The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-04-24

THE CHOLERA ON THE RIO GRANDE-The fol-
lowing letters to hand only yesterday, and by
sion is that they came over on the Globe; by what
means and for what purpose they have been with
held, quite unable to say.
MIER MEXICO, Friday March "A, 1913
You will doubtless be surprised that pushing
little party of three persons should have progressed
| but twelve miles from Roma since my last, but
such is the melancholy fact, and all owing to a
most untoward and unfortunate accident We
seem to have been particularly unfortunate in fol-
lowing in the wake of that dreadful disorder, the
cholera, which has made frighfu ravages in this
part of the country, upon the banks of the Rio
Grande. Some small places have been almost
depopulated by the fell destroyer.
The little town of Roma has suffered most
severely, the disorder raging there with the ut
most vrulence, carrying off all 1t attacked, with
one or two exceptions. Out OF a whole population
have been about ten or twelve deaths; and l
learned this morning that several other persons were
down with It, Among the deceased, were Capt
Shipman, of Biloxi and New Orleans, who was
formerly of New Orleans. 1t is said that upward
of two hundred and fifty have died of the disease
In Camargo. We have seen scarcely anything but
suffering and death. Yesterday noon we arrived
at this place, which has yet not been visited by
the cholera.
And now to apprise you of the why and where
fore of our not having advanced farther than Mier.
We left Roma on Monday, the 10Th inst, in the
afternoon; but as our mules were all wild, we had
great difficulty In making way, and when night
closed in we were but abour four miles on our
way. Here most unfortunate occurrence took
place, which has stopped us in our expedition for
some days The horse which Mr.. T. w. Water
man, OF New Orleans, rode, gave sudden Jump,
and caused one barrel of his gun, which he had
slung on the left side of his saddle, to explode and
the entire charge, ten buckshot penetrated the
calf of his leg, lntlictlng most dangerous and ex
tensive wound.
An excessive hemorrhaage took place, but by the
application OF few handkerchefs with rude tor
nlquet, we succeeded in stopping the flow of blood
in short time. Happily we were within short
distance OF rancho, and thither our wounded
companion was conveyed. Yesterday we had hlal
brought in cart to this place, where medical at
tendance and comfortable quarters are to be had,
and his wound is doing as well as can be expected,
and is in a healing condition.
=, We learn here that the ',HamPden Mining and
place on the 10th instant, Mr.: Pierce having been
selected as the leader, DR.. VIM. Z. Brent having
declined to accept the appeatve of captain, deem
ing the addenda of NJ ID. all sufficient. The party
had divided and that portion under Captain Pierce
consists of but ten or twelve members. And here
let me give word of advice to all parties coming
by this route. Do not form parties to exceed fifteen
In number, as it will be difficult to procure sub
sstence and forage en- route for larger ones. And
above all, do not cucumber yourselves with un-
necessary baggage.
No mans baggage, of all descriptions, ought to
exceed $50 pounds; and it is folly to bring any
amount of provisions. A few cooking utensils are
necessary, and also saddles and brides. As re-
CARDS pack saddles for the mules, the American
ones are failure, unless you have leathem pan
nlers or some method of swinging your packs low
The Mexican mode of packing is so peculiar that
their own packs or pads answer better.
The party from New York, under the direction
of Colonel Webb and Mr. Audubon of the organi-
cation of which all in the States thought so much
has been completely disorganised and, | fear,
will be broken up. While encamped opposite r 10
Grande city. on the 18th instant, cholera made its
appearance in their midst, and before night six or
eight cases were under treatment, and before the
next DAY four were dead. The majority of the
company were sent up to Roma, opposite which
place they camped on the 18th.
One more died from cholera on board the Tom
Mckinney, on the morning of the 10TH His name
was Hall. The most perfect panic seized the men,
and a number determined to return to the United
StateHand abandon their expedition, and returned
on the Mckinney. MIR. Audubon remained at Rio
Grande City, with The sick and few men to take
care OF them.
Col Webb sprained his ankle in alighting from
his horse few days since his return from
tCerrayo, and is now confined to his bed in the
house IN which am now writing. The majority
OF his command are encamped few miles from
here, near the Sulphur Springs, and are in good
health; but most of them, understand, have de-
termincd to take the back track for New Orleans
MIER, MEXICO, March 81, 1919.
Day having closed in and the scorching sun re-
treated below the horizon, will take advantage of
the cool evening to ndie few lines just to apprise
you that am m the land of the living. To-mor-
row morning, if no unlucky incident occurs, shall
start for California.
Mr.. Watermans wound is healing finely, and he
will be able to start for home in few days. The
cholera has not done any harm here yet, and it
is fondy hoped will not, from present indications
and the favorable state of the atmosphere. | can
hear of no news from above.
Col. Webb has determined to proceedon TO Cali |
fonla, with about fifteen or twenty OF his company,
who are still anxious to go ahead. They will pro-
coed in about ten days The George company will |
start within week, by the way Of Monclova and
Chihuahua.-Ne,o Orleans Picaytme, April ID.