The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-01

shortly returned, and reported that the Mexicans
had agreed to all the terms proposed. We then had
the American flag hoisted; gave three cheers and
hred salute; despatched Passed Midshipman
Temple with five men to take temporary possession
OF Alvarado. II was about 2, p. m, when the
Scourge got under weigh, and stood towards the
town; discovered some Mexicans unloading
schooner; sent Passed Midshipman Pringle to take
possession Of them; the vessel was set fire, be
cause we could not get her off.
| Commodore Pery--How do you know that she
could not be got off?
! Anstoe.-Merely from report.
Coi1f-That is not testimony.
Witness do know that she fired; captured
several other vessels went up the river. We
arrived off Tlacotalpan about two in the morning;
all hands were called to quarters; turned the guns
upon the town; sent Lieutenant Marine shore;
Captain Hunter told him (Marine) to demand an
unconditional surrender of the place; think fired
a gun, before entering, over the town; Captain
Hunter allowed twenty minutes for surrender,
else he would fire upon the town; after Marine left,
waiting about thirty minutes and hearing nothing
from him, Captain Hunter directed me TO fire shot
over the town; told him perhaps Marine was en-
gagged in drawing up papers; besides, being dark,
we might knock down church steeple, some
thing to that effect; Captain Hunter said ! must
site side of the town. instead Of at it, then hailed
the town. and Captain Hunter said if it did not
surrender, he would fire into it. Shortly after
wards Lieutenant Marine came on board, and said
they willing to surrender the place and agreed
TO terms. little after one, the same day, got un-
der weigh, and stood down the river; towed one
prize vessel down; sent prize crew to another At
hve spoke the Spitre at six, anchored off Alvara-
do; at midnight, Captain Hunter went of, and soon
returned, about two, and reported he had seized a
vessel with about ninety bales of cotton, which he
had anchored off the town. Captain Hunter was
subsequently arrested and was left in temporary
command of the Scourge.
Cort-Was the memorandum which you have
examined here made at the time of the logs dates
Anspe.-It made when Commodore Perry
sent for the book of the Scourge some three or
four months after the transaction.
The Court asked some question to how near
the Scourge could approach Alvarado without run
ming aground; the answer to which could not
hear
COwt. When the guns were fired by the Scourge
at the fort, they returned; or did you see any
troops shore?
Ansper.--No. Should have previously stated,
that, upon first entering the river, several
gun boats burnt to the waters edge.
TAT this stage of the proceedings, the President of
the Court announced the receipt of communica-
ton from the Secretary of the Navy, in answer to
request from Captain Hunter, granting him per-
mission to the court room for the purpose of inter
rogating witnesses; and the Court directing Cap
tain Hunter to be called he appeared, and was as
signed suitable position, accompanied by Samuel
Humes Porter, esq, of Pennsylvania, as legal ad-
viser.l
Lieutenant Blocker testimony resumed.
h,J II far frnp the
outer breakers the Scourge when the first gun
fired, and what distance when she fired the
next morning?
Ansto9.-Cant say exactly.
Commodore Perry.-What was the calibre of the
cannon, and how charged?
Answe.-From pivot gun; two shells at even
ing and in the morning; thirty two Founders;
single shells.
Commodore Pery.--Were you outside the break
on the bar when you fired on the fort?
AnstceT.--Yes.
Commodore Pery.-Did you see the town when
you fred at the fort the enemy's vessels moored
the river?
Anstcer.-No; neither
Commodore Pery.-From the time the Scourge
lay off Alvarado till she returned to Anton LIAR
do, did you any opposition offered by the enemy
70 the soeurge, others of the American squadrons
Ans,cer.-None.
Commodore Pary.-Were you, after leaving Sac
ri6cios, and before arriving at Alvarado, made
quainted with the instructions of Commodore Perry?
-4nstD1.-No; except that VIC were going to Al
varado. understood it his intention to go in.
Captain Hunter.-Is il possible to see the town,
Alvarado) from the bar at the mouth of the river?
Ans,oe.-I think not; did not see il, could
/, think, from where
A letter was received from Commodore Warren
To- car
and Vixen, for the use Of the Court.
Also, letter from the Navy Department, an |
nouncing Commodore Conner too sick to attend |
the Court as a witness.
Captains Tatnal, Adams, Breese, Buchanan, and
Lieutenant Gibson, released as witnesses
The Court adjourned.
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