The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1846-12-29
Burning Of the Mexican SchOo-
ner Creole.

The subjoined account of the burning
of the Mexican schooner Creole, under
the guns Of San Juan de Uloa, is from
an officer of the Somers. There was a
touch Of downright "devil-mav-care''
courage about the transaction, which is as
refreshing as the adventures whereof we
find mention in novels and songs of
knightly minstrelsy. 1t was boldly and
calamity done, and evlnces the ripeness
of our navy for deeds of utmost daring.
The narrative does not in the least detract
from the merit of the exploit. The mat
ter and manner are gcrmane.-Picayune.
L. s.. Brig Somers, (Bioekading2
of Tera CRUZ Nor. 81, 1916.
The squadron nave not yet returned
from Tampico, but we had heard that the
place had surrendered without any resist
ance. While the rest of the feet have
been thus engaged, we have felt that our
lot was indeed unfortunate to be left to
blockade the port Of Vera Cruz inglori-
Ously alone. We have, however, not
been altogether idle; for last night some
of our officers projected and executed
quite a brilliant affair, which, If not so
important in a military point Of view, had
a spice OF bravado which was certainly
creditable. 1t was the burning Of a Mex
lean schooner, moored within pistol shot
of the castle. She was the Creole, well
known at New Orleans as q packet, and
| believe somewhat notorious for her con-
nexion with 4 certain slave question
which was a subject of diplomacy some
years ago. She was about four miles
from our anchorage, and had been an Eve
sore TO us whenever we were in sight OF
the town. The feasibility 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 Off
GERS, with five men, in 4 single boat.
The officers engaged were Lieat. J. L.
Parker and Passed Nidshipmen j. r.
Hynson and Robert c. Rogers. The af-
fair was finally started on the impulse Of
the moment, without the c~ognizance Of
the captain or the first lieutenant. Sever
al of the officers of the vessel. who were
knowing to the plot, were extremely anx-
iOus to participate in It's execution, but
the limited accommodations of the boat,
united with the probability of having
prisoners 10 bring back beaides her WI
crew, precluded more than three officers
going consistently with prudence. We
were all sangulne OF success, and as It
proved we were in the right.
The boat started at ii O'Clock at night,
and at half after l the schooDer was fred
The affair was not altogether wanting in
adventure. which have not time to de-
tail in full, were it worth your while to
read nv account.
On nearing the schooner, the boat was
discovered by her crew, and the alarm
was given by hailing the castle. The
bells Of the castle were rung and the
lights Of the town displayed. This did
not, however, deter our brave fellows from
boarding the schooner and selling her on
fire. Seven MexicaRs were found on
board. and forced into our boat as prison.
crs, and landed at SacriGci0s. In setting
fire 10 the train, the first attempt failed
the light was then accidentally extin-
guished-every thing looked ominous Of
failure. The use Of firearms would have
/ provoked the fire Of the castle. One of
the Mexicans was forced to find fire, with
a pistol at his head. 1t was a single
coal, and ii was on the point Of going
out. To save the last chance, MIR. Hvn-
son then poured powder from his hand
upon the coal. and succeeded. tie was,
however. considerably burnt. After 60
ing into the boat, in order to make sure,
the officers returned and made a second
fire in the hold.