Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1838-12-28
VOL. XH--No. COL

which have directed to you, for whatever
purpose you may think proper TO make use
of. The 9Th day of November was fixed
upon for the final issue Of the message 10
the Mexican government from The French
Admiral. According 10 reports in the
morning, q courier had arrived, bringing
their answer, which was, "War 10 the
blade, and from the blade 10 the hlt."
During the morning the French squadron
proceeded with three double banked fri.
gates. four soops of war, as many briggs
and bomb vessels. and took their position
abreast Of the Castle without any inter-
ruption, at about one mile distant-the
weather being very fine and perfectly calm.
| AT half past 2, p. M. the bombardment
| from the French fleet commonwealth that
instant the Mexican colours were hoisted
on the Castle, and the fire promptly re-
turned.
| The fire was continued by both sides
without cessation, till between the hours of
Of and 5. p. NJ, when the bombs from
the French fleet having taken effect, Two
severe explosions took place in the Castle,
which for some time completely enveloped
it in smoke. Upon clearing away, we per-
ceived that the observatory which was
situated on tho highest battery, from which
the warmest fire was kept up, was entirely
demolished. The other explosion took
place in the low battery, burying in their
ruins upwards Of 200 men, and dsmountine
, upwards Of 10 pieces artillery, according
to the accounts received from town.
The firing from both sides continued until
T 8 o'clock, at which time that from the
= Castle ceased.
I The next morning by a despatch from
I town, we were informed that the loss in
: the Castle was 400 men killed and wounded.
t among whom were 50 officers. The
o second in The command Of the castle, Col.
e Celia. Of the battalion Albania, being among
o the number killed.
From the French squadron no authentic
v information has been received OF their loss;
J.. yet you may fotm an opinion, when | as
e sure you that the frigate Ephiglnle alone
IN received upwards of 100 round shot, accor'
IS ding to the report Of an officer Of the u.
n S. sloop OF war Ere, who visited the
3. French Admiral the morning after the
action. During the night flag was sent
~ from the Castle to the French Admiral.
I'd demanding cessation of hostli,ies, tor the
/, purpose OF extracting the bodies OF those
m killed and wounded from the ruins caused
III by the explosion. The same morning,
rs between the hours of 10 and IL, number
a, Of boa's left the squadron and proceeded
TO 70 the Castle. The French having pos
p session Of the Castle, the town must either
a. capi,ulate or be destroyed; nevertheless.
So it is well fortified in all It's passages, every
J., ot,~~t L~i"; Ur.riouded. Inc troops ara
On numerous, and appear to be in good spirits.
he An officer Of French vessel Of war
informed us tina, the Castle had capitua.
nd TED, and that at e O'Clock the French flag
WOnlu ha hni Tod hch lu
tn done at 2 o'clock, under a general salute
by from the whole squadron. consisting Of 27
he vessels Of all classes, including 2 steam
ships.
ID The capltu'ation says that the French
are to remain IN possession of the Castle,
be the Mexican authorities retain full possess
ms sion of the city. exercising all their func'
gu tlons as before. 1000 troops only to retna 10,
on the balance 10 90 into The interior.
ny | was given to understand that the
ief French Adniira had issued circulars 10 all
ny the Consuls opening the port to al flags.
lis The interior of The Castle. and almost
all the lower batteries, are destroyed by
ed The explosions, and The effec, of the bombs
on The bursting Of single bomb Of 80 lbs
destroyed The observatory as before men
p. TONED, buryng number OF troops in liz
m. ruins.
he The Prince de J0inville in command o.
ew the sloop Of war Creole" behaved in Q
ice most gallant manner. which came under
or my immediate observation, as | was wilhir
i,b pistol shot Of The French fleet when the
bic bombardment commenced.
re. Thus has this celebrated Castle. hereto
md fore deemed impregnabIe, yielded 10 Q
de- petty force after five and half hours
OF bomba rdment. The number of shot free
an. from The French squadron, is said to b
n" upwards Of 5000 and from the Castle
hat about 1900
on ON unable to give you any further de
ice tails. as we sailed The same afternoon at I
o'clock, Cor this place.
re am sir, your obed't serv't.
Ill