The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-01-06
From-the New Orleans Mercury
The Heroine OF Tulnvsleo.

Commodore Conner exact plan of the entire town.
harbor, and forts of Tampco with information OF
the exact strength of the place and that, receiving
the documents of Mrs. Chase, the commodore immedi-
ately SET sail for Tampco and took the place without
sent HIM by that accomplished and patriotic lady We
give below letter, for which we indebted to the
kindness OF our friend, Mr.. B. M. Norman, to whom il
was addressed, written by Mrs Chase herself giving
somewhat IN DETAIL the taking of Tampco, and the part
she had IN It Much less praise, think, has been be-
slowed on the noble conduct OF this courageous and pa
oc lady than she deserves and trust that gov
eminent, IN consideration OF the very distinguished
vices which she has rendered. at the peril OF her life,
will nAhesltatngly reward her with enduring honors.
We doubt whether there letter record,
written by female hand, breathing purer patriotism,
nobler ardor courageous heart than that OF Mrs
Chase, which give below. She is noble example
among s5ur countrywomen, and her will descend,
on tins p1gss of history winning the admiration OF
future ages Ii vii! be that by her sklfu manage
ment that would have done honor to the most shrewd
general she succeeded before sending nformatOntO Com
modore Conner terrifying the Mexican troops that
they evacuated Tampco with precpaton after throw
ing into the river hundred stand of arms and one
hundred quintals OF powder We give the letter eniire
being the most authentic account that be furnish
| ed. She writes what she and did
To estimate rightly the value of Mrs Chase's services
to the country, must consider that she has placed In
the hands OF government city that otherwise would
have cost us probably, many valuable lives and great
expense The dextrous manner in which she duped the
Mexican authorities and soldiers OF the place, rendered
its taking easy and blooless task WHILE had she not
causel evacuation and furnished exact plans OF the
place and its defences it is not at all probable that we
would have taken the town without desperate srug-
se The entire conduct OF Mrs. Chase exhibits genuine
nerois and most ar lent and devoted patriotism, Tor
which she will receive the admiration OF the whole
try and, trust from Congress, not only complete IN
Identification for all her pecunary losses but unanl-
nous vote of thanks
This letter. which we take the liberty of quoting was
only intended for the eyes OF the friends to whom it is
addressed and it only through much pursuason that
we enabled to obtain copy for the press. But the
heroic acts OF Mrs c. for her country, and her
country ought to know OF them and iii way can this
be the well as through her own perspcuous and
interesting narrative.
TAMpICO, Dec. Ii, 1916.
| My ESTEEMED FRIEND: great change has come DER
that almost doubt the evidence of my senses,
having at this twenty sail OF vessels IN the
river Panuco-seamers passing and repassng, the sight
of which pays me, in part for my six months solitude
and suffering am not believer IN puTgatory, but
think have passed through that ordeal by residing In an
enemys country alone, not only hostile III ieelng but SUD-
NV dear friend scarcely know how to reply to your
friendly solictude toward me and mine especially In
beginning my imperfect narrative, one great misfortune
seems to accompany me-my pen can never keep pace
with my feelings You will have been aware OF Mr.
Chases expuson agreeaby to the decree OF the lth OF
Nav last and in compliance with that act he had only
twenty four hours notice to embark eight days to re-
tire twenty leagues into the interior He prldeny chose
the former and embarked forthwith on board of the ST
Ma,Ts the blockading vessel off the bar of Tampco,
leaving some eighty thousand dollars in his store with
fRe eaAe< proeccr than such as could Afford and two
with the true spirit of Mexican chivalry. commenced
robbng me- In fact, my annoyances were so numerous
that cannot give you them in DETAIL but merely sketch
an outline knowing the sympathy you feel Tor my peri
lous position in this drama In the next place. lneZ
de Prmera nstancia, by order of the commanding gen.
ca, passed me notice that my privileges ceased as the
wife of the American consul, and my store must be
closed replied TO him, IN the most decisive manner
that was not only his wife, but also his constituted
apent-in addition to this was British subject, and
as SUCH neither the judge nor the general could deprive
me OF my natural rights, the English law admitted OF
no misunderstanding that any infracton on its prerog
alive would be hastily chasised by that government
and in confirmation of my assertion referred the learned
| IneZ to the law OF nations.
| Thus defeated and exasperaed was not allowed to
send an open note my husband, then Oft the bar. But
thank God who ''tempers the wind to the shOrn lamb
He directed me, and concerted plan which again de-
cated their hostile purpose and sent BY stIaagem nine
| ceived replies But those things were daily making in
roads upon my health and my spirits, which most care
fully concealed IRON my good husband, SHOWING ane IN
arly for my welfare.
and had it sent to Commodore Conner and Captain Nc
Clancy OF the John Adams with correct description of
all the forts the number OF guns, list of the troops and
how they were posted, and every political movement
that through Mr. Chase and his agent they knew every
Imnortant NOV ement in this section of the country
They abused and nsulted the American name and nation
to such extent that often caused me TO retire and pray
God for the day OF retrbuton With the exception OF my
faithful Amelia, had but little human sympathy as all
the English influence was against our national canse
am, perhaps, little proSy Out well know tne SEN
sitiye heart 10 whom these lines addressed, and
continue daily watched, not very Christlan- hike TOR
the moment OF retaliation hoping to be able, although
faone in the combat to square accounts with my fierce
debtors and if possible, place myself and party on the
credit side of this entangled account
Santa Anna recommended to the government OF Mexi-
co the coniscaon of all American property in order
carry on the war; and that all Americans residing in this
country should be made prisoners of fatal stroke
to those usurpng plrateshc gentle name generally ap
pied to hemnd that this garrison should be reinforced
with some 5000 troops. When read this article
in one of the flaming periodicals. It rather grating TO
me IN my isolated condition. | determined however,
upon the old Roman motto
"Who would be free, himself must strike the blow
or in other words nv case was al best helpless and now
even desperate, and required desperate remedy.
Two spies came daily to my house, always under the
guse of friendship; and on one OCCASION one OF the
wretches believing that was possessed OF items con-
corning American movements, represented to him that
$1,000 troops to JOIN Gen. Taylor at Matamoros,
10000 more had been despatched to capture San JUAN
etc. and closed with remarng that would be compelled
to close niy house within day or two, "a force of
$4,000 to 5000 troops were coming against THIS place
which bit OF romance frightened my poor Amelia that
she thought the general here would call me to account
for it.
Next dayI had call from the captain of the port who
wished to know the truth and inquired Mr. Chase had
written to me TO that effect and after other of
the high unctionaries discovered me TO be important
character in their daily rounds. In conversation with
/ the ather-n-law of the general recommended to him
an early retreat the wsest course to be taken and
that night, private post was despatched to San
Luis Poos upon the strength OF the information
ceived, through me the town of Tampco was ordered
to be vacated the appearance OF this large force OIL
the barr scouts sent IN every drection to procure
mules, ETC. for the conveyance OF property to the interior
Skinned the paDu-