London,
23 February. The Spanish fleet commanded by Laborde, which departed Havana
towards the coasts of Columbia and Mexico encountered large problems due to a
storm. The next thing that happened was the appearance off Havana, of the
Mexican squadron commanded by Porter. The latter left Vera Cruz 8 December 1826
with 1 frigate, 2 brigs and 8 schooners. If the tidings are to believed,
succeeded Porter in capturing off Cape Antonio 10-gun war brig, loaded with
mercury. Probably it was the Hercules, destined from Cadiz towards Havana.
While off Havana a merchant ship was captured. At the first Mexican appearance,
Laborde didn’t depart seawards, but forced by the embargo for all ships at
Havana, he departed 25 December 1826. His naval strength is uncertain, according
to some tidings 1 large frigate, 1 corvette and a brig, according to others 3
frigates and 3 brigs. A battle was to be expected, considering both commanding
officers wanted this. The latest tidings reported that 30 December a frigate
flying the Mexican colours, was seen off the so-called Keys before the coast of
Florida.
