Callao, Peru
At Callao, the Peruvian government did it’s best to welcome the Fleet. Having been at conflict with Chile and Brazil, Peru was looking for a friend in America and delivered a warm greeting for the ships.
They were met two hundred and fifty miles from Callao by the cruiser Bolognesi which escorted the ship into a crowded harbour of warm wishers.
By this time in the cruise, the crews had grown tired of the receptions and clearly were not as sharp in going to anchorage as at previous ports. Admiral Evans issued a formal reprimand to the fleet for its un-seaman like anchoring.
The Fleet received a warm welcome from the people of Callao and Lima during their visit.
Callao was ready. They had sent spies to earlier port visits of the crew and passed on information regarding how the fleet had been received. It was quickly translated into businesses and a community prepared to greet sailors including signs that said, “American Spoken Here”, organized dances and dinners, and efforts to prevent conflict within the community. They went so far as to lock-up a traveling group of Japanese acrobats that were visiting the city so as to not offend the Americans.
The next instalment will cover the celebration of Washingtons birthday at Callao, Peru.
Regards
Sean
