Yet another William Walker-led filibustering expedition against Nicaragua was attempted when a strong contingent of men left New Orleans on October 3, 1859 aboard  the tugboat Panther.  Their original vessel, the Philadelphia, had been denied sailing permission earlier.  The party landed on the islands of the Southwest Pass below New Orleans to await ocean going transport but were arrested by the U.S. Marshal on the morning of October 7, 1859 for violation of neutrality laws.  (By John Osborne) 

Yet another William Walker-led filibustering expedition against Nicaragua was attempted when Walker and a strong contingent of men left New Orleans on the tugboat Panther.  Their original vessel, the Philadelphia, had been denied sailing permission earlier.  The party landed on the islands of the Southwest Pass below New Orleans to await ocean going transport but were arrested by the U.S. Marshal on the morning of October 7, 1859 for violation of neutrality laws.  (By John Osborne) 

A heavy earthquake, registering around 7.6 on the Richter Scale, struck the area around Copiano in the Atacama Region of northern Chile around three in the afternoon.  The shock lasted for at least four minutes and more than 300 houses were destroyed.  A nearby mine suffered a cave-in, burying around ten men alive.  Total damage was estimated at about $930,000.  (By John Osborne)

The American Bible Union held its tenth annual national meeting at the Broome Street Church in New York City with its president, Reverend Thomas Armitage in the chair.  Over two days, the Union congratulated itself on the distribution of the Bible around the world, including to the soldiers fighting during the war between France and Austria, and the natives of Burma.  (By John Osborne)

During the morning hours high winds struck the New Hampshire State Fair underway at Dover, New Hampshire.  Every tent was blown down and the exhibition hall suffered significant damage.  None of the ten thousand attending were hurt, however.  (By John Osborne) 

The eleven of the English Cricket team touring North America played a two-day match against a twenty-two man team of the United States in Hoboken, New Jersey. Crowds of around 12,000 watched both days as the visitors easily defeated the home team by an innings and 64 runs.  (By John Osborne)

The Michigan State Fair, organized by the Michigan State Agricultural Society, opened in Detroit, Michigan. It lasted four days with prizes awarded on the final day.  Governor Banks of Massachusetts and Horace Greeley gave speeches before the society.  (By John Osborne)