Porter hoisted his free-trade and sailor-rights banner, while Hillyar answered with a St George's ensign bearing a British slogan. Phoebe's band and crew added music and cheers, and Porter marched his sailors through Valparaíso with American flags. These performances were aimed chiefly at local hearts and minds rather than the opposing captain. Britain had already secured the stronger position because Chilean merchants understood which navy could protect or destroy their trade. The spectacle revealed Porter's continuing belief that theatrical appeal could overturn a strategic imbalance.
Notable Point · 1:46:24-1:49:17
Flags and slogans compete for Chilean opinion
American and British slogans, music, cheering, and public display were aimed less at intimidating veteran crews than at shaping how Valparaíso's residents viewed the blockade.