New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1854-08-09
Dispatch from Capt. Ho1lins to the Sec
-. tary of the Navy.
THE BoMBARDMENT OF SAN JUAN,


U. s. sHrp CYAsE. sAy Juas NICARAGUA July 49, 1854
Sir; have the honor to report my arrival
at this port on the 11th inst, after a tedious
when off the Bermudas, the smallpox, in its
most virulent form, made it's appearance on
board, in the person of one of the crew, who is
now in a precarious condition. The usual
measures have been taken to prevent, if pos
sible, extension of the disease, which hope may
prove successful.
Immediately on my arrival communicated
with Mr.. Joseph W. Fabens, the Representative
Of the United States at this place, and delivered
into his hands the dispatch forwarded through
me from Hon W L. Marcy, Secretary of the
Department of State, of which | had been honored
with a copy. After due consultation with Mr.
Fabens, learned the demand made by him, by
order of the State Department, upon the town
Of San Juan, had not only been treated with
contempt, but threats of future violence towards
American citizens and property we're publicly
made should opportunity offer.
After due deiheration, it was thought expe-,
dent to make a final demand upon the inhabit-
ants for an indemnity for injuries sustained by
citizens Of the United States, and for an apology
of a satisfactory character for the insult re-
Gently given to Mr.. Borland, our Minister to
Central America In accordance with this de.
clsion, Mr.. F. was directed to communicates
with the agents of the Transit Company, to de-
termine upon the amount of indemnity COM
mensurate with their losses, and the sum of
$4,000 was agreed upon as the smallest sum
admissible under the circumstances, which,
with previous demand already made of $4,000,
made the sum total 600. From my know
ledge OF the injuries, etc sustained, and the
future detriment of the Company, ETC., this sum
seemed to be no more than just directed
Mt- Fabens to make a last appeal to the people
of San Juan before decisive measures were
taken. This was done on the afternoon of tn.
lst inst, as will be seen in his communication
dated 18th inst, B, with its contents in answer
to mine. A, of the day preceding As the result
of the demand was entirely unsatisfactory, in
my answer to MIR. Fahens to his communica-
tion, enclosed him copy Of a proclamation D
to the people of the town, which was posted in
the most public places, and perused by all
Shortly after, on the morning of the 18th. as an
earnest of my intentions, as set forth in the
proclamation, at the request of Mr. Fabens
guard of marines and seamen, under the com
mand of Lleutenants Pickering and Fauntleroy,
were ordered on shore, to secure the arms and
ammunition, as an evident disposition was exist
ing among the people to make an improper use
OF them; and also to assist and protect Mr.
Fabens and others in the removal of their
property. This was quickly performed by the
deposited on Point Arenas, in charge of the
agent of the Transit Company, to await further
disposition. At the same time, foreigners gen
orally, and those favorable to the United States
were notified that steamer would be in readi-
ness on the morning of the day of the lombard
ment to convey such as were disposed to place
of safety. -
Commander and Lieut.. Jolly, of H B Ma,
jesty's schooner Bermuda, at anchor in this har-
Dor, was also notified by me in person of my
intentions on the morrow, and tender Of as.
sistance made to him. for the purpose of remov.
ing any property or persons of Great Britain
This offer was met by his commander, and
responded to as in my letter (E). Agreeable to
promise, steamer was sent to town at day.
light on the morning of the 18th, to assist such
as were disposed to take advantage of the op-
portunity. few only accepted the proffered
assistance, and were conveyed to Point Arenas
The majority of the inhabitants, either from
fright or wish to set at defiance the threats
made against the town, had left or we're willing
n TO remain and risk the consequences had
hoped the show of determination on the part Of
the ship would at this stage of the proceedings
have brought about satisfactory adjustment
Of the differences in question, but a total disre
gard and contempt toward the Government of
the United States determined me to execute my
threat to the letter.
At 9 O'Clock, on the morning of the 13st inst.
our batteries were opened on the town with shot
and shell, for three-quarters of an hour, fol
lowed by an intermssion of the same time.
when they were opened again for half an hour
followed by second intermssion of three
hours; at the expiration of this interval the
hiring recommended and continued for twenty
minutes, when the bombardment ceased. The
object of these several intervals in the lombard.
| ment was that an opportunity to treat and sat
! isfactorily arrange might be furnished tht
| inhabitants of the town No advantage wa.
taken OF the consideration shown them, and a
| O'CLOCK, p. M a command under Lieuts. Pick
ering and Fauntleroy was sent on shore with
| orders to complete the destruction of the tow1
by fire.
The property of Sen de Barwell French
man, was directed to be exempted from the de
struction if possible, as had learned he hae
| protested and held himself aloof as far as DOS
sible against any cooperation with the towr
| people, or pretended authorities of San Juan
| The town was thus destroyed for the greater
part in the short space of two hours No lives
were lost, although an attack was made by al
armed party on the command of Lieutenants
| Pickering and Fauntleroy, but on the voley,
| being returned the attacking party fed. The
shots were returned more for the purpose O
frightening than destroying life, and had the
desired effect. The execution done by our shot
and shells amounted to the almost total destrue.
tion of the buildings, but it was thought best tt
make the punishment of such character as te
inculcate a lesson never to be forgotten by those
| who have for so long a time set at defiance all
warnings and satisfy the whole world that the
United States have the power and determine te
enforce the reparation and respect due them as
Government in whatever quarter the outrage,
may be committed. The royal mail packe,
Dee arrived in the harbor during the copfia.
grafton of the town, but left Immediately
taking with her in tow H. B. M. schoone,
Bermuda; thus leaving the English subjects
referred to in the communication of Com
mander Jolly, without any assistance should i
be required. - :.
No communication from Com Jolly of the Ber.
muda was made with the Cyane p1ior to his
departing; but am informed he carried with
him number of the principal participators in
the outrages that have been committed by the
town Of San Juan, among them the former
mayor, A. McMartin
shall, in accordance with the order of the
Department, leave this place Immediately for
Boston direct, being satisfied the Department
will sanction this course, taking into considera.
tion the application of Mr.. Fabens and the pre-
sent unseaworthy condition of the Cvane and
the condition of the crew, favorable to the deyel
opment of fever by protracted stay in warm
climate at this early season of the year.
have incidentally learned that the remains
of Purser Ashmun, inferred at this place some
fyyn