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The Alexandria Herald
Alexandria, Virginia
What is this article about?
Lieut. W. H. Cooke, commander of the U.S. schooner Fox, was killed by a shot from Moro Castle in Porto Rico harbor while approaching to join two other squadron vessels, despite the governor's limit on port entries. His body was buried with military honors, and the schooners proceeded to the squadron.
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Information has been received from St. Thomas that Lieut. W. H. Cooke, commander of the U. S. schr. Fox, one of Commodore Porter's squadron, has been killed by a shot fired from the fort at Porto Rico. It appears that the Fox, of which Lieutenant C. was commander was approaching the harbour at the time two other vessels of the squadron (the Greyhound and Beagle) were lying in port. The governor informed Capt. John Porter, of the Greyhound, that only two would be admitted to be in port at one time, but capt. P. could not communicate with the approaching schooner in consequence of the heavy surf. When she had come within gun shot of the Moro Castle, two guns with blank cartridges were fired at her, but as the captain did not think them intended for him, he stood on towards the harbor. A gun was then fired from the Moro which killed Lieut. Cooke. The schooner immediately came to anchor among the breakers, and capt. C's body was carried on shore and buried with military honours. The three schooners then proceeded to join the squadron and communicate with the commodore, since which nothing has been heard at St. Thomas from them.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Porto Rico
Key Persons
Outcome
lieut. w. h. cooke killed by shot from the fort; body carried on shore and buried with military honours.
Event Details
The U.S. schooner Fox, commanded by Lieut. W. H. Cooke, approached Porto Rico harbor where Greyhound and Beagle were in port. Governor limited to two vessels; heavy surf prevented communication. Warning shots with blank cartridges fired from Moro Castle; Fox continued, then lethal shot killed Cooke. Schooner anchored among breakers; three vessels then joined squadron.