e, and I had the honour of
being acquainted with some of the American skippers. Some were very
_outre_, coarse and vulgar, but two of them were agreeable and very civil.
The morning after my arrival the Governor sent for me. On being introduced
he requested me to take a seat, a cup of coffee and a cigar. The two
former I accepted, the latter I refused, at which he expressed some
surprise, as he imagined all Englishmen smoked. He then requested me to
relate through an American interpreter the manner in which I had been made
prisoner, if I had been treated well on board the privateer, or if any of
my clothes had been taken. I answered him very promptly to the last
question by informing him that I had nothing to lose, as I left the ship
only in the clothes I stood in. After a pause he sent for his secretary,
and desired him to write a note to the American Consul, who in a short
time after made his appearance. "Here," said he, "is a British officer who
has been unfortunately taken by one of our vessels; as you speak his
language, tell him from me that I am very sorry for his accident, and that
I have requested you to let him have any money he may require, for which I
will be responsible."

I made suitable acknowledgment for so noble and disinterested an offer. I
told him in my own language, for he understood it, and spoke it
imperfectly, that it was out of my power to thank him sufficiently for his
generosity to an enemy and a stranger. "The first, I am sure," replied he,
"you are no longer; the last you are, and call forth my sympathy and
protection," offering me his hand, which I took respectfully. "Now,"
continued he, "we understand each other, and I shall be happy to see you
without ceremony whenever you like to come." Here he turned to the Consul,
and after some complimentary conversation, he said, "Take this officer
with you and treat him as a friend, for he has found one in me."

We made our bows and withdrew. In our walk to his house I could not
forbear speaking of the great kindness the Governor had evinced towards
me. "I am not astonished at it," said the Consul; "I do not think since he
has had the government of this place he has ever seen a lieutenant of your
Navy, and as he considers you an officer of rank, he is determined as an
act of policy to make the most of you. His character is that of the high
Spanish, and I may add Irish, school, for his grandfather was an Irishman,
and died ennobled and a general offi