" The boats of the Independentia are to busy themselves in turning adrift all the outward Spanish merchant ships. And the boats of the O'Higgins and Lotaro under Lieutenants Bell and Robertson, are to set fire to one or more of the headmost hulks; but these are not to be cut adrift, so as to fall down upon the rest. " The watchword, or parole and countersign, should the white dress not be sufficient distinction in the dark, are ' Gloria/ to be answered by ' Victoria.' (Signed,) Cochrane. Whether Lord Cochrane really expected to extend his operations beyond the capture of the frigate, or whether he merely wished to inspire his people with courage by making the main object appear only a part of the enterprise, is uncertain; but in either case, the effect could not fail to be valuable.
The foregoing memorandum being addressed to Englishmen and North Americans, was written in English. The following letter I have never seen, except in the original Spanish translation of Admiral Lord Cochrane's dispatch to General San Martin, commander-in-chief of the liberating army of Pern: " On board the Chilian States ship O'Higgins, before Callao, Nov. 11, 1820. — Most excellent Sir: The efforts of his Excellency, the Supreme Director, and the sacrifices of the patriots of the South to acquire the dominion of the Pacific, have hitherto been frustrated chief! v bv the enormous strength of the batteries of Callao, (which being superior to those of Algiers or Gibraltar) rendered every attack against the naval force of the enemy impracticable with any class or number of ships-of-war.
Nevertheless, being desirous of advancing the cause of national liberty and political independence, which is the great object your Excellency has in view, and to promote the happiness of mankind, I was anxious to dispel the charm which heretofore has paralyzed our naval efforts. With this intention, I carefully examined the batteries, the ships-of-war and the gunboats in this port, and being satisfied that the frigate Esmaralda would be cut out by men resolved to do their duty, I immediately gave orders to the captains of the Independentia and Lotaro to prepare their boats, and acquainted them that the value of that frigate, together with the reward offered in Lima for the capture of any of the ships of Chili would be the recompense of those who should volunteer to take part in this enterprise.
"On the following dav, a number of volunteers, including captains Foster, Guise and Crosbie, with other officers, offered their services, the whole amounting to a force sufficient for the execution of the project. Everything being prepared, the boats were exercised in the dark, in the evening of the 4th inst., and the night of the 5th of November was chosen for the attack. Capt. Crosbie had charge of the first division, consisting of the boats of the O'Higgins, and Capt. Guise of the second, which was formed of those of the other ships. At half-past ten, we rowed in two lines towards the enemy's anchorage, and at twelve, forced the line of gunboats guarding the entrance. " The whole of our force boarded the Esmaralda at the same moment, and drove the enemy from the deck, after an obstinate resistance.
All the officers employed in this service have conducted themselves in the most gallant manner. To them, and also to the seamen and mariners, I feel under deep obligations for their activity and zeal in boarding the Esmaralda. I was sorry that the necessity of leaving at least one captain in charge of the ships, prevented my acceding to the wishes of the captain of the Independent a, who accordingly remained with the squadron. " I have also to lament the loss we sustained. That of the Esmaralda cannot be exactly ascertained, on account of the wounded and others who leaped overboard; but we know that out of 330 individuals originally on board, only 20i have been found alive, including officers and wounded men.
" The Esmaralda mounts 40 guns, and is not in a bad state as was represented, but on the contrary, very well found, and perfectly equipped. She has on board three month's provision, besides a supply of cordage and other articles for two years. A gunboat of four guns which lay directly in the passage of our boats, was boarded and towed out on the following morning. "I hope the capture of the flag-ship Esmaralda, secured in booms, batteries and gunboats, in a situation always before deemed impregnable, and in sight of the capital, where the fact cannot be concealed, will produce a moral effect greater than might be expected under other circumstances. " I have great satisfaction in sending you the ilag of Admiral Vacaro, that you may be pleased to present it to his Excellency, the Supreme Director of the Republic of Chili." (Signed,) Cochrane.