fisherjien's memorial and record book. 109 



in Guysboro' after dark, they concealed themselves in a barn, having 

 taken the precaution to procure a good stock of provisions. Capt. 

 Knowlton kept himself constantly disguised, and employed his time 

 in reconnoitering around the town, visiting the wharf where the vessel 

 was moored, sounding the channel, and in obtaining such other infor- 

 mation as he would require when the moment for action arrived. He 

 Ibund that the officials were so sure of their prey that they had no 

 keepers on board of the vessel ; but she was stripped of sails, rigging, 

 etc. The captain made good use of his eyes and ears during 

 his stay in town, and found where these appurtenances were stored. 

 His men kept very quiet in the barn and were not observed by any 

 one. They were, however, as might be expected, impatient for action. 

 Sunday, October 8th, was the time set for the recapture of the 

 vessel. At half-past nine o'clock it was bright starlight, with a fa- 

 vorable northwest breeze blowing. The captain and his men left their 

 hiding place and boldly walked into Guysboro', a distance of six 

 miles, and were fortunate enough not to meet any person on their way. 

 They arrived at the centre of the town just as the clock on the church 

 steeple pealed forth the hour of eleven. Observing some lights yet 

 burning in the houses, they waited patiently until these were extin- 

 guished, and then proceeded to the wharf. They were not long in 

 putting themselves inside of the building which contained the Hor- 

 ton's sails, rigging, etc. These they took charge of and soon had 

 them on board the vessel. Finding they had made some mistake in 

 the sails, having got some belonging to another vessel, they were 

 obliged to return them, which caused a vexatious delay. It could 

 not be helped, however. The vessel was aground, but the tide was 

 coming in ; her sails and rigging were quickly bent, and all was ready 

 for starting at one o'clock. The suspense was terrible, as the appear- 

 ance of any person on the wharf, to raise an alarm, would defeat the 

 entire plan. Fortune favors the brave, however, and it would have 

 been a big fight if the captain and his men had been opposed at this 

 point of their proceedings. All was ready, but it was found that the 

 craft was yet aground. Time was precious now ! A warp was got 

 out and the vessel was hove astern. At half-past two the joyful 

 fact that she floated, became apparent. All was still. Not a word 

 had been uttered, nor an unnecessary sound made during all these 

 preparations. Sail was put on her, and with Capt. Knowlton at the 

 helm, the saucy little craft filled away, and showed a " clean pair of 

 heels " as she passed out of the harbor, at liberty, and released from 

 the hands of a government which has made itself particularly obnox- 



