The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-01
From the Boston Traveller, FEB. 20.
Indian War fn Yucatan.


Though much has been said, yet little is def
nitely known OF the actual state OF affairs in Yucca
tan since the commencement OF the war OF races in
that country. recent conversation with Lieu
tenant Clement, returned volunteer in the Yucca
tan service, with which he has been associated for
some two years, has furnished US with variety of
interesting details, which may aid readers 10
get clear notion OF the actual state OF things at the
present time in Yucatan.
Lieutenant Clement says that the nominal num-
bcr Of soldiers which the Yucstan government at
present have in the field is about seventeen thou
sand, who are continually diminishing and fight
any food TO sustain themselves, being in most cases
obliged to hunt for corn about the country Every
white inhabtant is by law obliged 20 be soldier or
pay the subsistence of one.
The Indians, notwithstanding their late reverses,
still occupy more than half Of the country, and
much the best part of it; and unless the whites are
substantially assisted by Mexico, they will be un-
however many battles they may gain over the In
dams in the open field. Mexico has, yet, sent
her only two hundred troops, commanded by Cen
eral Torreno, but some five hundred more were
daily expected at last accounts
Bacalar the chief fortified town of the seat of
hostilities, is at present commanded by General
Zetina, and is well prepared TO resist any siege II
lS49, by force Of eight hundred men, consisting
in part of American volunteers at the expense Of
many lives, in consequence OF the large number of
Indians in the town, (some three four thousand)
ly after the taking of Bacalar, Yucateco officer
was captured who had deserted to the Indians. He
was pardoned, ordered into service again, and was
despatched with a party Of men to reconnoitre
the sea- coast. Instead of that, however, he pro-
ceeded to English village Belize, Honduras,
murdered some of the inhabitants, and plundered
the place. The English governor of Belize imme-
diately sent word to the commander at Bacalar, Of
this affair, who caused the offender, named Pache-
CO. to be sent for by large force, and he shot
on his arrival, in presence of the English messen-
ger. II is feared that this action will cause bad
suits.
The soldiers at Bacalar obliged to scout the
country for corn to support themselves. There is
also there company of American volunteers which
was formerly under the command of Captain Rob-
ert j. Kelley, of New Orleans. who died on the I'd
OF July last OF wound in the head, received at the
siege of the town. The company is now under the
command OF Captain Jacobs, formerly lieutenant
of the company When il entered Yucatan il was
ninety strong, but now numbers only about forty.
The volunteer regiment of Americans numbered,
when it entered Yucatan, about seven hundred
men. Their first battle was on the 25th OF Decem-
Der, 1913, under the command of Colonel George
White, on the Culumpich road, about half mile
from Tehosuco, the headquarters of the regiment.
In this battle the Indians numbered about three
thousand, many of them, however, being but poor
ly armed. Their manner of fighting much resem-
bles that of the Mexican. They quite bold at a
distance, firing off their guns indscriminately; but
upon the first charge they take to their heels. In
this way the volunteers drove them upon the road
twenty killed, and as many wounded. The loss OF
the Indians was probably larger but could not be
ascertained, as their custom is, soon as one Is
killed, to bear the BODY Immediately from the
field.
In the month of August, large body of Indians
seven or eight thousand in number attacked
Tehosuco. The attack was in the morning, just
before daylight, 1t being very foggy. They had
advanced TO within one square of the powder maya
zine, when their was arrested. A few Of the
Yucatecos were killed, but the Indians were kept
in check until assistance arrived from the sur
rounding country, when they were, in their turn,
attacked driven back, and forced to retreat with
such precipitation to leave their dead upon the
held-a thing OF very uncommon occurrence with
After this that part of the country freed from
Indian incursions, and no general engagement Of
Importance has since taken place.
Since the death of Jacinto Pat, who was killed
for attempting to levy tax upon his people, Ve-'
nancio Pee has been their chief The first part of
last month, this chief sent messengers to three diff
ferent parts of the State, demanding an amnesty
for four months; but the Yucatan authorities,
thinking that the Indians only wanted to gain time
to procure ammunition and provisions, refused to
grant it.
Since that time, the English authorities at Belize
have attempted TO negotiate treaty of peace, but
have failed, the Indians demanding undsputed
sway in the best part Of the country The Indian
chiefs were, however, to come to Belize this month";
TO make treaty of peace.
II has been stated recently the authority of a
letter from Campeachy, that an Indian chief was
captured in December, with $4,000 in money, and
a large quantity of ammunition, and that this
might have favorable bearing upon treaty Of
peace. The Indian chief here alluded to was pro-
baby the captured by Major Gonzalez. He
taken about ten leagues from Bacalar, as he
was going into the interior with money, provisions
and ammunition for the Indians. They had cap
tured, also, few days previously, number Of In
dian captains. In the month Of November, Gene
raj Zetina, while his way from Bacalar 10 Ssal
captured, near the Bay Of Ascension, large guam
tity OF lead, powder and soap, in canoe. This
was aso on its way TO the Indians. But, neverthe-
less since all these captures, the Indians have re-
fused TO treat, except upon certain terms
The Indians hack, mangle, and murder their
male prisoners Their female prisoners they carry
off. During the war, there have been some dread
full scenes of massacre and pillage; but latterly
these excuses have ceased.
The Indian population of the country far outnum-
bcrs the whites; and whatever may be their fortune
in the battle field in the forests they defy their
enemies. The Yucatan government cannot supply
the means for such war ours was in Florida,
either as regards expense or soldiers. Already the
country sinks from exhaustion, and Mexico does
not disposed has not the ability efectually
to assist them. When the first broke out, and
the Indians, flushed with victory, carried every
thing before them, until Campeachy itself was
threatened, filled as IL was with fugitive whites,
who had abandoned every thing TO fly TO the walled
towns for safety, they would have made peace upon
any terms Now, however, that the tide has par
tally turned, the Yucatecos 10 desire to bring
the poor Indian, together with the country which
he claims his own, again under their authority.
What the result will be remains 10 be seen; but sad
will be the fate Of the aborigines Of Yucatan If they
again sink into hcwers of wood and drawers Of wa
ter for the indolent white men who now claim the
governance Of that country.
OF the men Mt the head Of affairs among tho Yu-
catccos, but little can be told. Barbachno is said
10 be a good man, surrounded by unprincipled adj
visors who have stood in the way Of peace, which
might have been made months ago.
From the China Mail Nopsulber 90