The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-04
Commodore Prru recalled.

ant Hunter, what did you substitutes What did
you say TO the Mexican authorities?
AnsO0.-Whatever conversation was held with
them, presume, was in the presence Of General
Quitman, who held joint occupation no decided
recoiections; presume he told the alcade to say to
DIS people, who were afraid, that they might enjoy
their civil and religious rights; acknowledged no
positive rights my general policy to conciliate,
30 lar as consistent with the Interest Of the United
States.
Cos1f.-State whether in your directions TO Cap
tam Mayo, respecting procurement Of supplies,
whether they were to be obtained from the Mexican
people or the authorities
Insurer mo recollection. Had given direction
respecting establishing custom house, left there
on the 18th; our practice To communicate freely.
Reposed great discretionary power in him, from
necessity.
Lieutenant Marine recalled.
Captain Huntsr.-Did you or not, while in the
council chamber, treating for a surrender and
panon, by order of Lieutenant Hunter, receive a
letter from him; and, If SO, what its contents
hnstoa.-I received a letter. had sent word to
captain Hunter, that the authorities were dis
posed TO delay about terms; then received letter
from him. through Mr.. Mcintosh, his clerk. Can't
say what has become of the letter; directed me to
say ne would allow thirty minutes for surrender,
and II not in that time, he would open fire upon
the town, and order his troops to advance upon il
communicated it to the authorities the surrender
followed
COwt-Did you state TO the authorities, further
than mentioned in Lieutenant Hunters letter, that
there were other troops in the vicinity of the placer
Anstcer.-I did not.
Lieutenants Blocker and Marine, and Mr.. Almon,
were discharged
The court adjourned.
FRIDAy, April 26, 1850.
The court met
General Jsssp recalled.
Captain Hunter.-You stated in your evidence
that the premature surrender of Alvarado produced
loss OF million of dollars to the United States.
Please state your grounds for that opinion?
Anssor-Think said that by that movement we
were thrown into the hands of the contractors, and
costs in purchasing were increased four fold, and
in some cases six fold; the number of animals used
In the southern portion of the army exceeded thir
ty thousand; General Scott, as well as myself, had
thought two thirds of that might be procured in
the region of Alvarado.
The witness here presented copies of General
Scott's acquisitions upon him; and said, Il am here
under forced circumstances, and cannot be proper
ly understood unless introduce papers in nv DOS
session of rather confidential character from my
government, whilst acting in that war. did not
know that Captain Hunter was here, except through
newspapers. ! am called upon to testify to part of
my official conduct
Captain Hunter, (interposiig,) said he had no
desire to place General Jcsup in forced position;
certainly not to impugn his motives; he merely
wanted to get reasons for statement-to procure
facts.
>~uI .
positive directions from the President of the United
States to rely as much possible on the resources
OF the country through which the army should
pass fearing would fall short of what the
President expected, caused purchases to be made
when at the South, which attracted the attention OF
the authorities at Washington; the President COM
planned of the expenses of the war, &c: Being
questioned, on my return TO New Orleans from
Mexico, early in April, respecting the matter,
found every thing stopped, in consequence Of an
order from Washington; was then compelled to
assume the responsibility of dsregarding that or
der, imperative as it was. In making my annual
report to the Government, did not intend to i'm
peach the motives Of any one; had no doubt, my
sell, the movement was impelled by gallant and
patriotic motives.
Court, (interposing What movement?
Wtfness.--On Avarado. spoke Of II in its bear
ing upon my administration and the interest of the
country. Having been compelled to disobey or.
ders from the highest authority known to my pro.
fession, felt bound TO explain my reason for it in
my report Find from my papers, that about IL, 00(
animals were taken in the part of the country
through which General Scott operated, LII were
obtained in the month Of April, and through con-
tractors, over 5000 in May, about Alvarado.
Captain Hunter.-As a military man, do you not
think that If the resources of country fcould bt
driven off by the approach of a small steamer, thai
OF large fleet would have greater effect in driving
them OFF,
Ansc0.-That is always the effect Of an invading
force; they can only be brought back by coercion.
Courf.-How did you expect to increase supplies
by capture or otherwise?
Ansscr.-Never instructions 10 Genera
Quitman; but knowing the procurement Of supple,
TO be Of the objects, alluded TO the matter in
my report; when propositions we're made 10 surren
der, this should have formed stipulation, particu
lary when the approach is by sea; people who sup
ply an invading army must be coerced, else they
compromise themselves 10 their government, anc
are liable TO the charge Of Treason,
General Jesup was finally released.
Captain Taylor, sworn.
Courf.-Were you employed in the Gulf Of Mex
leo, &c.s
AnrDo.-Yes; in command of the ship Ohio.
Court Are you acquainted with any circum
stances connected with the surrender Of Avarado
&c.Y
dns,ou.-Passed 10 the mouth of the river ON tn,
Mississippi; testified TO seeing the American flag OF
the fort; went up the river in the spfre; sam,
flag at Alvarado; was ordered by Commodore Perry
TO disembark my men, being senior officer Of th'
marines, and garrison the town; having posted my
self with due regard TO the safety Of the place. anc
whilst standing in front Of my barracks, observed
squadron Of cavalry approaching; recognised Gen
eral Qutman, who came up 10 me, and asked m'
what II meant-my having possession Of the place
told him was there by order Of Commodore Perry
he asked me where he could find Commodor'
Perry; ordered a SERGEANT 10 conduct him TO th'
Commodore.
Captain Huntr.-When you first landed At AL
varado, did you not find IL in possession Of PasseC
Midsbipman Temple and some Of the crew Of tb'
scourge3
Ans,cr.-Yes
Cupfatn H,fnffr-Do won know how Ccncra