The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-09-21

LATE FROM LAGuNA. "A letter from faouna dated
sne nfss instant to gentleman in this city gives
rity, perpetrated by some Mexican soldiers be-
longing to the garrison at that place, upon
four ofhcers Of the U. s. steamer Water Witch, and
Captain Clary, Of the American schooner John VAIN
wright, upon the night of the 9th ut, on their way
On the 9th ult., Captain Totem commanding the
water Witch, and all the officers attached to that
steamer were invited to ball got up in a hurry in
honor of the rencorporation of Yucatan with Mexico
The ball was to take place the evening, at the
former quarters Of Captain Bigelow Captain Totten
and some of his officers assisted did also Captain
Clary. The former left at about half past ten Some
Of the officers remained longer and were eysry now
and then invited BY some of the Mexican military and
civil authorities to take something to drink
Towara hafpas one in the morning the ladies com.
menced to give OUT and toward the officers and Cant
two parties, each taking street in the drec
ton Of the sea shore, when they separately
then collectively attacked, and attacked by about
thirty armed men. Yucatsn soldiers most Of whom
had cavalry swords These barbarians drove them
from one part Of the town to the other making at
every halt fresh attach upon them. Captain Clary
was the only who had arms about him in the
shape Of a small Bowie knife
soon as the soldiers had commenced the butchery
Cary took held Of his knife end parted several cuts
that were aimed not only at him, but at some of his
companions He soon, however found that the defen-
fore, made desperate rush, with his little knife upon
the body of his assaiants and these though tenod in
numbers and well armed opened md gave little way
but this CLEAN of hope soon vanished.
The next moment Clary' exhausted voice was heard
crying out to the officers Save yourselves if you can,
have Lost finger, and my knife is gonen He was
then lying on the ground exhausted. Other scenes
followed, which have time to relate. Capt Clary
taken on board of the Water Witch. and left un-
der the charge Of A. J. White, who has shown him all
the attention in his power, and skfuly dressed his
wounds (which he has not less than fourteen nclu-
ding bruises.
Captain Nicholson, commando ing nited States sloop
OF war Saratoga was immediately informed of the oc.
currence and arrived here from outside the bar about
O'Clock, in the afternoon He went to see the COM
mander himself and told him in strong but dig
Language, that such sacrifice required an immediate
satsfacton-that 1t must be given that he would
not leave before it given
The military chief tried to get clear by talking but
Captain Nicholsons arguments so short and clear
that after little while the former offered to inict se
we're punishment and to send the whole body of sol.
diers now here back to the interior wit hin eight DAYS
Two days were granted to the military commander for
mock trial, which ended yesterday, and this morning
TWO soldiers re eived fifty lashes EACH and two nom
commissioned officers were suspended
IL necessary to remark that three of the most
spectacle persons have declared OATH that IN the
same night they had heard order given to the
guard on the market place that they should not allow
any American to pass without falling upon him and
treating him like dCg-Phiiadelphid Ledger.