Washington sentinel., 1854-02-11

| use Of the expedition. This was principally
horses and cattle and are all secured in the valley
of Ensenada The properly of Melendrez had
been declared con6scaied by the Mexican gov
| ernment, he being outlawed by decree OF the
military coinmandant. The new government has
taken possession of il in right Of the old. He has
endeayored TO regain the property which was de-
clared confiscated by order of Santa Anna, by try
| ing TO drive the expedition from the country; and,
| in order TO do so. he has forced the natives 10
| fight against H. The inhabitants of this part of
| the country refused to aid him, but have been
obliged to do So in order 10 save the life of Ne
CRETE, commandant of Santa Tomas, and also Of
| the Judge OF first instance, whom Melendrez had
taken as prisoners, and threatened 10 put 10 death
/ if the inhabitants did not enroll themselves under
his command. They reluctantly did so under the
promise 10 release his prisoners They besieged
| them several days. keeping up constant and IN
efectual fire upon the first day Of the siege.
| The gallant McKibbin met his death while taking
deliberate aim at the person of the outlaw, Melen-
| drez. The heroic Capt. Gilman was also severe
| ly wounded. With these exceptions, the men are
without seattle or injury, and in excellent condi-
ton and spirits. On the fifth day our boys made
| an open attack upon their camp, routing them
completely, killing eight, and wounding several
| more. We also took possession OF their field
! piece, ammunition, stock, camp eauipage, &c,
since which time Melendrez has not been able to
| make a stand. The flag of 1.-TWO stars now
waves triumphantly over Lower California, and
| the wealthy rancheros are in extaces, and do not
| fear to express their JOY at our advent.
| A Ensenada all remained quiet at last accounts
there being nothing whatever 10 take place except
the satisfying of animal wants, which are supplied
by the number Of cattle in possession of the expe
dition There have been but two deaths in the
expedition, Lieutenant McKibbin and private Ber-
nard Mccormick; the former was killed at Ense-
NADIA and the latter at La Grula, being alone when
surprised and surrounded by the enemy. He was
shot in four places, being offered quarter, but re-
fused il, and fought TO- the last. II was afterwards
ascertained al Santa Tomas that he killed three,
and wounded several others, before he over
come. We are authorized to state that letters
have been received at the headquarters of the ex-
pedilion, from the wealthiest and most influential
rancheros in the country, offering to aid the expe-
dition in any desired way, provided sufficient
force be placed in the country 10 protect the in
habitants from any future emergencies arising
from such course. One ofthem came and volun-
tarily offered TO furnish supplies TO the expedition,
including horses sufficient 10 mount the command.
This generous offer was refused by President
Walker, the forces now having abundant supplies
from the confscated property fthe outlaw Melen-
firez. and also because the expedition expects to
pay for all supplies received from the friendly in
habtants. The ranchero in question stated that
the supplies were. gratuitously offered. They all
feel secure 10 the possession of their property
and lives A decree was issued by the President,
condemning to death all persons guilty Of plunder-
ing the property Of the friendly inhabitants.
The expedition has been favored with the pres
ence Of an Americanlady, the wife of Capt. Chap
man. of the first party, or " Old Guard" whose at
tention TO the sick and wounded, acts and words
of encouragement, and personal heroism, contrib
uted greatly TO the success of the expedition and
10 the comfort of the party. During the siege OF
Ensenada, she constantly at the post of danger,
loading and passing the arms to the men, and re-
peatedly firing upon the enemy through the loop
| holes. Her bravery was such as 10 asionish
those who were best acquainted with her daring
and resolute character
Col Walker was so constantly exposing himself
to the fire Of the enemy as 10 compethe men TO in-
sist upon his transferring the command TO Colonel
Watkins, as he was too valuable parsonage to
be placed as target for the balls OF the ladrones
Colonel Walker is native Of Ohio, and gradu-
ated at Frankfort Kentucky, at an early age and
has since occupied many stations of trust and re-
sponsibity. He has tralled through every country
in Europe, and is conversant with nearly every
language spoken, and is considered by those who
know him intimately to be one Of the first lawyers
and diplomatists of the day, well as one of the
most remarkable men Of our time
The party embraces men of every profession,
among them some surveyors, who are engaged in
surveying the town of Ensenada, with its harbor
| and approaches, laying out the ground in streets
and blocks and experimenting the repairs, forti-
ications, and buildings erecting by The new govern
ment.
| The following are the names of the persons at
presen, holding Office in the republic of Lower Cali
| fornia.
4
| kins, President; Major Fred. Emory, Secre-
tary of State; Captain II. H. Snow, collector OF
TOMS Captain William Mann, captain of navy !;
Major 0. T. Beard, quartermaster general; s. s..
! Richardson, M d.; Lieutenant Samuel Ruland
| adju,ant acting; Lawrence, commissary;
| Captains: Charles III. Gilman, company A.. Viii
| liam E. Cuttrel, company B; George II. Davidson,
company G; ID. w. Chauncy company d; Nor
man Douglass, company Z. Military posts are
! established at San Domingo and La Grulla and
htyd data htna frnn fha ma
These parties are engaged with the and OF the
Indians in constructing durable Notifications at
these places. and building quarters for the accom-
dation Of the troops. The strctest discipline pre-
walls throughout every department OF the army,
and the soldiers are constantly drilled in camp,
under the able tuition Of commanders OF compa-
nies, who are all, without exception, officers of
experience, and who have served with gallantry
in the Mexican war.
/ Negrete and Melendrez have both fed the form
er TO San Diego where he has taken up his abode,
and the latter TO the lower country, without arms
or followers and in destitute condition.
The inhabitants are free in their intercourse
with the officers and soldiers of the command. and
all express willingness 10 unite with the liberia
tors in sustaining the new government. Frequent
conferences have taken place between the wealthy
rancheros and President Walker, and they are all
| amply satisfied with the existing state of things
The proclamation is favorably received, and dis
position is exhibited on all sides TO abide by and
respect its enforcement.
call has been made upon the inhabitants TO
unite in convention. for the purpose of adopting
constitution, suited 10 the requirements ofthe peo
pie, and TO esialish such code of laws may be
found adequate to preserve peace and order to the
community
The president is ndefatigabe in his devotion 10
the welfare OF the people and his army; and his
time is employed constantly in the labors Of his
office.
The dcfences at the port Of Ensenada are now so
far advanced that il is deemed impregnable TO any
force Santa Anna or anybody else can send against
il. The supplies for the troops are abundant. and
are well protected, that even siege could be
resisted with success. The men are in the highest
spirits on account of their recent achievements.
and are ready for any emergency that may occur,
and more than anxious for another opportunity TO
measure their prowess with that ofthe enemy.
From the Sandwich Islands.--By the Star OF
the West, Honolulu dates to Goth of December
have been received.
On the 23d December, the. new United States
commissioner was presented AT court, accouipa-
MED by Mr.. Severance, Capt. Dornn of the navy,
and other citizens. Complimentary speeches were
made on both sides.