PORTER’S JOURNAL. 
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i had here to lament the death of the best seaman in my ship. 
John Rodgers, one of the gunner’s crew, had, from too great 
a fondness for rum, become somewhat inebriated, and while on 
the main-yard, assisting in furling the main-sail, fell head-fore¬ 
most on deck (on the very spot where Samuel Groce fell), and 
shattered his scull. 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 
The body of John Rodgers, seaman, who departed this life 
June 19th, 1813, aged 32 years. 
Without a sigh, g 
He bid this world adieu; 
Without one pang, 
His fleeting spirit flew. 
Soon after anchoring, capt. Randall proceeded toTumbes, by 
my request, to sound the governor as to the reception he was dis¬ 
posed to give us, taking with him a handsome present, and an in¬ 
vitation for him to come on board ; and 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 difficult, on account of the violent surf, 
which frequently broke our rafts, filled our boats, and endangered 
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 effects. 
On the 22d, observed captain Randall’s boat crossing the bar 
of the river, with some strangers in, and soon afterwards saw one 
of them dressing himself in uniform ; and on her coming along¬ 
side, was informed that this was the governor of Tumbez, accom¬ 
panied 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 appearance .of the whole was as wretched as 
can well be imagined, policy induced me to shew them every at¬ 
tention ; and, to impress them with a belief of my friendly dispo- 
