Initially, At 11:30 in the morning the first signs of the fleet's approach could be seen on the horizon from their plumes of smoke.  These steamed in a single column with each ship flying Chile's flag.  The above photograph, as well as the rest of the photos on this page are from the collection of William Gerald Child, Midshipman, USS Georgia.  These are the only images I have been able to find from this visit through the harbor of Valparaiso.

USS Louisiana in Valparaiso Harbor

Chile felt that the Fleet’s visit to Punta Areas as not the “official” visit needed to recognize their nation.  As the fleet had already made a port call in Brazil and was planning a visit to Peru, certainly it should take time to extend recognition to the Chilean government by stopping in Valparaiso.  Unfortunately, the Fleet was on a tight schedule and Admiral Evans felt not particular need to pay a cordial greeting to the city of Valparaiso. 

The Chilean ship Esmeralda

Only 15 years earlier in the same harbor crew member of the USS Baltimore had been killed by a mob attack.  Angered the American government had asked for an explanation and reparations with regard to the incident.  When none were forthcoming, Admiral Evans, then captain of the USS Yorktown steamed into the harbor threatening to use his main batteries on the city should swift and immediate actions not be taken by the government of Chile.  The settlement was made quickly avoiding the use of weapons but remained in the mind of Admiral Evans now commanding the Fleet.  As a compromise, instead of a port visit, it was decided the Fleet would sail into the harbor and provide the appropriate salute.  Wrote Franklin Mathews, “The sixteen battleships roared out a salvo such as no one in Chile had ever heard before.  The effect of the thunder was electric.  People on the shore were seen to jump and run.  All along the shore line below Fort Valdivia they began to race back toward the city and harbor by the thousands.  It was literally a stampede.  Great clouds of dust engulfed them and partly hid them from view.  It made those on the ships laugh.” The crowds quickly recovered and settled in for a naval show of maneuvering and seamanship.