Delaware State journal and statesman., 1865-07-07


to save himself aud his little garrison from those
savage enemies who had publicly declared iheir
hxed determination to exterminale them. Tbs
anxiety Of Haywood that Du Pont shouli not
land until day, lest be should be cut 70 pieces
by the Mexioans In ambush during the darkness |
OF the night, was relieved as day broke upon the
scene Of conflict, when he found that the com-
mander of the Cyane, whose judgment fully
apprised him Of the danger Of hls position, had
then landed his little force IS soon as be could
see his way, and, though pressed on all sides by
the Mexicaus, who fought desperately, was
driving them before him. Painful, indeed,
must have been his soleitude when he behetd
the small force Of his countrymen surrounded
by superior numbers Of the enemy but still, as
the flashes Of the musketTy enabled him TO look
through the smoke Of the conflict, his heart
leaped for joy as he heheld the American
standard etlll pressing onward to saFs him.
The greeting between these two officers and
their men, when Haywood sailed out to drive
the enemy from the town and SUPPORT Du Pont
may be better imagined than described. The
dangers which surrounded those engaged in the
achievement Of this brilliant vict1r where but
q few hundred we're engaged, was as great to
the individuals involved in them as that actually
incurred in many Of those greater battles where
thousands were engaged during the Mexican
war. Indeed, had not the Mexicaus fred
generally above their heads, our sailors must
have been cut to pieces,
Lieutenant Haywood, In his report TO the
oommander-n chief, thus describes the result
"On the 18th We continued digging for water.
We found that the enemy had thrown up
second breastwork more to the westward, giving
them a cross FIRE upon our watering place.
There was continued fire kept up upon the
cuarte during the day. AT three o'clock and
thirty minutes, p. IN, sui was reported IN
sight, which proved TO be the United States ship
Cyane She anchored after sundown. We saw
her getting her boats out, and were extremely
apprehensiye that she would attempt to land
neu, when, In Il night ambuscade, with such
odds against them, disastrous cOHeequenoes
might ensue. 1t was, Of course, joyful sight
to see friends 50 near but entertained great
doubt that they would be able to reuder US any
essential assistance, the enemy being so vastly
superior in numbers.
''The enemy continued their FIRE on US during
the night.
"0n the l5lh, at daylight, we became aware
that the 'Cyaue was landing men. They soon
commenced their advance, which, for few
uioutes, was continued with the opposition Of
only scattering fire; theu the enemy opened
upon them in earnest. They had concentrated
nearly their entire force near the hamlet Of
San Vincenie. We saw the fash OF muskelry
through all the hills above the ranches There
were the odds Of more Than three to one against
our friends. Steadily they came on, giving
back the FIRE Of the enemy as they advanced.
'There was still party Of the enemy occupy
ing the town, firing upon US. took thirty men
and sailed out upon them, drove them from
cover, killing one aud wounding several Of them,
and marched on to join the 'CyAne' meu, who,
with Captain Du Pont at their head, had now
drawn quite near to us. There we're small
L 4 Hal ~ tha nNt kaw ino
about them aud firing at them, but the main
body of the enemy had been broken, and retired
to san Animas, distant Two miles.
"lhe march Of the 'CyAne' men TO our relief
through an enemy 80 vastly their superior in
numbers, well mounted, aud possessing every
advantage in knowledge Of the ground was
certainly an intrepid exploit, as oredltsbly
performed as it was skillfully aud boldly
planned, rejecting the greatest honor GU all
concerned, aud resulting most fortunately for US
| 10 our harrassed situation"
The commodore commanding the Pacific
squadron at the time, in his letter to the Secretary
Of the Navy, ten days after tue battle, expresses
his communication in these terms. Il read from
the public document transmitted to Congress.
from the Navy Department shortly afterwards }
UNITED srATEs sHlr INDsPByDRuoE.
MAEATJAE, february 20, 1e4s.
SiR / have the honor to forward herewith
reports from Commander s. 2. Du P0nt, and
Lieutenant Charles Haywood, dated 10th and
22d February, and 2lst aud 22d same month.
| want words TO express my sense OF the
gallant conduct Of these officers, and Of thl
officers aud men under their command, al
detailed in their reports but feel that au
perfectly safs in saying that the Runaa Of n
war can furnish instances Of greater coOlness
Of more indomiIablo perseverance,, OF NOR
conspicuous bravery, and OF sOunder judgment
than are TO be found ia these details The
will bo read with pride aud pleasure by th
Department, and by every American, aud viii
secure 10 all concerned q most envable place il
the estimation Of their countrymeu.
base the best reason TO believe that thes
reports 80 far from overrating the acts Of tbosl
concerned, are strongly imbued with the modest
Of true courage, which adheres to truth, bu
Bhrinks from exag ggeraton aud rather diminisho
than maguifes its own deeds.
The satisfaction arising from this brlllau
victory over the enemy is clouded by the fall
Passed Midshipman Tenant McLanahau, your
officer Of great promise. He received tho fats
e, wound standing by the flag of his country, an
j died in the hour OF viotory--au early bi
/ euviable death-placng his name high On ii
# roll of those who peril all in tue cause Of the
u, country, and giving to bis afflicted friends Il
10 mournful satisfaction arising from the rehectiC
l. that he has sealed life Of honor with o deaf
Of glory
le The presence OF the Cyane, aud the e1esllei
i. judgment OF Commander Du Pont and Lieutepa
Beywood will, hope, secure the garrison
San Jose from further molestation until t
S. measures which Governor Mason Informs me
is taking to send reinforcements iuto /
territory, eau be effected
have the honor to be, very respectful
your obedieut servant,
o WIN. BRANFoRD sHUBRICK,
IN Commanding Pacific Squadron
Hon. joins Y. MAsoS, Secretary Of ths Ma
ed Washington, d. C.