The Placer herald., 1856-07-12
The Archibald Oracle Prisoners.
EsCAPUsALEO, (sIx MILES FROM THE CITY OF
MEXICO,) MAY 10th, 1856.

man has reached you in California, and there hav-
ing been so many different accounts published con-
cerning us, that deem it my duty, as one of the
sufferers in this expedition to set correct account
of the whole affair before the public
On the 18th of October last, we sailed from the
barbor of San Francisco on board the American
bark Archibald Garcie, under American colors,
hound for Acapulco We all went aboard as pas
senRers and as such the vessel cleared with US at
the Custom House. After having been out at sea
some three or four days the American flag was
tbangcd for that of Mexico. Capt Denison stated
to us from the quarter deck that the Archibald
Oracle was his property, this statement he made
before changing the colors,) that he was about
transferring her to the Mexican Government, as
she was sold to that power. That Mr.. j. n. Ter
man, regular commissioned and appointed Ad-
inral in the Mexican service was to receive her
bn the part of Mexico. Though none of us liked
this proceeding, yet we said nothing as we were
told that it would not effect our rights as passen-
gers.
On or about the 27th (OctoberD we put in at
Cape st. Lucas for wood and water; here we fell in
with the Rebecca Adams whaling bark, which
was here for wood and water also. The evening
previous to sailing from the Cape we were inform
ed that Admiral German had chartered this bark
for the purpose of taking part of the passengers
as we were somewhat crowded aboard the Oracle.
Both vessels sailed from here in company. and on
the next day half of the passengers, of which
was one, went aboard the Adams. Six French
gentlemen, who sailed on the Garce, and who
were officers of said vessel holding commissions
tI,o
understanding with Admiral German, left and also
went aboard Of the Adams. Captain Fluery, who
had commanded the Garce from San Francisco
here was one of the number. Captain Denison
seemed to act from this on as Captain or Sailing
Master.
When we left the Cape we were told we would
proceed direct to Mazatan, distant about forty
eight hours sail. Gains and contrary winds pre-
vented our making much headway. We
driven somewhat out of course, and fell in with
small schooner sailing under Mexican coors, she
was hailed, her Captain came aboard of us to see
Admiral German. This schooner afterwards sailed
an company with us were told that T. had also
chartered her this took place about eight days
after leaving the Cape. 1t was about this time
that we were informed that the reduced condition
of stores made it necessary for us to go to La
Paz the nearest port for new supplies. We enter
ed this port about the 18th of November. The
three vessels were anchored a short distance from
the town directly in front of small fort, battery
or breast-work-l don't exactly know what-at
only very short distance from shore. We
told by Admiral H.. in arriving here that we came
as friends and when went ashore as we were
pretty numerous, that we should be very careful
not to get into any difficulties whatever with the
inhabitants. Several individuals came aboard
from town and communicated with Il. On the
next day L., in company with his little son. about
eleven years of age, and some six or eight others
went ashore when they were all put in prison and
consequently did not return to the vessel. On the
evening of the same day Mr. Sprague, the Amcri-
can Consul with couple of MeXicans, came
aboard and communicated with Capt. Denison.
tftcr his return, Capt ID. Informed us Of the i'm
prisonment Of Admiral German and those who
had gone ashore with &im. This created much
excitement as none of US understood the meaning
of this move. On the next day. the 18TH Alr.
4Sprague again came aboard, and returned ashore
accompanied by Mrs German and daughter. and
also by Capt. Dcnison, for whose safe return to
Capt. Denison returned in the evening and pro-
posed to us TO proceed to Acapulco on board the
T. Adams which vessel he said he was willing to
charter for the purpose of conveying us there.
He said that Governor Blancarte claimed the
Oracle the property of the Mexican Govern
ment under the sale and transfer which he had
made to Admiral German. While we talking
the matter over, Capt Dcnison received note
from the American Consul stating that nothing
would be done on the part of the authorities con-
corning us until next day at II o'clock. Much
excitement prevailed among the passengers on
board both vcsscls-none of us understood our
position and consequently were at loss to ac-
count for what was going on. Things continued
in this state until next day, the 10th, about II
O'clock when we were aroused by the whzzing
of shot through the rigging of the Gracie and
the loud report of cannon from the battery or
fort on shore, two other shots Immediately follow
ed, one striking the stern of the vessel, done no
harm, but the other passing through the bulwarks
and over the deck, killed one man named Robert
Simpson, and wounded another. We Immediately
hosted the white flag, as we had not come here to
fight and had not arms sufficient to do any good.
They numbered some six eight hundred SOL
diers and citizens we'll armed. The channel is
narrow here and the wind blowing from such
course that it was impossible to vancouver the
ship SO as to fight her. Nothing done with
us until the next morning, when company of
ragged and filthy soldiers came aboard, took
possession of the vessel and made us all prisoners
took all our private arms from us and searched
every one. On the 22d we were all taken ashore
and all (the passengers) imprisoned in the custom
house under a strong guard, here there was not
sufficient room for all to lay down to sleep at once
We Jared badly here until the 9th of December
when we were all ironed together two by two