Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-01-27

LOWER CALIFoaNIA.-This new Republic is about
700 miles long and from SO to 100 miles wide: it
is q Peninsula, which commences about latitude %
norh and runs about south west and forms the Gulf
OF California. 1t has 1900 miles of seacoast
and some very good harbors which may be named
San Quintin, Magdalna, San Jose, La Paz, Muliga
and Encinada, nearly opposite Guaymas, and the
present capital of the Republic of fllibusters. La
Paz captured by the United States sloop of
Portsmouth, in 1847, and was retained for seve-
raj months by battalion of New York Volunteers
At that time the population estimated at 1O80O
of which 200 were Indians
A chain of mountains, broken and irregular, run
its entire length about 700 miles, with spurs running
each way, to the gulf the one side. and ocean
the other. Captain Hallock estimates some of the
mountains 10 be 500 feet high.
The plains between these spurs. he says, nu-
merous broad and covered with stunted trees and
in the wet season, with thin but nutritious grass,
which, in the dry season, affords valuable food for
herds of cattle and horses. There but few per-
ennia streams, and water scarce, but in the plains
it can be found by digging fifteen twenty feet
Vegetables grow with great rapidity, and nearly all
the tropical fruit be raised with great perfection
The general aspect of the coast is barren and dreary
and the people indoent and rowing in their hab-
its. Yet lemons, olives, figs, grapes, dates maize,
sugar cane and potatoes grown. Hides, sugar,
beef, figs, TaSlns, etc. exported 10 Mexico The
pearl fishery has been prosecuted with much sue
cess. There are also gold, silver lead and copper
mines, which it is thought may be profably worked
The salt mines on Cannon Island, in the gulf, and
nearly opposite the port of Lorito, very abun
dant, and competent, said Capt. Haock in 1847, to
supply the entire cost of California and Mexico
MarysUIle Union.
THE THREE BELLS" This vessel, which has
become celebrated through the gallant conduct oil
| her commander in rescung the passengers Of the
steamship San Francisco, is owned by three brothers
named Bell in the city of Glasgow. Hence the name
| of the ship.
Capt. Robert Creighton of the Three Bells, is gen
uine Scotchman His age is 80 He was born al
Port Glasgow, about 20 miles from the city. He has
wife and one child in Scotland He has been seven
teen years engaged upon the sea, and eleven years
commander of various ships Most of his voyages
have been in the East India trade. He has been
wrecked, although he has been in storms not few
The loss of the sails of the Three Bells the fata
night of the San Franciscos wreck, is the worst mis-
hap he has ever met with.
Capt. Creighton was hailded by the San Francisco
with the following question: VIII you charter YOU
ship We are loaded with men, women, and chill
dren. Name your price" His reply was, with the
true Scotch accent" What does the man mem? IT.,
not money that lam qfte1-Iam stopping for human
ltyS sake" On the third day, in reply to anothe
question he again responded, arW stand by you j
| | ank'
1t will be seen, by the proceedings of the House O
Representatives yesterday that measures are being
taken to present National testimonial 10 this whole
soued seaman, who, in reply 10 the cordial greeting
of those who showering upon him the numerous
marks of their consideration, responds. with quie
composure -" What haze done but my simple du
y?"
( A NOBLE ENGLISH CAPTAIN.-The New York Cou
rier and Enquirer says:
1.-TWO vessels, one of them herself in Distress stooC
by the sinking steamer noby to the last and by thei
generous daring and constancy have made the nation
their debtor 1t gives US pleasure to record the fac
that the suffering was British vessel, who's
NJ hoe cd and
Gus devotion Of Capt Ney and though she was char
tered for her task, we will not believe that such
consideration needfuI stimulus to The human
office which he so efectually assumed. Indeed, W
learn from of the United States officers who re
turned in the Three Bells, that all the kndest sympa
thy could suggest done for his unfortunate guest
by the captain of that vessel, TO whom those whom
he saved from awful death, desire to express hei
warm and heartfelt gratitude"
ERIE R.u.RnAD.-Ihe cost Of the road and its enun