Washington telegraph., 1853-02-16
From the N. o. Pioaynne
Later from CalifOrnia---Arriva OF
the steamer PamPerO.

a. ne steamship ailpeTO, Sdpt. ldnueTsf
arrived last night from San Juan de Nicar-
aqua, bringing some San Francisco papers
Of the 1st inst The Pampero brought
100000 in gold dust, in the hands of the
passengers
The Alta Californian Of the 1st inst. gives
the following comprehensive summary of
the news Of the fortnight previous to the
sailing of the Pacific steamer:
The present winter is conceded to be the
most severe experienced in this country since
it has been populated by Americans.
During the last fortnight it has been rain
ing and showing continually in the mount
aims and valleys, and we are daily in the re-
ceipt Of accounts of distress and suffering in
all parts of the State. The waters have
been unusually high, and communication
through the mining regions almost entirely
cut of, either by snow or overhowed streams.
The rivers have been swelled to such an ex-
tent as to inundate all the low lands, causing
immense damage, destroying stock and ag-
ricultural products. The whole country be-
tween Tehama and Sacramento City was en-
tirely under water, whilst Marysville was
partly inundated, and though Sacramento
City was well protected by levee, the low
er portions were submerged. The waters
at the present time have subsided. although
the rains still continue On the mountain
streams, the loss Of mining implements has
seen great, and all work for the present sus-
Iended Bridges have been swept away,
and ferries destroyed, and some few lives lost.
The southern portion of the mining district
has suffered equally with the northern
Stockton has been inundated partially, and
property to considerable amount destroyed.
The bridges on the Calaveras, Stanislaus,
and other streams, have been swept away
and communication with the mining towns
for while suspended. The flood has been
universal, and the waters higher than in the
memorable winter of 1S49.
The great scarcity of provisions, and the
consequent high price, has occasioned much
suffering and distress already, and it is feared
that many will actually die from starvation
Many miners subsist entirely on beef and
potatoes, whilst in other portions of the
mines there are hundreds who have nothing
at all but barley and potatoes In portions
of Yuba and Sierra counties the snow was
already ten feet deep and still falling, and
the miners actually reduced to absolute
want. In one place they had meeting and
forced trader to sell what flour he had on
hand at forty-fve cents per pound, and all
who we're able to leave did SO, thus leaving
the provisions for those who were unable to
find their way out of the SHOWS to the val
lies. In some places cabins are entirely
covered with snow, and the roofs of many
have been crushed in, thus cutting of the
last chance of protection. The accounts re-
ceived may be greatly exaggerated never
theless, there is much suffering and distress,
and it is not improbable that some may per-
ish by starvation.
The United States Land Commissioners
have resumed the sessions in this city and
rendered several opinions and decrees Of
final confirmation. Among the most impor-
tantant Is one confirming the claim Of Col.
John Fremont to NIariposas, containing ten
square leagues, bounded on the north by
The Sierra Nevada, on the south by the San
Joaquin, and west by the Merced The
grant was made in 1914 By Gov Mchclto-
rena to Juan B. Alvarado, in consideration
of important services rendered
The Supreme Court Of this State has
rendered an important decision in relation
to the validity of Mexican grants. The
opinion is an able one, and was delivered
BY Justice Heydenfeldt, in the case Of Van
derslice and Clarkson vs. Julien Hanks
This decision greatly effects much of the
landed interest in this State They have al
so delivered an opinion declaring tha. J.
Caleb Smith, ex-Judge of the Supreme
Court, was entitled TO his salary as justice
of that court, for three years from the time
he was elected. The court was reorganized
with but one justice instead of three, and
at the election held in 1851 Justice Saterlee
was elected, The decision gives Judge
Smith salary until April next, when the
term for which be was elected BY the Leg
islature will expire.
A few days since we were visited with
terrible southeast gale, which prevailed for
two days. Several light tenements were
blown down, and some injury done to the
shipping in the harbor For day or two
communication by stage with San Jose was
cut Of, owing to the sudden rise of the in
termediate streams.
The members Of the next Legislature are
rapidly congregating in this city, preparato-
ry to their meeting at Vallejo on Monday
next. 1t is very uncertain whether the Seat
of Government will remain there during
the winter. In the event Of its removal,
Benecia will probably be selected.
A contract has been made by the Com
mon Council with Mr. j. b. NJ Crooke to
light the city within thirty days. The con-
tract to remain in full force until Donahue's 8
gas contract goes into operation.
Miss Catherine Hayes has given twelve
concerts in this city with great Success