pect was the better
for me. The ship was all ready for sea, and on the 18th of the month,
just four days after I got back to Jamaica, we sailed on a cruise, in
company with his Majesty's frigate Hinchinbrook, commanded by Captain
Parker, the admiral's son, off Cape Saint Antonio. I found that the
Camel, which had been sent to accompany a fleet through the gulf, had on
her return, when off Cape Saint Antonio, seen a considerable number of
Saint Domingo ships. One she had taken which was very valuable, but,
being a slow sailer, the others had escaped her. Her captain informed
Sir Peter that he was certain if a couple of ships would sail
immediately the fortunes of all on board would be made. In consequence
of this the admiral despatched the Hinchinbrook and my ship the
Porcupine, directing us not to wait to fill up with provisions or water,
but to proceed at once to the locality where these rich prizes were to
be found.

On the 25th we arrived off our station. The next day a stranger was
reported in sight--a schooner. We made all sail in chase. How
delightful it was to feel myself once more on board ship, bowling away
with a fine breeze through the free sparkling waters, with England's
time-honoured flag above my head. I could scarcely refrain from
shouting with pleasure, and I do not think that anybody would have been
much astonished had I done so, for I should have replied, "Let me tell
you, old fellows, if any of you had been shut up in a dull village in an
abominable climate, half-starved, ill-treated and insulted, hearing
constantly that old England was conquered, that her fleets were
destroyed, and her people led into captivity, with your companions and
friends dying about you, and, when dead, buried like dogs, you would
shout when you found yourselves at liberty, and able once more to do
battle with the enemies of your country."

Whether the schooner was American or French we could not at first
determine, but that she was an enemy there could be no doubt. The
prospect of prize-money is always pleasant, though when obtained, in too
many cases, it is spent in folly and extravagance. All hands were in
high spirits; a good beginning to a successful cruise we thought it
would prove. Cape Antonio bore at the time south-east. We had almost
got the chase within range of our guns, when a grating sound was heard,
and a shock was felt which sent most of the ship's company toppling down
on their noses; the water