The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1852-12-16
SONORA AND THE FRENCH.
More hnnexation--A Strange Rumor.

defeated by the French Count Boulbon, and that
the conqueror has proclaimed Sonora indeden-
dent and annexed to France. This is impor
tant if true but we incline to the opinion that
the story will be found an exaggeration. With
in the last year we have had various conflicting
remors, in relation to French and American Ex-
peditions from California, for the conquest Of
Sonora. In one case, If remember Alright,
the Americans suffered many hardships and fin
ally abandoned the enterprise. In the other
case, large number of French adventurers in
California, went in detachments into Sonora
where they formed an Expedition. About two
months ago, we had a rumor TO the effect that
Sonora had been declared an Independent State
and the news of Saturday seems to confirm
that intelligence Uia Mexico-for it was then
said that Sonoran independence was accomplish
ed chiefly by French and Americans. But the
additional report to the effect that General Boul-
bon has annexed this Mexican State to France,
will certainly require further and more detailed
accounts, before we can give it our unreserved
belief
1t should be remembered, however, that this
Expedition, so far as the facts have transpired,
was private affair, and without any ostens:ble
sanction by the Government of France. Never
theIess, there were rumors at the time that the
was approved by authority. 1t is at least GER
tain, that for some time past the French Gov
ernment has encouraged the emigration Of
large number Of daring, not 10 say dangerous
citizens TO this particular portion Of Mexico and
that within the last year the movement has as /
sumeG somewhat formidable aspect. They
consisted of between six and eight hundred
men, we're divided into three companies, and
Count Boulbon, their Chief made claim to l val-
liable mine, and was supported in his prcten-
siUns by the French Minister The Mexican au-
tborities protested, and sent force against the /
adventurers, and ihis force, as mas been seen u
has been defeated The Commander Of the
French in Sonora oficiated in Africa as an OF
fcer in the French Army, and with considerable
success. He is said to be bold, reckless and
ambitious.
Sonora is one Of Il e most valuable Of all the
provinces OF Mexico. 1t is located on the east
side Of the Gull Of California, comprises an area
Of 10, l4S square leagues, and contained some
years since l23, ,O00 inhabitants. 1t is divided
into the Districts OF Sonora, Cinaloa, and Ostiu-
ury. Rich mines Of gold were discovered there
by the Spaniards as long ago as I77I. The car-
ital is Arispe. 1t is Immediately south Of New
Mexico, east Of chihuahua, and west Of Lower
California, from which it is divided by the Gulf
Of California. 1t has 4 fine range Of sea coast,
and the north west corner touches the southern
boundary OF Upper California. If the French
shall be able to maintain their stand, conse-
quences Of the most important character may
arise. One speculation is, that the United
States possessing a gold region in California,
and Great Britain one in Australia-France is
also anxious 10 be the same auriferous plat
form This annexation, if confirmed, possesses
the more Importance, in connexion with the ru-
NOR published some days since, that a French
squadron had taken possession Of Semana, a Il
small island belonging to the Dominican Repub-
lie of St. Domingo. What-the question may
be asked-does all this portend =
Are the French, under the Government of Louis &
Napoleon, really endeavorng to obtain foot
hold or an influence in this part OF the world /
or, are these movements without any serious 1
concert OF design? The fcrlorn condition Of {
Mexico, and her evident decay as a nation, are S
well calculated to stimulate the cupidity OF 9th
er Powers, especially in connection with the Wis
ions of gold and gold regions, that have been ex-
cited by the recent discoveries in California and
Australia. 1t is therefore quite possible that
Louis Napoleon and his advisers have quietly
Count Boulbon and his troops; and
that now that annexation so-called, has been de-
clared-a still more serious demonstration will
be made, with the object of robhing Mexico of
one of her fairest and richest Provinces
Inquirer.
nsM=T The journal Of Commerce says-.There 4