The Empire County argus. [volume] (Coloma, El Dorado County, Cal.) 1853-1857, 1853-12-17

1he Battle OF La Pdc--LOlrer California declared q
Republic-Cd. Vim. Walker declared President.
We extract the following correspondence from
the San Diego Herald of the 3D.:
HEAD QUARTERS RErUBIIc Lower CAIIFoRNIA,1
November 18th, 1853. {
On the morning of the 18th of October, we sailed
with the First Independent Battalion for Lower Cal
ifornia. The command consisted of As men. Our
voyage was a prosperous one to Cape st. Lucas
where we landed ON the 2Sth of October. Here we
gained some little information of importance, and
proceeded on our journey to La Paz. On the Sd
day of November vessel cast anchor opposite
the town. party were ordered by Col. Walker to
land, take possession of the town, and secure the
person of the Governor-Lieut Gilman command
ing the party. In less than thirty minutes the town
was taken and the Governor secured We then
hauled down the Mexican flag in front of the Gov
ernors house. proclaimed the independence of Lower
California and our flag foated triumphanty where
but a few minutes previous that of Mexico waved
in supposed security. Our men, provisions and mu-
nitions of war were now landed, the town fortified,
and Col Walker entered upon his duties as Presi-
dent of the Republic of Lower California
Here remained until Sunday the 9th, when
the President determined to the seat of Gov
eminent to ST. Lucas. In accordance with this de-
termination we re-embarked, taking with us Ex-
Governor Espanosa and the public documents
Shortly after our embarkation a vessel came into
port having on board Col. Robollero who was sent
by the Government of Mexico to supersede Ex-Gov-
ernoa Espanosa. A small detachment was DISPATCH
ed to bring Col Robolero on board our vessel This
order was promptly executed About an hour after
this occurrence party was sent on shore to pro-
cure wood and while in the act of returning to
their boats they were fired upon by a large party
Thus commenced the first action.
The party consisted of but six men, who retired
to the vessel under heavy fire of musketry without
losing man. In the meantime a fire was opened
uoo no wit bob bow
up until Col. Walker landed with thirty men, when
the fighting became general From the time of
landing until the close of the action, Ca signal de-
feat of the enemy, was about one hour and half
The enemys loss six or seven killed and several
wounded. Our men did not receive so much as a
wound
Thus ended the battle of La Pas, browning our
efforts with victory, releasing Lower California from
the tyrannous yoke of declining Mexico and estab-
fishing new republic.
Our men all in fine health and spirits, and
are as noble and determined body of men as were
ever collected together.
The officers who compose the Government are as
follows
WILLIAM WALKER, President of the Republic of
Lower California.
Frederic Emory, Secretary of State.
John NJ Jernagin, Secretary of War.
Howard H. Snow, Secretary of Navy
Charles II. Gilman, Captain of Battalion.
John McKbbin, LIST Lieutenant.
Timothy Croker, End Lieutenant
Samuel Ruland Sd Lieutenant.
VIM. T. Manu. Captain of Navy.
A. Williams, list Lieutenant of Navy.
John Grundall I'd Lieutenant of Navy
Our Government has been formed upon a firm
and sure basis.
We arrived at st. Lucas ON Tuesday, November
9th. On the morning of the 9th, the Mexican Cut
ter Garrea cruised Oft the Cape our appearance
was so formidable she deemed prudence the bet
ter part of valor," hauled to, and gave US the slip
In the morning our troops again embarked for En-