VOYAGE RESUMED. 97 
effects on board. These imposing preparations 
did not in all probability remain unobserved ; 
at all events, the ball passed off quietly enough ; 
but it was remarkable that very few of the offi- 
cers who had given it were present ; and instead 
of the gaiety which had reigned on the two for- 
mer occasions, the greatest constraint was evi- 
dent in the deportment of the company, who 
separated at an unusually early hour. 
At daybreak we weighed anchor, to re- 
sume our voyage; but before we were in mo- 
tion, my faithful friend Mendiburu, who had 
travelled in the night from Conception, came on 
board with the news that a Chilian frigate and a 
corvette, which had arrived two days before 
from Valparaiso with troops, now lay at anchor 
at the mouth of the bay, and had received or- 
ders to prevent our departure. He had no 
idea what could have induced his government, 
against which he was excessively indignant, to 
meditate such an outrage; but he felt assured 
that the ships were by no means in a condition 
to obey. When in full sail, I parted from 
Mendiburu, for the second time, with hearty 
thanks for his sympathy and assistance. 
VOL. I. F 
