Boarded a Portuguese whaling-brig, the master of which I brought on board with his papers.

These proving to be regular, I dismissed him within a few minutes.

Sent the captain and crew of the Alert on shore, to the village on the north end of Flores, in their own boats, four in number.
Sail, ho! at 5 P.M.Filled away, and gave chase to a schooner in the N.E.She was standing for us at first, but tacked on our approach, and endeavoured to run.

We had shown her the United States colors, and she also had hoisted them, but she distrusted us.

A blank cartridge brought her round again, and hove her to.