Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1846-12-03
Bombardment of Tobasco.

LIT 4NSW OIlSdHS papers VI Idlu are ulleu WIN
accounts of the taking of Tobasco by the American
squadron Letters state that the vessels by which the
place taken were still there; they are, the
steamers Mississippi, Vixen, and McLane; revenue
cutter Forward, and schooners Bonita, Refer and
NOneta. The entrance to have been made
without opposition, and a parey held between Com.
Perry and the city authorities AS the Americans
retired from this interview, however, it stated
fire was commenced upon them, and they were obliged
to return stop the batteries, and chasse the people
of the place. But the accounts altogether, much
confused, consisting only Of reports taken to Cam
peachy by Yucatan pilot boat, captured and after
ward released by the squadron under Com. Perry.
Since the above was in type, arrivals from the
squadron direct give authentic particulars Of the
affair at Tobasco.
Past Midshipman Gibson, of the Refer who was
engaged in the bombardment at Tobasco, arrived in
charge OF the schooner Armada, of the prizes
taken there. Mr.. G. left Point Lizardo nine days
since. We understand from him that another expedi-
ton IN preparation, was believed for assault
on TampicO He also informs us Of the capture of
the bark Plymouth, and that she is on her way for
this port under command of Acting Master Rodge
of the Mississippi. The Telegraph, Mexican prize,
Is also on the way here
Lieut.. Morris, who was killed at Tobasco, is a son
of Commodore Morris He was an Aid Of Commo-
dore Conner, and was acting a volunteer Aid Of
Com. Perry when he was killed. He had been dis
patched TO order Lieut. Parker, whose sloop had run
ashore, and attacked, to abandon the vessel,
which had no buwarks and was within dozen yards
of the shore, with but twenty men against eighty.
As he rose in the boat to draw the attention of Lieut.
Parker, and deliver the order, he shot through the
neck, and died in two days AFTER the wound morti-
flying.
The u. S. vessels at Point Anton Lizardo, were
the flagship Cumberland, trgates Raritan and Poto-
mac, steamers Mississippi and Princeton, together
with the gun-boats and six prize vessels.
The McLane aud Forward were at Tobasco, the
Porpoise at Tampico and the ST. Mary's and Somers
bockadng Vera Cruz.
The health Of tie squadron was excellent.
For further particulars we avail ourselves of the
following SUMMARY from an extra of the Pcayune of
this morning.
Squadron consisting of the Mississippi, Commodore
Perry Vixen, Comr. Sands; Bonita, Lieut.. Cong
Benham; Refer, Lieut.. Serret; Nonia, 1t Hazard; ;
revenue steamer McLone, Capt. Howard; revenue
cutter Forward Capt. Nones; 200 seamen and ma
rines from the Rarian and Cumberland, under COM
mand Of Capt. Forrest; Lieuts. Gest, WInslow,
Walsh, Hunt, Capt Edison and Lieut.. Adams, of
the Marines. Left Anton Lizardo the 10th Oct.
and arrived at Frontera the 23d Captured steam
Perita and Tabasyueno and several small vessels.
9th and 18th assembled the river ID miles TO Tobasco
the current very rapid; towed by the Petrta and
Vixen, passed DEVILS Turn at p. NJ, landed and
spiked four 24-poundets.
Arrived off Tobasco at ) P. NJ and anchored in
line ahead, distant 80 yards from the shore. Sum-
moned the city 10 surrender Governor refused
Fired three shots from the Viren-oDe hit the flag
staff Of the Fort, and the color fell we thought
that they had surrendered. An officer came off with
the request that would spare their Hospitals which
was granted. At O'Clock, landed 200 seamen and
marines but as was loo late to attack the fort they
were ordered on board. Some skirmishing ensucd,
but none of US were hurt This Sunday, and the
Commodore was somewhat reluctant to commence the
attack on that day. Captured one brig, and three
/ IL, MA
schooner before we arrived at Frontera and another
passage up the river-making in all, one brg
FIVE schooners, two steamers, one slcop, and many
small craft and lighters.
Monday Goth, at daylight, sharp fire of musketry
from shore, which returned by our great guns
whenever heard report. Firing continued for
some time at intervals, when a white flag was shown
by the civilians shore, doubt with the consent of
the Governor. Sent off petition to the Commodore
to spare the town, which granted adding that he
only desired to fight the soldiery. Got the prize
under way aud made every preparation for return
ing; white flag flying all the while. Lieut.. w. A.
Parker got on shore with his prize vessels, the
city, and attacked by about eighty soldiers whom
he beat off with eighteen men, losing only one and
having two wounded. This affair lasted thirty min
utes. Lieut.. c. w. Morris despatched to him
with orders, and passing the heavy fire of the enemy
was wounded in the neck by musket ball.
Lieut.. Morris stood up in his boat and cheered on
the men most CALAMITY until he fell into the arms of
Midshipman Cheever, who was with him. The Com
modore then commenced cannonading in earnest from
the Viren, Bonita, Nonita and FORWARD, and in the
space of half three-fourths of hour almost de-
molished the city-sparng the houses of the foreign
Consus and such appeared TO be inhabited by
peaceful citizens.
AT about midday the feet left Tobasco and as it
passed the different streets at right angles with the
water fred musketry and great guns, and swept them
completely of every living thing All the prizes
saved with the exception of one, which was burnt by
the Commodore's ORDER it having been found impossi-
BILE to get her clear of the - DEVILS Turn,' rapid
pass in the river.
Arrived at Frontera on Sunday night at midnight
inhabitants all peaceful, having been kept in dur
ing our absence by Lieut. Walsh and his command
The revenue steamer McLane struck while attempt
ing TO pass the bar, and dld not succeed in getting
over until the affair at Tobasco and the return of the
vessels Her marines, under Lieut.. Brown, were on
board the Patrita during the 18th and 26h. AL the
prizes were duly despatched and arrived at Anton
| Iizardo The patria, on her return under command
of Lieut. Best captured the American brig plymouth,
Capt Patterson engaged in dscharging cotton at
Ayarado bar Lieut. Morris died on the LIST inst on
board the Cumberland, and buried with the honors
of wal at Lizardo.
The Mexican force was 800 regular troops, with
four peccs of cannon, besides unknown number of
armed neasants: all of whom were posted in strong
military works, or in the occupation of stone or brick
houses hence, we could only reach them with our
great guns and at every disadvantage.
A COURAGEOUS WoMAN.-Mrs Harriet Hoyt, wife
of private James Hoyt, Of Capt. Washington's COM
nan, left Carlisle about the middle Of August last,
ttaking with her child about two years of age,) with
the intention of joining her husband, who had march
cd to Texas with his company She arrived In safety