Joshua A. Norton

“Being desirous of allaying the dissensions of party strife now existing within our realm, I do hereby dissolve and abolish the Democratic and Republican parties.”

“Whoever after due and proper warning shall be heard to utter the abominable word 'Frisco,' which has no linguistic or other warrant, shall be deemed guilty of a High Misdemeanor.”

“We do hereby abolish the Congress of the United States of America, and it is hereby abolished.”

“WHEREAS, a body of men calling themselves the National Congress are now in session in Washington City, in violation of our Imperial edict... now, therefore, we do hereby dissolve the said Congress.”

“The Empress is not to be with me, as my vast realm is not yet in a settled state.”

“We do hereby command the leaders of the sects of Buddha, Mahomet, and the Christians to meet in our presence in the city of San Francisco... to promulgate a system of religion to be adopted by mankind.”

“Hereby it is decreed that a suspension bridge be built from Oakland Point to Goat Island and thence to the city of San Francisco.”

“At the peremptory request of a large majority of the citizens of these United States, I, Joshua Norton, declare and proclaim myself Emperor of these United States.”

“We, Norton I, do hereby declare ourselves Emperor of these United States, and Protector of Mexico.”

“Fraud and corruption are preventing justice from being rendered.”

“WHEREAS, we are desirous of securing the happiness of our people and of avoiding the shedding of blood; now, therefore, we do hereby... command the arrest of the so-called Board of Supervisors.”