The Battle of Monterey, California, frequently confused with the Battle of Monterrey, in Mexico itself, was waged on July 7, 1846. In command of American naval forces was Commodore John D. Sloat, in command of the United States Pacific Squadron opposing a small group of Costa Guardia - the Mexican Coast Guard.
The battle was little more than a skirmish, with most of the Mexican detachments protecting the city surrendering without firing a shot. A handful of shore batteries attempted to resist Sloat but were quickly silenced by the American warships.
Of chief interest is the controversy surrounding the battle. While Sloat was an officer of the United States Navy, he was not authorized to attack any portion of California, and was instead reprimanded for his action by President James K. Polk. In addition, Sloat's famous declaration, annexing California to the United States, was met with bitterness and anger by many of the native Californeros and swiftly rejected.
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