DIARY OF CAPTAIN LAMSON 233 



man, who was a worthy man, took out of his 

 pocket my spy-glass he had stolen, so 

 my mate informed me. I saw on board the 

 Frigate, my own liquors, wines and fruit 

 drank by those French officers and not 

 one of the many American officers could 

 obtain the least favor on board. The Com- 

 modore, who was a dirty fellow and a great 

 sloven, promised me on his word of honor 

 to restore me my money and give me the 

 first vessel he captured, to take me home 

 with many of my countrymen he had 

 on board. As an especial favor, Robert 

 Blair of Philadelphia and myself, were 

 the only Americans who lived aft. He took 

 three vessels but always refused to let me 

 go, until I refused to ask him, and indeed, 

 I gave up any idea of going until, just be- 

 fore he got off Cape Catigat, he captured 

 a Merchant 1 English vessel and sent me 



1 "They [the squadron of Feretier] had destroyed 

 thirty-six vessels, taking the most valuable part of their 

 cargoes and one vessel they sent as a cartel to England 

 with about two hundred prisoners." Naval Chronicles, 

 1812, p. 310. Extract from report of Capt. Hotham. 



