"The two brigs of war are to be fired on by the musketry _from
the Esmeralda_, and are to be taken possession of by Lieutenants
Esmonde and Morgell, in the boats they command; which, being
done, they are to cut adrift, run out, and anchor in the offing as
quickly as possible. The boats of the _Independencia_ are to turn
adrift all the outward Spanish merchant ships; and the boats of the
_O'Higgins_ and _Lautaro_, 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."

(Signed) "COCHRANE."

By the cutting of the _Esmeralda's_ cables, not one of these objects was
effected. The captured frigate was ready for sea, with three months'
provisions on board, and with stores sufficient for two years. She was,
no doubt, if opportunity offered, intended to convoy the treasure-ship,
which, by the precipitancy of Captain Guise, we had missed; indeed the
Spanish Admiral being on board at the time, with his flag flying, was a
pretty clear proof that she was on the point of departure; instead of
which, the Admiral, his officers, and 200 seamen were made prisoners,
the remainder of the crew, originally 370 in number, being killed,
wounded, or drowned.

An incident occurred during the contest which, at this distance of time,
I shall not refrain from mentioning. His Britannic Majesty's ship
_Hyperion_ was so close to the _Esmeralda_, as to be a witness of the
whole proceeding. A midshipman was standing at the gangway looking on,
amongst others, when his truly English nature, unable to restrain itself
as our gallant fellows cleared the forecastle of the enemy, gave vent to