The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1851-08-29
SANTA ANNA PASSING THE BLOCK
AIDING SQUADRON,

1
Lieut.. Semmes, in his "Service Afloa,
and Ashore" gives the following interesting
account Of the passage Of Santa Anna
through the American b'ockajing Squadron
at Vera Cruz. I, will be recolIec.ed that
the commander Of the squadron was spccul
ly instructed by ;he President TO allow the
willy chief'uin TO pass freely:
"Enrly in August. while the squadron
was lying at anchor under Green Island,
keeping watch and ward over the enemy's
city and castle of Vera Cruz, the seaman on
the look out, at the mast-hend Of the St.
Mury's. then c.Sising on the blockade, de-
-cr'bcd the EAVIYfa steamer. As this
was re for Coun.S'y r for Inc In M appearance
had been parrnittrd to pass in and out of the
belenguered port without question. the
English Government pIedging itself for
their faithful conduct as ncutrals--lhe smoke
Of q steamer was novelty in this now
lonely aud deserted part of the Mexican
Gulf. The ST. Mary's, in due time, placed
herself in position to intercept the stranger
in her approach to the city; and as The latter
came up within haiIing distance, she order
ed her to 'heave TO-" while boat was beirg
in readiness in few minutes. lieutenant
Jumped into her, and with few strokes of
the oars from the sincwy arms Of his sea>
men. placed himself alongside the steamer.
The steamer being evidently merchant
vessel, the leutenan, was surprised TO find
himself received with much ceremony and
courtesy at the gang way. Making his way
on deck and explaining the object Of hi. visit
to the Captain, he was conducted into the
cabin, where he was ushered into the so.
Spannrds or MeXicans, from their olive
comple%ions. black hair and eyes, and po,n,-
ed and curled mustachlos It was obvious
also, at the first glance, that most, if NOT II
these gentlemen, although dressed in plain
or citizens clothes, were military men, and
persons of bearing and distinction. After n
moments pause. the captain, as though he
had purposcIv prepared a surprise for the
boarding o!licer, turned towards him and
making n graceful motion with his right
hand at the same time. in the direction OF
one of The gentlemen. who, tho of the ordi.
nary height md figure, seemed by his com,
mandng air and manner, to be the chief of
the parry. said, "A How me to present you
sir, to General Antonio Lope- de Santa
.Anna." The officer started back at FIRST in
little surprise, but soon recovering himself
advanced cordially towards the General. and
extending his hand, Il mutual interchange Of
cIvilrics took place.
In n few moments Sonora Santa Anna, "a
securd wife.} Il handsome blonde, with deep
l. h,, IL,
bloom of early woma nhood, joined the party
and was presented TO the officer, who salut.
ed her in turn with becoming gallantry and
respect. General Almone, late minister OF
the United States, was also present as one
| of the Generals suite, and speaking our
language we'll, acted as interpreter on the
Occa sion. General Santa Anna having cy.
paned briefly who he wus-al'hough such
explanation was entirely unnecessary-lnd
that he purposcd going into Vera Cruz, with
the permission Of the Commodore. the board.
ing officer. after sitting as long as courtesy
required, and perhaps u little longer than
strict regard 10 duty permitted, in homage
to that !ady's charmS--a pe'ticoat being
quite an unusual sight TO us rough blockad>
ers. bout this limc-wlihdrew to rrpor,
'progress' to his commanding officer, md 20
ask for orders in the novel case which had
occurred.
The commander, who had been prepared
by the commodore for the contingency. forth
with dispatched the boat back agun, and
directed the officer at the same time that he
should present his compliments TO General
Santa Anna, and say to HIM, On the part OF
The commodorc. that he could proceed to
Vera Cruz with his suite as he dcslred;'
whereapon tho steamer Arab shot b,ldly out
from under tile ice Of The bIockadlng vessel,
and in an hour or two more landed her dis
rngulshcd passenger, 'blg with the fate OF
Mexico, safely IL the desired haven. That
night the roar Of cannon and the blrstng of
rockets in the air. testified the Joy of the
ickle Yern Cruzanos al the return of their
lost Curio'anus; aud it soon tran,pired tina,
The willy pepce>muker, who had 50 hands
somcly duped our cabinet at Washington,
had put himself at the head of the ultra war
party and procla imed-in common with act.
ing President Salas, whom he has,ened tu
joln-'no quarter 10 the Yankees"
doctor. that ere rats banc of y0urn is
fust rate" Yankee 10 village apolhe.
cnrv