He made continued efforts to do so, and frequently got on their track, but finally had to give it up.

Then Captain Porter formed the bold plan of doubling Cape Horn and entering the Pacific ocean.
This venture was more dangerous than would be supposed, for all the South American countries on that side of the continent were dominated by Great Britain, and in entering the vast expanse the American knew he would meet plenty of enemies and not a solitary friend.

Like an army when it invades a country, however, he determined to live off the enemy.
He knew that scores of English vessels were in the Pacific, and all Porter had to do was to capture them.

He had had sufficient experience at that sort of work to give him confidence, and he liked the business.
Unfortunately, it was the most dangerous season of the year for doubling the Horn, which is always attended with peril.

The _Essex_ was caught in a tempest that lasted for three days, and was so terrific that the stoutest hearted sailors quailed.