Mexican militia forces attempted to destroy the United States Army garrison, occupying the peninsular town.

[1]: 27 The United States Navy had no warships to help protect La Paz; they all sailed north to Alta California for orders.

[2]: 165 On December 8, a launch, arrived from Mazatlán with supplies, as did the Cyane, when Pineda's men retired to San Antonio.

"[1]: 41 While the Mexicans were besieging La Paz, U.S. President James K. Polk, in his annual message to the Congress, on December 7, 1847, stated: "Early after the commencement of the war, New Mexico and the Californias were taken possession by our forces.

Our military and naval commanders were ordered to conquer and to hold them, subject to be disposed of by a treaty of peace.