The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-11-15
OFFICIAL.

Y YARD, VERA CRUz,
22d October, 1877.

NAVY YARD, VERA Cruz,
22d October, lsi7.
Sir: In my communication of the 9th of August
mentioned that had just returned from Alvarado TO
which place had been suddenly called in consequence
of the assassination by party of guerias of Sergeant
Chase and private Magee, of the marines, who. in COM
pany with another marine were attacked in the outskirts
of the town by persons supposed to be residents of the
place.
1t seems that two large country canoes, loaded with
Mexican cotton had been seized by of the vessels of
the fotla The cotton was deposited in the custom
house at Alvarado and the canoes hauled on shore.
In the night "a very dark one) people of the town
broke into the public warehouse carried off sixteen bales
of the cotton, and removed the two canoes The follow
ing day. Sergean. Chase and two prvates while searching
for the cottonn consequence, is supposed of false
intelligence purposey given to draw them into ambush
suddenly attacked by large party the outskirts
of the town, and though only partly armed, they defend
ed themselves desperately, killing of the party and
wounding several others. Chase and Magee were killed;
the other private escaped to give the intelligence
Ga examining the Mexican who was killed. II was ascer-
tanned that he resident of the town. Whereupon,
Lieut. Com. Fairfax who was IN command OF Alvarado,
very properly arrested the acade and caused him to be
detained board OF the vessels of the iota until
could be consulted On my arrival, caused three other
citizens OF the place to be arrested and detained until the
murdeers should be given up to justice and the stolen
property returned then ordered two vessels to be seized,
as pledges for the return OF the canoes AT the same
tme fined the thousand dollars for the benefit
of the families OF the murdered marines.
After giving these directions, ! returned to i.zardo,
where personal attention TO the sick was much need
ed, leaving Commander Buchanan at Alvarado with in
structons TO enforce the orders had gwen.
This duty was executed by that iudcous officer much
my satisfaction, will be seen by reference to copy
OF his report, herewith enclosed 49,
The fine imposed upon the town will be forwarded,
throurh the department, TO General Henderson, with
request that be Transmitted equal proportions f the
Department sees obection) 10 the families OF the
dered marines with the understanding that the
deceased persons have relations who may be IN
want then il be disposed of by General Henderson,
in such proportions he may deem proper, 10 the
widows or orphan children of marines who may fall in
the present war.
have the honor TO be- with great respect sir your
obedient servant, M. Y. FERRY,
Commanding Home Squadron.
Hon JOHN Y Mason, 4n
Secretary of the Navy. Washington.
u. s. SHIP "GERMAsTowx
Anton Lzardo, Both August, lS47
SIR have the honor to report my return to this ship
from Avarado, obedience to your instructions of the
2sth inst which were handed to by Lieut. Com.
Overton Carr on the 29th
On the evening Of the 26th instant Don Tomas Teeda,
acade pro empoe of Alvarado, paid into my hands the
sun of one thousand dollars demanded by you the
18th nst from the citizens OF that town. in default Of the
non delivery of the murderers OF Sergeant Chase and
private Magee OF marines The alcalde has also promised
that fresh provisions shall be furnished regularly to the
United States vessels stationed al Alvarado
In consequence of the demands made by you on the 26
instant having been complied with by the authorities and
citizens of Alvarado released, you directed DON Flo
as hostages on board the "Hecla" until such demands
were complied with. also directed the communication
between the two shores to be opened
On my departure from Alvarado placed in the hands
of Lieut. Com Fairfax the officer. instructions 10
his government, a copy of which enclose TO you.
also enclose copy OF a receipt given by me TO Do'
Tomas Tejeda Tor the amount paid by the czens o. Al
varado for the benefit OF the families OF Sergeant Chas
and private Magce
Since your departure from Alvarado on the 2sth inst