Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-08-02
UNITED SrArEs surp CYANE,

at this port on the 18th instant, after tedious
passage Of twenty-five days. On the 18th ult.
when off the "Bermudas,n the Smallpox" in
its most yirulent form, made its appearance on
board in the person of one Of the crew, who is
now in a precarious condition. The usua
measures have been taken to prevent if posi-
ble the extension of the disease, which l hope
may prove successful.
Immediately on my arrival, communicated
with Mr.. Joseph w. Fabens, the representa-
tive of the United States at this place, and de-
lvered into his hands the dispatch forwarded
through me from the Hon. William l.. Marcy,
Secretary of the Department of State, of which
l had been honored with copy. After due
consultation with Mr.. Fabens, / learned the
demand by him made by order Of the State
Department upon the town Of San Juan had
not only been treated with contempt, but
threats Of future violence toward American
citizens and property were publicly made, if an
opportunity should Offer After due delbera-
ton it was thought expedient to make a final
demand upon the inhabitants for an indemnity
for injuries sustained by citizens of the United
States, and for an apology of satisfactory
character for the insult recently given to Mr..
Borland, our minister to Central America. In
accordance with this decision, Mr.. Fabens was
directed to communicate with the agents of the
Transit Company, and determined upon the
amount of indemnity commensurate with their
losses, and the sum of sixteen thousand dol
lars was agreed upon as the smallest sum adj
MISSILE under the circumstances, which, with
previous demand already made Of eight
| thousand, made the sum total of twenty-four
| thousand dollars. From my knowledge Of the
| injuries, &c., sustained, and the future detr,
ment to the company, &C., this sum seemed to
! h.., t1a,, 81 NJ. II
| bens to make a last appeal to the people Of
| San Juan before decisive measures were taken.
| This was done on the afternoon Of the 18th
instant as will be seen in his communication
dated 18th instant, b, with its contents, in
answer to mine "A of the date preceding.
| As the result ofthe demand was entirely un-
satisfactory, in my answer Cl to Mr.. Fabens
to his communication, [ enclosed him copy
of a proclamation ID 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 nv
intentions, as set forth in the proclamation, at
the request Of Mr.. Fabens, guard of marines
and seamen, under the command of Lieuts.
Pickering and Fauntleroy, were ordered on
shore to secure the arms and ammunition, as
an evident disposition was existing 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 duty was quickly performed by the
Off ers ofthe command, and the arms &C., de-
posted on Point Arenas, in charge of the
agent of the Transit Company, to await future
disposition. At the same time foreigners
generally, and those favorable to the United
States, were notified that a steamer would be
in readiness on the morning of the day Of the
bombardment to convey such as were disposed
TO place Of safety.
Commander and Lieutenant Jolley, Of her
Britannia majesty's schooner Bermuda, at an
Choir in this harbor, was also notified by me in
person of my intentions on the morrow, and a
tender of assistance was made to him for the
purpose Of removing any property or persons
of Great Britain. This offer was met by his
communication d, and responded to as in my
letter Z. Agreeable to promise, steamer was
sent to the town at daylight on the morning of
the 18th to assist such as were disposed to take
advantage of the opportunity. A few only ac-
cepted the proffered assistance, and were con-
veyed to Point Arenas; the majority of the
inhabitants, either from fright or a wish to set
at d,1ence the threats made against the town,
had left, or were willing to remain and risk the
consequences. / had hoped the show of de-
termination on the part of the ship would, at
this stage of the proceedings have brought
about satisfactory adjustment of the differ
ences in question, but total disregard and
contempt towards the government Of the Uni.
ted States determined me TO execute my threats
to the letter.
At 9 o'clock, q. m, on the morning, of the
18th inst, our batteries were opened on the
town with shot and shells for three quarters Of
an hour followed by an intermission OF the
same time, when they were opened again for
half an hour, followed by second intermission
Of three hours. At the expiration of this inter
val the firing was recommended and continued
for twenty minutes, when the bombardment
ceased The object of these several intervals
in the bombardment was that an opportunity
to treat and satisfactorily arrange matters, might
be furnished the inhabitants Of the town. No
advantage was taken Of the consideration shown
them, and at o'clock, P. M. command un-
der Lieutenants Pickering and Fauntleroy, was
sent on shore with orders 10 complete the de.
struction Of the town by fire. The property Of
Mr.. De Barwell, Frenchman, was directed TO
be exempted from destruction, IL possible, as /
had learned he had protested and held himself
aloof as far as possible against any co-opera
ton with the towns people, or pretended author.
tiles Of San Juan. The town was thus de.
stroyed for the greater part in the short space
Of two hours. No lives were lost, although an
attack was made by an armed party on the
command Of Lieutenants Pickering and Faun-
tleroy, but on the volley being returned the
attacking party fed. The shots we're returned
more for the purpose OF frightening than de-
stroying life, and had the desired effect.
The execution done by our shot and shell
amounted to the almost total destruction Of the
buildings but il was thought best to make the
punishment of such a character as TO inculcate
lesson never to be forgotten by those who
have for 80 long time set at defiance all warn
ings, and satisfy the whole world that the
United States have the power and determine
ton to enforce that reparation and respect due
them rs government in whatever quarter the
outrages may be committed. The royal mail
packet "Dee" arrived in the harbor during the
conhagraiion of the town, but left Immediately,
taking with her in tow her Briianic maiesty's
schooner [" Bermuda" thus leaving the Eng.
ish subjects referred to in the communication
Of Commander Jolley without any assistance,
should it be required. No communication
from, Gamma nder Jolley Of the % RermudaD was