The escape of the gallant little ship could not have been narrower, and she suffered great damage, but finally the dreaded extremity of South America was weathered, and in the beginning of March, 1813, the _Essex_ sailed into the calmer water of the Pacific, where no armed American vessel had ever before penetrated.
The first halt was made off the island of Mocha, where a hunting party secured a number of hogs, which were salted down for future use.
Captain Porter wished to keep secret his presence in that part of the world until after he had secured a number of prizes, but the condition of his vessel compelled him to put into Valparaiso, where he learned that Chili had begun her war of independence against Spain.
A sail which was sighted displayed the Spanish colors, and, believing her to be one of the vessels that had been preying upon American commerce in the Pacific, Captain Porter hoisted the British flag.

The stranger approached and sent an armed boat to the _Essex_.

It was immediately sent back with orders for the Peruvian cruiser to come under the lee of the _Essex_.

This was done, and she was compelled to strike.
Upon the demand of Porter, her captain gave a list of all the vessels, so far as he could remember, that were cruising in the Pacific.

Then the arms, ammunition and spars of the captive were thrown overboard and she was allowed to go.
From that time forward the captures made by the _Essex_ were so numerous that the full story would be monotonous.