THE SIGNAL OF PEACE. ca 
Spanish frigate having been seen cruising on 
the coast. This officer was an Englishman, in 
the service of the republic of Chili, and lieute- 
nant of a corvette lying before Talcaguana. 
He left us with a request, (which was imme- 
diately complied with,) that we would hoist a 
lantern at our fore-mast, as a signal of peace 
to the inhabitants of Talcaguana, among whom 
our appearance had _ spread the greatest 
anxiety. 
Early in the morning I sent an officer ashore 
to notify our arrival in proper form to the com- 
mandant of the place, and to request his per- 
mission to furnish ourselves with water and 
fresh provisions, which was granted in the most 
courteous manner possible. 
Sure of a favourable reception, I immediately 
weighed anchor, and, having a good wind, 
dropped it again at noon, at the distance of a 
musket-shot from Talcaguana, in a depth of 
five and a half fathoms, after having been fifty 
days on the voyage from Rio Janeiro, during 
the whole of which time the crew had enjoyed 
the most perfect health. Besides our own ship, 
and the abovementioned corvette, commanded 
