On the eleventh of December he was called to the home of James Reed by the Social Society of Sierra Leone to help draw up a constitution for this organization. Subsequent meetings were necessary to complete the work. When it had been done, the Friendly Society of Sierra Leone was born, beginning to function immediately. A communication from William Allen addressed to John Kizel was presented to the Society. It was duly answered and preparations made for carrying on commercial relations with the London African Institution. The government prohibition on landing rum and tobacco displeased many of the members because it took from them one possibility for lucrative revenues. In addition to these interests, Cuffe visited the schools and greeted the new missionaries. He was a first class teacher himself and many ambitious Negroes learned the art of navigation from his teachings. Occasionally he took apprentices, and at this time four Africans were indentured to him. Finally he made arrangements with the Governor for the reception of colonists who might come over from America. They discussed means for civilizing the natives, land grants to the new settlers, and problems of trade for all. When every measure had been taken looking to future relations between England, Sierra Leone, and America, he set sail for his home land. He was just four days out when Captain James Tildwell of the British sloop of war, _Abrina_, took the _Traveller_ back to Sierra Leone. Captain Tildwell did not understand the arrangement by which Captain Cuffe had four indentured servants on board. The matter was immediately brought to the attention of the Governor and Cuffe was permitted to renew his homeward voyage. Cuffe sailed according to the old rhyme-- If the wind comes before the rain, Clear the top sails and hoist them again. If the rain comes before the wind, Lower the top sails, and take them in. All went well on sea. But when on April 19, 1812, he reached American waters a grave difficulty beset him. The _Traveller_ was bringing to the United States a British cargo. This was contrary to the existing trade laws. What could be done? A pilot boat, the _Daggett_, offered to take him to New Bedford where he could interview the authorities. Moreover, it was an opportunity speedily to reach Westport and see his family. So he left the _Traveller_ at sea and took passage on the _Daggett_.