Sometimes however, there happens fearful fights between these watermen and the Custom House soldiers, but as the former are much more numerous than the latter and always hang together and assist each other, it very seldom happens that they lose anything; although there have been instances where they have met with heavy losses. One morning at about sunrise, a few days before we sailed, we saw a ship coming into the bay, under American colors, and evidently with the intention of running the blockade, but very soon we saw the Lotaro under way, she being the weathermost ship, and nearest the merchantman. There was a good breeze and it was certain that the Lotaro would head her off, and thus she would become a prize, which was the case.
We saw them take possession of her, and both she, and the Lotaro went round to Guamas, a harbor a few miles north of St. Lorenzo, and in possession of the Chilians, and it is here that communication is had with Gen. San. Martin's army, who are encamped near the walls of Lima. In the course of the day we learned, but from what source I cannot tell, that the captured ship was an American, and had on board for cargo,- muskets, pistols, powder, and all sorts of warlike stores. This made Capt. Downes anxious to get away for he had determined on her rescue. The fleet were notified of our time of sailing, which was on the morning of the second day from the notice.
Every R ship must he ready for getting under way at daylight, so as to have the advantage of the land breeze. The order of sailing was as follows: The merchant ships to form two lines, and to proceed ahead of the frigates, and all who were armed with cannon or small arms, to have them loaded in order to prevent any hoats from boarding them, also to pay no attention to any hailing from the blockading ships, and to put all the sail on which could be prudently carried. The English frigate Hyperion, not being ready for sea, sent two cutters well manned and armed for the protection of the English merchantman. We also had two cutters, well provided with small arms, and sufficiently manned, to prevent any of our ships from being boarded.
On the morning appointed, the ships were all ready, and the dropping of our fore top-sail was the signal for them to get under way, which they did in good style. The Boston ship, Panther, Capt. Austin, took the lead: as soon as it was discovered by the blockading fleet, that we were under way, they unmoored, and were quickly under sail. His Lordship was at this time confined to his bed in consequence of a gunshot wound in the thigh, which he received on the deck of the Esmaralda. The Lotaro had gone, so there remained only the O'Higgins, lndependentia, several small vessels, and one other ship, the name of which I have forgotten. We thought it possible, that Cochrane might have the impudence or temerity to stop some of the ships, and possibly, he might have it in contemplation, to give us battle, thinkin"- that he might get a better haul now, than when we went in.
But we were at quarters all ready for him; running along under our throe top-sails. Coehrane's ship was now abreast of us, within pistol shot, and, although he was wounded, yet he evidently directed every movement of his ship. We kept perfect silence oar guns trained upon him. We saw a boat from the O'Higgins, going towards the Panther, she was not allowed to come along-side, and retired with a ilea in their ear. The merchant ships were now outside of St. Lorenzo, with everything on which they could wear. We now made sail, and were soon up with them. Our kind neighbors very prudently tacked ship, and sneaked hack again to their den. We continued with our charge until the land was out of sight, and then stood back for Guam as.
The following is the English account of the capture of the Esmaralda: " While the liberating army under San Martin were removing to Anson, Lord Cochrane, with part of his squadron, anchored in the outer roads of Callao, the seaport of Lima. The inner harbor was guarded bv an extensive svstem of batteries, admirably constructed, and bearing the name of the Castle of Callao. " The merchant ships, as well as the men-of-war, consisting at the time, of the Esmaralda, a large 40 gun frigate, and two sloops-of-war, were moored under the guns of the castle, within a semi-circle of fourteen gunboats and a boom made of spars chained together. Lord Cochrane, having previously reconnoitered the formidable defence in person, undertook, on the 5th of November, the desperate enterprise of cutting out the Spanish frigate, although she was known to be fully prepared for an attack.