Walker's expedition to Nicaragua; a history of the Central American War; and the Sonora and Kinney expeditions ... Together with ... a memoir of ... General W. Walker

Front matter

MAJOR GENERAL WILLIAM WALKER Commander in Chief of tbe Republic of Nicaragua {from a Daguerreotype by u Vartce^ San Francisco.'. WALKER'S EXPEDITION TO NICARAGUA; A HISTORY 01 THE CENTRAL AMERICAN WAR ; AND TUB SONORA AND KINNEY EXPEDITIONS, INCLUDING ALL THE OEOENT DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE, TOGETHEE WITH A NEW AMD ACCrBATB MAP OF CENTRAL AMERICA, AND A MEMOIR AND PORTRAIT OF GENER'AL WILLIAM WALKER. BT WILLIAM V. WELLS, Consnl-Generol of tho Kepubl lo of Honduras, NEW YORK: STRINGER AND TOWNSEND 185tV Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by STRINGER AND TOWNSEND, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. JONES & DENYSE, STEREOTYPERS AND ELECTROTYPERS, 183 William-Street. R CKAI3HEAD, PRINTER, 63 Vesey St., N. Y.

Preface

. It is designed to present, in this volume, an outline of the occurrences of the last two years in Nicaragua, rather than a complete history. The limited time that has been devoted to its preparation, which has obliged the author to throw together as many facts as possible in a given space of time, must be his apology for any want of arrangement, or carelessness of style that may be detected. The book has been written, published and put in circulation in twenty days. The facts, names and dates, however, which have been for some time prepared, may be depended on as correct. The columns of El Nicaraguense and the New York Herald have been liberally drawn upon for valuable information, which, in the rush of events in Nicaragua, could not have been procured from data previously collected. The author is under obligations to E. Gould Buffum, Esq., a brother editor of the Alta California newspaper of San Francisco, for assistance in compiling notes previous to the writing of the book.

If it can preface. aid in disabusing the public mind of the erroneous x impressions in relation to Nicaragua and its American residents which have obtained from the unworthy efforts of our enemies, both here and in that country, the object of the author will have been attained. New York, June 11th, 1856. CONTENTS. PAGE CONTENTS, vii PREFACE, - 9 INTRODUCTION, II HISTORICAL RESUME OF NICARAGUA, - - 15

Chapter I

, 21 Life of William Walker— Hla birth and Eduoatton— Arrival In California — His Versatility — Visit to Guaymas — Tho Lower California and Sonora Expedition — Proclamation of tho Republic — Address to tbe People of the U. 8.— Battle of La Paz— Sailing of the Anita -Passage of the Coiorada on Rafts — Terrible Sufferings — Return to San Diego — Surrender and arrival at 6an Francisco — List of Killed and Wounded — Excitement on bis Arrival

Chapter II

, 41 Origin of tho Nicaraguan Expedition — Negotiations with Castellon — Difficulties in San Francisco — Grand Coup do Main — Sailing of tho Brig VeBta — Cause of the Castellon and Cbamorro Revolution — Progress of Walker and his Companions — Arrival at Realejo — Departure for El Jigante — Battle of Rivas — Political Affairs — Occupation of San Juan del Sur— Battle of Virgin Bay— Tho Cholera— Death of Castollon — Taking of Granaila — The New Government — The San Carlos and Virgin Bay Massacres — Col. Wheeler's Recognition— Execution of Mayorga — The Treaty. CHAPTER in, 83 Recruiting in California— Extraordinary scenes In Ban Francisco Harbor — New York Recruiting — Granada— Execution of Patrick Jordan — Trial and execution of Don Ponciano Corral— Kinney's application to General Walker— List of the Army — Col. French as Nicaraguan Minister at Washington— The Marcy and French Correspondence—" The Northern Light Difficulties "—Recall of French and dismissal of Wheeler— List of tho American Officers In Nicaragua. CONTENTS. PAGE

Chapter IV

, 106 Gen. Walker and the Nicaraguans— Condition of the Republic— Efforts to induce Emigration — Liberal Decrees — Agricultural and Mineral resources — Gold Mines — Description of Scenery — Future prospects of Nicaragua— Early history of the " Bay of Islands "—The Clayton and Bulwer Treaty — British aggressions — Origin of British pretensions to the Mosquito Coast— Destruction of Greytown and Events connected therewith — The Kinney Expedition — Its Rise, Progress, and Decline— The new "Anglo-Spanish Republic "—Policy of theTJ. S. Government — The Monroe Doctrine.

Chapter V

, 146 Nicaraguan Foreign Eolations — Attempts at friendly Relations with ad- Joining Republics— Fatal policy of the United 8tatee Administration — Declaration of War with Costa Rica— The intercepted British correspondence — Battle of Santa Rosa— Treachery of Colonel Schlessinger — The Retreat— Inhuman Butchery of Prisoners — Trial and Desertion of Colonel Schlessinger — Second Massacre at Virgin Bay — Invasion of the Costa Ricans — Second Battle of Rivas — Incidents of the Fight — List of Killed and Wounded— President Mora's Inhuman Proclamation — Position of the Central American States.

Chapter VI

, 0 NQ6(l ■ ■ " 191 Appointment of Padre Augustus vijil lo the United States Embassy — His Letter to Mr. Marcy — Its Effects — Public Opinion in Relation to the Americans In Nicaragua — "Fillibusters" — Personal Appearance and Character of General William Walker — The Nicaragua Transit Company — Its Origin and Progress — Failure of the Speculators to meet their Engagements — Wall Street Shrewdness ts. " The Gray-Eyed Man" — Beizure of the Property — Mr. Vanderbilt's Position — Detention of the Orizaba by the British Fleet.

Chapter VII

, 225 Change of Public Opinion in the United States— Letters from Distinguished Men — Grand Mass Meetings in New York — Excitement throughout the Country — Object of the Costa Rican Invasion of Nicaragua— The Transit Route again— More British Intrigue — The Cholera among the Invaders — General Walker's Position — Moral Results of the Battle of Rivas — General Walker's Letter to Hon. John B. Weller — Affairs in Nicaragua after the Flight of the Costa Ricans — Presidential Election — Sentence of CoL Schlessinger — Expedition to Chontales — Concluding Remarks, APPENDIX, 263 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE, - - . -

Introduction

. The following pages have been prepared at the request of numerous persons, in California and New York, desirous of obtaining the correct details of the extraordinary series of events now agitating the United States, in relation to Central America. So rapid and unparalleled has been the Nicaraguan movement ; so courageous and clear the policy of its leading men ; and so vast are likely to prove tho results of this remarkable expedition, rivalling in romance, gallantry and boldness of conception, the most famous ones of olden time, that the facts now placed before the public, -were they not fully substantiated by the most undeniable proof, would be regarded rather as a wild fiction, than a sober record of adventures in the nineteenth century. The work is the result not only of personal experience in the countries referred to in these pages, but of an intimate acquaintance with General Walker, in California, which has placed at our disposal facts and data which could not have been obtained from mi

INTRODUCTION.

. other sources. Add to this, several years' editorial connection with the press of San Francisco, during which time everything relating to Central Amer ica has been carefully collected for future reference, and the reader will admit that the following pages are likely to be authentic, reliable, and correct in their details. Though nearly every portion of the work is original, several of the principal newspapers of die United States and Central America have been consulted as occasion required, as have also numerous papers and documents obtained during a tour through Central America in 1854-5. The character of the present war in Central America is such as to render it almost impossible for an active participant to keep a diary, or collect data for future use. Thus, the opportunity for a faithful relation of the political and military affairs of Nicaragua for the last two years, is every day becoming lessened, and it is not unlikely that the material for a future history is fast passing away.

Under these circumstances it was deemed advisable to publish the following pages. We have endeavor ed to do justice to all of our friends in Nicaragua ; and though in a work so brief as this, we cannot hope to present the minutiae of each and every transaction, we have nevertheless essayed to prepare

INTRODUCTION.

. 13 a clear and distinct relation of the questions now at issue regarding Central America. The events of the last two years in Nicaragua must be hereafter the subject of elaborate historical writings ; and the facts for such a work may here be found. A second volume to be prepared from tho most authentic and reliable sources, will be issued hereafter, for the purpose of detailing the future operations of the American party in Spanish America. Exciting as have been the events in Nicaragua for the last twelve months, it is believed that the most extraordinary occurrences are yet to agitate the Southern portion of the North American Continent. That the effete and decadent descendants of the early Spanish colonists must eventually succumb and give place to the superior activity and intelligence of the Anglo-Saxon, none who have lived in Central America or Mexico wdl dispute.

The 'im " Manifest Destiny" is no longer a myth for paragraphists and enthusiasts ; the tide of American population, stayed on the shores of the Pacific, seeks new channels ; and already the advancing step of the blue-eyed race is heard among the plains and valleys of Central America. The power of the press; public opinion; Government vigdance ; absurd bugbears of malaria and deathly miasmas ;

INTRODUCTION.

. distance ; dangers and trials ; are alike impotent to prevent the southward march of our people. The fiat has gone forth ; and as was the case with Florida, Texas and California, it is only a question of time. With an enlightened and courageous policy on the part of the American Government, a bold front presented against European interference in the affairs of this continent, and a rigid enforcement of the Monroe Doctrine, we may look cheerfully and hopefully to the speedy accomplishment of Amer can rule in Central America. HISTOEICAL RESUME OF NICARAGUA. According to the Guatemalan historian, Juarros, who published his work on Central America in 1809, Nicaragua was discovered in 1514, by Don Pedrarias Davila, Governor of Panama, who formed during that year a numerous expedition in the "South Sea," or Pacific, and returned by land, the same year, to Panama.

In 1519 Don Gil Gonzales de Avila, by virtue of an agreement entered into with the Spanish monarch, fitted out an expedition at Panama, and sailed to the westward and northward. He disembarked in the Gulf of Nicoya, and travelling to the eastward, discovered the great lake (Lake Nicaragua), and converted many of the caciques (Indian chiefs) to the Catholic faith. Among these was the cacique Nicarao, from which comes the name of Nicaragua. He penetrated as far as Niquichizi, now the city of Granada, and returned to Panama. In 1523, Pedrarias (the dis coverer) dispatched Don Francisco Hernandez de Cordova for the conquest of Nicarao. HISTORICAL. This cavalier, accompanied by a large number of soldiers, reached the northern part of the present State, and founded the cities of Granada and Leon.

This was thirty-one years after the discovery of the continent by Columbus ; and these two cities consequently rank among the earliest in the New World, being now nearly three centuries and a half old. The country was gradually settled by Spanish colonists, and subsequently became incorporated into the great Captain Generalcy, and afterwards Vice Royalty of Guatemala, which comprised the provinces of Guatemala, Honduras, San Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The commonly -received statement that the first revolutionary movement in Central America was in 1821, is incorrect. As early as 1813, the Spanish Cortes conceded to the city of Cartago, in Costa Rica, the title of muy noble, and the villages of Heredia and San Jose that of cuidades, as a reward for their fidelity shown during the insur rection which took place in San Salvador and Gra nada, "proclaiming their independence from the mother country."

In 1821, Guatemala renewed the effort, and in vited the other provinces to join in the movement. This was done, and the independence was proclaimed on the 15th of September of that year. The plan HISTORICAL. 17 of Iguala to incorporate the States into the Mexican Empire, under Iturbide, was advocated, and though great opposition was shown to this arrangement, especially in San Salvador and Granada, it was effected in 1822 ; but with the fall of Iturbide, a national constituent assembly was convoked at Guatemala, and on the 1st of July, 1823, the States finally formed themselves into a Federal Republic, called the " United Provinces of Central America," conforming somewhat to the political system of the United States of North America, and adopting our constitution as a model. In 1824, all slaves were liberated throughout the Republic, and the owners of them indemnified for their losses.

The whole number, however, thus emancipated, did not exceed one thousand. The constitution was ratified in November of the same year, and on the 1st of Septem ber, 1825, the Federal Congress held its first session. It would be tedious here to follow in detail the frantic revolutions which, at last, dismembered the States, and brought them to their present powerless and semi-barbarous position. The struggle between the Imperialists (or Serviles) and the Liberals, or advocates of the Federal system of Government, at length resulted in the dissolution of the Union. On the 20th of July, 1838, the Federal Congress held HISTORICAL. its last session, and the States, distracted and con vulsed with the strifes of dozens of petty caudillos, resumed each their separate system of government. In 1840, General Francisco Morazan, "the Wash ington of Central America," attempted to re-establish the general government ; but opposed by the influence of foreign agents, and borne down by the Indian hordes under Carrera, who was counte nanced and urged on by the priesthood, he was expelled from the country.

His return to Costa Rica, his murder at San Jose, September 15th, 1842, and the final downfall of the Federal Republic, are matters familiar to most readers. Since then, feeble efforts have been made from time to time by the remnants of the Liberal party to re-establish the Confederation, such as the pact of 1848 between Honduras, Nicaragua, San Salva dor and others. The spectacle lately presented by Nicaragua is full of sorrow to every friend of Republican institutions, and the enfeebled condition to which Central America has brought itself seems fraught with solemn warning to tho Disunionists and other fanatics in our own country. It is hoped and believed by the friends of these beautiful States, that the mission of General Walker will be to finally reunite them in the form of a Federal Republic, HISTORICAL. and banish forever the fearful bloodshed and an archy which, under the rule of its own misguided sons, have brought it to its present wretched condi tion. By such a course there must be a great future for Central America. WALKER'S EXPEDITIONS.

Chapter I. Life Of William Walker

— HIS BIRTH AND EDUCATION — ARRIVAL IN CALIFORNIA — HIS VERSATILITY — VISIT TO OUATMAS — THE LOWER CALIFORNIA AND SONORA EXPEDITION — PROCLAMATION OF THE REPUBLIC — ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF THE U. S. — BATTLE OF LA PAZ — SAILING OF THE ANITA — PASSAGE OF THE COLORADO ON RAFTS — TERRIBLE SUFFERINGS — RETURN TO SAN DIEGO SURRENDER AND ARRIVAL AT SAN FRANCISCO — LIST OF KILLED AND WOUNDED — EXCITEMENT ON HIS ARRIVAL. The present Military Commander of Nicaragua has come to assume so important a position in relation to the politics of Central America, that a brief history of the leading events of his Use will in terest the majority of the readers of this work. General Walker's father was a banker of one of the large towns of Scotland, where he amassed a con siderable fortune. He emigrated to the United States about the year 1820, and settled in Nashville, Tenn., where the subject of this memoir was born in 1824.

He had the advantages of a good school education, but was distinguished from his fellows by a roving disposition. After leaving school he graduated at one of the Academies of the State, and THE S0N0RA EXPEDITION. soon after having become a fair classical scholar, he commenced thestudy of the law ; but becoming tired of this he visited New Orleans, where after some time he re-commenced his studies. He was soon again on the wing, and we next find him in Philadelphia, practicing medicine, which vocation he pursued for some months, until his roving habits returning, he visited Europe, where he travelled for a year, his enlarged understanding and compre hensive views enabling him to mingle in refined and cultivated society. He here obtained a thorough insight into the policy of some of the principal Governments.

On his return to the United States he revisited New Orleans, and there became connected with the Crescent newspaper, where, in connection with J. C. Duncan, Esq., of San Francisco, he quickly assumed a leading editorial position ; his easy and versatile style constituting a marked feature in that journal. In 1850 he joined the rush of emigration to Cali fornia, the wild adventure of the affair being in accordance with his own inclinations. He arrived in San Francisco, and soon after became attached to the editorial corps of the Herald newspaper, with John Nugent, Esq., its present proprietor and editor. His vigorous style soon attracted attention, and a peculiar bitterness in several editorial articles reflect ing upon a member of the Judiciary, caused him to be arraigned for contempt of court, which resulted in his incarceration, with a fine of $500.

The excitement growing out of this circumstance LIFE OF WILLIAM WALKER. 23 will be remembered by all Californians of that day. Public meetings were held, and a large crowd assembled at his place of confinement, cheering for the captive, and loudly deprecating the action of the Judge. He afterwards appeared before the State Legislature and attempted to procure the removal of the Judge. He advocated his own cause, and with an ability which commanded general respect and attention. He was not, however, successful in effect ing the downfall of his enemy. Not long afterwards we hear of him at Marysville, where he resumed the practice of the law, and it is said with great pecuniary success. In the summer of 1852, his migratory habits returning, he visited Guaymas, where he landed during the well-known invasion by the ill-fated Count Raousett de Boulbon.

It was from the operations of this leader that General Walker conceived his plans of obtaining adven turers in California for the conquest of some por tion of the sparsely-inhabited sections of Spanish America. The demonstration under Lopez upon Cuba, and the general tone of encouragement accorded to the movement by the press and by public opinion, offered flattering inducements for the forwarding of such a plan. He returned to California, and in July, 1853, organized a force in San Francisco, for the conquest of the Department of Sonora in Northern Mexico. The brig Arrow, in which the party were about embarking, was seized, and the expedition frustrated by the Government. But opposition seemed to add to the number of his recruits, and on the 15th of October of the same year, he left San Francisco in the bark Caroline, and landed in La Paz, Lower California The subsequent events cannot be more graphically described than by introducing the following letter, with the Proclamation and Address of General Walker, and with which commenced the famous SONORA EXPEDITION.

LOWER CALIFORNIA DECREED A REPUBLIC— COL. WILLIAM WALKER DECLARED PRESIDENT. Proclamation issued on the third day of November, 1853. The Republic of Lower California is hereby declared Free, Sovereign and Independent, and all allegiance to the Republic of Mexico is forever renounced. Decree — 7th inst. : All duties, whether exports or imports, are hereby abolished. Decree No. 2 — 7th inst. : From and after this date, the Civil Code, and Code of Prac tice of the State of Louisiana, shall be the rule of decision and the law of the land in all the Courts of the Republic to be hereafter organized. Nothing, However, in this decree, shall be construed so as to make it an organization of the Courts of the Republic. WM. WALKER, President of Lower California. Frederic Emorv, Secretary of State. Address of President Walker to the People of the United States.

November 30th, 1853. In declaring the Republic of Lower California Free, Sover eign and Independent, I deem it proper to give the People of ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE. the United States the reasons for the course I have taken. It is due to the nationality which has most jealously guarded the Independence of American States, to declare why another Re public is created on the immediate confines of the Great Union. The Mexican Government has for a long time failed to perform its duties to the Province of Lower California. Cut off as the Territory was, by the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo from all direct communication with the rest of Mexico, the central au thorities have manifested little or no interest in the affairs of the California Peninsula. The geographical position of the Province is such as to make it entirely separate and distinct in its interests from the other portions of the Mexican Republic.

But the moral and social ties which bound it to Mexico, have been even weaker and more dissoluble than the physical. Hence, to develop the resources of Lower California, and to effect a proper social organization therein, it was necessary to make it Independent. On such considerations have I and my companions in amis acted in the course we have pursued. And for the success of our enterprise, we put our trust in Him who controls the destiny of nations, and guides them in the ways of progress and im provement. WM. WALKER, Col., President of Lower California. BATTLE OF LA PAZ-NAME8 OF THE ADMINISTRATION. Head Quarters Republic Lower California, ) November 7th, 1853. ( On the morning of the 15th of October we Bailed with the First Independent Battalion for Lower California. The com mand consisted of forty-five men.

Our voyage was a prosperous one to Cape St. Lucas, where we landed on the 28th of October. Here we gained some little information of importance, and pro ceeded on our journey to La Paz. On the 3d day of November our vessel cast anchor opposite the town. A party were ordered by Col. Walker t(i laud, take possession of the town, and secure the person of the Governor — Lieut. Gilman commanding the party. In less than thirty minutes the town was taken and the Governor secured. We then hauled down the Mexican flag in front of the Governor's house, proclaimed the Independence of Lower California, and ur flag floated triumphantly where but a few minutes previous that of Mexico waved in supposed secu rity. Our men, provisions and munitions of war were now landed, the town fortified, and Col. Walker entered upon his duties as President of the Republic of Lower California — issuing such decrees as were most congenial to the citizens, as well as to the comfort and security of his command.

Here we remained until Sunday, the 6th, when the President determined to remove the seat of Government to St. Lucas. In accordance with this determination we re-embarked, taking with us Ex-Governor Espanosa and the public documents. Shortly after our embarkation a vessel came into port, having on board Col. Robollero, who was sent by the Government of Mexico to supersede Ex-Governor Espanosa. A small detachment was dispatched to bring Col. Robollero on board our vessel. This order was promptly executed. About an hour after this occurrence, a party was sent on shore to procure wood, and while in the act of returning to their boats they were fired upon by a large party. Thus commenced the first action. The party consisted of but six men, who retired to the vessel under a heavy fire of musketry without losing a man.

In the meantime a fire was opened upon the town with our ordnance, which was kept up until Col. Walker landed with thirty men, when the fighting became general. From the time of landing until the close of the action (a signal defeat of the enemy), was about one hour and a half. The enemy's loss was six or seven killed and several wounded. Our men did not receive so much as a wound, except from cacti, while pursuing the enemy through the chapparal, in the rear of the town. Thus ended the battle of La Paz, crowning our efforts with victory, releasing Lower California from the tyrannous yoke of declining Mexico, and establishing a new Republic. PROCLAMATIONS. The commercial resources — the mineral and agricultural wealth of the Republic of Lower California, destines her to com pare favorably with her sister Republics.

Our men are all in fine health and spirits, and are as noble and determined a body of men as ever were collected together. The officers who compose the Government are as follows, viz. : WILLIAM WALKER, President of the Republic of Lower California. Frederic Emorv, Secretary of State. John M. Jernagin, Secretary of War. Howard H. Snow, Secretary of Navy. Charles H. Gilman, Captain of Battalion. JonN McKibbin, First Lieutenant. Timothy Crocker, Second Lieutenant. Samuel Buland, Third Lieutenant. Wm. P. Mann, Captain of Navy. A. Williams, First Lieutenant of Navy. John Grundall, Second Lieutenant of Navy. Our Government has been formed upon a firm and sure basis. We arrived at St. Lucas on Tuesday, November 8th. On the morning of the 9th, the Mexican cutter Garrea cruised off the Cape ; our appearance was so formidable she deemed " pru dence the better part of valor," hauled to, and gave us the slip.

In the morning our troops again embarked for Ensenada, where the President contemplates establishing the seat of Government for the present. La Grulla and Santa Tomas having been takeu, General Walker, on the 24th of December, issued a Proclamation to the people of Lower California, explaining the objects of his visit, and representing the inefficiency of the late Mexican Government to protect them. The Address concludes as follows : Under the new Government, all well-disposed persons will be protected in liberty of person aud enjoyment of property. Religion will be respected, and all will be encouraged in their reverence for and worship of the Great Being, without whose aid all earthly purposes fail, and under whose protection all national improvements are accomplished. And we call upon you as good citizens to assist us in carrying out the principles we recognize as the foundation of all our rights and all our means.

WILLIAM WALKER, Col., President of Lower California. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SONORA. The object of General Walker being to gain possession of Mexico, by first taking the Northern provinces, he lost no time in formally declaring his intentions to the world. The following was the first Decree thus issued : Republic of Sonora. Decree No. 1. All Decrees of a general nature heretofore published as Decrees of the Republic of Lower California, are hereby republished as Decrees of the Republic of Sonora. Given under my hand at Fort McKibbin, this eighteenth day of January, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four. Signed, WM. WALKER, [copy.] President of Sonora. Decree No. 2. 1st. The Republic of Sonora is hereby divided into two States, to be styled respectively the " State of Sonora," and the " State of Lower California." 2d. The State of Sonora comprises all the territory within the following boundaries, to wit : Beginning at a point in the Colorado river, opposite its mouth, and in the middle of the stream thereof; running thence along a line midway between the banks of said river to the boundary line between the United THE REPUBLIC DECREED. 29 States and Mexico, as established by the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo ; thence along said line until it strikes the summit of the Sierra de los Mimores ; thence along the summits of said Sierra to the headwaters of the river Fuerte ; thence down the middle of the stream of said river Fuerte, to its mouth. 3d. The State of Lower California comprises all that territory south of the boundary line between the United States and Mexico, as established by the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo, and lying west of the river Colorado and the Gulf of California. 4th.

All Islands in the Gulf of California lying opposite the coasts of the States of Sonora and Lower California, are attach ed to one of these States respectively, according as said islands be nearer to the coasts of one State than to those of the other- Given under my hand at Fort McKibbin, this eighteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four. Signed, WM. WALKER, [copy.] President of Sonora. Republic of Lower California. Decree No. 3. The name of the Republic is hereby changed, and henceforth all deorees, laws and processes issued, shall run in the name of the "Republic of Sonora." Given under my hand at Fort McKibbin, this eighteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four. Signed, WM. WALKER, [copy.] President of the Republic of Lower California.

Republic of Lower California. Decree No. 4. The State of Sonora lately declared by the President of Mexico a Department of the Mexican Republic, is hereby con stituted a portion of the Republic of Lower California. Given under my hand at Fort McKibbin, this eighteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four. Signed, WM. WALKER, [copy.] President of the Republic of Lower California. Meanwhile the forces of the new Republic were augmented by the departure from San Francisco of the bark Anita, Dec. 7th, 1853, with about one hundred men under Col. Watkins. The command consisted of companies A, B and C. The scene at the departure was one of the most remarkable on record. About half way down from Front street a door was thrown open, and, as if by magic, drays and carts made their appearance.