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 the river, weighing before day-light, and running out with the land breeze far enough not to be seen from the shore. This plan was practised until the 25th, when about 11, a large brig was seen from the mast-head, under all sail, standing out of the river. The Black Joke’s top-sails were immediately lowered, by which means the stranger was within sight from the deck before he made out who his intended antagonist was. He then altered his course so as to cross the tender’s bow, and pass between Fernando Po and the main. All sail was now made in chase, and every requisite preparation for a severe contest; in doing which a spirit was evinced, both by the officers and men, that left no doubt as to the result, whatever might he the stranger’s superiority of force. The slaver sailed so well, that it was 9 before the Black Joke could get within range of her; indeed, if she had not got becalmed under the lee of Fernando Po, it is very doubtful whether she would not have made her escape. A shot, however, was now fired a-head of her, as a signal to bring to, which she immediately returned by three of her broadside guns, and the wind fell so light that both vessels had recourse to their sweeps, making in this way a running fight, until about 1-30 on the 26th. The Black Joke was then so near, that it became evident a close action must ensue; upon which the Spaniard hauled up his courses, and with his sweeps so managed his vessel as to keep up a determined fire, almost every shot telling upon the spars, rigging, and sails of the tender. Lieutenant Ramsay, in consideration of the superior number of guns of his adversary, as well as to spare, if possible, the lives of the wretched slaves, resolved upon boarding without delay; fortunately a light air favored his intentions, and the helm was put a-starboard. Meanwhile the men were ordered to lie down, to be sheltered from the enemy’s fire. Two steady men were to be ready to lash the vessels together; the two guns were loaded with grape, and their captains were ordered to fire directly the word “board” was given. All being prepared, the Black Joke ran alongside the Spaniard – the order to board was given – the guns were fired – and Lieutenant Ramsay, with Mr. Charles John Bosanquet, the mate, and about ten men, leaped on board; but from the force with which the two vessels met, they unluckily separated again before the rest of the boarders could follow. Mr. Hinde, however, a midshipman not fifteen years of age, the only officer left on board, with extraordinary presence of mind, ordered all hands to the starboard sweeps, pulled alongside, got the vessels lashed, and then boarded, leaving only one or two wounded men behind. With this reinforcement, the combat was soon decided – those who continued to resist were quickly cut down; the rest ran below and begged for quarter.

“The prize proved to be the Spanish brig Marincrito, of 303 tons, one of the most beautiful vessels ever seen afloat, mounting five 18-pounders, with a complement of seventy-seven officers and men, of whom