CHRONICLE AND SENTINEL
IJY J. vv. & U. S. JONES.
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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*.
