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 gelling them lo town for the want of lighters, captain Hurd agreed to it, not knowing how soon the Bravo or her boats might ret11rn, it was considered most prudent to sell the goods without delay, as each individual purchaser be at the risk. Captain Hurd then ordered the sale of each, (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 that his property might not be sold, but that he would, in lieu thereof, pay as salvage, fifty per cent, on the invoice cost: to this captain Hurd also agreed, provided the assemblage were willing; and at Mr. Kerr's request, I made his proposal public. It was acceded to, and captain Hurd then gave Mr. Kerr permission to select what It claimed and roll it on one side, and Lo take it under his own charge: the quantity and invoice cost, as furnished me by himself, will be found annexed, numbered 2. Mr. Cazeneau, the auctioneer, then commenced the sale; and al the close, captain Hurd publicly appointed me his agent: the bills were all made out, and the notes drawn in that manner. As the hull of the vessel, her spars, sails, &c., together with a small portion of the cargo, remained unsold, it was considered most prudent to close the business and sell the vessel, tackling, &c., with her contents, as she lay; it was so done publicly and regularly. Each individual took such care of his own property as he could, and then returned to town: we were absent about eleven days. These, gentlemen, are the facts, and can be substantiated. I cannot refrain from observing that, it appears to me, the capture of the Hannah Elizabeth by the boat of the Bravo, was the result of the most shameful cowardice; and here furnish you a statement given me by Don Mateo. He says, "the Hannah Elizabeth had on board fifteen Americans and five Mexicans, besides a woman; three cannon upon deck, mounted, two sixes and a four; eighteen kegs of powder; two boxes of muskets, rifles, and other arms; and that about 7 P.M., he hoarded her in the breakers with one boat and twelve men, himself included; not a gun was fired nor the least resistance made; indeed, that they thrown the cannon, powder,
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