Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1846-09-19
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We have already published the circumstance attending
the loss Of the "Tux,on!" The conduct Of Lieutenant-
b. W.. Hunter and q. ii. Bergman deserves, however, to
be more particularly noticed.
The TruSton struck on .hc bar near Tuxpan on the
evening OF tho 18th August, and Lieutenant Bergman
was AT once despatched in an open boat, BY Commander
Carpenter foi assistance. lie succeeded in reaching the
squadron on the 18th, aud reported to Com. Conner.
On the 10th a small vessel was seen standing TO tho port
OF Iuxpan, and Lieut.. Hunter, with nine men, proceeded
in the cutter to take possession Of her. They forced their
way through the breakers, and captured the vessel, which
proved To be a Mexican schooner, with thirteen persons on
board. Alter an unsuccessful attempt TO board the Tru1-
ton, Lieut.. Hunter anchored astern OF the brig. On the
morning OF the l7th the brig hoisied a flag Of truce, lower.
ed out The diagey with a sail bat,ened over her, aud cast
her adiift. Tho current carried her through the breakers.
and Lieut.. Hunter took possession Of her. She contained
some articles Of provisions, and a lettos 10 him from Com.
mander Carpenter, in the following words:
al have resolved to surrender the brig. and you arc a, Ii
berry to use your discretion about going in. | shall ak
TO have assistance sent to you immediately.
az. w. CARPENDER.'
Thus left TO his discretion, Lieutenant Hunter reduced the
number OF his prisoners, by sending nine Of them ashore in
the cutter, and made sail for Vera Cruz. On the evening
Of the 18Th, a vessel came in sight, which he determined TO
board. He put his prisoners below, and leaving two men
to guard them, gave chase to her in the diasey. with seven
men. After a long chase he captured her. She proved to
be n Mexican Schooner loaded with Indian corn, bound to
Vera CIuz, and having 4 crew OF five persons. On board
Of this schooner. he retained five Of his men, and placed the
remainder On board the first prize with directions to sail for
Green island. The vessels were separated at night by n
squall. On the 2lst he gave up his schooner to Lieutenant
Sinclair IN the 'Elirt," and on the next day reported to
Commodore Conner. The other prize was delivered over
to the United States brig 'Somer," and the crew reached
the "Cumberand" on the 23d.
BY mis- energy and discretion. Lieut.. Hunter thus sue
eeeded no; only in saving himself aud crew with the fire,
Plze, but also IN capturing, with her cargo and crew, n
second schooner belonging to the Mcxieans. What could
be more spirited AMI firm than tins chiyalrous conduct of Lit
HunteTl II lisa feat upon a small scale, indeed; but il en-
mobiles the navy; for the same energy which performs such
a bold achievement Is competent to accomplish brilliant
deeds upon a much larger scale. one of the finest, and vet
most modest sentiments which was ever uttered at the fes-
tive board WINS The tOnst nf Com nosaNnr nj . H., -.
TO him in Philadelphia, after one of his splendid victories.
When his name was toasted, he Inodesily disclaimed any
extraordinary merit for what he had done; declared there
were hundreds in the service who could have done a. much
or more, and that his only advantage was in having the Oh.
porinlty 10 do It. He would drink, therefore, to all IN. broth.
er officers IN the avy:-"OPFoErUNITY."
The Princeton, Com. Eagle on the 20th, at half-past
one Z. NJ, discovered the TruKton on the ba., and MI
chOred near hear. On the 22d. the brig was boarded by
Lieut. Boggs. She was bilged in eight feet water, and the
water was within three feet OF her spar deck. Every thing
OF consequence had been taken out Of her, except n chain
cable. Her fore and ~foTetopsail yards were taken on board
he Princeton, and II being out Of the question TO get her
over the reef. seaward, she was set on fire.
The TmNton was built at Norfolk in 1912. Her burden
was about 1871 tons.
Commander Carpenter landed on the l7h with his OIL
GERS and men. No communication has yet reached the
Department from him on the subject Of the loss of his yes-
sci; buthe IS known to the service as a gallant and meri,o-
nous officer, and will, no doubt, give a good account OF
himself.