from Dec. 1811 until superseded by Captain Peter Heywood, about Sept, 1812[1]. He shortly afterwards sailed from Rio Janeiro for England, with specie to the amount of half a million sterling on board, but was obliged to put into St. Salvador, and heave his ship down, in consequence of her having sustained great damage by running on shore between that port and the Brazilian capital.
Shortly after Captain Greene’s arrival there, the United States’ ships Constitution and Hornet likewise entered the harbour of St. Salvador; the former commanded by Commodore Bainbridge, and the latter by Captain Lawrence, both of whom, and Mr. Hill, the American consul, laid their heads together, to contrive something that, without any personal risk to either, should contribute to the renown of their common country: after various consultations, the following letter was written by Captain Lawrence and addressed to his consul:–
“When I last saw you, I stated to you my wish to meet the Bonne Citoyenne, and authorised you to make my wishes known to Captain Greene. I now request you to state to him, that I will meet him whenever he may be pleased to come out, and pledge my honor that neither the Constitution, nor any other American vessel, shall interfere.”
To this challenge. Commodore Bainbridge added, “If Captain Greene wishes to try equal force, I pledge my honor to give him an opportunity, by being out of the way, or not interfering.”
Captain Greene’s very proper reply to the challenge will be seen by the following copy of a letter from the British consul to Mr. Hill:–
“Sir,– I transmitted your letter to me of yesterday to Captain P. B. Greene, to whom the substance is directed; and, having received his reply, I herewith insert it verbatim. I am, &c.
Enclosure.
