When this unfortunate young man was stepping out of the boat on shore, he requested Ch cl, his second, to write to his father, in Philadelphia, and say to him, "that he was sorry that he could not fall in a better cause," as though the dreadful presentment of death was before him, and when the body lay in the coffin, there was scarcely any appearance of death upon his face. The two red spots were still remaining upon his checks, and the expression calm and unruffled. He was buried on the beach, near the ship, as the Spaniards would not allow him an interment in their grounds. Thus perished this young man. He died like a fool, and was "buried like a dog; without a mourner or a sympathetic tear, far away from home.
The news of his untimely death was soon wending its way to his beloved parents,0 friends, and the large circle of acquaintances among which he bad passed his boyhood. His aged parents were hourly expecting the news of his safe arrival at Valparaiso. They had written to him while at Norfolk, congratulating him for his deliverance from the storm, and safe arrival in port. But the letter that was soon to rend their hearts, was near at hand, and when it was received, although I was not there to witness the scene, yet can well imagine it. The victor in this tragic affair, or the murderer, whichever you may please to call him, came on board apparently undisturbed, and as I thought, with a sort of exulting look.
He was placed under arrest for a few days, and then liberated, as duelling was not considered a punishable crime in the navy. Therefore there was no law against it. As our rigging required overhauling, the ship to be painted, which we had no opportunity of doing at Norfolk, it was expected that we should remain some time at Valparaiso. There was also another circumstance that would probably detain us somewhat longer. It was the intention of Capt. Downes to visit Callao on our way down the Coast. Lord Cochrane was apprised of this, and requested Capt. D. to delay his visit until he had made his contemplated attack upon the place. To this Capt. D. courteously consented. The transport ships were receiving the soldiers; the ships-ofwar, and store ships were all ready for sea; and, taking the whole together, it was a formidable affair.
Lord Cochrane Lad given the Chilians assurance that he would soon reduce the port of Callao, and Gen. San Martin with his vast army, encamped near the walls of Lima, gave encouragement that * He was a son of the Rev. Dr. Abercrombie, of Philadelphia, and a young; gentleman highly esteemed by all who knew him. he should enter the city triumphantly, and thus carry all Peru. I had never seen a more beautiful sight than this fleet presented when they sailed from Valparaiso. Lord Cochrane had managed to brush up the ships-of-war, aud they certainly appeared well; his flag ship, the 0. Higgins, was a 44 gun frigate, and I believe a prize from the Peruvians. He had managed to get a crew for her, by shipping every runaway sailor from whalers or merchant-men of almost every nation.
The Chilian government, placing implicit confidence in him, sanctioned whatever he did. They had a fine corvette built ship, which they purchased in New York. She was called Indepentia, mounting 22 guns. The ships had all left the harbor except one, that was being fitted for guns, which was the ship in which Lord Cochrane, lady and suite had come from France. The reader probably may not be aware that Lord Cochran was once a bold and daring admiral in the British navy, and in consequence of some misunderstanding with the British government, went over to France with his family. And, on hearing of the revolution in Chili, purchased the Bose, proceeded to Valparaiso, offered his services as an admiral, was cordially received, and placed immediately in command of the Chilian squadron.
His Lordship honored us with a visit just previous to his sailing. He probably wanted to see what we were made of, as the sequel will show that he considered us very much in his way. He was received by Capt. Downes with much politeness and attention, and as he was conducted round the ship, he noticed our guns with much scrutiny. They were of English manufacture, and all with the initials " G. R," near the breech. He no doubt made up his mind on the spot, that we could lick any of his ships, any how, although he had one, the Lotaro, that mounted fifty guns. He was a tall, fine looking man, with red hair, and very small black eyes, that were not shut while on board our frigate.