Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-08-11
SANTA Anna Passing the Bl0cLn-
ding Squadron.

o
santa ANNA Passing tlc BIocIsn-
ding Squadron.
Lieut.. Semmes, sr his "Service Afout
and Ashore" gives the following intercs-
ting arcoNns Of the passage Of Santa Anna
through the American blockadng squad
ron at Vera Cruz. 1t viii be rccollectcd
that the commander Of the squadron was
specially instructed by the President to al
low the willy chieitain to pass freely:
early in August, while the squadron
was lying at anchor under Green Island.
keeping watch aud ward over the cncmy's
city and castle Of Vera Cruz. the seaman
on the lockout, al the n.avthcad of the St
Mary's, then cruising onthc blockade. de-
scried the smoke Of steamer AS this
was not the regular day for the appearance
OF any Of the English mail steamers--wlI.ch
had been permitted to pass in and out of
the beleaguered port without question, the
English Government pledging itself for
their faithful conduct as neutrals--tac
smoke Of steamer was novelty in this
now lonely and deserted part Of the Mexi--
can Gulf The St. Mary's, in due time,
placed herself in position 70 interc-pt the
stranger in her approach to the city; and
as the latter came up within hmling distance
she ordered her to ''heavc to-" while boat
was being sent on board other. The boat
being ia readiness in few minutes, lieu.
tenant jumped into her, and with a few
strokes Of the oars from the sincwy arms
of his seamen, placed himself alongside the
steamer.
The steamer being evidently merchant
vessel, 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 ofa circle eof gentlemen, evident
ly Spaniards or Mexicans, from their olive
conn mplexions. blaclShair and eyes, and point
cd and curlcd n,ustachos 1t was obvious
also, at the first glance that most, if not all
these gentlemen, although dressed IN plain
or citizens clothes, were military men, aud
persons Of bearing and distinction. After
a moments pause. the captain, as though
he had purposely prepared a surprise for
'Hc Doa'uihS oiiieS', tA'"cu ,oNuiuS iiiih
and making a graceful motion with his
right hand at the same time, IN the dircc-
ton Of one Of the gentlemen, who, though
ofihe ordinary height aud figure seemed
by his commanding air and manner. to he
the chief of the party, said, "Ailow me to
present yot, sn, 70 Gegeraf dafono fsoPet
de Santa lima The officer started back
at first III little surprise, but soon rccov-
ering himself, advanced cordially towards
| the General, and extending his hand. mu-
tual interchange of clvlties took place.
In few moments Sonora Santa Anna
IA second wiie,) handsome blonde, with
deep blue eyes and auburn HAIR and still in
the bloom Of early womanhood. joined the
party and was presented to the officer,
who saluted her in turn with hccoraing
gallantry and respect. General Almonte,
late minister OF the United Stnles, was also
present as one of the Generals suite. and
speaking our language wcll. acted as inter
prefer on the occasion. General Surta
Anna having explained briefly whohc was
although such explanation was entirely
unnecessary--ahd, ,hut he purposed going
into Vera Cruz, with the permission of the
Commodore, the boarding officer, after sit
ting as long as courtesy required, and per
haps little longer than strict regard to
| duty permitted, IN homage to the lady' Is
charms--a pettlcoat beng quite an unusual
sight to us rough bloekaders, about this
| fip1e--yyIfIIrs,V n snrnnree' IN ltp