1833.] 
PORTS OF CHILI. 
463 
Potomac lay snugly at anchor in that port. On our return to the 
north we made Coquimbo in the way, where we lay more than 
a month in quarantine, all hands being inoculated with the small- 
pox.* The coipmodore during this time remained at Coquimboi, 
a town founded by Valdivia, in fifteen hundred and forty-four, 
■and about three leagues from the port. The purser, Slacum, 
also remained on shore, to look out for the fresh provisions of the 
ship ; which was now canopied with an awning, the decks sanded, 
and in all respects turned into a great fighting hospital. 
The port of Coquimbo, in latitude 30° south, longitude 71° 16' 
west, is among the very best on the coast ; the water shoaling 
gradually, so that anchorage may be selected at pleasure on the 
southwest side. The hills around are barren and rocky, while, to 
the east, the towering snow-crowned Andes overlook the whole 
country. For three years had this province suffered with drought ; 
vegetation had dried up, and the loss of animals had been im- 
mense. But Avhile we lay here, the aerial cisterns were opened, 
and the rain descended in torrents. Numerous bonfires soon 
proclaimed the joy of the inhabitants, and shouts of gratitude 
were heard from every side, for the good that had been showered 
upon them. Vegetation, with astonishing rapidity, sprang up, 
and the hills and surrounding country were soon re-clothed in 
green. 
Leaving Coquimibo on the ninth, we arrived at Callao on the 
fifteenth July. Between the commanders and officers of the 
Enghsh and French men-of-war, such interchange of civilities 
took place as should always mark the intercourse of free na- 
tions, who, in spite of national predilection, have in truth so much 
cause to respect each other. 
The time had now come for the return of the Falmouth to the 
United States ; and Captain Gregory having received his orders 
on this point from the commodore, and the Dolphin being sta- 
tioned in the port to look out for our interests during the present 
disturbed state of Peru, on the twenty-second of August we set 
sail for the ports of the north, intending to go as far as the Gala- 
pagos Islands, making Payta in our way. 
* See Report of Dr. Foltz — Appendix. 
