CHILI. 211 
Bulnes, who from all accounts retains the high reputation and popu- 
larity he gained in Peru. 
From G. G. Hobson, Esq., United States Consul at Valparaiso, 
and our countrymen resident there, we received every kindness and 
assistance, and from them we derived much information respecting 
the country. To the former I feel myself under many obligations 
for his great kindnesses and the attention he gave to our business, 
the warm interest he took in the Expedition, and the manner in 
which he forwarded our views, and aided in procuring the necessary 
supplies. To him I feel bound to acknowledge my indebtedness for 
much valuable information ; and the many agreeable hours spent in 
his family will long be remembered. He not only stands deservedly 
high with our countrymen, but has the respect and high considera- 
tion of the Chilian government. An American cannot but feel proud 
of such a representative abroad. 
Our departure from Valparaiso was delayed for some days, owing 
to the non-arrival of the Sea-Gull, and the prevalence of north winds 
and calms, together with fogs. These often prevent vessels from 
sailing in the winter season. 
During this time, one morning as the fogs lifted, a brig was dis- 
covered in a dangerous situation near the beach of Concon; boats 
were immediately despatched to her relief; she proved to be the 
English brig Superior; the master was found dead drunk on his 
cabin-floor ! She was towed to the anchorage, and placed in safety. 
Lieutenant Craven was left at Valparaiso to take command of the 
Sea-Gull when she should arrive. After a delay there of some 
months, he joined the Pacific Squadron, and was transferred to the 
Schooner Boxer, Lieutenant-Commandant Nicholson, which vessel 
made strict search for the Sea-Gull in all the places she could have 
possibly met with disaster, in conformity to the orders of Captain 
Clack, then in command of the Pacific Squadron. 
I cannot resist the opportunity when speaking of Lieutenant 
Craven, to refer to his praiseworthy conduct in being instrumental 
in saving the crew of the Chilian vessel of war, the Monteguedo, 
that came near being lost. By his exertions, seconded as they were 
by the officers of H. B. M. ship Fly, they were rescued from a 
watery grave. It gave me great pleasure some time afterwards to 
receive the highly complimentary notice of it by the Hon. J. K. 
Paulding, then Secretary of the Navy, which will be found included 
in Appendix XXXIV. 
