Biv 27 1835 to Jan 13 1835 - PTR, Vol. 3

Thursday, Lhe 19th ult. at night, information was received in this town, thal a vessel, supposed to be an American, had been driven on shore at Passo Cavallo, pursued by a Mexican armed vessel; and early the next morning, a number of our fellow-citizens embarked on board the William Robbins, a small schooner, commanded by caplain W. A. Hurd, armed and equipped to repel the enemy, or afford such assistance as the case might require. On the evening of the 21st, we came to anchor off the pilot house, al the nass, and having sent a boat ashore, ascertained that the Mexican vessel was in possession of a prize crew. The volunteers, to the number of about twenty, were immediately landed under my command, where we augmented our force lo twenty-three, besides captain Hurd and his crew, I think three in number. A list of the names of the volunteers, with their temporary rank, is appended, and numbered 1. On presenting ourselves, the prize master, a lieutenant of the Bravo, as he states, and not the Montezuma, delivered his sword, and surrendered himself and men as prisoners of war. The total was twelve, one of whom, from expsure consequent on drunkenness, has since died. After taking the vessel, it was necessary for all hands to turn to and discharge her cargo: this was effected in part with great difficulty, exposure and labor; and the remainder had to be left in consequence of the vessel having rolled out her masts in the breakers, I think on the night of the 23d ult., and ripped up her deck. Captain Hurd then proposed that the part of the cargo which was landed, should be taken to Matagorda, and there sold: it was objected to principally by one Peter Kerr, a passenger on board, and who claimed a large amount of goods, although he produced no bills of lading as evidence: he wished them sold on the spot that he might purchase. Partly in compliance with his wishes, and partly from the impracticability of getting them to town for the want of lighters, captain Hurd agreed to it, not knowing how soon the Bravo or her boats might return, it was considered most prudent to seel the goods without delay, and each individual purchaser be at the risk. Captain Hurd then ordered the sale for cash, (the usual mode of proceeding in such cases,) but as it was not presumed our fellow-citizens were prepared with the money, he agreed to take their notes, payable on demand, or when they should arrive in town. However, before the sale commenced, Mr. Kerr , who seemed more like a crazy than a sane man, begged captain Hurd

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