STEAM FRIGATE MISSISSIPPI

While the U. S. Army began to encircle Vera Cruz by constructing trenches and batteries on the land, the Navy landed more troops and supplies and continued its blockade of the Port, despite furious northers that hampered operations.  On March 20, while one of these storms threatened, the steamship Mississippi arrived off Sacrificios Island with the new commander of Home Squadron, Commodore Matthew C. Perry.

Built in 1841, this barque-rigged ship had two coal-burning side-lever steam engines that turned two paddle wheels, each 28 feet in diameter.  It carried two 10-inch and eight 8-inch Paixhans shell guns and a crew of 257 men.  Because of its deep-draft, she could not cross the bars at the mouth of the Mexican rivers.

Early on March 21, as the norther gathered strength, upon learning that the Hunter and two other ships had run aground on the reef at isle Verde, near Sacrificios, with 60 men, Perry  got his ship under way to rescue them.  A few minutes later, Commodore Conner, in the Raritan, signaled the fleet that Perry was in command of the squadron and the broad, blue pennant of the squadron commander was hoisted to the top of the Mississippi.  Capt. Isaac May, four officers and several men on board the Mississippi volunteered to man three of the ship's cutters and a whale boat to save the men of the stricken vessels.  By late morning all had been brought to shore and the Mississippi's boats had safely returned.

After Henry Walke.  Toned lithograph.  Sarony & Major, NY.   1847.

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