The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-08-12
Captain Aullck.

Captain Aullck.
We lay the following correspondence between Captain
Au]ick and the Secretary OF the Navy with great
pleasure, before our readers. II is calculated to put
down an idle rumor from an anonymous source in
newspaper, which Capt Aulck never would have con-
descended to make the basis of official action, if had
not also been suggested that this had reached the
department. tappears from the Secretarys letter. that
there was no foundation for any such supposition We
do not mistake Capt. Aulick's character when say
that he dees any produce the slightest evidence Of
the truth of such rumor Let it be submitted to the
department. and Capt A. is prepared to meet it, let
sumo whatever phase it may.
WASHINGTON, l1ih August, lsl7.
SIR Since my to tho United States in command
ofthe United States ship Potomac, learn, with sensibi
iy which you readily appreciate, that reports
circulation affecting my character officer of the navy,
and especially my conduct when was in commanded the
navy battery during the bombardment of Vera Cruz. re.
specially inquire any report has been made the depart
ment by my commanding officers any Others, las
says there has bcen Of conduct that occasion
unbecoming the honor the service, my character
After service of more than hirtyseven years. and hav
ing in the last war; and since, been often placed in ccun.
stances which would at least have evnced Of per-
sona courage, lift had been my misfortune labor under
such an nrmityI feel very acutey such accusation If
had exhibited it the occasion referred to- presume
that some of the officers who that Service or in
the squadron, and whose duty protect the honor Of
the navy would have taken the steps TO an exam
ination and therefore respectfully ask if any such report
has been made the department Ii there be any such
report may hope to be excused in asking that such meas
may be taken speedily may be deemed proper
will establish the charge, if true vindcae me from
the aspersion
have the honor tob be, very respectfully, &c.
III AULICk.
Hon. J. Y. MASON, Secretary Of the Navy, Washington
Navy DEPARTMENT, August IL. 1871.
SR have received your letter of the 18th Instant in
which Won that reports in circulation affecting your
character officer of the navy, and especially your
conduct in command Of the navy battery during the
commandment of Vera Cruz and inquire whether any re-
port been made the department by your command
ing officers any Others Of conduct tho occasion re-
errcd unbecomns the honor of the service your own
character
In reply your inquiry, you informed report
of unbeconng conduct part the occasion which
you mention, and statement in which your "personal
courage is called into question, has been made to the de-
partment by your commanding officers, any othersf
In the despatch of your commanding officer, Commo
dore Perry dated Vera Cruz the 18th OF March last
your name is mentioned in the following "Capain
Auck, assisted by Commander Mackenzie and several
euenants, had tho direction Of mounting the guns and
opening the fire. and well and bravely the duty per
formed - and in the General Order of Commodore Perry
dated March o. 1877, congratuatng those under his co
mand upon the surrender OF the city Of Vera Cruz states
he "aes himself called upon, by high sense of duty
and of the squadron for the admirable zeal and cour
age with which they have executed their respective dn
ties"
There is nothing the files of the department which
would justify belief that these OF commentator
employed by Commodore Perry are, so far as respects
yourself or others, undeserved
am, respectfully your obedieni servant,
J. Y MASON
Capt. Jous H. AuLicx, U. s. Navy, Washington, d. c.
------------
EarwauASs.--A correspondent Of the Boston Journal
dating from that CITY, says, ga smart shock OF earth
quake distinctly felt in this city, and in the adjoining
towns of Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dedham, yesterday
Sunday forenoon, about eleven minutes before
Ten o'clock" The editors add
This earthquake we felt distinctly in Roxbury. II ag
atcd habitaton considerably but heard not inc
svbing NOISE which usually accompanies this pbenome
non"
Extract Of letter, dated Nantucket, Aug. 8, 1871.
We have had for few days past delightful cool weather
and this morning shock OF earthquake between m0
hours of and 10, which quite alarmed the islanders
There 10 churches in Columbus, Ohio, in popua
ton Of less than 10000