The Shasta courier., 1854-01-14
Interesting New. from Lower California.

Interesting News from Lower California.
The Southerner arrived at the Bay Monday
last, bringing some very interesting news rela-
tive to the movements Of President Walker and
his men. We take the following from the Ere-
ming Pieayune:- -
After arriving in the Ensenada de Todos San
tos, President Walker landed his forces and took
possession of an adobe house, situated in most
beautiful position for fortress. On the Sd De-
cember he made foray on the estate of Melen-
drez, an outlaw and bandit, whose atrocities
have long made him the terror of the northern
portions of the state. On the return OF the party
to Ensenada, they were attacked in the ravlne
La Cru la, by Melendrez and large body of Ia
drones, under his command, who succeeded in
killing one man, Barney Mccormick, and in Ia
king two prisoners.
These would have escaped, but for their i'm
prudence in remaining long distance IN the
rear of the main body.
On the 9th, random shot struck the gallant
McKibben while taking deliberate aim at the
robber chief Melendrez, killing him almost in
stanty Keeling toward the entrance of the
house. he exclaimed, - boys, who takes my
place." and fell dead. Capt Gilman was also Sc
verely wounded.
correspondent of the same paper, writing
from Head Quarters, says:
The detachment have brought in from % La
Grura.'' the ranch owned by Melendrez, the
commander of the forces against us,-about $50
head of cattle, $50 head of sheep,-and horses,
wagons, g., &c. Baird will give you all the IN
formation. verify believe, aside from random
skirmishes, that this is surrender Of this coun
try TO our authority.
The Fillibusters have obtained foothold from
which they are not likely to be dislodged Dis
hat
the wealthy and influential inhabitants OF the
Peninsula, instead of being opposed to revolu-
ton, as they have heretofore been represented
manifest disposition to Cooperate with Presl-
dent Walker, and testify their sincerity by prof
fering supplies of provisions, and all the horses
that may be required by the invading party.
The Peninsula may now be considered as un-
der the control of Col. Walker, and no further
serious opposition can be anticipated Unless
the Government of Mexico shonld dispatch a
strong army of reiutorcements TO attempt the re
capture of the province, the success OF the Fill
busters may be considered quite certain.
Four vessels sailed from Mnzatlan for Lower
California on the Goth November with force
Of four five hundred troops. They have pro
badly arrived at their destination, and II they
were able to muster sufficient courage to attack
Col. Walker, they have doubtless met that fate
which has ever attended conflict between
Mexicans and Americans.
The President is indefatigable in his devotion
to the welfare of the people and his army and
his time is employed constantly IN the labors OF
his office.
The defences at the port of Ensenada are now
so far advanced, that it is deemed impregnable
to any force that Santa Anna or any body else
send against it. The supplies for the troops
are abundant, and are well protected, so that
even siege could be resisted with success.
A correspondent of the San Diego Hsmld-
writing from Fort Mekbben- says:
have but little news to comnlunlcate-the
country is quiet-Col. Walker has issued Pro-
clamation, calling upon the inhabitants to recos-
Mise the new Government, and offering proiec-
ton to all well disposed. This has had good
effect daily we receive visitors, who come 10
recognise the existing government. Melendrez,
the commander of their forces. has retired to
the lower portion of the Republic. without men,
arms, or ammunition. 1t is not probable thai
we shall be troubled again by him.
Col. Negrete, heretofore the military COM
mantant OF Santa ToI"as Lower California, has
arrived in San Francisco,