le distance from us. We
perceived that the Spaniard was sending two of his boats full of men to
supply the heavy loss sustained by his comrade. Captain Weatherall
ordered the sweeps out, and we swept our broadside to them, trying by
single guns to sink the boats as they went from one vessel to the other.
After two or three attempts, a gun was successful; the shot shattered
the first of the boats, which instantly filled and went down. The
second boat pulled up and endeavoured to save the men, but we now poured
our broadside upon them, and, daunted by the shot flying about them,
they sought their own safety by pulling back to the vessel, leaving
their sinking companions to their fate. Failing in this attempt, both
vessels recommenced their fire upon us, but the distance and the swell
of the sea prevented any execution, and at last they ceased firing,
waiting till a breeze should spring up, which might enable them to renew
the contest with better success.

At this time it was about eleven o'clock in the forenoon, and the combat
had lasted about five hours. We refreshed ourselves after the fatigue
and exertion which we had undergone, and made every preparation for a
renewal of the fight. During the engagement we were so excited that we
had no time to think; but now that we were cool again and unoccupied we
had time to reflect upon our position, and we began to feel dejected and
apprehensive. Fatigued with exertion, we were weak and dispirited. We
knew that our best men were slain or groaning under their severe wounds,
that the enemy were still numerous, and, as they persevered after so
dreadful a slaughter, that they were of unquestionable bravery and
resolution. Good fortune, and our captain's superior seamanship, had,
up to the present, enabled us to make a good fight, but fortune might
desert us, and our numbers were so reduced that if the enemy continued
resolute we must be overpowered. Our gallant captain perceived the
despondency that prevailed, and endeavoured to remove it by his own
example and by persuasion. After praising us for the resolution and
courage we had already shown, he pointed out to us that, whatever might
be the gallantry of the officers, it was clear that the men on board of
the opposing vessels were awed by their heavy loss and want of success,
and that if they made one more attempt to take us by the board and
failed, which he trusted they would do, no persuasion would ever induce
them to