The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-05-09

agreement or stipuations entered into between the
Mexican authorities at Alvarado and TlacotalPan and
dates prior to the approach OF the squadron up the
Alvarado river The papers were handed to the Court
Lieutenant Marine recalled and testified to his
signature to these papers, being he said the orgi-
nal Of surrender, through me, interpreter and
witness, Of these two places to Captain Hunter.
| The Court directed the papers to be translated
The Court here received and presented comm nica-
and Dr. Miner of New York mot now in the service)
formerly OF the Scourge answering the usual interro
gatories They contained nothing of interest, further
than narrated by other witnesses.
Professor Grault returned the papers presented yes
teray by Commodore Perry and handed him for trans
laton. with certified transations.
The Court ntmating its purpose to 20 into debe-
ration with closed DOORS upon these papers, to
tain Hunter asked permission to submit statement,
which was granted and Captain ii. submitted the
following:
President of the Court Of Inquiry, now in session
Lieutenant Hunter most respectfully requests the Court
evidence against Hunter obtained ~ the said
her The had served at the time in the scourge
were within his reach and ready testify to facts in
cotapan by that vessel of which he Commodore Perryl
the & sa
the most evidence show their faehood and
The Court somewhat at loss to determine what
to do with this statement; but believing rather pre-
mat laid aside and went into secret session at
time the doors re-opened and all parties
being again present the certificates were declared not
turned to Commodore Perry
Captain Hunter made some suggestion relative to
absent Witnesses and said he did not desire to embar-
rass the Court although he desired to place beyond
doubt the capture and occupation Of Avarado and its
dependencies before the arrival of the squadron The
Court thought the original articles Of surrender
sufficient on that point.
Lieutenant Blocker, recalled.
Captain Hunter-Was there not white flag flying
the fort, and ON a boat coming out to us and did
you not say to me, had better also hoist white flag!
A.-.firet saw a white flag on shore persons were
Iokt. in fatutp nlfas nftR in hDat
coming off asked you il we should hoist one told
you 1t was customary to authorize them to come on
board; was directed and caused white Tag to be
William II Almon, sworn.
In answer to formal questions by the Court he said
he joined the squadron after the period alluded to- as
a clerk to Commodore Perry and testified to certain
records.
The court adjourned.
TENTH DAY.
Professor Girault returned the papers presented by
Captain Hunter, with Transitions, and they were
placed on the record Of proceedings
Commodore Perry recalled.
Court-When you dtsavowed the acts Of Lieutenant
Hunter what did you substitute! What did you say
10 the Mexican authorities! A.-Whatever converse
ton held with them, presume, was in the pre-
sence of General Quitman who held joint occupation
decided recollections; presume he told the alcade
cay to his people who were afraid ina. they sno
positive rights; my general policy was to conciliae
Sc far consistent with the interest OF the United
States.
Court-state whether in your directions to Captain
Mayo, respecting procurement OF supplies, whether
the authorities A-No recollection. Had given di-
rection respecting establishing custom house; left
there on the 18th practice communicate freely
Reposed great discretionary power in him, from ne
Lieutenant Marine called.
Captain unter-Did you or not, while In the council
chamber treating for a surrender and occupation by
order Of Lieutenant Hunter receive letter from him.
and, II what were its contents, Al received
letter had sent word to Captain Hunter that the au
thorties disposed to delay about terms then re-
ceived letter from him, through Mr.. Mcintosh his
clerk; can't say what has become Of the letter; 1t
directed me to say he would allow thirty minutes for
upon the town. and order his troops to advance upon
H. unicaed it TO the authorities the surrender
followed
CourtDid you state to the authorities further than
mentioned in Lieutenant Hunters letter that there
were other troops in the vicinity Of the place. Al
Licutenants Blocker and Marine; and Mr.. Almou,
! were discharged.
! ELEVENTH DAY.
General Jesup recalled.
I Captain Uunter-You stated in your evidence that
the premature surrender of Aiyarado produced loss
of a million Of dollars TO the United states Please
state your grounds for that opinion. AThlnk said
that by that movement were thrown into the hands
erased four fold and in six fold the num-
Der of animals used in the southern portion Of the
ny exceeded thirty thousand General scott, as we'll
asmysclfhsd thought twothrds Of that might be pro
| cured In the region a Alyarsdo.
The witness here presented copies OF General SCOTS
| acquisitions upon him; and said. am here under
forced circumstanccs and cannot be properly under
stood unless introduce papers In my possession OF
! thor confidential character. FROM my government
whilst acting In that did not know that Cap
! tain Hunter vas here except through newspapers.
am called upon to TESTIFY to part OF my Official con-
! duct.
Captain Hunter. (nterpo.ing) said he had desire
To- place General Jesup in forced position; certainly
not To impugn his motives; be merely wanted TO get
reasons for statcment-to procure facts
General '. continued Hsd personal and positive
directions nom the President Of the vai,ed States ~
rely a. nucn possible the Of the
Try through wheh the army should pass fearing re-
sources would fall short Of what the President expect
ed caused purchases 10 DE made when NJ the south
which attracted the attention Of the authorities OF
Washington the President complained u 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 conse-
quenee Of an order from Warrington; waa then com.
p,ed 10 assume the responsibility Of duegarding that
| order. imperative as II was In making my annual re-
port To the government, did not intend TO impeach
| the motives q any one; had doubt. myself the
movement was impeed by gallan, aud patristie mo-
| tivcs.
Court Onterposng) What movement.
Witness.on Avnado. spoke Of Il in hs bearing
upon my adm ration and the interest Of the
try Having been compelled TO disobcy orders from
the highest authority known 20 my profession. felt
bound TO explain my reason for II in my report Find
from my papers, that sbsu 10000 animals taken
| ia the part Of the country through which General
Scott operated; liz obtained in the month Of
| about Alvarado.
Captain Hunter As = military man. do you not
think that n the resources % country teould be
driven On by the approach Of small stesn.r that 81
large hce would have greater effect In driving them
on A.-Ihat u always the encct OF infaung
force: they can only b. brought back by coercion.
Court-how did you expect TO increase supplies, BY
capture othcrsisrl ANeyer sen Instructions TO
General Quitman. but knowing thu procurement Of
supplies 20 b. Of the objects alluded 90 the mat
ter IN report when propositions were made TO sur
render this should have formed stipulation particu-
ly when the approach Is by people who supply an
invading amy must be cOcrced else they comprOnise
themselves to their government. and are Liable TO the
| charge ~ treason
Gencrai Jesup was finally released
Captain Taylor sworn.
y efe m In he ItIif of nj "a.
| &c Ayes. In command Of the ship Ohio.
tourt-Are you acquainted With any circumstances
connected with the surrender Of Alvarado. &C. A
passed 10 the mouth n the river the Mississippi;
testified 10 seeing the American flag the fort went
Up the riy,r In the sphre; Tag at Alvarado
| was ordered by Commodore Perry TO discmbsrk m :
men being officer Of the marines and gsrri.o
! the town, having posted myself with due regard
the safety Of the place and whilst standing in front
my barracks observed squadron Of cavalry spprosch
ing; recognised General Vuitman, who came up TO me
and asked what u meant-my having possession Of
| the place. told him was there by order " Commo
dorc Perry: he asked me where he could find Commo
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