er, a man six feet two inches, went into action within half
pistol shot, in full uniform, as if he defied the power of the
British musketry. I have conversed with some of her officers and men
in my captivity, and think that I am warranted in saying, that there
was much more high-toned bravery exhibited on that day, than good
conduct.--The sailors, however, think differently; they all attribute
it to that unavoidable fatality which forever adheres, like pitch, to
an _unlucky_ ship. O, my country!

"It was that fatal and perfidious bark,
Built in th' eclipse, and rigg'd with curses dark,
That sunk so low that sacred head of thine!"
MILTON'S LYCIDAS.

CHAPTER II.

_August 30th._--Drafts continue to be made from this ship to be sent
off to Dartmoor Prison. There are but few of us remaining, and we are
every day in expectation of removal. All go off with evident
reluctance, from an apprehension that the change will be for the
worse. It is the "untried scene," that fills us with anxiety. We are
more disposed to bear our present ills, "than fly to others which we
know not of."

Oh, how we envy the meanest looking wretch we see, crawling on the
shore, gathering sticks to cook his fish. There the beggar enjoys the
natural inheritance of man, sweet LIBERTY; if the unfeeling, the
avaricious and morose, refuse his petition, he can sweeten the
disappointment with the reflection, that he has liberty to walk where
he pleases. He is not shut up, in the prime of life, and cut off from
all intercourse with those he holds most dear; he is not lingering out
his life and health under the morose countenance of an unfeeling
jailor. He has not, like us, a home, where peace, plenty, and every
good, await to welcome us. Who can express the anguish felt by some of
us, wretched prisoners, here crowded together, like sheep, men who
have broken no law of either country; but who have stood courageously
forth in supporting the sacred cause of our country, and in defending
"_free trade and sailors' rights_." Should this war continue some
years longer, or should peace be restored, and another war with
Britain commence, I will venture to predict that our enemies will take
but _few_ prisoners _alive_. My own mind is entirely made up on this
head. I hope to stand ready to risk my life for the liberty and
independence of our nation, and for the preservation of my own
personal lib