Dallas herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1849-1873, 1860-04-04
rhe News from Vera cmz.

We take the following interesting particulars
Of the operations bSfOrs Vera Cruz from the New
Orleans Pieayuns of the 2othult,Abeing a full
er account than that given on the outside, though
no later.
The two steamers captured by the United
States slOop'of'war Saratoga, on the Mexican
coast. aud brought hither as prizes, sailed from
Havana on the Goth ult.
i The Marquis de Ia Habana Is reported by the
DiariO de la Marina, to have cleared as Spanish
vessel, and the General Miramon as Mexican.
They both cleared as merchantmen, nor does it
appear that at the time OF their clearance they
had materials OF war on board, This is stated
to us on good authority, from Havana, to have
been the fact The guns. ammunitions' stores,
&c, were taken on board afterwards, VI the
former, each steamer had six, twelve and twenty
four FOUNDERS, or twelve in oil, stored below. As
10 the amount of stores and ammunition we have
only the general statement that both vessels were
deeply laden.
10th the Marquis de Ia Ilabana and the Gen.
MiramOn were old Spanish mail steamers, plying
ON the Cuban coast. The latter was formerly
known as Correo No. |. They were both built
them is said to have piled on the Sound before
her purchase by the Spanish Government, but
under what name is not stated,
or the actual nationality OF the steamers we
have divers reports. That most generally receiy-
ed, is that before fitting out for the last cxpedi-
ton they had been transferred TO some agent OF
the Miramon Government. The purchase money
(S55, 000) is snii even TO have been transmitted
through the French Consulate ut Vera Cruz.
IL is somewhat singular, however, IL the trans.
n fer was actually made, as reported. that one OF
them'at should be reported cleared us spaniard;
The Havana custom house reports are very formal
and proverbially accurate.
| IL is also somewhat singular that both vessels
carried the Spanish dag as they sailed from the
port Of Havana.
After they had gotten out to sea. all accounts
aprse that the Mexican flag was hoisted and guns
mounted. This is reported by the steamship
Mexico which left them ut Sisal on the I'D
j Commander Thomas Marin was then in command
of the expedition, boarded the Mexico in that ca
pacity, and sent back dispat hes TO Havana by
her Both vessels were ut that time armed as
war steamers.
ENGAGEMENT.
In the meantime the Constitutional Govern
mcnt ut Vera Cruz had issued proclamation,
declaring Marin a pirate, and authorizing whoev-
or should encounter him, or his vessels, IN the
waters of Mexico, to capture them, as sailing pi-
radically, in violation Of the law OF nations.
What day the steamers left Sisal we are not
informed but they made their appearance OIL
Vera Cruz about noon of the 9th. They were
Immediately signaled from the Castle, as suspi-
cious vessels, and the news circulated rapidly
through the town, where it produced great ex-
ctement.
In the meantime the steamers continued under
full steam, rapidly to advance. They passed be-
hind the Castle San Juan de Ulua, in the direc-
ton of SACRIFICES, and finally ran into Anton
Lsardo where flag, previously raised by the
Miramon, indicated the place OF rendezvous oen.
Miramon was at this time before Vera Cruz,
The steamers bore no flags whatever when they
raised the Castle, nor did they hoist them either
then or at SACRIFICES, though they were ordered
to do So first by shot from the fortress ana al
forwards by the United States sloop Savannah'I
On the contrary, they steamed boldly forward,
casting look Of defiance on those who presumed
to question them.
The French Spanish ard English vessels at
SACRIFICES did not notice the suspicious steamers,
or ut least did not order them to show their col
ors.
Captain Jarvis, of the sloop- Savannah,
is the senior United States officer ut Vera Cruz.
lie suw with his own eyes this contemptuous vlo-
lation of the law of nations-two vessels OF war
armed to-:he teeth, passing coolly by WITHOUT
giving signal or hosting their coors when or
dered so to do-and took his course decidedly.
4 lie Immediately ordered the sloop-ofwar Sara
toga, Captain Turner, to go in pursuit OF the
steamers
The Saratoga (only carrying sally was towed
down by the steamers lndianola, of this port.
: and the Wave, plying on the Mexican coast.
The Marin steamers had just cast anchor at
Anton L,zardo, when the Saratoga came up with
them. They still had steam up, however, and
seemed to have taken position us If to put out
at once to sea in case Of being overhauled The
Saratoga, however, seems to have taken them I'M
awares, (though the moon was shining brightly,)
and at once took position to cut off all chances
Of retreat. Marin then made apparent prepara-
tions for fight.
In the meantime Captain Tarner dispatched a
small boat to the steamers, with q flag, to de-
mand their nationality. Marin fired upon it,
The boat, however, continued on its course, and
i, Marin fred upon it II second time.
The Saratoga then launched broadside upon
: the steamer, commanded in person by Marin
This WAS the Gen Miran1on, and seemed to be
= the best armed She was piloted by a man NAM
ed Flores well known q. Vera Cruz.
The other steamer vas Commanded by Captain
Sanchez, formerly Of the Mexican war steamer
Democratic, which he betrayed.
One account says Marin fought like lion, bu
others say that on the opening of the fire, botl
E steamers tried to run away They were, howev'
i er, intercepted by the Indianola and the Wave
1t was, however, between two and three o'clock
! in the morning before Marin surrendered.
He was taken on board the Saratoga Nearly
all the officers and crews of both steamers were
also captured either by the Indanola or Wave
and taken up to Vera Cruz, where they were
distributed among the Savannah, Saratoga anc
n Preble.
The number of the wounded on board the two
steamers was about thirty They were taken OF
board the Saratoga, and their wounds promptly
j., dressed. Among the wounded was Capt. Flores
who has since had one of his arms amputated a
Vara Cruz.
The number of Americans was three-one NOR
1 tally We have not learned his name. He be
{ lopged to the Preble.
few of Marin's men made good their escape
to the shore, but u number of N1iramon's men