Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-01-26
Extract of letter from Commodore Jesse ID. Eli
NJ in the Sec retarY of the Navy, dated

Extract of letter from Ccmrodoe Jesse ID. Eli
nj, to the Secretary the Navy, dated
'U. s. Sur FALMouTn,,
Before Yera Cruz. Dec 5th. 1920
Respecting the Hornet, it becomes my pai,aul duty
to convey information, which, doubtles, viii be re-
ceived with feelings OF deep melancholy, well by
the Government by tho relatives aud friends of
those composing her officers and crew. The infor
nation contained in the accompanying letter from
Capt MCul, of the Peacock but too fully realizes
the coniectures had previously entertained. Capt.
Norris, her Commander, had previously to the 10th
Sept n,erposcd his official authority IN rescuing the
person and property of one OF our citizens from the
power of the Spanish invading army. On the 10Th
Sept, gale, unusually severe, came on, which pro-
we'd highly disastrous tn all the vessels anchored
along the Coast The Hornet, i'll common with 9TH
ers, compelled by the violence of the gale, to
stand off the Coast In this attempt, however she
failed, and from some cause which will probably he
yer be reached, toundred; and all board sunk IN
| to an untimely and lamentcd grave.
| Eulogy from on the character of Capt Nor
ris would be super fluous. The whole Navy bear am
pie testimony, both to his private worth and to his
superior professional qualifications. With him arc
numbered L.cutenants, Daniel FL. Mackay, Jesse
Smith, john Ia. Thonius, John Hamilton; Surgeon
William Birchmore Purscr Robert Potliugcr; Ac.
ting Master, Edward Schern.erhorn; Assist ant Sur
goon, J. Z. Whitchl; Midshipnfen, James N. For
syih, Gust r. a. Brooke. Charles A. CCnnelI, Ed
| ward Laub, Richard l. Tghman, Samuel |. Wash
mgton Masters Mate. Thomas w. Robinson; Ac-
ting Gunner, John Burns; SAIL Maker, JOHN Adams
The loss of the Hornet having several weeks pre-
vions to ASSUMPTION OF the command, am consequently
not i'll OF ais, OF the Ships Company entire
ma the supposed have place must,
therefore, beg leave to refer you TO the last The Depart
uIent
The loss of the urnt being occurrence of ordinary
nature calls for the attention OF generous Government
eei OF the Widows ana orphans OF those OF her unfortunate
officers who have LEI, families. Those whom they
depended for support lost them vii, it,
trust, overlooked thu, living they engaged in
pursuit which deprived them of the means, enjoyed by 9th
Copy of letter fom Master Commandment EDWARD r. Nc
Cali, to C1mnodore JESSE, - EAIorr Commanding U S
on sacraiicioas, Nov a7sh 1923
have the honor 10 ,n1r you in pursuance of your insruc
oeeded to the Of Mexco, end examined the shoes from
Tampco this place. but could intelligence the
u. S Ship Hornet, until the list when
was informed she driven from mooiss off Tampico
blow the 1Oh September ist since winch
time there has been tidings of her.
Since parted with you a. Pensacola no,lng of conse
the been able 10 ties, it, answers
my fullest expectations
From The .Noyfoh (Virgip;a) Free Prey.
FaEEpoM OF THE PRGss.-rhis expression is ia;
mar to Us ALL and Is even habitualy used in govern
nens where the press so far from being free, is I'M
der strict inprinutur vigiiant censorship and nm
qualified veto of the lrdlngs Of Tie land as to the
matter OF publication whether of theological poll
teal, or neral character. Yet there. they uk print
and even boast Of The liberty of the press. On the
other hand, some suppose, and assert, through
the medium OF its columns that their press is free
3 because the editors with impmnty indulge in the
most lIcentlous course, and pour the government
lfed scurriy. They are in both instances lnistak-
en- The liberty of the press is to be found in
state of serViiity to government party or in that
o RIGHTEOUSNESS which dashes its in the face of
all whom it opposes dslikes without legal restraint
moral inhibition.
Toconvince sensible of disintcreste ed feeling,
therefore, that either the the other should be
termed freedom ofthe press, would be impossible; as
much to make effort to snatch the sun from
the armament, to chain the fuaming torrent ON the
brink of prccipice, Canute-lihe bid the sea re
fro ian trn0r 70 la ri
medium between these extremes. There is no me-
dunn where all is error, consequently, whure both
principles wrong entirely, right can grow out
of either. But hat we term the freedom of the
press, is, dignifed and honorable artiality in eve
ry emanation from IT, whether concerning the govern
ment, parties, individuals, by lis editor; whe
Their appreciation or offence follows having due re-
gard to the interest Of the country the feelings of
individuals, to cbastcness of language and to truth
press conducted upon these principle, is free, and
valuable indeed.