The Seizure of “General” Walker

This 1858 newspaper article from the Progress era briefly describes the capture of William Walker, an American mercenary who organized several military expeditions in Latin America, by Commodore Paulding of the United States ship, the Saratoga. The article is accompanied by a drawing of this event, depicting the large Saratoga and its fleet encountering Walker and his party of adventurers on their small boats. Walker was captured because of his decision against US interests to embark on another expedition in Latin America. The article’s acknowledgment of Walker’s reputation as a filibuster, or someone who embarks on unauthorized military expeditions in order to create or support a revolution and consolidate control, provides insight into the activities pursued by Walker that led to disorder in Nicaragua during the Progress period.

Within the article, Walker is identified as a “filibuster” and his intentions to embark on an expedition to initiate a revolution in Honduras are mentioned (The New York Public Library 1907). This acknowledgment of Walker’s reputation and goals is reflective of a continuation of his actions in Nicaragua during the Progress era where he and his party of mercenary adventurers attempted to colonize Nicaragua after having been invited to progress the liberal agenda. However, Walker’s initial plan failed, and, as the article identifies, he assumed the role of a filibuster and sought support from Nicaraguan liberals to grant him power by force as the new President of Nicaragua. However, several Nicaraguans disliked his policies and, as the article notes, after his capture upon his return to Central America, he was executed, reflecting one instance of several failures during the Progress era to bring meaningful change to the common peoples of Latin American nations. 

Works Cited

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. (1907). Seizure of “General” Walker, the filibustering leader, at Punta Arenas, Nicaragua, by Commodore Paulding, of the United States ship “Saratoga” (Seen at the left). Reproduced from Leslie’s weekly, January 9th, 1858, and copyrighted. Retrieved from http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/2bea7210-fed2-0130-ef15-58d385a7b928

By: Giovanny Bravo