Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1830-02-02

The HORNET. In introducing the sub
joined letter from the commandant of the
West India squadron, the New-York Jour
nal of Commerce remarks =" She was built
at Baltimore in 1903, and was the Oldest
vessel of her class in the Navy. There
were but five older of any description, viz.
the United States, A, Constitution. "A, Con-
stellltion, Sc, all built in 1797-and the
Congress, SO, and John Adams, "a, built in
1899. She was rated at 18 guns, but mount
ed 90 Though small ship, she was hon
ourably distinguished in the last war, hav-
ing captured or sank, in different engage
ments, the British briggs of war Peacock
and Penguin, of about equal size with her.
self, and another brig of 10 guns, having on
board upwards of $4,000 in specie. Her
great age, Notwithstanding repairs, must
have rendered her unfit to encounter a
heavy gale, and least of all such gale as
that which was experienced on the 10th of
September. The loss of the ship, however,
is not worthy to be named in comparison
with the hearts of oak" that persisted with
her. For these, though their grave is the
ocean, monument will be raised more du-
rable than marble, in the hearts of their
countrymen."
Extract of letter from Commodore Jesse
D. Elliot, to the Secretary of the Navy,
dated u ship Falmouth, before Vera
Cruz, December 5th, 1899.
Respecting the HORNET, it becomes my
painful duty to convey information, which,
doubtless will be received with feelings of
deep melancholy, as well by the Govern
ment as by the relatives and friends of those
composing her officers and crew. The in
formation contained in the accompanying
letter from Capt. E. R. M'Call, of the Pea
cock, hut too fully realizes the conjectures
had previously entertained. Capt. Nor
ris, her commander, had, previously to the
10th Sept. interposed his official authority
in rescuing the person and property of one
of our citizens from the power of the Span
,ish invading army. On the 10th Sept. a
gale, unusually severe, came on, which
proved highly disastrous to all the vessels
anchored along the coast. The Hornet,
in common with others, was compelled,
by the violence of the gale, to stand off
the coast. In this attempt, however, she
faied-and from some cause which will
probably never be reached, foundered; and
all on board sunk into an untimely and la
mented grave.
Euogy from me on the character of Capt
Norris would be superfuous. The whole
Navy bear ample testimony, botn to his
private worth, and to his superiour profess
sional qualifications.
The loss of the Hornet having occurred
several weeks previous to my assumption
of the command, am consequently not in
possession of list of the ships company
entire, at the time the occurrence is suppos-
cd to have taken place. must, therefore,
beg leave to refer you to the last return to
the Department.
The loss of the Hornet being an occur
renee of no ordinary nature, calls for the
attention of generous Government to the
relief of the widows and orphans of those
unfortunate officers who have left families.
Those on whom alone they depended for
support are now lost to them. Nor will it,
trust, be overlooked that, while living,
they were engaged ina pursuit which de-
prived them of the means, enjoyed by others,
of acquiring competence for the future.
! lin conformation OF the above il is stated
that number of hats, suchas are worn by
seamen of U. S. vessels, with the word
:" Hornet" on them, have drifted ashore on
the coast in the vicinity of Talnpico.l