in the Pacific Ocean. MS 



States, taking with me her officers and crew. He consented to 

 grant her a passport to secure her from re-capture. The ship was 

 small, and we knew we had much to sufter, yet we hoped soon 

 to reach our country in safety, that we might again have it in 

 our power to serve it. This arrangement was attended with no 

 additional expense, as she was abundantly supphed with provi- 

 sions and stores for the voyage. 



Soon after the capture of the Essex, I was sent on board the 

 Phoebe, by the officer who took possession of the Essex. I had 

 no cause to complain of my treatment while there. Captain 

 Hilljar's conduct was delicate and respectful. The instant of my 

 anchoring at Valparaiso, I was allowed to go on shore on parole, 

 and the same privilege granted to my officers, as well as those of 

 my crew who were wounded. The rest were placed under guard, 

 on board a Spanish merchant ship, hired by Captain Hilly ar for 

 that purpose. 



The remainder of my brave crew were accordingly embarked 

 in the Essex Junior ; and on leaving Valparaiso, every effi^rt was 

 made to reach home in time to fit out ships to proceed to the 

 British channel, for the purpose of intercepting the Phoebe and 

 her prize ; and, favoured by the wind, of which we took every 

 advantage, we arrived off Sandy Hook, in seventy-three days. 

 Here we fell in with the Saturn, a British ship of war, com- 

 manded by Captain Nash, who treated me in the first instance 

 with great civility ; examined the papers of the Essex J unior ; 

 furnished me with late newspapers ; and sent me some oranges — 

 at the same time making offers of his services. The boarding 

 officer endorsed my passport, and permitted the ship to proceed. 

 She stood on in the same tack with the Saturn ; and about two 

 hours afterwards, was again brought to — the papers examined, 

 and the ship's hold overhauled by a boat's crew and officer. I 

 expressed my astonishment at such proceedings ; and was in- 

 formed that Captain Nash had his motives. It was added, that 

 Captain Hillyar had no authority to make such arrangements ; 

 that the passport must go on board the Saturn again, and the 

 Essex Junior be detained. I insisted that the smallest detention 

 would be a violation of the contract on the part of the British, 

 and declared I should consider myself a prisoner to Captain 

 Nash, and no longer on my parole. I then offered my sword ; 

 assuring the officer, I delivered it with the same feelings I sur- 

 rendered it to Captain Hillyar. He declined receiving it ; went 

 on board the Saturn ; and returned with the information, that 

 Captain Nash directed the Essex Junior to remain all night under 

 the lee of the Saturn. I then said — I am your prisoner ; I do 

 not consider myself any longer bound by my contract with 



