The Cyane was commissioned in July, and sailed from Norfolk on the 10th of August, 1845, under Captain Wm. Mervine, destined for the Pacific station. After calling at Rio Janeiro, Valparaiso, and
Callao, she reached Mazatlan, on the west coast of Mexico, in January, 1846, where she found the American squadron, under Commodore Sloat, watching the course of events in that republic.
A few weeks after, a special messenger arrived from the United States, who was conveyed in the Cyane, first to the Sandwich Islands, and thence to Monterey, in Upper California; the ship immediately rejoining the Commodore at Mazatlan on the 30th of April, where she found, in addition, the English Rear-Admiral with his line-of-battleship and two other vessels of his fleet, having, it was supposed, an eye to the movements of the American Commodore.
The Cyane sailed for Monterey again in May, arriving there on the 20th June. On the 2d July the flagship Savannah arrived. With these two ships, and the Levant, Captain Page, Commodore Sloat took possession of Monterey and proclaimed American authority in the Territory of California. As Captain Mervine commanded the landing party, his ship had the honor of furnishing and hoisting the
first American flag. Two days later, the 9th June, the Portsmouth, Captain Montgomery, took possession of the bay of San Francisco, hoisting the flag at its principal town, Yerba Buena. Through his arrangements it was flying a few days after at Sutter's Fort, on the Sacramento, at Sonoma, and Bodega, all of which was announced on the 14th of July, in a general order by Commodore Sloat.
On the 14th July, the frigate Congress, Commodore Stockton, arrived at Monterey. She was a timely accession to the squadron, for foreign interference was still anticipated by some, and, as if in confirmation of it, on the following day, the Collingwood, 80, Rear-Admiral Sir George Seymour, anchored in the harbor, while the Juno frigate was at San Francisco. Whatever might have been the original intention, the game was blocked.
Commodore Sloat having relinquished the command of the squadron to Commodore Stockton, the command of the Savannah frigate became vacant and was assigned to Captain Mervine, who was succeeded in the Cyane by Commander Du Pont, on the 23d July, 1846. The ship was despatched immediately to San Diego, having first received on board Major Fremont's battalion, which had reached Monterey about ten days after its occupation by the squadron.
The Cyane ran down to San Diego in three days, where she made a prize of the Mexican brig Juanita, just preparing to leave the harbor, on board of which forty thousand percussion caps were found, an opportune and acceptable seizure. A party of sailors and marines under Lieutenant Rowan were immediately landed who marched up to the town, took possession, hoisted the flag and left the marine guard to garrison it. In the evening Major Fremont landed with a portion of his detachment, and the remainder followed the next day. Their object was to procure horses, and to operate in conjunction with Commodore Stockton upon Los Angeles, the capital. All communication was cut off by land, and the launch was sent to San Pedro to report to Commodore Stockton the capture of San Diego. The launch returned with orders for the Cyane to join him at San Pedro. On her way up, the ship made a prize of the Mexican brig Primavera from San Bias. In the meantime the Commodore had marched on Los Angeles, and General Castro, falling back, had made good his retreat, the California battalion not having been able to procure horses in time to intercept him, as originally planned.
The conquest of California having been thus effected by the squadron, successively under Commodores Sloat and Stockton, the Cyane was despatched to blockade on the west coast of Mexico, and to cruise in the Gulf of California. She sailed from San Pedro on the 24th of August with a limited supply of provisions, leaving behind her marine guard to assist in holding the territory. The ship arrived at San Bias on the 2d day of September, and captured two Mexican vessels entering the harbor with valuable cargoes for the interior of Mexico. A reconnoitering party was sent on shore, which spiked all the guns that could be seen, good, bad and indifferent, thirty-four in number, and the ship sailed for Mazatlan. Off this port she met the Warren, Captain Hull, blockading and endeavoring
to procure funds for the squadron : her boats, under Lieutenants Radford and Renshaw and Acting Master Montgomery, had just cut out the brig Malek Adhel in handsome style. The Cyane passed on
to the bay of La Paz, Lower California, and anchored at dark in the harbor of Pichilinque. Her boats were despatched to the harbor and town of La Paz, six miles higher, where seven Mexican vessels,
brigs, schooners and small craft, laid up for the hurricane season, were made prizes. One of these, a fine Baltimore-built schooner, the Juha, was fitted out, officered and manned, and despatched to Upper California, where, throughout the subsequent difficulties, for more than a year, she rendered important service as one of the squadron.
Arrangements were made with Don Mirando Palacios, the Governor of Lower California, for the neutrality of the province. Water was procured and such supplies as the place afforded. The Warren came in for water on her way to Upper California, and was supplied from the Cyane with some cordage and canvas which she much required. The Cyane then sailed on the 28th September to scour the Gulf. Coasting along, she visited the port of Loreto, the bay of Muleje, never before visited by an American vessel, took two or three small craft, and crossed over to Guaymas, entering the inner harbor. The enemy here burnt two gunboats which the ship had been seeking. A Mexican brig, securely moored with chains within pistol range of the town, was cut out by the boats of the ship, under a sharp fire from artillery and musketry, a large force being stationed in the town. This affair, the particulars of which reached the United States through a published private letter, seemed to be appreciated.
From Guaymas, the Cyane proceeded to Mazatlan, which place she reached in fifty hours, having had a brig in tow half the distance. At Mazatlan, the blockade was established and strictly enforced. Attempts were made to supply the town with flour by means of small vessels, which by taking advantage of the strong sea breeze, and passing inside of the islands and close to the beach and breakers, would make for the old harbor which the ship could not cover. The boats, necessarily the smallest, had to cut off this traffic, but while so engaged were always exposed to the fire of the enemy, who brought field artillery and musketry to bear upon them from the surrounding heights. Three vessels were driven into the breakers under these circumstances and their cargoes destroyed. While returning from one of these excursions, some large launches, filled with strong guards of soldiers, put out from the old harbor to intercept the boats. These, though the three smallest, under Lieutenants Harrison and Higgins and Acting Master Stenson, formed a line, bore down upon the
launches, and opening upon them with musketry, soon drove them back into the breakers and high and dry on the beach. In all these affairs the men and officers showed great gallantry, to which the latter superadded skill and management.
A storeship was anxiously looked for, but none came; provisions were at a low ebb, and the blockade had to be relinquished. After looking into San Bias a second time, returning off Mazatlan, and
crossing over to fill up with water at San Jose, Lower California, where a man-of-war anchored for the first time, the Cyane had to make the best of her way to San Francisco, where she arrived the 1st of December after the shortest passage ever made (seventeen days), her crew on short rations, and at the bleakest season, without stores, but also without a murmur.
Stirring intelligence awaited the Cyane at San Francisco. Since her departure from the coast, in August, a strong reaction in the feelings of the country, and a formidable resistance to American authority in Upper California had sprung up, for reasons unnecessary to mention. Important positions where garrisons from the squadron had not been left, or where ships could not protect such as were left, had been retaken by the enemy. At San Diego the volunteer force had been driven out; but reinforced by the captain and crew of an American whale-ship, had gallantly regained its post. Captain Talbot with a guard of ten or twelve men at Santa Barbara, had been summoned to surrender, but refusing, had marched out with his arms and made good his retreat the whole distance to Monterey,
after a most harassing march, having displayed heroic gallantry and endurance. At Los Angeles, the capital, another detachment of the California battalion, surrounded by a large force, with their supplies
cut off', had been obliged to embark at San Pedro after an honorable capitulation. The two frigates had immediately gone down on hearing of the loss of the capital, with the intention of retaking it and reestablishing the garrison, but San Pedro was found an unsuitable point to operate from, and the Congress stood for San Diego, while the Savannah was sent north to hold the upper country, for even there, the most friendly portion, the enemy were organizing.
The Savannah, with the Warren, was thus holding- the bay of San Francisco, Besides Yerba Buena, the headquarters of the district, they had a force in a small schooner in the straits of Carquinez, under Lieutenant Carter, garrisons at Sonoma on the northern, and at the Pueblo of San Jose on the southern shore of the bay, respectively under Lieutenants Maury and Pinkney. The Savannah had, moreover, a party of sailors at San Diego and another at Monterey, where the Congress had also left a detachment, and the Cyane's marines were there. Indeed the officers and crews of the squadron were scattered over the whole coast. Every ship, too, was short of her complement, but these naval garrisons, popular with the people of the country, who had besides a high estimate of their prowess, held matters in check much more than their numerical strength would seem to justify. About this time, the arrival of the Dale, Captain McKean, was a welcome accession. Leaving her marines at Yerba Buena, she sailed in a few days for Monterey, the garrison there being without the protection of a vessel of war.
The enemy were active. They were driving off the animals; and had captured a lieutenant and six men but a few miles from Yerba Buena, who were foraging after cattle. Inland communication was
cut off, provisions were short, storeships did not arrive, but every man was up and doing.
It may as well be stated in this connection that the movement of the enemy in the upper district was put down so soon as he had concentrated his forces. This he did at the mission of Santa Clara, sixty miles from Yerba Buena, under Sanchez. An expedition, first suggested by Lieutenant Pinkney, commanding at San Jose, whose position gave him an opportunity of watching the enemy's motions, was organized. It consisted of a party of sailors from the ships, with a piece of artillery under Acting Master De Jongh, some marines from the garrison of Yerba Buena under Lieutenant Tansill, and a party of its spirited citizens under Mr, Smith, all under Captain Marston of the marines. Another force was to march from San Jose under Captain Webber, while Lieutenant Maddox, raising a mounted party of some seamen of the Congress, three or four marines, enlisted volunteers, and deserters from whale-ships, sixty-five in all, came the whole distance from Monterey, over one hundred miles. It was in the height of the rainy season, the country was flooded around Santa Clara, the bogs and gulches almost impassable, while the streams, which the party from Monterey had to ford, were all swollen, and the roads were in a dreadful condition. The parties, however, came in nearly at the same time, just as the enemy had made a dash at the Yerba Buena force, seizing the moment when their piece of artillery seemed irrecoverably bogged. They were driven back, asked for terms, laid down their arms, and liberated the lieutenant and six men above alluded to. Thus was the upper district quieted.
Lieutenant-Colonel Fremont had broken up his camp at San Juan, some five leagues from Monterey, and commenced his march south. The Cyane's prize, the Julia, Lieutenant Selden, had been placed at his disposition by Captain Mervine, and she had proceeded to Monterey and taken on board a piece of artillery and other articles, which she delivered to the battalion at Santa Barbara. She then followed the coast, to give protection to the marching force, where the road, passing close to the water's edge, was commanded by the impending heights, but which, in turn, could be swept by the schooner's gun. This was specially the case at the remarkable pass of the Rincon, where the column had greatly to extend itself, and the whole force could have been raked, and seriously impeded by a few resolute men. The schooner in performing this service was frequently close to the breakers, and in imminent peril.
The commander-in-chief, Commodore Stockton, was at San Diego. He had succeeded in getting his large frigate into its small and shallow harbor, and was preparing with energy to retake the capital, but under very adverse circumstances—as he was short of provisions, of clothing, and without funds. Animals too were very scarce, and the few obtained were only procured at great risk to the parties sent out. Orders were found at San Francisco for the Cyane to join him immediately. Filling up with water and getting what scanty supplies the place afforded, she proceeded to San Diego (whither the Portsmouth had preceded her), arriving just in time to furnish one hundred and eight men and officers to the expedition under Commodore Stockton and General Kearney, who thus were present at the battles of San Gabriel and the Mesa, fought on the 8th and 9th January, 1847, the particulars of which are too well known to need recapitulation here. This detachment of the crew and officers returned by sea from San Pedro, exulting in their good fortune, that after an eventful cruise on the west coast of Mexico, and in the Gulf of California, they should have got back in time to share with their comrades of the squadron, in the second and final subjugation of Upper California, as they had previously done in the first. They brought back with them from Los Angeles, as a trophy, a very small brass cannon (three-pounder), which being mounted on board as a field piece, was ever afterwards a highly prized and constant companion in their different expeditions.
From San Diego the Cyane was ordered to Monterey, having received on board General Kearney and staff, and Lieutenant Warner, with the topographical party which had accompanied the
General in his great and laborious march through New Mexico to the shores of the Pacific. Mr. Larkin, American Consul in California before the occupation, and lately a prisoner of war, also came on board.
At Monterey she fell in, unexpectedly, with the Independence, Commodore Shubrick, who had assumed command of the squadron, and the Lexington, Lieutenant-Commanding Bailey; the latter having brought out a large supply of ordnance and ordnance stores, and a fine company of the 3d Artillery, whose encampment on the heights above the town was an interesting sight, as the first harbinger of relief to sailor garrisons, and promising service for the squadron on some new theatre.
The Cyane continued on to San Francisco, with General Kearney and the engineer officers, having got back at Monterey her marine guard, that had been six months out of the ship. On entering the harbor of San Francisco she fell in with the Erie, Lieutenant-Commanding Turner, having Colonel Mason on board, just from Panama.
The Savannah and Warren were ordered to Monterey, the former to prepare for her return home, taking the crews of both, whose terms of service had long expired. The Cyane was thus left in
charge of the northern district, and had soon to send her marines and some sailors to Sonoma to protect the inhabitants against Indian depredations.
On the 2d March, 1847, the Columbus, Commodore Biddle, arrived at Monterey, and the latter assumed the command of the squadron. On the 7th March, the first installment of the New York regiment. Colonel Stevenson, came in, soon followed by the others, and on the 16th the first of the long looked-for storeships.
On the 9th April the Cyane was ordered to Monterey, and despatched by Commodore Biddle to blockade Mazadan, which she did until late in June ; when she was directed to visit the Sandwich Islands, with an eye to the great whaling fleet, and see if any privateers, likely to molest it, had been heard of, three vessels with Mexican papers having cleared at London, under very suspicious circumstances, for Manilla, the names and description of which had been obtained. The Cyane visited Hilo, in Hawaii, and Honolulu. Her visit seemed appreciated by our hardy and enterprising whale men;
they were informed of the progress of the war, and of there being no danger for their returning ships. The presence of the Cyane was opportune in other respects, and seemed to give general satisfaction.
The ship sailed for Monterey on the 6th September, and reached it on the 26th, where she found the Independence, Commodore Shubrick, who was again in command of the squadron, and preparing with great zeal for active operations on the west coast of Mexico, as the quiet state of Upper California, under the able administration of Colonel Mason, the Governor, rendered his presence in that quarter no longer necessary. He had already despatched the Congress, Captain Lavallette, and Portsmouth, to cruise in the Gulf of California, to be ready to meet him off Cape San Lucas, the moment the season for operations opened.
The squadron had cause to be thankful to Colonel Mason for the liberal interest he took in furthering, in every way in his power, the views of the commander-in-chief, supplying ordnance for fortifications, mortars, shell, &c., and, what proved of the utmost value, the sailor companies were furnished with fine army muskets and accoutrements, in lieu of their old worn-out navy ones and the still more worthless carbines. He, moreover, gave the squadron the valuable services of Lieutenant Halleck of the Engineers, who embarked on board the flagship.
On the 17th October, 1847, the Independence, Cyane, and Erie, Lieutenant-Commanding Watson, sailed from Monterey. The Southampton, Lieutenant-Commanding Thorburn, had been dispatched to San Francisco to bring down ordnance, implements for fortifying, &c. On the 30th October the Congress was fallen in with; she had, with the Portsmouth, bombarded Guaymas, and left
the latter to hold it. On communicating with Cape San Lucas, information was received of apprehended disturbances in Lower California, and the ships stood into San Jose and anchored. A mounted party of sailors and marines from the Independence was sent over to Todos Santos, on the west coast of the peninsula, where an armed force was said to be organizing. The party returned after a hard ride of five days, had met no body of men, and heard nothing very definite as to a contemplated resistance.
For the better understanding of affairs in Lower California, it may be well to mention that the Portsmouth, as early as March, had been directed to take possession of it, that is, the flag had been hoisted at San Jose and La Paz, and alcaldes and collectors appointed, but no garrisons were left, there being none to leave. In July, however, the Lexington, Lieutenant-Commanding Bailey, brought down Lieutenant-Colonel Burton, with two companies (not full) of the New York regiment, one hundred and six all told, who garrisoned La Paz, the Lexington remaining in the harbor until relieved by the Dale, Captain Selfridge. After events gave cause to regret these measures, particularly as Lower California was not retained by the treaty. It had remained neutral, unarmed, and the squadron got its supplies freely, but when incited to resistance by the State governments of Sonora and Sinaloa, who granted commissions to Mexican officers to raise forces, sending over arms and bands of Indians, the protection necessary to be given to our small garrisons, and which could not always be afforded, greatly embarrassed and limited the operations of the squadron on the west coast.
At the earnest solicitations of the alcalde and collector of San Jose to give countenance to their authority (for an outbreak had not then occurred), the commander-in-chief left another small garrison, consisting of four officers and twenty marines, ten of them, with the lamented Passed Midshipman McLanahan, furnished from the Cyane, all under Lieutenant Heywood, of the Independence. With the work expected on the other coast, even this small force was left with regret; for the two frigates were each over sixty short of their number, and not a marine guard reached even the meagre complement now allowed. This deficiency of marines would have been still more sorely felt throughout all the operations in the Pacific, but for the admirable zeal with which the sea-officers made themselves acquainted with the company, and, to some extent, the battalion drill, a zeal which was fully responded to by the seamen themselves, who all became respectable infantry.
On the 8th November, Commodore Shubrick, with the Independence, Congress, and Cyane, sailed for Mazatlan from San Jose. Mazatlan is a place of more importance than has been generally supposed. It is a well-built town, contains eleven thousand inhabitants, has some princely mercantile establishments, consular residences, a large foreign commerce and internal trade, and has been known to yield three millions of dollars revenue in one vear to the Mexican custom house.
Indeed, from Cape Horn to the Columbia river it stands only second to Valparaiso in commercial importance. Of course this is the result of foreign capital and foreign enterprise (not Mexican), and that within a few years. There were cannon in the place, although it was not fortified, but its contiguous islands, projecting points and commanding eminences rendered it susceptible of quick and easy defense against ships, while its surf-guarded shore was almost certain to limit its
attack by boats from the harbor ; but even here there were shoals to avoid, and a bar, often rough, to pass, while the channel was overlooked all the way by an elevated ridge, from which a few pieces of
artillery could have hurled great destruction. Mazatlan was generally garrisoned by from nine hundred to twelve hundred men; it was within easy reach of reinforcements from states that had not contributed a single quota to the war. It was known, too, that the squadron contemplated taking it.
On the 10th of November, in the afternoon, the ships came in sight of it. The position of each had been assigned and marked on a plan of the coast and harbor, furnished the commanders. The wind, however, was moderating, and the commander-in-chief inquired if the ships could take their positions after dark, and being answered in the affirmative, directed them to proceed. The Congress led off in fine style to that bend in the coast outside known as the "old harbor," Avhere, the shore being low, she could command some of the avenues leading from the town, and effectually cover the landing should the surf permit that point to be selected. It was a hazardous anchorage, but an important position, and boldly taken. The flagship stood for another slight bend in the peninsula on which Mazatlan is situated, and where a break in the coast range exposes to view from the westward the most important part of the town, which she brought to bear immediately under her guns. The Cyane kept on to get her station in the new harbor, her light draught enabling her to get sufficiently close to the bar for her 8-inch guns to reach the wharf and cover the landing, should that point be selected. She placed herself in four fathoms of water, where, with a stiff sea breeze, it often broke. Just before doubling Creston she could see that the frigates had secured their berths. The Independence in her majestic length just swinging around, showing her gun-deck tier of lights, and her stern almost in the rollers, presented a most imposing spectacle, causing astonishment and dismay in the town, a ship never having anchored there before. The Erie, which had separated from the squadron in a fog, and had not stopped at San Jose, was found in her station off Creston to repeat signals. H. B. M. brig Spy was the only vessel in the harbor. The manner in which the ships took up their positions and invested the town elicited encomiums from some not given to complimenting the
country of the Stars and Stripes.
Early on the morning of nth November, Mazatlan was summoned to surrender, Captain Lavallette bearing the message from Commodore Shubrick. What passed is not precisely remembered, but the military commandant made no reply, and is said to have torn up the summons. The civil authority was ready to deliver up the town the garrison was still there, and their course was doubtful. Immediate orders were given to prepare to land, and the hour of twelve fixed upon. The surf outside was too high, and the usual landing place was designated. The boats from the Independence, Congress, and Erie on entering the harbor were joined by those of the Cyane, and this ship had her broadside sprung to cover the disembarking, if necessary.
There were three lines of boats. A division of the Congress, under Lieutenant Livingston, had five pieces of artillery, captured in Upper California, and mounted on board that ship; those of the Independence were under Lieutenant Page, all under the immediate direction of Captain Lavallette, the commander-in-chief being in advance of all. Passing one or two points, from which most serious opposition might have been made, without seeing a foe, it became probable none would be attempted, yet the heights near the landing, the streets and the houses with terraces, warned that no precaution should be neglected. The men were on shore in a twinkling, and the companies formed while the artillery was landing; a work of labor, but successfully accomplished. The whole force, about seven hundred and fifty strong. Captain Zeilin, adjutant, marched through the town to the Cuartel, situated on a mound in its rear overlooking the surrounding country, on the walls of which the flag had
been hoisted, the Independence saluting with twenty-one guns. There were no laurels reaped, but the capture was not the less important, and it brought home to the impracticable Mexican that his commercial emporium in the west had shared the fate of the one in the east, while the American flag waved over the national palace in his capital, the squadron having just heard of the entrance into it of our glorious army.
Measures were immediately taken for the defence and holding of Mazatlan, and for its municipal government. Captain Lavallette was made governor, and a garrison of four hundred seamen and marines established. A commission, of which Lieutenant Chatard, Purser R. M. Price and Mr. Thos. Miller were members, arranged with the municipal Junta the terms of occupation. The frigates moved into the harbor. The custom-house was opened and organized, and under the control and business experience of Mr. H. W. Greene, Purser of the Independence, assisted by Mr. Speiden of the Congress, upwards of two hundred thousand dollars, duties, were collected in five months. The commander-in-chief having given an order that the discharging of vessels at points on the coast which had been declared ports of entry since the war, in order to avoid blockades, was contrary to the law of nations, the commerce was fast coming to Mazatlan. Moreover the Lexington, Lieutenant-Commanding Bailey, on her arrival from Upper California, was despatched to blockade the Port of San Bias, and the American barque Whitton, chartered and manned, under Lieutenant Chatard, that of Manzanilla. On her way down, the Whitton called in at San Bias with the Lexington. An expedition from both ships landed and brought off, from the upper town, a couple of cannon, which completed the armament of the Whitton. At Manzanilla, Lieutenant Chatard landed with fifteen men and spiked five guns; the enemy, two hundred strong, were close in the vicinity.
The Mexican forces, however, had retired but a short distance from Mazatlan, and were intercepting all supplies coming into the town. An expedition of boats with two companies from the Cyane and Independence, under Lieutenant Rowan, pulling up at night through the esteros, some four miles, landed at Ureas, and surprised and drove in an outpost, while another force of seamen from the Independence, Congress, and Cyane (a part of the garrison), under Lieutenant Selden, left the Cuartel at midnight, had a bush-fight three miles out, and, forming a junction with the force from the estero,
stormed the headquarters of the ex-captain of the port, a piratical German, who, with a detachment of soldiers and a strong band of matriculados (enrolled sailors), was obstructing the roads, cutting off
provisions, and robbing the mails. They were routed in all directions, and this blow unexpectedly struck, followed up by bold scouting at night in smaller parties under Lieutenants Lewis, Stanley,
McRae, and others, effectually cleared the avenues for the admission of supplies.
This expedition, however, suffered some loss, one man of the Independence was killed, with twenty wounded from the different ships, some very severely.
Mazatlan being liable to a coup de main at any time from a large force, the labor on the fortifications was pressed forward under the direction of Lieutenant Halleck (Engineers). This gentleman was also filling the functions of lieutenant-governor, and his services were always freely tendered to the sea officers in their expeditions and scouting parties, in the most important of which he participated. But the breaking of new earth, the strong miasma from the esteros and marismas, the hot sun by day and the scouting by night, soon brought fever among the crews. Those at the outer post in particular, where the works, under the untiring energy of Lieutenant Tilghman, had been prosecuted with the utmost vigor, suffered most. The frigates had over sixty cases each at one time, and the Cyane thirty; the Congress' gun-deck seemed a hospital.
At this very time news reached Mazatlan of an outbreak in Lower California. Lieutenant Heywood, at San Jose, had repulsed a well planned attack upon him, and the leader of the Mexicans, a Spaniard by birth, being killed, the enemy was driven back, although he outnumbered the garrison six to one. The Portsmouth was sent over to strengthen that post.
At La Paz, Lieutenant-Colonel Burton had resisted one attempt to dislodge him, but at the last accounts was surrounded and fighting. The Cyane was immediately despatched to his support. Getting on board her men and officers from the Cuartel, her quota of the garrison, but leaving her marines, and with thirty on the sick list, she left Mazatlan on the 2d December, and arrived at La Paz on the 7th. The ship passed up the channel and anchored close to the town; for among her many admirable qualities, though carrying heavy guns, she had a light draught of water. Lieutenant-Colonel Burton with his command, consisting, as already stated, of two incomplete companies of the New York regiment, had most gallantly repelled two assaults of the enemy and had dislodged a party that had got into some old works, capturing their flag. Affairs were in a sad condition: the country was in a state of complete resistance, the Mexican forces keeping in awe that portion of the inhabitants who were friendly. Mounted parties of the enemy were still hovering around, the town was abandoned by the inhabitants, many women and children had taken refuge on board the old hulks and small craft anchored in the harbor, the houses of the well-disposed had been sacked, and two handsome
residences, one in, and the other near the town, the property of the ex-governor, had been burnt and devastated. Lieutenant-Colonel Burton had availed himself to the fullest extent of the means at hand
(most inadequate) to entrench and fortify himself, and his military education came into good play.
A day or two after the arrival of the ship, an expedition in the launch and cutter was sent up as far as the shallow waters would admit, to support a company from the post sent out after cattle, and who seemed engaged with the enemy near the Palo, three miles up, but the latter retreated, escaping an ambush laid for him. The launch on another occasion, with her gun, had been sent some fifteen miles up the bay, there to intercept another party, said to be driving down horses. Confidence was thus restored, the enemy gradually disappeared, and the people, trusting in the additional protection to be expected from the ship, as she furnished a detachment to the post whenever an attack was expected, returned to their homes.
Towards the latter part of December, the Dale arrived and remained a few days. This little ship rendered good service in the Gulf, and while holding Guaymas, successively under Commander Selfridge, Lieutenant Yard and Commander Rudd, some most spirited and daring enterprises, even to the surprising of the enemy's camp, were performed by Lieutenants Craven, Smith, Stanley and Tansill, both by boats and landing parties.
Intelligence began to reach La Paz that the enemy was daily increasing in numbers in the valley of San Jose, it affording good support for his animals. The inland communication was cut off, and the reports contradictory. Finally it was ascertained that two officers and three men belonging to the post of San Jose, while attempting to go to the bay side, had been intercepted and made prisoners, and it was reported that the post itself was short of provisions. To ascertain the actual state of things. Acting Lieutenant McRea went down the coast in a small leaky balandra, landed at night, communicated with Lieutenant Heywood, and succeeded in getting on board the sloop again.
This was a bold and hazardous enterprise (for the Indians gave no quarter), executed with spirit and intelligence ; and this officer, continuing on to Mazatlan, carried the necessary information to the commander-in-chief, who immediately despatched the Southampton to La Paz, that the Cyane might go to the relief of San Jose.
It appeared that the enemy, abandoning all hope of effecting anything against La Paz, was concentrating all his forces, estimated from three to five hundred men, with the exception of a detachment at his headquarters at San Antonio, sixty miles from La Paz, around San Jose, garrisoned by less than forty-five effective men under Lieutenant Heywood, who had successfully and heroically repulsed their repeated attacks; but his provisions were nearly exhausted and his water cut off, while the enemy was drawing hourly more closely the mesh intended to envelop him. The town was abandoned by the inhabitants, most of them driven off by the enemy, others doubtful of the result, fearing to compromise themselves. The Mexican forces occupied the large church and other strong buildings, looped and barricaded, and were arrogant and boastful, scouting the idea of a sloop-of-war bringing relief, saying that one of the frigates would have to come from Mazatlan, and calling upon the post to surrender.
The Cyane was anchored on the 14th of February, in the evening. Appearances- were in keeping with the worst intelligence. The American flag was flying, it was true, but more than one on board believed it might be a ruse, and that the post had fallen. There was a calm determination to retake it at whatever cost, but daylight was waited for, sailors being unsuited to night attacks on shore.
The valley between the beach and Cuartel was occupied by the enemy from three to four hundred strong, placed in ambush, and with full knowledge of the ground. One hundred officers, seamen and marines (only five of the latter), with the small field-piece, under Acting Master Fairfax, were landed and encountered a spirited resistance all the way up from the different covers; but the enemy was always driven back, and well punished. At one time he concentrated his forces in the village of San Vincente, situated on a mound, through which the column had to pass, giving him a very advantageous position, but a steady advance drove him out here, too, and in good style. The garrison seeing the approach of the Cyane's men under a hot fire, formed, and, driving a detachment of Mexicans out of the town, came out to meet them, and a joyous meeting it was. Of all the services performed by the officers and men during the cruise, this was the most gratifying. They had brought relief to a band of brave men who had done wonders to relieve themselves. But no resolution can long contend with thirst and hunger, and these were close at hand.
The garrison was provisioned and strengthened, the valley immediately around San Jose was cleared, communication was re-established with the ship, and scouting parties were organized. One of
these, twenty-five strong, was surrounded by a large body, but Lieutenant McRea, who was in charge, with a midshipman and a corporal of marines, were so cool in their energy, and the sailors withal so
steady, that they extricated themselves without loss, killing five of the enemy; a party from the Cuartel, under Passed Midshipman Stevens, had gone out quickly to their support, when the enemy
retreated. An attempt was made to surprise the enemy's camp at Santa Annita, eleven miles out, by a night march, with a hundred men from the ship and garrison, who encircled it at early dawn, but the enemy getting word through an Indian spy, had suddenly decamped, leaving his fires burning. His forge and armorer were taken. Animals were then brought in, mounted parties of sailors and
marines, with a few bold and friendly Californians, were equipped, and in a few days there was not an enemy left from Cape San Lucas to Santiago, a distance of nearly seventy miles. The former inhabitants of San Jose returned to their homes, the gardeners went to their huertas, the corn was planted, the cane was cut, the smoke from the sugar-mills once more curled over the beautiful valley, and this change from desolation to a smiling and happy population was gratifying to all who witnessed it.
It should be mentioned that Lieutenant-Colonel Burton having gathered in some horses, a mounted party of thirty men under Captain Steele and Lieutenant Scott, accompanied by Lieutenant Halleck (Engineers) and Dr. Perry, surgeon of the regiment, had surprised San Antonio, having a garrison quite equal in number to the party. They liberated five American prisoners, took two Mexican officers, and came near capturing the commander-in-chief. Sergeant Hipwood, a valuable man, was killed. The party were absent only twenty-seven hours, the distance from La Paz to San Antonio being
nearly sixty miles. It was a brilliant affair, and highly creditable to all concerned.
In the meantime a reinforcement of two companies reached La Paz from Upper California, and Lieutenant-Colonel Burton immediately took the field, marching upon San Antonio, where he made prisoner of Pineda, the military chief. An express was sent through to inform him of the ejectment of the enemy from the valley of San Jose, and that he had fallen back to Todos Santos on the west coast. This intelligence had already reached him, and marching upon Todos Santos, he came suddenly upon the enemy, and, charging gallantly, routed him in all directions. Captain Naglee with a mounted company pursued those fugitives who took the coast road to the northward, while the mounted parties from the ship and Cuartel ranging from Cado Afioto Santiago, intercepted those who were making for the gulf shore. They brought in between sixty and seventy prisoners, including the Gefe Politico and some captains, and thus ended the war in Lower California.
Official notice was then received of the armistice, accompanied with vague rumors that Lower California was not included in the treaty a sad blow to its very best people, many of whom had committed themselves to the American cause ; while the Padre Gabriel, a prisoner of Lieutenant-Colonel Burton, the prime instigator of all the troubles, a dissolute and vindictive priest, was gloating at the idea of early vengeance upon those of his countrymen who had been neutral or friendly to the Americans.
On the 20th April the Southampton arrived from La Paz, bringing down Captain Naglee with a detachment of the New York regiment, one hundred strong, who relieved Lieutenant Heywood and the naval garrison of San Jose, the latter embarking on board the Cyane and Southampton.
Previously to leaving, the remains of Passed Midshipman T. Mc Lanahan, of the Cyane, who was killed whilst gallantly defending the post, were removed from the corral of the Cuartel, where, from the force of circumstances, they had been deposited during the siege (the enemy firing all the time on the funeral party while the burial service was read), to an eminence between the landing and town, where they were reinterred with military honors, and the grave enclosed by a neat railing. His funeral was attended by the officers and one hundred men from the Cyane, a portion of the garrison under Captain Naglee, Lieutenant Heywood, his late commander, his comrades of the post, and a large concourse of inhabitants, by whom he was held in affectionate remembrance.
The Cyane left San Jose on the 25th April, and arrived at Mazatlan on the 2Sth, after an absence of five months from that place, conveying back to the different ships their quotas of the garrison. The crew of the Independence with one impulse asked to cheer Lieutenant Heywood on his stepping on board of his own ship again, which they did most heartily, and well-merited cheers they were.
On the 6th May the Ohio arrived, and Commodore T. Ap C. Jones assumed the command of the squadron. On the nth May he paid his official visit to the Cyane. As something novel and in keeping with the nature of much of their past service, he was received by the whole crew under arms as infantry, the sea-lieutenants and midshipmen with their companies, the executive officer at their head.
The Commodore expressed himself as highly pleased, an opinion which he reiterated in a letter directed to be read to the officers and crew. This was very gratifying to all on board, and complimentary to the high condition of the squadron he had found in the Pacific. Not the least acceptable part of this communication, greatly appreciated by the seamen whose terms of service had expired, was the hope expressed by the commander-in-chief that the ship would soon be spared to return home. She had to visit San Jose once more. On her return, news had been received of the ratification of the treaty of peace by the American Senate, and the ship was ordered to prepare
for her return voyage. She sailed from Mazatlan on the 1st June, passing close under the stern of the flagship, which she saluted and cheered, and, squaring away, ran down and exchanged cheers
with the Independence. The Congress also cheered the departure of the Cyane, which left her the senior ship on the station. The Cyane on her way down called in at San Bias, which she left on the
7th June. At this port she heard of the final ratification of the treaty of peace by the Mexican Congress. She had thus seen the beginning and the end of the war on the enemy's coast.
The Cyane arrived at Valparaiso after a good passage of forty-six days. Sailing from there on the 7th August, she arrived at Norfolk on the 9th October, making one of the shortest passages on record, having been in commission three years and four months. Notwithstanding her long blockades at anchor, and the defense of harbors, she had sailed sixty-five thousand miles.
In the different affairs in which her crew and officers participated, in the Gulf of California and on the West Coast, San Gabriel, the Mesa, Ureas, siege of San Jose, San Vincente, &c., she had seventeen of her number killed and wounded. On the other hand, an extraordinary immunity had attended her; but one death from sickness had occurred on board, that of a private marine belonging to another ship, and received on board from the post of San Jose. In a crew of two hundred and ten souls this was an extraordinary exemption, and was believed to be without precedent. It may be ascribed, under a merciful Providence, to a clean and well-kept ship, a uniform discipline, a contented spirit, and last though not least (for the ship was not without her share of sickness and epidemics), to the unsurpassed skill and ceaseless devotion of her medical officer, Surgeon C. D. Maxwell. The companion of all their expeditions, he watched over officers and men on shore with the same solicitude that he did on board.
The crew were paid off at Norfolk, having preserved to the end their high character by showing no impatience at the delay incident to getting orders from Washington, and to laying up and securing their ship.
Although their term of service had long since expired, not a single offense was committed between the time of their arrival and that of their discharge.