The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-05-15
THE BLOCKADE OF ACAPIuCO

THE BLOCKADE OF ACAPULCO.
We have heretofore noticed the occurrences
growing out of the attempt of the steamer John L.
Stephens to enter the port of Acapulco. The N. o.
Picayune gives the annexed particulars:
In approaching the harbor of Acapulco shin
(o1 bark and schooner were discovered ahead
drawing out from under the land An unshotted
gun was fired by the Mexican Commodore, who
at the same time lowered his boat to communi.
cate with the Stephens, but the signal not being
needed by the commander of the steamer who
showed every disposition to run the blockade a
depressed shot was fired, when the engines were
stopped, but, after losing headway, the steamer
commenced drifting in towards the shore when the
engines were again started whereupon shot was
fired by the Mexican at just sufficient elevation not
to hit the steamer. This ball, whistng over the
steamer had the desired effect and the engine bell
was rung to "stop her" which being done, Captain
Pierson Immediately lowered his boat and com
municsted with the Mexican commander and re.
quested permission to enter the harbor-basing his
request, very justly upon the ground that he re-
quired both coal and provisions to pursue bis voy
age. The Mexican, with exceeding politeness de-
cned accedng to this request stating that his or
ders were imperative to allow no vessels to enter
or depart from the harbor and that il the Stephens
attempted to enter he would sink her if he could
But, to show his consideration he offered to send
boat ashore to communicate with Santa Anna who
was encamped about three miles below the fort CT
Acapulco, with from 5000 to 5000 men, to ascer
IT.
quest would meet with decided refusal Beev-
ing the same thing and not willing to consume
more time and what little of coal was on board
Capt Pierson wisely concluded to push on for
Panama, where he arrived on the night of the 2Sth
after passage of about thirteen days from San
Francisco, with about three bushels OF coal on
board.
Itmay be interesting to our readers to know that
the Mexican Commodore was smart enough IN
communicating with the Stephens to get that vessel
between his little fleet and the fort which is in pos
session OF the revolu,ionists, under Alvarez. As
the Stephens got from between the beligerents, a
brisk cannonade commenced ON both sides which
was being carried on with much spirit when the
Stephens left. The Picayune continues
Santa Anna with his troops had a large force of
the revolutionary party 10 his rear, and the nsur
gent city OF Acapulco in his front Alvarez had let
him get into the province of Guerrero, by appar-
emily abandoning the only mountain pass through
which an entrance could be etfected-but after
Santa Anna had got fairly H. the pass was again
occupied, and he had no other alternative but to
push for the sea coast, where he was encamped
near the sea shore in sight of passing vessels.
The MARRIAGE OF GEN. SMITH-We have here
tofore noticed the marriage of Gen. Persifer F.
Smith, dhe gallant officer who planned ae battle and
commanded at Cheputepec) with Mrs. Armstrong
the widow OF MajorF. w. Armstrong, son of Gen
Robt Armstrong. The Washington Union states thai
Maj. +. w Armstrong was the brother, not the som
OF the late General. Mr. ]. N Armstrong, son of
the General married sister of the lady who was
recently united in wedlock to Gen. Smith.
SMITH O'BRIEN.-The Savannah Courier. of the
10th, says:
"We regret to learn, in conversation with Mr.
Measher this morning. that the general impression
in aaf sEr,1.x 49,
pardon, is unfvunded The declaration of Lord
Palmerston in the House of Commons appears
only common State trick, resorted to at critical
period when It desirable to conciliate the Irish
Instead Of being Internationally set at liberty, a
pardon is offered OBrien il he will apply for it, and
II, IN doing so, he will sign papers recognizing the
justice Of his sentence. Neither of which be would
ever consent to do"
SMALL Pox IN FLoRIDA.-The Floridian, of the
23d ult says forty-nine of small pox and va
roloid existed in jacksonville on the Saturday pre-
vious. IL had become general epidemic, the at
mosphere being charged with the infection. The
scarlet fever was raging with fearful fatality at the
same time.
Hon. Thomas II. Benton is announced az a candi-
date for reelection to the House OF Representatives
in the ST. Louis district subject to the decision Of
the Democratic party as expressed by primary
election. The st. Louis Democrat says it is also
authorized to announce that he II likewise candi
didate before the people of the State at large for
reelection to the Senate of the United States.
Acou1rTAL OF Mrs. HAYEs.-The trial of Mrs
Hayes, Tor the murder Of DR.. Lutener, In N. York
was concluded last Thursday The jury rendered
verdict Of not guilty. after an absence OF sew
eral hours. She received the verdict without any
apparent emotion, and soon atfer LETT the court
room for the Irving House. Her husband Il yet to
be tried for the same offence.
The General Conference Of the Methodist Pro-
testant Church was still in session q Steubenville
Ohio, at last accounts. The subject Of slavery has
been freely discussed in this body They were sev.
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