rgo for slaves and gold dust, from whence we will
transport our negroes to Buenos Ayres in New Spain, where (by virtue
of passports, obtained from our own court, and that of Madrid) we will
dispose of them and the goods that remain on board for silver, by means
of our supercargo, who is perfectly well acquainted with the coast,
the lingo, and inhabitants." Being thus let into the secret of our
expedition, I borrowed of the supercargo a Spanish grammar, dictionary,
and some other books of the same language, which I studied with such
application that, before we arrived in New Spain, I could maintain
a conversation with him in that tongue. Being arrived in the warm
latitudes, I ordered (with the captain's consent) the whole ship's
company to be blooded and purged, myself undergoing the same
evacuation, in order to prevent those dangerous fevers to which northern
constitutions are subject in hot climates; and I have reason to believe,
that this precaution was not unserviceable, for we lost but one sailor
during our whole passage to the coast.

One day, when we had been about five weeks at sea, we descried to
windward a large ship bearing down upon us with all the sail she could
carry. Upon which, my uncle ordered the studding-sails to be hoisted
and the ship to be cleared for engaging; but, finding that (to use the
seaman's phrase) we were very much wronged by the ship which had us in
chase, and by this time had hoisted French colours, he commanded the
studding-sails to be taken in, the courses to be clowed up, the main
topsail to be backed, the tompions to be taken out of the guns, and
every man to repair to his quarters. While every body was busied in the
performance of these orders, Strap came upon the quarter-deck, trembling
and looking aghast, and, with a voice half-suppressed by fear, asked if
I thought we were a match for the vessel in pursuit of us. Observing
his consternation, I said, "What! are you afraid, Strap." "Afraid! (he
replied); n-n-no; what should I be afraid of? I thank God I have a clear
conscience; but I believe it will be a bloody battle, and I wish you
may not have occasion for another hand to assist you in the cockpit." I
immediately perceived his drift, and making the captain acquainted with
his situation, desired he might be stationed below with me and my
mates. My uncle, incensed at his pusillanimity, bade me send him down
instantly, that his fear might not infect the ship's company; whereupon
I