Xii INTRODUCTORY SKETCH OF [1812 



and desperate enterprises, in the achievement of which I have ever 

 since sought occasion to place myself foremost. Whether this pro- 

 pensity be physical or moral, or both combined, or inconsiderate 

 rashness, I leave it for others to decide. At all events, it appears to 

 be inherent in my nature, and the most pleasant sensations I have ever 

 experienced were the effects of its gratification. 



We made a long stay in Cadiz, waiting to make an advantageous 

 sale of our cargo, which we finally effected, and again set sail on our 

 return to New-York, ignorant of the fact that since our departure from 

 the United States war had been declared by our government against 

 Great Britain and her dependencies. 



We continued our passage with variable winds and occasional foul 

 weather, until we arrived on the Banks of Newfoundland ; where we 

 fell in with the British sloop-of-war Hazard, the commander of which 

 politely furnished our captain with the news of the war, and then ex- 

 tended his courtesy so far as to take charge of our ship, and give the 

 officers and crew a free passage to St. John's, Newfoundland, where we 

 were all confined on board a prison-ship lying at the head of the harbour. 



On board of this hulk we were detained as prisoners of war for about 

 eight months, during which time we received every indulgence and 

 liberty that could reasonably be expected by persons in our situation. 

 For this liberal and humane treatment we were indebted to the kind- 

 ness of Sir John Thomas Duckworth, commander-in-chief of his 

 Britannic majesty's forces on that station. He even permitted twenty- 

 five of the American prisoners to go on shore every day, to work as 

 riggers, receiving the customary wages for that business. He also 

 allowed a market to be held on board the hulk, to which the country- 

 men were compelled to bring the best of every thing, at the same prices 

 as were paid by citizens. Every article of provisions brought to 

 this market which was found to be of bad quality was promptly 

 thrown overboard by one of Sir John's officers. 



But notwithstanding the kind treatment we received, we all sighed 

 for liberty, longing to get home that we might embrace our friends, 

 and join our brave countrymen in arms. We therefore resolved to 

 petition Sir John, at his next humane weekly visit, to send the American 

 prisoners home to their families and friends. We did so, and the 

 admiral replied in substance as follows : 



" My brave men I feel for you, and will do all that lies in my power 

 towards gratifying your wishes, in the course of this winter. It is 

 natural that you should desire to be restored to your friends, families, 

 and country. You may rely upon my best exertions in your behalf." 



Reanimated by this cordial assurance, we now felt like different 

 beings, confident that the humane veteran spoke in the sincerity of his 

 heart, and a few davs furnished testimony that our confidence had not 

 been misplaced. On his next visit he gave us the joyful intelligence 

 that arrangements had been made for our return to the States in 

 about a month. 



No incident occurred to damp our hopes. At the time appointed 

 we all embarked on board a cartel, and on the following day took our 

 final leave of Sir John, with sentiments of affection and respect. It 



