Doc.
76.--the capture of the Star of the West, April 20.
The expedition for the capture of the vessel composed of about 80 men, under command of
Col. Van Dorn, hurriedly organized in
Galveston, Tex., was made up of men from the Galveston Artillery and the
Island City Rifles; the Guards are
Irish, and the Rifles are a German company.
The party arrived at
Indianola on Wednesday, and kept all ready, apparently in no manner interested in the active preparations going on for the debarkation of the
United States soldiers, which was effected by the aid of the steamship
Fashion, acting as a lighter to remove the men to the Star of the West, which lay outside.
About half-past 9 o'clock at night
Col. Van Dorn and his band quietly got on board the
Gen.
Rusk, and made out to the Star of the West.
When the
Rusk got within hailing distance, the captain of the
United States vessel sang out to know who was approaching.
Van Dorn replied:
The General Rusk, with troops on board.
The answer was correct to the letter, and very readily impressed the captain of the Star of the West that he was about taking on board his own men. His blissful ignorance of his visitors' identity and designs was not suffered to remain long.
The vessels were made fast, without any suspicion on one side or any demonstration on the other.
Then, swift as the lightning, the
Texan band was over the bulwarks and in virtual possession of the vessel.
No effort was made at resistance, for it would have been absurd; and comprehending in an instant how matters were, the commander “gave up the ship” with the best grace he could muster.
The vessel was put about for
Galveston, and left
Col. Van Dorn there.
The next news we may have of that enterprising officer will be that he has taken the U. S. troops prisoners, or else that there has been a fight.--
N. O. True Delta.
