The Nevada Democrat. [volume] (Nevada, Calif.) 1854-1863, 1860-04-18
NEVADA DEMOCRAT

Important News from MexicO--TwO Steam
ers Captured at Vera Cruz by the Amer-
can Squadron.
The overland mail which left ST. Louis March
22d, brings intelligence that two war steamers
which had been fitted out at Havana, for Presi-
dent Miramon, were captured AZ Vera Cruz BY
the American squadron. and sent to n. Orleans.
The steamers--the Miramon and MarqueE-un.
der command of Gen. Marin, appeared before
the city March 9th, passing all the squadrons
aud refusing to show their colors, though order
derCd to dc 90 by shot from the castle and
other signals. Commodore Jarvis ordered Com
ment from the Savannah and Preble. on the
steamers Indiauola and Wave, to proceed to
the anchorage Of the two vessels and ascertain
their character As the Saratoga approached
one OF the vessels was seen to move on, when q
shot was cred ahead and brought her to. Ac-
cording 10 one account, the Indianola. and ac-
cording to another account, boat with flag
was sent TO demand her nationality, when the
steamer which proved to be the General Mira
mon, fred on the boat accompanied by volley
of musketry. At this moment the Saratoga
fred broadsde into the Miramon, and the ae-
ton became general. Both steamers now hoist
cd the Spanish hag and spirited engagement
ensued, in which three Americans were wound
ed, one mortally, and about fifteen Mexicans
killed, and between twenty and thirty wounded.
The result was the capture OF the Miramoh and
MaTqucy, with most Of their men and Gen.
Marin The Mramon was sent to New Orleans
as a prize, in charge of an American ofhcer,
where il had arrived The Preble was expect
ed at New Orleans, with Gen. Marin and some
other prisoners, the remaining prisoners having
been distributed between the steamers
The two steamers cleared from Havana as
merchantmen, but hoisted the Mexican flag az
ter leaving port, and subsequently, mounted
guns. Miramon is said to have paid $55, ,00O
for the steamers, and the expedition cost $780,
OO0 There were captured with the steamers
six mortars, sir twenty-five Founders, and 2,OOC
stand OF small arms.
Dispatches from Washington state that the 60
vernment will justify the act on the ground that
the expedition was piratical. Another dispatch
says that the refusal Of the steamers to show
their eolors, when asked. Is considered sufficient
to place them in the position OF pirates
Gen Miramon had notified foreign vessels
that he should commence tho bombardment OF
Vera Cruz on the night Of March 18th, and
would not DO responsible for the shipping an
cbored under the castle. The officers on board
the steamer Miramon, while on its way 10 New
Orleans, report that they heard heavy cannon
aiding in the direction of Vera Cruz, on the
night of the l3th..
LATER.-FrOm special dispatches to the Union
il appears that Miramon bombarded Vera Cruz,
on March 18Th but little damage was done.
A detachment of Miramon's troops from Alva-
RADIO were attacked by the Liberals and cem-
pletely routed. A flag Of truce was sent 10
Juaerez on the l4ih o. March. which resulted in
a suspension OF hostlities. II is reported that
Miramon has abandoned the siege, deserted his
army and taken refuge Oh board the French
fleet. Mramon's communication with the city
Of Mexico was cut off, and 1t was said that the
capitol had pronounced against him and that
the army was descrtine him.