Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-04


We give below some additional particulars OF the
bombardment and burning of San Juan or G-eytown,
by the u. S. sloop of war Cyane. Capt. Holllns,
which was despatched thither 10 demand satlsfac-
ton for an insult to Mr. Borland, Amernlcan MINIS
ter 10 Central America and 10 secure the American
Transit Company from the annoyances they suffered
from the GreytoWn authorities. The Town Is within
the jurisdiction of no particular state IL 10 KIND
of independent colony settled by English and Amerl-
cans, and holding what territory they claim from
grant by The Mosquito King. The authorizes Ct the
Town have been long while in dispute with the Tran
sit Company over the Nicaragua route, growing out
of business arrangements, and both parties have
probably been giving provocation to each olher.-
TIE cause of the insult to Mr.. Borand was MS IN
reference short time ago, to resist the attempt oil
the authorities TO arrest the Captain OF one the Mica
ragua Company's steam ers, who sho' nat'e IN Inc
river, it is said in sef-detence.
The authorities insisted upon the delivery ct the
Captain into their hands to be tried Tor murder Mr.
Borland denied their authority, and When ne "eht
ashore they mobbed and otherwise insulted him.
The following letter, which we find in the New
York Herald, contains the particulars OF the dlstrnc'
tion of the town.
UNITED STATES SHIP CYANE,
San Juan, De Nicaragua. July Is, 1854. J
The {. : ship Cyane arrived here on the | 18th
inst after u long, though pleasant passage, from
New York On our arrival here, Capt Holiins, &C
cording his instructions from the Secretary of The
Navy, commenced TO settle the difficulties existing
between the two governments. viz: TO enforce the
payment of the claim made by the Steamship Com
any. and demand redress for wrongs and injuries
done our late Minister, Mr.. Borland
The authorities here treated every attempt at an
amcable adjustment of the difficulty with insult and
disdain. So on the morning Of the 18th, we sent q
party on shore to capture their arms and ammunl
ton, and issued proclamation giving them twenty
four hours to come to terms, or we would blow the
town down In the meantime the commander of al
English war schooner entered protest against oul
proceedings: and Capt Holins informed him tina
he sorry he must disregard said protest, but hi
intended to carry out his instruct ons and obey or
des at all hazards, and that if the demands were no
paid in twenty-fo four hour, he would commence ope
ratiOns
On the morning of the 13th the inhabitants of thu
town left and took to the woods, leaving all the
property behind them. At nine O'Clock, the twenty
four hours having expired hauled abreast of thu
town. and opened fire on it from our starboard bat
terry, and continued firing several hou,s, every sho
taking effect; shot away their flag staff, and dOwr
came the ensign but the houses being frame WI
could not do much in ury, therefore we ceased fir
ing and sent party on shore to burn the town,
in a few hours the whole place in ruins. Sal
Juan is heap of smoking ashes. The all
thorities have been taught that government will
not allow her ministers to be Imprisoned with mpu
nifty, and also that the commander of the Cyane i
the wrong man 10 trif1e with
neglected to say that the English vessel, seeing
which had just arrived. She goes to Port Royal t.
report the facts to the squadron.
Another letter says the demand of Capt Holm
for $50 900 indemnity, and that Lieut. Pickern;
commanded the party who landed and burnt tn
town. The letter adds:
Two British men of war were in the harbor at tn
me-the steamer Dee and the schooner Rarmuda
One OF two buildings were saved. San Juan ha
earned the reputation of being of the worst town
in this section Of the world Her reputation wa
just She richly deserved it, and she merited he
tate. She has at last received her full deserts. N
respectable man regret her humiliation. He
rules -gere entirely anli-Amercan in feeling an
principle. Capt Hoins conducted the affnir through
out in most creditable manner. He is remarkabl
for his judgment and good sense. The navy and III
government may be proud of such an officer.
learn that the Cyane sails for Boston on Monday
She takes Mr.. FabIus commercial agent, home. Sh
also takes the remains of Purser Ashman. He die
here two years since, while the ship Decatur yin
here: Everything quiet. regret TO say that tn
health Of the Cyane is quite bad Many of the GREY
are down--of1cers quite we'll