The first official act looking to the establishment of a State government for California was the issuance of a proclamation on June 3, 1849, by Brigadier-General Bennett Riley, U. S. A., the then Military Governor of the Territory, "recommending the formation of a State Constitution or a plan of a Territorial Government. "' The Convention was made to consist of thirty-seven Delegates, to be chosen as follows: District of San Diego, two Delegates; of Los Angeles, four; of Santa Barbara, two; of San Luis Obispo, two; of Monterey, five; of San Jose, five; of San Francisco, five; of Sonoma, four; of Sacramento, four; and of San Joaquin, four.

The election for delegates was held on August 1, 1849. The Convention met in Colton Hall, in the town of Monterey, at twelve M. on Saturday, September 1, 1849, and adjourned on Saturday, October 13, 1849. The Convention admitted to seats quite a number of delegates in excess of those contemplated in the proclamation of General Riley. On organization, Robert Semple was chosen President, and Willam G. Marcy, Secretary. The Constitution formed by the Convention was adopted by the people at an election held November 13, 1849.