der to
transmit some letters for them to the American agent for prisoners,
and to the British commodore. This he could not well refuse. These two
officers accordingly came down to us. They requested the president of
the committee to state to them the cause and course of the dispute.
Mr. _Osmore_ stated his complaint, and the president of our committee
replied, and stated ours; and among other things, observed that the
word "_baa_," had no more meaning than a thousand other senseless
cries, uttering constantly from the throats of idle, thoughtless boys;
and begged Mr. Osmore to explain how such an unmeaning sound could be
construed into an insult to him; that if he and his officers should
cry _baa! baa! baa!_ all day, none of the Americans would think
themselves injured or affronted. As to forcibly keeping the port open,
the president observed, that however offended he might be, with a
saucy boy, the men did not deserve to be deprived of the light of
heaven, and to be confined below, and reduced to a smaller allowance
of food. The result was, the hatches were ordered to be taken off; and
we were all restored to our former situation. Capt. Hutchinson
acquired an additional stock of popularity with the prisoners for this
decision in our favor. The prisoners are discriminating, and not
ungrateful. The sailing-master, who is a Scotchman, has always treated
us with great tenderness and humanity. He has attended to our little
conveniences; and forwarded our letters. Mr. Barnes never descends to
little contemptible extortions; nor is he on the continual watch, lest
his dignity should suffer by a look, a tone, or a playful
interjection. When Osmore is absent, and Barnes gives orders, they are
instantly and cheerfully obeyed. If there is any disorder, this worthy
Scotchman can, by a word, restore harmony, of which we might give many
instances. In reprimanding a boy, the other day, for ill behavior, he
said to him, "I expect better things of you as an American; I consider
you all in a different light from that of a d--d set of French
monkies."

Mr. Galbreath is, likewise, a Scotchman; and he, too, is a very worthy
man. These two worthy Caledonians operate together in alleviating our
hard lot; and they do as much to please us, as the jealous and
revengeful disposition of some body else will admit of. We are all
pretty healthy, and the hospital arrangements on board are broken
up.--Some few remain on board the hospital ship.

Ten