Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-01-21
Important from South America.

The brig Reindeer, Captain Wnsor, arrived
at New York on Friday evening, from Rio de
Janeiro, whence she sailed on the Goth of No
vember. We copy the following summary of
the news she brings, from the Sun:
All the vessels OF the California expedition
under Colonel Stevenson had arrived safe at Rio
viz: U. 5. transport ships Susan Drew, Loo
Choo and Thomas H. Perkins, and the u. S
ship of war Preble. The officers and men were
all in good health. Every thing quiet on
board the vessels, and tie troops in eXcelen,
discipline. The expedition would soil in few
days for It's destination By this arrival we have
the particulars of an unfortunate misunderstood
ing between the U. S Minester at Rio and the
Brazilian Government, which threatens TO dis
turb our amicabe relations with that power.
The difficulty originated in the arrest OF two
men from the u. S. ship Columbia, who were on
shore while the vessel was at anchor in the har-
Dor of Rio. The men got intoxicated, and while
proceeding through the streets to go on board,
were placed under arrest and conveyed TO prison.
Lieut.. Davis of the Columbia, was on shore
with the men; being at some distance at the
time of their arrest, he followed, calling on them
10 accompany him. Before they got up they
were taken into the fort. On arriving at the fort,
he drew his sword IN evidence OF his authority as
an officer of the United States, and demanded
their release.
Inc guards tHen UeCkOHeu u nun " COiIc
and supposing them DESTROYS of having an inter-
view with him in relation to the men, he did so,
but immediately found himself and his men pris-
oners. Mr.. Wise, the United States Minister,
being apprised of the occurrence by Capt. Rous-
seau OF the Columbia, opened correspondence
with the Brazilian Government, demanding their
release. The reply being unsatisfactory, was
answered by another communication from the
Minister, informing them that the Columbia
would open her batteries upon the city in two
hours, if Lieut.. Davis and the men were not re-
leased within that time The lieutenant was
promptly released, but the men were detained
under plea that, being found intoxicated in the
streets, they were amenable to punishment by
the civil authorities Farther correspondence
ensued, the men still remaining in custody.
A day or TWO after this occurrence, the Empe-
ror's youngest child, the lnfanta Isabella, was
chrlstened, the ceremony being honored by sa'
lutes from vessels of war, and the ILLUMINATION Of
the dwellings of the foreign Ministers. The fett
lasted whole week. But Captain Rousseau
and Mr.. Wise declined to join any ceremonies
of this character, until full reparatlon had beer
made for the insult offered TO their country. The
authorities requested the Captain TO fire salute
which he declined doing. Mr.. Wise and othe
Americans did not illuminate their dwellings,
and have consequently been subject to repeated
insults. The son of the Consul was ASSAULTED
in the streets, and seriously wounded.
The subject was taken up in the national Con
gress, then in session. The Chamber of Depu
ties passed bill requesting the withdrawal o
Mr.. Wise, but the upper House rejected it, ant
the Deputies rendered their resignation in body
Thus the affair rested at the last adyices, the mel
being still in prison. During the excitement u
Rio, the California boys arrived, and resolved t
have christening of one of our American sove
reigns two Of whom were born on the passage
A silver cup was provided as present for tn
young volunteer, whom the chaplain duly christ
ened Alta California. Col. Stevenson stood god
father on the occasion Al 1.-THE officers Of TN
ships aud many of the Americans were present
The volunteers were allowed full privilege
on shore, but there had not been single deser
ton. Col. Stevenson made speech to them il
relation to the difficulties, and every man eX
pressed his readiness to join IN storming the cit
of Rio if necessary TO sustain the honor OF thei
country's flag.
Capt. James NJ. Turner, of the California vol
unteers arrived in the Reindeer as bearer o
dispatches from the u. 3. Minister at Brazl
and will proceed this morning to Washing ton.