er had said, that I had been rash. Neither
he nor Bob Cross would have ventured so much if I had not been so; and
they understood the vessel better than I did, so I resolved to be guided
by them until I felt able to judge for myself. Notwithstanding that
sail was afterwards carried more prudently, we had a most remarkably
rapid passage; for we took the breeze with us down the whole way, not
seeing a vessel during the run. I had another cause of impatience,
which was, to ascertain if Mr Vanderwelt and Minnie had left the
island.

On my arrival, I went first to the naval commanding officer, and then to
the governor's, delivering my credentials. They complimented me on my
having been so active. I accepted the governor's invitation to dinner,
and then went to inquire after Mr Vanderwelt. I walked first to his
house, but found it occupied by a Scotch merchant, who, however, was
very polite. He stated that he was an old friend of Mr Vanderwelt, and
could give me every information, as he had received letters from him
very lately; and that, in those letters, Mr Vanderwelt had informed him
that I had said, in my last letter to them, that I was again on the West
India station, and requested him, if I came to the island, to show me
every attention. "So, my dear sir," continued Mr Fraser, "I trust you
will enable me to comply with my friend Mr Vanderwelt's injunctions,
and consider this house as your home during your stay here."

I thanked Mr Fraser and accepted the offer. I sent for my portmanteau,
and slept there that night after I had dined with the governor. At
dinner I met Captain C---, who told me he had orders to send me on a
cruise, and asked when I would be ready. I replied, that I should like
a day or two to lift my rigging and overhaul it, as I had been very much
strained in my passage down.

"No wonder," replied he; "you must have flown--indeed, your log proves
it. Well, I will send you as soon as you are ready. The Naiad sloop is
out, and so is the Driver brig, both in pursuit of three vessels, which
have done a great deal of mischief. One is a French brig of fourteen
guns, very fast and full of men. She has her consort, a large schooner,
who is also a regular clipper. The other vessel is a brigantine, a very
fine vessel, built at Baltimore--of course, under French colours: she
cruises alone. I don't know how many guns she carries, but I suspect
that both she and the brig will be too much for you; an