Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1847-01-19
From the Neio York Sun, jan lG.l
FROM THE u. S. CALIFORNIA EXPEDI-

From The NeD York Sun, Jan. lG.
FROM THE U. S. CALIFORNIA EXPEDI-
TION.
IMPORTANT FROM SOUTH AMERI.
CA.-The brig Reindeer, Captain Elbridge c.
Winsor, arrived here last evening from Rio Ja-
metro, whence she sailed on the 26lh November.
All the vessels of the California expedition under
Col. Stevenson, had arrived sale al Rio viz: u
s. transport, ships Susan Drew, Loo Choo, and
Thomas h. Perkins, with the U. S. ship Of
war Preble. The officers and men were all in
good health. Every thing was quiet on board
the vessels and the troops in excellent discipline,
The expedition would sail in few DAYS for ils
destination. BY this arrival We have the par
,iculars of an unfortunate misunderstanding be-
tween The U. S. minister al Rio and the Brazil
ian Government, which threaten, 10 disturb our
amicabe relations with that power. The diff
Guilty originated in the arrest OF Two men from The
u. S. Columbus, who were on shore while The
vessel was al anchor in The harbor OF Rio. The
men got intoxicated, and while proceeding through
the streets TO go on board, were placed under ar
rest and conveyed 10 prison. Lieut.. Davis, Of
the Columbus, was on shore with the men being
at some distance at the lime of their arrest, he
followed calling on them 10 accompany him
Before he gol up, they were taken into The fort
On arriving al the fort he drew his sword in evil
dence OF his authority as an officer OF the United
STATES, ana demanded lNelI release.
The guards then beckoned to him 10 come in,
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
prisoners. Mr. Wise, the United States Minis
ter, being apprsed ofihe occurrence BY Commo-
dore Ros>eau, OF the Columbia, opened cores
pondence with the Brazilian government, de-
manding their release This reply being DEEM
ed unsatisfactory, was answered by another COM
munication from the Minister, informing them
lha, the Columbis would open her batteries upon
the city in two hours il Lieutenant Davis and the
men were not released within that time. The
Lieulenan, was promptly released, but the men
were detained under plea that being found in.
toxicaled in the street 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 Emperor's youngest child. The infanta Isabel
Ia, was chrislened The ceremony being honored
by salules from vessels of war, and the illumin-
alton OF the dwellings of the foreign ministers
The fete lasted a whole week. But Commodore
Rosseau and Mr.. Wise declined 10 join in any
ceremonies of this character, until iull repcraion
had been made for the insult offered to their
country. The authorities requested the Commo-
dore 10 fire salute which ~he declined doing
Mr.. Wise and other Americans did moi illumin-
a,e,their dwellings. and have consequently been
subjected to repeated insults. The son of The
Consul was assaulted in The streets, and serious
ly wounded. The subject was taken up in the
National Parliament, then in session. The
House of Commons passed bill requesting the
withdra wal OF Mr.. Wise, but The upper House
rejected il, and The Commons rendered their re-
signalion in body. Thus The affair rested al
las, advices, the men being still in prison.
During the excitement al Rio, The California
boys arrived and resolved 10 have an opposition,
christening one Of our Americans sovereigns, two
OF whom were born on The passage. A splendid
silver cup was provided as present for the young
volunteers, whom The Chaplain duly chrslened
Alto California. Col. Stevenson stood Godfather
on the occasion. All the officers Of The ships and
many OF The Americans were present. II was
splendid affair." and operated as hin, 10 the Bra
ziians, who were somewhat astonished at The
American volunteers leaving their homes in such
numbers TO 60 hall round the world. The volun-
leers were allowed full privileges on shore, but
there had not been single deserion Col Ste
venson made speech 10 them in relation TO The
difficulties and every man expressed his readiness
10 join in sorming The city OF Rio, il necessary 10
sustain the honor Of their countrys flag.
Captain James M. Turner, OF The California
volunteers, arrived last night in the Reindeer, as
bearer Of dispatches from The U. S. minister al
Brazil, and will proceed this morning 10 Wash.
ington. The other passengers were Mrs S. 6.
Steele, OF Athens, N. T., lady Of Capt. G. Steele,
OF the Volunteers; Robert P. Noah, OF N. Y,
Secretary to Col. Stephenson; and Lieut.. George
D. Brewster, OF the Volunteers, from West
Point.
War had not yet broken out between Brazil and
the Argentine Republic, but was daily expected.
Brazil had ordered large force 10 The Argentine
frontier.