Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-09-24
THE LOSS OF THE TRIJXTON

FROM THE NORFOLK BEACON OF TUESDAY.
The situation Of the officers and crew of the u
states brig IruXon, whilst lying upon the breakers
OH luXpan, near Iampico, awfully perilous
=, gale OF wind was blowing, and every surge of
the sea but rendered the condition of the brio more
hopeless as she rolled from side to side still she
did not Bulge. and there was possibility of her
holding together until the storm should abatc At
'niS moment there was cry of fire from below ;
all then turned themselves against this new enemy
and, rushing through the volumes of ascending
smoke, they were enabled to suppress it bv desper.
ate energy, not without the loss of their clothing
and at the expense of many bruises. But the gale
ala not abate, nor was there reasonable hope of
Succor unless 1t should from their enemies a
shore. At this time sail appeared on the opposite
side OF the reef On which they lay, and to approach
ana III FOE to take IT, within the range of DOS
sioiiity. The attempt, however, in such sea-
and during the fittings Of the brig, was sufficient to
appal the most daring But duty demanded that
the effort should he made, and Lieut. Bushrod
iiunter volunteered to make it nine of the stout
hearted seamen came forward to share the peril
with him, and soon, amidst the most intense ankle
ty OF those who remained, they were seen battling
wlh the breakers, opposing their strength and skill
IN seemingly hopeless contest. Often did the
hearts of those board OF the brig stand still as
the little boat, enveloped in the foaming waters
was hidden from view; it was gallant, but useless
they thought. and the loss of their companions was
but to Increase their distress. Soon, however all
thought of their peril was forgotten, and
shout OF admiration rung out from the crew. as Lieut.
Hunter and his men dashed over the verge of the
rect and were whrled into the comparatively smooth
eddy beyond it.
After while the vessel was boarded and taken
by the boat, and proved TO be a Mexican with a
crew OF thirteen. With this assistance they re-
turned and approached the brig, but it was mposs-
BILE to reach her Finding all efforts useless, Can't.
carpenter threw over from the Truxton a small
boat covered with canvass, which floated towards
the prize and which, being taken up, was found to
contain provisions and letter from Capt. C.. to
Lieut. H., with directions to attempt escape if Dos
sble. fO'
Lieut.. III. Immediately proceeded towards the
squadron. after taking another Mexican vessel and
In the course of the second succeeding night reach
ed the Flrt, Lieut. Sinclair, who at once supplied
them with clothing and such other assistance as
they stood in need of. This officer, with his boats
crew, soon after joined the St. Mary's where he is
now, together with Lieut.. Bergman, who upon
the strandlng of the brig had been sent in an open
boat to the squadron for assistance, and which he
reached after great hardships.
Capt. Carpenter and his officers and men (ffty
nine) delivered themselves up to the Mexicans.
and were kindly treated The Princeton left the
squadron Immediately upon Lieut.. Berryman's ar
rival, and succeeded in destroying the remains of
fhp o W