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

horses were wanted, and a commission OF Mexican
authorities went down to Alvarado, in the Spitfre
TO settle the details; the terms originally made
Tlacotalpan were read at Alvarado. General Quit
man accepted the terms for delivery of horses bu
said he had mislaid his directions from Genera
Scott which he thought only related to inquiries a,
to whether they could be procured, and not to ac
tual purchase. ! subsequently returned 10 Tlaco
talpan, by order of Commodore Perry, with him
| ON board. The same commissioners were along
except Purser O'Brien, who was substituted fol
captain Adams; and they so modified the stpula.
tons as to require such necessary preparations be
made for the delivery of horses and mules as the
acquisitions OF the commander chief of the army
| might require The character and price. of the
animals were also agreed upon.
| CoWf.-ln what manner did the American COM
mssioners communicate to the Mexican authori-
ties that the stipulations made by Lieutenant Hun
| ter were annulled?
Ans,oy.--verbally, by saying that Lieutenant
Hunter was not authorized to do so. Think there
was leading point in stipulations to that eff
feet.
Captain Sands, sworn.
CoiTt.-Were you employed in the Gulf of
Mexico, &c.?
AnsiDer.--Yes; in command of the steamer
Vixen.
stances connected with the surrender of Alya
RADIO, &C.?
Anstoer.-On the evening of the 3lst March, l was
sent for by Commodore Perry, to come on board
the Mississippi, lying at Anton Lizardo; went &C
cordingy, when Commodore Perry said the report
of guns had been heard below; meaning down at
Alyarado; and said he was apprehensive that that
young officer (alluding to Lieutenant Hunter)
has done or may do some foolish thing, and that he
wanted me to hold myself in readiness to go down
to him and tell him he must abide his instructions
and comply with the usages of the navy--or some
thing to that effect. got up the fires of my steam
er, and Immediately proceeded down to the mouth
OF the Alvarado river went close in to the bar took
a good look in every direction saw nothing; all
was quiet; supposed that the scourge might be UNI
der the lea of the land; returned to the squadron
arriving about day break Reported to Commodore
Perry, could see or hear nothing amiss. The squad
ron weighed, and moved down; about two hours
afterwards came up with the squadron off the mouth
of the river; after some arrangements outside the
bar, we passed it-Commodore Perry leading in the
steamer Spitfre; soon arrived opposite the town !;
in the meanwhile American colors flying on
shore; anchored abreast of the town, and remained
till next day.
Commodore Perry here desired to question the
witness as to what the Mexican authorities said in
reference to the attack and surrender; but the
court obectng ordered the court to be cleared and
after celebrating for short time reopened and
ruled the question out.
The court thereupon adjourned.
FRIDAf, April l9, 1850.
The court met.
Captain Sands was called and continued his testi-
mony. The day after reaching Alvarado, 1 pro-
IL.
vessels, under command of Commodore Perry !;
to- and, with the rest of the officers not on duty
went ashore; under Commodore Perry's directions,
surveyed the town of Tlacotalpan psrtook of the
Inequalities of of the principal inhabitants;
then ordered, and took the Vixen still higher up the
river, some seven, eight, perhaps ten miles, to
where the river was narrow it was difficult to
turn the steamer round Returned to Tlacotalpan;
after remaining short time, went back to Alva-
RADIO; in the interim General Quitman, with some
troops, had entered the town; found them there on
my return, among them some officers of the quar-
termaster's department; spent some time at their
quarters; there was present person who appeared
to be employed in the purchase of horses-a Gov
ernment contractor, supposed, the subject of
whose conversation was respecting the difficulty in
procuring horses in consequence of the premature
movement.
Court, (interposing. )-Let us see whether such
statements can be received as evidence. Was it a
matter of incidental conversation, it off,
cial statement?
Anstcy.-It was a general conversation.
Commodore Perry, (orally THE tendency of
this evidence is 10 show the difficulties growing out
Of certain naval movements, and
Court, (interposing. I'VE want merely facts
statements Of oficials-not of persons you don't
know.
Witness.-The conversation respecting diff
fcuties resulting from unexpected state Of
things.
Court, Cnterrupting. What state of things'
Answn.-The naval forces not acting conformity
with the army. ] have said but little on this sub
ject myself
Cowt-Do you recollect any thing that Captain
Irving said?
Ans,on.-Cannot; only to the general matter
of conversation.
Court (orally. ITO admit that, might lead TO
difficulties
Commodore Pory-In your opinion, could per-
son conduct vessel drawing over six feet of water
into the river1
Ans,ou.-No; not under ordinary circumstances;
the bar is dangcrous-very intricate.
Commodore Perry, (orally. 1.-The bars are contin-
ually changing, from influences Of the tide.
Captain ThfnaH recalled.
Cowt-By whose orders did you, with other
commissioners TO whom you have referred, enter
into the stipulations alluded to-
Ans,oo.-We went by order Of Commodore Per-
ny, and the terms were prescribed by him.
The Court here caused 10 be read letter from
Lieutenant Hunter requesting that witnesses be
finally discharged until he receive an answer from
the Secretary Of the Navy for permission to APP
pear in court for the purpose Of cross-questoning
them.
Lisstsnanf H,LIiam w. Blocker, sworn.
Cos1t-Were you employed in the Gulf Of
Mexico, &c.l
Answ0.-Yes; first lieutenant of the steamer
scourge, Lieutenant Charles G. Hunter, command
ing.
Cowf-Are you acquainted with any circum-
stances connected with the surrender of Alvarado,
&c?
AnsDe The scourgc arrived at Vera
Cruz goth March, from Havana; joined the
squadron; without sncboring went up with the
other vessels, 10 of the castle; the next morn