— Prize safely moored, — Plan contemplated for cutting her out, — This daring plan successfully executed, — Consternation of Guise, — Gets under way for a chase,— Tacks ship and goes back, — Merchant ship goes to the Marquesas, — Frigate goes North, — Report of an American ship in trouble, — Enter a small p0rt, — We are fired on, — No notice taken of it, — Negro's story, — Sail for Panama, — Depredations of Cochrane, — Description of the island, — Remarks, — Rescue a fugitive prisoner, — An old acquaintance, — His history, — Story of his escape, — Manner of living, — Made purser's steward of the frigate, — Rescue a young Irish prisoner, — Water-filled, — Sail for San Bias, — Small-pox,— -Its ravages, — Arrive, — Catch a monstrous shark, — Remarkable tenacity of life, — Contents of his stomach, — Midshipman Wilson leaves the ship, — Goes to Manilla, — Is murdered, — Cut into seventy pieces, — Cause of the general massacre, — Leave San Bias for Moliendo, — Its description, — Singular method of fishing, — Boys playing in the surf, — School for Children, — Jesuit.
Our entry into Guamas very much alarmed Capt. Guise of the Lotaro; but it was a matter of rejoicing to the American captain, (whose name I have lost.) His ship lay moored near the Lotaro, and just as she came from sea. Capt. Downes had some fears, that they would strip her; which, if they had done, would have prevented any attempt on our part to have cut her out. We ran in and anchored within about two cables length of the Lotaro, and in a good position for getting under way. The prize lay inshore of the Lotaro, leaving just room enough for both ships to swingclear of each other. There were several transport ships and two American whalers lying there.
We had hardly come to an anchor, when the captain of the prize came on board; and both he and Capt. Downes went into the cabin to talk over matters and things. Now, our sole purpose in coming here, was to rescue this ship; and I must say, to judge from the position of the prize and that of the Lotaro, an attempt to get this ship clear, would, to say the least, be extremely hazardous, if not wholly impossible. To attempt, and make a failure, would not only be very mortifying but in all probability the means of much bloodshed. Capt. Guise could not help feeling some intimation that Capt. Downcs would endeavor, in some way, to liberate the ship, as he well knew his bold and determined character.
And yet it seemed a matter of impossibility, that the ship could be taken from under his broadside. Capt. Downes, in order to lull any suspicion of an attempt of this kind, had an interview with Capt. Guise, as to what he thought of a proposition to ransom the ship. In the meantime, the captain had spread abroad a rumor, that through Capt. Downes, his ship would be ransomed, and in a few days he would be off. Now there was no time to be lost, as there remained but one alternative, and that a desperate one, the sooner it was carried into effect, the better. Bansoming or compromising, was entirely out of the question, as neither Capt. Downes nor himself had any authority for entering into a business of this kind.
Besides, the ship was a valuable prize, if she could be legally condemned, and in all probability a great sum would be required for her. The plan was kept as private as possible; for, if the boats' crews got wind of it, there would be a danger of its leaking out on shore, and then the jig would be up. The following plan was then agreed on, which the sequel will show proved successful. The crew, ten in number, were all on shore, and in order that they might be on hand, were persuaded to stay on board the frigate. At first they hesitated; as there was strong inducements held out to them to enter on board Cochrane's ship; such as good wages, plenty of prize money, and what was more alluring than all, plenty of grog, and no flogging.
And, as they all had a considerable amount of wages due them, were holding on, to await the issue of jbhe trial. But they finally consented to come on board. It was highly important to secure these men, as we could not well spare a crew from our ship. It was also neeessary that they should he let into the secret, and in the event of success they were to have a handsome present. This matter being arranged, the next thing was, to know how to get clear of the officer, and the twelve marines, or soldiers, who were constantly on guard during the night, as well as on the lookout during the day. All this must he effected by stratagem, and in the following manner.