The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1890-09-02
A CHANCE, AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS
How Midshipman Hunter Appropriated q
Commodore's Laurels.

How Midshipman Hunter Appropriated q
Commodore's Laurels.
Kansas City star.
Charles G. Hunter, or "Alvarado" Hunter.
as he was called in the navy, was one of the
old passed midshipmen during the Mexican
war, and had been fifteen years in the
service before he had an opportunity to
show the stuff of which he was made
The operations of the naval squadron In
the Gulf of Mexico under the command
as bulldog Perry. extended FROM
Tampico on the north along the whole
line of Mexican coast south, block
aiding. bombarding and capturing the sew
eral seaport towns. After the surrender of
Vera Cruz, it was reported to the gruff old
Commodore that munitions of war were
running the blockade up the river to AL
varado, very important fortified town
held by the Mexicans Tho Commodore
gave observation-disclosures Hunter command
a common coal barge, which was armed
with two brass howitZers and manned by
fifteen seamen. He was given strict orders
to go down the coast and blockade the
town of Alvarado and its harbor. by night
and day. and to continue to do so until the
Commodore arrived with his fleet to shell
the place into submission.
Away went Hunter, the first independent
command he had ever had. When he was
off the harbor he began to she'll the beach;
Inen gradually approaching Tue tOWu anu
finding no resistance commenced to shell
the place itself. To his great delight and
still greater surprise, after four or hive
hours Smelling. the Mexican flag was low
cred and a flag of truce announced the sur
render of the town. Hunter immediately
landed all of his force Of fifteen men, leav-
ing the steamer in charge Of the engineers
and firemen and formally took possession
of the town and Notifications.
In a few days Commodore Perry arrived
al sd For I<,v,n
siege. and his mind inflated with the idea
that the capture of the place would add
greatly to his laurels. Soon, to his infinite
disgust and surprise, he saw the. small
steamer that was in his van signal to the
flagship. on whose quarterback he stood
lean flag was now flying over the fortified
tiOns of AlvaradO." Swelling with in
dignation. the Commodore sent boat with
orders for Hunter to repair Immediately
on board of the flagship and reported tC
him. Hunter obeyed the order at once, and
all the officers of the vessel. knowing Hun
ter we'll and anxious to learn how the cpl
sode would end, crowded around the ex.
cited Commodore. When Hunter stepped
on the ship, Perry forebore the usua
courtesy of receiving him in his cabin. and
ordered him to the quarterback. As sooT
as he reached the spot where the Comma
dore stood, the latter. in an indignant tone
asked Hunter: What is the meaning o.
Ill C0l6, SIT!
ut means that have captured Alvara
do" replied Hunter, because we are at wal
with Mexico"
His answer so exasperated the CommO
dore that all formalities ended, and ht
roared out: go below! Consider your
self in arrest: I'll have you conIt-martialed
you have disobeyed orders. Who ordered
you to take Alvarados told you to block
ade it onlyW
Hunter remained in his room week, ani
seeing no court in view. wrote letter tt
the Commodore, demanding his immediate
release from arrest or a trial. The Commo
dore did neither. but sent him to the
United States under charges.
The newspapers got hold of the facts and
published full account of the affair. ant
Hunter went to Washington and demanded
an investigation. Public indignation wa'
aroused at Commodore Perry's unwar
ranted course, and Congress. taking up tn,
matter. passed vote of thanks to Hunter
for his gallant action. He was at one,
given command of a schooner called thu
Shark and sent mp the Mediterranean, where
he remained three years. There he wa
known to the inhabitants of Port Mahon al
Captain Alvarado Hunter, of the Biz
Fish," Hunter died in the naval hOspita
in New York in 1854