166 



PORTER S JOURNAL. 



error, for it was not without great labour arid fatigile, and 

 at the risk of our hves, that we succeeded in reaching the 

 top of it, after crawhng through thorn-bushes, wounding 

 ourselves by the pricklj-pear trees, and scrambling over 

 the loose lava, which tore- our shoes, and was every mo- 

 ment giving way under us. We at length, however, ar- 

 rived, exhausted with thirst, heat, and fatigue, at the sum- 

 mit, where we had an extensive view of the islands, but 

 could perceive no vessels in the offing. Our descent was 

 no less hazardous ; and on our way back we found a large 

 tortoise, which we opened with some difficulty, with the 

 hope of finding some water to allay our ■ thirst. But we 

 were disappointed in only finding a few gills, of a disagree- 

 able-tasted liquid. This our stomachs revolted at; we 

 therefore had recourse to sucking the leaf of the prickly 

 pear, which we found to serve our purpose. 



Prior to my departure, I left the following letter for Mr. 

 Downes, buried in a bottle at the foot of the stake to which 

 the letter-box was attached. 



May 20th, 1813. 



Sir, 



I sail from this place to-morrow, and shall shape my 

 course for Tumbez. Mr. Adams has surveyed the large 

 island, but it affi3rds no fresh water, nor good shelter ; I 

 have succeeded in getting two thousand gallons here, 

 which perhaps will enable me to cruise a short time before 

 going in. A ship was seen last night by Mr. Adams, on his 

 return ; he passed not more than a mile from her •, she was 

 bound down to the Bay or James' Island, and, from the de- 

 scription he gives of her, there is scarcely a doubt of its be- 

 ing the Charlton, mounting ten guns. The prizes are a 

 great incumbrance to me. I feel much confidence in your 

 success, and am anxious to meet as soon as circumstances 

 will admit. It is not improbable that I shall look again in- 

 to the Bay before leaving the islands. 



With much respect and esteem. 



Your obedient servant, 

 (Signed) D. PORTER. 



Lieutenant John Dozmes* 



And in the box I put the following note : 



