I wrote a letter containing a short narrative of what had happened, and, at the same time, another on service to the captain, requesting that he would deliver up my property, the private journal, and letter-book in his possession. The captain, as soon as he received my letters, sent up word for his boat to be manned. As soon as it was manned, I reported it, and then begged to know whether he intended to comply with my request. He answered that he should not, and then went on deck, and quitted the brig to pull on board of the senior officer. I therefore determined immediately to write to the captain of the _Acasta_, acquainting him with the conduct of Captain Hawkins, and requesting his interference. This I did immediately, and the boat that had brought me on board not having left the brig, I sent the letter by it, requesting them to put it into the hands of one of the officers. The letter was received previous to Captain Hawkins' visit being over; and the captain of the _Acasta_ put it into his hands, inquiring if the statement were correct. Captain Hawkins replied, that it was true that he had detained these papers, as there was so much mutiny and disaffection in them, and that he should not return them to me. "That I cannot permit," replied the captain of the _Acasta_, who was aware of the character of Captain Hawkins; "if, by mistake, you have been put in possession of any of Mr Simple's secrets, you are bound in honour not to make use of them; neither can you retain property not your own." But Captain Hawkins was determined, and refused to give them to me. "Well, then, Captain Hawkins," replied the captain of the _Acasta_, you will oblige me by remaining on my quarter-deck till I come out of the cabin. The captain of the _Acasta_ then wrote an order, directing Captain Hawkins immediately to deliver up to _him_ the papers of mine in his possession; and coming out of the cabin, put it into Captain Hawkins' hands, saying, "Now, sir, here is a written order from your superior officer. Disobey it, if you dare. If you do, I will put you under an arrest, and try you by a court-martial." Captain Hawkins bit his lip at the order. "Your boat is manned, sir," said the captain of the _Acasta_, in a severe tone. Captain Hawkins came on board, sealed up the books, and sent them to the captain of the _Acasta_, who redirected them to me, on His Majesty's service, and returned them by the same boat. The public may therefore thank the captain of the _Acasta_ for the memoirs which they are now reading.