical talking
types. A navy chaplain is the Franklin of the West. Some order and
decorum appear. The calm voice of prayer is heard. The mingled amens
of the conquerors thank God for a most unjustifiable acquisition
of the lands of others. They are ours only by the right of the
strong against the weak--the world's oldest title.
The South leads in representative men. Ready to second the secret
desires of Polk, Buchanan, and Calhoun is the astute and courtly
Gwin, yet to be senator, duke of Sonora, and Nestor of his clan.
Moore of Florida, Jones of Louisiana, Botts, Burnett, and others
are in line. On the Northern side are Shannon, an adopted citizen;
wise Halleck; polished McDougall; gifted Edward Gilbert, and other
distinguished men--men worthy of the day and hour.
As independent members, Sutter, General Vallejo, Thomas O.
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