Paul Boyton's Reconnaissance of San Lorenzo

Author's Note: The following is based on Paul Boyton's version of what happened.

As evening fell, the Alicrán (a Peruvian sloop loaned to Paul Boyton by the Peruvian navy) approached El Fronton, an island separated by a channel from the larger island of San Lorenzo, just beyond the harbor at Callao. Boyton planned to anchor the sloop off El Fronton, then paddle across to the larger island with two 100 pound torpedoes. As silent as possible, the anxious crew sailed the sloop toward the island through heavy fog. Ahead, they heard the sound of oars. Boyton told them to get ready, but at the same time he directed them to hold their carbines at ease.

Fear overcame the Peruvians. Someone whispered that the Chileans would hang those who served in the torpedo service. Boyton grabbed one of the carbines. He whispered forcefully "The first person who refuses to fire will get a bullet in his head."

The boat came into view. "A que venga?" Boyton demanded. From the other boat, a trembling voice responded in Spanish, "Fisherman, fishermen: , don't shoot"

After the anxiety of this encounter, the heartened crew bustled about to complete the mission. The fisherman took up their oars again, passed towards the harbor and back into the fog.

The Alicrán reached El Fronton and set down its anchor. Boyton eased out of the boat into the water. The sloop was to stay until 3 in the morning, giving them ample time to sail back to the safety of the guns at Chorrillos before morning. Boyton planned to hide some torpedoes on the island for later use. If he wasn't back by the designated time, they were to head for land.

Resources:
Boyton, Paul. 1892. The story of Paul Boyton: voyages on all the great rivers of the world, paddling over twenty-five thousand miles in a rubber dress. Milwaukee: Riverside. 358 pp.