nd sixty guns, in
addition to those on board the Spanish war-ships, which consisted of a few
frigates, two brigs, and eight gun-boats. To attack such a force lying
under the guns of their batteries was too perilous an enterprise for even
Cochrane to undertake. He determined, however, to make an attempt to do
them at least some damage. He knew that two American men-of-war were
expected to arrive in Callao, and he made some slight changes in his
flag-ship and the _Lautaro_, hoisted the American flag, and sailed toward
the harbour. The Carnival was at the time being carried on, and there was
the less chance that a vigilant watch would be kept up by the forts and
ships. Unfortunately a dense fog came on, and for eight days the Chilians
were forced to remain inactive. At the end of that time, hearing a heavy
firing, and believing that one of his ships must have gone into the bay
and had been attacked by the enemy, Cochrane stood in the direction of the
sound. The other ships did the same, when the fog clearing up in a moment,
they discovered each other, and found a small gunboat lying close to them.

This they captured at once, and learned that the firing was a salute in
honour of the viceroy, who had been paying a visit to the batteries, and
was now returning to the town in a brig-of-war which was crowding all
sail. The fog again closed in, and hoping the capture of the gun-boat had
not been noticed, Lord Cochrane determined to risk a partial engagement
rather than withdraw without firing a shot, as a retreat now would raise
the spirits of the Spaniards and depress those of the Chilians.
Accordingly the _O'Higgins_ and the _Lautaro_ stood on, each having a boat
ahead sounding. The wind fell very light, and instead of going in and
engaging the Spanish ships as he intended, Lord Cochrane was forced to
anchor at some distance from them. The moment that the two Chilian vessels
were made out through the fog the ships and batteries opened fire upon
them, showing that the capture of the gun-boat had been observed and the
sailors and garrison called to the guns.

For two hours the ships were exposed to a heavy fire from the batteries
and ships. They replied steadily, their aim being chiefly directed against
the northern angle of one of the principal forts, whose fire especially
annoyed them. As soon as a little breeze sprang up, anchors were weighed,
and the two ships sailed to and fro in front of the batteries returning
their fire