Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-03-11
From the New York Times.
Death OF Aiyarado Huntsr-sketeh or his

Lieut.. Charles G.. Hunter better known az
as Alvarado Hunter" is no morei He was ad
United 10 the New York Hospital on Friday last
suffering from a disease, contracted in Mexico,
during the war, and died there on Tuesday
last.
The life OF Lient. Hunter has been most cratic
and curious. He was born in Trenton New
Jersey, in 1872. His father was an eminent
lawyer Of that place, and there the subject OF
this sketch resided until sent to West Point,
where he was educated, and from which he
graduated with high honors. After leaving West
Point he entered the naval service as a mid
shipman. Having passed through the neces-
sary examination, he was soon afterwards pro-
NOTED to the rank of Passed Midshipman. Not
long after this promotion, and while soiourning
in Philadelphia, The young gentleman first
gained public attention by fighting duel with
wel-known parsonage, named Miller, u resi-
dent of Philadelphia. The occurrence origi-
mated from an insult alleged to have been
given by Hunter to young lady--a sister-in-
law Of Miler's. Hunter, il appears, while
looking from the window of his hotel, espied
the face Of lovely young woman at a window
of house opposite. Fascinated by her APP
pearance, he attempted, too persisently, to at
tract her attention For this " imprudence,"
he was called TO account BY Miller, and, re.
fusng TO make satisfactory apology. was
challenged to mortal combat The challenge
was accepted, and the place and time desig-
mated. Miller was famous shot. He was so
skilled in the duello as to be able, so It's said,
to split card, or snuff candle, at the dis
lance of ten PAGES. His prowess in this par
ticular was so well known, that his friends did
not doubt that he would kill his antagonist on
the first fire. So confident were they of this,
that they had prepared bounteous repast to
celebrate the event. The meeting took place
at Red Bank, few miles from Philadelphia.
Miller was killed on the first fire. Hunter
escaped without a scratch. When the affair
became public, Hunter was dismissed from the
service lin l830) by General Jackson then Pre-
sident Warrants were issued for his arrest,
and he was forced to flee, to avoid apprehen-
sion. He first went to Boston, and from thence
TO Montreal. He soon after returned in dis
guise to New Jersey and remained for some
time secreted in the house of Mrs. Griffths.
in the town of New Brunswick. While so
secreted he became enamoured of his protec-
tors daughter, and WAS subsequently married
to her. When the commoton caused by the
duel, had in some measure snbsided, he went to
Washington, obtained an interview with Gen.
Jackson. explained all The facts connected with
the duel. and solicited to be restored 10 his
former position. The President listened silently
to the Young mans appeal, and answered II
by saving, :. / will think Of the matter" The
next day yorng Hunter received notice through
the partialty Of the President he was restored
to his former post. and entitled 10 all the
arrears in his pay from the time of his dis
missal
We next hear Of him in the year 1912, ms
First Lieutenant Of the Fairfield attached TO
the Mediterranean squadron, under com mard of
Commodore Rideey. He discharged the du
ties of this position faithfully, and after the
lapse Of three years, returned TO the States.
When the Mexican war broke out, he
earnestly solicited to be appointed to com
mand in the feet which was fitting out to bonn
bard the city of Vera Cruz An old hulk. the
Scourgr, was fitted ou' and placed IN his com
nand. with instructions to join the blockading
squadron. During the voyage to the Gulf he
was compelled to put into Havana for repairs.
Finally, he reached his destination, and re.
ported 10 Commodore Perry, by whom he was
ordered to 90 to Alvarado and watch the pro-
ceedngs there. Alvarado contained at that
time ten thousand inhabitants, and its strong
defences were guarded by 1900 regular troops.
with 60 guns Several partial attempts had
already been made by the American squadron
TO take possession Of that stronghold, but they
oil failed. Lieutenant Hunter arrived of the
city in the nighttime. He had with him but
Sc men, all told, and one gun, 22-pounder.
Notwithstanding this disparity Of strength he
at o, CO resolved with that reckless daring for
which he was noted, to- atone for his previous
shortcomings, BY attempting to capture the
city. He sent boat on shore, with message
to the General Of the forces, commanding him
10 surrender the forts and city within thirty
minutes. If not, he wonld destroy the city by
a powerful feet which he had moored outside
TO attack the forts, aud 10000 men, who were
awaiting orders from the beach, would march
on aud destroy The city. The particulars OF
this affair have been so often told, that Vt is
now only necessary to say that the 'nse had
the effect intended The forts and city capitu-
lated. and in the morning the American flag
waved triumphantly above them. Not salts
fled with this exploit. the gallant lieutenant
hasiened on next morning 10 town,
some miles distant. and succeeded in fright
ening ta defenders to surrender. When
Commodore Perry arrived in front Of Alvarado
the next morning, he was astonished TO see the
American flag waving from the forts and city,
which he expected to meet with such difficulty
in capturing. This famous exploit, however
romantic and daring, was nevertheless a clear
disohcdiecce of orders. and for such disobedi-
ence its hero was conrt-mnrtialed and dis
missed from the squadron. He returned home.
and on his arrival at New York was bonored
with public ovation. He was met at the
battery by n large concourse Of citizens who
escorted him to the City Hall, where, in the
Governors Room he was presented with a
costly sword.
Soon afterwards, Judge Mason then Secre-
iary Of the Navy, gave him command of the
Tdney, in the Mediterranean. While holding
this command he was also acting Purser Of the
vessel; and upon settling his accounts, was
returned rs defa1lter to the extent Of eight or
ten thousand dollars, and was dismissed from
the service in consequence. By the influence
Of Com. Stockton, his uncle, and Senator
Clemens, an act was passed through Congress,
wiping out the amount Of defalcation, by credit
ing him Herewith. Personal influence induced
President Fillmore 10 again reinstate him and
he was put in command Of the brig Bdinbridge,
With which vessel he returned, from the Bra
lillian Station in the early part Of January,
1855. because Com. Salter refused to send him
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