The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-30

Commodore Pary-was it not my practice to
communicate freely my plans to those under my
command, when delivering Instructions
Aastoer--I believe il was
Co1t.-When Commodore Perry informed you
of the proposed combined movements, was Lieuten-
ant Hunter present and near your
Ansto1.-Yes; and within five feet of me. Not
sure Lieutenant Hunter was present during the en-
tire conversation Commodore Perry reiterated
his instructions, not to be misunderstood.
The Court having farther questions to ask
Captain Breese, and Commodore Perry also declin-
ing for the present, he was permitted to retire.
The Court submitted letters from DIR. Minor, of
New York, Ia retired citizen,) medical officer on
board of the Scourge, in answer to interrogatories
which furnish nothing of interest not elected from
other officers of that steamer.
Commander Fra,klin Buchanan called and sworn
Question by the Court. Were you employed in the
gulf &c., and in what capacity?
-Ans,oer. Was in command of sloop- war Ger
mantown, in the gulf
Cowf-Are you acquainted with circumstances
of the surrender, &C.?
Anspe.-I know nothing personally.
Courf-Was there a court martial in reference
to the surrender and occupation of Alvarado?
Ansu9.-There was, to try him for disobedience
Of orders; and all / know of the matter ia derived
through that court.
Captain Buchanan was next called to testify, as
member of the court martial that tried Lieutenant
Hunter, to a certain rough copy of the records of
that court, which Commodore Perry said he had
lost; and Captain b. was finally discharged, (and
admitted to seat, with the vsiters, in the court
room.)
Captain John III. Aulick sworn.
Question by the Court.-Were you employed in
IL e q,
Ans,Der.-Yes; and in command of the frigate
Potomac.
Couri.-Do you know any thing connected with
the surrender of Alvarado, &c.?
Ans,oer. Nothing of my personal knowledge;
knew nothing but president of the court martial
that tried Lieutenant Hunter for disobedence of
orders.
The Court and Commodore Perry declining far
ther to interrogae, Captain Aulick was dismissed.
The Court adjourned.
WEDNESDAY, April II, 1850.
The Court met, and the proceedings of yesterday
were read.
Commodore Perry desired, and permitted to
explain previous testimony. In my previous state
ments could not recollect accurately respecting
my stipulations with the authorities at Alvarado.
Cannot recoect the particulars of my disavowal to
the Mexican authorities of the action of Lieutenant
Hunter, or whether done personally or through an
officer; will prove by the officer who carried the
der respecting Lieutenant Hunters arrest.
BY the Comt.-Here is a report by Lieutenant
Hunter, giving account of his proceedings. Is
this the letter to which you referred in your test
mony of the 18th instant?
Ansicn.-Itis.
The Judge Adpoeate, by direction of the Court,
IN taft al Of b;o d.
and the surrender to him of, Alvarado and its de-
tendencies.
The Court here received note from Capt. Hunter
stating that, having understood that General Jesup
to be examined this morning, he protested
against his proceeding, unless he Captain Hunter)
be permitted to be present to cross examine him.
The letter having been read, the Court ordered
the to be cleared and, after sitting with closed
doors about half an hour, the doors were again
opened
The Court directed Captain Hunter to be called,
and he appeared.
Cowt.-Lieutenant Hunter, the Court has re-
ceived your letter, but cannot grant you any pri-
vileges not enjoyed by other witnesses, unless
specially instructed by the Secretary of the Navy.
Lieutenant Hunter signi6ed his intention to write
to the Secretary of the Navy for permission in the
court room to interrogate witnesses, and retired.
General Jssup called and sworn.
Question by the Cout.-Pieasc state whether you
were employed at Vera Cruz during the latter part
of March and early part of April, ls47! If SO, in
what capacity
Ans,oer.-I was there was not attached to
General Scott's army, but acting in chief for the
Government in the Quartermsster's department.
Cowt.-Are you acquainted with any circum-
stances connected with the surrender of Alvarado,
Re a;ther lea diuer N or orouvin ont of II,
state all you know.
Anspe.-As the chief of my own department,
before the expedition, spoke to some Of General
Scott's staff officers, and requested them to urge
General Scott 10 send detachment TO occupy the
country between Louisarvo and Orizaba, which
would at once secure transportation Of the army.
Talked with General Scott myself upon learning
that Colonel McCrca had mentioned IL 10 him, and
urged him 10 procure means Of transportation, as
II was understood TO be abundant in the country.
General Scott then told me the movement towards
Alvarado would be composed Of the army and
navy. Understood that one Of the objects Of the
movement was TO procure means Of transportation
and provisions, which he understood could be OBJ
tanned there. What other objects in view, was
not informed. ! detached the late Captain Irving,
of my department, who commanded division
der General Quitman, with instructions tocarry out
the views Of General Scott and myself. Had sup
posed that from two 10 five hundred thousand draft
animals could be obtained ] understood, however,
by letters from Captain Irving and others, that he
returned with but very small number; in conse-
quence Of which, Colonel Scott made second de-
tachment, under Lieutenant Colonel Scott, who
went in the direction. In consequence Of
failures to procure them by other means,
thrown into the hands OF contractors; and were
also obliged 10 send large numbers Of animals from
New Orleans, Brasos Santiago, and Tampico.
Also, number from Bsltimorc-though don't
consider these latter attributable 10 the failure
alluded 20.
cosut.-Do you know any thing personally Of the
surrender Of AlvaradoS
Anaoer. Nothing.
General yespp here intimated that he had learned,
before leaving New Orleans, there were from fifty
10 hundred thousand draft animals in the region
Of country referred TO; and that he received special
confidential instructions from his Government re-
spccting relying upon that country for aid, &C.
The Court (orally) inquired if he meant IL as tes-