mained so long clinging to the mast; if he
had not given up all hopes of being saved? and he replied no, that he
had not; that he did not know how long he might have had to remain
there, but that he had never abandoned the idea of being taken off by
some vessel or another, and that he thought that he might have
continued there for twenty-four hours longer without being exhausted,
as after he had sunk himself into the water he felt warm, and no
exertion was necessary. It is of such buoyant spirits as these, Madam,
that seamen should be made.

You cannot have an idea of the pleasure which I experienced at this
falling in with my brother Philip. It appeared to have given a new
stimulus to my existence; even privateering did not appear so hateful
to me, after I had heard him express his delight at being likely to be
so employed, for such he stated had long been his ardent wish. Two
days afterwards we had regained our cruising-ground, and perceived a
French privateer steering for the port of Calais, in company with a
large merchant vessel which she had captured. The wind was light, and
we discovered her at daybreak, just as the fog cleared away, she being
then about mid-channel, and not more than five miles distant. We made
all sail, and soon were within gun-shot. The Frenchman appeared
determined not to part with his prize without a trial of strength, but
as the captured vessel was the nearest to us, I decided to retake her
first, and then fight him if he wished. I therefore steered to lay the
prize by the board. The Frenchman, a lugger of twelve guns, perceiving
our intention, made also for the prize to defend her, he steering up
for her close-hauled, we running down to her free, the prize lying
between us, and sheltering each of us from the other's guns. It is
difficult to say whether the Frenchman or we were the first to touch
her sides with our respective vessels; I rather think that the
Frenchman was a second or two before us. At all events they were
quicker than we were, and were on the deck first, besides having the
advantage of the assistance of their men already on board, so that we
were taken at a great disadvantage. However, we did gain the deck by
boarding at two points, forward and aft, and a fierce contest ensued.
The French were more numerous than we were, but my men were better
selected, being all very powerful, athletic fellows. Philip had
boarded with the other party forward, which was led by my chief
off