The first port at which he stopped was Port Praya, where the Portuguese governor showed them much courtesy.

In December the _Essex_ crossed the equator, and soon after overhauled a British brig of war, which strained every effort to escape.

The two manoeuvred for position, but the _Essex_ proved her superiority, and, after a volley of musketry, which killed one man, the _Nocton_, as she proved to be, hauled down her flag.

She carried only 10 guns and 31 men, but had $50,000 in specie on board.
Captain Porter placed an officer and crew in charge of the prize, with instructions to make the nearest American port.

While striving to do so he was captured by the British frigate _Belvidera_.
Captain Porter's instructions were to meet the _Constitution_ and _Hornet_, which were cruising in that part of the world.