POnTER's JOUllI^AL. 



33 



led prisoners to be plundered in any one instance, th6 ofii- 

 cers and passengers of the brig soon felt themselves, while 

 on board the Essex, at perfect ease, and secure from any 

 violence ; and they seemed to consider their capture and 

 trip to America more in the light of an agreeable adventure, 

 or party of pleasure, than a misfortune. 



A Mr. James Heyworth, a merchant from Brazils, on 

 leaving my ship, presented me with two letters unsealed, 

 which he requested me to present in the event of my going 

 to Rio Janeiro. One of them I found to be a letter of in- 

 troduction ; the other announcing his capture. To show 

 the sentiments by which he was impressed, I shall give a 

 copy of them both. 



Dear Brother Lawrence, 



By the extreme civility of the gentleman who offers to 

 forward this, I am enabled to inform you that we have been 

 captured by an American vessel. However, we are pro- 

 ceeding under the direction of a prize-master to the United 

 States ; have liberty, if we fall in with a neutral vessel, to 

 go on board ; and if not, we shall proceed to North Ame- 

 rica. I am under my parole, and expect soon to be with 

 my friends in England. 



We have been most humanely treated. I cannot inform 

 you more particulars, having given my word of honour not 

 to disclose any thing relative to our capture. 1 am well, 

 thank God, in good spirits, and request you will make your- 

 self easy respecting me. 



I am, dear Lawrence, 



Your affectionate brother, 



JAMES HEYWORTH. 

 December, 12, 1812, 

 Los Senrs. Heyworth^ Irmoos ^ Co. 



JVb. 10, Resa das Violas^ Rio de Janeiro, 



Messrs. Heyworth, Brothers ^ Co. 

 Rio de Janeiro. 

 Gentlemen, 



Should it occur, that the bearer of this letter, captain 

 Porter, commander of the United States frigate Essex, vi- 

 sits your port, I have to entreat of you, that you will show 

 him every civility and hospitality in your power* 



VOL. K 5 



