He was thus employed when Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane, of England, reached the same port and on the same errand.

He had with him three vessels: the flagship _Plantagenet_, 74 guns; the frigate _Rotan_, 38 guns, and the brig _Carnation_, 18 guns.

This powerful squadron was manned by 2,000 men, and was on the way to New Orleans with the purpose of occupying the city.
When the British admiral discovered the American privateer within the harbor, he placed his own vessels so as to prevent its escape.

Captain Reid did not think the enemy would attack him, since the harbor was neutral, but the previous experience of his countrymen warned him that it was not safe to count upon the British respecting the laws of war when there was an opportunity to destroy one of the pests of the ocean.
He cleared his decks and made every preparation against attack, and it was well he did so.
It was not long before he observed several boats, crowded with men, leave the _Plantagenet_ and row toward him.

This was on the 26th of September.