Highly Important from Nicaragua.
Title: Nicaragua Under Siege - A Lens to the Past
"History," someone wisely said, "is a vast early warning system." As we examine the narrative of unfoldings in the mid-19th Century Nicaragua, it becomes increasingly evident that the experiences, decisions, and consequences of that time, still echo in our geopolitical realities today.
Our primary source for this exploration comes from a news report titled 'Highly Important from Nicaragua', presumably dating back to the 1850s. This piece of news traces the journey of a Costa Rican expeditionary force destined for the river San Juan, intending to gain control over this strategic water pathway.
"As the route is very little crossed, the Cost a Ricans experienced great dilliculty in advancing, having to cut their way through the forest," the correspondent reports, highlighting the arduous journey the expedition undertook through dense forests - a vivid reminder of the primitive modes of warfare prevalent during the era. The footprint of such grueling military campaigns still marks the blanket of modern warfare, as evidenced by the strenuous operations of Special Forces across the globe.
The correspondent further details a surprise attack on Walker's post at Kipp's Point, a tactical move that led to Costa Rican forces gaining a significant victory despite the odds. "The Costa Ricans rushed with the bayonet, with horrid veils, upon their surprised foes, and in half a minute resistance was in vain," the news report detailed. This quote signifies the nature of warfare during the era – crude, brutal and swift.
The report also highlights the narrative of Captain Thompson, a gallant officer who fell into Costa Rican captivity. His valor, as admired by his captors, underscores the universal respect for courage that transcends enemy lines – a noble aspect of warfare still recognized and lauded today, often fostering prisoner exchanges and civil treatment of prisoners of war.
Moreover, this historical snippet provides interesting insights into the engagement of various external parties, much like the power dynamics at play in our world today. The British, operating in favor of American interests, seem to have found itself in a delicate balance, on one hand protecting American citizens and property, and on the other refraining from direct involvement in the conflict between the Costa Rican and Nicaraguan forces.
"Then as regards the capture of the steamers, Captain Krskine replied, that as the steamers were in dispute and both parties represented on the spot …he could not interfere," the news report stated, capturing Britain's diplomatic balancing act.
Interestingly, the involvement of American and British interests in this Central American conflict foreshadows the continued geopolitical interest these nations would exert in the region, shaping Latin American history for centuries to come.
The report concludes with a note on the force strength and strategic movements of both parties, epitomizing the ebb and flow of power that characterizes any conflict. A marked echo of this kind of see-saw conflict pattern continues to resonate in modern conflicts.
As with the present, the landscape of 19th Century Nicaragua was marked by the struggle for power, the dynamics of war, and geopolitical interests that transcended its borders. Yet, it is in such moments of past upheaval that we can find the footnotes to our present story. After all, as the historian Arnold Toynbee once summarized, “History is a vision of God’s creation on the move.”
Therefore, as we examine the melee of the past, we get invaluable insights into why and how the foundations our modern world were laid - the motivation behind our conflicts, the alliances we forge, the courage we embody, and the patterns in which power changes hands. The story of Nicaragua in the mid-19th century is not just a snapshot from a bygone era. It is a keystroke in the grand symphony of shared human experience – a piece of an ever-unfolding puzzle that we call history.
**Citation**:
- Trinity Journal, [Highly Important from Nicaragua., 1857-02-07]
https://cdnc.ucr.edu/
Original Article:
'Till' ftdlcJki 1 '." news from Nicaragua is condensed from the Panama Star, and may bo considered as pretty reliable : The following news from Nicaragua is condensed from the Panama Slur / The Costa Rican Government, in addition to the army it had -end to co-operate w ith the allied forces against Walker in Nicaragua, resolved on organizing an expeditionary force for the purpose of possessing itself of the river San .loan. On the 10th of Dec. this force set out, not by the Serupiipin route as was publicly reported and believed, but by tiio San Carlos, another tributary of the San Juan, which enters that river about half-way between (lie Lake and Sail Juan del Norte. This was done for the purpose of misleading a detachment of Walker's forces, who w ere posted at Kipp’s point, at the mouth of the Soraphpia. As the route is very little crossed, the Cost a Ricans experienced great dilliculty in advancing, having to cut their way through (he forest. All the provisions and munitions of war had to be borne on men's shoulders. Six day were spent ou (he march, during which rain fell almost iuee.-seiitly. At last the einbnreadero was reached, and a few canoes hastily constructed, and rafts made of the .milks of trees lashed together with twigs. On the morning of the 2M the expedition was hauled into a creek near Kipp's Point, to refresh the men previous to attacking Walker's post, consisting of lifty men and two cannon. At that moment a steamer was heard coming down the river, and the men were made to lie down upon the raft. The steamer passed without any one ou hoard having seen or suspected the lurking danger. A road or track was cut towards the Hank and rear of Walker's post, which they silently reached. The signal, a single shot was given. The Costa Ricans rushed w ith the bayonet, with horrid veils, ! upon their surprised foes, and in half a minute : resistance w as in vain. A panic had seized them. A number were bayoneted ; the rest sprang oil the bank into the deep and rapid river. One ] brave officer. Captain Thompson, did all that mortal man could do to rally the men. but in vain ; the onslaught was too sudden and overwhelming to admit of a resistance, (’apt. Thompson only ceased his exertions alter he received a second severe bayonet wound, and his very enemies admired his signal galantry and liberated I him subsequently at they town, where also they | did all in their power to alleviate his sufferings. One man besides Cupt. T. was saved from the ! river, and live escaped into the forest ; the rest j are said to have perished. Leaving a party to guard Kipp's Point, the Costa Ricans proceeded down to Groytown on ! rafts, where they seized three steamers then lying there, causing'great excitement among the inhabitants ; however, the officers commanding the e.xpedithm discountenanced every hostile attempt against the inhabitants ofGreytown, and left the place the next morning in the captured steamers. I la the meantime the United States Consul made application to the officers commanding the llritish squadron at Grey town to protect property of Capt. Jos. M. Scott, agent for Messrs. Clias. Morgan A Son, of New York, from a forcible seizure hy the Costa Ricans under Col. Jou- ’ quin Fernandez. To this Capt. .(. C. Krskine, senior officer, replied that he had taken steps hy landing a party of marines from one of Her Majesty’s ships to protect the person and property of Captain Scott, and his own family, and all the citizens of the United States of America, which ; the officer of the Costa Rican forces now at I’unta Arenas also assured him should bo placed in no peril. Then as regards the capture of tlio steamers, | Captain Krskine replied, that as the steamers were in dispute and both parties represented on the spot, (Vanderbilt's agent is there,) and ns the steamers had been engaged in carrying men and arms against Costa Itiou as armed beligercnts, he could not interfere. Having now the river steamers, the steamer John Ogden and Ruth at the Castillo Rapids were soon taken by Gen. Mora. lie then moved up to tort .Sail Curios, which, with the large steamer and detuehment of men, was taken by stratagem. W hen the lake steamers, not aware of these occurences, came across the lake with passengers from California, they were also taken by Gen. Mora, who generously sent them on to Greytown in the captured steamers. Gen. Mora having mnv 1,S0() men, exclusive of the land transport corps, expected blit) more at the etnhraeaderos of Sail Carlos, who doubtless have arrived loug since. The river was to be occupied by Silt) of these, backed by artillery and breastworks, and supported by the steamers whilst General Mora wits to move up to I.a Virgin with 1,100 men, and occupy the Transit route. Meanwhile Gen. Carras hud retired from Rivas upon Massaya, where the allied Generals have been misspending both time and opportunity in dissensions. Rivas was occupied by Walker. Ills forces are estimated by ins friends at 1,-00, by his enemies at KUO. In either case it is well Kowii that over three hundred uro one sick list. Jly last official account* General Carras was nominated a - Com
"History," someone wisely said, "is a vast early warning system." As we examine the narrative of unfoldings in the mid-19th Century Nicaragua, it becomes increasingly evident that the experiences, decisions, and consequences of that time, still echo in our geopolitical realities today.
Our primary source for this exploration comes from a news report titled 'Highly Important from Nicaragua', presumably dating back to the 1850s. This piece of news traces the journey of a Costa Rican expeditionary force destined for the river San Juan, intending to gain control over this strategic water pathway.
"As the route is very little crossed, the Cost a Ricans experienced great dilliculty in advancing, having to cut their way through the forest," the correspondent reports, highlighting the arduous journey the expedition undertook through dense forests - a vivid reminder of the primitive modes of warfare prevalent during the era. The footprint of such grueling military campaigns still marks the blanket of modern warfare, as evidenced by the strenuous operations of Special Forces across the globe.
The correspondent further details a surprise attack on Walker's post at Kipp's Point, a tactical move that led to Costa Rican forces gaining a significant victory despite the odds. "The Costa Ricans rushed with the bayonet, with horrid veils, upon their surprised foes, and in half a minute resistance was in vain," the news report detailed. This quote signifies the nature of warfare during the era – crude, brutal and swift.
The report also highlights the narrative of Captain Thompson, a gallant officer who fell into Costa Rican captivity. His valor, as admired by his captors, underscores the universal respect for courage that transcends enemy lines – a noble aspect of warfare still recognized and lauded today, often fostering prisoner exchanges and civil treatment of prisoners of war.
Moreover, this historical snippet provides interesting insights into the engagement of various external parties, much like the power dynamics at play in our world today. The British, operating in favor of American interests, seem to have found itself in a delicate balance, on one hand protecting American citizens and property, and on the other refraining from direct involvement in the conflict between the Costa Rican and Nicaraguan forces.
"Then as regards the capture of the steamers, Captain Krskine replied, that as the steamers were in dispute and both parties represented on the spot …he could not interfere," the news report stated, capturing Britain's diplomatic balancing act.
Interestingly, the involvement of American and British interests in this Central American conflict foreshadows the continued geopolitical interest these nations would exert in the region, shaping Latin American history for centuries to come.
The report concludes with a note on the force strength and strategic movements of both parties, epitomizing the ebb and flow of power that characterizes any conflict. A marked echo of this kind of see-saw conflict pattern continues to resonate in modern conflicts.
As with the present, the landscape of 19th Century Nicaragua was marked by the struggle for power, the dynamics of war, and geopolitical interests that transcended its borders. Yet, it is in such moments of past upheaval that we can find the footnotes to our present story. After all, as the historian Arnold Toynbee once summarized, “History is a vision of God’s creation on the move.”
Therefore, as we examine the melee of the past, we get invaluable insights into why and how the foundations our modern world were laid - the motivation behind our conflicts, the alliances we forge, the courage we embody, and the patterns in which power changes hands. The story of Nicaragua in the mid-19th century is not just a snapshot from a bygone era. It is a keystroke in the grand symphony of shared human experience – a piece of an ever-unfolding puzzle that we call history.
**Citation**:
- Trinity Journal, [Highly Important from Nicaragua., 1857-02-07]
https://cdnc.ucr.edu/
Original Article:
'Till' ftdlcJki 1 '." news from Nicaragua is condensed from the Panama Star, and may bo considered as pretty reliable : The following news from Nicaragua is condensed from the Panama Slur / The Costa Rican Government, in addition to the army it had -end to co-operate w ith the allied forces against Walker in Nicaragua, resolved on organizing an expeditionary force for the purpose of possessing itself of the river San .loan. On the 10th of Dec. this force set out, not by the Serupiipin route as was publicly reported and believed, but by tiio San Carlos, another tributary of the San Juan, which enters that river about half-way between (lie Lake and Sail Juan del Norte. This was done for the purpose of misleading a detachment of Walker's forces, who w ere posted at Kipp’s point, at the mouth of the Soraphpia. As the route is very little crossed, the Cost a Ricans experienced great dilliculty in advancing, having to cut their way through (he forest. All the provisions and munitions of war had to be borne on men's shoulders. Six day were spent ou (he march, during which rain fell almost iuee.-seiitly. At last the einbnreadero was reached, and a few canoes hastily constructed, and rafts made of the .milks of trees lashed together with twigs. On the morning of the 2M the expedition was hauled into a creek near Kipp's Point, to refresh the men previous to attacking Walker's post, consisting of lifty men and two cannon. At that moment a steamer was heard coming down the river, and the men were made to lie down upon the raft. The steamer passed without any one ou hoard having seen or suspected the lurking danger. A road or track was cut towards the Hank and rear of Walker's post, which they silently reached. The signal, a single shot was given. The Costa Ricans rushed w ith the bayonet, with horrid veils, ! upon their surprised foes, and in half a minute : resistance w as in vain. A panic had seized them. A number were bayoneted ; the rest sprang oil the bank into the deep and rapid river. One ] brave officer. Captain Thompson, did all that mortal man could do to rally the men. but in vain ; the onslaught was too sudden and overwhelming to admit of a resistance, (’apt. Thompson only ceased his exertions alter he received a second severe bayonet wound, and his very enemies admired his signal galantry and liberated I him subsequently at they town, where also they | did all in their power to alleviate his sufferings. One man besides Cupt. T. was saved from the ! river, and live escaped into the forest ; the rest j are said to have perished. Leaving a party to guard Kipp's Point, the Costa Ricans proceeded down to Groytown on ! rafts, where they seized three steamers then lying there, causing'great excitement among the inhabitants ; however, the officers commanding the e.xpedithm discountenanced every hostile attempt against the inhabitants ofGreytown, and left the place the next morning in the captured steamers. I la the meantime the United States Consul made application to the officers commanding the llritish squadron at Grey town to protect property of Capt. Jos. M. Scott, agent for Messrs. Clias. Morgan A Son, of New York, from a forcible seizure hy the Costa Ricans under Col. Jou- ’ quin Fernandez. To this Capt. .(. C. Krskine, senior officer, replied that he had taken steps hy landing a party of marines from one of Her Majesty’s ships to protect the person and property of Captain Scott, and his own family, and all the citizens of the United States of America, which ; the officer of the Costa Rican forces now at I’unta Arenas also assured him should bo placed in no peril. Then as regards the capture of tlio steamers, | Captain Krskine replied, that as the steamers were in dispute and both parties represented on the spot, (Vanderbilt's agent is there,) and ns the steamers had been engaged in carrying men and arms against Costa Itiou as armed beligercnts, he could not interfere. Having now the river steamers, the steamer John Ogden and Ruth at the Castillo Rapids were soon taken by Gen. Mora. lie then moved up to tort .Sail Curios, which, with the large steamer and detuehment of men, was taken by stratagem. W hen the lake steamers, not aware of these occurences, came across the lake with passengers from California, they were also taken by Gen. Mora, who generously sent them on to Greytown in the captured steamers. Gen. Mora having mnv 1,S0() men, exclusive of the land transport corps, expected blit) more at the etnhraeaderos of Sail Carlos, who doubtless have arrived loug since. The river was to be occupied by Silt) of these, backed by artillery and breastworks, and supported by the steamers whilst General Mora wits to move up to I.a Virgin with 1,100 men, and occupy the Transit route. Meanwhile Gen. Carras hud retired from Rivas upon Massaya, where the allied Generals have been misspending both time and opportunity in dissensions. Rivas was occupied by Walker. Ills forces are estimated by ins friends at 1,-00, by his enemies at KUO. In either case it is well Kowii that over three hundred uro one sick list. Jly last official account* General Carras was nominated a - Com
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