Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1827-01-20

MEXICAN AND HAVANA SQUADRONS.
We have been favored wi h the following ex-
tracts oil letters from officer on board the u.
D frIsaie Consiel ion. The Squadrons had no,
met, but from the description given Of Com. La
'orde'- men, when they do meet, we think i,
must be upon very unequal terms [.aat Jour.
HAVANA, Dec 25, 1896.
Last evening the American ship Canton,
Capt, Watson, arrived in this harbor from Cadiz
md reported he had fallen in with, and was board
ed OIL Cape Antonio, by Com. Porier's squadron
consisting of one Fisate, ore Sloop Of War, two
Briss, and one Schooner. Can't Watson won,
over The Commodoie's ship, and was requested
oy hlm 10 report. on his arrival, that he was To
lie found off Cape Antonio, and TO say that he
would De happy so see or meet any Of the Span
ISL Squadron that might be ready.
Porter's old fiiend, Com. La Bordc. lost not a
moment in accepting the invitation, by com
uiencng to put in state of preparation his dis
Pssable force, consisting of the Loyalty, a fri.
gate OF the largest class, and the Arelusa friga,e
and Hercules brig, all crowded with molly
crew, made UP from the prisons and cells Of the
Moro Castle, SC. With these vessels he got
under way, and passed this moment 1t il
doubtful 1t be has not gone TO windwsId first, 10
TALL In with the Cassilda Frgate, andtwo bres that
went out some days ago, 10 cruize for some PAT
riot priyaeeTs off Maisnzas. / think il not nm
likely, as La Borde IS brave, ski!fll, and pru.
dent oiilcer; but he can have no support, as
his Offices and crew are the most ignorant. molly
set oil cte''ures ever put Hoard slip. He has
TO contend (if report says true, and have no
doubi OF NJ with frigaie commanded by gal
liant experienced officer of the Yankee school.
having coed officers, anl crew of English and
American seamen. Ii is said that Porter has one
hundred men more than his complement on board
his own ship, brought oat TO man his prizes
Taking inoo view the numerical force of l.,
would ha
must be overwhelmed; bat 1 am of opinion. if
The sqnadroDs come in sight, half the Spanish
iorce will show no fight and that J.. Borde and
Porter VIII settle this business SO soon as infor-
nation arrives of the result of the business Won
shall hear from me.
The Line Of Battle ship is still here. wi,bou
masls, &c Three frigs!es are here also in a
disabled state.
Havana, Dec 90, 1926.
AN embargo having been laid and expressly in
conrsyeniion too, OF the treaty existing between
our country and SPAIN gives me an opporuni,
oil adding something more on the subject of La
Do'oe movements. 1t seems, when he sailed
although he had very superior force with him, !,
was his intention 10 fall in with the Casilda frigae
which vessel had been despatched 10 convoy some
vessels TO wiDdwafd. Unfortunately, the Spanish
commodore has missed the Cassilda, as she arriv-
60 next day in This port, and remains snug al an
Choir Nothing has been heard OF the squadron
s'nce u sailed; rumor says Ia BorJO has gone TO
10 exercise bis men, Sc.
The general impression is Porter will lead I
him dnce; that he has gone of Porto Rico drsi,
rom Cape Antonio, there 10 do all the mischief
he can; compel In Borde to follow him, and then
bend his course down this direction, AID so lead I
them Souih-sea DANCE. However, all il coniec- |
iofe, and as soon as any thing transpres worth /
shall write you
Much apprehension has, and is, expressed, for /
ne tate OF the American interests in this por, /
should Porter be successful against La Yorde. (, /
g fortunate think, at this iime, that the Conste-
alton Is here. who IS ready, At all times, 10 pro
ect american citizens and their properly. Capt |
Wool'ey has had correspondence with the CO.
'frnor On she subject Of the embargo.