Washington telegraph., 1852-05-05
Later from California and oregon.
From the Ne,o Orleans Bulletin.l

From, the Ne,o Orleans Bulletin.
The steamship United States, Captain C. BERRY
arrived yesterday from Aspinwall (the new port
at the Gulf terminus of the Panama Ralroad) MA
Kingston, Jamaica. She left Aspinwa1 the
7th, and Kingston on the 11th.
We learn from passengers that there has been
a great overflow at Sacramento City. 1t COM
menced on the night of the 7th of March, and con-
tlnued until the 7th, when the waters commenced
receding. On the first night, Levee street was
entirely covered, and the water continued rising
until the entire city was inundated. Business was
of course entirely suspended, and the Legislature
was obliged to adjourn for ten days. 1t is sup
posed that the inundation equal to that of
1S49. The loss of property and life was very
great. Marysvile also suffered much A large
amount of stock and farming utensils were swept
off and destroyed The number of lives lost was
not accurately known.
The steamer Sea Bird arrived at San Francisco
on the 15th from San Diego and intermediate
ports The Herald furnishes the following sum-
mary of the news received by her:
An express had reached San Diego, announcing
the arrival of Major Heintzleman's command of
troops at the Gila on the 29th ult. Nothing yet
has been heard of the Sierra NeUada, though it
was expected she had reached the mouth OF the
Colorado. The Yumas are decidedly hostile, and
threaten to murder all Americans that may fall
into their hands. Major Heintzeman has had
two or three slight skirmishes with them, and In
every instance the Yumas manifested dlstaste for
firearms. 1t is expected that vigorous cam
pagn will be commenced against the Indians, that
will result in rendering the emigrant road down
the Gila one of comparative safety. The troops
are in good health and spirits and anxously alive
to the great interests that have been committed to
their charge. A drove of sheep, numbering some
three thousand, have arrived in San Diego from
Sonora The owners crossed the Gulf In d small
vessel fearing the Indians the ella. The eX-
haS hpap Ot
great numbers of sheep having died On the road
from starvation and want of water. A detach-
ment of 100 recruits Just arrived from the States,
and destined to fill up the infantry companies at
Camp Yuma, has left San Diego for the river.
The heavy drafts upon the Quartermasters sup
plies in depot at San Diego, growing out OF the
recent Indian difficulties, have far reduced the
efficiency of the department to compel the Off
Ger in charge to resort to Benlcla for aid. Great
confidence is felt and expressed by the citizens IN
the efficiency of the adopted to quell all
Indian disturbances that may be likely to arise In
future, and their attention is seriously turned to
the capabilities of the arabic land lying between
the Colorado and Gila rivers. 1t is believed by
many that city of no little importance will yet
be built at the confluence OF the two rivers, that
will command a heavy trade with the neghbor-
ing provinces of Mexico. The Mormons have In
view settlement in that region. No little ex-
citement is felt by the residents of San Diego at
Americans ivan Ness and McDonald) in Lower
California by detachment of Mexican troops
commanded by commissioned officer. A cor
! respondence on the subject has ensued between
the commanding officer at San Diego and the
commandant of San Tomas that has been for-
warded to Washington News had reached San
Diego from Major Heintzleman, that the lumas
below the Algodones on the Colorado, were rob-
bing all who crossed the river"
In relation to the reported murder OF Van Ness
and Mcdonald the Alta California has the follow
ing letter, dated San Diego, March 10:
''You have or will have by this steamer, the
account of the killing of Van Ness and Mcdonald,
in Lower California and but side of the story
is listened to by many here, may be led astray.
1Don Manual Castra, the highly esteemed and
gentlemanly Commandante of Lower California,
arrived few days since, to explain fully this
matter, that feelings might be entertained
against him by his numerous friends on this side
of the line. Van Ness had been lurking around
this town some four months, trying to raise rob
bing porty to go to lower California. Most of the
old citizens here having property there, kept the
Commandante constantly posted up In his move
ments. He was once arrested here for this same
thing, labout January last) and the outraged
community was upon the very eve OF hanging htm,
l myself preventing 1t.
"Finding his way down there. he was watched
closely until warrant issued for his arrest;
he resisted, and both were killed-Van Ness and
Mcdonald firing first The officer in charge OF
the party was questioned closely by Don Manuel,
and committed, according to his statement no
outrage as the American has represented in his
affidavit.
Castro, the Commandante, says, that if any
thing improper has been DONE he will deliver the
officer in charge to the authorities of the United
States, but is satisfied that nothing was done, ex
cept to rob the bodies which he thinks quite ike
ly He returns in few days, and will be able to
get true statement"