New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1859-04-09

on. and our only supplies have been received from
sea-ward. Provisions took rise and threatened vi
with famine prices. Fresh meat. with the exception
of few goats that were IN the city and few beeves
that were supplied BY the Tehuantepec Company
from Alvarsdo, was mot 70 be had. Everybody va.
in the same deprivation. and stores commenced leay
ing for coAstwise retreats.
In the midst Of this scarcity however, the people
were periodically determined to the city, and
when the hope from libuzters failed with the last
trip the Tennessee, the natives set themselves to
work to prepare their own defences. All the male,
capable Of bearing arms were called into action and
soon 1900 soldiers answered roll call. The breast
work 10 the northwest, the only accessible point on
the line ofdefences. was theoretically repaired, cannon
erelmounted on the mole commanding the track by
which It was found Miramon would attack the city
and the talk was altogether Of victory.
sl The city, Is have sid, was defended by about
1850 men. OF these only 1900 were OF the regular
garrison, while the balance were from abroad, OF
volunteers from tie business houses Of the city
general enthusiasm pervaded all classes and every
body shouldered mnsket. Four hundred pieces Of
artillery, ranging from 6.lb. howitzers to 6slb'
lmortars, guarded the walls. Eight hundred men
slept under arms on the plaza public square, and
1900 responded to the Alarmgun. The soldiers were
paid 373 cents per diem, ont Of which they had to
furnish themselves. The greatest order prevailed,
too no rows, no drinking, no disturbance.
+ On the 18th Miramon moved down to the village Of
Medellin about nine miles to the southwest Of the
city where he established his camp; but be did not
show himself to the city. Some Of, his ragged fol.
lowers were to be seen among the sandhlls, but no
army came in sight. Miramon could not drag his
aiege train through the sand and per force was ne
cesstated to sleep at respectable distance from our
heavy guns On the night of the Goth, or there
abouts he came on ID the beach off SACRIFICES, the
naval anchorage, and had q communication with the
Spanish gate Berenguela, and actually intended to
run away, IT is believed and reported. His officers,
however would not allow Of his leaving them in the
desperate condition bis temerty had placed them in.
and believe be only succeeded in sending his wife
and some treasure aboard. 'a
400 men to attack Alvarado, where our Lient.
Hunter won his famous appellation but small
garrison at that point assisted by gun-boat from
Vera Cruz frustrated that move, and Gen. Casanova
returned to Medellin missing about 40 killed and
wounded, and $50 deserted. In these armies deser
ton is the great evil and understand that Miramon
is suffering terribly from it.
On the 26th Gen. Niramon rode up to the top Of a
sand hill to the northwest of the city, and after
careful survey Of the city and harbor turned upon
his heel and left for Orizaba, not, however, until
lively fire had been opened on him from harbor on
that side.
On the 10th, word came into the city that Mira
mon had left Medeen deserving his hospital Of three
hundred sick at that place, and was retreatipg on
Orizaba. Next, it was announced that be had left
Orzaba and now it is fully ascerained that be is in
q dead run for the city of Mexico.
On the SOth this news was sufficiently credited to
justify the Government here in disbanding its voun
eers On the LIST Of April the gates Of the city were
opened, after two weeks close confinement. This
morning there was nothing in the streets or markets.
but this evening the thoronghfares crowding up
with hucksters and traders, poultry and vegetables
cakes and liquids. And, allow me to inform you,
that hungry people, as this u.s. appreciate the sight,
When the Quaker City came, nothing but vultures
and sentinels were to be semitic bay was ifeless
the town was desoation. When she left, the wharf
was alive with people and goods. Sarsaparila, cot
ton, hides, tobacco, and what not came down, and
peace smiled upon the industry Of the place. Com
merce is 4 much pleasanter master than war.
Miramon is no doubt on his march to the city Of
Mexico In vain endeavor to retrieve the day he lost
when he left the interior on his arrogant march
against Vera Cruz The limits Of this letter will not
allow me to explain the mistake but his life is too
short to rectify IT, Degolado and Lave have belea-
guered the capital with 5000 men, have encamped
in Tacbuaya, taken Chapultepec, and are doubtless
victorious to day. Besides, they have posted $500
choice men along the passes and defles Of the noun
10
his own troops from $500 to 5000, are worn out,
dispirted and want confidence It is scarcely prob
able that Miramon will pass this trap, but If he does
fight his way through the mountain defles with what
force can he hope to meet the victorious Lberaliss
on the plains about the city.
From the foregoing statement of the case, take
the position that the war in this country is terminated
in favor Of Jaarez and progress. And this is the
opinion of all classes, natives and foreigners The
consul, Col Zeyman Is positive that Miramon has nc
shadow Of a chance. and believe that Mr. McLane
will formally recognize the Constitutional Govern.
ment at very early date. w
i believe President Juarez only awaits the return
of Gov. Garza from Tampico, to take up the line oil
march for the capital. Sixteen of the eighteen
States of the nation have recognized his Govern
ment, and With the present show of success every
element will manifest itself in his behalf. In the
midst Of this eaton too it is credtable to know that
the American people have not lost prestige here We
stand on better ground than ever, and if Mr.. Blu
chanan had acted more like statesman, his Govern
ment would have been the chief adviser of the Lib
erai chiefs Of this Republic. As it is, however ouI
citizens may hope for benefits from Mexico which our
government may never attain without force and as
we have gained ground, the French and English have
lost.
The late siege developed some features not laid
down IN the bill, as you may well imagine, and Of
which may inform you when have m ore snace A,
my command. Aparty of Americans, nine in mum
ber were the brightest ornaments Of the place. and il
the occasion had offered would no doubt have made
good their old reputation for pluck and daring. They
came very. near capturing Miramon while he wa.
making social visit to the Spanish frigate and i
the Government had yielded them command of /
| gnn-boat no doubt they would have done somethn,
towards making prize.
The war has been very disastrous, not only int,
rupting trade and travel but resulting in great de
struction pf property. Miramons troops burned an
destroyed everything they could not take of. Th
railroad and telegraph did not escape them. both wer
subjected to the general ruin. Harnets and village
on fire have been seen from the city walls almos
every night, and this made the position Of the peopl
in the town more nervous 1t was well ascertaine