This Day…

1842-Commodore Thomas ap Catesby Jones, commanding a fleet of the US Navy in the Pacific Ocean, seizes Montery, the capital of the Mexican Provice of California, when he hears that the United States and Mexico are at war. Cateby Jones had feared that the British would take advantage of the hostilities to seize California. He returns to the post the following day when he learns of his mistake. Apologies reparations are made to Mexico by President Tyler.