[1679) [FISHER to GOVERNMENT]
December, 1835 Extracl from a document on file in this office of the caplure of Lhe American Schooner Hannah Elizabeth by the Mexican armed vessel "Brave," and Lhe recapture of the same by the Citizens of Matagorda,"Sometime early in november last we understood lhal our coast was blockaded by one or lwo .Mexican vessels; and the committee of Safety of this Jurisdiction considered il imporlant thal a vessel should be immediately armed and equipped, to attack and drive them off. The Schooner William Robbins was at that time in this Bay, and by a resolulion of the committee J. R. Lewis Esqr. and my self were appointed to negotiate the purchase or hire, with her Captain and owner WM' Watlington, who however positively declined making any other disposition than that of a sale; This then we were compelled to do, and the price was $3500. She was then placed under the command of Capt Hurd, and considered to be a Government Vessel. from a former conversation with T. F McKenney Esqr. 1 was induced to believe that a draft on his house would be accepted on behalf of the Public; and in accordance with Lhat belief I gave my Exchange as Chairman of the Committee; in virtue of a resolution of the Body, to Captain Watlington for the amount" On Lhursday, 19th ullo. at night information was receivedin this Town, that a vessel supposed to be an American had been driven on shore al "Paso 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 Capt W. A. Hurd, armed, and equipped lo repel the enemy or afford such assislance as the case might require. On the evening of the 21st. we came to anchor off the Pilot House al the pass, and having sent "a boat on shore ascertained that the Mexican vessel had been driven by the North winds lo sea, but that the American vessel was in possession of a prize crew; the volunleers lo a number of about 20, were immediately landed under my command." When we augmented our force lo 25, besides Captain Hurd and his crew, I think 3 in number; on presenting ourselves the prize master, a liculenl of the Bravo, a~ he
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