Journal of Alfred Walke, April 16-27, 1843 - Page 1
Journal of a cruise on the Texas Sloop of
War Austin[,] Commodore EW Moore Comans
1843
Sea time
P.M. Remarks Sunday April 16th 1843
At 9.15 As we got underweigh [sic] in Tow of Steamer Lion down
the Mississippi River the U.S. Sloop of War Ontario gave us Three hear-
ty Cheers which was returned by the crews of both vessels (this
ship and the Brig Wharton our Consort) & after several delays
caused by Foggs trying Patent shot invented by Dr Maxey of
New Orleans & the Tow boat leaving us at the Balize did
not arrive in Salt Water until;
April 20th
At 545 P.M. when we weighed our Anchor in
company with the Brig Wharton, made sail, Beat to Quar-
ters[,] shotted the Guns. Beat the Retreat & Steered for Telchae
when we expected to meet the Mexican Steamer Montezu-
ma[.]Lat by Obs 28O50’ N at Meridian
April 21st 1843
During the night of the 20th the Brig parted Company
with us. Exercised our Crew at General Quarters from Four
until 6 P.M. At 10.30 A.M. Called all hands to witness Sen-
tence of Court Martial in the case of the Mutineers of the Tex-
as Schr of War San Antonio, when the Articles of War were
Read. The Charges & specifications of Charges also read against
Frederick Shepperd (late Boatswain of the San Antonio) who was
acquitted & released, J McWilliams (Seaman) who was not Guilty
of the 1st & 2nd Charges but Guilty of the 3rd but Reccommended [sic]
to Mercy and was pardoned & released from Confinement &
Wm Barrington (Seaman) who was Guilty but in Considera-
tion of his informing Mr Dearborn (Lt on board the S.A.) at the last
moment that a meeting was to take place his sentence was
Journal of Midshipman Alfred Walke. Texas Navy Papers, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 401-1129.