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 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. Commander Glascock says:

