About the 20th of the month, I received permission from Cambiaso to go on board my vessel, and remain there; and on the same day my crew were released from their prison, and allowed to run at large in the yard, and cook for themselves. After my long confinement in the barracks, under the constant supervision of the guard, never allowed to eat or sleep without being watched, the Florida seemed like home to me, and the face of my steward like that of an old friend. He had been kept on board to cook for the men who were living in the Florida, at the head of whom was an officer by the name of Tapia, (the one who brought my first and second letters to me,) and his wife. My steward had often asked for me while I was on shore, and Tapia would sometimes tease him, by telling him that I was shot or hung, that he would never see me again, and so forth; at which he would cry like a child; and when he saw me come on board, he danced and skipped around me with a true negro-like expression of delight. I asked him if he wanted to stay in that country with those rebels and pirates. “No, massa; no, massa Captain,” he replied, “I want to be with you; I feel safe while you are by me.” CHAPTER VI. Comparative comfort--The American ensign--Christmas day--My visit to the barracks--The Indian boys--Cambiaso’s rage--Execution of the Indian woman--The cattle slaughtered--Escape of the Indians--Fears of the rebels--Preparations for leaving--The Florida re-christened--Interview with Cambiaso--The embarking of the colonists--Prisoners sent to the Florida. After my removal to the Florida, I made myself comparatively comfortable, with the help of my steward Tom, who seemed as if he could never do enough for me. I was allowed to take possession of my state-room, and found some few of my personal effects lying about the vessel, which I took the liberty of taking possession of. Tom had two of my shirts, which he had washed in his best manner, and hid for me. The luxury of a change of clothes and a good bath, was delightful to me. Tom was allowed to do my cooking at the same time that he did Tapia’s, our rations being brought from the barracks. I used to eat my meals, sitting on the deck, it being then the height of summer, and very warm most of the time, in the cabin. One morning, in loitering on the deck, I saw the American ensign, which had been ignominiously thrown behind a coil of rope. I glanced around, and finding that no one was observing me, raised it, and hurried with it to my state room, concealing it beneath my mattrass. I found the Florida much injured by the neglect and rough usage she had undergone. Many of her sails were destroyed, her running and standing gear cut up, and one of her quarter boats lost. This grieved me very much; and with Tom’s aid, I endeavored gradually to repair such of the injuries as it was in my power to mend, thinking that the time might come when the vessel might enable us to make our escape.