The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-09-16
LOSS OF THE TRUXToN.

We have already published the circumstances
attending the loss Of the "Truxton." The conduct
Of Leutenants B. W. Hunter and o. II. Bergman
deserves, however, to be more particularly noticed.
The Truxton struck on the bar near Tuxpsn on
the evening Of the 18th August and Lieutenant Ber-
ryman was at once despatched in an open boat, by
Commander Carpenter for assistance. He succeed
ed in reaching the squadron on the 18th, and re-
ported to Com. Conner
On the 10Th a small vessel was seen standing to
the port of Tuxpan, 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
After unsuccessful attempt to board the Truxton,
Lieut. Hunter anchored astern Of the brig. On the
morning ofthe 18th the brig hoisted flag of truce,
lowered out the dingsy with sail battened her
and cast her adrh. The current carried her through
the breakers, and Lieutenant Hunter took posses
sion Of her. She contained some articles of provs-
ions, and letter to him from Commander Carpen-
der, in the following words:
al have resolved to surrender the brig, and you
are at liberty to your discretion about going in.
| shall ask TO have assistance sent TO you immedi-
atey.
"E. w. BARTENDER"
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, vessel
came In sight, which he determined to board. He
put his prisoners below, and leaving two men to
guard them, gave chace to her in the dngsy, with
seven men. After long chase, he captured her.
She proved to be Mexican shooner loaded with
Indian corn, bound to Vera Cruz, and having crew
five persons. On board Of this schooner he retained
FIVE Of his men, and placed the remainder board the
first prize with directions to sail for Green island
The vessels were separated at night by squall.
On the 2lst he gave up his schooner to Lieutenant
Sinclair in the 'Prt," and the next day reported
to Commodore Conner. The other prize was de-
vered over to the United States brig Somers, I"
and the crew reached the "Cumberland" on the
23d.
BY his energy and discretion, Lieut.. Hunter thus
succeeded not only in saving himself and crew with
the first prize, but also in capturing, with her cargo
and crew, second schooner belonging to the Mex
leans What could be more spirited and firm than this
chivalrous conduct 1t Hunter 1t is feat upon
small scale, indeed but it ennobes the navy; for the
same energy which performs such bold achieve
ment is competent to accomplish brilliant deeds up
on much larger scale. One of the finest, and vet
most modest sentiments which was ever uttered at
the festive board, the toast of Commodore De-
catur, at dinner given to'him in Philadelphia after
one of his splendid victories When his name was
toasted, he modestly dscaimed any extraordinary
merit for what he had done; declared there were
hundreds in the service who could have done as
much or more, and that his only advantage was in
having the opportunity to do it. He would drink,
therefore, to all his brother officers in the navy
"OPpoRTUNITr."
The Princeton, (Com. Engle,) on the Goth, at
halfpast one p. M, discovered the Truxton on the
bar, and anchored near her On the 3d. 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. Everything Of consequence
had been taken out of Der, except chain cable.
Her fore and foretopsail yards taken on board
the Prnceton and being out of the question to get
her over the reef seaward, she was set on fire.
The Truxton was built at Norfolk in 1s42. Her
burden was about 33l tons.
Commander Carpenter landed on the 18th with
his officers and men. No communication has yet
reached the department from him on the subject OF
the loss of his vessel; but he is known to the Ser
doubt, give good account of himself