struck with the squall and the total disappearance of the
"Somers." I feel that I would not be doing justice to the
officers and men who were under my command on this melancholy
occasion, if I were to close this report without bearing
testimony to their uniform coolness and self-possession under the
trying circumstance under which we were placed, the alacrity with
which they obeyed my orders, and when all was over the generosity
with which they behaved to each other in the water, where the
struggle was one of life and death. I have thus concluded what I
had to say in relation to the causes of the disaster, and our own
exertions; but with heartfelt acknowledgments, it remains for me
to inform you of the gallant and feeling manner in which all the
foreign men-of-war lying at Sacrificios came to our rescue. They
hoisted out and manned boats immediately, and at the hazard of
their lives, put out towards the wreck. They were at first driven
back by the violence of the wind and sea, but renewed their
efforts upon the first lull, and had the unhoped for satisfaction
of saving fourteen more of our unfortunate companions. To Captain
Lambert, of the English frigate "Endymion;" Captain (p. 303)
Frankland, of the English corvette "Alarm;" Commander Matson, of
the English brig "Daring;" Captain Dubut, of the French brig
"Mercure;" Captain de Labedoyere, of the French brig "Pylade;"
and Captain Puente, of the Spanish corvette "Louisa Fernandez;"
who all sent boats, and supplied us with clothing, and hospitably
entertained us on board their ships, we owe a lasting debt of
gratitude.

In conclusion, I respectfully request that at as early a date as
convenient you will order a Court of Inquiry to investigate my
conduct in this unfortunate affair.

R. SEMMES, _Lieutenant commanding_.

No. 62. (p. 304)
PLATE LXIII.

_1847._

Major General Winfield Scott. [Rx]. Vera Cruz. Cerro Gordo.
Contreras, etc.

MAJOR-GENERAL SCOTT.

[_Mexican Campaign._]

In a pendant: MAJOR GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT. Undraped bust of General
Scott, facing the left. Fifteen stars on each side. Exergue:
RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS MARCH 9. 1848. S. ELLIS DEL. (_delineavit._) On
the edge of bust, C. C. WRIGH