came to an
anchor in the bay of Tacames, where we learned that the Spanish frigates
had some time before left for Guayaquil. On receipt of this intelligence
we immediately pursued our voyage, and on the 13th anchored off the
forts of Guayaquil, where we found the _Venganza_.

Our reception was not of the same cordial nature as on the previous
visit--two agents of San Martin having arrived, who by promises had
gained over the Government to the Protector's interests, and had excited
in their minds a jealousy of me which was as unexpected as ill-founded.
Some attempts were even made to annoy me; but as, upon their
manifestation, I laid the flag-ship alongside the _Venganza_, civility
was enforced.

The _Prueba_ and _Venganza_, being short of provisions, were compelled
by our close pursuit, to put into Guayaquil, daily expecting us to
follow. Previous to our arrival, the Peruvian envoy, Salasar, had so
impressed upon the officers commanding the certainty of their being
captured by the Chilian squadron, that he had induced them to give up
the ships to Peru, on the promise that the Protectoral Government would
pay the whole of the officers and crews all the arrears due to them, and
that those who chose to remain in South America should be naturalized,
with lands and pensions assigned to them; whilst such as were desirous
of returning to Spain should have their passages defrayed by the
Peruvian Government.

Many of the Spanish officers and most of the crews were adverse to the
surrender of the ships, so that a mutiny was the consequence; when, at
the instance of Salasar, the Government of Guayaquil was induced to
sanction an assertion that the Chilian squadron was at anchor in the bay
of La Manta, and that letters had been received from me announcing my
intention to come to Guayaquil and seize the ships. This mendacity had
the desired effect, and both officers and crews accepted the terms
offered; so that San Martin's agents had thus tricked the Chilian
squadron out of its prizes.

Under the before-mentioned impression the _Prueba_ was hastily sent to
Callao before our arrival, but the _Venganza_, being in a condition
unfit for sea, remained at Guayaquil. On being positively assured of the
dishonourable transaction which had taken place, on the morning of the
14th of March I sent Captain Crosbie on board the _Venganza_ to take
possession, of her, for Chili and Peru jointly, being unwilling to
embroil Chili in hostilities