What then was our crime in the eyes of Miss Schmalz?  Doubtless that of knowing too well the persons really guilty of our misfortunes.  Yes, on this account, whenever Miss Schmalz saw us, which was extremely seldom, our presence must have been a thunder-bolt to her.  She could say to herself, “these men have in their hands the fate of my father.  If they speak, if they utter complaints which they suppress here, if they are listened to, (and how should they not be listened to in a country, where a charter, the noble present of our august Monarch, causes justice and the law to reign,) instead of being the daughter of a governor, I am but a wretched orphan; instead of these honors, with which it gives me so much pleasure to be surrounded, I fall into the degradation, and the oblivion which generally await the unhappy family of a great criminal.”

It is certain that, if we had listened to our griefs, if we had called to legal account, the authors of our misfortunes, it is difficult to believe that they would have escaped the inflexible rigour of justice.  But we have been generous, and it is we who are oppressed!  Thus, as the historians of the human heart, have but too often observed, “It is more easy to pardon the injury we have received, than that we have inflicted.”

The little vessel chosen to go to the frigate, was a schooner, commanded by a lieutenant of the navy; the crew was composed of some black-drivers, and some passengers.  It sailed from St. Louis, on the 26th, of July, and had on board, provisions for eight days:  so that having met with contrary winds, it was obliged to return to port, after having, in vain, endeavoured for seven or eight days, to get to the Medusa.

This schooner sailed again after having taken in provisions for about twenty-five days; but, as the sails were in a very bad condition, and the owner would not change them, till they were wholly unfit for service, she was obliged to sail again, with a few repairs only.  Having experienced at sea, a pretty heavy gale, the sails were almost entirely destroyed, and she was obliged to return to port after having been a fortnight at sea, without having been able to accomplish her purpose.  She was then furnished with new sails, which cost about ten days labour.  As soon as she was ready, they sailed for the third time, and reached the Medusa, fifty-two days, after she had been abandoned.

A very obvious reflection here presents itself to the most inattentive mind:  it is certain, that the reader must presume, that this was the only schooner in the colony; it is our duty to undeceive him:  many other merchants offered their vessels; but their offers were declined.  The governor liked better to treat with a single house, than to have accounts to regulate with a part of the merchants of the colony; who, however, were ready to place at his disposal, every thing in their power.  Mr. Durecur was the merchant favored.  This house carries on the whole