Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1854-05-13

Arriving at Hospital Camp No. from which our psrtv
had commenced their retrograde, the natives insisted on
returning, which resisted by mingled enreaties and
threats and again the ensuing day they insisted mon
going further and finally declared Il to be their
yocable intention to return after that days journey
During the last day Of our ascent We discovered tho
grave Of Mr.. Ramon Castillo Rada the principal Eev
Granadian Commissioner who had died during the return
march, and been inferred by the main body Of the party
and upon the remains Of the other
Mr.. Fernando Psanco whose failing strength had in
duced him to remain behind and die the grave Of his
comrade Lieut.. Forsyth caused the remains OF Mr.
Polanco to be buried in the grave Of Mr. Castillo and
erected cross to mark their place Of interment.
In the afternoon Of this day March 23d signs Of camps
became every hour recent and were followed M
with unerring sagacy by native canoemen who an.
peared to lose their dread Of Indians In the intense
ctement Of the hunt which involved the lives Of so many
persons AS they made each announcement OF our near
approach received with enthusiastic cheer from
the men of Mr. Forsyths party, who renewed their al
ready wonderful efforts to overake the missing party At
the same time that were reoiced to observe the signs Of
approach to my party by occasional cartridge
box, and in case abandoned carbne alarmed us
to the state into which we should find H. and well
aware of the disorganizng influence Of retrograde
feared that might find 1t thoroughly demoralized.
Near sunset the natives in the advanced discovered
the remainder Of our party the bank Of the river
which received by enthusiastic cheers
from the whole Of the relieving party.
Upon landing learned thu. Of the eighteen persons
whom left the 18th of February thirteen only re-
NAMED the greater number Of these being in state of
the EXTREMIST debility from starvation and fatigue OF
the dead were the two New Granadan Commissioners and
three of my men, of the Grew of the Cyane one Of
whom had buried at Yavisa.
at least three of the living could had made ano
ther march, and must have persisted within few hours
had not been for provdental arrival with medical
assistance and provisions Assistant surgeon VIM Ross
OF the yago, at request approved by Lieut. FoRsYTH
Immediately took charge Of the party who were almost
without exception inyaids, and under his unremttink
care several have entirely recovered while others are
now free from danger OF the thirteen we encountered
at Camp Recovery only died. and he was in the last
stage of disease and debility when first met and had
really remained behind to die during the same DAYS
march He died, and was buried at Yavisa where his
funeral was attended by the officers and Of your ex
petition Mr. Bennett and all of our party who were in
q condition to be present. $780, s
Having given you this brief summary Of our proceed
ings and the circumstances Of the position from which
my party was rescued by your efforts and those Of the
officers and men composing the relief expedition it only
remains for me- pending the action of the United States
Government to renew sincere thanks for the prompt
assistance and unremtng attentions have received at
your and their hands,
to DESIRE while attentions Of your medical
hope ana bslisys. bsyond the reach Of danger. '
To the energy and activity Of the commander Of the
relief party Lieut. w. G. Forsyth, owe much, as the
condition Of some members Of expedition SO pre-
carous that few hours afterwards we should have
arrived to late. To him, Dr. VIM Ross, and Paymaster
W. II. Hills and the men composing the of the pad
de.box boat, you will please communicate my thanks
and those Of my party and well aware that it must
be source of intense satisfaction to them know that
had it not been for their -directed efforts thirteen
suffering must inevitably have persisted mserably
every effort which the others COM
posing the advanced guard might have made to them
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
]. G.. STRAIN, .s +.
Lieut. u s. Navy, commanding Darien Expedition.