useless, there being no artificers on board to repair them, the ship was
only kept afloat by the greatest possible exertions, in which my
personal skill in smiths' work had to be called into requisition.

After three days' constant baling at the hatchways, we got two pumps
from the _Valdivia_; but these proving too short, I ordered holes to be
cut through the ships' sides, on a level with the berth deck, and thus
managed to keep her clear till the old pumps could be refitted. Nearly
all our ammunition was spoiled, and, in order to preserve the dry
provisions, we were compelled to stow them in the hammock-nettings.

Having transferred forty men from the other ships to assist at the
pumps, we quitted Fonseca bay on the 28th, and on the 6th of January,
1822, arrived at Tehuantepec, a volcano lighting us every night. This
was one of the most imposing sights I ever beheld; large streams of
molten lava pouring down the sides of the mountain, whilst at
intervals, huge masses of solid burning matter were hurled into the air,
and rebounding from their fall, ricocheted down the declivity till they
found a resting place at its base.

On the 29th we anchored at Acapulco, where we met the _Araucano_ and
_Mercedes_, the latter having been sent on to gain intelligence of the
Spanish frigates. We were civilly received by the Governor, though not
without misgivings, on his part, that we might attempt to seize some
Spanish merchantmen at anchor in the harbour; so that we found the fort
manned by a strong garrison, and other preparations made to receive us
in case of hostile demonstration.

We were not a little surprised at this, as nothing could be more
friendly than our intentions towards the newly emancipated Republic. The