Edward Simpson's Ships, USS Vixen-- Part 3: Capture of Tabasco

In the Gulf of Mexico, the Vixen performed many patrol and reconnaissance assignments and helped secure the Mexican coasts for the landing and move inland of the United States Army.

Under the command of Joshua R. Sands, the Vixen first saw action on 16 October 1846 when she assisted in an unsuccessful attempt to take Alvarado, Mexico, the most important Mexican city east of Vera Cruz.  During the attack, the Vixen towed the schooners Bonita and reefer, but  together with the rest of the fleet, was unable to cross the bar and the attack was called off.

Next, the squadron moved south and attempted to cut the Yucatan Peninsula off from the rest of Mexico.  Success hinged on the capture of  of the coastal port of Frontera at the mouth of the Tabasco River which would cause the surrender of the city of Tabasco upriver.

The Vixen and the rest of the squadron maneuvered into position off Frontera on 23 October.  Commodore Matthew C. Perry of the Vixen and with the schooners Bonita and USRC Forward in tow, dashed across the bar and captured the Mexican ships protecting the port.  (The USRC Forward also took a part in the Civil war.)

Then, the Vixen and Perry ascended the river on the 24th and 25th with the other vessels of the squadron and forced the surrender of Tabasco after a three shot bombardment by the Vixen.

--Old B-Runner