Fort Brown caused more fatalities when the Mexicans were crossing the river of Rio Grande.
A month later, on June 14th 1846 in California, native English speaking people arrested the Mexican governor and imprisoned him and declared California. Commodore John Sloat claimed Monterey and took control of the California Republic; he later transferred his command to Robert F. Stockton under the orders from congress. At the same time, Kearny with 1700 US troops marched to Santa Fe, New Mexico and took control. Kearny later proceeded with 300 cavalrymen along the Gila River valley. Later on, he sent back 200 of his 300 cavalrymen believing the war in California was over, he clashed with the Mexican militia at the settlement of San Pasqual because he mistakenly believed that his cavalrymen were enough to win battle. He was defeated when he had superior numbers and firearms, the militia only had swords and lances. Kearny later met up with Stockton and recaptured Ciudad de Los Angeles at the battle of San Gabriel. Kearny and Stockton disputed over the right of command and even thought Kearny had superior orders, he sent most of his men back believing the war was over and most of the troops were damaged in the battle of San Pasqual. Stockton had a larger force and was more familiar with the area so Kearny did not initially dispute Stockton's command. Stockton appointed John C. Fremont as governor, but he was court marshaled for his loyalty to Stockton and later pardoned by President Polk.
The battle of Resaca de la Palma caused political turmoil in Mexico; Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana used this to return from his self-imposed exile. He promised to have a peaceful solution and sale of territory to the United States. But after his arrival, he failed to fulfill his promise, and instead, offered his military skills. After he was appointed general, he broke his promise again and seized the presidency.