434 
VOYAGE OF THE POTOMAC. 
[November, 
mined on making it a free port of entry ; and a fine building for 
the facilities of storage has recently been erected by the govern- 
ment. 
The inhabitants of Valparaiso are exceedingly courteous and 
amicably disposed. The great number of visiters of all classes 
who frequented the frigate's decks, to view the vessel and enjo>y 
the music of a fine band ; the several hospitable entertainments 
given them ; and the corresponding courtesies received from the 
residents on shore, were such as to render our stay in port most 
agreeable ; and the tendency was such as to increase the friendly 
disposition of the inhabitants towards their elder sister republic 
of the north. 
What a change has been wrought by the revolution ! But a 
short period has elapsed since this port was only visited by a few 
Spanish galleons ; and one or two vessels annually sailed from 
thence to Callao ! Now, we meet in the same port the flags of 
all nations, engaged in a busy commerce ; and the people of the 
country throwing off old prejudices, partaking of the improve- 
ments, and advancing with the spirit of the age in which they live. 
Coquimbo, Huasco, and Copiapo, mentioned as the three 
remaining ports to the north, are places of importance, as being 
the ports of the great mining districts of the country, from which 
the article of copper alone enters largely into our commercial 
transactions, not only in return cargoes, but in shipments made 
from the coast to Canton, in American bottoms. The American 
merchants will have to contend with new competitors in the direct 
trade between these countries and China, now that the East India 
Company's charter no longer prevents British merchants from en- 
gaging in this trade under the British flag. 
The crew having been allowed liberty on shore, and the Po- 
tomac being replenished with water and provisions, the commo- 
dore had prepared to sail for Talcahuano, for the purpose of 
inquiring into the cause of the detention of two of our whale- 
ships, which had several months previously been illegally seized 
and detained by the local authorities of that place ; showing great 
defects in our present consular system, or neglect of our consul 
at the nearest port — probably both. 
On the morning of the day set for our departure to that port, 
his Britannic majesty's ship Dublin, Lord James Townsend in 
