CHAPTER XII.

PERU.

1839.

On the 26th of May, the Porpoise sailed for Callao, in order that some repairs might be made on her, which our time here did not admit of. At Valparaiso the weather was extremely unfavourable for astronomical observations. I had been in great hopes of being able to obtain a series of moon culminating stars, and occultations, but no opportunity occurred, so that I had to content myself with those for rating the chronometers, and to connect this port with Callao. The longitude adopted for Fort San Antonio, was 71° 39′ 20′′ W., which is the last determination of it by King and Fitzroy.

On the 4th, we made an attempt to get out of the bay, but were obliged again to cast anchor. At this season of the year, light northerly winds usually prevail, and a heavy swell frequently sets in the bay, making the roadstead very uncomfortable, and at times dangerous. The vessels are too much crowded, and the regulations of the port are not sufficiently attended to.

I was not a little amused with the master of a Hamburg barque, who dropped his anchor so as to foul the berth of my ship, and when he brought up, swung close alongside. He seemed perfectly satisfied with his situation, and apparently knew little about his business, showing all the doggedness of his countrymen. The weather looking threatening, I sent him word to move, stating that in case of a change of wind, he would be greatly injured. He quietly replied that his vessel was made of teak, and that his underwriters or my government would pay his damages, and that he could stand a good deal of grind. ing! Without more ado, I sent an officer and men, and put him at once out of my way.

On the 6th, we had a breeze from the southward and eastward, and (229)

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