Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-03-27
Two Mexican steamers Captured.

Two Mexican Steamers Captured.
Telegraphic dispatches from New Orleans
important intelligence from Mexi-
co and the Gulf Miramon commenced the siege
of Vera Cruz on tie 9th inst, aud as auxiliary
to the land exped ton, ex-Coinmodore Marin
had purchased two small steamers and orig at
Havana, and fitted them out as vessels OF war,
with stores, ammunition, &c. These steamers
are called the Mralnon aud the Marquis, anu
cost $4,000. After leaving Havana, these
vessels hoisted the Mexican flag and assumed
the character of Mexican naval force. BY the
Juarez Government the expedition was deciared
piratical and against the laws OF nations.
On the 9th inst, the two steamers appeared
before Vera Cruz, showing no colors. English,
French. Spanish and American naval vessels
were in port, and the United States sloop-of- war
Saratoga, with detachment from the ships
Savannah and Preble, in the steamers lndlanola
and Wave, were ordered to proceed to the an
chorage of the steamers and ascertain their
character. Upon nearing their anchorage, OH
Antin Lizardo, one moved off. A shot was
fired bringing her to-, and the lndianola was sent
10 overhaul her. The Indanola's hail was an
swered by shot from the steamer Mlramon's
guns with volley of musketry, whereupon the
Saratoga fred broadside and the action became
general.
Commodore Marin and his men were made
prisoners, and taken on board the United States
sloop-ot. war PrebIe.
Commodore Marin's steamers passed all the
foreign squadrons and the Castle without hoist
ing flag, although ordered to do so by shot
from the Castle, and other signals. The Eng
lish, French and Spanish squadrons did not TO
tce the fact.
The sloop-of-war Saratoga, towed by the In
dianola. took Gen. Marin by surprise. The en-
gagement took place by moonlight. Both steam
ers tried to ESCAPE.
Three Americans were wOunded-one NOR
tally. Fifteen Mexicans were reported killed
and thirty wounded.
When the action commenced, Gen. Marin
hoisted the Spanish flag. The pri-oners corrob-
crate the report in relation to the steamers hav
ing cleared from Havana as merchantmen, and
hoisted the Mexican flag only after they LEFT
Havana. Afterwards they mounted six guns
each.
The steamers have been brought to New Or.
leans as United States prizes, and the men cap
tured on board of them are held as prisoners
A despatch from New Orleans on the 21st. says
sit appears by the fuller accounts received OF
the recent affair in the Gulf, that General Ma
rims steamers returned the Saratoga's fire and
tried to escape. The steamer lndianola pursued
the General Miralnon, when the latter fired or
her. The Indianola returned the fire and board
ed the Miramon at the point of the bayonet. a
portion of the Indianola's deck was carried a
way by the shot, The Miramon run aground
The Saratoga brought the Marquis to.
"The Picayune is informed BY the French
prisoners aboard the prizes that the lighting wa
done principally by the officers, who charged ant
fred the guns, assisted only by Mexican Officers
from the shore.
"rhe two steamers had two hundred and fifty
men aboard. The killed and wounded number
forty. The former were thrown overboard.-
The Indianoa and Wave bad eighty mpen each
The first engineer of the Marquis, an American
was killed.
"Capt Turner asked Gen. Marin why be free
on American vessels without provocation Th
General replied that his men could not be con
trolled. He knew the nationality of the Sara
| toga, and understood her signals. His men tire'
contrary to bis orders. Captain Turner re
piled, you are entirely responsible tor the out
rage"
Previous intelligence from Vera Cruz state'
that Miramon approached the city with 5,OO
men and numerous train of artillery and am
munition stores, and encamped four miles from
the city. His headquarters were at Medeln.-
Miramon had surveyed the city several time
from sand hills. His principal generals ape 30
bIes and Negrete. All the inhabitants flee a
his approach. The city was in the best state Q
defence. The garrison numbered from 1900 t
1000 men, and was well supplied in every re
| spect. General Iglepas was in command, witt
| Ampudia as chief of the artillery forces.
| Captain Turner, of the Saratoga, had gone t.
Miramou's camp, on behalf of the American cit
| izens, residents of Vera Cruz 1t was state'
that if Mramon does not guarantee full protec
ton to the American flag, property and citi
zens, Captain Jarvis will land 500 marines
armed with Minnie rifles. The Liberals and A
mericans were urging Captain Jarvis to captur
Miramon's expedition, which he had not decides
| to do when the Teviot sailed.