204 CAPTAIN ZACHARY G. LAMSON 



Cuxhaven Pilots and in their transactions 

 with me it was downright intention of rob- 

 bery, and in the act I did have my coat 

 sleeve partly off, saying, "If you take my 

 ship you shall have my coat also." Then 

 the Senate spoke no more in English but 

 French to Mr. Forbes, and I was dismissed 

 with no conclusion on the business. In 

 three days I was summoned again and 

 demand of eight thousand marks was 

 made. I then told the Senate that I would 

 not make any compromise at all. I would 

 give what I had agreed to give when in the 

 river, and as soon as the wind became fair, 

 so that any ship could proceed to sea, and 

 I found my ship detained under their or- 

 ders, I would abandon her to them, pro- 

 cure passage for my crew and seek redress 

 from the Government of the United States. 

 I was dismissed again and the next day 

 summoned, when, in a pusillanimous man- 

 ner, they asked if I would allow three thou- 

 sand marks. I told them I would not de- 

 viate from my former statement. I had 



