154 



PORiER^S ifOUENAL. 



On the afternoon of the day on which the last letter was 

 written, it being calm, and the two British ships far in the 

 offing, I towed one of my prizes, the Hector, to sea ; and, 

 when within the reach of their guns, set fire to her, and 

 made my escape from them, notwithstanding every effort 

 on their part, to cut me off. This insult had the desired 

 effect. On the afternoon of the 27th, the Cherub was 

 about two or three miles to leeward of the port, and the 

 Phoebe was seen standing in for the harbour. At 5 o'clock 

 she hove about, a short distance from me, with her head off 

 shore, shortened sail, fired a gun to windward, and hoisted 

 the flag containing the motto intended as an answer to 

 mine. As every man on board my ship considered this a 

 challenge, I did not hesitate a moment, to accept of it as 

 such. I immediately hoisted my motto, fired a gun, and 

 got under way. The Phoebe now stood off shore, and 

 made sail. I followed her — increased sail — and was closing 

 with her very fast, when, to my astonishment, she bore up 

 before the wind, and ran down for her consort. My indig- 

 nation was roused at this conduct, and I directed two shot 

 to be fired ahead of her, to bring her to ; but she continued 

 on her course. I consequently hauled my wind, and re- 

 turned into port. When the Phoebe had joined her con- 

 sort, both gave chase to me, and after I had anchored, 

 came gallantly into the harbour together. 



I confess I felt exceedingly indignant at this conduct of 

 Captain Hillyar, and so expressed myself on shore, among 

 the inhabitants. Certain of these expressions were com- 

 municated to the British residents in Valparaiso, and by 

 them to Captain Hillyar. This state of affairs gave rise to 

 another kind of annoyance. The Cherub was now too far 

 off to hear the songs of the Essex ; but still feeling sore at 

 some taunts of my crew, on the score of the late challenge, 

 addressed some letters to them, of a very insulting cha- 

 racter, which were brought to me. They informed me, 

 they had answered them. I thought this a fair opportunity 

 of rousing Captain Hillyar to offer battle again in earnest* 

 I accordingly wrote the following letter, with this express 

 object. 



U. S. Frigate Essex^ Valparaiso, lAth March, 1814. 



Sir, 



The two enclosed papers have been handed to me 

 by my ship's company, and were delivered to one of my 



