Bull was not dangerously wounded, as the ball had struck the ribs without touching any vital part. On this same afternoon a small Indian canoe came alongside with a note from Capt. Downes, dated at Chorillias, a small place just south of Lima. Capt. Downes had fled there, and was still in his hiding-place, not knowing but that the feeling towards him was still hostile. He requested Mr. Maury to fit out the pinnace with a gun in the bow, and have her well armed with muskets, with a good boat's crew; also to arm and man his gig, and send both boats under guidance of the Indian, to a place which the Indian would designate. This was truly good news for every soul on board.
The prevailing gloom and uncertainty respecting his fate, so visibly depicted in every countenance, was now entirely removed. Things now began to assume a cheerful aspect, although there was a general sentiment of sympathy and regret, for the cruel death of our shipmates, which was felt by every one, yet as in all cases of affliction, time soon fills the chasm, and it is highly proper that it should be so; for if we kept continually mourning over events that have passed, and against which we could have had no control, while we followed what might have appeared to us the most judicious course, we should be entirely unfitted for subsequent duty. The boats being all ready the night before, started early next morning just after daylight.
The Indian said he thought they would be back early in the afternoon. Our market boat had been ashore. We now had a good supply of fruit and fresh beef, and a good dinner for the captain. At about two o'clock the quarter-master reported the boats in sight. Every eye was now eagerly directed towards the boats; every spy-glass was in requisition, and so earnest was every one to get a sight, that they fairly pulled the glasses out of each other's hand. Directly one says: " The captain is not there!" which for a few moments was a damper; then again: " Yes he is!" Up went the mercury again. " No, sir; that's not Capt.
Downes." " Yes it is; and there is some one beside him." By this time the boats had approached near enough to ascertain for a certainty that Capt. Downes was in the boat, (pinnace,) and another with him, and it was also ascertained that he had disguised himself by shaving off his whiskers, and wearing a citizen's black coat. The boats now being- within a hundred vards, orders were given to cheer ships. Accordingly the rigging and yards were manned, and all eagerly watched for the signal. As soon as his foot touched the deck, there went up three as hearty cheers as ever came from the lungs of men, and a more hearty and sincere welcome no man ever witnessed.
He was accompanied by an English captain and his lady, who solicited the favor of a passage, rather than to risk a journey by land during the excited state of feeling that pervaded the country. The account Capt. Downes gave of what took place with regard to himself in Lima, I have stated in a previous page. The merchant captains came to make their congratulations, for, had any accident happened to Capt. Downes, the event would have seriously affected their interests. The death of our men had a serious effect upon him, and very much diminished the joy lie felt for his own escape. The frigate was hauled back into her old place, and was soon put to rights again.
Many of the merchant ships had received damages by the shot from the shore, all of which, however, were soon repaired. The hasty and inconsiderate massacre of our men was deeply regretted by the authorities both at Callao and Lima. The Viceroy in his communication with the American minister, manifested the deepest sorrow, and as we are told that good frequently comes of evil, the saying was manifestly true in this case. We had ascertained, shortly after our arrival at Callao, that there were a number of Americans who had been taken by the Peruvians, on board Chilian vessels of war, and who had been nearly two years in close confinement in the castle. On enquiry, Capt. Downes found it to be so, and immediately demanded their release as American citizens.