Chapter XIX

Mira.  How came we ashore?
Pro.  By Providence divine.

* * * * *

Sit still, and hear the last of our sea-sorrow. 
Here in this island we arrived.

“Tempest.”

A frigate called at the island for turtle; and, having represented my case to the captain, he offered to take me on board, telling me at the same time that he was going much farther to the southward, to relieve another cruiser, who would then return to England, and the captain of her would, no doubt, give me a passage home.  I accordingly made hasty preparations for my departure; took leave of all my kind friends at the barracks, for kind indeed they were to me, although thoughtless and foolish towards themselves.  I bade adieu to the families on the island, in whose houses and at whose tables I had experienced the most liberal hospitality; and last, though not least, I took leave of poor Carlotta.

This was a difficult task to perform, but it was imperative.  I told her that I was ordered on board by my captain, who, being a very different person from the last, I dare not disobey.  I promised to return to her soon.  I offered her money and presents, but she would accept of nothing but a small locket, to wear for my sake.  I purchased the freedom of poor Sophy, the black girl, who had saved my life.  The little creature wept bitterly at my coming away; but I could do no more for her.  As for Carlotta, I learned afterwards that she went on board every ship that arrived, to gain intelligence of me, who seldom or ever gave her a thought.

We sailed; and, steering away to the south-east with moderate winds and fine weather, captured, at the end of that time, a large American ship, which had made a devious course from the French coast, in hopes of avoiding our cruisers; she was about four hundred tons, deeply laden, and bound to Laguira, with a valuable cargo.  The captain sent for me, and told me that if I chose to take charge of her, as prize master, I might proceed to England direct.  This plan exactly suited me, and I consented, only begging to have a boatswain’s mate, named Thompson, to go along with me; he was an old shipmate, and had been one of my gig’s crew when we had the affair in Basque Roads; he was a steady, resolute, quiet, sober, raw-boned Caledonian, from Aberdeen, and a man that I knew would stand by me in the hour of need.  He was ordered to go with me, and the necessary supply of provisions and spirits were put on board.  I received my orders, and took my leave of my new captain, who was both a good seaman and an excellent officer.

When I got on board the prize, I found all the prisoners busy packing up their things, and they became exceedingly alert in placing them in the boat which was to convey them on board the frigate.  Indeed they all crowded into her with an unusual degree of activity; but this did not particularly strike my attention at the time.  My directions were to retain the captain and one man with me, in order to condemn the vessel in the Court of Admiralty.