Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1847-08-27
LIEUTENANT HUNTER.

a beautiful SWORD and cpaulettcS were present
ed to this gallant officer by the CITIZENS OF New
York on Saturday last. James T. Brady, Esq
acted as spokesman. He complimented Lieut..
FL. in very high terms. In The course Of his re-
marks he said:
"Your counirymen are willing 10 rely on your
discretion. They give you this-s word with a full
conviction that you know when, as well as how,
10 use il, and that you may be safely entrusted
even with so sharp an instrument, even though
10 guardian attend you with i mighty force
We rejoice that yoa have deserved q sword and
a command, and obtained bolh."
As soon as The applause had subsidized, Lieut..
| Hunter made the following reply, in the course
of which he was evidently deeply affected:
al cannot, my friends and fel.ow-citizens, nor
will you expect from me, SO little accustomed TO
express myself before an assembled body, an ad-
eouale expression of the feelings which al this
momeu, aimos, overwhelm me. The lille | can
say, however, | will endeayor 10 make as con.
else as possible.
81 here solemnly declare 10 you, that my whole
conduct, my every act, whilst commanding the
u. S. steamer Scourge, was Influenced from a
desire 10 promote The honor and interest Of my
country and Of The navy. ! had no desire to ex.
coed the proper bounds OF discretion, with which
| think every officer commanding a vessel OF war
is invested with, neither would | have done it,
had | not thought that circumstances and the no.
nor Of my country required and demanded the
responsibility | assumed; and did believe if |
succeeded in capturing AlvaTado and Flaco-
lalpan, although only directed 10 blockade il: |
would be adding som lille 10 the credit Of The
navy for its exerlions, and receive from my COM
manding officer such commentator as The &C,
was entitled 10.
"Thal my conduct on The occasion was view
ed differently By the commander Of the home
squadron indeed surprised me, and have been
made 10 feel deeply, BY official degradation and
personal insult, his construction OF my conduct.
But, gentlemen, il | was disappointed in his view
Of the affair-it | nave been deeply wounded and
mortified by the course he thought proper 10
adopt this day-one Of the proudest days oil
my lile-one that | can never forget, and which
will ever he CHERISHED by me with a fond and
faithful remembrance, and which will ever be re.
membered b. me and mine with grateful hearts
II this day feel Thai have been more than CON-
p~ensated Tor my wounded feelings by this appro-
baton ofmy countrymen, and in having il in my
power 10 assure you that our government APP
proves your decision, BY again bes,owing upon
me its confidence in appointing me 10 another
command. That command shall never be dis
sraced; and, il responsibility is assumed, ii shall
be only 10 add TO the glory and renown OF our
common country.
81 accept, gentlemen, from your hands, these
beautiful testimonials OF your appreciation with
pride and pleasure; and l pledge myself 10 you,
that this sword shall never be unsheathed in ig-
noble strife; but, once drawn IN defence Of The
honor OF my country, it shall never return 10 its
scabbard with one blot on its blade, or with one
stain 10 call forth a blush 10 mantle The cheeks Of
those who have this day assembled to bestow up
on me unlookedfor honor.
II shall leave here in a few days on foreign
service, perhaps 10 be gone for years; but | shall
not forget you, my friends; and in taking leave,
il only remains 10 me now, 10 thank you with
my whole heart, and wish you, one and all, health
and prosperity"
A vociierous burst OF applause followed this
reply, which continued for some minutes.
FROM PENSACOLA.-Na rGl Inteligenec-
BY our private CORES pondence (says The N. Or.
lean. Picayune,) we learn ihallhe j. S. s,ea IN fri.
gaze Mississippi, Sidney Smith Lee, lieutenant
commanding, arrived al Pensacola on the l4,h,
August, in five days from Vera Cruz. The Niissis.
sippi brought over for The naval hospital IA off
Gers, searnen and marines belonging 10 the home
squadron. OF The number taken from the other
vessels of the squadron, none had died on the pas
sage, and none OF the IA were confined 10 their
hammocks. Though ~inyalids, they were able 10
be about, and The sickness could not be considered
dangerous. Among The sick are Surgeon Lewis
Minor and Passed Assistant Surgeon Jno. Thorn
ley.
All communication between the Mississippi
and The shore had been inlerdicted, so that lille
news ,ranspired. Com. Perry had transferred
his flag TO The sloop OF war Germantown.
The lever was prevailing 10 a considerable ex.
leni on board the sloop Of war Decatur. Mid.
shipman Carmichael had recently died oil it.
Ii was supposed at Pensacola that the Missis-
sippi would shortly return TO Vera Cruz, a. her
crew is in tolerable health. Her arrival had led
10 some delay in despalchirs the schooner Fir,
10 Vera Cruz
Surgeons Geo. Tcrrill and w. A. w. Spots
wood have been ordered 10 report 10 Com. Perry
for duty in the home squadron.
1t remains quite healthy in Pensacola.