The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-07-31
FROM THE GULF SQUADRON.
Correspondence of the Baltimore Sun.

y. .. oHif ToToMAc, July 10, 1880.
The Princeton sails tomorrow for Pensacola, and
hasten to give you sketch Of the first skrmish
have ever witnessed. '.E
Last Monday the Princeton started, with the com.
mander on board, on cruise, as was supposed, OF
observation, for she ran in along the reef, and was
several times within gunshot of the case--at least
it appeared 80 from our anchorage--but she con-
tinued her course up the coast about twelve miles,
running within mile Of the shore until they found
the mouth of small river, which was the cam
mander's object in going, ''
The Princeton sent her boats on shore, well
manned and armed They found the water excel
lent; and meeting several bullocks, shot one and
brought il off. They offered to pay the peasentry
for it, but they refused, they did not own them.
The Princeton returned the same evening and crea-
ted quite an excitement, for it soon ascertained
the commodore Intended watering the squadron at
the river. ..' 'f
On the afternoon of the 7th the Princeton started,
and was soon followed by the Cumberland and this
ship; and about p. m we came abreast Of the mouth
Of the river about twelve miles north Of Vera Cruz
which, believe, is called the Antigua. On the
morning Of the 9Th the launches of the two frgates
zone cutter and two boats from the Prpceon start
ed for water, under the command of Lieut.. Boggs,
and bearings white flag, to endeavor, if possible, to
open trade with the peasanry for cattle and vegeta
bles, but they would not come near them. The
boats returned about a. m, bringing about 5000
gallons Of water They started again about 10 a
m, and had got some distance up the river when
the Mexicans opened IRE Of musketry upon them
from behind the hills and bushes on the bank of the
river At this critical moment marine that
had beer, sent to reconnotre returned at full
speed down the hill and reported there wcr from
five hundred to two thousand men behind the hill
The frigates launches also discovered thew had no
ammunition, and gave way like fine fellows. The
Pnncetons boats followed, firing a few random
shots into the bushes. Our men were entirely ex-
posed, and could form idea Of the number Of the
enemy, yet there but one injured, (Kerr Of the
Princeton) II was quito an interesting sight from
the frigate, for we could see everything distinctly
with the glass, both fight and boat race. But the
whizzing Of the bullets around the boats destroy
the interest TO those engaged in them They brought
no wuter this time but, receiving a full supply Of
ammunition from the Princeton, her captain took
the command, and of they started again for the
river. The steamer trimmed her long tom, and sent
several shells among the bushes, which kept them
quiet, and they brought off another load unn olested
On the morning Of the 9Th the boats went on shore
the launches for water and the Princeton's boats as
guard; the whole psrty under the command of Cap
tam Engle They landed on a long sandy point be-
tween the river (Which runs for some distance along
the COAST and the sea- and with the aid Of coal bags
filed with sand soon erected small breastwork.
The launch came of with full load, and lefl the
Princeton's boats the beach, but separated from
the chapparrels by the river, at this place about
forty yards wide, About O'Clock a. m. the Mex
leans commenced firing from their hiding places but
the steamer trained her long gun and fred several
shell with 80 much precision, that they dared not
show themselves. Tbs smoke from their n1uskets