Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1847-04-08
From the New. Orleans Picoyunc, March %.
Investment Of Vera Cruz.

OF TIE AMERICAN
TROOPS NEAR VERA CRUZ = IN
VESTMENT OFTIlE CITY-CAPTURE
OF MEXICAN OUTWORKS-SklRM J.
Sill Nc WITH THE ,ENEMY-CAPT.
ALBURTIS KILLED-.POSlTiON OF
THE ARMY-CONTiNUED CANNON.
ADE, &c.
The schooner Portia, Capt. Powers,
arrived this morning, at ? o'clock, direct
from Vera Cruz, whence she sailed on
the 18th INST. by this conveyance we
have received numerous letters from
Mr.. Kendall, MIR. Lumsden and Mr..
Halle. We are also indebted to Capt.
Powers for al condensed statement Of
occurrences up to the time of his de-
parture, which we insert, together with
a letter from Mr.. Halle and two from
Mr.. Kendall-the lateness Of the hour
forbidding more.
1t will be seen that thus far the ope-
ralions of the army are entirely saiisiac-
tory. 1t is gratifying to read ofihe gal
lantry and enthusiasm displayed by the
navy in their cooperation.
.Memorandum furnished by Capt. Pomers,
Of The schooner Poriia.
Schooner Portia, Capt. Powers, eight
days from Tampico anchorage, but was
detained to the south and east of Vera
Cruz by heavy north gale untll the
18th inst. The U. S. squadron aud all
the transports left Point Lizardo for
Sacrifcios on the OH inst with IL 900
troops. On the morning Of the 10th a
landing of all the troops and marines
were effected within three miles of Vera
Cruz, without much opposition from the
enemy, rs the landing was well cover
ed by a constant discharge Of bomb
shells and round shot from the U. S.
steamers aud gun boats anchored near
the beach and in front of the landing
Immediately after au organization of
the American forces on the beach, they
took up line of march over the sand
hills, to the attack Of tho onemy's out
posts and fortilicatons, situated from
one to three miles from the castle and
forts ofthe city. They carried every one
by storm, not, however, wlthou, losing
seventeen men.
On the llih and 10Th the American
forces were employed in throwing up
broastworks and digging entertainments.
Occasional skirmshing took place with
the enemy, who were throwing showers
of bombshclls and round shot from the
castle and city, but without much effect.
During this time the seamen were land
ing provisions mad ammunition from the
transports.
Onthe l2th, a strong gale set in which
cut off all further communication. We
left during the norther and as we were
unable to make progress to the north,
believe that it was impossible for our
bombs and shells to be landed until the
18th inst, so that the bombardment OF
the castle and Vera Cruz did no, proba.
bly, commence until the Goth.
There was some feats of bravery dis
played on the llth, in which Col. Dick
erson of the Palmetto regiment, South
Carolina, was wounded in the breast by
musket ball from the enemy ,and Capt
Alburtis, of the Cd infantry had his head
shot off by 52-pound ball. The same
ball broke n drummcr's arm and took
off II private's leg.
But on the same day the American
army had gained complete possession o
all the notifications OF the enemy which
were raised by them to stop our troops
from approaching the city. All the
wa,cr.pipes leading to the city were
cut Off and all the communications efloc
tually stopped, Gen. Scott landed il
person on the lth inst.
A French barque run the blockad,
and moored under the walls Of the cas-
tie on the morning of the 18Th, and many
of our transports were ready to leave
for the United States as soon as tht
Northcr was over. This vessel bring
dispatches and letter bags from ever,
vessel in the Gulf squadron then n
II Gocr;fcios