The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-05-29
Minister from cuadOr-Gon. Joseph viilamiI
from the New Orleans Bee, May COL

FROM the new orleans Zoe, May 20.
This distinguished gentleman will leave New Or
leans in q day two, for Washington, whittier he
repairs in the capacity Of Minister Plenpotentary of
the republic of Ecuador. Gen. Vamil, readers
are probably aware, is Louisianan. His career has
been singularly varied, and affords striking Illus
traton OF the upward and onward tendency OF those
minds in which nature has implanted an indomita-
bic spirit resistless WILL and an impulsve and
tagging energy. brief survey of the leading Incl.
dents in the life Of Gen. Villam will best exemplify
our assertion.
Joseph Villaml was born in New Orleans in the
year 1883. From early youth he was studious grave
and thoughtful. His education was limited to the
ordinary rndments of knowledge such as alone
could be obtained in Louisiana sixty years ago. Ne
vertheess he improved every scanty opportunity OF
acquiring information, relying his own native
powers of intellect to supply imperfect instruction.
In le0S, while yet youth, he took profound inter
est in the wars which the South American provinces
were waging for their independence, and repairing
to Venezuela, where two of his brothers had long re-
sit led, joined the patriots and fought beneath their
flag. Having fallen into the hands Of the enemy, he
only escaped death through the ntercession Of Sc
vera prominent leaders, but was compelled to quit
Venezuela. Young Vamil still ardent in the cause
of freedom, went to Guayaqu which he found ripe
for revolution, and soon after volunteered in her
army, and helped to fight her battles, and establish
her independence.
lied the career of Vami and at length obtained for
him the rank Of Major in the republican army He
remained in the service Of Guayaqu rising from
post to post, until in 1910 he was promoted to full
Colonelcy. In ls45 the administration of Flores be-
came SO odious that civil war broke out Vllamil
usual combatted the side of the people, and after
many engagements, routed Flores and compelled him
to lay down his arms. This event was succeeded by
display of marked administrative qualities and tact
| In calming popular commotion and re establishing
order and tranquility. General Villam for to this
rank had the brave chieftain been exalted, was APP
pointed Prime Minister Of President Urbno, and, for
while, peace and quiet prevailed in Guayaquil. In
1852 the restless spirit Of Flores created fresh agta
ton Ha re-appeared in the vicinity Of Guayaqui al
the head of 1900 men, supported by five vessels Of
| cord. General Vilamil marched forth to meet
the invader; after number of engagements,
| in which Flores was invariably worsted, peace
was restored by the fight Of the enemy. The
most serious of these combats took place
on the 4th July, 1852. Flores had attacked
pieces OF artillery Villamil had only ia men and
cannons under his command. But to use his own
language "A yankee could not be beaten on the 4th
Of july, AM this Flores discovered to his cost hay
ing been epulsed at all points with great slaughter.
| After years of hard service with head frosted
| by time, but heart still youthful and ardent he
| has returned to his own Louisiana, and exchanged
greetings with the gray haired citizens, who were
forty years ago the companions OF his youth. Cen
era Villam left New Orleans in the bloom Of early
manhood, and for nearly half q century had led q
| life of vicssitudes and danger. He has risen from
distinctions; yet never has he either forgotten or
abured his American origin, and his heart still beats
with patriotic fervor at the reflection that he was
reared in the land Of liberty As valiant and time
honored soldier, as gentleman Of the old school, as
| noble minded and high-hearted American, do we
recommend General Villamil to the corteous atten-
ton OF the diplomatic circles as the seat Of govern
| ment.