“At 10 o’clock, the boats returned with the chace, which proved to be a Spanish coasting-vessel of 20 tons, from Cadiz bound to Barcelona with wheat, prize to the General Pigot, a privateer belonging to Gibraltar. Supplied him with a few baracoes of water.
“At 11 o’clock, in boats and made sail on the larboard tack.”
This account of a twenty-four hours on board the Peterel will give some idea of the constant interest and continual demand on the judgment incidental to this life. This particular day, though a full one, was barren of results. The privateer got out of the way of the Peterel, and the chace which they did succeed in boarding had already surrendered to another British ship. The entries of a few days later, March 28, will show how varying was the success of these encounters. On that day they secured three prizes in twelve hours.
“5 o’clock A.M., saw a strange sail bear S.W. by S. Bore up and set royal and steering sails in chace.
“8 o’clock.—Fresh breezes and clear weather; came up with the chace close off the west end of Ivica. Shortened sail and hove to, sent a boat on board; she proved to be a Spanish brig laden with barley, from Almeria bound to Barcelona. Sent an officer and eight men to take possession, and took all the Spaniards out of her.
“At 10 o’clock.—Took her in tow, and made sail to the eastward.
“At half-past 10.—Saw a brig at the south part of Ivica, cast off the tow, and made all sail in chace.
“Half-past 11.—In steering sails.
“At noon.—Moderate and clear weather, passing through between Ivica and Formenterra, prize in company.
“Half-past 12.—Fired five guns at the chace to make her bring to, but without effect.