n be raised, and overwhelming forces
sent against us. The order was, therefore, given to spike the guns,
which was very speedily done. The fort was found to contain eight brass
guns, twenty-four and twelve-pounders, with a considerable garrison.
Part of them, as we entered, laid down their arms to save their lives,
while the remainder scrambled over the walls, and made their escape to
the town. Our boats had, meantime, made their way into the harbour,
which, now that we had possession of the fort, they could do without
molestation. As soon as all the damage had been done to the fort which
time would allow, we once more embarked in the boats, and made a dash at
the luggers, which yielded without striking a blow. Directly we had
taken them, however, and had begun to move down the harbour, a battery
on the opposite side, which we had not yet seen, opened its fire, and
continued sending shot after us, which could not however have been very
well aimed, for neither the boat nor the prizes were once struck. It is
possible that the powder was bad, and the shot fell short. As we
approached the mouth of the harbour we saw that the whole neighbourhood
was roused. Beacon fires were blazing, guns firing, and musketry
rattling away in all directions. As we were getting through the
passage, a pretty sharp fire of musketry was opened on us, but though
the shot fell thickly, no one was struck, though the boats and vessels
were so frequently. It was my first battle, and a very bloodless one,
for I do not believe a Spaniard or Englishman was hurt. Our six prizes
were very acceptable, for they were laden with wine, which was
pronounced very good of its sort. It was broad daylight by the time we
got near the mouth of the harbour, and the land-breeze blowing enabled
us to carry out our prizes without difficulty, and with them under
convoy we sailed for Lisbon, where a good market could be found for
their cargoes.

When I got on board, instead of being received as a hero crowned with
victory, my father seized hold of me, and looked me sternly in the face.

"Ben," said he, "have you thought of the misery and anxiety you have
been causing your mother? She has been in a fearful taking about you
ever since you went away. How could she tell that you had not slipped
overboard? I could not say that you had not, myself; but I have heard
of boys doing just as you have done, and so I guessed pretty well the
state of the case. But I tel