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small parties, attacking only when certain of success. Owing to this mode of warfare, the French were at no time masters of more ground than they actually covered; and to distract them still more, Captain Capel resolved on an expedition against Camarinas, their nearest station of any importance, about twenty miles to the northward. Accordingly, a party of seamen and marines, with Mr. George V. Oughton, purser, as a volunteer, were placed under the command of Lieutenant Thruston; and to this detachment were joined about 400 of his old allies, who, though beaten, were ready to try their chance again under his guidance. The Endymion’s launch, well armed, was at the same time sent alongshore, with orders to enter the harbour, make the necessary reconnoissance, and co-operate with the party on land. The enemy, either learning the superiority of the approaching force, or having orders to that effect, retired. The inhabitants having been rather conspicuous for their attachment to the French cause, the town was taken possession of in a military manner ; the chief personages were put under arrest, and the vessels in the port immediately boarded; – among them was an English West Indiaman of considerable value, originally captured by the Spaniards, and afterwards seized by the French. After having completely dismantled two strong batteries; all the British, and part of the patriotic force, were embarked on board the prizes, and carried back in safety to Corcubion. The Spanish vessels, laden chiefly with salt fish, were given up to the Junta; the West Indiaman was sent to England for condemnation.

“Some division now took place in the councils of the redoubtable statesmen at Corcubion. There were two parties, – one of which had lost every thing by the late visit of the French; the other had still some property to lose, and could count some relatives unmurdered. Those who had lost all, were hot for war; and so in fact were the rest, but with this difference; – the ruined party were for beginning again instantly, and with most unwonted energy; the other merely wished to pause a little, – ‘mañana’ was their word; ‘poco a poco,’ – little by little. The former, however, gained the day in the discussion; and taking advantage of an offer the captain of the Endymion had incautiously, but very naturally, made at the moment of their greatest extremity, they claimed the ful-