CHAPTER XII. 
PERU. 
1839. 
On the 26th of May, the Porpoise sailed for Callao, in order that 
some repairs might be made on her, which our time here did not 
admit of. At Valparaiso the weather was extremely unfavourable 
for astronomical observations. I had been in great hopes of being 
able to obtain a series of moon culminating stars, and occultations, 
but no opportunity occurred, so that I had to content myself with 
those for rating the chronometers, and to connect this port with Callao. 
The longitude adopted for Fort San Antonio, was 71° 39' 20" W., 
which is the last determination of it by King and Fitzroy. 
On the 4th we made an attempt to get out of the bay, bnt were 
obliged again to cast anchor. At this season of the year, light 
northerly winds usually prevail, and a heavy swell frequently sets in 
the bay, making the roadstead very uncomfortable, and at times 
dangerous. The vessels are too much crowded, and the regulations 
of the port are not sufficiently attended to. 
I was not a little amused with the master of a Hamburg barque, 
who dropped his anchor so as to foul the berth of my ship, and when 
he brought up, swung close alongside. He seemed perfectly satisfied 
with his situation, and apparently knew little about his business, 
showing all the doggedness of his countrymen. The weather looking 
threatening, I sent him word to move, stating that in case of a change 
of wind, he would be greatly injured. He quietly replied that his 
vessel was made of teak, and that his underwriters or my government 
would pay his damages, and that he could stand a good deal of 
grinding ! Without more ado, I sent an officer and men, and put him 
at once out of my way. 
