The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1860-04-05
Selette0 sflistellanp.
The Mexican War.

MlramOH commenced the siege OF Vera
Cruze, which was defended by Juraz.
on the 5th. On the 9th two steamers ap-
peared before the city. which refused to
| show their colors. Commodore Jarvis,
the American commander, therefore order
ed the Saratoga, with detaehments from
from the Savannah and Orches on the
steamers Indianola and Wave, belonging
to Juarez TO proceed to the anchorage and
ascertain their character. AS the Sarato-
ga. towed by the Iudianola, approached
the steamers tried to escape, but too late.
Capt. Turner sent boat with flag to
demand the nationality of the steamers.--
The boat was fred upon twice, whereup-
on the Saratoga fired broadside into the
steamers of Miramon, and the action be-
came general. Both steamers now hoist
ed Spanish colors, and after spirited en-
gagement, Marin, the Spanish or Mexican
commander. surrendered with his men,
The steamer Miramon was boarded at
the point of the bayonet. American loss
wounded, one mortally. Mexican loss
about l s killed, 90 to 80 wounded. The
engagement took place by moonlight.
The names of the captured vessels were
Miramon and Marquese. They were fit
ted out in Havana at the cost of $780,
600, principally by the Spanish govern
ment. III accordance with secret article
of the Almont treaty, between Miramon
and Spain.
The prize steamers aud prisoners were
taken to New Orleans. where the await the
decision of the Court of Admiralty.
There were captured with the two stea-
mers. siS 90 Founders, six mortars. and
1900 stand of small arms. The materi-
ais of war were slowed away below, out of
sight of the men, who were ignorant of
the destination of the expedition, and who
were forced into the service. The pris-
oners corroborate the report in relation to
the steamers, that they cleared from Ha-
vana as merchantmen, and hoisted the
Mexican flag only after they left that port,
and subsequently mounted guns.
The New Orleans Picayune is Informed
by French prisoners on board the prizes
that the fighting was done principally by
the officers, who were obliged to charge
and fire the guns. assisted only by Mexi-
can officers from the shore. The two
steamers had $50 men on board, and their
killed and wounded amounted to 40.
Capt. Turner asked why Marin fired on
the American vessels without provocation.
Miriam replied that his men could not be
controlled He knew the nationality OF
the Saratoga, aud understood the signals
The men fred contrary to his orders
Capt. Turner replied: You are entirely re-
sponsible for the outrage.
The City ofMexico has declared against
Miramon.
The Spanish appear to have entered in
to an alliance with Miramon. and the Uni.
ted States, consequently, are quite likely
to be involved in war with that nation.
On the night of the 18th. Miramon
bombarded the City of Vera Cruz, with
out doing much damage.
a military conference was held on the
18th, between Juarez and Miramon, which
effected nothing.
The bombardmeht was recommended OF
the forenoon of the 18th with redoubled
energy, the shot and shell taking efsact il
the city. killing several and doing much
damage. Many of the shot fell among the
shipping under the castle without doing
damage.
Two Spanish war steamers arrived or
the 18th.
The government at Washington, it IL
said, sustain the action Of Commodore Jar
Wis, and treat the expedition Of Mirsmor
as piratical.