Journal of a Cruise Made to the Pacific Ocean …

United States frigate Essex, at sea, Chatham Island
bearing southeast, 12th May, 1813.

Sir,

You will proceed to Albemarle, searching Charles' or James' Island, whichever is most convenient, in your way. I shall endeavour to get into the harbour at Hood's Island, where I should wish you to join me, if practicable; from thence I shall proceed to the continent to take in water, probably to Tumbez, where you will proceed if you should not find me at Hood's Island, or if on your arrival you should not receive different instructions from me. From Tumbez I shall beat up the coast ttowardsLima; and when I shall have taken as many prizes as will render my return to port necessary, I shall proceed to Conception, previous to my going to Valparaiso, with a view of gaining intelligence of the British cruisers on the coast. Should you not fall in with me at Hood's Island, or at Tumbez, you will follow me in my route; and if you should touch at Coquimbo, enquire for letters for me, and open them, and do the same at Conception. Should you not hear of me at Conception or Valparaiso, you will endeavour to dispose of the whole or part of the cargo of the Georgiana, and will continue to make short cruises in the neighborhood of the place, until my arrival, increasing your crew as circumstances may render expedient and necessary, and securing your prizes under the protection of the batteries, unless you can dispose of them to advantage; and if this can be done, you will please to consult the consul-general as to the most proper person to be employed as agent, and do whatever may to you seem expedient to the good of all concerned.

Near some conspicuous tree or object which I shall mark, not far from the landing-place at Hood's Island, I shall bury a bottle containing further instructions. I shall do the same at Massafuero, should I touch there; and prior to my departure from Tumbez, if I should conclude on changing my route from thence and proceeding along the coast of Mexico, I shall intimate my intentions of so doing, by presenting the governor or principal person there with a rifle. Should you be certain of my having done this you will proceed to Quibo, and, near the watering-place marked A in the chart, I shall leave further instructions in a bottle, at the root of a marked tree. It is possible that I may leave a letter for you, directed to the commander of the Georgiana, at Tumbez. I calculate on cruising off Cape Blanco some time before and after going into Tumbez, so that I think it highly probable that you will find me there, an event very much desired by me. It is even possible that I may stop at the island of Plata; should it be in your way, look in there, and search the landing for marked trees, and a bottle containing a letter.

If, on your way back to Albemarle, you can conveniently touch at Charles' Island, do so, and search there for letters.

I have the honour to be, respectfully, your obedient servant

(Signed)           D. PORTER.

Lieutenant John Downes, commanding the
armed prize-ship Georgiana.

On landing at the beach leading to the spring, we found fresh embers, and a tortoise, which had not been killed apparently more than two days; and on our way to the spring we found innumerable testimonies of persons having been recently there: there was also on the beach a pair of mockasons, made of English canvas, and a tortoise shell containing about two quarts of English barley.

This part of the island abounds with tortoises, which frequent the springs for the sake of the water, and upwards of thirty of them were turned on their backs by us, as they came down to drink, during the short time we remained there, which was not more than an hour and a half; but we enabled to bring down but one, and he was selected more for his antiquated appearance than for his size or supposed excellence. His weight was exactly one hundred and ninety seven pounds, but he was far from being considered a large size.

As I returned from the spring, I could not help reflecting on the extraordinary scheme that I was about attempting to procure water, and was almost appalled by the obstacles which presented themselves; for, in addition to the difficulties of getting it down to the beach, it would be necessary there to put it into large casks, and from thence raft it to the ship, a distance of six miles, through a high sea, and sometimes against rapid currents; and to these evils must be added the danger and inconvenience of having one half of my crew at least separated from the ship, thus leaving not only her but our prizes exposed, in a defenseless state, to the attacks of an enemy. As water was to be procured in that part of the island, I thought it not unlikely that it might be found near the bay in which we lay; and well knowing the roving disposition of seamen, I determined to let a party go on shore to amuse themselves, confidently believing, if water was to be found within two or three miles of us, it would be discovered by them; and on their return at night I was not disappointed, for they informed me that they had found upwards of forty or fifty barrels of water lodged in the different hollows of the rocks, about a mile and a half from the shore; that the difficulties of getting to it were very great, but they did not doubt that each man would be enabled to bring down, in ten-gallon kegs, forty gallons per day. I immediately caused casks to be landed, and, by sending parties on shore daily, procured while we lay here two thousand gallons, much of it, to be sure, of a filthy appearance, having a bad taste and smell, and filled abundantly with slime and insects; but to us it was a treasure too precious to lose, and the greatest industry was used to save every drop of it, for fear that the sun, which was evaporating it rapidly, should cheat us of our prize.

In order that no means should be left untried to procure a large supply of water, I caused two wells to be dug in the most likely places for finding it; but, after digging a considerable depth, salt water flowed in, and disappointed our hopes. I also sent on shore a wooding party, which soon procured us as large a supply of fuel as we stood in need of.

That every person might be employed to the most advantage, I directed that those having charge of prizes should paint them, and otherwise put them in good order, as to appearance, in the expectation that they would bring a higher price among the Spaniards, to whom I intended offering them for sale the first opportunity. They were noble ships, and a little paint added greatly to the beauty of their appearance. I also recommended to captain Randall to change as much as possible the paint and appearance of his ship, in order that we might not be traced by her, as she was well known on this coast. The appearance of the Essex had been so frequently changed, that I had but little apprehensions of her being known again by those who had seen her before, or from any description that could be given of her. While we lay here, I permitted all the prisoners to go on shore whenever they wished it, as many of them were affected with the scurvy; but one in particular was so bad with it as to be scarcely able to move; but on getting him on shore, where he could procure a kind of sorrel and the prickly pear, and burying his legs in the earth every day, he was so far recovered before our departure, as scarcely to complain of his disease, and could walk as briskly as any among us, assisting frequently in bringing down water and tortoises from the rocks and mountains.

We here found the tomb of a seaman, who had been buried five years before, from a ship called the Georgiana, commanded by captain Pitts[, the captain of one of our prizes of the same name; and over] {. Over} it was erected a white board, bearing an inscription, neatly executed, showing his age, &c., and terminating with the following epitaph, which I insert more on account of the extreme simplicity of the verse, and its powerful and flattering appeal to the feelings, than for its elegance, or the correctness of the composition:

The spot where his remains were deposited was shaded by two lofty thorn-bushes, which afforded an agreeable shade and fragrance, and became the favourite resort of our men at their meals; the pile of stones (which had been piously placed over the grave by his ship-mates) serving them both for table and seat, where they indulged themselves amply in their favourite food, and quaffed many a can of grog to his poor soul's rest!

Having now got on board as much wood as we stood in need of, and all the water that could be procured, as well as a stock of salt provisions from the prizes, and a supply of tortoises, we had nothing to detain us longer at Charles' Island; I therefore made the signal to prepare to weigh, and at nine o'clock on the morning of the 21st, weighed our anchor, and, in company with our prizes, stood to the southwest, with a view of getting an offing sufficient to enable us to weather Charles' Island on the other tack, which I had reason to hope we could do without much difficulty, as I perceived we had a current setting to the southward. We found our stream-cable a little chafed by the rocks, but less so than I had apprehended, from the quality of the bottom we had anchored in.

I should have mentioned before, that Mr. Adams, on the night of his return from Porters's Island, fell in with a ship, which he passed at the distance of gun-shot from her; she bore much the appearance of an English vessel, had a tier of guns, and was bound toward Albemarle; in consequence of which, I determined to run down for Banks' Bay to look for her, should the current have proved against our getting to the southward; for I not only hoped, by so doing, to secure a valuable prize, but expected to be enabled to get a supply of water from her, which was what we now stood more in need of than any other article whatever.

On obtaining the above information from Mr. Adams, I believed it probable that we should be enabled to see the stranger from some one of the adjacent hills; under this expectation I landed on the western point of the bay, and, in company with lieutenant Gamble of the marines, and Mr. Shaw, purser, proceeded to ascend a high and rugged mountain there situated, which did not appear to us to be a difficult task to attempt; but we were soon convinced of our error, for it was not without great labour and fatigue, and at the risk of our lives, that we succeeded in reaching the top of it, after crawling through thorn-bushes, wounding ourselves by the prickly-pear trees, and scrambling over the loose lava, which tore our shoes, and was every moment giving way under us. We at length, however, arrived, exhausted with thirst, heat, and fatigue, at the summit, where we had an extensive view of the islands, but could perceive no vessels in the offing. Our descent was no less hazardous; and on our way back we found a large tortoise, which we opened with some difficulty, with the hope of finding some water to allay our thirst; but we were disappointed in only finding a few gills, of a disagreeable-tasted liquid [, but little better than urine; this] {.This} our stomachs revolted at; we therefore had recourse to sucking the leaf of the prickly pear, which we found to serve our purpose.

Prior to my departure, I left the following letter for Mr. Downes, buried in a bottle at the foot of the stake to which the letter-box was attached.

May 20th, 1813.

Sir,

I sail from this place to-morrow, and shall shape my course for Tumbez. Mr. Adams has surveyed the large island, but it affords no fresh water, nor good shelter; I have succeeded in getting two thousand gallons here, which perhaps will enable me to cruise a short time before going in. A ship was seen last night by Mr. Adams, on his return; he passed not more than a mile from her; she was bound down to the Bay or James' Island, and, from the description he gives of her, there is scarcely a doubt of its being the Charlton, mounting ten guns. The prizes are a great encumbrance to me. I feel much confidence in your success, and am anxious to meet as soon as circumstances will admit. It is not improbable that I shall look again into the Bay before leaving the islands.

With much respect and esteem,
              D. PORTER.

Lieutenant John Downes.

And in the box I put the following note:

Will sail from here to-morrow, the Montezuma, Baxter, and Policy, Bowman, on a whale cruise. At the foot of this will be found the quantity of oil each ship has on board.

S. X.  

Plenty of turpen at the springs, and some at Pat's landing.

On the 23d, I tacked to the eastward, and on the 24th discovered Hood's Island, bearing northwest, distant ten leagues, and, as we now had a good breeze from the southward, I determined to look in there, with the hope of meeting one of the enemy's vessels, and consequently bore away, with the vessels in company, but, toward evening, the wind grew light and baffling, and a strong current setting directly on the southeast point of the island, we had great difficulty in preventing our ships from being drifted on shore, even after we had succeeded in getting them on the other tack. We made every exertion all night to keep to windward, but without effect; for in the morning Gardner's Island bore west, about three leagues distant. Charles' Island was plain in sight, and, to add to the mortification, the Montezuma (which we had discontinued towing during the night, on account of our own safety) was as far to leeward as we could see her. I found it was in vain to struggle against this eternal current with such dull sailers, and saw no hopes of holding our own but at anchor; our want of water was very pressing, and I saw no prospect of getting into the continent to procure a supply; I therefore determined to bear away, look into the harbour of Charles' Island, and proceed from thence to the island of Cocos, looking into Banks' Bay in my way there. I had also some hopes of meeting the Georgiana, or hearing from her, at Charles' Island. I was the more strongly induced to bear away, as captain Randall informed me, the preceding evening, that he had discovered some of the garbage of whales floating on the surface of the water near Hood's Island, a certain indication of whalers having been lately there; and as I believed there were now a greater number about Albemarle than could be managed by lieutenant Downes, I thought it most advisable to proceed there, entertaining, at the same time, a hope, that by their capture we should be enabled to procure a supply of water. Shortly after we had bore away, with the Montezuma in tow, a signal was made from the Policy to speak with me. I felt a conviction in my own mind, that it was caused by the death of that poor unhappy man, doctor Miller; and on the arrival of the boat along-side, it proved to be the case; he had died a few minutes before the signal was made, and it was supposed that the danger we were in of going on shore the preceding night, as well as the disappointment occasioned by our not being able to get clear of the islands, tended greatly to hasten his death. I directed a coffin to be made for him, with an intention of burying him on one of the islands, if it should be in my power, and requested Mr. Shaw to go on board to make arrangements for his funeral.

I now appointed doctor Hoffman acting surgeon of the Essex, with the pay and emoluments of surgeon. The indefatigable attention of this gentleman to the sick, merits the highest encomiums, and to his providential care may be attributed in a great measure the extraordinary health we have all to this period enjoyed.

I ran close in for Charles' Island, and sent the boat on shore with the following note, to be left in the bottle, and on her return bore away for Albemarle.

May 25th, 1813.      

After vain attempts to get to the continent, I am again brought back by the current to Charles' Island. I shall make the best of my way to Banks' Bay, and shall there look around Rodando [sic] and the Culpeppers*; and from thence (to make sure work of it) I shall proceed for the island of Cocos, as our want of water makes this absolutely necessary. If, however, it should so happen that the current should change, and the wind should favour us in an uncommon degree, I shall proceed agreeably to my original intentions; but should wish you to touch at Cocos, where it is likely you may find me, or at all events you will know if I have been there; and if it is attended with no other advantage, you will be enabled to fill your water. Should you not hear of me at Cocos, you may naturally conclude that I have gone to the appointed rendezvous on the continent.

We have fallen in with the garbage of whales near Hood's Island; whalers have been about there lately.

I shall anchor in Chatham Bay, in the Isle of Cocos; but for fear of mistake, search both bays; they are but a few miles apart.

(Signed)            D. P.

* Porter may have meant that he would look around Culpepper on the way to Banks' Bay from Charles. Once at Banks' Bay, he would have been too far removed from Culpepper to investigate it.—JW.

Lieutenant Downes had not been there, as every thing remained as we had left it; nor were there any traces of any other person's having been there since we had left the island. Next day I went on board the Policy, accompanied by most of the officers; and, after the funeral service of the church had been read by Mr. Adams, the body of doctor Miller was committed to the deep.

On the 27th we were abreast Cape Essex, or the south head of Albemarle; and as I intended now to go over the cruising-ground of whalers with great care, in order that none should escape me, I caused the prizes to spread off in different directions, keeping at signal-distance, and there to keep a good lookout, with orders to make a signal to me in the event of their discovering any strange vessel, but ordered them to close in with the Essex at night, to guard against separation.

Benjamin Geers on this day departed this life, after an illness of about two hours. He complained of a violent pain in his breast, was constantly calling for water, and died in violent convulsions, frothing very much at the mouth. His death could not be well accounted for; many were of the opinion, and myself among others, that he had taken arsenic; and yet we could assign no reason for his doing so, as he always appeared perfectly happy and contented. He was a valuable man on board the ship, and his death was much regretted.

The capture of those vessels, in consequence of the supply of water they afforded, induced me to change my intentions of going to the island of Cocos for a stock; as they were such prime sailers, I hoped that, by their taking in tow the Barclay and Policy, while I took care of the Montezuma, we should be enabled to get to windward of the islands, so as to fall in with the track of vessels bound from the continent to the Gallipagos, or, at all events, to reach Charles' Island, where I hoped to join the Georgiana, or, if she should not have arrived there, to leave different instructions for her commander; and as we had been swept by the current, for the two last days, considerably to the southward, I believed we should be greatly assisted thereby, and succeed in executing my intentions without much difficulty. The dull-sailing vessels were therefore taken in tow, and every exertion made to get to windward, with the hope of weathering the south point of Albemarle; but although the wind favoured us on every tack, we found it impossible to get around it, as the current, which (until we had brought it to bear east) had favoured us, now left us, and an adverse current, equally strong, rendered all our exertions to get to the southward ineffectual. Nothing was left for us but to bear away, and endeavour to get around to the northward of the islands; and during the calms which succeeded the light and variable winds we had for the three last days experienced, I took the opportunity of getting an anchor and cable, and three thousand five hundred gallons of water, from the Atlantic and Greenwich, as well as a supply of tortoises, and such other articles as we stood immediately in want of.

The Greenwich proved to be the vessel that had been seen by Mr. Adams, and the Atlantic the one that had taken from Charles' Island the barrel of water and bread, which the captain informed me was done with a view of preventing his men from deserting, a circumstance which he greatly apprehended, while they could be certain of finding a supply of those articles on the island.

On the 8th, we passed to the northward of Abington Island, with a fresh breeze, and all the dull-sailing vessels in tow; but before I bid adieu to the Gallipagos, I shall offer a few hints to those who may hereafter visit them, either with pursuits similar to mine, or in search of whales.

In the first place, I would recommend to those who may come in search of whalers, to make Hood's Island and Charles' Island, both of which places I would advise them to search carefully for vessels and traces of their having been there; from thence they should proceed to Albemarle, looking into both Elizabeth and Banks' Bay; and, should they find none at either of these places, let them proceed in sight of Rock Rodondo, which lies off the north head of Albemarle. Here they will be sure of meeting with whalers, if they are about the Gallipagos; for this is the position they always attempt to keep, as whales most abound there. They, to be sure, get swept sometimes to the northward and westward, and sometimes, but less frequently, to the southward, by the rapid currents; but they make every exertion to get back again to their favourite spot; and although the British whalers have, during their wars with Spain, been frequently captured here by Spanish cruisers sent out for the purpose, and have, even in times of peace, been seized here by the Spaniards, on suspicion of having contraband goods, and sent in for adjudication, still they continue to resort here, and will, no doubt, so long as spermaceti whales are to be found; and I confidently believe, that in any future war between America and England, and indeed during the present war, an American cruiser may be certain of finding as many prizes as she can man, and all fine ships, well supplied, and equipped in a superior manner. Should she at any time need refreshments, none can be better than the tortoises, turtle, and fish, with which the islands and sea abounds; wood can be had in the greatest abundance; and at certain seasons, no doubt, water can be obtained without difficulty; and it is not unlikely that some of the islands furnish running streams, where ships may always get a supply; but they are but little known, and I have to regret that my pursuits did not admit of my giving them a more thorough examination. I have no doubt but the spring formerly mentioned at Charles' Island is a never-failing one, where water may at all times be had; the distance from the sea, to be sure, is great, and but few would attempt to water a ship of war from it; it may, however, be of use to those who are really suffering for water. Colnet and others mention streams of water at James' and Chatham Islands, but I am induced to believe, from what I have learnt from my prisoners, that they owe their existence to temporary rains, and are similar to the place I visited near the basin in Albemarle, where it is said water has been obtained formerly. Supplies from them, however, are too precarious to place any dependence on, and it is advisable for every vessel visiting the Gallipagos, to lay in a good stock of that necessary article, as they may not be so fortunate as myself in capturing vessels with a large quantity on board, which, although contained in the oily casks of a whale-ship, and from them, it may be supposed, derived no veryagreeablee taste or smell, but, on the contrary, produced nausea when drunk; yet we considered it the most valuable part of our prize to us. It is not improbable, that, after heavy rains, vessels may be enabled to procure, as we did, a supply from the hollows of the rocks at Charles' Island; therefore it may not be unnecessary to describe the place, in order that it may be found with more ease.

The hints already given, intended chiefly for those who may be in pursuit of whalers, may also be of some service to whalers themselves; but as my transactions about these island have put me in possession of much information respecting the best situations for catching spermaceti whales, the practices of those who follow that business, and the importance of the southern whale-fishery, I hope I may be pardoned for enlarging a little on that subject, for the advantage of those who are strangers to the Pacific Ocean.

First, as respects the best place for finding spermaceti whales, I should recommend cruising a short time off the island of Mocha; indeed some vessels have filled up their cargoes at this place, and even farther south; but, as they are here subject to a great deal of tempestuous weather, it is found too harassing for their people, and soon brings on the scurvy and other diseases. From thence angle the coast as far down as Conception, keeping the land in sight; and, after cruising here a short time, put into Conception for wood, water, and refreshments, if you have not already obtained them at Mocha. From thence work down along the coast of Chili and Peru, keeping at the distance of from twenty to eighty leagues from the land; make the land in the latitude of 14° or 15° south, and from thence down to the Lobos de Mar, keeping at the distance of from twenty to forty leagues from the land. Cruise close in with the Lobos Islands, as the spermaceti whales resort much to this place, and are frequently taken within two leagues of the [land]{shore}. From the Lobos Islands proceed to cruise in about the latitude of 5° south, angling down the coast, and inclining off shore towards the Gallipagos Islands, about the whole of which spermaceti whales may be found, but in the greatest abundance near Rock Rodondo. To go over the ground I have already marked out, and to examine it with care, will require from three to four months; and it should be so arranged, if possible, that your arrival among the Gallipagos should be in the month of May, June, or July. By this means you will escape the most tempestuous seasons of the coast of Chili. After cruising here two or three months, it is likely that it will be necessary to go into port, on account of the health of your people, as not even the tortoises of those islands will prevent their having the scurvy. Proceed now for Tumbez, on the coast of Peru; here you may, if necessary, renew your stock of water and wood, and lay in a supply of vegetables. From Tumbez stretch off to the southward and westward, keeping on that tack until you can make Juan Ferndandez or Massafuero; then stretch in for Mocha, and go over the same ground again, if you have not already filled your vessel, and it is likely you will not have done so, unless you have had extraordinary success.

On running down the coast of Chili and Peru, you will frequently observe streaks of coloured water, from ten to twenty leagues from the land, on the outer edge of which is considered good whaling ground, as the squid, their principal food, keep about those places; and it must be observed, that where soundings are to be had, spermaceti whales are not to be found.

Secondly, respecting the practices of those who follow this business, I shall only touch on the most important articles, as it is not to be supposed that a pursuit of this nature would be engaged in by those entirely unacquainted with it.

Fine vessels, of from two hundred and fifty to four hundred tons burthen, mounting from six to eighteen guns, and manned with twenty-five to thirty-five men, abundantly supplied with whaling geer [sic], casks of a superior quality to contain the oil, large copper tanks, iron boilers, skimmers, tubs, leather hose for starting the oil, spare whale-boats, frames, planks, &c. &c., together with three years supplies of provisions of every description, and of the best kind, as well as clothing for the seamen, and as much water as they can carry conveniently, are dispatched, at an expense of from fifty to seventy thousand dollars, on those voyages. The crews are entered on shares, and, at the expiration of the voyage, receive their proportion of the neat proceed thereof, agreeable to the contract they can make with their owners, the captain generally receiving one-eightieth part of the whole; mates, boat-steerers, harpooners, line-managers, oarsmen, ship-keepers, &c. &c., all being allowed their due proportions. The captains are also pursers for their ships, and make large profits on their supplies of slops, &c., and advances of money to their crews; and as they are allowed to sell on the coast small quantities of merchandise, to defray the expenses of refreshing their ships' companies, they derive also considerable profits therefrom; and, by means of presents or bribes to the governors and others, are enabled to smuggle on shore, and sell at great profits, considerable quantities of dry goods, which are frequently brought out in their oil-casks, for fear of search being made by the Spanish guarda-costas, and other picaroons which infest the coast; for the smugglingbusinesss is monopolized entirely by the governors, they allowing no other person whatever to have any concern in it, unless well paid for granting the privelege.

When the whale is killed, and brought alongside the ship, the separating the head from the body, baling the liquid oil or head matter from the case which contains it, and flinching the whale, or separating the blubber or thick fat from the carcase, as well as trying out the oil, cooling, straining, starting it below, coopering the casks, and frequently wetting and examining them, are all laborious operations, and which it is supposed every one who undertakes to conduct the voyage must be acquainted with, before he engages in the business. If the voyage is successful, every thing that can be made to contain oil is filled with it, even to the buoys of their anchors, jugs, cans, kids, and buckets; and it is no uncommon thing for the oil contained in such small articles to amount to a sum sufficient to pay all the disbursements of a vessel during a voyage of two years. On their arrival in England, their cargoes are worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred thousand dollars, when oil is at a fair price, which is from one hundred to one hundred and ten pounds sterling the ton. With good management and proper industry, to which all are stimulated by the hopes of gain, these voyages generally turn out to great advantage, and are never known to fail, unless from shipwreck, or some other unavoidable disaster. Vessels which come into this sea for the purpose of taking spermaceti oil, never consider it an object to take other whales, although they are so abundant that they would be enabled, in a very short time, to fill up their cargoes with the oil; but it is, when taken, of but little value when compared with the spermaceti, and a full cargo in England would not defray the expenses of the outfits. To those unacquainted with the business, it seems a mystery how they are enabled to determine the class of whale before they are taken. An expert whaler will, however, by the manner of their spouting (at the greatest distance the spout can be seen), tell in an instant whether it be a hump-back, fin-back, black whale, right whale (or whale producing the whale-bone), or spermaceti whale. The latter is remarkable for throwing the water directly forward, and making a short bushy spout of but a few feet above the surface of the sea; whereas some of the others will throw it the height of thirty feet or more. Their motion is also different, being slow and regular, except when pursued; and their head is remarkable for its length, the nose for its bluntness, and the eye for its smallness, not being larger than that of an ox. The striking of them is attended with more danger than that of any other whale, and they are frequently known to attack and destroy both men and boats.

Thirdly, the fishery is considered by Great Britain of such national importance, that, in the year 1792, that government sent captain James Colnet, of the navy, in the ship Rattler, into the Pacific ocean, for the purpose of discovering such ports for the South Sea whale-fishers, who voyage around Cape Horn, as might afford them the necessary advantages of refreshments and security to refit. This voyage was planned in consequence of a memorial from the merchants of the city of London concerned in the South Sea fisheries, to the Board of Trade, and stated the calamitous situation of ships' crews employed in this trade, from the scurvy and other diseases incident to those who are obliged to keep the seas, from the want of that refreshment which is afforded by intermediate harbours.

The Spaniards about that time had admitted British vessels into their ports, for the purpose of refitting and refreshing, but under so many restrictions as almost to amount to a prohibition, in which it was expected to end. It therefore became an object of great importance to obtain such a situation as the British commerce then required, independent of the Spaniards, as it was expected it would in a great measure lessen their jealousy, and at the same time accomplish the wishes of the British merchants. With this object in view, captain Colnet sailed from England on the 4th January, 1793, and returned on the 1st November, 1794, after having doubled Cape Horn, running along the coast of Chili, Peru, and Mexico touching at the islands of St. Felix and St. Ambrosio, the Gallipagos, Cocos, the isles of Santo Berto, Rocca Partido, Soccoro, and Quibo, and cruising in the Gulf of California. In the course of this voyage, which occupied twenty-two months, it does not appear that he made either any new discoveries, or accomplished the object for which he was sent out. It was found necessary, therefore, to stimulate seamen to the undertaking voyages of such length and importance (where their sufferings were like to be so great), by every motive of interest, and to this end, on the 22d June, 1795, the British parliament passed an act for further encouraging and regulating the southern whale-fisheries, in which it is enacted, that for eight whale ships or vessels which shall sail from England on the last day of December of every year, for three years, and proceed into the Pacific, either by the way of the Streights of Magellan, or around Cape Horn, and shall not return in less then sixteen calendar months, nor be absent longer than two years, premiums shall be allowed as follows:

The ship bringing the greatest quantity of oil and head-matter, provided it exceeds thirty tons, is entitled to six hundred pounds: and each of the other seven ships (provided the oil and head-matter exceeds thirty tons) is entitled to five hundred pounds. And on the 25th May, 1811, it was enacted, that premiums should be paid for the three succeeding years to ten ships, under the conditions aforesaid.

It was also further enacted (with a view of extending the whale-fisheries, and giving encouragement to foreigners to establish themselves in England, and particularly Americans, who were supposed to be the most skilful in that pursuit), that forty families of foreigners, who had carried on that business, might establish themselves at the port of Milford, in the county of Pembroke, bringing with them twenty ships, with their crews, on giving bond, that they will reside in the kingdom of Great Britain during three years, and that they will not absent themselves during that time, without the consent of his majesty, except it be on a whaling-voyage. Those ships, on their first arrival, and afterwards, were allowed to import cargoes of oil, on paying the same duties as are paid on oil imported in British vessels, provided the owner should have taken the oath of allegiance to his majesty, in which case he enjoyed the same privileges and advantages as a British subject, and was entitle to all the bounties and premiums granted to any British ship employed in the whale-fishery, but subject to the same regulations and penalties. An enterprising quaker, named Benjamin Rotch, who had long conducted the whaling-business at Nantucket, embraced the liberal offers of the British government (the object of which was no doubt the destruction of our fisheries), and established himself, with several families, at the port of Milford, taking with him a number of ships, where he carried on business to great advantage. One of his ships (the Montezuma), with a British register, fell into my hands; and this, it seems, is the only misfortune which has been known to happen to any of his vessels, since he established himself in England.

It is supposed there are not less than sixty ships employed in the southern sperm whale-fishery, including those off New Zealand, Tiane, and about the Cape of Good Hope, which, with their outfits on leaving England, may be estimated at three millions, and on their arrival with their cargoes to twelve millions of dollars. These ships are bound, under certain penalties, to have on board an apprentice for every fifty tons burthen, who, as well as the rest of their crews, is protected from impressment into his majesty's service. They are all permitted to arm and sail without convoy, but on their return from their voyages always touch at St. Helena to join the homeward bound fleets, as their cargoes are then too valuable to trust to the paltry defense wwhichthey could make with their few men and guns.

Nothing of consequence transpired from the time of leaving the Gallapagos to our making the land of Peru, in the latitude of 0°47'28'' south, on the 14th. …

…

On my return to the ship (after visiting Tumbez—JW.), a most disagreeable circumstance took place, which, for the credit of the ship, and of the officers of the American navy generally, I wish it was not necessary to relate; but as it took place in the presence of our prisoners, who no doubt will make their representations of it, with suitable embellishments, alterations, and exaggerations, and as it led to some changes of considerable importance, I conceive it proper to give a correct statement of the affair.

Lieutenant W., the (then) second lieutenant †, had in two or three instances become intoxicated, and so much so as to compel me once to arrest him, as at such time his conduct had been extremely violent and offensive to all on board; but as this officer possessed many good qualities, and was much esteemed for his goodness of heart, his brother officers interceded for him, pledging themselves for his future good conduct; and on a solemn promise from him, that he would abstain from ardent liquors while he continued under my command, I relieved him from his arrest, and put him to duty, with an assurance that for another similar offence his authority should for ever cease on board the Essex.

† Porter's show of omitting the lieutenant's full name is disingenuous at best. There were two lieutenants “W.” on the Essex. Their names were James P. Wilmer and James Wilson, as shown in the crew list printed in Chapter I. In Chapter XVII, a list of crewmen killed in action shows the name of James P. Wilmer (neither list reproduced here). Thus, Lieutenant James Wilson is the man Porter arrested. If Porter had truly wanted to conceal his identity, he would have referred to him as “an officer” or in some other ambiguous manner or not at all—as in fact he does in the next chapter's description of the death of acting 4th lieutenant Cowan in a duel.—JW.

During my short absence at Tumbez, lieutenant W. felt himself relieved from the restraint which my presence had imposed, and could not resist the opportunity of again indulging in his horrid propensity, which an abstinence of many months had rendered doubly dear to him, and to which he was strongly invited by captain Shuttleworth, the prisoner whom I formerly mentioned as having conducted himself so improperly. On my return he was officer of the deck, and, fearing that I should discover his situation, he left the deck as soon as I entered the ship, and, while I was engaged in conversation with the first lieutenant, retired to his state-room. Not knowing his condition, I sent repeatedly for lieutenant W., who was reported to me as lying in his cot, and could not be made to answer. He had once before attempted to commit suicide, and I felt apprehensive that he had now made attempts on his life. I went to his state-room, where I found him in his cot, with his face down; and, after considerable difficulty, and repeated efforts to move him, succeeded in turning him over. He now requested me to let him alone; I told him, as he was evidently in his senses, and apparently knew what he was about, I was determined to investigate the cause of his conduct. He then sprang up, and with great violence of gesture and language demanded to know what I intended to do, observing, at the same time, that he had been drunk, and had not had time to get sober. I informed him that he was under arrest. He asked me how long. I told him, as long as the cruise lasted. He then seized a pistol, which he attempted to load, observing, that neither myself nor any other should have the satisfaction of arresting him. As there was a threatening manner with him, and not knowing whether he intended to use the pistol against me or himself, I grasped him and took it from him. He then attempted to load another, which was also taken from him. He then assured me he had no intentions of using the pistol against me; that, if I would permit him, he would blow his own brains out, observing, that he would put an end to his existence before morning. I now sent for a guard, and had his room searched for arms, which were all taken away from him, and afterwards confined him there, with two centinels at the door, with orders not to permit him to leave it. When the arms were taken out, he refused to go into the room until some violence was used to compel him; he, however, became at length pacified, and by morning dejected and penitent. He frequently declared, that, as he had violated his promise to me as well as to his brother officers who had interceded for him, he could not survive the shame, and had formed the determination of putting an end to his existence the first opportunity which presented itself.

The ship now being left with only one sea lieutenant, it became necessary to supply the deficiency, and the more so as I had suffered lately much from the want of officers; I therefore ordered lieutenant M'Knight to join the Essex, placing Mr. Adams, the chaplain, in charge of the Atlantic; gave the sailing-master the appointment of acting third lieutenant; and appointed midshipman J. S. Cowan acting fourth lieutenant, giving the appointment of sailing-master to midshipman Odenheimer; and, to supply their places on board the prizes, I put the younger midshipmen, boys from 12 to 15 years of age, making them nominally prize-masters, with careful seamen, in whom I could confide, to take care of them.

The letter I speak of was as follows:

Guyaquil, 22d June, 1813.

Captain Porter, sir,

I have seen the description of the four ships that are in Tumbez, knowing that several merchants have seen the same, and all would be willing to enter a negotiation; but it is impossible, as there is no licence from the government, and it is losing time to think of the same. The sooner you go off the better. The bearer is at present en declarations en government.

Please to excuse the few words and signing of

Your humble servant      
And well-wisher.

The bearer of this carries a few little articles for your refreshment, and if they should wish for any little trade they are confident.

I now directed all my watering and wooding parties to go armed, to be prepared for the worst that might happen, and determined (if I should not hear from the purser next day) to go to Tumbez with a few armed boats, to know the cause of his detention.

The Catharine and Rose approached the Georgiana without the least suspicion of her being an enemy, and the captains of them did not find out their mistake until they got on board her. The Hector was discovered in the afternoon; but lieutenant Downes did not succeed in getting alongside of her until late at night; and, as she was very warlike in her appearance he had made every preparation for action, supposing her at first to be a Spanish sloop of war. His crew at this time only amounted to twenty men and boys, the rest being on board his two prizes, the Catharine and Rose, while his prisoners amounted to upwards of 50, the most of whom he had confined in irons, to prevent their carrying into execution a plan that had been laid for taking his vessel from him. They all, however, volunteered their services to attack the supposed Spaniard; but lieutenant Downes very prudently considered, that, as he now had them in security, he had better keep them so, as they might not be disposed to return to their irons after being placed at liberty, with arms in their possession; he consequently declined accepting their offers, and trusted to the bravery and exertions of his own men for the success of the attack.

When he had got within hail of the Hector, and ascertained that she was a British ship, he summoned her to surrender; to which he received no reply, but heard her captain give directions for the guns to be cleared away. He now fired a shot, which entered her stern, and did considerable damage, when the captain of the Hector gave orders for making sail, and, on being asked if he intended to surrender, answered, No, no. Lieutenant Downes now opened fire on the enemy, and after firing five broadsides, which killed two men and wounded six others dangerously, shot away her main topmast, and most of her standing and running rigging, and rendered the ship a wreck, she struck to the Georgiana. After lieutenant Downes had put a prize crew on board the Hector, his own crew amounted to only ten in number, while his prisoners amounted to seventy-five; it became therefore necessary to get clear of them as soon as possible; and as the Rose proved to be a very dull sailing vessel, and had occasioned him considerable delay, he caused all her guns, and most of her cargo, which consisted of spermaceti oil, to be thrown overboard, and gave the ship up to her captain, on condition that he would proceed to St. Helena with all the prisoners, who entered into an obligation not to serve against the United States unless regularly exchanged. He gave to the captain of the Rose a passport for St. Helena, with an assurance, if he attempted to go elsewhere, and should be met by an American cruiser, his vessel would be taken from him. After lieutenant Downes had got clear of those two great encumbrances, the Rose and his prisoners, he proceeded for Tumbez, where he arrived the day before us; but not finding us there, proceeded to cruise off Cape Blanco for a few days, with an intention of looking into Tumbez occasionally.

(CONFIDENTIAL.)

United States' Frigate Essex,
At sea, 1st July, 1812.[sic, 1813]

Sir,

On leaving Valparaiso, you will scour the coast of Chili and Peru, keeping the usual distance for whalers. It will be advisable to look into the harbour of Lima; from thence proceed to the Gallipagos, searching Hood's and Charles' Islands for letters; should you find none at either of those places, look into James' Island. Get clear of all prisoners before leaving the islands if possible, and proceed to join me at the Island of Chitahoo, or Sta. Christiana, one of the Marquesas, where you will find me at anchor, or hear from me in Resolution Bay, in the latter part of September, and first of October. I intend there to refit my ship.

(Signed)           D. PORTER

Lieutenant John Downes.

I now stood away on a wind to the southward and westward, with a hope of getting beyond the influence of the current, and thus be enabled to reach the islands again.

On the 24th, I determined, for several reasons, to send the Georgiana to the United States. In the first place, I considered that, on her arrival on our coast, the season would favour her getting in, as I calculated it would require five months for her to reach it, which would be the dead of winter, and consequently at a time when ships of war cannot cruise on the northern parts, on account of the prevalence of tempestuous weather. Secondly, the ship had a full cargo of spermaceti oil, which would be worth in the United States about one hundred thousand dollars, and could not be sold on this coast without making great sacrifices. Thirdly, I was desirous of getting rid of Stavers: he was a man of great cunning, and considerable observation, and, however desirous I might be of concealing my intentions, I was apprehensive that some circumstances might lead him to conjecture rightly as to my future views; and, to put it entirely out of his power to obtain and give such information as was calculated to benefit the enemy, or frustrate my plans, I thought it advisable (as I always intended sending him to America for trial) to dispatch him in the Georgiana. Fourthly, repeated applications had been made to me, by the officers, to overlook the offence of lieutenant W.; and his activity and bravery on board the Greenwich, during her action with the Seringapatam, gave me a secret inclination to do so, without violating my word, or incurring the imputation of inconsistency. To reinstate him on board the Essex was entirely out of the question; but I saw no obstacle to giving him command of the Georgiana to take to America; an arrangement which gave general satisfaction to every person, as I at the same time liberated him from arrest, and withdrew the charges I had intended to present against him. Fifthly, the period was fast approaching when the times of many of my crew were to expire. I was desirous of sounding them as to their views on the occasion, and, with this object, I permitted the crew of the Georgiana to be made up of those whose period of enlistment would expire next month; and I had the great satisfaction to observe but little desire on the part of any to return before the Essex. A crew, however, was made up for her, but composed by no means of my best men. Every arrangement being made, the Georgiana left us on the 25th July, giving us a salute and three cheers at her departure. We had an opportunity, by this vessel, of writing to our friends, and enjoyed in pleasing anticipation the effect that the news of our great success would produce in the United States.

We had now got drifted as far to the westward as longitude 91° 15' west, our latitude, at noon of the 25th, was 1° 8' 25" north, the wind from the south, with a strong current ripple, which induced me to believe the current had shifted, gave me strong hopes of fetching the islands, and with this view I made all sail, but was soon compelled to heave to for the prizes, and particularly the New Zealander, which in a short time was run out of sight. The short sail I was compelled to keep under occasioned considerable delay, which, added to the current, which we still found setting to the west, prevented my making the land until the 27th, when we saw the north part of Narborough, bearing S.E. half E. Being considerably ahead of the prizes, I ran into Banks' bay, and on satisfying myself there were no vessels there, ran out to meet the prizes, and bore away in company with them for the northeast part of Albemarle, intending to proceed to James' island to make myself acquainted with its resources, and tosearchh for English whalers, as it is said to be much frequented by them, for the purpose of taking in land tortoises and refitting their ships, the harbour having the reputation of being the best among the Gallipagos islands. At midnight the north head bore S. by W., and Rodondo W.N.W. At seven o'clock on the morning of the 28th, discovered a strange sail to the eastward, and, on viewing her with my spy-glass from the top-gallant yard, she appeared to be close on a wind under her top-sails, with fresh breezes, while our ships were lying nearly becalmed, with a strong current setting us with great rapidity for Rodondo, which bore [of us] W. by S. A light air, however, springing up from the westward, we made all sail in chase; but the rapidity of the current was so great, that we soon lost sight of the stranger, and at meridian we were driven so close to Rodondo, that we entertained the most lively apprehensions for the safety of the ship; and even with the assistance of our drags, which were plied with their utmost power, and a smart breeze which fortunately sprung up at the most critical moment, it was with some considerable difficulty we escaped getting on shore on it; and as the sea was beating with great violence against its perpendicular and inaccessible sides, this apprehension was calculated to produce reflections of no very agreeable nature.

As soon as the ship was out of danger, we began again to think of our chase; and as we were not in the habit of readily giving up a pursuit, while it was probable the chase was an enemy, our uncommon success having taught us to believe, that to see and to capture were one and the same thing. Although we had lost sight of her, we still felt confident it would only be for a short time, and that she owed it solely to having a fresh breeze, while we were becalmed; an advantage we hoped to enjoy equally with her, so soon as we should be enabled to pass the N.E. point of Albemarle. I firmly believed that the stranger was a British whale-ship, and bound to James' Island, and every advantage was taken of the light airs which prevailed all that day and the next night, to endeavour again to get sight of her; and next morning, at half past seven o'clock, she was discovered to the N.E. from the masthead, standing on a wind towards us, and across our bows. At half past nine she was directly to windward of us, distant about seven miles; and as she had discovered that we were a frigate, and no doubt had intelligence of our being in this quarter, she hoisted American colours, and made all sail from us. Every exertion was made to come up with her; she was evidently a whale-ship; and from every appearance I had no doubt of her being English. The winds became light, inclinable to calm; we made use of our drags, and found considerable advantage from the use of them; but, from the constant labour requisite to work them, our people became very much harassed, and finally worn out with fatigue. We had, however, by the greatest exertions, approached within four miles of the chase, and were enabled, by the assistance of our glasses, to see all his movements. He now got his boats ahead to tow his ship, with a view, as I supposed, of running her on shore on the island of Abington, which was not far distant; and to prevent his effecting this object, I dispatched the gig and whale-boat, the first under command of lieutenant M'Knight, and the other under Mr. Bostwick, clerk, with a few good marksmen to drive them from their boats, but with the most positive orders to make no attempt on the ship. They soon succeeded in driving the boats alongside the ship, but found great difficulty in keeping out of range of his shot, as he had mounted two guns on his forecastle, with which he kept up a constant fire on our boats, having hauled down his American colours and hoisted English. At four o'clock on the afternoon of the 30th, both ships were perfectly becalmed, at the distance of three and a half miles from each other, our two boats lying ahead of the enemy, and preventing his boats from towing; my crew so worn out with fatigue, as to be incapable of working the drags to any advantage; the enemy with English, and we with American colours flying. I considered him as already our own, and that the ceremony of taking possession was all that was now requisite. I could plainly perceive that his force did not exceed ten guns and thirty men; and, as any alternative was preferable to working the drags any longer, I, to the great joy of every one on board, gave orders for attempting her with the boats, which were soon hoisted out, manned, and armed, and dispatched after her. The enemy, seeing so formidable a force coming against him, fired a few guns, apparently with a view of intimidating them, but finding that they continued to advance, he ceased firing and hauled down his colours. The boats had now got within three-quarters of a mile of her, when a fresh breeze sprung up from the eastward, with which she made all sail to the northward, hoisted her colours, fired at our gig and whale-boat as she passed, which in return gave her volleys of musketry, and before sunset she was hull down ahead of us, while we were lying the whole time perfectly becalmed. Our boats continued the chase, with the hope that it would again fall calm, and made flashes occasionally to guide me in the pursuit, which I was enabled to renew when the breeze struck me, which was not until after sundown. I came up with the boats at nine o'clock; we had all lost sight of the enemy, and the apprehension of losing all my boats and officers, and the greater part of my crew, induced me to heave to and take them on board, which was soon done, when I renewed the pursuit on the same course I had before observed her standing, as I did not think it proper to run away before the wind, on the expectation of her having changed her course; as this would have caused a separation from the prizes, and the strong current setting to leeward should have prevented our rejoining them again for some time; I therefore concluded it best to continue my course on a wind all night, but at day-light, seeing nothing of the enemy, I hove about to rejoin my prizes.

At twelve o'clock next day, we were joined by the Greenwich and Seringapatam, but we saw nothing of the New Zealander until the day following. Nothing, perhaps, could equal our disappointment in not taking this vessel. We had already calculated with such confidence on her, as to arrange her prize crew, and were exulting that we had completely destroyed (with the exception of one vessel more) the British whale-fishery on the coast of Peru. We believed the vessel we were in pursuit of to be the British whale-ship Indispensable, and we knew of no other besides her on the coast, except the Comet, of twenty guns, fitted out both for whaling and cruising against the Americans. Great, however, as our mortification was that he should make his escape after so long a chase, we consoled ourselves in some measure with the reflection, that this was the first enemy who had ever escaped us where we had known him to be such, and that his escape was owing only to a fortuitous circumstance, which might not happen again in a thousand chases, and not to any good management on his part, or bad management on ours; but yet, such is our nature, that we could not help blaming fortune for thus jilting us, and for this freak of hers forgot for a moment all the favours she had hitherto lavished on us.

I now made every exertion to reach James' Island; but light and baffling winds, and a constant lee current, prevented our making any progress until the 3d of August, when the current changed, and ran with great rapidity to the eastward, as it had hitherto done in a contrary direction.