Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1846-11-19

iron nc Washington Union, Now 6
Late from our Squadrons I'm the Gulf
and on the Pacific. III
Eztraet Of Letter from csmmsdsrs csansr 70 tAs Sc
evsisry Of iAs Nsrys
~. S. sun CvxskRIAsp.
"Orr VISA CRuz, Oct IL, 1886.
-" is with feelings OF deep modification that .pprire
the Department of the failure OF another attempt enter
the river of Alvarado.
ION the morning Of the 18th, li,to after sun ri.e
reached the euancs Of that river with the steamer Vixen
the three gunbosu the prize schooner Nonats mounting
four and the vessels schooner and
steamer McLaue, accompanied by the Mssi.sppi Com.
Perry. II intended tho latter should the
battery, while tho smaller vessels the bar was
found, however, she could approach near enough 70
make impression the work with her shells This
battery mounted guns and Immediately behind IT,
on an elevated knoll, was platform, which was mount
cd pvotgun. knowing the small power Of the steam.
which depended the small vessels over the
bar. and up the river desirous Of having
wind to assist them. For this purpose delayed moving
until nearly O'Clock. but seeing prospect of the
usual breezes setting determined to proceed The
s division, composed Of the Refer and Boats in tow
OF the Vixen, got under and followed by the
cond division, consisting Of the Nonaa Forward and Pc
uel towed by the Mcsne As they approached IN. bar
the became stronger causing to steer
badly. and lessening their progress more that milo
or mile and hall. the hour.
1.-The first division continued to advance steadily and
had been sometime engaged with The battery whom had
the modification to the MeLane aground on the bar
and the vessels she had in tow foul OF each other
greatest disorder.
As evident support could be from the
second division for tme n ALL and as the three
vessels composing the first wholly to pros
ecue the attack they could pass the battery with
with which We were engaged constrained to order
the Vixen to be put about and repass the bar.
at be well to observe here that besides the bat
the entrance Of the river another at the town
one and-a-ha miles distant Of three guns brgs
each mounting nine guns sch ooner, of guns and
two gunboats each carrying long 2t-pounder-a dis
posed command the channel. By the time the Vixen
Joined her the McLano again ahoat without having
sustained any material injury IL obvious however
her draft on feet two inches great to pass tho
bar in its state Generally there arc from thirteen
TO fifteen feet on H. and my information led me TO believe
should find that depth now but late foods have
badly lessened it, sounding previously to entering
there barely twelve feet The Vixen struck twice in
going though drawing only seven feet The current
also stronger in the river than expected and even If
she could the bar felt convinced the power of the
McLsne was inadequate to make head against IL with any
vessel in tow: These the d.y being
far spent-induced me- however much against nv incna
ton to abandon any further attempt TO enter the
river.
Except for short time from early 10 the sprinr to the
commencement OF the rainy season. one not
with them can have any conception of tho difcue. at
tending naval operations this coast The north winds
during the winter months sudden and violent accom-
panied by high seas and strong cunens. No Judgment
can be formed as 10 what moment they may commence
Under such circumstances opinion may be easily FORM
ed Of the difficulty Of landing body Of men on the open
coast and also OF the danger from the elements attending
it, am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,