CHAPTER I.

THE VESTA AND HER PASSENGERS.

The Revolution of 1854—Organization of Provisional Government—Grounds of the Contest—The two Constitutions—Democrats and Legitimists—Siege of Granada—Retreat of Jerez—Death of Chamorro—Policy of Honduras and of Guatemala—Lower California Expedition—Its Objects and Purposes—Its Termination—Contracts of Cole with Castellon—Crabb Contract with Jerez—Legality of the Cole Grant of Colonization—Charter of the Vesta—Her Difficulties and final Departure—Her Voyage—State of Parties in June, 1855—Arrival of the Vesta at Realejo—Landing of Passengers—Walker’s Visit to Leon—Castellon and Muñoz—The American Phalanx—Its Organization—Expedition to Rivas PAGE 13