PORTEU S JOURr^ AL, 



225 



iii no one instance have I exaggerateidj or gone bej^ond the 

 bounds of strict veracity. 



I now made the best of my way for Banks' Bay in com- 

 pany with my prizes, and fixed on the small cove inside of 

 Narboroiigh as a rendezvous for them in case of separation. 

 It was my design to leave them there until I took a short 

 cruise among the islands, in order to make myself acquaint- 

 ed with all their resources, and with the hope of falling in 

 with some of the enemy's vessels. T had also the design 

 of leaving instructions for lieutenant Downes at Charles' 

 and Hood's Islands, similar to those left at James', that, in 

 case he should fail in finding my letters in one place, there 

 might be a chance of his finding them in another, and thus 

 our meeting be rendered more certain. 



On the 22d I reached Banks' Bay, and directed the 

 prizes to proceed into the cove, with the following orders, 

 which will sufficiently explain the arrangements made, as 

 well as my future designs ; after which I stood out of the 

 bay« 



U. S. Frigate Essex, 

 Banks' Bay, 21st August, 1813, 



Sir, 



You will proceed to the cove with the Greenwich, and 

 moor her agreeably to the instructions already given you. 

 The crew of the Greenwich will be kept complete, for the 

 protection of the other vessels, and, in the event of being 

 attacked, you will call on the other prize-masters and their 

 men to assist on board your ship ; but it is expected you 

 will only act on the defensive. Should I not appear in six 

 weeks from the time of my leaving this, you will proceed 

 for Valparaiso, in company with the Seringapatam, after 

 the articles of value are taken from the New Zealander, 

 and that ship is burnt. If, however, lieutenant Downes 

 should appear before the expiration of six weeks from the 

 time of my leaving this, you will please to deliver him the 

 enclosed letter, which contains instructions for the guidance 

 of his conduct respecting the disposal of the prizes. 



I must recommend your keeping constantly on your 

 guard, with a lookout from a suitable point. Let the ships 

 be ready for sea on the shortest notice, and sutfer no guns 

 to be fired, no fires at night, nor any other practices by which 

 you may be discovered* 



VOL* Is 29 



