Determined to leave this mean hole as Chagres is infected by a band of desperadoes, Accordingly we hired a canoe and headed up the river...the next morning I hired a good mule...But now I come to that part of my letter which I would prefer to say nothing about but you will hear of it through the N York papers and I promised I would be candid I will try and give a correct version of the whole difficulty as it possibly be exaggerated in the N.Y.Papers.

In going into the city yesterday Afternoon...I see a party of the Natives running & the Americans after them presently of both parties stooped the natives got guns & stones I was 200 rods off as I had to pass the row in going to the city / I waited until I supposed there was no danger...when near the American party a rush was made, pistols fired. Stones thrown by the natives & but a few of the Americans had pistols & the Americans ran stones flying after as & pistol balls. Some tumbled head over heels in running. I ran with the rest and ran up into a building into the third story the Americans rallied on the walls & the natives were on the outside. Three natives were shot dead and a number were wounded. Two Americans were killed & several others wounded and report says there are more killd (sic) but two Americans were killd for I attended their funeral.

The Governor and American council came out and tried to quell the natives & as I see one or two priests there I went around the mob and succeeded at arriving at my room...I loaded my revolver and put my Bowie Knife on my side prepared to defend myself. We can fire 17 times from our room without loading & the room next to us can fire 20 more shots & we keep the door Barricaded so 500 men can not enter. They assailed one American house last night with stones & fired several balls through the doors but no one was injured... Tonight the Gov. has called out the soldiers and the gates of the city are to be shut at 8 O’clock....

One ball shot from the walls by the Americans last evening wounded 3 Natives. Quite a number of the natives have been wounded wit the balls / Several Americans have been wounded with stones…The natives this morning attacked an American with stones & he ran to his room & brought out a double barrel gun…as soon as they see the gun were among the missing. I have heard of several instances where by showing a revolver…they would run as fast as their legs would carry them. I do not venture out (without) my revolver & Knife out of sight but where I can easily lay my hand on them

Yesterday I was offered $275. Dols for my ticket and today I understand they bring $300. The steamer to California is in sails on June 1st. I am going to try to get a chance to work my passage in her when I see the Capt.

…(I)f there should be another outbreak the Americans will take the place as there is from 2000 to 2500 Americans now in Panama and they are all determined to defend themselves as they are all of one mind And to take the place would be a very easy matter.

The Passport speculation is all a humbug as they never are called and all the passport a man wants is one of Colt revolvers & Bowie Knife and there have been several robberies and murders on the Isthmus Emigrants passing across the Isthmus.... This Passport humbug ought not to be published to the world as it is nothing more nor less than Robbery. Many a man is now on the Isthmus who has been detained from One to two months…have David Hamilton get it published in the Times…Be sure and write by the next mail to San Francisco…Joseph Delliber"

Integral address leaf with black steamship "30" postal. Addressed to his son, presumably, Joseph Delliber, Hartford, Connecticut. Last page is torn, but does not affect any text. An historic, important and dramatic letter in very readable condition, Very Good Condition.                                                                      $500 – up