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so that I might have free scope for future operations. When I returned to the forecastle and told my shipmates of my success and the disappointment of the captain, one would have thought all the spirits of the lower regions had been let loose, so loud and long were the cheers that rose from beneath the decks of that ship.

About ten days after this conversation with the captain, I was at the helm. After pacing the quarter deck for a long time, in a very thoughtful mood, he suddenly stopped in front of me and said, "I suppose when we arrive in Boston, you will all appear against me for striking the man at helm." After a short pause I determined to embrace this opportunity of making a proposal to him for the recovery of our wages, knowing that in striking a man at helm he had rendered himself liable to heavy damages, and that we had the old fox fast by the tail. I then stated to him that if he would give us an obligation in writing that we should have our wages when we got into port, we would give him one that we would not appear against him for striking the man at helm. He consented, and immediately went into the cabin, and in a short time returned with two papers properly drawn up, which were readily signed by the two parties. We thus recovered our wages as being men

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who had done our duty to the satisfaction of our officers.

We proceeded on our voyage until we got on soundings in the night and found ourselves near the Isle of Sables; coming on stormy we could not possibly have cleared the Island if the wind had continued that way much longer; but the wind shifting to the northward, we cleared the Island; had it not been so, we should have been ashore in three quarters of an hour. We gave thanks to Providence who through his mercy had shifted the winds and thus saved us from inevitable destruction. We then shaped our course for Cape Cod, and on the eighth day after got to the entrance of the Bay of Fundy. We then unfortunately had head winds from the northward and westward in succession for three weeks, with occasional gales from the eastward accompanied by heavy snow storms, which made the weather so thick that we could not run for land with safety. The seamen told the captain that they must try to put in somewhere, as they were beat out and could not do duty any longer. I advised the captain to haul to the eastward, and I would assure him that I could carry him into any port in the British Provinces, as I was a pilot along the eastern shore. He consented and stood to the eastward; but at 2 o'clock the

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next morning the wind chopped in to northeast with the appearance of a snow storm; we then stood on to the westward and made Cape Ann Lights the same evening at 8 o'clock, and then run for Boston Light, and arrived in the Roads in season to escape a tremendous snow storm which came on immediately after our arrival.— The second day after, we were discharged and paid off. I staid in Boston three or four weeks, and then shipped on board the brig Hannah, of Providence, R. I., Capt. James Helems, bound to Tobago, with a hold full of provisions and a deck load of live stock. We had forty three days passage to Grenada, as we could not get into Tobago, having passed it in the night. We sold our cargo, and the captain received Bills of Exchange and filled a number of casks of water for ballast, bound to Savannah.

The third day after we sailed we fell in with a piratical schooner. The night before we fell in with her, I dreamed that a huge bear came up and killed three or four of the seamen, then rushed upon me and bit my arms off. The fright awoke me from sleep, but I was satisfied that some misfortune was about to happen to us, and when I had taken the helm at 8 A. M. and whilst I was relating my dream to the captain, there came from the cabin two cats, about two years

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old, that had been brought up in the brig from kittens. One ran in great fright to the end of the jib boom, the other took a different course and ran out on the main boom, and both simultaneously jumped as far as they could into the sea, and swam with all possible speed from the vessel. Cats and rats seem to have a natural instinct, or whatever philosophers may term it, which warns them of approaching danger, as they have been often known suddenly to forsake vessels shortly before violent storms. Silence reigned among our terror-stricken crew for about fifteen or twenty minutes, when I espied a large vessel astern of us, coming off shore, as we supposed from Porto Rico, making directly for us. They soon overhauled us and hailed to know where we were from. We told them and they ordered us to heave to and send our boat aboard. The captain, second mate and one man went on board the pirate; nine men then jumped into our boat, and boarded us. They demanded to know where the money was. The cabin boy had previously broken open the captain's trunk, ripped up the upper lining of his jacket, took the Bills of Exchange, amounting to twelve thousand dollars, and put them under the lining, between the shoulders, then sewed up the rip and put on his jacket. The pirates went below

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and rummaged every place, tearing off the ceiling, but could not find any money. They came up and commanded me to tell them where it was thrusting a large knife at my breast which I avoided by stepping backwards; but suddenly looking round they described a large vessel heaving in sight, which they supposed to be a man of war; they then scampered over the side into the boat, and made for the pirate vessel. They broke open our chests and robbed us of all our clothing, loose change, watches, &c. One of them took my beaver hat from my head, very politely giving me his own rusty tarpaulin in exchange. As soon as they reached their own vessel, the captain, second mate and man were ordered back. They then made sail and went from us, and we also made sail and kept on our course. They got about eight miles from us when we crowded on all sail, and got out preventer braces to secure our masts. The pirate probably found the sail a brother cruiser, for he wore ship and steered for us again, with all sail set, but we gained ahead. They chased us until night, when growing dark they lost sight of us, and we thus fortunately escaped them, as we could see nothing of them next morning.—On board the pirate our captain saw and conversed with captain Patterson and his wife, of a

schooner bound from Philadelphia to St. Domingo, laden with wine, which the pirates had taken that same morning. What was the fate of this unfortunate man and his crew is unknown, as nothing was ever heard of them afterwards.

In fifteen days after we arrived at Savannah, and the brig being old and unseaworthy, we got our discharge from her. We entered on board of a brig called the Molly, Capt. Thornton, bound for Liverpool. Thirty eight days after leaving Savannah, we were captured by a French privateer and carried into Brest. We remained here about three months, but finding no employ, and being completely destitute, and no opportunity offering of getting out of the country, we concluded rather than starve, to enter on board a French privateer, that we might get taken by the British and through them find a chance for home. Four days out in this privateer, after a long chase, we were captured by a British sloop of war and carried into Portsmouth, Eng. The chagrin of the poor Frenchmen at being taken is almost indescribable—but their curses, loud and deep though they were, afforded us great pleasure and satisfaction.

The English set us at liberty, as we shew our protections, and proved to their satisfaction that our entering on board the privateer was the only

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way we could take to get out of France. We left Portsmouth and went to Dover, and got on board a Dutch galliot bound for Amsterdam, the captain of which told us that we could find a passage from that port to America, as there were a number of American ships there, and we might go with him by working our passage. When we arrived there we found no vessel bound to America, and we continued on board the galliot, and run on the coast several trips, for six dollars per month.

On the first of October, three American ships arrived at Amsterdam. The ship Hampton, of Baltimore, Capt. Douglass, was one. Capt. Samuel Tinkham, of Nantucket, commanded the Hero, of New York. The eighth of November, Capt. Douglass was to sail. I asked him if he could give me any wages. He said he could not, but I might work my passage home. I agreed and went on board. We sailed on the 16th. Next day we had a severe gale, and were driven ashore about 10 miles from the place of our departure; we got our boats out; after cutting away our masts she went broad side on and knocked off her keel and rudder. We landed under her lee; one man had his leg broken in getting ashore, and another was knocked down by a sea before we landed and had his head very

badly hurt. After getting on shore I went back to New Dieppe, and went on board of the ship Hero, and related to the captain all my troubles from the time I was taken by the French. I asked him where he was bound, to which he replied "for New York;" and that he should be ready to sail next day; that he was fully manned, and as provisions were high, he expected to be obliged to put his men on short allowance; but unwilling to leave a destitute countryman in a foreign land, he consented to take me home, but could not allow me any wages. I went on board and we sailed about the 24th of November, 1802, for New York, but arrived in Boston and discharged the cargo there. The captain, having the heart of a true sailor, very generally gave me fifteen dollars, for which act of disinterested kindness I shall always feel grateful. He then offered me a second mate's birth, if I would go with him the next voyage, which I declined.

I then went a coasting in the employ of Mr. Joseph Gardners of Boston; was two years in his employ. My brother was also in the coasting trade, in the employ of Mr. Walter of Boston, in a large schooner. Dec. 10, 1805, he sailed for Machias and arrived there in safety. At the same time I sailed in the sloop Swan of Boston,

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for Eastport, where I took in a cargo of salt, and sailed for Newburyport; put into Machias to see my brother, and found him sick. I left my own vessel and took charge of his, had her loaded and cleared her out for Boston, giving large bonds to go there, it being embargo time, but meeting with heavy blows was obliged to put her away and run for the first port in the West Indies. Arrived at Tobago after twenty days passage. On the 19th day out, we were captured by a French privateer in the latitude of the Island. But the wind being ahead they could not get us into Guadaloupe, and as they had a great number of English prisoners on board, of whom they were somewhat afraid, they concluded to let us go, after taking from us about five thousand dollars worth of flour, tobacco, rice, beef, &c. They put thirty two prisoners on board of us. We had only ten gallons of water and two days provisions at the time. However, fortune favored us, and in thirty hours we arrived in port. A man of war was immediately sent in pursuit of the privateer, but returned on the fourth day without success. We could not sell our cargo there and went to Trinidad, where we sold our cargo and found a man with whom we were acquainted to whom we entrusted the vessel, till he should hear from

us, and got a British license for her, as a British trader, as we could not bring her home without danger of confiscation, having broken the bonds which we had given not to carry her out of the United States. We then took passage in a packet and sailed for Grenada, where we found a brig, Capt. Cox, bound to St. Johns, Newfoundland. She carried 14 guns and 28 men. We sailed from Grenada on the first of April and arrived at St. Johns the last day of the month. We staid there one week—eat potatoes and caplius, a small fish resembling a smelt, at the first Coffee House, paid two guineas a week for our board, bread being $14 per hundred.—On the 7th May we sailed on board the Union, Capt. Coonrod, bound to Halifax. On the 11th we got soundings in 17 fathoms water, on the N. E. Bar of the Isle of Sable, according to my calculations, though the captain, not being so well acquainted with the coast as he thought he was, declared that we were on the southern side of the Island. I advised him to run northward, and we should soon know where we were, for if we were on the N. E. Bar we should find deeper water, and if on the southern side we should find shoaler water. Accordingly we run to the northward, and soon found soundings in 30 fathoms, but the captain could not be convinced of

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his mistake, and we ran three or four miles further. I then let run about sixty fathoms of line and found no bottom, which satisfied him that I was right. He then altered the course to N W by N. About 12 o'clock at night it blew very heavy with a severe storm from E. N. E. I knew how long it would take to run to the Nova Scotia shore, as I well knew the distance from the N. E. Bar. The captain said he did not thank me for my advice, and was capable of managing his own business, and requested me not to meddle with it. "Well, sir," said I, "I think not; there is a great difference between bringing an ox into a slaughter house, and leading one out—you are carrying us ashore at the risk of our lives." He went below, and I followed him; he soon fell asleep, and I returned on deck and tried to persuade the man at helm to alter the course, but he was afraid, saying the captain was a passionate man and would blow his brains out if he did. He kept on until half past three, and the first thing we knew we were surrounded by a world of breakers, two leagues from the Nova Scotia shore. Our case now appeared desperate, without the least hope of escaping that death which stared us in the face from amidst those foaming billows. Those only who have been in like circumstances can

know the horror of our situation at this moment. She struck immediately; at the same time I saw a heavy sea coming down upon us, and I sung out to all hands to hold on. The sea made a complete breach over us, without however carrying any one off; our small boat was lashed firmly to the deck, bottom upwards, so that it was not washed over. The third sea carried us over this reef, into a small space of water with breakers on all sides. My brother had now come on deck in his drawers, and I told him to take the helm and clap it hard up, which he did. I placed two men at the main throat and main peak halliards, and one at the jib sheet, telling them to await my orders. The captain was on deck crying loudly for mercy. I told him that it was a poor time to cry for mercy; that he ought to have thought of that before he had thus madly got us on shore. I piloted her through the breakers as far as I could till she struck the second time, when we threw the sheet anchor over to bring her to, but the stock got entangled among the rigging, and before we could clear away she swung round and struck her stern against the rocks and tore off the rudder and casing of the stern. We then manned the windlass, and brought her forward several squares when the anchor let go its hold and came home.

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We had to let her thump until day light, when three of us got into the small boat to row ashore for assistance, leaving my brother, two men and the captain on board. We reached the shore after a hard struggle at the risk of our lives; the people on shore saw us coming and came down to us. I stated to them the situation of those on board. They launched a whale boat and took several pails and proceeded for the schooner; but the sea was so rough that notwithstanding all their exertions they could not reach her, and very reluctantly gave up the attempt, having shipped two seas which nearly filled their boat with water. The poor mariners were thus unavoidably left to their hopeless fate, from which no mortal hand could save them.—

After the gale abated we manned a boat and proceeded in search of the vessel; after going round the cape, we found the vessel had disappeared from where we had left her; we then steered for Bar Island, about two miles from Merry Joseph Bay, where we concluded she would drift in case she got out of the breakers. We landed on the leeward side, and crossed over to the N. E. side, where we found the wreck, bottom up, with but four planks on one side and five on the other, and her masts shivered to pieces, but the four men were not to be found.

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It is supposed that when the tide rose so as to float the vessel they slipped their cable and endeavored to run her in shore, when she ran upon other rocks, capsized and became a wreck as we saw her.

Four Newfoundland dogs were also drowned. The violence of the storm may be judged from the fact that these powerful animals could not escape it, when water is as much their element as land.

Mr. Smith, who lived at Merry Joseph, invited me to go and stay with him, saying that it was dangerous to live with the people where I was, as they had been suspected of murdering those who had been wrecked on their coast for the sake of the booty. There were $4200 in specie on board the vessel, belonging to my brother and myself. I staid with Mr. Smith, leaving the wreck and whatever might be found on shore in care of those people whose names were Horebolt. At the end of one week I left Mr. Smith and went to Sheet Harbor, to get a passage in some coaster for Halifax. The next day after I arrived there Col. Southerland, commandant or governor of the place, sent for me and condoled with me on my misfortunes. He gave me two dollars, saying it was all the money he had, but that he had provisions enough on hand to

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which I was welcome, and I might remain with him as long as I wished. He told me that he was in the war of the American Revolution—was wounded on his retreat above Philadelphia, a ball striking him on the head and breaking a part of his scull. He fell and remained among the dead three days—the Americans following up the pursuit did not stop to bury them. At the end of three days, still alive and having his senses, a large masculine woman from a log hut some distance off, came to see the dead, and while examining them found life in him, took him in her arms and carried him to her hut. She washed his wound of the insects which had been generated by the flies, the weather being very warm, put on salve and got it in a fair way of recovery. After eight days the Americans came back, and their surgeon dressed his wound, taking out a piece of the scull and covering the cavity with a plate of silver. For this act of kindness of the woman and the American people he always held them in the greatest esteem, and when any of that nation were in distress, though he was a poor man, he would help them to the best of his ability. He said he would show pity even to a dog, if he hailed from the States.—After bidding him farewell I went on to Halifax. I called on a Notary Public and entered a Pro-

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test, but to no purpose, as not a dollar was insured upon the vessel or cargo. I went to Mr. Lawson and Mr. Prescott, agents for the owners, who gave me money to carry me to Boston. I went to Capt. Pendleton, a master of the Halifax Packet, and engaged my passage, for which he charged me $16. I went on board, and was five days on the passage. When we arrived at Boston, I asked the captain to step below and I would pay him for my passage. He said, "dont be in a hurry." In a few minutes he came down and said, "Sir, you are welcome to your passage and here is five dollars to help you in your loss." Mr. Walter, one of my owners, invited me to remain at his house until business offered. He asked me to go and select a vessel suitable for the coasting trade. I found a schooner of 48 tons, brought the owner to Mr. Walter, who bought her. I then took in an assortment of goods adapted to the eastern market, about nine hundred dollars in value, and proceeded to the Coast of Nova Scotia, where I trafficked the cargo for old rags, salmon, mackerel, junk, iron, brass and copper.

I returned to Boston, having cleared for the owner about twelve hundred dollars. On this trip, while running down, I saw a large sail standing for us in the morning. I perceived she

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approached fast upon us; when about three miles off, we discovered her to be an English cutter. As we were on a smuggling excursion, they would have seized us if they had suspected us. The mate advised me to haul south and run; but as there was no hope of outsailing his Majesty's craft, I concluded that it was best to use a little deception; so, having lines and plenty of bait on board, we hove to, down anchor, and began hauling up fish which we found in great abundance. The schooner neared us and ran under our stern, having above an hundred men on board; they looked into us, but finding nothing to excite suspicion, sheered off and went away under full sail. We then up anchor, followed in her wake about two miles, and hove to again. The schooner soon hauled round the point and went into Halifax. We then passed the port, hove to a little while with our lines out, and then made sail eastward. We ran into Sheet Harbor and traded with the inhabitants. I called upon my venerable friend, Col. Southerland, and made him a present of two gallons of pure American gin, as a small return for his generosity to me, for which he was very grateful. He wished well to the American nation, and stated that he had taken up arms against it with great reluctance. I next went to Merry Joseph, where I

was informed that those people in whose charge I had left the wreck, had found the money. I inquired of them if they had found any money, but they said they had not, and as I could prove nothing against them, I received no satisfaction from them. It was very evident, however, that they had found it, as they shortly after bought a large topsail schooner and a shallop, although they were poor fishermen, living in a log hut, with nothing but eel-grass for their beds. On the second day after the shipwreck I went with one of them in search for the money. While I was standing on the shore he waded off about knee deep, stooped down and took up a bag and exclaimed, "I've found your money." He then brought it to the shore, untied it and turned out a lot of pebble stones. He had probably been there before, taken out the money and filled the bag with stones, throwing it back where he had found it. Their ill-gotten treasures, however, were of but little benefit to them, as they soon lost their vessels, and were as poor as before.

I went into different bays and creeks and traded off the remainder of my cargo. When sailing from any port, on being questioned, I always told a different course from which I was going, for fear of being informed against, and of having a guarda coasta sent in pursuit of me.

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I settled up this voyage and bought a quarter of a sloop and with the other three owners proceeded on a trip to Eastport, arrived there and was chartered to carry a load of plaster paristo New York for three hundred and eighteen dollars. I took in part of the cargo at Eastport, when the man I contracted with persuaded me to haul over the line to take in the remainder at night, which I did; but being informed against I was discovered, on returning, by a look-out boat, and lost both sloop and cargo. I then took passage for my residence at Fox Island, where I arrived pennyless indeed.

Hast trusted in a friend, and seen
No friend was he indeed?

A common error, men still lean
Upon as frail a reed.

Hast thou in seeking wealth or fame,
A crown of brambles won?

O'er all the earth 'tis just the same
With every mother's son—

Who find the world a Babel wide,
Where man to mammon stops,
Where flourish arrogance and pride,
While modest merit droops.

In 1811 I removed to St. John, N. B. and remained there until February 1812. While there the Mayor remarked to me one day that I must take the oath of allegiance to the King or

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quit the country. I observed that I was an American born, and meant to live and die true to my country. He said "you may act your own pleasure, unless you take the oath of allegiance you cannot gain a residence here; but you are to be commended for your loyalty." I shortly after left New Brunswick and removed to Eastport, Me., and from thence to Vinalhaven, and commenced the fishing business. The war breaking out somewhat injured my business, and on the 2d of September I left home and proceeded for Bangor with my vessel and came to anchor at Fort Point, about four miles above Castine, in the evening at 7 o'clock. Next morning I perceived a British fleet, about 12 or 14 sail, entering the Bay of Penobscot. I immediately attempted to go on shore in my small boat, with the intention of joining my countrymen in the Fort, who I expected were prepared to give the enemy a warm reception. When about a mile from the Fort it blew up with a tremendous explosion, scattering the fragments in every direction, some of which fell near my boat. The officer in command of the Fort, judging that he could not defend himself against such superior force, spiked the cannon and set fire to the magazine, to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy. I immediately

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returned on board my vessel, and a fine breeze springing up got under way and went up the river to Bangor. On the second day after I went down to Hampden and joined the militia there assembled under Gen. Blake.

The U. S. Frigate Adams was lying in the harbor, and we commenced fortifying the heights with her cannon, and made every exertion to put the place in the best possible state of defence as well as to secure the Frigate. Our force consisted of 950 men from the neighboring towns, besides the crew of the Adams, of about 200 men. We had a battery of 13 guns on the wharf under the charge of the first Lieutenant of the man of war, and three pieces of ordnance stationed on the hill under the command of Capt. Morris, and a small battery in the road of one 13 pounder and two field pieces under the charge of Capt. —. We felt sanguine of success, knowing that the enemy's force on land was not equal to ours. The British landed at Frankfort about 750 strong, and were proceeding up the river to attack our forces, when Capt. Morris, fearing that the advanced age of Gen. Blake would render him timid, and thereby lessen our chance of victory, requested him to allow him to take command of the militia during the engagement, and advised him to ride around and

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take a survey of the forces, whilst the first Lieutenant should take charge of the guns on the hill, and the second Lieutenant of those on the wharf. This General Blake refused to do, saying he was well able to command his own troops in his own way, and immediately rejoined his men and gave them orders not to fire a gun until the enemy were near enough for them to see the white of their eyes. The British were advancing rapidly on our works, and made their appearance formed in a hollow square, when Capt. —, who had command of the battery in the road, opened upon them and killed and wounded forty five of the British. As soon as they formed again they rushed furiously towards us, and when about one hundred yards off, and while we ardently awaited to receive orders to fire, expecting completely to rout the enemy, orders were given by Gen. Blake to retreat, which we accordingly did and arrived at Bangor the same day. Previous to the attack the frigate Adams had been prepared for destruction in case the enemy should force our lines; and when the command was given to retreat, the hardy tars, seeing no hopes of saving their ship, set fire to the magazine and blew her up, Captain Morris being the last to leave her, which he did by jumping overboard and swimming across the

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river. The British, after taking possession of our batteries, pursued us to Bangor, and their fleet arriving at the same time, took possession of the place and the shipping.

The conduct of Gen. Blake in this affair appears very suspicious, if not treacherous to his country. The enemy were completely in our power, and acknowledged afterwards that one fire from the militia and large guns would have nearly annihilated them. He had been seen at Castine the day before, in close conversation with the British officers, who had taken peaceable possession of that place; he remained there about 24 hours, and returned to the command of his army at Hampden. Before the British had arrived within reach of our guns, General Blake rode up to Capt. —, and directed him not to fire until he received orders from him.—The captain replied, "I am not under your control—I am in the service of the United States and I will fire when I please." The militia were ordered to retreat before the guns on the hill and wharf could be brought to bear upon the enemy, and the officers and marines, finding themselves deserted, thought it the part of discretion to decamp. As Gen. Blake put spurs to his horse, an American soldier, Wm. Staples, suspecting that he had become a traitor and had

sold us to the enemy, pointed his musket at him and pulled his trigger, but it flashed in the pan. The British fired upon us as we retreated, only killing one man. It is said they fired blank cartridges, as a large number of balls were found scattered along the road which had been torn from the cartridges.

I deem it necessary here to give a few particulars of the history of the Tories in that part of the country, of whom Gen. Blake appears to have been the supple tool. They began their plans at Fox Island and then at Castine. They were desirous of giving the country to the English, and sent letters to them to come over and take possession of our land, for which our fathers paid so dearly. This was the reason assigned by the British general for coming over. But like the grey fox, when he was about to blow up the Parliament of England, they were taken in the very height of their undertakings. The Tories had a sloop bringing the answer of the British from St. John to Castine, with 10 men on board. Mr. John Robinson and his three sons were passing Bluehill Bay, about twenty miles from the eastern cape of Penobscot Bay, on a shooting excursion. The crew of the sloop feeling condemned in their own consciences, and fearing that Robinson would board them, made

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a stone fast to the package of letters and threw
it out of the cabin window; the stone slipped off
and the package floated on the water. Robinson
saw this manoeuvre, and suspecting that all was
not right, picked it up, and then went on board
the sloop and made a prize of her. He delivered
the letters to the collector at Castine, and the
whole plot of the Tories was thus discovered.

When Gen. Goslin arrived at Castine with
the British fleet, the inhabitants made great
preparation to receive their friend. They took
him to Capt. Joseph Perkins's house, as it was
the most suitable for him. There were about
thirty of the principal citizens assembled to pay
him their respects. After remaining with them
a short time he said he wished to take a little
repose. A room was accordingly prepared for
him, to which he retired. In about an hour and
a half he returned to them. They asked him
how he felt after his repose. He said he felt
very comfortably, and that he had dreamed a
very extraordinary dream. They were all desirous of knowing what it was. Now the general was no tory, and despised them as traitors
to their country. He said that he dreamed that
he had been in heaven and saw old King George
and George Washington there; they were disputing about the important question of what they

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should do with the tories. Washington thought
King George ought to take them all back to
England from whence they came. King George
thought they were better off where they were.
Washington said George ought to take them
under his care, for he wanted nothing to do with
them himself, thinking that they were of no benefit to any one. Now the difficulty was which
of them should take them. Finally Washington
agreed to take all that were in the States if King
George would provide a township for them on
the Labrador coast; and he would be at the
expense of finding provisions and old hulks to
carry them down there, that is, if George would
send his with them. Now Washington had the
good of his country in view, and was in a great
study, when a man came and rapped at the door.
The servant went to see who was there, and to
his great surprise, who should it be but the devil.
Washington heard who was there and told the
servant to invite him in, for he had something of
importance to settle. "Now," said Washington
to the devil, "King George and myself have
been trying to provide a place for the Tories,
and we have not yet determined what to do with
them; now if you will take them and provide for
them I will pay you for your trouble." The
devil agreed to take them, and was about signing

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a written agreement to that effect, when another rap was heard at the door; it was the devil's wife who had come to call him to breakfast. She saw there was something of importance under discussion, and like all other women who like to dive into secrets, wished to know what it was, and they were obliged to tell her the whole; and when she heard the bargain she cursed and raved, calling her husband all manner of hard names except a gentleman, and said she would have nothing to do with them, for they caused disturbance wherever they were, among all nations, and if they should come into her dominions, they would cause a separation between her and her husband. She said they had been living together a long time in peace and harmony, but if the tories must live with them, she should break up house-keeping, send the children to a boarding-school and go out to service. When the devil saw his wife so resolute, he thought it best to give up the bargain. When Washington and the King saw that he would give up his bargain, they were forced to adopt their old plan of transporting the tories to Labrador, from among their true hearted subjects. Washington got some old vessels that had been condemned, fitted them out, and manned them with drunken captains and worn out seamen. He had them in-

sured for more than they were worth, and the captains were to cast them away, and with the insurance money Washington was to build an asylum for poor tars. Now these captains could not keep their plans to themselves, and therefore the seamen found out the secret; so, after they were wrecked, they went to the insurance office and swore that the ships had been cast away designedly. So Washington did not receive a single cent, though he bore his loss willingly, seeing that he had got rid of toryism. And may the tories never get their length and breadth in the land, and may the true lovers of Washington never want a friend so long as they have good old yankee blood in their veins to make them stick up for the rights of the United States.

At the recital of this wonderful dream the worthy citizens of Castine were somewhat confused and abashed, for they well knew the application in their own consciences which the witty Englishman intended.

A prize master and four men were put on board my vessel, making me a prisoner, with orders to take her to Castine. I remained on board four days, during which time 22 canoes filled with Indians came down the river, formed a line at a little distance from the British fleet, and sent a canoe with a flag of truce to the

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Admiral's ship, offering him their service against the Americans. The Admiral told them to go home, and if they aided or assisted on either side he would put them all to death. They immediately returned up the river, exceedingly chagrined at the rough treatment they had received. We had moved down the river as far as Frankfort; here I was permitted to go ashore under guard of three marines. After we arrived at the landing they wanted some liquor, and as they were not permitted to leave their boat, I offered to obtain some if permitted to go up into the town, where it was to be had. They gave me permission to go, and I started for the woods, where I remained until dark; I then came out at Mr. Rooke's ship yard, where I found an Indian canoe and put it afloat and proceeded down the river, intending to go to Fox Island; but being discovered and pursued on the next day by a British barge, I ran my canoe ashore on Long Island, near Turtle Head, and took it into the woods with me. After an ineffectual search for me the barge left the Island and went down to the Bulwark of 74 guns, at anchor a short distance to the westward. After dark I took to my canoe and got home safe, after experiencing a violent thunder squall, and being in great danger of losing my life in consequence of the

frailty of my little barge. The inhabitants of the Islands in Penobscot Bay were obliged by the British to become neutral and go to Bangor and sign an act of neutrality, and consequently were not molested in their business. Some of them, having no love for their country, were on intimate terms with the enemy, furnishing them with provisions and acting as pilots along the shore; of this number, however, I am happy to say there were but few.

About this time the British were in want of a pilot for one of their largest frigates, and one J. Morgan, an American and a pilot in their fleet, recommended me to Gen. Goslin as a suitable person for the station. Accordingly he wrote me a letter offering me every protection and three dollars and fifty cents per day, if I would turn traitor to my country. I treated the proposal with disdain, and wrote back answer that they had got my right name but not my right principles—and that, although I was very poor, the British were not rich enough to buy me, and as my name was John Carlow so was my patriotism like John Spaulding's, who when offered a large sum of money by Major Andre, the British spy, refused the bribe, and gave him as a sacrifice to the bleeding honors of his country. As I heard nothing more from the General, I

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presume his Excellency was satisfied that he had called up the wrong passenger. I remained at the Fox Islands until the spring of 1813, when provisions being very scarce and high, it was proposed that I should take my father-in-law's vessel and proceed to Chandler's river and take in a cargo of lumber and go to Salem for a supply. The Bay during this time was infested by the enemy's cruisers and there was great risk of being captured; our situation, however, would admit of no delay. I went to Chandler's river, took in my lumber and returned to Fox Island, took my wife on board and started for Salem; but being chased by the British privateer Matilda, we ran into Portland and remained there three or four days, when we heard that the U. S. brig Enterprize was on the coast and we then ventured to put to sea again. When off Cape Ann Lights, standing south, we espied two large ships steering north. My wife came on deck and inquired what they were. I told her that they were probably some of our nation. She said they were British, and was afraid of being taken. I attempted to pacify her with the prospect of escape in case they should prove to be enemies; though being lumber loaded with a large deck load, I had but little hope myself of escaping them. About 10 o'clock I observed

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them to the windward about two points abow the beam. I still continued my course, and when they got abreast of us they bore down directly across our bows, and when near enough they hailed to know who we were, where from and where bound? We answered them, and they then ordered me to heave to, which I did. They shortly after lowered their barge and came on board and told me to take my papers and go on board their ship, which I did, leaving my wife and crew under the charge of a prize master and six men. When I arrived on board the Shannon, Capt. Brock asked me a great variety of questions respecting the situation of our Navy and naval officers, where such a ship was and who commanded her, what her force was, and when she was expected to sail. He then asked me the value of my vessel and cargo, saying that his orders from the Admiral were to burn, and destroy all vessels that he should capture. I observed that I thought it was small business to burn a small coaster and thereby distress a number of poor people who never did him any injury, and that it would be more to his honor to attack one of our frigates of his own size. He stood a few minutes in deep reflection, and then said, "If I should let you go, will you proceed to Boston and give my compliments to captain

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Lawrence, and tell him that I should be extremely happy to meet him in the Chesapeake if he sees fit to come out?” “Sir,” said I, “I will carry the message, but do not think I should be allowed to deliver it to him personally.” I then asked him if the frigate Constitution was in Boston. He replied that he did not know. I told him that if she was there I could deliver a message to her commander with propriety, as she was always ready for a Tea Party. The officers of the ship were much diverted at our conversation. I was then ordered on board the Tenedos frigate, which was in company. The captain asked me the same questions as Capt. Brock did. I told him that I had my wife on board and that it would be very distressing, not only to myself, but to a number of others who were concerned in the vessel and cargo, to destroy us. I found the captain was very much of a gentleman and expressed great sympathy for me, deeply regretting that they were upon such dishonorable business. He said to me, “I shall write to Capt. Brock not to destroy your schooner but to take a few deals and let you proceed to your port of destination; you may return to him, and he will give you your discharge.” After I returned on board the Shannon, Capt. Brock asked me what woman that

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was on board my vessel. After answering this question and others, as who owned the cargo, &c. and making some objections to the proceedings of their vessels on our coast, which he seemed not much to like, he observed that he should condemn the vessel and cargo as a lawful prize taken on the high seas; but in consideration of my wife being on board he should give her both vessel and cargo. Accordingly making out a bill of sale he transferred the property to her, consisting of a large schooner and one hundred thousand feet of boards and other small deal stuff. He then stated that if he ever found the vessel sailing under any other name than my wife's, or the Articles in any male's name, he should burn and sink her. I was then permitted to leave the ship, and on going over the side he told me to give his compliments to Com. Rogers or any other commodore in Boston.

After I got on board my vessel, they took a few boards and left us. I then gave my wife the papers made over to her, and bore away for Salem where we arrived next day, sold our cargo and purchased such articles as we needed. After remaining a short time we sailed for home, and when off Boon Island Light were chased by a privateer, but being light and a good sailor, and putting her before the wind with all sail set, we

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cleared her with ease and arrived at Portland. After remaining there two days we proceeded for home where we arrived in safety and settled with all concerned to their entire satisfaction. I once more started for Chandler's River and took in a cargo of wood and returned to Fox Island, where we remained several days until we could hear what vessels were on the coast, a number having shortly before been looking into our bays and harbors. As soon as we thought the coast was clear we started for Salem. When we arrived off Half-way Rock we were chased by a privateer and run for Hussey's Sound; in going between the Great and Little Green Islands we struck on a Reef and bilged. We then took our small boat and went to Portland for assistance; having obtained a vessel and crew we returned to the wreck and with difficulty saved the sails and rigging, losing both vessel and cargo. Being once more adrift, I concluded to try my luck in Privateering.

Whilst I remained at Portland I boarded with Capt. John Webster. Capt. Dobson of the private armed schooner Young Teazer enquired of him where he could get a pilot, and he recommended me to him. Soon after this Capt. Dobson called on me and after passing the usual salutations asked me if I should like to go on

board his vessel in the capacity of a pilot. I told him that I thought I would try the racket with him. "Well," said he, "I want a pilot, and you are the man; can you stand fire?" "Yes, sir," said I, "if it don't burn me." We concluded our bargain, and three days afterwards I entered on board.

The Young Teazer was about 137 tons, built in New York, carrying thirteen guns, six carriage guns on a side and one double fortified long twelve on a pivot amidships. We had a crew of 83 as stout and bold sailors as ever crossed the mighty deep. For the benefit of those who never had the pleasure of seeing this beautiful craft, the following model has been prepared.

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On the next day after I entered we sailed on a cruise at 3 P. M. An hour after we saw a strange sail under our lee bow. Capt. Dobson thought it was a Liverpool packet, and ordered sail to be made for her immediately. "A good prize," said he, "and we'll have her before sunset." We chased her until sunset, when it came on thick and we lost sight of her. Five days after this, while in lat. 44 N. long 64 W. laying to under storm staysail, the man at the helm sung out "sail to the windward." "Where away?" said the officer of the watch. "On our weather beam, bearing down upon us," was the reply. She proved to be an English man-of-war brig. We were ship and made sail, standing northward. Captain Dobson took the helm, ordered the decks to be cleared for action, had one of our boats thrown overboard, and called all hands to quarters. He then ordered every man to take a 12 lb. shot in his hands and walk fore and aft, stopping according to his order. During these intervals the log was hove by the pilot, and by this means we ascertained her right trim of sailing, which I report to her credit to have been nine and a half knot upon her bowline. We continued our course for two hours, when she fell in our wake, about two miles off from us as we judged, and in four hours

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we were about a mile and a half to the windward of her. We then hove to, and continued so during the gale. She bore away, being satisfied that she could not catch us, and was soon out of sight. About 24 hours after the gale abated we fell in with the British brig of war Emulous, who had a prize in tow which she had captured. We exchanged a number of shots with her, in a running fight, endeavoring to cut away her masts so as to recapture the American vessel; but the weather coming on thick we lost sight of her. Had it not so happened we should undoubtedly have released the prize, and crippled if not captured the man of war, as our guns being the heaviest gave us the advantage in a running action.

We again laid to and drifted four days, during which time we saw nothing; the weather then cleared up, and we saw a large barque standing North; it was at this time nearly calm. We out sweeps and pursued her till within gun shot; we then took in our sweeps, but in a few minutes after the fog set in and we lost sight of her.— The fog continued about twelve hours, when it cleared away. We steered to the eastward that day until about 5 P. M. when we saw a fleet to the eastward of us. At dark the fog again shot in but we still kept on our course. I had charge

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of the first watch on the forecastle and gave orders to keep a good look out which was done. Soon after this I saw a black bunch in the fog, and gave orders to the man at the helm to put it a-lee and let her go about, which was done. I informed the captain of the discovery, and he immediately came on deck. Our taffrail was now nearly under the jib-boom of a large frigate, the officer on deck of which hailed us with a long speaking trumpet and ordered us to heave to. Our captain replied, "I dont hear what you say, sir." "I say heave to or I will fire a broadside into you!" "I dont understand you, sir," again bawled our captain. All this time Jonathan was drawing away from him.— All hands were called up on board the frigate, we heard the marines mustering on the forecastle and the order was given to fire into us.— The balls whistled round us, making a large number of holes in our sails. They fired a bow gun after us, but fortunately all their shot fell to windward and did us no damage. We kept on our course until we got out of her reach, then hove about and stood southward until we lost sight of her. We laid to again during the night; next morning made sail and stood to the eastward as before; about 8 o'clock in the evening a gun went off right ahead of us; we

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then kept away and run before it about fifteen minutes; bang whang goes another gun on the starboard bow; we then run about half an hour from that, when we heard another report nearly in the direction of our stern, so near us that if old Hull of the North Western army had been there he might have run away by the light of it. It was hard up and hard down all that night, and I told the captain that I thought we had got into a bad neighborhood; at any rate it was a noisy one, and glad enough were we to get clear of it. The next morning we stood to the westward, and at day light we saw a fleet ahead of us about two miles distant, bound round Cape Sable.— We stood for them, and observed that one of them left the fleet and stood south. We stood within two miles of the fleet and then stood off for this vessel to see who it was. We judged him to be about five miles to the windward of us; the third tack we were in his wake, bearing down upon him. When we came within reach of him we fired a shot which over-reached him; he continued his course and we fired a shot over his taffrail in order to cut away his masts; we then went to windward, and he put his helm down and hove his square sail aback; we then ordered him to send his boat on board which he did; our captain then demanded to know who

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he was, and he replied "the schooner Fame, of
Salem, Capt. Green, on a cruise." It appeared
that they thought us to be one of the fleet, and
we had the same opinion of them. Capt. Green
stopped on board and dined with Capt. Dobson,
and they agreed to go into the fleet together that
night with the intention of cutting out some of
the vessels. At sundown we manned the second
cutter with fourteen men for that purpose, and
at 8 or 9 o'clock rowed in nearly under cover
of a man-of-war's guns. About 4 next morning
our boat returned without effecting their object,
having sustained no injury. "Now," said I to
Capt. Dobson, "my advice is to leave the fleet
and push on ahead." It was then very foggy.
My reasons for giving this advice were because
I thought that when they got into the Bay of
Fundy they would probably be becalmed and
would then be separated by the currents among
the ledges. I then said, "when we get there
we shall be within a few miles of our own shore,
and I am well acquainted there; the tides and
currents are very strong and will separate the
vessels from the convoy, and by going there
before them, with the fog to shelter us, we can
take our choice among them; if we cannot get
a prize in we can fill up our privateer with the
most valuable goods and return home if we do

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not meet with any further success." Capt. D.
however thought we had better remain where
we were a few days. This fleet all escaped us,
by going into the Bay. Had he taken my advice
we might have made an immense fortune, as I
was afterwards informed by a custom house
officer that there were twelve or fourteen sail
drifting about the Bay for six or seven days,
becalmed and scattered by the currents just as
I had foretold. The captain himself was soon
after sensible of his mistake and said, "I like
your plan much and wish I had conformed to it,
for I think it would have been for our advantage:
after all your New England notions are as good
as any." He then asked me where I thought
they were bound, to which I replied, for St.
Andrews or St. John.

A few days after this, we fell in with a strange
sail bearing about S. by E. 3 miles distant. Our
captain supposed her to be an English man-of-war
schooner. She had at first sight a large English
Jack at her main peak; as she came down for
us, she lowered this and hoisted a red flag in a
warlike position. As soon as we observed this
manœuvre we tacked ship and hove our head to
meet her; we then brailed up our foresail, hauled
up the tacks of our mainsail, hauled our jib
sheets to windward, and all hands were called to

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quarters; we hoisted a red flag in answer to his,
and awaited a warm engagement. Each of the
crew were provided with side arms and a cutlass;
as I hastened to my station, after receiving mine
from the master-at-arms, I struck my foot against
the bolt in which the fore sheet block hooks,
which pitched me forward so that I run the point
of my cutlass into the back of the gunner, who
turned round with an oath and said, "do you
mean to kill me before you come into action?"
The captain gave order to try her with a musket
ball, to see if she would heave to. She paid no
attention to this but still kept running toward us.
Our captain then ordered the larboard bow gun
to be cleared away and a shot to be sent across
her bow; she however still continued for us,
and when within about a quarter of a mile she
began to luff, so that we concluded her idea was
to get us in a raking position; her decks appeared
to be crowded with men in British uniform; we
then discharged our pivot gun into her, which
cut away part of her rudder, shivered the quar-
ter boards and tore the mainsail considerably.
The man at the helm fell over, when she imme-
diately hove to. Our boat was ordered to board
her, in which I went as boarding master with
five men. When I got on deck I found all hands
had gone below except the red coats who proved

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to be handspikes covered with red flannel and
hats on top, for the purpose of frightening us
off. I went into the cabin and told the captain
he must not expect to frighten yankees with red
baize on bean poles. I then asked him where
he was from, to which he replied, from Barbadoes, bound to Halifax, with a cargo of rum.—
I then told him to pack up and go in the boat
with my men. I sent the prisoners on board the
privateer, remaining on board the prize until
the boat returned with a prize master and crew,
when I returned to the privateer, and our prize
was ordered to Portland, where she arrived in
safety in nine days.

After sending away our prize, we stood on to
the eastward about two hours, when we made a
sail bearing S. E. We laid our vessel in a
boarding position in her wake; she also came
boldly towards us as if to frighten us away. She
was a merchant vessel from Barbadoes bound to
Lunenburg, with rum. We took her without
any difficulty and found her to be a valuable
prize. We manned her and ordered her to
Portland, where she arrived in safety. These
two prizes paid $11,000 duties to the U. S. Revenue in 24 hours. We next took a schooner
from Halifax bound to the Labrador coast on a
fishing voyage; we manned her with the inten-

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tion of sending her to Portland; while doing
this we saw a strange sail to the eastward, stand-
ing west. We bore up for her with our prize
in tow; when within about half a mile we hove
to and threw a shot at her which brought her to;
we then run down for her, hailed her and ordered
the captain to come on board with his boat. He
was from the Isle of Sables bound to Halifax,
with a cargo of logwood, fustic, cables, rigging,
anchors, &c. which he had taken from the wreck
of a ship. We made prisoners of the crew,
then hauled her alongside of the Labrador prize,
into which we discharged her cargo and made a
cartel of her, putting all our prisoners on board
of her and giving them permission to go where
they pleased. We then ordered our Labrador
schooner for Portland, where she arrived safe.
We then stood westward until we were in sight
of land, where we fell in with 19 sail of vessels
bound to Halifax. We took and manned eleven
of them before breakfast. The captain very
unwisely gave the prisoners their boats and let
them go ashore, notwithstanding I cautioned
him against such a proceedure, telling him what
the result would be. They went immediately to
Halifax and informed against us, in consequence
of which an 18 gun brig was hastily despatched
for us, and on the next morning she re-captured

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all our prizes but one, which we took in tow and
steered westward till 12 o'clock at night, when
we let her go and sent her to Portland. She
was under Swedish colors and consequently we
had to pay for damages which amounted to 350
dollars. Next day went off for Halifax. Next
morning we fell in with a Lunenburg schooner
laden with poultry, eggs, butter, &c. for the
British fleet; we took from her as much as we
wanted, and gave the captain an order on the
Governor of Halifax for his pay. On his arrival
there he carried it to the Governor and told him
it was nothing but "a damned yankee's order."
The next morning we went in off Halifax and
took a view of the city; we then declared the
harbor in a state of blockade to the Young
Teazer. As soon as they discovered us a 74
and a gun brig came out in pursuit of us; before
they got within reach of us we wore ship and
stood south until 2 P. M. when finding we could
outsail them, we hove about and stood in towards
them; this reminded me very forcibly of a cow
chasing a rabbit. When we were nearly within
gun shot of them we tacked about again, brailed
up our foresail and stood to the south west; we
did not wish to go far out for we remembered
the old adage,

Vessels large may venture more,
But little boats should keep near shore.

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At night we lost sight of them; we stood W. S. W. till 10 o'clock, then hove about and stood to the northward until morning; we saw a topsail schooner ahead of us, we then about ship and stood westward. We now experienced a heavy gale with thunder; there was a schooner standing into the Bay; we made two tacks and came up with her, made a prize of her; she proved to be a Bristol schooner in ballast trim; we made a cartel of her and let her go, as she was of little value we did not wish to man her out, thinking our crew were worth more than the prize.

I now advised the captain to haul out of the way for if the wind should shift we should get captured. "Oh," says he, "I do not think the wind will shift to day." I replied, "it will not stand longer than 12 o'clock, this season of the year." About 1 o'clock the wind died away and we were becalmed. A man at the mast head sung out "Sail O!" It proved to be the La Hoag 74 coming in after us with a fresh breeze from the southward; when she got within four miles of us the lee breeze took us and we stood on W. S. W. The man aloft again sung out "Sail O!" "Where away?" "Right ahead, sir." The captain jumped into the fore rigging and went aloft with his spy glass; after looking at her he came down and reported her to be a

man-of-war, saying to me, "Pilot, we have got into a bad box here; my son, I do not know what method we shall take to get clear of them." I then gave him my opinion which was, that we had better haul westward and stand near in to the land, then go about and try to go between them.

The Nymph frigate was now within gun shot of us and opened a fire upon us; her shot went over us. Capt. Dobson's advice was to run her ashore and blow her up, for he thought it was impossible to escape them; and he requested all who agreed to this to make it manifest by giving three cheers. All hands, myself excepted, gave three cheers. I told the captain that I thought I could get her clear. "Can you, my brave fellow, if you can you shall be well rewarded for it." He then gave me power to do as I pleased. I then run for the outer part of Cross Island; the La Hoag came in so fast upon the Island that we were forced to run over the bar, which I doubted much to be able to do, on account of the scarcity of water; however we got over it, and run to the Island which was now between us and the man-of-war, so that her shot could not reach us; we then saw a small vessel lying to the westward of us in Rose Bay; our captain concluded to send our boat to her and

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bring her alongside so that if we run ashore she
might serve as a tender for us to land the crew.
Accordingly the boat was manned and sent after
her; when the boat was half a mile distant, I
told the captain that I wished it was back again.
"Well," said he, "we can soon fetch her back
by firing a signal gun," which was done and the
boat returned. We then placed it astern with
one man in it with a long warp, to be ready if
he should be called upon. When we fired the
signal for the boat to return, the captain of the
La Hoag thought we were firing at him, and
said we were a set of scoundrels for attacking
such an inferior force. After this, Johnson, our
first lieutenant, asked the captain what course
he intended to pursue, to which he replied that
he had given the pilot charge of the vessel.—
Soon after this, nine barges armed from the La
Hoag were sent in pursuit of us, and all hands
were immediately called to quarters. The wind
was now west with a fine breeze. Capt. Dobson
asked me if I apprehended there was any danger
and I told him I did not. He then clapped me
on the shoulder and said "Well done, my brave
fellow." He then gave orders to Johnson to
load the pivot gun; Johnson over-charged it,
filling it nearly to the muzzle. The captain
found out the manner in which it was loaded and

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asked Johnson by what orders it had been done.
"By my orders," replied Johnson. The captain
then said "Sir, I am surprised at your conduct;
for had that gun been discharged it would have
killed half of your men;" he then ordered the
charge to be drawn out and the gun to be loaded
properly. Johnson then caught up the rammer
and being in a passion thrust it into the gun and
broke the staff off; he then threw it down and
ordered Mr. Gardner, the gunner, to draw the
charge and reload it, which he did. Soon after
Johnson came and asked me if I thought I could
get her clear. "Yes," said I, "what will hinder?"
He replied, "Remember, I tell you, she
never shall be taken." He repeated these words
to me three times within the space of half an
hour. Night now came on, and we lost sight of
the barges; the last time we saw them they were
about two miles off. The captain came to me
on the forecastle and said, "Pilot, it looks very
homely among these ledges and night coming
on." "Sir," said I, "that is just what I want."
"Well, my brave fellow," said he, "you don't
appear to be any ways alarmed about it; you
had better go below and take some refreshment."
I went into the ward room, the boy was then
setting the table for supper; I told him to keep
the things in good order; I helped myself to a

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glass of brandy and returned to my station on
the forecastle. I gave orders to the man at the
helm to give her a good full, and told the boat-
swain to rig in the larboard studding sail boom
and rig out the starboard one, and be ready at a
word to make sail. My intention was to jibe
ship in a very few minutes and run close under
the high land of Chester, so that the boats could
not see which way we went, and then run out
between the ships. Just as I was giving orders
to jibe ship, the magazine took fire and blew up.
The number of persons on board was thirty
seven, of whom only eight were saved. The
first thing I knew I was lying across the bow-
sprit with my arms round the jib stay. She
immediately sunk; the water being shoal her
bows were kept from sinking. It was indeed a
melancholy scene. The mangled corpses of our
gallant crew were scattered around on fragments
of the wreck, and some were whirling through
the air at least a quarter of a mile above us, and
as they struck the water in their descent their
stifled groans and piercing shrieks were horrible
and terrific. There were twenty two hundred
pounds of powder in the magazine. When she
blew up Mr. Gullison was thrown three or four
rods from the vessel; he swam and got into the
boat, cut the painter with his knife and with

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the man who had been stationed in it came to
the bows and took me off and picked up two
men that were floating on some drift stuff, and
afterwards three more at some distance off. I
was much injured in my limbs by my fall on the
bowsprit. From the conduct of Johnson before
this catastrophe in his manner of loading the
gun and from the threats which he uttered that
he would not be taken, it is supposed that he
was the cause of the explosion. Some of those
who were saved stated that they distinctly heard
the report of a pistol an instant before; his body
was afterwards found, entirely naked, his head
and arms blown off. He appeared to be com-
pletely bewildered by the danger of our situa-
tion, and as he was an Englishman by birth, he
was resolved to take his own life rather than be
captured and hung for being found in arms
against his country.

After remaining some time to see if we could
find any more alive, we started for Rachford
Island, about a mile and a half W. N. W. from
us, four of the party being able to row. As
there were alarm boats stationed along the shore,
I told them to be ready to jump instantly over-
board, in different directions, so that if we were
fired upon some of us might possibly escape.—
We reached the shore, however, undiscovered.

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Three who were able to walk carried me to the first house; we knocked at the door, which was soon opened by a man, and we went in without any further ceremony. I then told him what had happened, and to prevent frightening the women I delivered him my side-arms. I told him that I considered myself a prisoner of war to him, and requested him to go down to the boat and bring the rest of the wounded men to the house. He dressed himself, went to the boat, brought them up, and did all he could for them in dressing their wounds, and provided us a supper. After we had eaten of this, I went with one man to the boat; I then sent him back to the house to tell those who were able to come and help take care of the boat, which was an eight-oared cutter. When they came down I told them I had formed a plan of escaping from the Island, which was to get provisions from the house and row round Cape Sable and proceed home. After talking over this scheme they seemed to object to it, and I gave up the idea of it and went back to the house and remained there that night. The next morning I told the man that he would have to deliver us up to prison to clear himself from the laws of his country. Of these he appeared perfectly ignorant, and as he had treated us very kindly, I did not wish him to

put himself in danger of prosecution by harbor-
ing us. I therefore advised him to carry us over
to Rose Bay, and give us up to the British
authorities. He carried us to the house of a
man by the name of Mosier and delivered us to
his care; he then sent for a corporal and four
soldiers to take charge of us, who took us to
Maligash and put us in prison. I staid there
one night. Next morning Col. Creighton came
to the prison to see me and inquired if I was
pilot of the Young Teazer. Not knowing what
his intention might be, I told him I was not—
that the pilot was killed in the explosion, and
asked him why he put me that question. He
said, "Because I have understood that you are
an Englishman and that three men have gone to
Halifax to give in oath that you were born in
the Province; if this is the case I am very sorry
for you, for you will stand a chance of being
hung, if it is proved against you." "Ah," said
I, "I am not afraid of their proving any thing
like that against me; if I thought there was a
drop of British blood running through my veins
I would cut my throat." "Well," said he, "I
hope that what you say is true." I was then
taken out of jail and placed with the family of
the keeper, with whom I remained until a tender
was sent from Halifax to carry us there. When

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the captain of the tender arrived he inquired for us and commanded the prison keeper to deliver us up to him. The jailor requested him to let us stop and eat dinner before we went, to which he consented: After dinner he took charge of us and marched us down to the tender. We got under way and left the harbor of Maligash for Halifax. At 9 o'clock it died away calm; at that time I contrived a plan to take the tender and make our escape. Part of the crew came forward where I was lying under deck and asked me what I was studying upon. I then told them my plans. Directly abreast of the main hatch there were two cannonades, and at sundown the gunner had primed them with fresh powder.— There were two boys walking decks, one on each side of the main hatchway, keeping watch over the prisoners. I told my companions to get each of them a good knife out and have them open behind me; as soon as I go on deck I will take the two boys, throw them down and get their pistols from them; you must be close behind me and point the guns aft and cut the apron strings; I will then pass you the pistols which you must point at the priming and be ready for firing in case they make any resistance. As the wind proved against us we dared not make the attempt, having sprung up from S. W. and

we were carried to Halifax. Next morning they landed us in their small boat and put us in prison. Just before I left the vessel, the captain very humanely gave me a pound note and one of his sailors gave me a dollar. We landed at Melvin Island, about three miles and a half from Halifax, with which it was connected by a bridge. We were left in the care of Mr. Grant, who ordered us to be put into close confinement for that day. The next day we had the liberty of the yard. The general report among the prisoners was that we were to be sent to Dartmoor prison, that well known charnel house of old England. Our prison was surrounded by a high picket fence. In front of the gate were the barracks which contained about sixty British soldiers and two or three hundred stand of arms. On each side of the barracks was a large piece of cannon pointing into the prison yard, and on the main land opposite were two pieces more. There was an Irish soldier on duty as sentry.— I made a friend of him, and informed him of my intention of deserting. When I had found out his views on the subject, I told him that I would go and get liberty from the turnkey to go out and cut some birch buts for the purpose of making hats, and that when he saw me go out he must take his gun and follow me, so as to guard me.

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When we reached the woods I would provide clothes so that he might change his dress.—When a prisoner was permitted to leave the yard he was always accompanied by two soldiers to prevent his escape. The second soldier we intended to send to the mill about a mile off for rum; while he was gone we were to make our escape. The day was appointed; I went to the turnkey, who was an American refugee, to obtain his permission, but he gave me a decided refusal. The reason was probably this—they had had an engagement with the Americans at Sackett's Harbor and were defeated, which had exasperated him against us; this was, however, as much as could be expected from a tory, who had, unfortunately for his country, been saved from some of the old hulks sent by Washington to inhabit the steril rocks on the Labrador coast, as stated by the British General at Castine.

After this veto on my purposes of escape, I formed a plan of setting all the prisoners at liberty and of making ourselves masters of Halifax. I was one day sitting by the prison meditating what scheme would be the most feasible to undertake and the least hazardous. While I was thus employed, an American officer passed me several times; he then asked me of what country I was. I told him I was an American, and

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gave him an account of my being blown up and of the manner in which I had been brought to prison. I asked him who he was, and he told me that his name was Mudge, that he had been captain of the privateer Gen. Smith and was taken by a British man-of-war. I asked him if he had heard whether there would be likely to be any exchange for us. He said that he had not, but that they talked of sending us to Dartmoor prison. I told him that I had been studying a plan to keep us from that place. He said he should like to hear it, as they had tried several and had been defeated. I said, "well, sir, if all hands will join in my plan we shall get clear." He sat down by my side and I related it to him as follows:—"You know that every night at 7 o'clock four soldiers and a corporal are sent into the prison yard to relieve the sentry. When they come in we must rush upon them and take their guns from them; let the gate be filled up with men so that the turnkeys cannot shut it upon us; let two men catch a musket apiece and run to the cannons, which are on pivots, point them at the barracks, present his musket at the priming and wait for orders to fire if necessary. Then we must take charge of the garrison and all on the Island, put them in irons and lock them in the guard house, keep the signal staff

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as usual so as to prevent any suspicion at Halifax, and if any boats come to the Island keep them till dark so that they cannot spread any news of our mauœuvres. After dark we will take all the scaling ladders, muskets and cannon, cross the bridge and get on the high way and proceed for Halifax. As soon as we get back of the town, place our cannon in front of the gate of the Fort, then make a halt and let the right and left wing march as near as possible without being discovered, leaving a sufficient space to discharge the pieces at the gate, and immediately after they are discharged close up and march directly through the gate amidst the smoke and take possession of the place before the garrison can recover from their surprise."

This was the plan which I proposed to Capt. Mudge, and he thought it the best of all which he had heard. I advised him to consult with the other officers about it, which he did, and they approved of it very highly. We agreed to put it in operation the first foggy night which would be the most suitable. There were at this time about 1750 American prisoners confined at this place, besides 250 Frenchmen who had been there for nearly sixteen years, the French government having neglected to redeem them. In about a week after I mentioned this to Capt.

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Mudge, I was taken out of prison and with three others carried to the Navy Hospital at Halifax, much beyond my expectation, and there we were set to work at twenty five cents a day, assisting in the erection of a new hospital. I was there a number of days. It was situated on the shore, surrounded by a high wall; that part on the sea side was about ten feet high and the other part was about thirty feet high and six feet thick, with broken pieces of glass bottles firmly imbedded in mortar on the top. The American privateer Cossack, which had been captured a short time before, was at anchor about one hundred feet from the wall, with no one on board. One of her crew was imprisoned with us. I formed a plan with twenty five others to escape on board this vessel. We had some rigging of which we made a rope ladder, and intended to descend into some of the boats which were at the steps or landing place. One of us had a quantity of aqua fortis, to burn off the chains which fastened the boats. This plan, as well as that of taking Halifax, was not carried into effect, as I soon after found means of making my escape in a less hazardous manner.

There were at this hospital about 350 English who were wounded at the battle of Crancy Island, some of whom were shockingly mangled.

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One had both of his arms cut off close to his shoulders. A residence here was not very agreeable, as the atmosphere greatly resembled that of a slaughter house, the weather being warm.

One day I obtained permission of the turnkey to go into the market and buy some fresh fish. He said he had no objection to letting me go out, excepting that some of the prisoners, when they had this favor shown them, returned in a state of intoxication and thereby caused him a great deal of trouble. I told him that I would not cause him any trouble of that kind, as I did not use liquor. I gave him my word that I would not come back drunk, nor sober neither thought I to myself, and faithfully have I kept my word until this day. I went into an alley, entered a small grocery store, and bought something to drink and some crackers. The storekeeper asked me where I belonged, and I told him to Five Fathom Harbor, which was a short distance from Halifax. He inquired where I was going, and I said that I was going to see how the prisoners looked. I then started along, bidding him good bye. I hid my jacket and eatables in the woods, then went to the prison on Melvin Island where my clothes were, and stopped and eat my dinner, after which I took such articles of cloth-

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ing as I could put on, and proceeded again for the woods. While I had been at Navy Hospital one half of the prisoners at the Island had been sent to England. I travelled through the woods about nine miles, over mountains and fallen trees, until I got a little past the block houses. About sundown I lay in ambush till dark. I discovered three men coming directly towards me. I kept still until they got within five rods of me; I perceived that they were some of my fellow prisoners; two of them had belonged to the Young Teazer. I let them come up within six feet of me, and I sprang upon them and frightened them almost to death; but they soon found out who I was, and glad enough were we to meet. We sat down and made each of us a whistle, to use as signals in case we should be separated. About 10 o'clock we started on our journey. It being very dark, I took the wrong road and went out of our way ten or twelve miles. I told my companions that according to the direction we were going we were travelling towards Chester. Before day light we came to a barn into which we entered and lay down to sleep. We remained there till morning, when the owner came in and discovered us. He asked me where I was from. I told him from Prospect. He asked me if I belonged there, and I

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told him I did not. "Where then do you be-
long?" said he. "To St. John," I replied.—
"What have you been doing at Prospect?" "I
had business there, and am now returning home."
"And how are you going to St. John?" "By
land as far as Digby, and then take the packet."

He directed me the way I should go to get
into the King's highway. After we got into the
road within half a mile of the highway, we lay
by in the bushes until dark, at about 9 or 10
o'clock, as the road was filled up with guards,
block houses, and travellers of all descriptions.
There was a block house in sight, in which we
saw a number of lights; I concluded it would
be best to go alone and see if we could pass it
without danger. I told my comrades that if I
did not give any alarm in the course of half an
hour they might follow on after me, but if I gave
an alarm by whistling they must remain in am-
bush and take care of themselves. I proceeded
on very cautiously until I got by the house.—
There was a large company assembled there
who appeared to be having a grand frolic, but
there was no sentinel outside. Being satisfied
that there was no danger, I sat down by the road
side until my companions came up with me, and
we then proceeded on together until we arrived
at a bridge, over which we passed about half

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way, when we heard a strange noise like that of
a man snoring. We made a halt and held a
consultation, and we concluded that I should go
on ahead and see if there was any danger.—
Accordingly I went on, and got within twenty
feet of a sentry box; I satisfied myself that the
sentinel was asleep; I was so near him that I
could not give my comrades a signal to follow
me. I was at this time placed in a very great
dilemma—let me go which way I would I was
in danger of disturbing the sleeping hero, who
was perchance dreaming of hard fought battles
or of his dear love far o'er the ocean wave. I
thought to myself that a "faint heart never won
a fair lady," so I made a bolt across the bridge;
the noise I made in crossing it frightened my
comrades so that they turned back; through the
hands of Providence I got over safe. I passed
on about ten rods and went into some bushes
where I remained till my comrades came up;
we then started along and travelled about half a
mile when it commenced raining very hard; we
soon reached a blacksmith's shop, into which we
concluded to enter to shelter ourselves from the
storm. We lay down upon the floor; I told my
friends to be careful not to get asleep; but being
much fatigued we fell asleep and did not wake
until day break. We continued our march until

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we came to a short turn in the road, when we
perceived a team of oxen and horses ahead, and
we again concealed ourselves in the woods until
dark; while there I saw a flock of geese in a
stream of water; I fell upon them and despatched
one, which I considered as great a prize as a
certain Commodore did, when he met the boy
coming from the Navy Yard with a wheelbarrow
load of chips and told him to put them down,
which the boy did, saying, "There, take them,
that's the first prize you ever took!" At dark
we continued on the road; we discovered a cow
yard, in which were a number of cows, and we
obtained a supply of milk. I went into the barn
and killed a hen. As I was retreating a large
dog rushed upon me and would have killed me,
had not my companions driven him off by throw-
ing stones at him. Fearing the dog had given
the alarm we took for the woods and made our
way to a pond, about sixty rods from the main
road, where we built a fire and stuck our goose
upon a stick and roasted it, which made a hearty
dinner for us, without pepper or salt, as we were
almost starved. We returned again to the road,
travelled about three quarters of a mile and
came to a field where we saw nine or ten men at
work upon a new building; there was a house
near by, to which I despatched one of our men

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to beg something to eat. He accordingly went
and found an old man and his wife there; they
enquired where he was from; he told them from
La Have, and requested them to give a poor
traveller something to eat, which they did, but
as they were short of provisions they said they
could not give him any to take with him on the
road; while he was eating they left the room,
and he pocketed what meat and bread he could
find and decamped, and made for us in the woods.
We travelled on till we came to a log house
inhabited by two Irishmen, who gave us some
water, and we proceeded on; after travelling a
short distance, we met an old man who asked
me where I was from. I told him that we were
from La Have and bound to St. John. "Have
you got a pass, sir," said he. "I have, sir," I
replied; "why do you ask me that question?"
"Because Col. Smith is about quarter of a mile
ahead of you, and takes up all who travel without
a pass and sends them to Halifax for examina-
tion." I told him I had a pass and bid him good
night. As soon as he was out of sight we went
into the bushes and remained there until dark,
when we again commenced our march; we soon
after came to a gulley in the road; as we pitched
over the hill we discovered a markee and about
a dozen men, which we immediately concluded

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was the station of Col. Smith. I had expected
that they would have gone to their block house
at night, and was therefore taken by surprise,
as I did not think of questioning the man who
had given me the information, as to the situation
of this officer. Coming upon them so suddenly
we were discovered by them and found it would
be impossible to escape; we therefore marched
boldly on to prevent any suspicion. As I was
approaching them I made up my story to tell
them. Col. Smith enquired where we were
from, to which I replied, "From La Have, sir."
"And where are you bound?" "To St. John,
sir." "And what have you been doing at La
Have?" "Why, sir, I have not been doing any
thing; I was driven ashore by a yankee priva-
teer." "By what privateer, did you say, sir?"
"By the Fame of Salem." "Ah, I have heard
much said of her; and did you receive any
damage from her?" "But a very little; she
threw a number of shot into our boat, but we
got on shore before it went down." "At what
place did she run you ashore?" "At the Rag-
ged Islands." "Ah, I am well acquainted there;
where do you belong?" "At St. John." "What
is your name?" "Thompson." "And which
way are you going?" "I am going to Digby,
from there to St. John." "And did you not go

to Halifax?" "Why, sir, the press gang is so
hot there that I did not dare to go for fear of
being pressed on board a man of war." "Why
then did you not go round by Cape Sable, for
it would have been much nearer for you?"—
"Why, sir, there are so many yankee privateers
along the shore I was afraid of being taken by
them." "Ah, that was well thought of; where
was you bound when you were driven ashore?"
"To Halifax." "What vessel was you in?"—
"The Antelope of St. Andrews." "And what
was you loaded with?" "Lumber." "Who
was your captain?" "James Turner." "Ah,
I am well acquainted with him and his father;
who is the owner of your vessel?" "Captain
Scott of St. Andrews." "Ah, I am well ac-
quainted with him; he is a towney of mine; and
how was the old man when you left him?" "He
was well and hearty." I began to think that by
this time the old Scotchman had got about through
with examining me; but I was mistaken. He
turned round and looked me in the face, saying,
"Do you know any men in St. John?" "I am
well acquainted with Capt. Donnell, a merchant
on the King's wharf." "And so am I; he also
is a towney of mine, and who else do you know
there?" "I know Mr. Black." "And where
does he keep?" "At the head of Market wharf."

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"Ah, so he does." I told him that I knew most all the men in the city. "Well, well," said he, "I don't know but that you do; you may mention a few more names." "There is Mr. Nehemiah Merritt, Capt. Gilbert, and Mr. Barlow." I then asked him if there was any more names that he wished me to recollect. He replied, "No: I think you have given me a very good account of the place." The old gentleman sat and looked me in the face a few minutes, and said, "I thought you told me that you belonged at St. John?" "So I did, sir." "Have you no shipping that goes out from that place?" I told him that there was considerable. "Well, if there is, why not sail out from there, instead of going to St. Andrews?" "May it please your honor, Capt. Scott was at St. John on business, as I suppose, and I had been in his employ before; he saw me and wanted me to go for him again, and I thought it not worth while for me to change an old acquaintance for a new one; I therefore agreed to sail for him." "Ah, truly, that is very proper." By this time he seemed to think that he had gained all the information that he desired. He asked me if I was not hungry. I told him I was almost starved. He asked me if I had any money. I told him that I only had fifteen pence. "How have you got

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along without money?" "Why, we begged our living from one place to another." He instantly invited us to walk into his markee and take some refreshment. He ordered his servant to set on some victuals, and told us to help ourselves and make ourselves at home, for said he, "I have a great many relations adrift in this world, and I don't know how soon they may want the same favor, or how soon I may want it myself." After we had finished our repast, he said, "I think you had better stay all night with me and rest yourselves." I thanked him very much for his kind invitation, but I thought to myself that I would get clear of him as soon as possible. So I told him there was a good moon, and as it was so hot to travel by day that it would be better for us to travel in the night and rest ourselves during the day. "Ah, truly," said he, "that is right; but if you will stop you shall be heartily welcome, if you will not, you can go to my pork barrel and cut off a piece of pork of the size of the fid of the foretopmast and take it along with you." We took some pork and bread and bid him good night. We proceeded about half a mile, when we made a halt with the intention of going back to get a passport from the Colonel, but upon the second thought I feared that it might be the means of endangering his life, and

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we therefore kept on our course. The readiness with which I answered all his enquiries, and the correctness of my answers with regard to places and individuals, which a long residence in that part of the country had enabled me to do, completely removed all suspicion from his mind that I was other than what I pretended. In a short time after, when it was known who I was, he was arrested by the government for allowing me to pass without a more strict examination, was sent to England and tried by a Court Martial, and lost his commission, barely escaping with his life. He stated in his defence that I had told him so fair a story that it would have deceived an angel.

The next morning after we left Col. Smith, we went into the woods about quarter of a mile from the road to keep ourselves from observation. We got into a piece of rocky land where the black flies were so plenty and ferocious that we could not live with them without tearing the moss off from the rocks and covering ourselves with it; we laid there till 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I was very well satisfied that we were not far from the town of Windsor, and desired one of the men to climb a tree and see what he could discover, which he did and reported that he could see the steeple of a meeting house

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bearing N. N. E. about two miles. I told them that we had better separate, two of us going ahead, for in that way we should not be so likely to be suspected. I took one with me and went ahead, telling the others to follow on in about an hour and a half. We travelled along about quarter of a mile and came to a log-house into which we entered. There were three women there, and we asked them for a drink of water. They gave us some and asked us where we were from. We told them that we were from La Have and were bound to St. John. They gave us some food, and while we were eating, our other two comrades passed by the house and went ahead of us. We soon after left the house and recommenced our march. We continued on and reached a small village, through which we passed. We entered the last house and asked a woman to give us some water, which she did, and enquired where we were from. I told her we were from La Have and were bound to St. John. I asked her if she had seen any men pass by there that afternoon that appeared to be seamen. She said that two men of that description had passed by there about two hours before. We resumed our journey and travelled until dark, when we met a man who asked us where we were bound, and I told him to Cornwallis.—

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"And where are you from?" "From the town of Noles." "What have you been doing at that place?" "At work on a farm." "Who are you acquainted with there?" I mentioned a number of persons, and he asked me whom I knew at Cornwallis. I told him Mr. Bigelow, and Mr. Bishop, and others. "What are you going to do at Cornwallis?" "To get work on some farm." "What should you ask a month?"—"Five pounds." He told me that he would give me £4 a month and employ me a year, but I told him that I would not work for that. He invited me to call and see him, but I thought I would give him a wide berth, for I began to think he suspected we were deserters and wanted to get the reward which would be offered for us. He then enquired how they got along with the bridge they were building across Windsor River. I told him that they were getting along with it nicely. "When do they expect to have it finished?" said he. "In about five or six days." This was all guess work, as I knew nothing about the bridge. "What is your name?" "Thompson." "Where do you stop to night?" "At Capt. Bishop's; what may I call your name?" "My name is John Robinson; I live about half a mile from Capt. Bishop's; I am going to Windsor on important business and shall be back the latter part

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of the night; come early in the morning and take breakfast with me, and then we will talk about hiring you." Said I, "how is the Collector, Mr. DeWolf? does he go about in his old revenue boat as usual?" "Yes, he does; if he lost her he would not live a fortnight." I considered this as good news, for we might chance to come across her and make our way home in her. We now thought it was time to be off; we soon arrived at Muddy Creek, in Cornwallis, where I expected to find the Collector's boat, but was disappointed, as there was none there. We continued on the road until day break, when being very hungry we went into a barn yard, milked a cow and drank the milk. We next arrived at Pitch Pine Plain, where we found the blue berries in great abundance, of which we eat enough to satisfy our appetites; then, being much fatigued, we laid down among the bushes until 2 o'clock in the afternoon; we then went about two miles and came to a farm house; two men were sitting in the door, who asked us how far we were travelling. I told them we were from the town of Noles, and were bound to Digby. They asked me where I belonged, and I told them at St. John. I then asked one of them for a drink of water. He invited us to walk in, which we did, and he gave us a drink

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of cider. He said that he thought when he first saw us that we were the deserters from Navy Hospital. I told him that we were not. I looked up on the wall in the room and discovered an advertisement for us and all our names inserted in it, offering a reward of eighty dollars for our apprehension. I made very strange of it, telling him that I knew nothing about them. I suspected he knew we were the ones, but did not think himself strong enough to arrest us. We then bid them good bye and left them. After going about three quarters of a mile we met another man who asked us where we were from. I told him from La Have. "Where are you bound?" "To St. John." "By which way did you come from La Have?" "By the way of the Halifax Road, and on the road I came across Col. Smith and his men, who treated us very kindly, and when we left him he gave us provisions to take with us." I mentioned the circumstance of my having passed this gentleman as the most effectual means of removing suspicion, as it would be at once inferred that no deserters could well evade the careful examination which he was obliged to make of all who passed him. The man then asked us how far we were going that night. I told him we calculated to go as far as Digby. He inquired if we were hungry, and I

told him we were, when he invited us to go back with him a few rods and have something to eat at his house. We accordingly turned back and went with him, and he treated us very politely to the best he had. I thought he suspected we were deserters by his asking so making questions. I wanted to find out the distance to a place called the French Cross, a small harbor on the sea coast, but I did not dare ask him. As we were eating our supper, he brought upon the table some pollock fish. I took this opportunity to ask him if he did not have to pay a high price for his fish, it being so far from the salt water. "Oh no," said he, "I am not far from salt water; it is only about nine miles to the French Cross, where these fish are caught." I therefore obtained the object I had in view without enquiring directly for it. After we had finished eating, he gave us some fish and bread to carry with us. I wished him to give us the direct road to Digby, and to inform us if there were any cross roads which would put us out of the way. He gave us the true course, saying that the other roads were nothing but horse paths leading to the water, so that there would be no danger of our losing our way. The road to the water, however, was the very one which we wanted to find, though we were careful not to let him

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know it. We then left him and went along till we came to a meeting house and then turned in among the bushes and remained till dark. While there our other two companions came up with us. It appeared that they had encamped at the Pitch Pine Plain before we arrived there and remained there some time after we left, so that we had got ahead of them again. We began our march together for the French Cross, where we arrived at day break. We discovered a small house near the shore; we concealed ourselves in the bushes a few rods from the house, so that we might watch the movements of its inmates. In about two hours we saw a man come out and go down to the shore. He took up a fish net and some fish out of a boat, which lay on the beach, and he then made for the house again.— About two hours after this, I advised one of the men to go to the house, tell the man about his being driven ashore by a yankee privateer, and see if he would set him ashore on the other side of the bay, which was about forty five miles across. When he arrived at the house he could not find any one there, but got into it and took some herring and potatoes and returned to us. We made a fire in the woods and roasted them. Next morning I told him to take another man with him and go to the house again, and if the

man was there to take him and bring him to us, and we would confine him until we were ready to sail, to prevent him from giving the alarm in the country, and then carry him down the Bay a few miles and set him ashore, so that he could walk back. They went to the house and found it deserted; they took what provisions they could find, some dishes and blankets, and brought to the boat, which we had put in order for sailing. We then launched the boat from the beach, put our things on board, and made our way down the Bay about twelve miles, when we agreed to go ashore and take some refreshment. We built a fire and cooked provisions enough to last us across the Bay; we then started along the shore, and as it had become quite foggy we were obliged to keep near land. When the fog began to break away I discovered a point of land which made out into the ocean, about fifty rods ahead of us; as we went round this point we discovered ten or twelve men at work on a vessel; they discovered us as soon as we did them, and all immediately left their work and came down to the shore, urging us to land. We rowed our boat within ten or twelve feet of the shore, and I advised my men not to let her touch. They asked us where we were from. I told them from Advocate. They wanted to know what we had

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been doing there. I told them we had been there
on business. "Where are you bound?" "To
Digby." They then said, "you have the tide
against you and you had better come ashore till
it turns, and you will then have it in your favor."
I perceived by this time what their intention was,
that they thought we were the deserters from the
Navy Hospital, and if they could get us to come
on shore they would arrest us and get the re-
ward. I told them that we would row along as
fast as we could until the tide turned. They
now saw that we would not land, and one of them
sprang to seize the bows of the boat, but at the
same moment I struck him with my oar to keep
him off, and shoved the boat from the shore. As
soon as this was done two of them started upon
the run as hard as they could for a house which
stood upon a hill. We sprang upon our oars
with all our strength, as we perceived that they
were making preparations to take us prisoners.
As we rounded the point we came suddenly upon
an Indian settlement. I then told my crew that
we had got hard work before us to keep out of
the reach of these savages, as I well knew the
swiftness of their canoes. In a few minutes we
saw the two men running down to the Indian
settlement, with guns in their hands. As soon
as they arrived there and informed the Indians

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who we were, they all gathered together, about
one hundred in number, and came running down
to the beach, making the air ring with their
infernal yells. As soon as they arrived at the
shore, eight of the savages put their canoes
into the water and began paddling for us. We
were now about two miles from them, rowing for
our lives. As I looked back I perceived four
large row boats making for us with all possible
speed, and the Indians were fast gaining upon
us. We continued rowing about fifteen miles,
the Indians having got within half a mile of us;
they appeared to be afraid of us and slacked
away from paddling, as if they wanted to wait
for the row boats to come up with them. I
thought by the actions of the men in the boats
that they were almost beat out and were about
to give up the chase; I therefore told my men
that there was no danger of their overtaking us,
and we then gave them three cheers. This
made them understand that we were not afraid
of them, and put a damper upon the courage of
the Indians; they all about ship and made for
the shore; we laid upon our oars and refreshed
ourselves. In about half an hour we discovered
a sloop under our lee, about two miles distant.
The captain, as I afterwards learned, discovered
us and told his crew that we were the deserters

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from Navy Hospital, and he would arrest us and obtain the reward of $80. A gentleman by the name of Ethiel Umstead, of Eastport, was a passenger in this vessel and owner of the cargo. He was well acquainted with and recognized me, and determined to prevent the captain from taking us prisoners; he therefore said we were not the men. The captain declared we were the ones and he would have us. Umstead said we were not,—that we were only what were called shaving mills, (privateers on a small scale,) and he would not run the risk of losing his property by coming near us, merely for the sake of $80. He ordered the captain to shape his course for Apple River, which he did. We then made our way for a place called Martin's Head and arrived there about 12 o'clock at night. We went ashore and built up a fire, took some refreshment and laid down on the beach until morning. We then took to our boat again and rowed along slowly. We kept a good lookout, for we were afraid of falling in with some British vessel, as I knew there were a number of privateers cruising about there. We soon came to a point of land which made out into the ocean ahead of us. Over this land I saw a schooner's topsails. We concluded to go ashore; we put the boat behind a large rock, so that it could not

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be discovered by any one passing her. I directed my men to remain in her, and I would go over through the bushes and make discoveries. I made my way as near to the schooner as I dared to go. She was lying snug in shore, at anchor, becalmed. I remained there some time and watched their movements. I could not discover more than three men on board. I then returned to my comrades and told them what I had seen, and we agreed to go at night and make a prize of her. We cut up one of our blankets into strips and muffled our oars. We covered our boat with bushes and went down and watched the schooner until night; we then returned to the boat and prepared ourselves for action, and as soon as dark we started for the schooner.

We had in our boat four pues, a sharp pointed instrument used by fishermen, about ten inches long, with handles of about six feet. We rowed along without any noise within fifty feet of the schooner. I then told my men to lay aside their oars and each one take a pue and stand ready to spring on board and I would scull alongside. As soon as we reached her, they went on board and rushed into the cabin, whilst I secured the boat, and then followed them. When I entered the cabin I told my men not to kill any one if they could help it; the enemy were making a

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desperate resistance, but my crew were uncommonly stout and laborious man-of-war's men and did not fear a face of clay. The enemy were fighting with their fists and knives; my men could not use their pures in the cabin to advantage, the handles were so long. I lent them a hand and in a few minutes we overpowered them and bound their hands and feet fast; we put them in the forecastle and fastened them down. Two of us received a wound from a knife, one in the hand and the other in the arm, though they were not much hurt. We examined the schooner's papers and found she was from Halifax bound to St. John, with a cargo, principally of dry goods, valued at $90,000. We found that we had taken a valuable prize, and the next difficulty was to get her safe into the United States. About 12 o'clock at night it commenced blowing a very strong breeze from E. S. E. We got underway and shaped our course W. S. W. The breeze continued until about 5 A. M. when it began to die away, and at 9 it became calm and we lay tossing to and fro. It now came on foggy and continued so until about 3 P. M. when it began to break away. About four miles to windward of us I discovered a British sloop of war, which proved to be the Rattler, bearing down upon us. I told my men that there was more trouble for

us, and the only course for us would be to put what articles and provisions we could into the boat and make for the shore. This was agreed upon; we broke open trunks and chests and obtained from them about $50 in gold and silver; we filled the boat with the most valuable articles we could find on board and provisions enough to last us to Eastport. We took the prisoners out of the forecastle, put them into their long boat, with their hands tied behind them, and set them adrift. We set the schooner on fire in two or three places, and made for the shore with all possible speed. We now perceived two barges from the sloop-of-war rowing towards us, about a mile and a half distant. We went round a neck of land which hid them from our view; there were two small creeks which extended into the woods, one about a mile and the other three quarters of a mile. Into the latter we concluded to row, before the barges came round the point, and they would not know which one we entered. We hauled our boat into the bushes, took our provisions and other articles out of it, carried them into the woods about twenty rods and concealed them at the foot of a high hill. We climbed up this hill in order to have a fair opportunity of watching the movements of the enemy. The two barges that had followed us round the

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point of land were laying upon their oars and appeared to be at a loss to know which way we had gone. A number had got on board the schooner and were busily employed in extinguishing the flames. The sloop of war fired a signal for the barges to return from the pursuit of us, and they retreated on board the schooner and assisted in staying the progress of the flames, which was accomplished in a short time, leaving the vessel a complete wreck. The sails and rigging were destroyed, and they were obliged to cut away the masts. The sloop of war took her in tow and sheared off. We then descended to our provisions and took some refreshment. We cut some hemlock boughs and laid them down on the ground for a bed and lay there till morning. I then went to the top of the mountain again to see if the sloop was there, but there was not a sail to be seen on the ocean. I returned to my companions; we put all our articles into the boat again, and made our way down the creek. As we passed along the shore, about half a mile from the creek, we came opposite the house of a man by the name of Hartford, with whom I had been intimately acquainted while he lived at St. John. I went to this house to make some inquiries and ascertain if there were any of the enemy on the lookout. As I

was going I met a girl coming down to the shore who retreated to the house, much frightened, as soon as she discovered me. I went to the door, which was fastened, and knocked, but no one appeared. I requested them to open the door, and a woman within said, "Who is there?" I replied, "a friend." She said, "It is hard to tell who are friends." I told her my name was John Carlow. "Is it possible?" said she, and at the same time opened the door and invited me to enter. She inquired how my family were. I told her that they were all well when I left, but did not let her know but that I still lived at St. John. She said, "You must not think strange that I did not open the door any sooner, for there are about fifty soldiers that barrack at Little Dipper Harbor, about half a mile from here, who are passing by every day, and I am obliged to keep fastened up to prevent them from coming in." Having gained this information I thought it high time to be off; I therefore went back to my comrades and informed them of what I had heard and the danger we were in. We then pulled ahead for Eastport, and arrived at the old fort at about 12 o'clock at night. As we were going up to the wharf, the sentinel sung out, "Who comes there?" "A friend," said I. "A friend!—halt and give me the countersign."

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"The countersign is that I come from Halifax."
"That's a d—d pretty countersign—Mr. Halifax walk ashore here." He then called for the sergeant of the guard, who marched us up to the fort. As soon as we arrived there and came to the light nearly all that were present knew me and sung out, "Mr. Carlow, is this you?" I told them it was what was left of me. They appeared glad to see us and treated us kindly.

The names of those who escaped from Halifax and accompanied me in my long and tedious journey, were John Davis, Jonas Keys, and Mr. Fisk. We were the only persons that were successful in escaping from that place, during the war, although many attempts were made by others but without effect.

The commanding officer of the Fort was Mr. George Waldmore, with whom I was very well acquainted; the sergeant informed him that I was in the Fort, and he immediately turned out to see me. I sat with him until morning relating my adventures since I had last seen him. We remained there two days, and on the morning of the third embarked for Fox Island, the place of my residence.

As we were passing down West Quoddy Head we discovered a fire on the shore, and landed to see what it might be; we approached the fire

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and found a prime halibut's head stuck upon two sticks and well roasted, and we sat down and made a hearty meal of it, not much regarding the disappointment which the owners would feel on finding it gone. We then started for Little River, where we found Capt. Lamson of the privateer Cordelia, from Salem, on a cruise.—Capt. Lamson engaged me as his pilot, and my comrades also entered on board with me.

We sailed in an easterly direction three or four miles and discovered a sloop standing in for the Bay. As we came within reach of her, the captain hailed her and inquired where she was from. They answered from Halifax and bound to St. Andrews. They were then ordered to heave to, which they were unwilling to do until we gave them a shot from our long tom. We boarded her and found she was under Swedish colors, and were therefore obliged to leave her, and shaped our course about N. N. E. for a point of land called Bailey's Mistake. This point is of such length and height that a fleet might lay at anchor upon one side and not be discerned from the other. I told the captain we had better go into a small cove and remain until we had ascertained what there might be on the northern side. I took three men and crossed through the woods, when we discovered the English privateer

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Matilda, at anchor close in shore. We watched her until we satisfied ourselves as to the number of her crew, which appeared to be about sixty. She was on the return from a cruise and was deeply laden. One of the men said to me, "Pilot, don't you think we could contrive a plan to take her?" I told him that whilst we had been there I had formed a plan by which she might be easily captured; I gave him the details of it and he approved of it highly. We then went back to our vessel and informed the captain and crew of what we had seen. I related to him my view of taking her, which was that I should take ten men with a musket apiece and a four pounder and go through the woods abreast of her—that he should proceed with the privateer round the point into the first cove, and remain there until he heard our fire, when he should immediately come up and board her. Captain Lamson objected to this plan, observing that he came to take prizes, not to fight armed vessels. I told him we could take her without losing a man, and as she had been on our coast a long time doing much injury to our commerce, I thought it a duty he owed his country to improve so favorable an opportunity of destroying a formidable foe. But he refused to make the attempt and thus lost a fine craft and the large and valuable

cargo she had on board. This privateer Matilda, together with one called the Liverpool Packet, did more injury to our shipping during the war than the whole British navy.

Enraged at his cowardly conduct I told him that if such was to be his course I wished to be set ashore where I had shipped, and he accordingly sailed for Little River. There, with the three men who had accompanied me from Halifax, I rejoined our prize boat and proceeded to Vinalhaven; from thence we started for Portland, but arriving off the mouth of the Kennebec we stopped at the Fort, which was about being deserted, the garrison being ordered to Canada. We were requested by the commanding officers to stop there until men could be obtained from the neighboring towns to take charge of the Fort. There was a British privateer laying off and on, inside Seguin, and as our boat was an English bottom, suspicion was excited among them that we were spies. An aged Revolutionary soldier declared that we belonged to the privateer and had come ashore to find out the strength of the Fort, and insisted that we should be taken as prisoners. I told the captain that I was an American, born and brought up on the Kennebec. There happened to be a man there belonging to Wayne, who knew my relations,

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and by questioning me a long time they became partially satisfied that I was no enemy. Some troops arriving at the Fort, we again started for Portland. When we got down by Pond Island Light, three soldiers came running down the beach, probably to satisfy themselves whether we had told a correct story or not. We soon got out of their reach and arrived at Portland, where I remained until our prizes were sold.— In company with two others I purchased a small schooner, called the Orange, fitted her out for a privateer, and sailed on a cruise. Near the Fox Islands we captured a smuggler, but as he was an old acquaintance we let him go; we continued eastward as far as Bailey's Mistake, when we met with the privateer Dart, of St. John, who chased us until we entered the Narrows; here we came across a British barge and fired into it, killing one man and wounding two others, but she escaped us. We were then attacked by four barges and two launches from the Emulous and Brim, two men of war vessels, who were at anchor round Cross Island Point, unperceived by us till then, and we were compelled to run ashore at Cross Island, near the entrance of Machias Bay, when one Ellis, an American, to his everlasting disgrace, came down with a fire brand and aided the British in burning the vessel. Thus ended my career as a Privateer.