The southern press., 1851-08-09
PRINTED BY o. a. SAGE.
SANTA AsrA PASSING THE BLockApNe

SANTA ANNA PASSING THE bLockADiNG
SQUADRON Lieut.. Semmes, in his Service
Afloat and Ashore" gives the following interest
ing account of the passage of Santa Anna through
the American blockading squadron at Vera Cruz.
It will be recollected that the commander of the
squadron was specially instructed by the Psesl-
dent to allow the Mexican chieftain to pass freely
Early in August while the squadron was
living at anchor under Green Island, keeping
watch and ward over the city and castle
of Vera Cruz, the seaman on the lookout at the
masthead Of the st. Mary's, then cruising on the
blockade, deserted the smoke Of steamer. As
this was not the regular day for the appearance
Of the English mail steamers--w which had been
permitted to pass in and out Of the beleaguered
port without question, the English government
pledging itself for their faithful conduct as Eeu
trals-the smoke of a st teamer was novelty in
this now lonely and deserted part Of the Mexican
gulf. The ST. Mary's, in due time, placed her
self in position to intercept the stranger in her
approach TO the city; and, as the latter game up
within hailing distance, she ordered her to-
aheave to-" while boat was being sent On
board Of her. The boat being in readiness in a
few minutes, a lieutenant jumped into her, and,
with 4 few strokes Of the oars from the sinewy
arms Of his seamen, placed himself alongside the
steamer.
The steamer being evidently merchant YES
sci, the lieutenant was surprised to find himself
received with much ceremony and courtesy at
the gangway. Making his way on deck, and
explaining the object Of his visit to the captain,
he was conducted into the cabin, where he was
ushered into the society of circle of gentle
men, evidently Span;ards or Mexicans, from their
olive compilations, black hair and eyes, and
pointed and curled mustachios. 1t twas obvious,
also, at the first glance, that most, if not all
these gentlemen, although dressed in plain or
citizens clothes, were military men, andlpersons
of bearing and distinction. After moments
pause, the captain, as though he had purposely
prepared sur, rise for the boarding officer,
turned towards him, and making graceful mo.
ton with his right hard at the same time in the
direction of one of the gentlemen, who, though
of the ordinary height and figure, seemed, by his
commanding air and manner, to be the chief OF
the party, said, "Allow me to present you, sir,
to General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna" The
officer started back at first in a little surprise,
but soon recovered himself, advanced cordially
towards the General, and extending his hand,
mutual interchange of civilities took place
In afew moments Sonora Santa Anna, "a Sec
ond wife.) handsome blonde, with deep blue
ewes and auburn hair and still in the bloom of
early womanhood, joined the party and was pre-.
sented to the officer who saluted her in turn
with becoming gallantry and respect General
,Almonte, late minister of the United States,
was also present as one of the generals suite,
and speaking our language Well, acted as inter-
prefer on the occasion. Gen. Santa Anna having
explained briefly who he was-although such ex-
plauation was entirely unnecessary, and that he
purpesed going into Vera Cruz, with the per-
mission of the commodore, the boarding Of
fcer, after sitting as long as courtesy required,
and perhaps little longer than strict regard TO
duty permitted, in homage to the lady's charms
IA petticcnt heing qnits unusual sight % ns
rough blockaders, about this time-withdrew TO
report aprogress" to his commanding officer, and
TO ask for orders in the novel case which had
occurred.
The commander, who had been prepared by
the commodore for the contingency, forthwith
dispatched the boat back again, 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 commodore, that "he
could proceed to Vera Cruz with bis suite as he
desired" 1" whereupon the steamer Arab shot
boldly out from under the lee Of the blockading
vessel, and in an honr or two more landed heI
distinguished passenger, "big with the fate" Of
Mexico, safely in the desired haven. That night
the roar Of cannon and the bursting Of rockets
In the air. testified the Joy Of the ickle Vera
Cruzanos at the return OF their lost Coriolaaus
and it soon transpired that the willy peace maker
who had so handsomely duped our cabinet al
Washington, had put himself at the head Of the
ultra war party, and procaimed-in common
with acting President Salas whom he hastened
TO join--"no quarter 10 the Yankees"