making a signal as to
a consort; but, seeing we did not answer her signal, she instantly
loofed close to the wind and stood to the southward. Our people were
now all in high spirits, and put about ship with great briskness;
and, as the chase appeared a large ship, and had mistaken us for
her consort, we imagined that she must be a man of war, and probably
belonged to the squadron of Pizarro. This induced the commodore to
order all the officers cabins to be knocked down and thrown overboard,
along with several casks of water and provisions, that stood between
the guns; so that we had a clear ship, ready for action. About nine
a.m. it came on thick hazy weather, with a shower of rain, during
which we lost sight of the chase, and were apprehensive, if this
weather should continue, she might escape us, by going on the other
tack, or some other device. The weather cleared up, however, in
less than an hour, when we found that we had both weathered and
fore-reached upon her considerably, and were then near enough to
perceive that she was only a merchant ship, without a single tire of
guns. About half an hour after twelve noon, being within reasonable
distance, we fired four shot among her rigging; on which they lowered
their top-sails and bore down to us, but in very great confusion,
their top-gallant-sails and stay-sails all fluttering in the wind.
This was owing to their having let run their sheets and halyards, just
as we fired at them; after which not a man among them would venture
aloft to take them in, as our shot had passed there just before.

As soon as the vessel came within hail of us, the commodore ordered
her to bring to under his lee quarter; and having the boat hoisted
out, sent our first lieutenant, Mr Saumarez, to take possession of the
prize, with orders to send all the prisoners on board the Centurion,
the officers and passengers first. When Mr Saumarez boarded the prize,
he was received by her people at the side with the most abject tokens
of submission; as they were all, especially the passengers, who were
twenty-five in number, extremely terrified, and under the greatest
apprehensions of meeting with very severe and cruel usage. But the
lieutenant endeavoured, with great courtesy, to dissipate their
terror, assuring them that their fears were altogether groundless,
and that they would find a generous enemy in the commodore, who was
no less remarkable for his lenity and humanity, than for courage and
reso