Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-12-15

We shall lay before our readers as rapidly as
possible The able and Interesting reports from The
various departments at Washington. The coun.
try should study The original documents, for they
will vindicate The Administration against the
grossly unjust misrepresentation of The Wing
press and orators al this most important crisis OF
our national affairs.
In the mean time we give place 10 the follow
ing synopsis from The Union Of the Report Of
John Y. Mason, Esq, Secretary OF the Navy
As Virginians we are proud Of Judge Mason,
still more popular with the whole country this
able accomplished and faithful public officer and
Virginia gentleman
A general bul fair synopsis OF This report has
gone forth as its arant courier but no synopsis
can do il justice II is penned with great clear
ness, force, as well as beauty. The Secretary,
though he has returned 10 his present office about
three months only, seems as familiar with the de.
tails of It's business as if he had continued in the
department from The commencement of the Ad-
minislralion. He sketches in the clea.est man.
ner The destination and force of our squadrons-
The position OF each ship of The navy-its general
arrangements, movements and reforms, as il he
had studied every parl oflhe machinery for half a
century. He commences with the late Mediter-
ranean squadron, which had been wthdra wn from
that sea, but which he proposes 10 renew in the
course of the ensuing year.
The East India squadron, under the command
of Commodore BiddIe, in the Columbus IA, was
intended to visit the Chinese seas-lo sail for ia
pan in the last of May or June, and extend his
cruise to Kamschatka. They were expected 10
return to Macao about this time, and thence 10
commence their cruise homewards, by way OF
the North Pacific The last orders which were
sent 10 Commodore Biddle charged him TO assume
the command of The squadron on the Northwest
coast OF America; but no acknowledgment OF this
order has been received by the department.
The Secretary then details The force which has
been sent 10 The coast OF Africa under Commo-
dore Skinner; and the Brazil squadron, under The
command Of Commodore Rousseau.
He details the Interesting movements Of The
squadron in the Paciiic-first under the COM
mand of Commodore Sloat, next Of Commodore
Stockton. Commodore Shubrck goes out In The
Independence 10 relieve the present commander.
The sloop Preble has sailed for The same deslina-
tion The Secretary states al considerable
length, the orders which were given in case of
war TO this squadron. The narrative of the
events which have successfully taken place in
iha, quarter, and the conquest and occupation OF
The CALIFORNIA; by the Commodores and by Lieut..
Col. Fremont, is full and satisfactory. No sy-
nopsis can do itany sort Of justice. II shows The
great moderation, as we'll as the necessary firm
ness with which these important movements, con-
nected with the fate Of the CALIFORNIA;, and oflhe
finest harbors OF the world, have been ordered
and conducted.
The Secretary then proceeds 10 The Gull OF
Mexico and explains all the events which have
transpifed under the command OF Commodore
Conner. Their history is told with great frank
ness and truth. il appears from the whole mar
rative as well as the accompanying documents,
that whilst our government was anxious 10 avoid
all hoslililes with Mexico, yet it early prepared
lis squadron for The event, and has done lis duty
since lis occurrence. We recommend to our
readers 10 peruse with care this simple but beau
tiful exposition ofthe instruction and movements
of the squadron. The documentary extracts are
particularly curious and instructive. The cap
ture Of the enemys vessels al Tabasco, and the
surrender OF Tampico 10 the arms Of Commodore
Conner are among The most important scenes
Of the drama. The Secretary states that tar
engagements have been made 10 hold Tampico,
and The commodore is instructed 10 relinquish the
command ashore 10 the officer oil the army com
handing The army" The last evenings news
from New Orleans informs us that this has been
effected, and The garrison is now under the CON-
wand of Col. Gale.
The report details the anomalous case Of w.
catan, and the measures which our Government
have adopted towards her. The loss of The
Truxlon and The exchange Of The prisoners are