the sail was the Brutus from a recognition of her signals which we answered with ours. About 11 oclock we hcarrl I he report of three guns from the 13rutus one of which shoted the ball of which fell thirty or forty yards under our larboard quarter. We did not lack ship supposing her not to understand our signals, and fearing a broadside which would have brought about an engagement immediately. Immediately after this the Bruh1s lacked ship. We done the same and stood along to the windward of her. She signalized us again wt ansered her signals and kept away for the anchorage. On arriving the bar found the Brutus al anchor. Capt Hurd accompanied by Dr Levey came on board, the former requesting us to anchor near his vessel, which we done. Capt Hurd then informed me that Commodore Hawkins was on the Brutus who elevated the gun that was shoted himself and had given him orders to fire a broadside at us. He told me that Commodore Hawkins requested me lo go and see him \\;ith which I complied. After I got on board Commodore Hawkins asked me several questions in relation to Capt Brown's proceedings while in command of the Jnvincihle and at the same time Capt Hurd requested Commodore Hawkins to have the Invincible got under weigh and carried up to Galveston. Upon which I told them the thing would not do and requested them not to attempt it. They informed me that they had come down lo take the Invincible from Capt Brown as he w~uld be broke. They told me lo take a dicided stand, that I would be discharged from the Invincible and that Capt Brown had brought with him from Orleans a man to take my place. I informed the Commodore that agreeable to my Commander's orders I should send the culler ashore al day-light the next morning which he forbid, giving me orders lo allow no boat to leave the vessel. During the conversation he (Commodore J-1) staled that he should lake some of our men away for the Independence. Capt Hurd told me that Commodore Hawkins would lake charge of the Invincible in the morning. F. Johnson l.st Lieut
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