American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-09-25

IRILLING ACCOUNT OF THE BURNING OF
THE TRUXTON.
The following letter, written to Bishop Doane
Commander Englo, of the U. S. steamship
Finceton, gives thrilling account ofthe burn
of the ill-fated brig Truxton. The extracts
ON Com. Engle's letter commences when the
rinceton arrived off the bar, in sight of the
reck;
al stood in, and anchored in FIVE fathoms wa
|br; as close as could approach with safety,
nd where | could send shot through and
through her, and throw my shells on shore, if
ecessary. Immediately sent Lieut.. Boggs on
hore with flag Of truce. He crossed the bar
f Tuspam, through surf that would cause
he stoutest heart to culver; at times, his boat
as almost on end. Still, by his guidance, she
rossed it like duck,
81 directed Boggs to inform the commanding
bficer on shore, that would permit no one to
ist the brig, untilmy boats had been on board;
md that if he fired on them, would land and
attack him. Boggs then pulled for the brig.
The surf was so high he could not get on board,
lso he returned to the ship. That night, the
wind blew, it stormed and rained Next morn
ling, | took a boat, went in, and examined the
bar, sounded round and about il, and found the
surf too high to send the boats. Towards mid
|day, it cleared up, the swell went down, and
the surf appeared less angry. At the desire OF
the officers, manned the boats; with directions,
if there was the least danger, not to cross
Our boats are first rate, and my officers are Sc
cond to none. They pulled in with the boats.
! dire cted Lieut. Boggs to cad, Lieut. Rowan
to follow, and Past Mldshipman Stiles TO re-
main at the outer edge of the surf, to assist, in
case of accident to the crossing boats The
boats closed, and the officers consulted at the
entrance Of the surf. Lieut.. Boggs said Il can
crossp Lieut. Rowan said, I'lI follow!' was
in the mizzen top, My glass was on Lieut..
Boggs At times, his boat could not be seen.
Need | tell you Of the anxiety that felt at
that moment? In an instant, an officer at my
right, cried out, Rowan is capsized!' His boat
was struck by a sea on the larboard quarter,
and broached Another sea and another knock-
ed her over, and over and over; and once
looked on all as lost; for few men escape cap
size in surf. knew, by examination, that
the current in the river was strong enough to
carry out boat. For this reason, had sent
the third boat, to lie at the edge of the surf
The men chung TO the boat. At the first roll,
some were caught under her. Lieut.. Rowan
cheered his men; and one of them iii particular
assisted him. They drifted out. | saw them
receiving aid from the third boat. manned
other boats, and sent them to their assistance
"Well now, the question was, 'who were
lost?' was in great distress. To lose men in
a fair fight is expected but to lose them by
surf and sharks, is horrible. sent small
boat, and directed the officer, in case Rowan
was safe, TO pull off his hat and cheer; and i
all was safe, to throw up both hands Could
there be a nobler sight, than gallant officer
with hat off, and arms extended to Heaven, as
signal of safety, informing his shpmates, al
the distance of mile and half, that all were
safe? My heart was not in my body. 1t was
IN my neck and choking me. lay down IN
the top, till recovered myself. Our yards, rig
ging and top, were full of men, silent as death
until gave the word, 'all are safe.' God only
knows how, for some of them could not swim
The surf was so high, that the third cutte
could not go to them; but had to wait till the
current drove the boat and crew through it
seaward. There were sixteen on board eacl
boat.
"And where is Boggs all this time? He 20
safely through; but before he could get his boa
seaward he was within pistol shot Of about 81
men, with muskets ready to receive him.
where is the white fag?' said he. Search wa
made, but none to be found. who has a whit,