New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-07-19
THE MEXICAN PIRATE FORU4RD.

HER PURCHASE AND FITTING OUT-PLACDo
VEGA.
The San Francisco Bulletin of July has the
following concerning the gunboat Forward, which was
recently destroyed by the U. gnboat Mohican in Mex
lean waters The also of Pacdo Vega, the Mex
lean Rebel Chief, added:
The British gunboat Forward was purchased and
brought down from Victoria This small steamer rating
less than $50 uns Thoroughly oyerhauled in San Fran
CISCO boiler put in, and other repairs made,
OF the parties interested OF not less than $4,000
After remaining in these waters for some
Ian. One OF the charter parties claims that she
cleared for lawful voyage and that she sent down
business and the vessel had nothing on board except
such articles as were necessary for such voyage The
Mexican Consul who fully confident that her con-
tempIated voyage was not legitmaie one lie
port to the case; but there not deemed
TO be sufficient evidence to stop the vessel she was
can authorities took possession Of the vessel; but
the hearing Of the there not sufficient proof
to condemn the vessel After her release the Forward
having applied 1t Is said for permit TO take oysters
the OF snaoa. was refused when she made her
appearance at the coast tho boundary line
Of Snaoa and JOsco ostensby for the purpose OF tax
ing in oysters. Here small armed force made it, APP
peaTance. The commander sent for the Captain To
ashore and bring his papers for examination The Cap
tain going on shore taken prisoner and hurried Otto
MaZatlan letter which have from the Captain
confirms this part o the story After this the steamer fell
into the hands OF vega Sadherents and was commissioned
to make the raid on Guaymas and other Mexican towns
The commission Of Vega to TOrtinO has been already
gwen together with account Of the punderng III
Guaymas No explanation IL given Of the manner in
which this steamer fell into the hands Of Vega. But
is remarkable that she GOT into the hands of tie latter i'm
accordance with the predictions o the Mexican Consul
and other intelligent citizens at this port who we'll
yersed In Mexican affairs. III all this the result of
accident, the coincidence Is most remarkable
IL was not the result Of deliberate pan then there
several facts and circumstances which need eNplanaton
IL appears that the United States gunbOat MOican
Overhauled the Forward and finding her engaged in an
unlawful business destroyed her and that six the
crew OF the latter captured and shot by the MeN
can authorities. IL appears that the OF Gen. Mea
1.-THE latter one OF the Cabinet of JuaTez in
captured by Vega and put on board the Forward as a
hostage. This young man paymaSter OF OF the
military departments. He married, long ago the
daughter Of the late American Consul, Conner OF
Guaymas. His fate Is not known. As steamer from
Mexican ports s due shall have further particu-
Lars OF this expedition.
PlacidO Vega spent year more in this city, coming
here the accredited agent OF the Mexican Government
To buy arms and ammunition at time when the latter
country invaded 10y the French army. lie bought
largely, and, IL Is said, far exceeded his instructions.
For this, or for other his contracts con
trmed. He left with large stock OF arms on hand
for which he contracted 10 eNtravagant prices and
ganty, and finally became quite reduced In circum-
stances This property was hypOthecated Vega living
the proceeds for some further time Finally a part OF
the arms were shipped 10 Guaymas, and Vega-greatly
embittered against the Mexican Government which he
had supported all through the trying times recent
revolution. being firm adherent Of Juarcz aud refusing
all oVtrures from the enemies OF the Liberal partyde
parted for snaOa evidently with the intention making
himself Governor Of that state ana ~ initiating reyo
luton against JuareI, whom he now cordially hates
with Vega IL was short step from the position of
patriot " thai VI traitor. ASanx himself VI Als Nv