The Idaho world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1864-1918, 1870-07-07
OF YALUABLEs SUNK FOB TWO
CENTURIES IN THE OCEAN. =

The attempt to recover the treasure sunk in
Vigo Bay, more than one hundred and fifty
years ago, Is turning out successful. After
search OF nineteen days, made with large div
ing bells, fifteen galleOns are reported to have
been found lying at depth of few hundred
feet, and on knocking hole into the side of
the Almirante. some ingots, plate and valuable
arms were found by the divers However,
further researches have been suspended for the
moment, until the Custom House authorities
shall have conceded safe place to deposit the
treasure. The Almirante and her cOnsOrts
were sent to the bottom during the war of the
Spanish succession, and have remained I'M
mersed in the port of p0verty-stricken na-
ton during the whole time of the Bourbon &C.
cupation. Hardly had Queen Isabella been
driven from the throne than Spanish banker,
long settled in Paris made Overtures to the
Government ut Madrid, and on condition of bis
handing over nearly half the treasure in case
Of success. Periere received permission to look
for the sunken lngots. As the galleOns have
been lying at the bottom since the year 1902.
some time was necessarily required to clean of
the large accumulation Of sand; but Spanish
letters say that this part of the task has been
accomplished. A French account of the Vigo
affair says that Count Chateau-Renault was
ordered to escort the Indian feet returning
from Vera Cruz, when it was chased by one
hundred and fifty Dutch and English vessels.
Chateau-Renault wished to run into French
port, but the Spanish Admiral, Don Manuel de
Velasco, obstinately refused. Hence. the Vigo
disaster, which surpassed that of the Hague.
Eighteen French vessels and twenty EIGHT gal.
Icons, laden with wealth, were taken or des-
troyed and there was hardly time, through the
energy of the French Captain, to send q few
millions ashore. Lord MahOn, whose version
is somewhat different, dwells at some length
on the circumstances attending this affair. He
says that the English fleet was on its way back
to England when the Duke of Ormond received
intelligence that the treasure ships had gone to
VigO to avoid him. The cargo was said to con.
,chandise. The English and Dutch Admirals
and Generals resolved on an action. The Span
iards might have saved their treasure by land
ing it, but there was a fundamental law against
galleons unloading anywhere but at Cadiz and
the Chamber of Commerce refused, on appli-
cation being made to it, to abate one jot of its
privilege. The matter had to be referred to
the Council of India, and that body deliberated
just day too long. Chateau. Renauit and Dun
Manuel threw up few feeble defences at the
mouth of the harbor, but English ships broke
the boom across the entrance and OrmOnd and
his soldiers stormed the forts. The French
burned their ships and made their escape. The
conquerors shared some millions of dollars,
and some more millions were sunk. Accord
ing to Lafuente, the doubloons got on shore
through Gallic energy were soon captured. and
Immense riches in gold, silver and precious
merchandise disappeared under the waves"
We shall soon know what amount of wealth
has been lying idle in SO nnaccountable man.
ner since 1702.-PaU Mall Gazette, May 10Th.