Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-12-01
From the Alta Californian, Oct. Is.
Departure of the sonora Expedition.

II has already been announced that the parties
who sometime since chartered the brig Arrow for
a supposed descent upon Sonora, succeeded few
days since in getting away on the Caroline. The
real obJectssof the expedition are as little known
to the public now when the affair Of the Arrow
was under consideration. The parties them selves
declare their purposes to be peaceable and lawful,
while the public unite generally in the belief that
they go with revolutionary or fllibusterng inten-
tons Although no legal evidence has been adj
duced nor probably can be adduced. that the ex-
petition is in violation OF the laws Of the United
States, it is not TO be doubted as mere question
of fact that the acts of the parties, after reaching
their destination will be Of such character as to
subject them to the severest penalties, if the Juris
diction of the United States could reach them.
They go with the avowed purpose of working the
Mines but will very likely appear, after they get
there, that their objects the subverson of the au-
thority of the central government of Mexico, and
the establishment Of an independent State in
Sonora.
Their plan is to secure the cooperation Of as
many natives and foreign residents possible in
an ostensible war against the Apachcs, and then,
by coup dc man, to declare Sonora free and in
dependent, seize the property Of all who oppose
them, hold their persons as prisoners of war; elect
civil officers, raise troops, negotiate treaties, and
perform all other acts incident 10 sovereign
power. Undoubtedly the whole thing is very
clearly arranged, theoretically; but, like many
other theories, it will be found at fault when put
in practice. In the first place, the party is too
small TO make even respectable stand against
the forces that Santa Anna will send to repulse
them, and the cooperation OF the natives cannot
be depended upon. Even If the whole State were
favorable 10 the revolt, which is not the case by
any means, Santa Anna will find far less difficulty
in crushing the rebellion than he would in subdu-
ing similar outbreak in any of the Sierra Madre
States. There the insurgents could depend upon
succor from Texas Louisiana, and other southern
and western States. In Sonora they can get no
assistance, except from California, and there are
comparatively few men here willing TO abandon
their business for wild enterprise, promising
nothing but danger, privations and unenviable
notoriety.
The most probable result Of the expedition (un-
less.th adventures adhere TO their avowed pur-
pose, and go 10 mining, and shooting Apaches)
will be their arrival at Guaymas, the killing Of
some of them, and the dispersion of the remainder
In a few months they will be returning in small
parties, as they can find means to get away, worn
ont, poor, and Disguised. That Sonora will, at
day not far distant be either independent State
or United States territory, we have no doubt; but
that day will not be fastened by 6ibustering, or
the incursions of parties discountenanced by our
government. We are advised that other detach-
ments are TO follow the first in the course of a few
days. They have right to go if they choose, and
get away, and indeed owe il TO those who
have gone TO keep their engagements; but we adj
wise others, who have not joined the enterprise
TO keep aloof from il. liz their object is to work
mines, they can find better mines and safer work
ing at home; if they desire to aid a revolution
they had better wait for a revolution that has bet
ter prospects of success.
The news from the southern portion Of the State
informs us that companies of 6libusters are going
by land TO Sonora, to cooperate with those who
left this port by the Caroline.
Ii the report mentioned by the San Diego
Herald be correct, that two hundred Mexican SOL
diers are on their way from La Paz TO San Tomas,
il is possible that these soldiers will attempt to
stop the fibusters. San Tomas is only about
fifty miles from the line, and but few days march
would enable the Mexicans to reach the ella,
where the flibusters would probably cross; but il