Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-08-08
sEcoNg DISPATCH.
OF THE STAR oFTHEw WEST.
Fifteen Days Later from California.


New YORK, Aug. THE steamer Star of the
West arrived this morning, bringing dates from
San Francisco TO the 18th of July. Among the
passengers are Colonel Gray, returned from the
survey of the Atlantic and Pacific railroad route
through Texas, Chihuahua. and Sonora. Also
Lieutenant Williamson of the typographical sng-
neers.
The Star ofthe West connected " it'll the Sierra
Nevada mail steamer. The California sailed for
Panama on the 18th with 81 800 900 in specie, OF
which 100000 is consigned TO Adams u Co.,
S432, 1000 10 Page 81 Bacon, $500 900 TO Wells q
Fargo, and 100000 10 Burgoyne a. Co.
The Star of the West brings SGT, 800 on freight,
aud $50 passengers.
There was great fire at San Francisco on the
lllh. II commenced at the Golden Gate Hotel,
and DESTROYED the whole block, bounded by Jack
son. Davis Front and Oregon streets; also the
third Of the block bounded by the above and
Washington streets, and half two blocks bound
ed by Jackson, Davis, Drummond, and Washing
ton, divided by Oregon streets, and several build
ings on the corner of Jackson, between Front and
Davis streets The whole number OF buildings
DESTROYED was between sixty and seventy, eighteen
Of which were hotels or large boarding houses.
The total loss is from $4,000 10 100000.
On the 18th of July twelve blocks were partially
or wholly destroyed al Sacramento city, bounded
by Third, l. Fourth, and streets. II is estimated
that two hundred buildings were destroyed, valued
at half million of dollars.
On the 10Th of July nearly the whole town OF
Columbia Calevaras county, was destroyed by
fire. All was consumed bounded on Broadway,
Fulton, State, and Washington streets, except one
fre-proof building The loss is estimated al
$500 000 and was the work Of an incendiary.
There is great diversity in the estimates OF the
different California papers about the losses by fire.
One says the Sacramento loss is only four hun
bred thousand dollars.
The whole town OF Minnesota, in Nevada county,
was burnt on the Sth OF July, exceptthree houses
loss fifty thousand dollars.
The squatter excitements has nearly ceased.
The Mormons at San Bernardno, in Los Angeles
district. lost four hundred acres ofwheat by FIRE.
Fourteen hundred acres Of wheat was burnt in
Suisirn and Vaca Valleys, on the 7th Of July, and
twelve buildings were burnt at Sonora, on the Sd
OF July.
Very rich diggings have been found on the Cog
vile river, forty miles from Port Oxford, Oregon.
Oxford is deserted by the people in quest Of gold.
The mining accounts continue favorable, and
crops from all parts OF the State promise highly
favorable yield.
An excited discussion is going on between the
different ranks OF the democratic party, whose
convention met on the 18th, both sections claimed
a majority, and two sets of delegates were chosen
in most OF the counties,
immigration over the plains has began 10 come
in, and stocks was selling at Sacramento at low
prices.
twenty-five Mormons arrived at San Fran
cisco from Salt Lake, on their way 10 the Sand.
witch Islands. Commander Jolley, OF the British
schooner Bermuda, has declared Greytown under
martial law, and established blockade Of the port
with the English ship-ofwar Espiegle, and holds
Panta Arenas. The commander says il is part
Of San Juan, aud he will hold II security until
arrangement is made between the governments.
The inhabitants of San Juan have began to re-
build the town, but most Of the influential men
have left the place. The greatest excitement ex-
listed at Kingston relative 10 the destruction OF
Greytown, and il was reported that the English
and French admirals had sent frgste in pursuit
Of the Cyane. A steamer was instantly dispatched
10 Halifax with the intelligence.
The English mail steamer Teviot, the brig-of.
war Espiegle, and the schooners Bermuda and
Liberty, were at San Juan.
The captain Of the Star Of the West denies the
rumor that Nicaragua was bookaded by the Eng
lsh. lie says everything is quiet, and the ex-
element subsding.
Kingston papers OF the 23d are filed with indg
nation because Of the bombardment Of Greytown
and calls on tho government for redress.
Subscriptions have been started for the sufferers
headed by the governor.