The New York Herald Newspaper, December 4, 1858, Page 1

THE NEW YORK HERALD. SSS WHOLE NO. 8127. THE PARAGUAY EXPEDITION. The Departure of the Steam Vessels of War. THE RENDEZVOUS AT BUENOS AYRES Grigin of the Difficulties, and on What Terms They are to be Settled. Shetches of Commedore Shabrickh, Com mander Page and Judge Bowlin, &., &e., a. ‘wo war steamors—the Atlanta and the Oaledonia—ief this port on Thursday hast for the purpose of joining the Squadron that is rendezvousing at Buenos Ayres, and that is destined to act against Paraguay. They will Srst land Gen. Paez and the Venezuelan Comm ssioners, who are now on board as guests of the nation, at Luguayra, and ‘then they will make the best of their way to Buenos Ayres. ‘When they arrive there they will probably find the squa- @ron in full force. The only vessels of the squadron that ‘they have left behind them are the Metacomet and the ‘M. W. Chapin (and these were to have eniled from Philadelphia yesterday), the Memphis, that went into commision yesterday at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and ‘shat will be ready to gai} in about a week hence, and the steamers Canada and America that are now at Green. point, Williamsburg, undergoing repairs and alterations. ‘These last will also be fitted out for sea with all despatch, and sent to join the rendezvous at Buenos Ayres. There will be then collected in that harbor the largest squadron that has ever floated under the American flag, if we except that which was stationed in the Gulf of Mexico during our war with that republic. It will consist of the following vessels :-— Officers. Men, Guns. Frigate Sabine... 45 £00 50 600 30 260 20 150 16 ~ 20 6 300 10 80 6 200 5 140 4 © 2 oe 2 cd 2 6 2 60 2 co 2 30 1 wn» a 6 2 8 2 wo 1 we 1 2,660 187 THE FRIGATE SABINE. The Sabine, which is the flag ship of the equadron, is one of the pew frigates built by order of Congress, but which lay #0 long unlaunched at the Navy Yard in Brook- jys. She was launched in 1865, and has only gone into commission quite recently, She sailed from New York at noon of the 16th of October last, bearing the pennant of Commodore Shubrick, and having on board the Hon. James B. Bowlin, United States Commissioner to Para- guay,and Mr, Samuel Ward, bis Secretary of Legation. After experiencing a terrible gale she put into Bermuda for repairs, and ailed thence on the 9th ult. for Buenos Ayres. Subjoined is a list of her officers: — Flag officer—Wm. B Shubrick, commanding Brazil ‘squadron and Paraguay expedition. ‘Captain—Henry A. Adams, commanding Sabine. Captain of the Thos. Jefferson Page. Commander—Percival Dray wn, ordnance offer. Laan genie go —- — Sogn y McDonough, George P. , Wm. A. 3 4 ‘Wm. Gibson, KR. F. R. Lewis, L. H. Newman, a Mo- Cann, Fleet james M. Greene. Purser—Joba F. steole. Captain of Marines—Rovert Tansill, First Lieutenant of Marines—Chas. A. Henderson. Second Lieutenant of Marines—Thos. 8. Wilson. Su Harrison. Chaplatn—Rev. Joba . Commodore’ vat ee a aig, "s Clerke—I . boroug! jr. Page. Pureer’s Clerk—Jobn M. Falk. ite Master's Mates—Valentine H. Voorhees, Danie) Duna- more, Charles W. Lawrence, Jobu ©. Robinson, Wim. G. Roche, James K Towerr. ‘The crew consists of 420 men and 106 marines, THE FRIGATR ST. LAWRENCE. ‘The &t. Lawrence i¢ now the flag ship of the Brazil squadron, of which Commodore French Forrest bas tho command in chief, She was built at Norfolk, Wa, in 1047. The following ia a list of her officers-— Forrest. Gotan, B Bull: J, HL, Parker, H.C. Wilum P. Buckner, J. ©. Walker, Wil.’ imps, EK ‘The sioop-of war Falmouth was built at Boston in 1827, ‘and has been for a number of years in commission. She Delongs to the Brazi) squadron. The following is a list of. her officers:— Bostewein EB. Bell Carpenter—John Stimpron. ‘Sailmaker—Jobn Wadsworth. BLOOP-OF-WAR PREBLE. ‘The sloop-of-war Preble was built in Portemouth, N. H. | tm 1839, Sho was at Cherbourg at the time of the impo- rial fétes given in honor of the opening of the great Napo- eon docks of that arsenal. She sailed from Norfolk, Va., fer Buenos Ayres, on the 18th of Novembor, only carry- ing eight guns mounted—four 32's and four 68's—#0 a8 te allow her to cross the bar at the Paranariver, The rest of her armament—in all sixteen guns—was to be Sent out in the storesbip. Her officers are:— Acting . P. Acting Gunper—Joreph Swift, Carpenter—J. C. Myors. Seilmaker—I). C. Brayton, THE BRIG FRRKY. The brig of war Perry sailed for tho coast of Brasil on the 16th of February last, and ie now cruising there, Like the Bt. Lawrence, she was built at Norfolk, Va., in 1843, ‘end was laid up there for the last four years, The follow. ing is & list of her officers — Lieutenant Commanding—R. 1. Tighman Lieutonante—W, T. Truxton, J. J. Cornwell, B. ©, Grafton. i" Passed Assistant Su W. B. Greenbow. ‘Midsbipmen—T. K. Porter, W. N. Allen. THE BRIG RALNARIDGR, ‘The Mainbridge sailed from Norfolk for the const of Africa on the 17th of May laat, cruised abeut on that cons: for come months, and failed from Porto Praya for Monte- ‘video on the 13th October, She was built in Boston in 1942. Her officers are— Lieutenant Commanding—F. B. Renshaw. =.” A. Stevens, 8. 8. Basset and Wm, P. A. ‘Acting Master—A. Hopkins, Assistant Surgeon—K. Wyeham. THR BRIG DOLPHIN, ‘The Dolphin railed from Boston for the Guill of Mexico on the Tth June last, and there fell in with and captured the Saver Echo, with a cargo of Africans on board. She car vied her prize to Key West, and sailed thenoe for Boston @n the 24th of Angust. She wan there pot in comminion for Paraguay , and railed to join the squadron on the 16th ef October. Ske was built in New York im 1836. officers are — Comma: -—Charles Steedman. oe cn vending: John V. McCullom, Charles Phusser, B. P. Williams. Assistant Surgeon—A. L. Gihon. WAR STRAMER FULTON. ‘The Fulton is a side-wheel steamer of five guns, and is rated as of the third clase of that kind ef vessel. She ‘was built in New York ip 1897, and was pot in repair in Washington in 1867. She carries one T-inch shell gun, on a plyot, and four nine-inch guns broadside. She also carries two boat howitzers. She sailed from Norfolk on the 5th of October last. Her officers aro;— Lieutenant Ceirtrg— Teka J. Almy, Lieutenants—Miles K. Warringtoa, J. B. Stewart, Robt. Seiden, M. C. Campbell. Purser. i. Passed Assistant Surgeon—H, 0. Mayo. First Assistant Evgineer—Harman ell. Second Assietant Engineer—J, A, Grier, ‘Mird Assistant Engineers—W. P. Burrow, J, P. Hous- ton, J. De Kraft. WAR STEAMER WATER WITCH. ‘The Water Witch belongs to the samo class of side- whee! steamers as the Fulton, but is only registered for two guns, She only carries one nine-inch gun on a pivot and three boat howitzers, She was built at Washington in 1845. It is in connection with her that the principal difficulty with Paraguay has arisen, as she was the sur- veying vesse) that was fred into from Fort Itaperu. Her officers are:— Lieutenant Commanding—Robert B. Pegram. Lieutenants—A. Barbot, D. A. Forrest, E. T. Spedden, Passed Assistant Surgeon—Charles F. Fabs. First Assistant er, C. Wheeler. Second Assistant Engineer—R. N. MoClery. Third Assistant Engineers—R. B. H. Cnassain, ©. A. Chipley. STEAMER HARRIET LANE. The Harriet Lane is a United States revenue cutter—side- wheel steamer—that was built by order of last Congress for the use of this port. She carries one large shell gun, and is officered from the reyenue corpe. Her officers are:— Captain—John Faunce. Lieutenants—A. D Stanford, D, C. Constadie, J. W. Wil- son, Bushrod W. Frobel. Surgeon—Angelo Tonsi. Purser’s Clerk, (n charge—Edward Willard. Golet Bagseeer—J. Be Dryserehs r—J. . Assistante—Waiter Scott, Charles G. Dalo, J.T. Webster, + Orcerny Betgeant George W, Robb Orcerly Ser jeorge W. ins. Sreeenieee fees eae Acng Gunner—Thomas Cole, Car) enter’s Mate—Isaac Main. STEAMER MEMPHIS, The Memphis is a propeller that has been chartered for the expedition. She carries two guns of large size. She was built in Philadelpbia, of oak, in 1853, and was thoroughly overbanled in 1857. She draws eleven fect of water, and bas a direct acting engine of 250 horse power, with one cylinder of forty inches and forty-two ‘inch stroke. She went into commission at the Brooklyn Navy Yard at one o'clock yesterday afternoon, and will be despatched in the course of a week. Her officers aro:— »BE Commander—John B, Marchand. Lieutevants—Charles W. Hayes, Joe, B. Smith, Austin Pendergrast, Oscar F. Stanton, Purser—C. C. Jackson. Assistant Surgeon—E. R. Denby Captain’s Clerk—Eaward A. Birnie. Purser’s Clerk-—W. L. Bennett. Engineor—Wmn. Roberts. Assistant Engineors—J. McHwell, Thomas J. Cronin, ye George H. Rule; STEAMER ATLANTA, The steam propeller Auanta was also built in Philadel- phia in 1853. She is of 495 tons burthen, and has a direct acting engine of 250 horse power, with # 40 inch cylinder, and 42 inch stroke, She bad a new engine and boiler put ip last year, and was recauiked and fastened throughout. She draws 11 feet of water, and carries two guns of large calibre. She sailed from this port in company with the Caledonia yesterday. Her offloers are-— Deutenants—Jobn Downes, George HL. Bien, J. R. utenants—Jobn Downes, 5 L gleston, H. M. Garland. 7 ¢! ” Passed Aesietant Sargeon—J.. M. Browne. Second Assistant Png'neer—Thos. J. Jones. Third Assistant Engineers—W. S, Thompeen, E. B. Lateb, W. H. Glading. STEAMER CALEDONIA. The Caledonia is a consort of the Atlanta, and was also built in Philadelphia im 1863, She is a screw pro- pelier, schooner rigged, of 435 tons burthen, and has a vertical engine with a cylinder of thirty inches in diame- ter. She carries two guns. Hor officers are-— Commander—Angustus 1. Case, Lieutenants—Wm. A. Webb, N. H. Vanzandt, Houry Wilson, Rward I, MoCrea. Pasted Assistant Surjeoo—Washington Sherman. Second Arsistant Epgineer—J. 8. Albert. ‘Third Assistant Eugineers—G. F. Kutz, Z.K. Rind, F. J. Lovering. STRAMER WESTERNPORT. ‘The steam propeller Westernport is also Philadelphia Deiit, and is of the same burthen and draught as the Cale- dopia—the four last mentioned propellers having be- longed to Cromwell's line of steamers. The Westernport sailed from this harbor on the Jet of December, having the following officers:— Commander—Thomas J. Bunter. Lieutenants—J. 8. Poelps, J. Young, A. F. Benbam and Charles H. Cushman. Purser—James K. Harwood. Assistant Hogincer—M. P. Jordan. ind Asian Paeteere—Gcorge 4 Bary, WH The Westernport carries two large nine-inch guns, twelve officers, sixty sailors and twelve marines, STEAMER SOUTHERN STAR. ‘Tho Southern Star is 8 steam propeller of 544 tons bur- then, drawing ton feet of water. She has two decks, a direct acting engine, with twe cylinders of 23 ‘chee and 26 inch stroke, She was built this year in Murphysboro’, of oak. She sailed from Norfotk the first week of Novem- ber, carrying two li-inch gans and one howitzer. Her officers are— Commander—A. M. Pennock Lieutenant aud Executive Officer—Jobn Wilkerson, Lieutenanis—James A. Rochelle, Bayard E. Hand, Jas. A. Greer. Asaigtan' k ncere-—Fires Assistant and Aes Chief, Alexander c ry » Landen Campbell, rt A. Copeland, STRAMER METACOMET. ‘The steamer Metacomet ie getting ready for sea at Pensacola. The Metacomet was built in New York in 1854, and is 895 tous burthen. She is a side-whoel steamer, and has a vertical engine with one cylinder thirty six inches in diameter and ton fect stroke, The dull ie Duilt of oak and chestnut and fastened with copper and iron, She i¢ schooner rigged, and her draught is five feet, She carries one gun. Her officers are. Lieutenant Commanding—Wm. H. Macomb. — Moore, —— Fairfax, Groenleat STEAMER M. W. CHAPIN. Tho stoamor M. W. Chapin was built in Philadelphia in 1856, and is 230 tons burthen. She haa a vertical on- gine, with one twenty-four inch cylinder and two feet stroke. The hull ie built of oak, and is fastened with iron and copper. She has one deck, and draws six foot of water, She carries one nine-inch gun. ‘The following are the names of her officers — Lieutenant Command ing—William Ronckendor ff, Lieutenante—James E, Jouett, Joho Walters, J. W. Dun- “en ntatant ingincer--Ten Byck Biee, eer Third Lecmiaas hegteore Geary. Lining, F. L. Dick. STRAMERS AMERICA AND CANADA, ‘The steamers America and Canada, that are now under. going repairs at Greenpoint, wore built im 1864 for the Great Western Railroad of Canada, and wore used for th» navigation of Lake Ontario, When the Great Trunk Rail road of Canada went into operation these boata were no longer needed, and wore sold to N. P. Stewart, of Detroit, their present owner. They have been chartered by the government at $4,000 a month, and are to be used fo- carrying artillery and stores, but not troope, to Paraguay. ‘Their model is like that of the Sound boate. They aro 300 feet length of deck, 38 fect beam, 15 feet hold, will carry 1,800 tons, and accommodate 800 passengers. Their draught is from nine to ten feet. The officers that have been told off for the America are:— Commander—Joreph F_ Green. Liewtenante—Cuy ler, Belknap, M. P. Jones, Adame and Greer. Engineers—De Lnce, Snyder, Whitaker, Devlin and Brown, Lieutenant of Marines—D. M. Cohen. THE TORR SHTPs, The following are the officers of the two ptore ships of the expedition — STORE SHIP arr Pry. Lewtenant Commanding—Pabiue Stanly Her | | Houtenante—A, Read, John Kell, J.D. Blako, J. H. is, Purser—George W. Clarke. Passed Assistant Sargeon—P. J. Horwitz, Armament, four guns. STOKR SHIP KELRAGE, Lieutenant Commanding—Wiliiam A. Parker. Lieutenants—T, 8. Fillebrown, J. G. Maxwell. Mkshipman—G. § Perkins. Armament, one gun, THE PERSONNEL OF THE FLERT. In the foregoing lists we have given the names of all the officers commanding and attached to the different veesels comporing the squadron. It was at first debated whether the command of the expedition should not be committed to Commander Page, who has already had 80 much to do with President Lopez; but it was deemed advisable not to do 60, inasmuch as it might be objectod that Commander Page had a personal pique to gratify. And so the command Was given to the senior captain on the list of the navy, who is Wm. Brandford Shubrick, Commander Page serv- ‘ng on board the flagship—the frigate Sabine—as captain of the fleet, COMMODORE SHUBRICK. Ofthe sixty-four names that stand in the American Navy Register under the head of “Captains,” the highest grade in our navy, that of Wm. Brandford Bbubrick stands first in the list. He is therefore te senior captain in our navy. Capiain Shu- brick is @ native and a citizen of the tate of South Carolina, He has spent over ha'f acentury in tho ser- vice of his country, having entere! the navy on the 20th of June, 1806. His present commission dates from the ‘Zist of February, 1831. Since this last date te hax spont only five years and one month at sea. His total sea » vice up to 1867 was seventeen years and ten mouths, his service on shore or other duty is set dow six years and one month. From the tims he tthe vervice he was but six years and seven months unem- ployed. He was chairnmn of the Lighthouse?Bourd, wai was also the chairman of the Naval Retiring{Board of sit teen, in which position be could not fail to have fearned for himself much unpopulsrity among uv oftivers, He was the second eldest of four brothers, of whom served with distinction in the navy; and his father was a distinguished officer of the Revolution, and served as aid- de-camp to General Greene a! the batile of Eutaw Springs, ‘With such connections and antecelents, it new) not be feared that the flag of the United States will suffer fiom being committed to the charge of Commodore Shubrick. COMMANDER THOMAS JEFFERSON PAGE. ‘We published some weeks ago @ biographic notice of ‘Commander Fhomas Jefferson Page, the captain of the tet, He, like Commodore Shubrick, is a Southerner—a native of Virginia—and descended from Sir Jolin Page, of Mid- dlesex, in England, who obtained a grant ofjands in Bit ern Virginia, and establiched himself in 1655 upon the York river, in what is now Gloucester county. He hue been over thirty years in the service, having entered as midshipman the Ist of October, 1827. His commission as commander dates from the 14th of September. 1855. He has been much of his time engaged in surveying and other acientific pursuits, but still he has seen some fighting. He was engaged in the West Indies against tho pirata who infested those waters, and also in cutting out the Buenos Ayrean privateer Federal in the barvor of st. Bartholomew. OTHER OFPICERS. The officers of the expedition are all tried men, and though generally too young to have participatet in the last war, have been active and zealous in their various po- sitions. Commander Pennock, if we mistake not, has been under fire in China, and distingusbed himseli ia the tirst cable expedition under Capt. Hudson. THE COMMISSIONER TO PARAGUAY. ‘The Hon. James B, Bowlin, of Missouri, went out in the Sabine as United States Commissioner, authorized wo treat, and, if possible, settle the pending difficulties with Para- guay. This is not Mr, Bowlin’s first diplomatic employ- ‘meant, for he was appointed by President Pierce, in 1854, ‘United States Minister to New Granada, and was subso- quently associated with Mr. J. E. Morse, of Louisiana, in @ mission to obtain indemnity from New Granada for tho losses sustained by American citizens in tho famous Pana mariote. In this latter mission, however, ho was no successful. Mr. Bowlin is a lawyer by profession, an! bad a Beat on the bench in Missouri, To understand th difficulties of his present mission, {t is necessary to re. count the origin of the disagreementa between the Unitet States and Paraguay. THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ON PARAGUAY, It was im the President's annual message to Congress, vent in at the commencement of last session, that atien- tion was called to our relations with Paraguay. The sub- ject was presented in the following paragraphs:— lregret to inform you that the President of Paraguay bas refused to ratify tho treaty between the United States and that State as amended by the Senate, the signature of which was mentioned in the meseage of my predecessor wo Congress at the opening of its sesaion in December, 1863. The reasons assigned for this refusal will appear in the correspondence herewith submitted. It being desirable to ascertain the fitness of the river 1a Plata and ite tributaries for navigation by steam, the for ‘United States steamer Water Witch was sent thither Paraguayan government. Citizens of the United States, also, who were established in business in Paraguay, have had thoir property seized and taken from them, and have otherwise been treated by the authorities in an insulting and arbitrary manner, which requires resireas A demand for these porposes will be made in a firm but conciliatory apirit. This will the more probably be grant- e@ if the executive shall hare authority to use other in the event of arefusal. This is accordingly ro- commended. There wae but little discursion on the subject in either branch of the national Congroes. In regard to other re commendations of the President there was much diffe- rence of opinion and mach angry disputation, but none .o regard to this, The following is the joint resolution under the authority of which the expedition hag been fitted out — A RRBOLUTION FOR THR ADJCHTMENT OF DIENCULTING WITH mE REPUBLIC OF PARAGUAY, Rorolved, by the Senate and House of Reprarentatives of the United States of America in annem Diet, ‘That for the purpose of adjusting the differences between the United States and the republic of Paraguay, in cannec. tion with the attack on the United States stoainer Water Witch, and with other matters referred to in the annual mereage of the President, he be, and is hereby, authorized to adopt euch measures and use such force as, in bis judg ment, may be necessary and advisable, in the event of a refusal of just satiafaction by the goverament of Paraguay. Approved June 2, 1858. THE CASE OF THE WATER WiTCH. ‘There is but little actual discrepancy im the state of facts on which oor government and that of Paraguay reat Tompectively. That the United States surveying steamer Water Witch was fired on by one of the Maraguayan forts (apira), is not questioned, The only point at iesue is, was the Paraguayan goveromont justified in endorsing that hostile act? The American government bolis the negative of that proporition on two grounde—first, that Paraguay ‘was the ownor of but one bank of the river of that name, ‘and consequently had no right to prohibit, as she did by & decree of October, 1854, foreign vessels of war from navigating it; and, second, that the Water ‘Witch was not, properly speaking, a weeeel of war, Dot was engaged in a fciontifio enterprise for the advantage of commercial States generally. Presi. dent Lopes justifies the act on the ground that the channel through which the Water Witch was passing was ‘not the regular channel of the river, which was common both to Paraguay and Corrientes, but was a small course between an island occupied by Paraguay for military pur- poses and the Paraguayan bauk; that veasels were ex pressly prohibited from passing through @at channel; that the Water Witch was hailed by the officer in oom mand of the fort, and ordered to return; that no heed was paid to this order; that then a blank discharge was fired from the fort, and no notice taken of it; that then a thotted gun was fred, but not aimed at her, to bring hor to; and that she responded in round shot and canister, ‘until she got out of range. Thu stands the cage of the Water Witch LOPEZ AND THE NAVIGATION COMPANY. The other ground of complaint against Paraguay is not such @ ferious one, mor i* it perhaps fo weil founded. [ft arises out of a more per. MORNING EDITION—SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1858. sena! quarrel between Provident Lopez and the United States Consul to Paraguay under Presideut Pierce. This genileman added to bis consular duties the agency of an American manufacturing and naviga- tion company, which had been established in Asuncion. At firmt Lopez and the company were on the mont friendly terms, and ali wanner of privileges and facilities were granted to the enterprise, including, it is said, a loan of $15,000 by Lopez to the company, and which was never repaid, Subsequently disagreoments arose, The privileges and facilities originally accorded were withdrawn. The Congul found hig position there far from agreoable, and the consequence was that tho enterprise proved a failure. It ie chargod against Lopez that he violated and tramplod wpon the rights of American citizens in bis desire to in- jure the interests of this manufacturing and navigation company. On the other hand, it is alleged that the of»nce came from the other quarter; that the conduct of our commercial representative and hie friends in Asuncion was the reverse of creditable, and that Lopez's action in re- spect to them was merely negative, and not a thing for which he can be properly held accountable, If he could have eetablished a justification in the matter of the Water ‘Witch, or had made suitable apology and reparation, he would probably bave had no trouble from our govern- ment in regard to the other matter; but as he did not do 0, it was but natural to have this case tacked on to aug- ment our claim againet Paraguay. THE TREATY OF 1853, As to the matter of the treaty, to which the President Tefers in his mossage, the difficulty was one merely as to the constitutional title under which this republic #hould de known. A treaty between the United States and Para- guay was made and executed at the city of Asuncion on ‘the 4th of March, 1863, In this treaty Lopez objected to the constitutional title of “the United States of America,” holding that there were more States of America, and more ‘‘unjted Btates” of America than those forming our own republic; and, to meet thie objection, the title was altered ‘by the negotiator on our part, Mr. Pendleton, 80 as to make it read ‘the United States of North America.” This treaty was ratified by Paraguay on the 12th of March, | 1868, and by the United States Senate—the title having | deen properly corrected—on the Ist of June, 1854. On ao count of the delay, the time at which it was to have gone into effect had to be extended. It then had to go back to Paraguay for ratification as amended; but Lopez held out, and, with a good deal of aseurance and arrogance, refused to recognise the title under which this government has existed from its formation—refused to communicate with Capt. Page, who was then in command of the exploring ‘expedition in the River do la Plata, and to whoro the treaty had been forwarded, because his letters were not written in Spanish, and finally refused to ratify the treaty under any circumstances, It was to this that the opening para- graph of Mr. Buchanan’s message, in tho extract that we have quoted, referred. PLAN OF THR EXPEDITION, The plan of the government is, we understand, aftor the fleet has made its rendezvous at Buenos Ayres, to fend up Commissioner Bowlin to Asuncion in one of the smal) steamers, with demands on the government of Lopez for full and immediate satisfuction; the remainder of the squadron ascending the river as far as circum. ‘stances will permit, and at @ supporting distance. Should he fail, the squadron will be pat in motion, and all the veasols drawing from 9 to 12 feet will push on to their ‘work, and the remainder wil) lie at the bar at the mouth of the Parana, and maintain a vigorous biockade of the Paraguay. This iteelf will be a serious blow to Lopes, as it appears, by the reports made to the Secretary of State Dy the late Consul, that, since the attempt of tho American Company, steamers and trading vessels, doing a very con- siderable business, most of thom the property of Lopez, are Dow multiplying on the river. WHAT OUR MINISTER I8 TO DEMAND. ‘Tho instructions of Mr. Bowlin embrace four points. He is t© exact an amplo apology for the out- rage perpetrated upon the Water Witch; he is to Procure ity wolty for the manufacturing end navi- gation company, with whose interests Lopez is charged with intermeddiing; ho is to obtain the ratifica- tion of the treaty of 1869, which Lopez objected to on ac- ‘count of the title of “ the United States of America,’ and, finally, be is to negotiate a treaty whereby tho navigation of tho branches of tho La Piata shall be free to American vessels, If Lopes should persist in refusing his assent to allor any of these demands, Judge Bowlin is to retire from the negotiation and commit the matter to the hands of our naval authorities, Then we may look for stirring ‘and exciting news. Lopez is said to have been making preparations of hostile character for some time past, and it is represented that he is realy to meet us if we re- Bort to the arbitrament of war, In that contingency wo may have to increase our land and naval expeditionary force to @ very considerable extent; and before the affair ‘be terminated we may Sind ourselves complicated in hos- tlities with other Powers. Congress bad need to !ook at the matter in time. LOPEZ AND HIS GOVERNMENT. Lopez is, ln some respects, a remarkable man. Ho was originally elected to supreme power in association with another person who constitutionally abared it with him, but he soon got rid of him, and has continued to ruie alone and be chosen President from one term to another without in- terruption. Ho has managed, under the forme of repre- tentative government, to combine all ita authority in hia own person, Anxious to acquire woalth, he seized on all the various branches of commerce which could furnish him « profit, being in fact the chief merchant, the chief agri- cultariet, and the chief ownership of Paraguay. Mis dis- criminating license charges, which foreignors in trade are Compelied to pay him, amoant to a ferious diminution of their profits, and he has generally succeeded in breaking up their establishments, A Franch colony, which not Jong since was invited to rettle in Parageay, was broken up by his exactions, and they bad to appeal to their own government for redress, with what snconms wo have not Jearned. He eent his cldest son to Mngland fome years since to purchaso a couple of steamers, | now belonging to his navy, and he owns some | merchant steamships which ply on the river, He has also recently sent sixteen young Paraguayans to Eog- | land to be educated, In his foreign policy be bas always deen dogmatical and difficult, and often at war with tho Argentine republic and Brazil, in all but coming to blows. Atthe last moment, and when the sword is about to fall ‘on him, he adroitly makes an explanation, and dodges the Dlow. From having been professediy a great admirer of the Americans he has become their most epftefit! detractor. He bas said be once thought them angels, but be has found them beaste, What bo will think of them after he haa felt their tooth remains to be learned. He attempts tw live in state, residing generally in the palace, while his family have another residence of theirowo. Such at least was his custom some years ago. He rides in a eplendid American coach, hoists a silk fag of American make, and is saluted by @ emall park of artillery, a present from our government. He jn at t in hot water with Buenos Ayres, and the arrival of the American squadron there will bea pleasant right to the angry politicians of that region. RPPECT OF THE PARAGUAY EXPRDITION. As to the Paraguay expedition, we find that it has awakened a good deal of attention in Furope, and caused no small degree of alarm, not only in the country against which it ie directed, bat also amonget the other republics that are conscious of having from time to time merited some such notice on our part. We are told that President Loper has made formidable preparations to give the squadron a warm reception; has mounted new batterio and forte along the Parana and Paraguay, and has deter. mined to block up the road to hit capital by placing ob structions in the channel of the river. By these means he may succeed in procrastinating the epoch when he will have to come to terme and make fitting apology and repa- ration for hie offences; but he cannot hope to stave off that period inde@nitely. We presume that tho squadron which is now en route to bis territories will prove amply strong for the service required of it; if not, it can easily bo, and will be, strengthened to the requisite point. Our correspondence from Buenos Ayres, published in Thurs- day's Hienatp, shows that in that port and province the result of the expedition i# looked forward to with intense interest, while the very fact of its being sent on such @ migeion has added 10 the respect paid to the rights of our citizens there and elsewhere, The papers received from Paraguay do not contain any ‘notices im regard to the defences which were reported some time since in the English papers as boing maite against the approach of our vessels to Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay; but they do exprees the bope that no rash measures will be andertaken against them by the United States, and intimate that we might have causq, when too late, to repent of an unwige policy in regard to them | to the dinner, Mr. Wileon introduced the guest of the even- Exciting Political Contest in Virginia, OUR PETERSBURG (VA.) CORRESPONDENCE. Pereranvra, Va., Dec. 1, 1868. The Nominating Convention—Great Brcitement—Caueus Mertings of the Leteherites and Anti-Letcherites—Opinions of Both Parties as the Proposals of their Respective Candidates, de., €e. Not lese than one thousand delegates are now in this city, preparatory tothe meeting of the Gubernatorial Nominating Convention to-morrow. Rvery hotel and boarding house is filed to overflowing, and the difficulty will be to Sud accommodation for the hundreds of otkers who will arrive here by the morning trains from Lynch burg, Richmond and Norfolk. Never before at avy convention, State or nations!, have I witnessed such a degree of excitement as prevails here on the subject of the nomination. The interest manifested in the result would #eem to be as intense as thougl it in- volved the fate of the nation itself; and the mutual hate and bitternos evinced by the supporters and opponents of Letcher would seem to have no parallel in past party con tests. This might well be expected, after the bitter war fare which hag been mutually waged for the past three or four month nd when the various diecordant elements meet together to-morrow we may look for a culmination of this party warfare, which will bean appropriate tinale to this Jittle Tend, Caucusing has been the order of the night wit. both ties—the object of each being to command, if possi le, the organization of the Convention tomorrow, Upon this question @ violent controversy will arise, for upon this preliminary action a great deal will depend. The temporary chairman who may be chosen will have the appointment of committees on organization, on rules, credentials, &e., and these points gained by either par would give them at the ouwet a prestige which would dishearten many doubtful adherents of the other side, independent of the natural advantages which would result from them, A controversy will also arise on the rule to bo adopted for the nomination— whether the two-thirde or majority rule or majority of the delegates present or of the whole aggregate vote of the State. The friends of Letcher will contend for the former, believing that the great body of the delegates fa- yorable to him are vent. After these questions are decided, ad Letcher’s name is presented, he will be askaiied bya yolley of invectives from the leading apeakers on the other side, such as was never poured upon the head of an unfortunate candidate before. Of course, his endorsement of the Rufuer aboli- tion address will form a prominent feature of the attack and supply the most efficient material therefor; nor will his bad faith to Hunter in 1862, in inducing Wise to be- come a candidate for the United Btates Senate against him, ‘be overlooked, In short, every error of his life will be paraded, with a minuteness and vehemence which cannot fail to embitter still more the feelings of mutual hostiliiy which now exist between both parties. Both sides seom equally contident of success. Tho friends of Letcher boast confidently that he will receive the nomination upon the first ballot; but concede that if the opposition repulse the first great charge his success af- terwarde is doubtful. His opponents, with equal cout dence, predict his defeat first and last, and say that they have reliable data which justify them in that prediction. Both parties have a great array of strength on the ground, and it is conceded that never before, in the bistory of ty conventions in Virginia, was there assembled 80 oe a body as the convention to-morrow will prove to be. ‘The friends of Letcher repudiate indignantly any idea of this contest being made a test of the relative strength of Wise and Hunter in Virginia. Many of his strongest adherents have openly expressed a purpose of dropping him, should such @ test be made. Meanwhile, lean see that the friends of Wise are anxious that such an issue should be made, and I would not be surprised if they would urge it upon any slight pretext. A mere inkling of any sich purpose from the other side will uadoubtextiy cause them to proclaim the issue of this contest such @ ‘tert; and then comes the terrible conflict. But this will not pe done. Letcher’s friends will not hazard bis nomi gation upon any such issues, for they seem suiticiontly confident in their strength to gecure it, without any douvt 10) extrancous aid. . TELEGRAPHIC. DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION—SECOND DaY. Prnmsnens, Nec. 3, 1858. The Convention met at ten o'clock this morning. The hall was more crowded even than it was yesterday. Mr. Barbour, of Culpepper, nominated the Hon. Jolin Letcher for Governor, when Timothy Rives, of Prince George, immediately took the floor and began to pour hut shot upon Letcher, A great sensation has been created. Mr. Pryor is taking notes, and will reply to Rives this afternoon. It is thought the vote will not be taken to-day. Last night, during the heated debate, Mr. Jacksen, of Wood, gave the lie to Mr. Seddon, of Stafford, It is ru- mored that the parties have left the city for North Caro- lina, to fight a duel. AFTERNOON SESSION. Mr. Rives concluded his remarks at four o'clock, and ‘was succeeded by Mr. Pryor, who is now making 4 power- ful speech in favor of Mr. Latchor. ‘There i# an immense crowd in the Convention, and the applause is frequent and tumultuous. ‘A ballot can hardly be taken to-night. Politicas Intelligence. Ivpiana Lecistarcre.—The Indiana Logislature are not likely to agree upon the successors of Messrs. Fitch and Bright. The two branches stand as follows — THE VIRGINIA Senate. House. Repudlicans. ” 2 “ Americane.. 2 6 Douglas democrats. seeeeee 3 6 Lecompton democrats. 2 ory Om joint ballot they will stand as follows -— Fiowps.—Tho Legisiature of Florida asacmbled at Talla- baseee on the 224 uit. John Finlayson, of Jefferson, was elected President of the Senate; and J. D. Gallbraith, of Leon, Speaker of the House. Gov. Porry's mesnage dis- courages the idea of re-opening the slave trade, and favore ‘the removal of the remaining Seminoles from Florida soil. Daxota.—The inbabitanta of Dakota, in anticipation of receiving @ Territorial organization from Congress this winter, have elected W. W. Kingsbury as @ delegate vention of Kentucky will be held at Frankfort on the 6th of January next. Nominations are to be made for Gover- por, Lieut. Governor and other State ofloere. Drover fo Mk. Groporas.—Forty or fty gentlemen rat down to @ complimentary dinner in Boston, on the Ist inst. in honor of the Hon, Joshua R. Giddings, the yete- ran representative of the Aahtabula district in Ohio, Sena- tor Wilson presided. After due attention had been paid ing in a brief and appropriate speech. Mr. Giddings was enthusiastically greeted, and although evidently auffering under a severe indigposition from a cold, he nevertheless made @ very interesting and eloquent address. He was in- terrupted by a fit of coughing, but afterward# reeumed his remarks, giving a graphic and thrilling account of the comtest for the Speakerahip in the Thirty-fourth Congress, ending in the election of Mr. Banks. Governor Banks, Hon. Linus B. Comins, Hon. Charles Francis Adams, Hon. Moves Kimball, Mr. Charles Hale, and General Schouler were the next speakers, after which Mr. Giddings retired. Obituary. DEATH OF BENJAMIN MARSHALL, RSQ. Bexvamin Manenatt, Haq., once a well known New York merchant, died ou Thursday last, at Troy, at the advanced ageot seventy.six years. Mr. Marshall was one of the early proprictors of the firrt line of packets established ‘otween this city and Liverpool, and which is well known ‘an the Black Bal! Line. Some years since he retired from the shipping business, having realized a handsome com: petency, and entered largely into the manufacture of cot- ton goods, for which purpose he built extensive factorios on ‘he Hudeon river, not far from the city of Hudson, He ‘war algo well known as the proprietor of the New York ‘Mills, near Utica, in Oneida county. A village bas grown up around these mills, which has all the appliances of a woll ordered town, and which owes its ronan, w Messrs. Marshall & Wolcott, the proprictors. Mr. Mar shall had been for some time ia feeble bealth. He left a arge fortune. Gon, Jons M. Davnt, of Fast Liberty, Alloghany county, Pa., died at his residence on the 20th uit, , at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He was born in Franklin county. At an early age he became posmerwed of a desire for military employment and sought @ position in the army of his country. He received commissions from Presidents Jefferson, Madison and Monroe. As private and officer be served his country for fourteen years. In the year 1807, he passed through Hitteborg with a com- y for the southwest, which descended the Ohio on Reel beste, ite served for seven yours ender comannd of General Andrew Jackson. In the indian wars in Flori da he distinguished himself, and especially so at the battle of the Horse Shoe. He was afwrwards at the battle of New Orleans, as « captain in the army, and was one of General Jackson's aids. Here he undertook a most dangerous duty—that of ob. taining © supply of ammunition for the American army— which he saccesefully accomplished, with the joss of «a number of men and the mules attached to the wagons. For bis snccess in this hazardous undertaking he received. the honorable appointment of Brevet Major. In 1816 he retired from the army, after the close of the war had rendered his active services no necersary to his country. During the administration of President Jackson the subject of this notice was not weeny the old hero, with whom he had shared the and the dangers of the camp and tield. He received appoint eon of United states Marshal for the Western District of nnky Wana. PRICE TWO CENTS. pilal—Sease of the Civil War—The Foreign Fleets at Vera Cruz—Course of the French Minister— Exactions of Garza at Tampico—Closing of the House of the American Consul, &. ‘The United States mai) steamship Tennesse arrived at New Orleans on the 20th ult, with dates from Vera Graz to the 23d and Mexico to the 19th of November. Among the passengers we notice the name of Senor Mata, the representative of the constitution |! gover: ment. of President Juarez. ‘The Tennessee was detained by a norther, which pre vented communication with the shore. ‘The purser reports that the following Spaniah and French war vessels were anchored at Sacrificios:—Spanish brigs Pelayo, Valdes and Habanero; steamship Colon, French frigate Cleopatra, 52guns, and steamship Surcoal. The purser aleo reports that Admiral Penand was ex- pected daily with the reet of the French squadron. A decree of the Constitutional President, Juarez, annuls the contracts made by the Zuloaga government, and re- serves the right to annul those of Gen, Comonfort’s ad ministration, OUR CITY OP MEXICO COWRESPONDENCE. Crry ov Mrxioo, Nov. 19, 1858. Preparations for « Siege— Heecutions— Plans for Taking the City—Assassinations at Zacatecas—French Intarven- tion—Surrender of Perote—Pugitives from the South— Advance of the Pintos—Lerdo de Tejada. im the West— Want of Money—Dilapidation of Trade, dc., dc. What we have passed through hore in the past few months we have @ sad memory of, and of what awaita ua in the next month we have still more sad forebodings, This ‘‘ hermoea capital,” without an enemy in sight, is ab this time experiencing the rigors of a siege. Outside of all the garitos laborers have been at work for the week past, throwing up breartworka and preparmg for the enemy. The greatest vigilance has been kapt up in the city, and the challenges of the sentinels throughout the nights give evidence that danger lurks somewhere, Aftor 5 P. M. al? exit from the city is impossible, unless under close scru- tiny. At the garizos trusty spies are stationed to note the passers in and out of the city, and men on the lookout for the enemy’s appearance at a distance crowd the towers of this capital. The inhabitants of the villages in the vatley are flocking into this city. Every one speaks ofa forthcoming storm; but where it is to come from does not appear. A panic has seized the people, but the government is tranquil, and declares its determination to hold out so long as there may bea shot left, They are dctermined to bring the city down with them if they have to fall. It is a desperate hazard the present clergy party are playing for. If they win, it will be a socond edition of the Carrera triumph in Guatemala. Wo to those who are committed to the anti-church party in Mexico. Late last evening the newspaper venders in the streets commenced crying the Diario de los Ahoreados; and sure enough the “ knife of the law’? is now raised w be plung- ed to-morrow morning into the warm blood of four yic- tims of the present strife. You will recollect that in my letter to you of Sept. 19, I gave you particulars ot a ro- called “conapiracy’’ to re-enact the massacre of St. Bar- tholomew in this capital. J doubted then, as I do now, if the government were not an accomplice in this “conspira- cy,’ to make capital, or, rather, bunkam. Ihave since had my suspicions strengthened of this complicity, from the fact that it was broadly intimated, through official channels, that the ex-Minister of the United States was compromised in it, In fact, he was openly accused in tho papers of kindred ‘‘conspiracies.”’ But be that as it may, the government is unquestionably doing all it can to get up @ feeling against foreigners and anti-charch people. 1 think Ido not prophecy amiss when I predict that at the execution to-morrow, the ery of “Death to Foroigners’? will go up from the assembled crowd of leperoe, prompted by the exertions of pious fathers, monks and friars of the Church of Mexico. What a spectacle for the Omniscient to behold, and, as we aro old now and will be told hereafter, all for the glory of the chareh of Jesus Christ! One poor unfortunate * fo- reign’? carpenter Will appear as the ringleader and ineti- gator of the whole plot. For the past two days we have enjoyed a quiet in this capital that was unparaijeled and ominous. ooei ved ho wews Of victories, noue of battier, and had it not been for the putting up of the fortifications we might almost have considered that we were relapsing inte a «tate of peace; at all events, it was com, wely #0 after the warlike news of tho previous days. Last night, however, furnished some excitement. No one, not eveo the moat ranguibary of the clergy party, believed thous unforta- nates of the “conspiracy” would be executed. With tho announcement of to-torrow’s executions came news of the approwgh of the Pintos upon Yguala, under the com- mand of Diego Alvarez. It is now said that the govern. ment has the plans of the opposition for a concentrated movement sgainst this capital aout the 28th of this month, Their forces at this date, within Sve days’ march of this, may safely be eatimated at 12,000 men. Within a day and a half of this there are at least 4,000, but tho commanders in the opposition are divided amongst them. selves, and I doubt very much if their plana, which bave fallen into the government's handa, will be followed up. The government is preparing for the worst. They cannot concen- trate as many men here as the opposition, but they have the advantage of fortifications, of better men, and of a deter- mination to fight if it comes to that. Therefore, should the combined forces appear tine of it, oF a booties attack of Banco Hi i ? May goon by this mail where it doubtless will receive shape of a federalist on the these interesting remains to the present government. The Ch and her vender, with the Spanish verse! of war Blasco de Garay, were, in the course of three days, aug- mented by our street gossip to four French veaseis, four English and seven Span (Note. —Tbe Englah ‘wero only to be spectators gwhile the others were to do the work.) The following day the “allied fleet’’ «welled to forty sail, when, like the "ta eee im the fable, it collapsed, and we have not beea with it since, M. de Gabriac, however, continues to ewell about the streets with more than his usual tm He fools that he is no small affair in thig place, no matter what mistakes bis unfortunate appearance might lead to if he were found in one of your fashionable barder shops. He speaks of European intervention a8 a work already con- ummated. This sounds like nonsense to the American But let me ask, what does this Freneh inverference Mean? France i# the smallest creditor of Mexico. Rela. tively be stands as one to 240 with England, and as one to fifty with the United States—that is, on the seore of credits. As for grievances, the Emperor of the French has about as much right to interfere bere as bis shaly friend the Emperor of Moroceo, While Americans hava been banished imprisoned, plundered, insulted and mur- dered; while Englishmen have fared a little beter, the French have recmved comparatively no molestation, ex- cept what has come from the representative. The reason of this is clear. the beloved Latin race, and we of the Ang! Saxon. Mexico has beseeched France w ward off the ad. vent of our race upon the soil of Mexico. Ni har —* to treat this petition with disdain, Was ho onest? If he was, and now senda force here to protec. his citizens, certainly be deserves credit for example that should have been set by the United long since. You who are in the centre of the bi ‘of politics and commerce are better able to see vise you to look to it. No sooner bad the explosion of the “allied fleet” taken place than the vacuum was filled by a “great victory,’* ‘and our morbid appetites were glutted with loud talk’of blood. On the morning of the 16th, st balf-past three o'clock, meantime, the ca@tle of Perote, that has been agangrened sore on the body of the faithful State of Puebla for the past ten months, refusing to yield to the tions: NC, hy by the c! al'e carried yo troope of the government, besieged several hours before for parts not exactly with them their guns and mupitions, and few inval i a Lt me bed promptly fol ‘a despatch to the government. informing it of facts transpired, and furthermore of victorious general's decision to shoot all the officers capt ve, from corporal up, apd ono-fth of the saldiers,