The Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1834-184?, 1846-09-17
LOSS OF THE TRUXTON.
U. S. SQUADRON VERA CRUz,p
August 30, 1916. {


On Wednesday afternoon, 18th, August, news
reached Com. Conner that the U. S. brig Trux-
ton was or shore on the bar of Tuspan at P
M. the Princeton under way tor her relief,
and although the night dark and stormy,
was alongside of her in twenty hours; found
her in possession of the enemy. AS soon as the
Princeton hove in sight, the Mexicans retreated
and sent their launches up the river. The
Princeton stood in tor the Truxton and anchor
ed within hali-gun shot, having the brig as
well as the houses under her guns. Captain
Eagle sent boat on shore, in charge Of Lieut..
Boggs, with flag of truce, to enquire tho fate
oil the crew, and was informed by the command
ing officer that the brig was surrendered on the
l7th instant, and the crew gave themselves up
a prisoners OF war. This was sad news to US,
who anticipated the pleasure of aiding our ship
mates anu OF heavlhg the brig Oft with flying
colors. Lieut.. Boggs had orders to board the
brig and ascertain her state; this he failed to
do in consequence of the strong current sweep
ing under the bow rendering it dangerous for
one boat to attempt it for fear of capsize.-
The authorities were informed that no person
would be allowed TO board until the Princeton's
boats had been there. The night of the Goth
was dark and stormy, blowing in squalls, which
caused high surf ON the bar, breaking entirely
across the river; manned a boat and sounded
as near the bar could approach, found
on the northern shore we could get the Prince
ton within two cables length of the brig; en-
tertained great hopes of getting her off. At
noon the swell and surf was evident decreas-
ing; manned the boats to board. Lieut.. Boggs
succeeded in crossing the bar. Lieut. Rowan's
boat broached to and was thrown over and
over. The third boat, under Passed Midship-
man Stiles, was ordered to remain at the outer
edge OF the surf TO aid IN of accident, and
which succeeded in saving Lieut.. RPS boat and
crew.
Here amusing circumstance took place.
Lieut. Boggs was carried to within hall pistol
shot OF about so men armed with muskets
ready to receive him. Said he, where is the
white flag had yesterday? None to be found
Who has q white shirt? | have, said the boats
vain, who was with him. Off goes the lower
half of it, which he stuck a boat hook
| Boggs pulled up boldly, jumped on shore, sez
ed the officer by the hand, and cried ont Show
are you, old boy!" A few questions asked anC
answered and away goes Boggs to The brig :
/ This joke created laugh throughout. The
| crew required reaction, concern 10. thu
fate of Lieut.. Rowan and his crew were sin
cerey felt
Next day. Saturday 22nd, the brig was board
ed and found bilged, and had been driven al
most over the bar. and there was no possible
chance of getting her off Sent down her low
err and topsail yards and towed them TO the Prin
i ceton; then placed two loaded shells in her bow
and one in her stern below the spar deck, pilet
up matches. doors, &C., Il, about her masts AM
fred her. Il the most beautiful sight eve
Il saw-shells bursting, fire raging, sea bird
screaming, sailors cheering, ali iii the midst o
the toaming surf in The centre OF the river Tus-
4 pan.
The Legare is here, having brought despatch
es for Com. Conner. Lit. Parker left the flag shi
for Vera Cruz-eannot say for what. The Com
is close frog IN January. Nonews what
ever from the city of Mexico, no preparations
for war-no movements to repel attacks, al
dead door nail. Santa Anna is in Mexico
"a few days will bring some thing out. | tho
had seen it rain under the line, but its not
''circumstanee' to this place. l let last nigh
to see if it was not web-footed-as for expedi
tons they must be scarce, no boats pull u
the rivers the ireshes are strong; all attack
must be made foot II any are made, Jacl
must 'mark time" or no fight.
Yours truly, PErRoNE,