The Mississippi Creole. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1841-1851, 1846-12-19
From Me Peayune.
nurning Of the creole.

Burning of the Creole.
The subjoined account of the burning of thu
Mexican schooner Creole, under the guns o
San Juan de Ulua, is from an officer of thu
Somers. There was touch of downright
''dev-il msy cure" courage about the trans
action, which is as refreshing as the
adventures whereof we find mention in
the novels and songs of knightly minstrelsy
1t was boldly and CALAMITY done, and evince'
the ripeness Of our Navy for deeds Of utmost
daring. The narrative does not in the least de-
tract from the merit Of the exploit. The mat.
ter and manner are german: -
DEAR PIc-The squadron have not yet re-
turned FROM Tampico, but we have heard tina,
the place l. . surrendered without any resist.
ance. While the rest of the feet have been
thus engaged, we have felt that our lot was in
deed unfortunate to be left to blockade the
port Of Vera Cruz ingloriously alone. We have,
however, not been altogether idle, for last night
some of our officers projected and e,ecuted
ssite brilliant affair, which, if not 30 very
important in military point oil view had spice
of bravado which was certainly creditabe. 1t
was the Burning of Mexican schooner moored
within pistol shot of the CASTLE She was the
Creole, we'll known at New Orleans as apacket
and believe somewhat notorious for her con-
necIion with certain slave question which
was subject of diplomacy some years ago
She was about four miles from the anchorage
and had been an eye-sore to us whenever we
were in sight of the town. The feasbi of
burning her at her moorings had been for some
time discussed, and last night she was set on
fire and destroyed, by three of our officers with
five men in single boat
The officers engaged were Lieut.. J. L. Parker
aud Passed Midshipmen, J. R. Hynson and
Robt. c. Rogers The affair was finally started
on the impulse OF he moment, without thecog-
pizance of the captain O. the first lieutenant.
Several of the officers of the vessel, who were
knowing to the plot, were extremely anxious to
participate in its execution, but the limited ac-
commodations o the boat, united with the prob
ability of having prisoners to bring back, be-
sides our own crew, precluded more than
three officers going, consistently with pru-
dence.
The beat started at al night, aid at half
after one the schooner was fred. On nearing
the schooner, the boat was discovered by her
crew, and the alarm was given by hailng tho
casiic.-The bells of the castle were rung, and
the Lights Of the town displayed This, how
ever did not deter our brave fellows from board
ing the schooner and setting her on fire. Sew
en- Mexicans were found on board, and forced
into our boat as prisoners, anG landed at Sac
-gfcios. In setting fire to the train, the first at.
empt failed, the light was then accidentally ex-
linguistic everything looked omnous Of fail
are.
The use Of fire arms would have provoked
he fire ofthe castle. One of the Mexicans was
forced to find fire, with pistol at Ms head. 1t
was single coal, and it was on the point of
going out. To save the last ,chanes Mr. HyDson
poured powder on his hand on the coal, and |
succeeded. He was, however, considerably
burned. After going into the boat, in order to
make sure, the officers returned to make Sec
md f.e in the hold, and having no other means
# carrying the fire they tore up their SHIRT tails.
which burned remarkab IDLY well. The Mexcans
aust be somewhat astonished when they find
ut how many diverse purposes Yankee shirt
1ay be put to the other day at Tuspan il was
flag truce-that is, fathom of me was.
Yours, &c. J.