Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/233

Rh of the brig Truxton, was still more unfortunate, in a similar enterprise against Tuspan, on the 15th of the same month. His vessel grounded on the bar at the mouth of the river; every effort was made to get her off, but all proved of no avail. It was found impossible to save her, and she was abandoned. Lieutenant Hunter made his escape with a boat's crew, to another vessel of the squadron, and the remaining officers and men surrendered to the enemy, but were afterwards exchanged, at the instance of the Mexican government, for General La Vega, and other prisoners taken by General Taylor.

Though it may not have been often expressed in words, it is certain that a very general feeling of regret was entertained throughout the country, when it became known, after the commencement of hostilities with Mexico, that no opportunity would be afforded to the navy for the performance of distinguished services upon their own appropriate theatre. Mexico was almost without a naval establishment; her marine consisting only of a few brigs, small steamers, and gunboats, intended rather for coast and harbor defence, than for offensive operations on the ocean. Soon after the return of Santa Anna, however, a plan was devised for annoying American commerce, which it was thought, at one time, would afford an opportunity for our navy to display its unquestioned gallantry and heroism. On the 11th of September, a special decree was enacted by the Mexican Congress, for the naturalization of foreigners, and on the 21th instant, regulations were established for privateering, under which prize letters