Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1847-04-13

morning al 8 o'clock.
With great respect, am sir, your obedient
servant NJ. e. PERKY,
Commanding home squadron.
The Hon JoHN Y. Mason, Secretary olIhe Navy,
| Washington, ID. G.
FLAG SHIP MISSISSIPPI,
Of Vera Cruz March 25Ih, lS47.
| Sir: The sailing OF the Princeton This day for
the United States offers me an opportunity OF IN
| forming The department that Gen. Scott had, on
the 22t instant, The day alter assumed COM
mand Of The squadron, 50 far completed the erec-
ton Of his batteries in The rear OF Vera Cruz as
10 authorize The summoning Of The city, and on
the refusal Of the Governorlo surrender, OF open
ing his fire AT three O'Clock OF that day.
| In conformity with arrangements made in The
morning with Gen. Scott, Idirected The floilla OF
small steamers and gun boats OF The squadron,
led by Commander J. Talnall, in the Spfire, 10
take position and commence simultaneous
fire upon he city The order was promptly and
CALAMITY executed, and The fire was kept up with
great animation until late in the evening.
On visiting them al their position, found that
The two steamers had nearly exhausted their am
munition, but having received fresh supply du-
ring The night from this ship, they at sunrise
moved TO more favorable and advanced point,
and resumed and continued their fire until re-
called by signal.
AT The earnest desire of myself and officers, &C.
neral Scott generously assigned position in the
trenches, 10 be mounted with guns from The squad
ron and worked by seamen. Three S-inch paiI-
hans and three long 32-pounders, Gall that were
Ieouifed,) were consequently landed, and, after
immense labor in transporting them through The
sand in which parties from the divisions OF Ge-
nerals Patterson, Worth, and Pillow. respective
" detached by those officers, cheerfuy paricipa-
ted the pieces were placed in position and opened
upon the city about 10 o'clock yesterday, mmc-
dia,ely drawing upon them a sharp fire from the
enemy, which IN short time killed and wound
ed Ten OF the detachment from the squadron.
In order to give all chance TO serve in the
trenches, for The honor Of which there is great
though generous strife, have arranged that de-
achmenls from each ship, in charge respectively
Of licuenants, and the whole commanded by
captain or commander, shall be relieved every
iwenty-four hours Captain Aulick, assisted BY
Commander Mackenzie, and several leutenants,
had the direction Of mounting The guns and open
no the fire, and we'll and bravely was The duty
performed. Captain Mayo is now in charge,
and will BIZ relieved in turn.
The Ohio arrived on the 22d instant, but IN
consequence ola norther, did not reach her pro-
per anchorage until Yesterday afternoon. De-
lachmen;s OF boats from all the vessels are en-
/
ports The stores and munitions oil The army.
Enclosed is list OF the killed and wounded as
ceItained up 10 this hour, III meridian) with
The report o! Captain Auiick; also list oil The
small vessels comprising the Aolilla OF The squad
ron, all OF which were engaged on the 22d inst.
| have he honor 10 be, Your most ohedient ser
want NJ. c. PERRY,
Commanding Home Squadron.
Hon. JonN Y. Mason, Secretary Of the Navy,
Washington DC.
FRIDAY, March g. l547.
Sir: The detention Of The Princeton enables
me 10 inform lhe department Of events mp 10 This
hour, no ANY
Captain MAYO and his party have returned,
having been relieved in the batteries ty delach.
men, under Captain Breesc hardly need as
sure the department that The parry under Capt.
Mayo sustained, with unabated courage and
spirit The admirable IRE Of the naval battery
The nombardmenl from The trenches was con-
tnued through The night. a heavy nor,her now
blowing Che third in fire days,l has prevented
communication with the shore since last even
ing. Several merchant vessels have been thrown
this morning ashore by the gale
The report Of Capt. Mayo is enclosed, as also
an additional lisI oil killed aGd wounded. Among
the NAMES oil The killed will be found that OF
Midshpman I. B. Shnhfick, a most amiable
and promising young officer.
have the honor 10 be- your mos, ohedenl ser.
want, M. y. FEhRf,
Commanding Home Squadron.
To The Hon. JOHN Y. Mason, Secretary Of the
Navy. Washington city, D. G.
SUNDAY, March %, lSa7.
SIa: am happy to inform you that The City
and Castle ri Vera Cruz. surrendered yesterday
IT. fOt