gratings and dead-lights placed over the hatchways and skylights, – the crew kept below, – and every precaution taken to guard against accident likely to result from both the belligerents’ musketry. As anticipated, after about forty minutes skirmishing on the southern heights, during which the convent of St. Antonio was broken open, and much sacerdotal property stolen and embarked by the boatmen of Oporto, the Pedroites had to retreat in the greatest disorder. A heavy fire of musketry was then opened on them; and the boats left the beach in the utmost confusion. Some took shelter under cover of H.M. ships, and two boatmen threw themselves on board the Orestes, affecting to be wounded. Upwards of forty soldiers, including several severely wounded, succeeded in getting on board of two English merchant brigs, lying close alongside the Orestes, and a boat full of troops attempted to take shelter on board the Echo; but being a neutralist, and in the face of one belligerent party, her commander. Lieutenant Robert Otway, felt it his duty to decline making her a place of refuge for the other party. For four hours and upwards (during which time one of the most beautiful convents on the river-side was burnt) a heavy fire of musketry was kept up from both sides of the river, as also from some of Don Pedro’s troops retreating in the boats. The damage done to the squadron by the incautious and promiscuous fire of the latter, particularly to the rigging, was very considerable. In a letter addressed to Captain Markland, dated 17th Dec. 1832, 9 p.m.. Commander Glascock says:
“In my letter of the 15th inst., I took occasion to mention the total absence of all precaution on the part of Don Pedro’s troops in throwing their ‘curved artillery;’ but the carelessness of his soldiery this day, in the direction of their general fire, great guns as well as small arms, was truly disgraceful to military men. The damage done to the rigging and bulwarks of the British squadron is sufficient to justify the assertion; nor can I refrain from remarking, that in almost every instance in which the troops of Don Pedro have become the assailing party, a neutral position has been somehow selected, as if to facilitate their purpose. Whether designedly or not, it is not for me now to decide; but I unhesitatingly assert, that H.M. ships have more or less suffered from the repulsed party availing itself of their neutral position to cover a hasty retreat.
