Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1860-03-30
TIE SIEGE OLE VERA cn1tz

uo"hdcH'-lroposed hfmishco accepted by
Mramon and declined by Jaarez
New ORLEANS, March 2O.-Miramon COM
menced the siege of Vera Cruz on the 9Th inst.
On the 9th, two steamers appeared before the
city, and refused to show their colors. Com
mander Jarvis therefore ordered the Saratopa
with detachment from the Savannah and
prcble, in the steamers lndianola and Wave
to proceed to the anchorage and ascertain tho
character Of the two strange steamers. As
the Saratoga towed by the Indianola. an
preached them, they tried to escape, but were
too late.
Capt Turner then sent boat, with flag
to demand the nationality of the steamers,
when the boat was fred upon twice, where
upon the Saratoga fred hroadside into the
Gen. Miramon, and the action became general.
Both steamers now hosted the Spanish flag,
and after a spirited engagement Marin sur
rendered, and, with most Of his men, was ia
ken prisoners. The American loss was three
wounded-one MORALLY. The Mexican loss
is 10 killed, and 20 to 80 wounded
March 21.--Miramon notified the foreign
vessels that he would commence the lombard
ment Of Vera Cruz on the night of the 18th,
and he would not be responsible for the ship
ping anchored under the castle on the night
Of the 18TH The officer on the deck of the
General Miramon heard heavy cannonading in
the direction Of Vera Cruz
There we're captured with the two steamers,
six mortars six 24-poundcrs, and 1000 stand
of small arms. The steamers are worth S6O.-
900. They broke down the third day out,
and put into Sisal. The materials 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 service.
The Delta publishes the details Of the ne
gotiations between the British and Mexican
governments. Lord John Russell proposes
3 an armstce, general amnesty and religious
liberation. If the proposition is declined,
T England must demand Of both parties in Mex
A leo the full indemnity due English subjects.
Miramon has accepted the terms Of the am
nesty, and stipulates that England, France,
Spain, Prussia and the United States shall be
medators for the establishment Of peace
Il Meantime the Custom House duties are to be
: divided between the two parties Juarez re-
turned Miramons proposition Of the 3d. with
the declaration that the propositions were alb
e surb and inadmissble
= WAsmfNoroN. Wednesday night. March
2l.-Mariu, who was captured with the Mex
n lean steamers, was formerly Commodore in the
Q old Mexican navy. Our government is pos
sessed of information of all that passed be-
, tween Miramon and him, and framed Nc
-, Lanes instructions under that knowledge
q lie had credit for eighty thousand dollars in
q one bill, which was subsequently increased,
TO purchase steamers and munitions. either in
q the United States or Cuba. TO cooperate with
Mramon when the attack from land vas made
against Vera Cruz lie left Havana under the
Spanish flag. which was the original colors Of
the steamers. but hosted the Mexican flag in
the Gulf His movements were known and
&c watched throughout The British Minister
T. was informed Of the intention Of our govern
y mcnt to disregard any blockade of Miramon.
y attempted at Vera Cruz and Of the extent Of
e Mr.. McLane's instructions 20 that effect, and,
'r it is understood, acquiesced in the policy up
r on the ground that Mexican privateers might
,' be fitted out, to the serious injury of the COM
morce OF the Gulf
" The Washington correspondent Of the New
r. York journal Of Commerce thus probably
s states the administration view of the recent
m capture Of the Spanish steamers, and the
re course which will be pursued with regard to
u them
10 In the Cabinet meeting, yesterday. tho
P advccs from Lieuts. Minor and Chapman re-
Re speeding the capture of the two Miramon war
"a steamers were read, and the conduct of our
officers was approved. Onr national vessels
d under national law, have the right 20 inquire
is respecting the flag Of a suspected ship-that
is, her national character. This inquiry is
made according to recognized rules. The Mi
y ramon steamers disrcgardcd this inquiry. and
resisted it by opening a severe fire upon our
as vessels. This was pratici act and the two
armed steamers were captured and sent into
10 our ports pirates.
d. Judicial inquiry will at once be made into
III the matter. The United States District Court,
p as a Court Of Admiralty, will have the case
VI before them, and it will be fully investigated
pc according to national law. The United States
va District Attorney OF New Orleans must libel
IN the steamers and their officers and crew as pr
ut ratical The Courts cannot declare them law
full prizes under any other allegation. They
1u are not vessels of a nation with which we are
nc at war, at least by any constitutional or legal
u" declaration or authority. We may soon be
'i at war however, with that government Of
"' Mexico which is recognized by England,
France and Spain, and was so recognized by
VI us when Miramon's predecessor was at is
III head Miramon will, no doubt resent the
as act by the seizure OF American property whor-
ever he can find it, and oxpelling Americans
~ from the country"
op New ORLEANS, March 23.-Tho schooner
s Emily Keith has arrived from Vera Cruz, with
It'll dates to the 18th inst. Miramon bombarded
iat the city on the 18th, but with little damage
nd a detachment of Miramons troops at Alvara-
he do were attacked and completely routed by
I'm the Liberals. On the l4th a flag of truce was
tly sent TO Juarez, which resulted in the suspen-
las sion of hostilites. military congress, com
rs posed of the chiefs of the two armies and the
err representatives Of the foreign governments
to met on the same evening, but the result was
the not known when the schooner sailed 1t was
lch reported that Mramon had abandoned the
wv, siege, deserted his army and taken refuge on
nd board the French feet. His communication
to with the interior entirely cut off Inc
He city Of Mexico had pronounced against him.
wv, and his army there was deserving him.
YER Tampico advices of the It'll state that Gen.
CARA has returned and resumed the Cover
NO norship The city was quiet. The United
re- States marines were still there.
ng ----------
-, VERA CRUz-This Mexican city, which is