but that the vessel should be given up and be put into a fair channel for Trinidad, where I was bound.”  I requested him to examine the papers thoroughly, and perhaps he would be convinced to the contrary, and told him my cargo was all American property taken in at Boston, and consigned to an American gentleman, agent at Trinidad.  But the captain would not take the trouble, but ordered both vessels under way immediately, and commenced beating up amongst the Keys through most of the day, the wind being very light.  They now sent their boats on board the Exertion for stores, and commenced plundering her of bread, butter, lard, onions, potatoes, fish, beans, &c., took up some sugar box shocks that were on deck, and found the barrels of apples; selected the best of them and threw the rest overboard.  They inquired for spirits, wine, cider, &c. and were told “they had already taken all that was on board.”  But not satisfied they proceeded to search the state rooms and forcastle, ripped up the floor of the later and found some boxes of bottled cider, which they carried to their vessel, gave three cheers, in an exulting manner to me, and then began drinking it with such freedom, that a violent quarrel arose between officers and men, which came very near ending in bloodshed.  I was accused of falsehood, for saying they had got all the liquors that were on board, and I thought they had; the truth was, I never had any bill of lading of the cider, and consequently had no recollection of its being on board; yet it served them as an excuse for being insolent.  In the evening peace was restored and they sung songs.  I was suffered to go below for the night, and they placed a guard over me, stationed at the companion way.

Wednesday, 19th, commenced with moderate easterly winds, beating towards the northeast, the pirate’s boats frequently going on board the Exertion for potatoes, fish, beans, butter, &c. which were used with great waste and extravagance.  They gave me food and drink, but of bad quality, more particularly the victuals, which was wretchedly cooked.  The place assigned me to eat was covered with dirt and vermin.  It appeared that their great object was to hurt my feelings with threats and observations, and to make my situation as unpleasant as circumstances would admit.  We came to anchor near a Key, called by them Brigantine, where myself and mate were permitted to go on shore, but were guarded by several armed pirates.  I soon returned to the Mexican and my mate to the Exertion, with George Reed, one of my crew; the other two being kept on board the Mexican.  In the course of this day I had considerable conversation with Nickola, who appeared well disposed towards me.  He lamented most deeply his own situation, for he was one of those men, whose early good impressions were not entirely effaced, although confederated with guilt.  He told me “those who had taken me were no better than pirates, and their end would be the halter; but,” he added, with peculiar emotion, “I will never