CHAPTER II.

RIVAS, JUNE TWENTY-NINTH, 1855.

Preparations for the Rivas Expedition—Native Troops—Ramirez and Mariano Mendez—Maximo Espinosa-Departure from Realejo—Landing at El Gigante—Difficulties of the March—Appearance of the Camp—Skirmish at Tola—March from Tola to Rivas—Effect of Scenery on the Americans—Plan of Attack—Action at Rivas—Desertion of Ramirez—Loss of the Americans—Retreat to San Juan del Sur—Embarkation on the Schooner San José—Burning of the Cuartel—Departure for Realejo—Execution of Dewey—Its Effects on the People—Transfer to the Vesta and Return to Realejo—Despatch to Castellon—His Reply-Visit of Mariano Salazar—Castellon’s Anxiety—Americans at Chinandega—Cole and Von Natzmer—March to Leon—Arrival there—State of the Capital—Policy of Muñoz—Danger to the Falange—Necessity for Caution—Counter-march to Chinandega—New Contract with Castellon PAGE 42