368 AVES ISLAND. 



regulations through, the regular channel, empowering Senor Miranda 

 to dispatch vessels with guano from that island. 



I deem it proper to inform you that I leave this port for La Orchila 

 and Los Rogues in the fulfillment of my duty, and, although I expect 

 to arrive in a few days at Laguayra, I make known to you that at the 

 small islands The Brothers, to the north of Macanao, I found an 

 American schooner loading with guano stealthily, and, although I 

 pursued her with the vessel under my command, I could not overtake 

 her, but I captured eighty bags of the substance, which she was unable 

 to ship, and I retain it on board. 

 I am your obedient servant, 



J. LEOK CORONADO. 

 A copy. 

 [seal.] Gutierrez. 



D. 



[Translation.] 



Hepuhlic of Venezuela. 



Schooner-of-War Moi^agas, 

 At anchor at Laguayra, October 23, 1855. 



Mr. Secretary of State in the Office of Treasury: 



I have now, at 4, p. m., just cast anchor in this roadstead, on my 

 way from Barcelonce, Tortuga Island, and Higuerote. 



On the 29th, I set sail; I arrived at Juan Griego, but did not enter 

 harbor. I went to the Brothers and to the small island known by the 

 name of El Pie. On coming out I found an American schooner steal- 

 ing guano. I immediately lay to, and the second officer proceeded to 

 visit her. I afterwards went myself. I learned from the captain that 

 he was there loading with guano. He brought to me at the side her 

 papers, which did not seem to me to be legal, and I imposed on him 

 the duty of remaining at anchor until the following day — it was then 

 six in the evening — when I would communicate to him my orders, and 

 I continued tacking between El Pie and La Orquilla, the other island. 

 The wind was blowing strong; we had the least possible sail set. I 

 was aft and the second officer forward all night, detained giving orders, 

 and ourselves working side by side with the sailors. From time to time 

 I heard the voice of the second officer telling me that the bonnet of the 

 jib was torn to pieces, and that another was being set, &c., and I re- 

 plied to him — keep courage. In one of the tacks, a little longer than 

 the rest, the schooner escaped from us. Immediately we crowded sail 

 and pursued her. At daybreak we were within average cannon-shot 

 distance, and fired several times at her with ball. Immediately she 

 again went ahead of us. I followed her until the following day at 



