The native American., 1838-04-07

and interests on this part OF her maratime r0nter
when both are assailed in the most wanton and
aggravated manner, we feel ourselves constrained
to inform you of an occurrence that has recently
transplred, which it may be your duty to inquire
into with view to such reparation as circumstan-
ces may warrant your demanding for your insul-
ted country.
Leaving Galveston on the morning Of the oath
inst. for Velasco, we soon afterwards discovered
two Mexican vessels of war; one brig, under a
press of canvass, making for us; the other large
ship lying at anchor. The latter soon got under
weigh and joined the chase, but after following
us for three hours they both gave it up. Landing
our passengers at Velasco, and taking on board
several others, we stood on our course for New
Orleans; and when about ten miles from Velasco,
we again discovered the same vessels that gave us
chase in the morning. The brig shot across our
starboard, and the ship closed on larboard bow,
efectually to intercept our flight, if attempted.
We kept the national colors flying from the mo-
ment we raised our anchor in the morning; also
the private signal of the Columbia at the main.-
On dividing, in order to prevent our flight, at lit
tie more than musket shot distance, the brig hois-
ted the Mexican colours, and fired a gun loaded
with grape and ball, which passed within short
distance of us; shortly after another gun, with
grape and canister, which passed close under our
bow; the ship at the same moment hosting her
colours, being very short distance from us, fired
ball which fell on our starboard side. The brig
again fred at us with grape and canister evident
lly aiming at our colours, as one of the shrouds
connecting them with the mast was cut through,
and the flag at the same time perforated by the
ball.
Although we were lying perfectly still, the en-
gine being stopped, and within FORTY or FIFTY
YARDS of the brig, these acts Of violence were
manifested. Capt. Wright, feeling justly indig-
nant at such gross outrage to his country's flag,
demanded what they wanted OF him, and why they
continued to fire upon him when he was entirely
at their mercy! They replied, I'VE want your
papers" Captain w. rejoined, "Come and get
them, and Cd d--n you, if you fire another
shot at me, I'll blow you to hell" Immediately
three muskes with buck and slug were fired at him
as he stood alone by the wheel house on the for
ward deck. AT that instant the engineer let the
steam partially escape, which from its strange and
Extraordinary noise to those brave Mexicans, eau
sed one and all, with solitary exception, to fall
upon their faces, apprehending we suppose, that
captain Wright intended to put in execution the
threat he uttered few moments previously.
This ended the encounter. Captain Wright
then proceeded triumphantly on his way without
being searched, and we cannot let this opportun-
ty pass without awarding him that praise which is
peculiarly his due, for the firm and manly stand
he took in sustaining the honor Of his country,
leaving him the proud and grateful reflection that
he would not at the iminent hazard Of his life suf
fer stain to be inflicted on her '.Star Spangled
Banner"