We anchored off a part of the coast which was not in a state of defence, and the people, being unprotected by their own government, considered themselves as neutrals, and supplied us with as much fish, poultry, and vegetables as we required. While we lay here, the captain and officers frequently went on shore for a short time without molestation. One night, after the captain had returned, a snow-storm and a gale of wind came on. The captain's gig, which ought to have been hoisted up, was not; she broke her painter and went adrift, and had been gone some time before she was missed. The next morning, on making inquiry, it was found that the boat had drifted on shore a few miles from where we lay; and that having been taken possession of by the Americans, they had removed her to a hostile part of the coast, twenty-two miles off. The captain was very much annoyed at the loss of his boat, which he considered as his own private property, although built on board by the king's men, and with the king's plank and nails. "As my private property," said his lordship, "it ought to be given up, you know." I did not tell him that I had seen the sawyers cutting an anchor-stock into the plank of which it was built, and that the said plank had been put down to other services in the expense-book. This, however, was no business of mine; nor had I any idea that the loss of this little boat would so nearly produce my final catastrophe; so it was, however, and very serious results took place in consequence of this accident. "They _must_ respect private property, you know," said the captain to the first lieutenant. "Yes," answered the lieutenant; "but they do not know that it is private property." "Very true: then I will send and tell them so;" and down he went to his dinner. The yawl was ordered to be got ready, and hoisted out at daylight, and I had notice given me that I was to go away in her. About nine o'clock the next morning, I was sent for into the cabin; his lordship was still in bed, and the green silk curtains were drawn close round his cot. "Mr Thingamy," said his lordship, "you will take the what's-his-name, you know." "Yes, my lord," said I. "And you will go to that town, and ask for my thingumbob." "For your gig, my lord?" said I. "Yes--that's all." "But, my lord, suppose they won't give it to me?" "Then take it." "Suppose the gig is not there, my lord; and if there, suppose they refuse to give it up?" "Then take every vessel out of the harbour." "Very well, my lord.--Am I to put the gun in the boat--or to take muskets only?" "Oh, no--no arms--take a flag of truce--Number 8 (white flag) will do." "Suppose they will not accept the flag of truce, my lord?" "Oh, but they will: they always respect a flag of truce, you know." "I beg your lordship's pardon, but I think a few muskets in the boat would be of service." "No, no, no--no arms! You will be fighting about nothing. You have your orders, sir."