The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-12-31
OFFICIAL DISPATCHES.
relative United States
Brig sonlers.
UNITED STATES STEAMER MISSISSIPPI
Anton Lizardo, December IL, 1916


Anton Lizardo, December II, 1916.
Sin In the absence OF Commodore Conner, becomes
my painful duty TO inform the department OF the unior
tunate loss OF the brig Somers, which vessel capszed
and sunk IN heavy gust (the commencement OF a
northern the day before yesterday, about 10 o'clock, m
BY the enclosed papers, il will be seen that OF seventy
SIX persons composing her crew. thirty were lost
including two officers, Acting Sailingmaster Clemson,
and Passed Midshipman Hynsen Many OF the remain
der saved by the extraordinary exerons OF the OH
GERS and men OF the English French, and Spanish yes
selsoi war lying al SACRIFICES, and IN full view OF the
scene OF the disaster In the midst OF strong gale, and
at imminent hazard they put of in their boats and sue
ceeded in saving fourteen lives Indeed there was DIS
played the occasion by these gallant men generous
rivalry in the struggle to be foremost in the noble and
daring enterprise.
Nothing was known OF the affecting accident at this
anchorage until yesterday. Early in the morning, sent
the steamer Petrita TO Sacrhcos with dispatches for
Commodore Conner TO be put board English yes
sel-oi-war about sailing for Tampico; The officer in
charge Of the dispatches, going board the frgate
Endymlon learned for the first time the distressing intel
hgence, and met there several Of the Survivors, all OF
whom had been received in the kindest manner
They were lately embarked board the Petrita,
and, after visiting the spot where the "Somers sunk,
and examining the neighborhood of the reef the steam
er returned and communicated to US intelligence of the
sad calamity.
- The sloop, of.war 'John Adams" and the American
brig "Abrasa," passed TO the "Somers" shortly
before The fatal accident She was then seen standing
of from the reef.
The "Somers" had been performing the most active
blockading duties for several months, exposed every
NlClSslluut Ol ana lne ''JOnn ADAMS, lOm-
mander Mckinney had been ordered to take her place
Her long and arduous cruise would have ended to-day
tomorrow, and nothing deains the "John Adams"
from going 10 but renewal of the gale which makes
il mpraccabe and dangerous for her 10 leave her pres
ent anchorage
The moment the weather moderates she will assume
the blockade and II necessary, will be towed out by
steamer the commander of which will have orders again
to examine the vicinity Of the wreck in the hope Of
covering some OF the bodies. Commander McCluney,
while cruising IN the neighbohood, will also be instruc
ted to keep diligent watch for the same object
incose herewith a copy of the report OF Lieut.
Commanding Semmes, with list of the Of the
yiyors OF the wreck well Of those who lost
also ncose copies of communications, which my feel
ings OF gratitude and duty prompted me address the
naval officers at SACRIFICES, at the first of hear
ing OF their most generous and gallant acts
have the honor to be your most obedient servant
NJ. c. PERRY
The Hon. JOHN Y Mason,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, d. c.
p, S. The "Somers" is said TO have sunk in deep
water.