[Sidenote: On Board the Cutter] He smilling said, “well,” I beleive nither, _by me_.--I will now, said he, explain to you the reasons, for our conduct toward you; I am said he--from Halifax, bound to England with dispatches for Gov^{t.}, I cannot take you, not having men to man you, if I had found money on board I shou’d have taken it out, & have put one man on board, that might not be call’d piricy & have let you have taken your chance--but as it is you can take charge of your ship, & do the best you can--the sail coming down, is an American Frigate, & if I can keep out the reach of her guns, I do not fear her heals, & the sooner you go on board the better--as soon, as you please, said I--& I crow[d]ed some of my papers into my Desk, & tied some up in a hankerchief, & thus went into the boat & was set on board my own ship again.--When I got on my Ships deck, the Frigate was so near that she cou’d easyly have sent a shot over me, & coming down will all sail set, & an American Insign at her Mizin peak.--altho I was confidant, she was an English Frigate; still, being compleatly within the reach of her guns, & my ships sails all taken, I had only to lay still & take it. [Sidenote: The Frigate] The Frigate was down, in a few minuits & the boats was manned, & came on board, under the command of an officer, in an american uniform.--the usual questions, of, where from, where bound, how long out &c &c, were ask’d, & ansered; when he thus interogated me, are you not in fear of being taken, No Sir, said I, for I think I am _already_ taken, what’. said he, by one of your own Frigates; no,’ said I, that is not an american Frigate, nither Sir, are _you_ intitled to wear that Button. Well,” said he, you are about right.--that is His Britianic majistys Frigate, the Jason, & to her, you are a prize.--now, said he, what have you on board for Cargo; sand Ballast, said I, _what_, did [you] cary to Cadiz, Flour, did it sell yes, it Brought $20.00 p^{r} Barrel.--Oh, you’ve Cash on board said he, No, said I, I remitted the proceeds of my cargo to London, & I have my thirds of exchange, to satisfy you.--well,” said he, you have a fine ship here; what will you give for her, & we give you, a clear passport into Boston.--after a little reflection, I name’d $5000.00 well,” said he, _give us the money_; Oh, I thank you said I, if it was on board, you wou’d take it without asking me.--I will give you a draft on London.--no, said he, _the cash_, or we _burn_ the ship.--well said I, you’l not burn me, in her I hope,--oh, no, you may give orders for your men to pick up their duds, & we will carry them on board the Frigate.--You will remain on board & select yourself a servant, from your crew, the ship is too good to _Burn_.--I accordingly selected my Nephew, E. C. Crosby, to remain with me, my mates & crew, were all carraied on board the Frigate,--After a while, the pinnace was sent with special orders for me to come on board the Frigate.--well,” I