Hillyar arrived with detailed knowledge while Porter learned of the British force only when it appeared. A merchant vessel immediately carried current information from the harbor to Phoebe, supplementing letters from British agents and other local contacts. Britain also had the stronger diplomatic position because the Royal Navy could protect or blockade Chilean trade while the United States could offer little comparable support. Porter later claimed he had sought a duel at Valparaíso, but his real need was more likely food, stores, and maintenance after months in poorly supplied Pacific anchorages. Once Phoebe and Cherub controlled the exit, the port that sustained Essex also confined her.
Chapter · 1:39:29-1:43:52
Valparaíso becomes a blockade trap
Porter entered Valparaíso for supplies and discovered that Phoebe, Cherub, British agents, merchants, and Chilean trade interests had turned the harbor into an intelligence-rich containment position.