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About Daily chronicle & sentinel. (Augusta, Ga.) 1837-1876 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 28, 1846)
CHRONICLE AND SENTINEL IJY J. vv. & U. S. JONES. / M IL Y, '1 'RI- WEEKLY AND WEEKL Y. OFFICE IN RAILROAD BA t K BUILDING. T /RMS— Daily Paper, per annum, in advance SIU Ti i-Weekly Paper, ” ” ” ” •••••• ® \\ eekly, (a mammoth sheet) ’ ” ...... 2 Cash System.— in no case will an order for the pa per be attended to, unless accompanied with the mo ney; and in every instance when the time for which any subscription may be paid, expires bef ore the receip 0 funds to renew the same, the paper will be disconl) n ,,od. Pemecialedf nnd« received at value i n thiscity From the N. O. Picayune of Sunday. LA TER FROM THE ARMY. srovements of the Troops—liater from Mon terey—Death of General Hamer—Marine Disasters—Loss of Government Steamer Gopher, «Sic», &c. By the arrival at hair past 1 o’clock this morn ing, "of the steamship McKim, Capt. Peck, we have dates irom Brazos Santiago up to the 15th ins; , with accounts two days later from Mon terey. Among the passengers in the McKim were Col. Weller, Major Arthur, Capt. Cooper, Drs. Chamberlain, Hoxie and Craig, Lieuls. Steward, Dulon, McMahon, Roe, Murphy and Richmond, Messrs. Linn, Lemon, Tippett, Raines and Levinkshold, and sixty-one sick and discharged volunteers. The report of a duel between two officers of the Glaanermaster’s Department was a hoax. The steamship Virginia left the Brazos for Tampico on Tuesday, 15th inst., with Lieut. Col. Clarke and six companies of the Alaba ma Regiment, numbering 400 men rank and file. The steamer Cincinnati and U. S, pro peller James Gage, left on the 16th, with Gen, Shields and staff, Mr. Lumsden ot the Pica yune and Capt. S iclly’s company of Alabama volunteers—all bound lor Tampico. From the report of the McKim we lean that he U. S. steamer Gopher broke her hog chains and steam connections in crossing the bar on Sunday 13th. She was however enabled to get outside and come to anchor in five laihorns water, but the wind blowing stong from the southeast and a heavy sea running, she was lit erally mashed to pieces and sunk at her an chors. The U. S. steamer De Rosset and John R. Thompson were despatched to her assistance and succeeded in saving some fifty lives be fore she went down. The pilot boat Ariel was lost the same day, a large sea splitting open her wood ends. Cargo and crew saved. Seve ral vessels were blown to sea in a gale on the 7th, losing anchors and cables. The bark Win. Ivy returned on the i3th, with a loss of thirty mules. The McKim, which was nine days outside the bar before communication could be had to discharge her, reports the following vessels ready to unload at the Brazos: ships Ocean, Liberty and John Holland, bark Wm. Ivy, brigs Architect and Etrurian, schooners Win. Thompson and General Worth, and several other vessels. The following letters from Mr. Lumsdtn, tor which we are indebted to the politeness of Mr. Lemon, give all the news which has come to hand: Brazos Santiago, Dec. 12. 1846, The Cincinnati did not sail yesterday, as was expected, and I am consequently here another day. The C. is expected to leave this evening. 1 have a little news from Monterey, as late ns the 29th of November. Two regiments of Indiana volunteers, the 2d and 3d, and Lieut. Mackall’s Taylor’s) batterey had gone to Saltillo, to join General Worth. Gen. Twiggs’ division is on its march for Victoria. Brig. Gen. Hamer, one of Mr. Polk’s ap pointments, died at Monterey a few days ago, of inllaiumalion ot the bowels. His illness was ol vei short duration—not more, 1 learn, than two days. Gen. Butler will remain in command at Monterey, 1 spoke ol this as somewhat uncer tain in a lormer letter. Col. Taylor arrived at Matamoros two days ago, with despatches foe General Patter son. Mrs. Hart and her husband, Wells and a few oilier actors, are here on their way to Tampi co. They have been for a long time the pio neers ot the drama wherever the army moves. Since 1 was last here a most excellent and most desirable improvement has taken place in the establishment of a very comtortable hotel, by Capt. Perkins. But for this the island would be intolerable. The hotel, which is called the “Greenwood Saloon,” is kept in good style, and is doing a thriving business. By an advertisement in the Matamoros Flag 1 see that Rice Garland is about opening a law office and land agency at this place and Mata moros, intending to pursue the legal profession in the courts of Texas. Yours, &c., F. A.L. Brazos Santiago, Dec. 13, 1846, 1 have another marine casually to report be fore leaving this place—which you will per ceive 1 have not vet done, contrary to all my expectations. “To-morrow and to morrow” is still the word. But to the casually. About 12 o’clock M., to-day, as the U. S. steame: Gopher was going over the bar, laden with provisions, &c., bound to the mouth of the Rio Grande, she grounded. The De Rossett was promptly despatched to her aid, but could render no efficient assistance. The G. had sprung a le~tk, and in about two hours totally disappeared. She was seen to drill in about three and a half fathoms water, when her chim ney, masts and everything disappeared out of sight! Fortunately nota life was lost—the De Rossett having taken every person off'when she was found to be in a sinkingcondition. The Gopher had on board when she went down, 264 bbls, of pork, 44 bbls. of bread, 14 bbls. of pickles, 64 bbls. of vinegar, 6 bales oakurn, 2 coils rope and 2 bundles of cast-steel —all the property of the United States, If “Uncle Sam” was a rich man, this would be a pretty place to “break” him. The beach and bar are strewn with wrecks in all directions. The pilot boat Ariel was also lost at the same time and place. Two men, Capt King and a sailor were in her; they were also picked up by the De Rossett. A heavy sea struck the boat and literally broke her to pieces. I was witness from the sand hills, at a short distance, ol the scene of destruction. 1 am oft to-morrow, for Tampico, sure. Yours *n haste, F. A. L. From the N. O. Picayune of the 221 inst. From the Army, Our correspondence by the McKim reached us at too late an hour for our paper of Sunday, and to day it must give place to the very inter esting and more important intelligence from the squadron. Our dales from Saltillo, come down to the 30di ol November. In the absence of positive news, it is satisfactory to have the Mexican rumors in regard to the stale of the ar my entirely set at rest by the silence of our various correspondents. We can only find room for one extract from our letters. It is not very late, but mentions in cidents we have not elsewhere seen. Correspondence of the Picayune. Monterey, Nov. 25, 1846. Gentlemen —Gen. Taylor arrived from Sal tillo day before yesterday (22d inst.,) escorted by one squadron of Col. May’s horse, having left one squadron in dgaliillo. The General succeeded in having captured one hundred pack mules, with their cargoes, consisting of subsis tence stores intended for Santa Anna’s army at San Luis Fotosi. The squadron left are said to be in pursuit of four hundred mules, loaded also with the same cargoes. C<»l. May had a very severe fall at Saltillo, by Ids horse tripping on the pavement which inclinestewards thecentrefrom each side. He 1 is doing well, and will be ready for duty in a few days. . Santa Anna is said to be very strong in ban Luis, having some 30,000voiuntcers, beside his regulars. Reports, however, are conflicting. The Mexicans are disappearing daily from this neighborhood —no doubt to join Santa The gamblers are collecting here in great num bers from Matamoros. A private belonging to the Louisville Legion was found murdered at the edge of the town this morning. The /th Infantry occupy the Plaza, and are the only troops belonging to Gen. Worth’s division left here. The officers who returned with Gen. Tay lor report having met with ice In Saltillo, whilst here we have all the evidence of a tropi cal climate around us. The health of the soldiery is generally good; some fever and ague, however, is still found amongst them. The volunteers are gradually perfecting themselves in drill, and are much belter calculated lor soldiers than upon their arrival. Yesterday at 10 A. M., all the Mexican officers and soldiers left town in compliance with orders of Geo,Tay lor, removing their hospital, &c. Those to whom I allude were left with ihesick---an act of clemency on the part of our commanding general. The post office arrangement is now complete, and we receive our letters with some regularity. A few days will decide the move ment of the troops when and where to. Further Mexican News. By the arrival of the schr. Martha Louisa, from Havana, we are placed in possession of our full and regular files of the papers of that city and our correspondence. We learn verbally that Gen. Woll, who was for many years in the service of Mexico, and who signalized himself in Texas and on the Rio Grande frontier, recently effected a landing at Laguna and had proceeded towards the Mexican capital. Gen W. is a Frenchman by birth, retired to his native country a year or two since with a fortune, and has the reputation of being a brave officer. The Diaro de la Marina is particularly ’well informed in Mexican affairs, and we gather from it some items. The chief of the Mexican difficulties arise from pecuniary embarrasinent, says the Diario. Santa Anna is continually calling upon the Government for means. The clergy, being called together by delegations, both of the regu lar and secular orders, refused positively to guarantee a loan of two millions of dollars; but the Government, considering the straitened circumstances of the treasury and the necessi ties of the state —quite too urgent to be provided lor by general contribution—had resolved to issue drafts for the amount of two millions of dollars upon the responsibility of the clergy, the clergy to be compelled to meet the same within two years—the Government recognizing the amount as a loan, to be ultimately reim bursed with interest at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum. To render these drafts at once available, the Government had determined to draw them for amounts from 200 to $20,000 in favor ot individuals ot wealth and according to their circumstances, and compel them to ad vance the respective sums within eight days. Such in the forced loan to which Santa Anna has driven the Government, which the latter excuses by alleging that “the clerical order, both secular and regular of both sexes, has al waysshown itself ready to make the greatest sacrifices.” We are yet to see how the church will digest this measure. The decree relative to the grant to D. Jose Garay, of the exclusive privilege of opening a communication between the Atlantic and Pa cific by the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, has been extended two years and otherwise modified so as to facilitate colonization. On the 10th of November, by order of Santa Anna, a grande mass was celebrated, all the officers of the army being present to implore the Divine aid for the happy issue of the war. The same night the termination of the armistice was to be celebrated by a grande serenade. The reports from Chihuahua were that the Government had organized a force of 1200 regulars and 10,000 volunteers, with fifteen pieces of artillery, and that all were to march against the enemy on the Bth of November. We do not believe the half of it. A communication had been received from Sinaloa, dated the 28th October stating that Capt. Flores, with a lew regulars and some volunteers, had routed a parly of North Ameri cans, It w r as added that at Los Angeles the Indians had massacred one hundred and fifty American sailors acting as soldiers. The negotiations between Com. Conner and other authorities at Tampico are given, but they are not important and we are crotvded for room. A private letter from Mexico assures the Diana that a good understanding existed be tween Santa Anna and the Central Govern ment, but that the necessities of the General were such that he was constrained to insist upon the forced loan of two millions. His army amoun ted to about 25,000 men the best arm oj which was cavalry. Gen. Taylor had suffered much from desertion and sickness, but the number of his troops was variously estimated. The Mexicans are continually apprehensive of a night attack upon San Juan de Ulloa. An attempt was made, they thought, the night of the last ult., but it resulted in nothing, hav ing been early discovered. We annex our cor respondent’s letter: Havana, Dec. 6, 1846. Dear Pic. —The British steamer is in to-day from Vera Cruz, and I send you an extra con taining the news as published here. Rumor adds somewhat to these, but you can judge for yourself. Santa Anna is said to have threatened to retreat to Clueretaro if they don’t send him the $2,000,000 that he has asked for, which great exertions are being made to raise. Some say he will fallback whether or no, in order to be nearer the capital on the opening of Congress. Propositions had been made to the British merchants for a loan of 20,000,000 secured by a reduction of duties on articles now prohibited. The moneyed and landed interest, it is said, are quite tired of the war, and Santa Anna’s retrograde movement may possibly be • in order to intimidate Congress into peace mea sures, while he apparently sacifices his am bition. The initiated suppose him not lobe inimical to peace. At all events he won’t meet the enemy—if it is done at all, some one else must do it. The blockade is not considered at all an effectual one; several vessels sent from here have discharged. An American sloop of war, said to be the Albany from New York, is just coming in. Yours, &c. AMIGO. From the N. O. Picayune 22d inst. Capture of Midshipman Rogers. The successful exploitof burning the Creole, a fast-sailing vessel supposed to be fitting out as a privateer and moored alongside the very walls of the castle of San Juan de Ulua, em boldened the officers of the Somers to under take fresh enterprises. One of these was a re , eonnaissance of Vera Cruz itself, with the in tention of ascertaining the locality of the maga zine and the feasibility of an attempt to blow it up, and on this hazardous undertaking a little parly, which Midshipman Rogers and Surgeon Wright volunteered to conduct, was made up. For two nights, favored by the darkness, the party pursued its reconnaissance ; on the third, after having obtained a most complete and satisfactory knowledge of the localities about Vera Cruz and ascertaining that their object I could be accomplished, they were surround r ed by a small body of Mexican lancers while I returning to the boat. Rogers and the only : sailor along with him were at once taken pri soners Mr. Wright, by presenting a pistol at r the horsemen, succeeded in keeping them off ; until he reached his men at the shore, when , they at once shoved off and succeeded in gaining the vessel in safety. Mr. W. did not dare fire, , thinking it might bring a large force upon him : i as it was. he had the satisfaction ot knowing g that he had saved the boat and her crew. Of the disposition made of young Rogers we have no definite information. One account has it that he was chained and marched of! by the Mexicans tothe cold and gloomy castle of Pe rote, but this needs confirmation. An act ol the British Consul at Vera Cruz is mentioned m one of our letters which does him great credit. It is said that on learning that Mr. Rogers was about to be marched to Perote, he at once start ed off himself in quest of him, or else sent the sum of SIOO, besides refreshments and clothing, for his comfort. It is certain that the gallant young midshipman, who has thus lost his liber ty while performing a hazardous and important service, was not at first started off for Perote, whatever may have since befallen him. We shall look for accounts of him with interest, as also of the unfortunate prisoners whom the ele ments have thrown into the power of the Mexi cans. vftljromcle auit Sentinel. AUGUSTA, Gi.! MONDAY MORINING, DEC. 28, 1846. The three Northern mails due came through last night, bringing us three days proceedings of Congress, which, together with another, we are compelled to defer, to make room for the melancholy tidings from our squadron in the Gulf. We shall endeavor, however, to bring up the lee-way to-morrow, and in the meantime remark that the proceedings of the lour days are not of exciting interest. The House was engaged in an angry war ol words upon the motion to refer the President’s message, which has taken into the discussion the entire policy ol the Mexican war. The President has sent in a message with ac companying documents, in response to the reso lution ol Mr. G. Davis, ol Kentucky. He as serts generally that the instructions were de signed for mere temporary governments—and that the Proclamation of General Kearney, which was withheld from him by the War De partment until after his annual message ! is not approved ! In the Senate, no subject of absorbing interest has engaged the attention of that body. Both Houses adjourned, on the 24th inst., to Monday, this day. <k Aid and Comfort.** Mr. Polk charges the Whigs with giving “ aid and comfort ” to the Mexicans, by their opposi tion to his course on the subject of the Mexi can war. We incline to the opinion that Gen. Taylor and the Whig officers and privates, as also the Democratic officers and privates of his army, have never given aid and comfort to the Mexicans. The Whigs have supported the country in the war. They have not mistaken Mr. Polk for the country, as he would have them to do, but placing him where he deserves to be put, under the ban and censure of the country, they have stood by the latter in ail its necessities for men and money. But the charge against the Whigs of giving “aid and comfort” to the Mexicans, comes with a very bad grace from Mr. Polk, does it not ? It seems to us that he gave no small “aid and comfort” to Santa Anna, Almonte, and a num ber of other Mexicans of ability and distinc tion, in ordering Commodore Conner not to op pose their return to Mexico. It seems to us that he gave considerable “aid and comfort” to the Mexicans, in permitting a return to them, of their exiled chief and favorite, and that hater of this country, the bold, brave, and able Almonte, whose heart was over-fraught with hot indig nation against us, and breathed nothing but a fiery desire to slake bis ambitious thirst for re venge with the blood of our people. How do the accounts from Mexico new read? What has become of the dimpled smiles and honied accents of Gen. Santa Anna, with which he overwhelmed Mr. Polk’s agent at Havana, in order, through him, to make a milksop of Mr, Polk himself? What carols of peace do we hear from the land of the enemy ? Who is now rallying the Mexicans to the field of battle, and imbueing their spirits with a detestation of the invaders of their country and a determination to conquer or die? Who is it that has healed their divisions and concen trated their martial ardor 'or resistance to the death 7 This man, through the orders oj Mr. Polk, has certainly been enabled to dispel the gloom of the Mexicans who look upon him as the star of their hope and destiny. “Aid and comfort” indeed ! This is “ aid and comport” of the most substantial character! But Mr, Polk was fooled by the Mexican chief! Was he ever known not to use every advantage to advance himself? But, from all that has been made known, does it appear that he promised to do anything that he has not done? What right had Mr. Polk to suppose that he would go counter at least to the wishes of his countrymen ? The Democratic papers would say, that Mr. Polk was deceived, and that he could not prevent it. That his inten tions were good. Suppose they were :is he not to be held responsible for his blundering weak ness 7 Admit for a moment that the Whigs by their opposition to Mr. Polk’s rashness may have in. directly, without intending it, given “ aid and comfort” to the Mexicans. The Democratic press will not admit that they may have been indiscreet with good intentions. Oh, no! they were traitors to their country. But when Mr. Polk gives positive orders to permit the return to Mexico of several brave and distinguished Mexican Generals, who have given unspeakable aid to the enemy, he meant no harm —he had the best intentions in the world —he has only been imposed upon , thaVs all. We deny, however, that the Whigs have af forded “aid and comfort” to the Mexicans by , their course. Thatls a slander upon them, bui we do aver that Mr. Polk has afforded them un questionable “aid and comfort,” though it may be with good intentions. His explanation has ; only shown his own folly and weakness. No man ol common sense could have calcu [ laled upon the resistance by Santa Anna, ol the r war spirit ol his country, nor could any other result have been anticipated but that which has j. taken place. Paredes, unpopular with both ar , my and people, would have been far less formi ; dable than Santa Anna, the favorite of both, > who could reconcile the contending passions of ‘ I ihedifferent factions, and bring all, united hrm j ly, to resist our arms. Mr. Polk may have had good intentions, but the “aid and comfort” which he has been the means of giving the Mexicans, will cost us, we fear, many gallant spirits and many mil lions of treasure. Wilmer & Smith’s European Times.— We take pleasure in calling the attention of our citizens to the fact, that Mr. Rodgers, an agent for this paper, is now in this city tor the purpose of procuring subscribers to the paper. Com mercial men are too familiar with the character of the paper to require any,commendation from us. The Packet Ship “Thomas P. Cope,” of Philadelphia, bound from Liverpool to Philadel phia, was struck by lightning, and set on fire on the 29th ult. Vessel and cargo a total loss. Passengers and crew, eighty-two in number, were taken off and have reached New York. The Philadelphia Ledger states that the Line ofTelegraph between that city and New York was broken in a number of places by the recent storm. A more substantial iron cord is being put up all along the line, which will ren der such accidents much less frequent. The requisition on Pennsylvania for a se cond regiment of volunteers for the war with Mexico, will be very promptly met. Gen, Scott. —The N. Orleans Picayune of the 20th inst. says: This distinguished officer, accompanied by Major Smith, Capt, Monroe, andLieuts. Scotland Williams, arrived in our city yesterday and took lodgings at the St, Charles Hotel. TheGen’l appears to be in ex cellent health and spirits, and we learn leaves for the seat of war in the early part of the week. Shipping from this Port. —Tweenty-one vessels cleared from this port yesterday, princi pally for foreign ports, namely: seven ships, four barks, three brigs, lour schooners and three steamers. Their cargoes consisted in part of 8235 bales of cotton, 8590 barrels of flour, and a quanity of laid, pork, whisky, lead and to bacco. — Pic. 20 th inst . Minister to Brazil. —We hear (says the Washington Fountain) that Missouri is to be honored with this mission, and that Senator Atchison will be the fortunate recipit nt. Correspondence of the Baltimore American Washington, Dec. 19, 1846, There are more volunteers to be called into the publicservice, besides those already added to the nine regiments of volunteers. Such at least the Government gives as a probability, and a strong one. It was said yesterday that the Jersey regiment would, in all probability, speedily be added to the volunteer service, it is probable, indeed, from certain indications given out that the Government really designs to make a vigorous war in course ol lime. Ihear, indeed, as a current rumor, that 20,000 march ing men may be put upon the route from Tampico. The rumor of a Lieutenant Gener al in the person of Col. Benton is believed by many. The appointment is ol a higher grade than a Major General, and would make Gen erals Scott and Taylor second in command to the Lieutenant General, who would be but one step removed from a Captain General; who, with us, is the President of the United States, made so as Commander-in-chief of the Army and navy under the Constitution of the United States. This is not a new proposition with the country, i believe, though I know not that a Lieutenant General has ever been appointed. One was proposed during the last war, and General Armstrong, I believe, was hit upon at the lime. At this time the proposition does seem to meet with much favor here, but wheth er from the great objections to the person pro posed, or the appointment itself, I cannot say. Mr. Polk’s appeal to Congress to pass no bills but such as are necessary for the vigorous pro secution of the war, and administration of the Government, i fear is likely to have its effect, and particularly as Mr. Daniels of N. C., the Chairman of the Committee on Claims, to-day made a violent speech against not only the very just claim which had been pending before the House during the day, but against nearly all of the claims before Congress. The Committee on Foreign Relations, of which Mr, C. J. ingersoll is Chairman, are summoned to meet on Monday. All impor tant natters connected wi'h our Mexican re lations will be subjects of consideration before thisCommiltee, and it is said that the Chairman will submit the same report which was prepared by him at the last session of Congress. That was a long and labored argument upon the Mexican question, proving that there was a good cause of war. Special Notices. MECHANICS’ BANK, 7 Augusta, Dec. 28, 1846. S IjyNotice.--An Election will beheld at the Banking-house on Monday, the 4thof January, 1947, within the hours of 10 o’clock, A. M., and 2P. M., for nine Directors, to manage the affairs of this institution during the ensuing year. d2B-td M. HATCH, Cashier 1. O. O. F. Washington Lodge No. 7.— A Regular Meeting will be held This (Monday) Evening at 7 o’clock. By order of the N. G, Dec. 28. V. LATASTE, Secretary. MASONIC NOTICE. on the table at the Globe Hotel, at 8 o’clock. d2B* Office Jacbson-strcetlce Company, j> Augusta, Dec. 17, 1846. $ jpr A meeting of the Stockholders will be held on Wednesday, 30th inst., at seven o’clock P. M. Full and punctual attendance is earnest ly requested. By order of the Board. dl7-twtf G. W. WINTER, Secretary. Kail Road Convention. O’ Agreeable to a resolution passed at the last meeting of the Rail Road Convention, an adjourned meeting of the same will be held in this place on the first Tuesday in January next. JOS. B. JONES, Secretary. Waynesboro, Dec. 12, 1846. dl6 Jackson, Teacher on the Piano Forte, Flute and Violin, respectfully tenders his services to the citizens of Augusta. References—Henry Parsons, Thos. Richards and T. S. Metcalf, Esqrs. N. B.—For terms, &c., inquire at H. Parson’s Music store. n2B 6m MARRIED- In Warren county, on the 22d inst., by the Rev. P. N. Maddux, Matthew Shields, E*q., of Warrenton, to Miss Amanda Elizabeth, daugh ter of Mr. Samuel Smith, senr., of said county. From the Picayune , of the 2 2d inst. LATE FROM THE SQUADRON. Total Wreck of the U. S. Brig Somers.— Great Goss of Life I By the a: iiv.il yesterday morning of the bark Morgan Dix, Capl. Hamilton, we have receiv ed dates Irom the squadron at Anton Lizardo to the atternoon ol Sunday, the 13th inst. The lull particulars of the melancholy loss of the U. S. brig Somers will be found below. Among the passengers on board the Morgan Dix were Purser L Warrington, Jr., of the Mississippi steam frigate, with his clerk, L. Hutchinson —both on their way to the North. By this arrival we learn that three men, sav ed from one ot the prize schooners recently wrecked, have been sent as prisoners to Perote. Five out of six persons, who were on board the prize brig Furnanle when she was wrecked, were lost. It may be recollected that three ves sels went adrift at the time: the prize steamer— we believe it was the Tabasquina—has never been heard of, and those on board were doubt less lost. The recent intelligence Tabasco is to the effect that the inhabitants ol that State are much disgusted with the neglect of the Supreme Government o Mexico in not aiding them. From the City of Mexico, not receiving any papers by this arrival, our intelligence is mea gre and unsaiisfactory. An opinion prevailed in the squadron, however, founded probably up on flying reports and rumors, that a quorum of the new Mexican Congress could not be got to gether at the lime appointed for its opening, the sth December. The Morgan Dix made her passage from New York to Anton Lizardo in fourteen days— eleven from Cape Hatteras, When she sailed there were lying at Anton Lizardo the follow ing merchant vessels: Brigs Oneco, Chinchilla and Garnet, loaded with coal, and the brig Abrasia, which had arrived in eight days from Pensacola, with provisions and stores for the squadron. Capt. Hamilton brought up a letter bag from the squadron. At 11 o’clock, on the 13th inst., Com. Conner arrived at Anton Lizardo from Tampico in the steamer Princeton. In the afternoon his broad pennant was changed to the Raritan. The Po tomac frigate came in the same evening and an chored under Green Island —lda Verde, as it is called by the Mexicans. When the Morgan Dix sailed from Anton Lizardo, the following U. S. men of war were lying near that place; Frigates Raritan and Potomac; steamers Mis sissippi, Princeton, Vixen and Pctrita ; store ship Relief; and schooners Bonita and Petrel. The U. S. schooner Morris —formerly the Laura Virginia-had sailed for Tabasco with provi sions, &c , lor the cutter McLane. The John Adams was blockading Vera Cruz in place of the Somers. The officers of the merchant vessels speak in warm terms of the promptness and vigilance of Com. Perry, who protected them by rowing a guard round their vessels at night when attacks by Mexican boats were anticipated. During the night on which the Creole was burned by the expedition from the brig Somers, a parly ofsix leen Mexicans, under command ol Captain Alsrnea, visited a small island called Salmesa, a place used as a deposite of coal for the U. S. squadron, where they found a man named Mur phy, generally known as Gov. Murphy, who has a family in this city. The Mexicans compel led him to inform them ot the precise situation and condition ot the American vessels, threaten ing him with death. Murphy recognized among the party a Mexican named Flores, with whom he was acquainted, and implored him to save his life, which he did. After being informed of the situation of the Morgan Dix, which was loaded with coal, they started with the intention ol attacking her, but were prevented by seeing a light on deck. It afterwards appeared that ( the cook had at that moment come out of the > cabin with a light to perform some duty on deck, and the Mexicans were learlul that they would be repulsed. We hasten to give the following full account of the loss of the Somers, furnished us by one ol our attentive correspondents, together with other letters giving additional details of the melancholy calamity: U. S. SacADnoN, Anton Lizardo, Dec. 9 b Gentlemen— 1 have been requested to make statement of the circumstances attending the melancholy loss of the U. S. brig Somers, while maintaining the blockade off the harbor of Vera Cruz. The wilier of this was a wit ness ot most of the occurrences detailed, and the narration may be regarded as every way authentic. On the evening of the 7rh inst. the Somers had taken shelter under Green Island, there being the usual appearances indicatinga north er. Early in the morning on the Bth, a sail was reported from aloft, Capt. Semmes got under way to chase, and stood out some miles, until he made out the John Adams, being on her return fiom Tampico, We hailed her ap pearance with great satisfaction, as Com. Per ry had already informed ns that she should re lieve us from the blockade as soon as she came in. As the wind had already hauled to the north, and the weather was threatening. Capt. Semmes at once ran back to Green Island, in tending to anchor as soon as he could regain his former berth, which we had proved in the previous gales to be sale and comfortable, be sides enabling us to maintain our station upon the blockade. On approaching the anchorage another sail was discovered apparently standing down for Vera Cruz, through the passage between Green Island and Blanquilla shoal, with the intention, as was supposed, of running the blockade. Ap prehending that the stranger vessel might suc ceed in herdesiga, Capt. Semmes was induced to change his purpose and run by Green Island, standing across the passage to intercept her, making short lacks between the reefs. The wind was then Ireshening from the north west, but Capt, Semmes hoped to be able to maintain his position until (he suspicious vessel approached, and to cut her off from Vera Cruz. To effect this object it was ne cessary to press the S :mers with canvass, in order to avoid falling to leeward upon the reefs, and finally to fetch Green Island an chorage. The Somers was exceedingly light, having on board only fourteen barrels ot provisions and about, six hundred gallons of water. After standing across the passage, the vessel was tacked and run back towards Green Island, and as we approached our berth Capt. Semmes said he would anchor; but as there was a lull at the moment, and the weather rather softened, he determined to hold on a little longer, and wore round and stood across the passage again. As we neared Pajanos reel, we tacked and stood for the northern point ol the Green Island reef The stranger vessel in the meantime came down rapidly, but showed no colors. While at this point, about half past nine o’clock, A. M., while Capt. Semmes was stand ing in the lee arm chest, observing the reel with his glass, the officer of the deck, Lt. James L. Parker, reported the appearance of a squall. The brig was then on the larboard tack, under topsails, courses, jib and main trysail Capl. Semmes immediately crossed to windward, and ordered the main sail to be hauled up, followed upon the instant by the order to brail up the trysail. The main sail was hauled up but the trysail took against the lee rigging and was in part brailed up with great difficulty, at the same i lime the htlm was put hard up. The squall i was now pressing her, the order was given by the officer of the deck to let go the lee maintop -1 sail sheet and on the next instant to cut away all tacks and sheets, Findingshe would not play off, Capt. Semmes ordered the helm to be ( put down, hoping to brig her to the wind. It was, however all unavailing. From the mo ment she commenced careening she continued to go over with great rapidity, and in thirty se ■ conds was on her beam ends. In less than ten minutes she sunk. The puff of wind was much more violent than could have been expected from the appearance of the weather The cident is, however, mainly ,- U e to the rvf r lighmcK. ol Ihe vc-sel. One*?, >,remc ?'7, *» ■'r* * had gamed the side ol thf* ves«e! or the * nr , Dr. Wright and Lieut. Parker plTng hrS the weather after port, were the first to reach the main chains. They were followed by several men, and an attempt was made, with sad means as were at hand, to cut away the main jigging, the men and officers using their nen knives and shea tn knives tor the purpose. Cant bemmes, who had been dashed on ihe lee side was now drawn from the water, and as soon as he gamed the side directed our exertions. The first lieutenant, the master, and' passed midshipman Hynson, with a large number o{ men, had by this time reached the side of the vessel, and were making strenuous exertions to relieve her other masts; but it was a fruitless effort, lor the brig was so far over that there was no strain upon (he weather rigging The small larboard quarter boar was in "the mean lime cleared away and dropped carefully round' leeward, and manned by her usual complement offive oarsmen. Midshipman Clarke, who had gained the maintop by swimming from the steerage hatch, was ordered by Capt. Semmes lo take charge of the boat. Finding that there was no chance of saving the brig, and that she was fast sinking, Capt.S. ordered Mr. Clarke to shove off with Dr. Wright and seventeen men, besides Purser Steele (who reached the boat by swimming as she was clsaringthe wreck, first inquiring if there was room in the boat for another) to pull for Green Island, about half a mile distant, and immediately to return it possible and save more lives. This order was at once executed, but not until some of those in the boat had solicited, by name, each of the officers left on the wreck to come with them. These officers resolutely declared that they would wait and take their chance with the brig. Passed midshipman Hynson, who had beer, partially disabled by a bad burn received in the firing of the Creole, was particularly implored to go into the boat. A lad by the name of Nut ter jumped out of the boat and offered his place to Mr. Hynson, and a man by the name ot Powers did the same thing. Mr. Hvnson re fusing both offers, those men declared that others might have their places, and (bat they would abide on the brig with Mr. Hynson. Capt. Semmes, who was in impaired health, was also entreated to go, but ret used. Lieut! Parker answered a similar solicitation by say ing he would drown with the brig. Lt. Clai borne and Acting Master Clemson held the same language. It is a remarkable circum stance that three ol the officers and a)t the men who acted thus nobly are saved. When the boat shoved off the gale was blowing with great violence and a heavy sea running, so that fur some moments it was a matter ot doubt whether the boat would live. Purser Steele at one time proposed to leave the boat for a fish davit he saw floating by. The boat, however, reached the island in about twenty minutes. As soon as the men were landed, Mr. Clarke, disregarding the most strenuous entreaties, reso lutely shoved off again with a volunteer crew at the imminent hazard of their lives. Less than three minute s after the boat left the brig, Capt. Semmes, finding the vessel settling under them, gave an order for every man to save him self. All simultaneously plunged into the wa ter, and graspedthe posts,gratings,spars, coops and oilier floating objects at hand. Many must have gone down from the wantof any support whatever: others struggled on frail floats to be finally drifted on the reefs and dashed in pieces. Some were driven to sea to he heard of no more, and others encountered the worst fate which could be apprehended in being devoured by sharks. Of near sixty who plunged from the wreck, only seventeen escaped. Thtough all of this appalling scene (he great est composure was observed by men and officers. There was no appearance ol panic, no exhibi tion of selfishness. Those who could not sv\ im were particularly enjoined lo go in the boat. A large man by the name of Seymour, the ship’s cook, had got into the boat. Lieut. Parker commanded him to come out in order to make room lor two smaller men, and he obeyed the order, but was afterwards directed to go in the boat, when it was found he could not swim. Capt. Semmes and Lieut. Parker were picked up by Mr. Clarke from a grating, and Jacob Hazard, yeoman, was rescued swimming near them. Those who have survived have told of many instances of heroic self-devotion The acting master, Henry A. Clemson, was struggling on a small steering sail boom with five others, two ol whom could not swim. He found that all could not be supported and he lelt and struck out alone and unsupported. He was seen for the last lime upon a sky-light and probably perished in the surf. The five men he lelt were saved, the two who could not swim being supported by their com rades, Amos Colson and John Williamson, This completes the history of our own efforts ; but with grateful hearts we have yet to mention the daring and devoted exertions of the foreign men of war. There were lying at Sacrificios, about two miles loleewardof the wreck, H. B, M. ships Endymion and Alarm and the brig Daring, com manded respectively by Capts. Lambert, Frank lin and Matson; the French brigs Pylade and Mercure, Capt. Dubut and La Yoyaire; and (he Spanish corvette Louisa Fernanda, Capl. Puente. As soon as the accident was disco vered the boats of all these were simultaneous ly called away. The crew of the Endymion to the number ot two hundred came alt and vol unteered. There was the most noble emulation as to which vessel should use the greatest ex pedition and persevere in the most strenuous exertions. The violence of the gale was such at that time that none ot the boats could pull against it, and it was with the deepest regret that Capt. Lambert and others in authority felt it lo be their duty to make signals recalling their boats. An hour or two afterwards, when there was a slight abatement of the gale, they again put forth at the peril of their lives, and succeed ed in saving fourteen persons and bringing from Green Island those that had landed there. The first lieutenant of the Endymion, Mr, Tarieton, rescued the first lieutenant of the Somers from Pajaros reef, which he succeeded by a miracle in reaching safely, but where his situation was most critical. The most gallant and well di rected ' fforts were made by the officers and crew in me boat of the Mercure. She rescued ten men at sea to leeward, on a spar. One hardly knows which lo admire most, the fore thought or the daring of this noble adventure. The risk was incalculable. Five boats repre senting each of the foreign vessels, reached the island, and look off 23 persons to their respec tive vessels, where they were received with a degree of kindness and delicate consideration which I cannot adequately describe, but which none of us will ever forget. They gave us re freshments and supplied us with clothes. I re gret that I do not know the names of all the ge nerous and brave officers who were in charge of the boats of the different vessels. I cannot however, forbear mentioning such as I have learned, viz: Lt. Wood and the gunner of the Endymion, and midshipman Jaliz, ol the Pylade. The strange vessel proved to be the Abrasia bound for the squadron at Anton Lizardo. She passed very near the Somers, but the catastro phe was so sudden that she failed to discover it. As soon as the boat landed at Green Island, Dr. Wright look the colors and had them hoisted in the most conspicuous place, in order to at tract the attention of the Abrasia, so that the accident might bo reported to the squadron. We were however to-day the bearers of our own sad story. BHHWI 'gi, B 8 The Mexicans saw the accident Lorn the mole* and cheered and exulted for a long lhe brig had been tor n long time engaged in the blockade, and had done more to interrupt tne commerce of the port than almost all the other vessels. Within the last fortnight both town and castle had been kept in a state of constant alarm bv the burning ot the Creole and other demonstrations which 1 presume you will heat of in due time. I have no doubt Ihe Mexicans were relieved when they saw her sink into the ocean. I append a list of the lost and saved Sf \ men ssved —37 lost. One officer, Mr. Rodger*.
