After such an achievement, such a gathering of laurels, there
was some hazard to a foreigner in calling on the Governor, even
though it were to compliment him. But, being determined that the
Captain-General should have our version, of the transaction, I
called on him at noon for leave to send an express to the capital to
complain of the outrage, and to demand that redress there which we
asked in vain here. In an angry tone, and instead of replying to my
request, he inquired if we were desirous of provoking him to serve
us in the manner he had done the ship. I replied that I hoped there
was no danger of our causing him any provocation, but should it be
our misfortune to do so to the extent intimated, there could exist no
cause for such violent measures as had been used towards the ship,
as no resistance would be made. I then remarked on the advantage
that would result to the government in keeping away the rabble, and
thus securing the whole property. I stated, also, that there were
many valuable instruments, charts, and books on board which would be
useful to the Spanish marine, but which might be destroyed if, as he
suggested, “he served us in the manner he had done the ship”; and I
repeated a hope that he would not do so. Seeing that I was not to be
intimidated, and was, moreover, determined not to go to sea without
communicating with the Captain-General, he at length reluctantly
consented to our sending an express....