common among the
Americans. On parting with the master of my brig, a sharp dialogue took
place between us.

"I guess I'll fit out a privateer, and take some of your merchanters."

"Take care you are not taken yourself," said I, "and pass your time on
board one of our prison ships; but, remember, whatever may happen, it's
all your own fault. You have picked a German quarrel with us, to please
Boney; and he will only spit in your face when you have done your best
for him. Your wise President has declared war against the
mother-country."

"Damn the mother-country," muttered the Yankee; "stepmother, I guess you
mean, tarnation seize her!!!"

We continued following the ship, and by night-time the frigate had
secured eight prizes; one of them being a brig in ballast, the prisoners
were put on board of her, my Yankee friend among the number, and turned
adrift, to find their way home. We took care to give to all of them
their private ventures and their clothes. I was in hopes of being
allowed to go to Halifax with my prize; but the captain, knowing how I
was likely to pass my time, kept me with him. We cruised two months,
taking many privateers, some large and some small; some we burned, and
some we scuttled.

One day we had one of these craft alongside, and having taken everything
out of her that was worth moving, we very imprudently set her on fire
before she was clear of the ship's side; and as we were on a wind, it
was some minutes before we could get her clear. In the meantime the
fire began to blaze up in a very alarming manner under the mizen chains,
where, by the attraction of the two floating bodies, she seemed resolved
to continue; but on our putting the helm up I and giving the vessel a
sheer the contrary way, as soon as we were before the wind, she parted
from us, to our great joy, and was soon in a volume of flame. Our
reason for setting her on fire alongside was to save time, as we wanted
to go in chase of another vessel, seen from the mast-head, and lowering
a boat down to destroy this vessel would have detained us.

Before the end of the cruise, we chased a schooner, which ran on shore
and bilged; we boarded her, brought away her crew and part of her cargo,
which was very valuable. She was from Bordeaux, bound to Philadelphia.
I was sent to examine her, and endeavour to bring away more of her
cargo. The tide rising in her, we were compelled to rip up her decks,
and discovered that she was laden