The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1847-04-09
INVESTMENT OF VERA CRUZ :.

enemy-CdFtdm .H6uTftS hthed-
Liem. Co.. Dickinson, n The Pat
n,cto Regiment, mounded-PoSi-
Hon 'Jihe army-- Continued Can
nonGde, &c.
The schooner Portia, Capt. Pow
ers, arrived this morning, at two
O'Clock, direct from Vera Cruz,
whence she sailed on the 18th inst.
BY this conveyance we have receiv-
ed'numerous letters from Mr.. Ken
dali, Mr.. Lumsden and Mr.. Halle.
We are also indebted to Capt. Pow
ers for condensed statement of oc-
currences up to the time of his de-
parture, which we insert, together
with a letter from Mr.. Halle and
1.-TWO from Mr.. Kcndall-the lateness
of the hour forbidding more. Both
Mr.. Kendall and Mr.. Halle allude
to other letters which have not come
to hand.
NemordndG furnished by Captain
OtCC|Os ~ ttC t1ftT. i Offlf.
Schooner Portia, Capt. Powers, s
days from Tampico anchorage, but
was detained to the south and east
of Vera Cruz by a heavy north gale
until the 18th inst. The u. S. squad
ron and all the transports left Point
Lizardo for Sacrifcios on the 9th
inst, with II, troops. On the
morning Of the 10th landing of all
the troops and marines was effected
within three miles of Vera Cruz,
without much opposition from the
enemy, as the landing was well COW
cred by a constant discargc OF bomb
shells and round shot from the U. S.
steamers and gun boats anchored
near the beach in front of the Lam
ding. Immediately after an organi-
cation Of the American forces on the
beach, they took up line Of march
over the sand hills, to the attack OF
the enemy's outposts and fortiGca-
tons, situated from one TO three
miles from the castle and forts of the
city. They carried every one by
storm, not, however, without losing
seventeen men.
On the llth and 18th, the Amcri.
can forces were occupied in throw,
ing up breastworks and digging en-
trenchments. Occasional skirmish-
ing took place with the enemy who
we're throwing bombshells and round
shot from the castle and city, but
without much effect. During this
time the seamen were landing pro-
visions and ammunition from the trans.
ports.
On the l2tli, a strong north gale
set in, which cut off all further com.
munication. We left during the
norther, and as we were unable tc
make progress TO the north, believe
that it was impossible for our bombs
and shell TO have been landed unit
the 18th instant, so that the BON.
bardment Of the Castle and Vera
Cruz did not probably commence
until the Goth.
There were some feats Of bravery
displayed on the llth, in which Col
Dickinson, ofthe Palmetto regiment
South Carolina, was wounded in the
breat by musliet ball from the en-
envy, and Capt. Alburtis, of the %
Infantry, had his head shot off by Q
32-pound ball. This same ball brok,
a drummer's arm, and took off a pri.
Yates leg.
But on the same day the Amcri.
can army had gained complete pos.
session of all the Notifications of the
enemy which were raised By then
to stop our troops from approaching
the city. All the water-pipes lead.
ing TO the city were cut off, and al
the communications ciIcctually stop.
ped. Gen. Scott landed in person
on the 18th instant. A FrenchLarl
ran the blockade and moored unde,
the walls of the Castle on the morn
ing of the 18th, and many of on
transports were ready to leave fo
the United States as soon as The
norther was over. This vesse
brings dispatches and letter bag.
from every very vessel in the Gul
squadron then at SACRIFICES.