Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1846-09-24
Loss of the TruxtOn.

We have already published the circumstances at
tending the loss of the 81 Truxton. The conduct of
Lieutenants B. w. Hunter and o. H. Bergman de-
serves, however, to be more particularly noticed.
The Truxton struck on the bar near Tuxpan on the
evening of the l4th August, and Lieuenat Bergman
at despatched in open boat, by Com
mander Carpenter for assistance. He succeeded in
reaching the squadron the 18th, and reported to
Com. Conner.
On the 10th 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 cap
tured the vessel, which proved to be a Mexican
schooner, with thirteen persons on board. After an
unsuccessful attempt board the Truxton Lieutenant
Hunter anchored astern of the brig On the morning
of the 18th the brig hoisted flag of truce lowered
out the digey with sail battened her, and cast
her adri The current carried her through the break
ers, and Lieut.. Hunter took possession of her. She
contained some articles of provisions, and letter to
him from commander Carpenter, in the following
words:
81 have resolved to surrender the brig and you are
at liberty to use your discretion about going in
shall ask to have assistance you Immediately.
E. w. CARPENDER.''
Thus left to his discretion, Lieut. 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
chase TO her IN the dingey, with seven men. After
long chase, he captured her. She proved to be a
Mexican schooner loaded with Indian corn, bound to
Vera Cruz, and having of FIVE persons. On
board this schooner he retained five of his men, and
placed the remainder on board the first prize with d.
rectlons to sail for Green Island The vessels were
separated at night by squall On the 21st he gave
up his schooner to Lieut. Sinclair, of the "Flrt,"
and on the next day reported to Com. Conner The
other prize was delivered to the United States
l. A. al i Al o.
land the 23d.
BY his energy and discretion, Lieut.. Hunter thus
succeeded not only in saving himself and crew with
the first PRICE but also in capturing, with her cargo
and crew, second schooner belonging to the Next
What could be more spirited and firm than this
chivalrous conduct of Lieut. Hunter! 1t is feat
upon a small scale, indeed; but it ennobes the navy
for the same energy which performs such bold
achievement is competent to accomplish brilliant deeds
upon much larger SCALE One of the finest, and yet
most modest sentiments which uttered the
festive board was the toast of CON- Decatur at o
dinner given to him at Philadelphia after one of his
splendid victories. When his name was toasted, he
modesy disclamed 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 bro
Their officers in the navy: OPPORTUNITY
The Princeton, (Com. Engle,) on the Doth, at half
past p. M, discovered the Truxton the bar,
and anchored near her. On the 22d, the brig was
boarded by Lieut.. Boggs. She bilged in eight
feet water and the water within three feet of her
spar deck. Every thing of consequence had been
taken out of her, except chain cable. Her fore and
foretopsail yards taken board the Princeton,
and it being out of the question to get her over the
reef seward, she SET ON fire.
The Truxton built at Norfolk in 1912. Her
burden was about 33l tons.
Commander Carpenter landed on the 18th with his
No, hoc
the department from him on the subject of the loss of
his vessel but he is known to the service gallant
and meritorious officer, and will, nc doubt, give
good account of himself.-Uni
In the United Kingdom of Great Britain there are
oao n \ I'LL