The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-05-16

Perrys flagship the frgate Raritan the cqryettos
Germantown, Albany, John Adams, and Decatur; the
steamers Spthre, Vixen, and Scourge the gInboats
Refer Bonita, and Petrel-and every preparation
made for commencing and finishing successful attack
upon the forts and city the following morning The
small steamers were ghtonod 10 enable them to
cross the bar by removing part Of their coal mass,
spars rigging &c. and on tine 18th inst, at daybreak,
in towards the mouth OF the river with the
fgate and all the light draught vessels each having
squadron. The Mississippi anchored in fvo fathons
water, within mile Of the breakers and all things
were in readiness boat-load after boaoad debarked
from the vessels stood in for the shore dashed through
the breakers into tho smooth water Of the river and
then landed their men in safety the beach,
The small steamers with the gunboats in tow. likewise
ploughed their way through the foanng SURGE safely
crossed the bar and anchored where there scarcely
a ripple the surface Of the water Commodore
Perry came board the steamer Spitire Commodore
Tattuall and hoiscd his broad pendant Just about
that time Mexican troops were discovered some
distance above. on the bank Of the river appa-
rent!y engaged in throwing up breastwork and in
.tanty the order was given all hands mn anchor >,
and in the shortest possible time the almighty steam
driving us head to the enemy, but We neared
them VIC were convinced that they were only a re-
counoitering party and they fed with the pre-
cpitation The steamer was then put about and again
took up her position preparatory to forming line in
der to ascend the river to the city five miles dis
tant. The Sptre, flagship. led the way; then followed
the Vixen Commodore Sands; the Scourge, Lieut. Com
handing Lockwood; the gunboats Bonita, Lieut. Com
manding Benhlm Petrol, Lieut. Commanding Shaw;
and Refer, Lieut.. Commanding Turner; and all tho
cutters OF the squadron under the Of Capts
Brecse and Forest and Commander Buchanan-and it
Of the most beautiful pro cessions that have
Witnessed and well planned that the expedition
could not have failed The smooth surface OF the water
for hundred yards dotted with boats, with
streaming PENDANTS and their brightest ensgns. The
river too winding along through verdant country. Is
picturesque and beautiful in the extreme; and thus
ran along under easy steam and SAIL until arrived
within sight of the first fort situated in bend Of the
river about mile the city Here from fort
curling smoss and booming sound passed the ntrna-
ton round that we should not take the place without
struggle; but their shot fell short and the Commodore.
apparently regretting the circumstances, out go
ahead fast and the good old steamer commenced pad
ding her wheels in double quick time. And then the
my opened in earnest shot after shot
vessel and struck the water distance astcrn The
fort was located high above steep bank Of the
river and therefore they could only bring plungng
re TO bear upon our approaching squadron This proved
them they must alter the train OF their time
they delivered their fro And the scene became
admirably exciting. The whole of our small squadron
had closed up so that formed perfect phalanx Of
steamers gunboats and cutters. The marines Of the
Mississippi We're drawn up on the wheel houses and
from my position ON the starboard wheel house had
air view OF the tout ensemble From the flash OF their
guns could judge that the shot going strike
us and thon watched them in their uuti they
plunged into the water astern many fell right amid
group Of cutters and what asonished delighted
most that not single boat was injured In
any wise And now running up to within n
hundred yards of the fort and the enemy commenced
firing with musketry and escopcttes The marines 70.
turned the fire with musk try when Lieut. Parker from
the hurricane deck called out Don't fire yeti" but tbs
marine oacer answered We within musket range,
aud esareely were the words spoken when Mr.. r. and
three other officers were simultaneously, wounded by
the ensmy's FIRE which elingy demonstrated the fact
Lieutenants Parker and Harsten and Passed Midship
Lowry, and several Of the crew. wounded.
but not TO endanger their lives very fortunately,
and therefore their friends at home have for
dsquietng themselves thereupon. A few discharges
from the pivot guns OF the Sptdre Vixen, and other
vessels served 10 silence the batteries OF this fort for
the peculiar tune hummed by our Paxhau shells had
such startling effect upon the elongated nerves and
sinewS Il enemies, that beyond doubt, they are
running yet On passing by the fort observed that
party of seamen and marines, commanded by Captain
Breese and led by Lieuts May, DeCamp, and others,
had taken possession Of the fort and hostcd the soul
inspiring stripes and stars which brought forth peals Of
loud huE2as which far DER hills and valleys rung,
check the vulture the wing which poised in air hung
lowering to watch the strife below The river at this
pass, that could have jerked stone
on shore at either side and the second fort half milo
above had already opened raking bre upon us-but
the shot fell either short flew ship and only
one struck the Vixen aud that full In her bow but
fortunately just below her water linc consequently IL
d not pass through her but penetrated the plank and
ooRed In the timhers doing but little damage. On the
stnrnoard band all along the enemy hid In the charar
rn Kept up steady fire Of musketry upon US. but an
occhsiona yoey from the marines drove them from their
eoncealment As related of the nrst battery the second
ana third forts were slenced in detail by Paiyhan
guns ana IN regular order under full head Of steam,
we rushed mp to the anchorage opposite tho city Of
Tuspan All three of the forts, In quick succession,
were taken possession of by the and marines,
under thcir Immediate commanding officers who had
landed In their boats along the shores Of the river Di
recty after coming to anchor, the Commodores barge