Captain Otway (it being my watch on deck) to reconnoitre Laguria, and to stand well in for that purpose. As I knew what “stadn well in” meant, I stood within gun-shot of the town; but the wind dying suddenly away, I went down and acquainted the captain of the circumstance, who, coming upon deck, and perceiving our critical situation, and that we should be exposed to a heavy fire from the batteries, it instantly occurred to him, that, having some Spanish prisoners on board, it would be a good opportunity to exchange them; and he instantly hoisted a flag of truce for that purpose. But at that moment a boat was observed coming from the shore; and on arriving alongside, Captain Otway was acquainted that an aide-de-camp of the governor and several people of distinction were in her, and that they had come to demand the surrender of the ship, considering her to be so near the batteries as to render useless any attempt to get away. He civilly invited them on board the Trent, and then sent a boat off to the governor, to say that if a shot was fired at the Trent, he would hang every Spaniard at the yard-arms, and blow the town about his ears. To make it appear that he was in earnest, he instantly began reeving yard-ropes and clearing for action, which so intimidated the governor, that he quietly replied, he would give him twenty-four hours to get from under the batteries. Thus by his promptitude, energy, and readiness, did we escape a Spanish prison.
“When we were cruising off the coast of Porto Rico, looking out for vessels expected along shore, Lieutenant Wiley, of the Sparrow cutter, came on board for orders, and to know how near the shore he was to keep; when Captain Otway told him he expected the Sparrow would always be at night on the wash of the surf. In this respect he always set a noble example himself; and it was a matter of perfect indifference to him whether it was a lee or weather shore; wherever the enemy was expected there was the Trent, with leads-man in the chains and anchors ready. With regard to sending boats on service, if the duty to be performed was considered dangerous, he generally went himself (as a volunteer unless the situation of the ship required him to remain on board; and he several times did me the honor to come in the boat, advising, but not commanding.”
When the fleet under Sir Hyde Parker, destined to act against the Northern Confederacy[1], arrived in the Cattegat, a consultation took place between the flag-officers and senior captains, as to the best means of carrying into effect the object of the expedition; and it was at first decided that it should be by the Belt.
