Porter and Hillyar exchanged prisoners while their ships shared Valparaiso, giving both commanders an opportunity to study the opposition. Porter mostly observed Phoebe from his own deck. Accounts describe Hillyar walking the waterfront and hiring an elevated room to inspect Essex. He also used boats and merchant contacts to gather information about the American frigate and her supplies. Phoebe had orders to sail immediately if Essex showed signs of departure, even while Hillyar was ashore, with a boat ready to carry him back aboard.
Notable Point · 1:26:24-1:30:37
Hillyar inspected Essex while Porter neglected Phoebe
Prisoner exchange brought the ships together, but only Hillyar used the opportunity for sustained visual reconnaissance and readiness planning.