The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-09-20


In May, ls45. John c. Fremont then a breve. caItan
in corps of Topogra phica Engineers and since ap
pointed lieutenant colonel left here under orders from
this Department TO pursue his explorations 10 the regions
vice those Of his previous explorations had been
of scientific character without any view whatever to
military operations. Not officer or soldier Of the
United States army accompanied him; and his whole
force consisted Of sx'ytwo men, employed By himself
tor security against Indians aud for procuring subsistence
in the wilderness and desert country through which he
was TO pass.
and shorter from the western base OF t1e Rocky
Mountains 10 the mouth OF the Columbia river. Tnis
search, for part OF the distance would carry him
through the unsettled and e-ward through corner Of
the settled parts of California He approached those set
temepts IN the winter OF 1850. Aware OF the critical
Of affairs between the United States and Mexico aud
determined 10 give no cause OF offence to the authorities
OF the PROVINCE with commendable prudence he halted
bis command on the frontier, one hundred miles iron
Monterey and proceeded alone TO ha city 10 expa the
object Of 'hs coming to the comaudant general Castro,
and TO obtain permission TO go Into the valley OF San
for his horses and inhabitants 10 be moested BY his
presence Tho leave granted but scarcely had he
fore he received Information from the American settle
ns, and by expresses from our Consul ut Monterey
that Generl Castro preparing 70 attack him with
comparatively large force Of artillery cavalry AMI in
antry upon the pretex that under the Of scien
tilc mission he exciting the American settlers 70
revolt In view OF this danger, and TO be IN condition
10 repol an attack, he then toox position mo1pt,n
overlooking Monterey, at distance OF about thirty los,
with his men, sixtytwo In number, awaited the ap
proach OF the commandant general.
From the 7th TO the 10th OF March, Colonel Fremont
and his little band maintained this position. General
Castro did not approach within attacking distance, and
Colonel Fremont adhering TO his plan OF avoiding a col
hnns and determined neither TO compomit his govern
men ror the American act lers ready Join him all
hazards n he bad been attacked abandoned his position,
so",e r.apyp 10 he tinted sts,ss beempa All danger
from the Mexcans TO be passed. be yielded to the wishes
OF Of his who desired TO remain In the country,
discharged them from his service and refused TO receive
others their stead cautious he 10 avoid doing
thing which would compromt the American settlers,
or give even color Of offence the Mexican authorities
lie pui sued his slowly and lesurely, the state
bis aud horses required, until the middle ot May
and had reached the northern she re Of the greater Klamath
lake within the limits Of the oregon Territory when
he found his further progress In that direction obsructed
by impassabe snowy mountains and hostile Indians Who
had been excited against him by General C,sro, ha1
killed and wounded four OF his men, and len hn no
pose eth, In camp on his march Al the same time,
Information reached hi IN thai General Castro IN addition
10 his Indian allies was advancing in person against
him. with artillery and cavalry at the head OF four or i've
hundred that they were passing around the head o.
the bay Of San Francisco TO rendezvous the north
side Of H. and that the American settlers Ia the valley OF
the sacramento comprehended In the scheme Of
destruction meditated against his own party.
Under these circumstances he determined 10 turn upon
his Mexican pursucrs and seek safety both for bis owe
sy and the american sders, no. mercy s % ,nc ae,.r
tb6yty in California, and the Establishment OF an nde
pendent government in that extensive department !
was the 9th OF June, and before the commencement
Of the between the United States and Mexico could
have II ere been known, that this resolution was taken
~
Of raptd attacks by small body Of adventurous men,
Under the conduct Of intrepid leader quick 70 ps'cer.
and abe % direct ne proper measures for accomphsa'n3
On the iiih Of June convoy Of 200 horses for Castro
camp, with officer and IA men, surprised aud
captured by IL Of Frcmonts party ON the 5tn at day
break the military poet OF Sanoma was also surprise
taken with nine brass cannon $50 stand Of muskes
and several officers and some and munitions Of war
Leaving small garrison at Sanoma, Colonel Fremont
went the Sacramento 10 the American settlers
hut scarcely had he arrived there when express
reached him from the garrison at sanoma with informa
on Casros whole force crossing the bay 70 at
tack that place. This intelligence was received In the
afternoon OF the 23d Of June, while he the Amer
can fork the Sacramento, so miles from the little garr
son at esnoma; and Vt O'Clock the morning Of the
2fb be arrived at that place with 90 rnemcn from tic
American settlers IN that valley The enemy had moi yc
appeared Scouts sent out to recopnotre, and n
partv OF 20 fell In With squadron OF 10 dragoons t Of
Csstros force which bad crossed the bay attacked ard
defeated IT, lhpg and woundins Ave, without harm tc
tbem4eyts the Mexican commander, DE IA Torrc barely
escapng with he lo~s OF has transport boats aal ano
pieces OF brass artillery spVsed,
The country north Of the bay Of San Francisco being
cleared q ihc eucmy, Joonel Frcmeu retained 70 Sano
III On bc evening - the 4h o. july ana tac morn
ina the 9th eatsd the people together explained p