THE DALE AT WAR IN MEXICAN WATERS
These land operations in Lower California had scarcely begun, however, at the time that the Dale
sailed under orders for Mazatlan. Here Craven records that it:
". . .is the first civilized place we have visited since leaving Lima (Peru) and it is a
pretty and well built town, with well-filled shops, inviting restaurants, good markets and
beautiful gardens. The town is in possession of our squadron, the Independence and Congress lying
here, and having the greater portion of their crews in garrison on shore. Business goes on as usual
and every, thing seems lively and gay."
After only two days of these refreshing delights of civilization the Dale returned once more to the
rigors of blockade and warfare on a desolate coast. After touching at San Jose she anchored off
Guaymas on January 27th, and because of light winds got out the boats to tow the ship into the
familiar harbor. Selfridge now turned over the command to Lieutenant Edward M. Yard and departed
for home in the Southampton. Gunner Meyers had previously returned to the Dale from his temporary absence.
Now began a very tedious and trying sojourn of five months at "detested" Guaymas. Among
the few minor expeditions to vary the monotony the most important was that under Lieutenant Craven
in the early morning darkness of January 30th, 1848, that surprised the little Mexican garrison at
Cochori. His own account of it follows:
"We went about four miles in our boats, and landing through the surf on the beach some
three miles from the village, with quick step and profound silence marched upon the place. On
getting near the village I detached the marines, twelve in number, with orders to get near the
outpost and lie concealed until I had reached the barracks, that our assault might be made
simultaneously. Lieutenant Fabius Stanly led the advance, and we pushed on through thicket and
hedge until within 100 yards of the barracks undiscovered. We now divided into two parties, Stanly
leading to the right, I filing to the left, that we might surround the barracks before assaulting
it. As my company were filing around the corner of the barracks we were discovered and fired at by
the sentry on the house.
" Stanly had reached the front of the barracks, surprising the sentry there and seizing
him with his own hands, not however, until he had given the alarm. In an instant a number of the
guard rushed out from the rear and fired in the faces of my men. I ordered a charge, but as it was
pitchy dark some escaped, while others were shot down while flying. As soon as we fired I had the
satisfaction of hearing a volley from the marines, who rushed up, on the picket guard and
overpowered it. Lights were struck and we found we had captured Captain Mendoza and his lieutenant,
with their mistresses, all in charming deshabille; the fair ones, thus by the rude 'larums' of war
roused from their repose, seemed in nowise agi- rated, but 'au contraire' very interesting indeed.
We captured, I say, the captain, lieutenant and eleven privates; in the assault five were killed
and two wounded. Twenty stands of arms, 500 rounds of ball cartridges, a stand of colors and a
quantity of provisions also fell into our hands, as well as the guard boat.
"Day was now beginning to dawn and bidding my officer prisoners to put on their clothes, I
marshaled my forces and marched them to the beach with all of our spoils, leaving Stanly with a
guard to make a more thorough overhaul of the barracks by daylight. I made signal for the boats to
come in, and at about 7 a. m. commenced embarking my men. When all were off, I took the officers
into my own boat and made my return in triumph to the ship. The captain was very much depressed,
but the lieutenant seemed quite delighted with the idea of not being numbered among the dead. My
breakfast was already prepared, and at 10:30 I sat down and entertained my unfortunate guests,
giving them stewed oysters, omelette, toast, and hot coffee. So much for the affair of Cochori. The
friendly Indians immediately re-opened their trade with us, and we now get along quite comfortably.
"A sad business this matter of war! Some hearts were widowed today; some were made
fatherless. May the God of battles have mercy on those who fell in this their country's cause!
Among these killed was a sergeant, in whose cartridge box were found, carefully preserved, several
letters from his wife, telling of the health of the children, of her affection, and desire to see
him return from the war. She is sixty leagues from here and in a few days will receive the sad news
of her loss."
Gunner Meyers took part in this exciting affair, but was left in charge of the boats at the beach
while the landing party advanced to its surprise attack, with instructions to give support to those
ashore if necessary. In pitch darkness on that surf-bound coast it was responsible and difficult
duty. The return of his comrades who had vanished in the night relieved him of great anxiety for
their safety. Having learned that the guard boat belonging to the Mexicans was a few miles down the
coast, Craven then sent one boat in charge of Midshipman
Hayes and Gunner Meyers to capture her.
This they succeeded in doing and brought back the prize with her crew of four men as prisoners. For
his services in the entire expedition Meyers received handsome commendation in Craven's official report.
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