The Medallic History of the United States of America 1776-1876 Part 74

Sir: It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the loss of the U.S. brig Somers, late under my command, and of the drowning of more than half of her crew. The details of this sad catastrophe are briefly as follows:

After having been forty-five days maintaining the blockade off Vera Cruz, I anch.o.r.ed on the evening of the 7th instant under Verde Island, where it had been my practice to take shelter from the N. W. gales, which blow with such frequency and violence along this coast at this season of the year. Soon after sunrise the next morning, a sail having been descried from the masthead, I immediately got under way, and commenced beating up between the Verde Island and Pascoros reefs. In a short time I was enabled, with my gla.s.s, to make out the strange sail to be a man of war, whereupon I hoisted my number, and had the satisfaction in fifteen or twenty minutes more to see the stranger show that of the "John Adams." The wind, which had been blowing from the W. N.

W. when we got under way, gradually hauled to the northwest and settled for a while at N. N. E. The barometer having fallen the night previous to 29.80 in., and being still down, and the weather looking still unsettled, I was apprehensive of a gale. As soon, therefore, as the "John Adams" showed her number, I wore round and ran down towards Verde Island, with a view of coming to, and getting my vessel snug before the gale should come on.

When I had nearly approached the anchorage, the look-out at the masthead cried "Sail ho!" a second time. On applying my gla.s.s to the direction indicated from aloft, I perceived this second sail to be a brig in the N. E., standing apparently for Vera Cruz (she did afterwards run between the inner Anegada and the Blanquilla).

I immediately abandoned my intention of anchoring, as the gale had not yet set in, and hauling on a wind, under top-sails and courses, commenced to beat up the pa.s.sage a second time, (p. 301) with the view of placing myself between the strange sail and the Port, to prevent the possibility of her running the blockade, if she should be so inclined. I made one tack towards the Pascoros reefs, and at the time of the catastrophe, was standing on the larboard tack, with the northern point of the Verde Island reef a couple of points on my lee bow. We were still under topsails, courses, jib and spanker, and the Brig did not appear too much pressed. I was myself standing on the lee arm-chest, having just pa.s.sed over from the weather quarter, and, with my spy-gla.s.s in hand, was observing the reef on our lee bow to see whether it were possible to weather it, or in the event of our not being able to do this, to give timely notice to the officer of the deck to tack ship. I had not been long in this position before the officer of the deck, 2d Lieut. Jas. L.

Parker, remarked to me that he thought it looked a little squally to windward. I immediately pa.s.sed over to the weather side, and as it looked a little darker than it had done, I ordered him to haul up the mainsail, and brail up the spanker, and directed the helm to be put up. These orders were promptly obeyed. Lieut.

Parker took the mainsail off her, and had got the spanker about half brailed up, when the squall struck us. It did not appear to be very riotous, nor was its approach accompanied by any foaming of the water, or other indications which usually mark the approach of heavy squalls. But the Brig being flying light, having scarcely any water or provisions, and but six tons of ballast on board, she was thrown over almost instantly, so far as to refuse to obey her helm, the pressure of the water on the lee bow rather inclining her to luff; seeing which, I directed the helm to be put down, hoping that I might luff and shake the wind out of her sails, until the force of the squall should be spent.

The quartermaster at the helm had hardly time to obey this order, before the brig was on her beam ends, and the water pouring into every hatch and scuttle. Being now convinced that she must speedily go down unless relieved, I ordered the masts to be cut away. The officers and men, who, with few exceptions, had, by this time, gained the weather bulwarks of the vessel, immediately began to cut away the rigging. But as this was a forlorn hope, the brig filling very fast, and her masts and yards lying flat upon the surface of the sea, I placed no reliance whatever on their efforts. A few moments more, and I was convinced that, in spite of all our exertions, she must inevitably go down in a very short time. I accordingly turned my attention to the saving of as many lives as possible. The boats secured in the grips amidships, and the starboard-quarter boat, were already several feet under water, so that it was impossible to reach them, but we succeeded in disengaging the larboard-quarter boat from her davits, a small boat pulling five oars, and dropped her, fortunately, to leeward of the brig to prevent her being thrown upon the vessel's side, and crushed by the sea. I ordered Midshipman F. G. Clark to take charge of this boat, and with the purser, surgeon, and seventeen men, make for Verde Island, if possible, and after having landed all but the boat's crew, to return and save others. It was now blowing a strong gale, with a heavy sea running, and I deemed it imprudent to trust more men in so small a boat. Besides, I was anxious to shove her off, before the vessel should sink, lest there might be a rush for her, and no life at all should be saved. I cannot refrain from expressing, in this place, my admiration of the n.o.ble conduct of several of the men embarked in this boat, who implored the officers by name to take their (p. 302) places, saying they would willingly die by the wreck, if the officers would but save themselves. Of course, none of the generous fellows were permitted to come out, and they were all subsequently safely landed, as they deserved to be. Midshipman Clark fortunately succeeded in shoving off, and pulling some twenty paces from the brig before she went down. When she was on the point of sinking beneath us, and engulfing us in the waves, I gave the order: "Every man save himself who can." Whereupon there was a simultaneous plunge into the sea, of about sixty officers and men, each one trying to secure some frail object that had drifted from the wreck, for the purpose of sustaining himself in the awful struggle with the sea, which awaited him. Some reached a grating, some an oar, some a boat's mast, some a hen-coop, &c., but many poor fellows sprang into the sea to perish in a few minutes, not being able to find any object of support. Lieut.

Parker and myself, being both swimmers, were fortunate enough to reach one of the arm-chest gratings, which afforded us partial support, but on which we should inevitably have been drowned, if we had not, when we had swam some twenty or thirty paces, secured an upper half port which came drifting by us. We lashed this with lanyards attached to it to our grating, and thenceforth got along much better. Midshipman Clark, after he had landed the officers and men under his charge at Verde Island, shoved off a second time, in obedience to the orders I had given him, at the imminent peril of his life, for the gale was now blowing with such violence, and the sea running so heavy, that it seemed impossible that so small a boat could live, and skirted the Verde Island to see if it were possible to rescue any of us from the waves. His efforts were rewarded with partial success, as he picked up Lieutenant Parker and myself and one of the seamen. As soon as I landed I sent Midshipman Clark out again, who ventured as far from the island as he thought his boat would live, but this time he returned unsuccessful, having been able to descry no floating object whatever. Lieutenant Claiborne saved himself on a small hatch about two feet square, used for covering the pump-well, and which he found floating near the wreck. He was thrown with great violence upon a reef near Sacrificios, but fortunately escaped without serious injury. As strange as it may appear to you, there could not have elapsed more than ten minutes between our being struck with the squall and the total disappearance of the "Somers." I feel that I would not be doing justice to the officers and men who were under my command on this melancholy occasion, if I were to close this report without bearing testimony to their uniform coolness and self-possession under the trying circ.u.mstance under which we were placed, the alacrity with which they obeyed my orders, and when all was over the generosity with which they behaved to each other in the water, where the struggle was one of life and death. I have thus concluded what I had to say in relation to the causes of the disaster, and our own exertions; but with heartfelt acknowledgments, it remains for me to inform you of the gallant and feeling manner in which all the foreign men-of-war lying at Sacrificios came to our rescue. They hoisted out and manned boats immediately, and at the hazard of their lives, put out towards the wreck. They were at first driven back by the violence of the wind and sea, but renewed their efforts upon the first lull, and had the unhoped for satisfaction of saving fourteen more of our unfortunate companions. To Captain Lambert, of the English frigate "Endymion;" Captain (p. 303) Frankland, of the English corvette "Alarm;" Commander Matson, of the English brig "Daring;" Captain Dubut, of the French brig "Mercure;" Captain de Labedoyere, of the French brig "Pylade;"

and Captain Puente, of the Spanish corvette "Louisa Fernandez;"

who all sent boats, and supplied us with clothing, and hospitably entertained us on board their ships, we owe a lasting debt of grat.i.tude.

In conclusion, I respectfully request that at as early a date as convenient you will order a Court of Inquiry to investigate my conduct in this unfortunate affair.

R. SEMMES, _Lieutenant commanding_.

No. 62. (p. 304) PLATE LXIII.

_1847._

Major General Winfield Scott. [Rx]. Vera Cruz. Cerro Gordo.

Contreras, etc.

MAJOR-GENERAL SCOTT.

[_Mexican Campaign._]

In a pendant: MAJOR GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT. Undraped bust of General Scott, facing the left. Fifteen stars on each side. Exergue: RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS MARCH 9. 1848. S. ELLIS DEL. (_delineavit._) On the edge of bust, C. C. WRIGHT, F. (_fecit_).

Six crowns of laurel and oak intertwined; in each the name of one of the Mexican victories of General Scott: VERA CRUZ. CERRO GORDO.

CONTRERAS. SAN ANTONIO & CHURUBUSCO. MOLINO DEL REY. CHAPULTEPEC. In the centre is the taking of the capital, CITY OF MEXICO, which General Scott is observing on horseback. G. C. HUMPHRIES DEL. (_delineavit._) C. C. WRIGHT FECt. (_fecit_).

SALATHIEL ELLIS was born in Vermont in 1806, and followed his parents to St. Lawrence County, New York. He became a portrait painter, cameo cutter and die sinker. He settled in New York city about 1842, and designed the obverses of the medals awarded to General Taylor for Buena Vista, and to General Scott for Mexico; he engraved the obverses of the medals of Presidents Fillmore, Pierce, Buchanan, and Lincoln, and also of that given to Cornelius Vanderbilt.

G. C. HUMPHRIES, who designed the reverse of this medal, died in London, England.

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ORIGINAL DOc.u.mENTS. (p. 305)

_Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General Scott._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress a.s.sembled_: That the thanks of Congress be, and they are hereby, presented to Winfield Scott, Major-General commanding-in-chief the army in Mexico, and through him to the officers and men of the regular and volunteer corps under him, for their uniform gallantry and good conduct, conspicuously displayed at the siege and capture of the city of Vera Cruz and castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, March 29, 1847; and in the successive battles of Cerro Gordo, April 18; Contreras, San Antonio, and Churubusco, August 19 and 20; and for the victories achieved in front of the city of Mexico, September 8, 11, 12, and 13; and the capture of the metropolis, September 14, 1847; in which the Mexican troops, greatly superior in numbers, and with every advantage of position, were in every conflict signally defeated by the American arms.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, requested to cause to be struck a gold medal, with devices emblematical of the series of brilliant victories achieved by the army, and presented to Major-General Winfield Scott, as a testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of his valor, skill, and judicious conduct in the memorable campaign of 1847.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested to cause the foregoing resolutions to be communicated to Major-General Scott in such terms as he may deem best calculated to give effect to the objects thereof.

Approved March 9, 1848.

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_General Scott to the Secretary of War._

To the Honorable Headquarters of the Army, William L. MARCY, Camp Washington, before Vera Cruz, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. March 12, 1847.

Sir: The colors of the United States were triumphantly planted ash.o.r.e, in full view of the city and castle, and under the distant fire of both, in the afternoon of the 9th inst. Brevet Brigadier-General Worth's brigade of regulars led the descent, quickly followed by the division of United States volunteers under Major-General Patterson, and Brigadier-General Twiggs'

reserve brigade of regulars. The three lines successively landed in sixty-seven surf-boats, each boat conducted by a naval officer, and rowed by sailors from Commodore Conner's squadron, whose lighter vessels flanked the boats so as to be ready to protect the operation by their cross-fire. The whole army reached the sh.o.r.e in fine style, and without direct opposition (on the beach), accident or loss, driving the enemy from the ground to be occupied.

The line of investment, according to General Orders, No. 47, was partially taken up the same night; but has only been completed to-day, owing to most extraordinary difficulties: 1. The environs of the city, outside of the fire of its guns and those of the (p. 306) castle, are broken into innumerable hills of loose sand, from 20 to 250 feet in height, with almost impa.s.sable forests of chapparal between; and 2. Of all our means, of land transportation: wagons, carts, pack-saddles, horses and mules, expected to join us from Tampico and the Brazos, weeks ago, but fifteen carts and about one hundred draught-horses have yet arrived. Three hundred pack-mules are greatly needed to relieve the troops in taking subsistence alone, along the line of investment of more than five miles, as, at present, our only depot is south of the city. On the cessation of the present raging norther, which almost stifles the troops with sand, sweeping away hills and creating new, I hope to establish a second depot north of the city, which will partially relieve the left wing of the army.

In extending the line of investment around the city, the troops for three days have performed the heaviest labors in getting over the hills and cutting through the intervening forests, all under the distant fire of the city and castle, and in the midst of many sharp skirmishes with the enemy. In these operations we have lost in killed and wounded several valuable officers and men. Among the killed I have to report Brevet Captain Alburtis, of the United States 2d Infantry, much distinguished in the Florida war, and a most excellent officer. He fell on the 11th inst., and Lieutenant-Colonel d.i.c.kenson, of the South Carolina Regiment, was badly wounded in a skirmish the day before. Two privates have been killed in these operations, and four or five wounded. As yet I have not been able to obtain their names.

As soon as the subsistence of the troops can be a.s.sured, and their positions are well established, I shall, by an organized movement, cause each brigade of regulars and volunteers to send detachments, with supports, to clear its front, including sub-bourgs, of the enemy's parties, so as to oblige them to confine themselves within the walls of the city.

I have heretofore reported that but two-sevenths of the siege-train and ammunition had reached me. The remainder is yet unheard of. We shall commence landing the heavy metal as soon as the storm subsides, and hope that the five-sevenths may be up in time.

The city being invested, would, no doubt, early surrender, but for fear that, if occupied by us, it would immediately be fired upon by the castle. I am not altogether without hope of finding the means of coming to some compromise with the city on this subject.

So far, the princ.i.p.al skirmishing has fallen to the lot of Brigadier-General Pillow's and Quitman's brigades. Both old and new volunteer regiments have conducted themselves admirably.

Indeed, the whole army is full of zeal and confidence, and cannot fail to acquire distinction in the impending operations.

To Commodore Conner, the officers and sailors of his squadron, the army is indebted for great and unceasing a.s.sistance, promptly and cheerfully rendered. Their co-operation is the constant theme of our grat.i.tude and admiration. A handsome detachment of marines, under Captain Edson, of that corps, landed with the first line, and is doing duty with the army.

_March 13th._ The enemy, at intervals, continues the fire of heavy ordnance, from the city and castle, upon our line of investment, both by day and night, but with little or no effect.

The norther has ceased, which has renewed our communication (p. 307) with the storeships at anchor under Sacrificios. We shall immediately commence landing the few pieces of heavy ordnance, with ordnance stores, at hand, and hope soon to have the necessary draught mules to take them to their positions. Any further delay in the arrival of those means of transportation will be severely felt in our operations.

I have the honor to remain, Sir, with high respect, your obedient servant, Winfield SCOTT.

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_General Scott to the Secretary of War._

To the Honorable Headquarters of the Army, William L. MARCY, Camp Washington, before Vera Cruz, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. March 23, 1847.

Sir: Yesterday, seven of our 10-inch mortars being in battery, and the labors for planting the remainder of our heavy metal being in progress, I addressed, at two o'clock P.M., a summons to the Governor of Vera Cruz, and within the two hours limited by the bearer of the flag, received the governor's answer. Copies of the two papers (marked respectively A and B) are herewith enclosed.

It will be perceived that the Governor, who, it turns out, is the commander of both places, chose, against the plain terms of the summons, to suppose me to have demanded the surrender of the castle and of the city; when, in fact, from the non-arrival of our heavy metal, princ.i.p.ally mortars, I was in no condition to threaten the former.

On the return of the flag with the reply, I at once ordered the seven mortars, in battery, to open upon the city. In a short time the smaller vessels of Commodore Perry's squadron, two steamers and five schooners, according to previous arrangement with him, approached the city within about a mile and an eighth, whence, being partially covered from the castle, an essential condition to their safety, they also opened a brisk fire upon the city.

This has been continued uninterruptedly by the mortars, and only with a few intermissions, by the vessels, up to 9 o'clock this morning, when the commodore, very properly, called them off from a position too daringly a.s.sumed.