PORTER S JOURNAL. 



191 



led, and while on the mainyard, assisting in furling the main- 

 sail, fell head foremost on deck (on the very spot where 

 Samuel Groce fell) and shattered his skull. His death was 

 instantaneous, and his remains were interred the next day, 

 with the following appropriate epitaph, placed on a board 

 at his head, by his messmates. 



Entombed here 

 Tlie body of John Rodgers, seaman, who departed this life 

 June 19th, 1813, aged 32 years. 



Without a sigh 

 He bid this world adieu ; 



Without one pang 

 His fleeting spirit flew. 



Soon after anchoring, captain Randall proceeded to 

 Tumbez, at my request, to sound the governor as to the 

 reception he was disposed to give us, taking with him a 

 handsome present, and an invitation for him to come on 

 board. He was desired to apologize for my not coming 

 up, on account of indisposition. Soon after his departure 

 we commenced wooding and watering, both of which we 

 found extremely difiicult, on account of the violent surf, 

 which frequently broke our rafts, filled our boats, and en- 

 dangered the lives of those on board them. We in a few 

 days, however, became more accustomed to it, and were 

 better able to guard against its elFects. 



On the 22d, observed captain Randall's boat crossing the 

 bar of the river, with some strangers, and soon afterwards 

 saw one of them dressing himself in uniform. On her 

 coming along side, was informed that this was the governor 

 of Tumbez, accompanied by the collector of the customs, 

 and an old gentleman who called himself the god-father of 

 the governor, and the governor's son. Although the ap- 

 pearance of the whole was as wretched as can well be ima- 

 gined, policy induced me to show them every attention ; and, 

 to impress them with abelief of my friendly disposition and 

 respect, I gave them a salute of nine guns on their coming 

 on board. While they remained with me, which was until 

 the next day, I paid every attention to them in my power, 

 although their appearance, which frequently excited the ri« 



