This precipitate action alarmed both David and his cousin. The thought occurred to both that since David knew the contents of Wilkinson’s letter, he might be detained a prisoner even after the Governor was informed of his identity. Daniel Clark returned to his office and hurriedly wrote a letter to David’s father, explaining the situation and in order to make the gravity of it clear, enclosed the copy of Wilkinson’s letter. He then went to the municipal wharf and hunting up John Campbell, told what had happened, without mentioning his fears as to David, and impressed upon him that for his own and David’s safety he must return immediately to Kentucky. A pirogue was gotten ready, loaded with provisions and John’s personal effects; he was given the letter for Mr. Clark and told to take two men from the crew. He selected two friends and they were getting into the canoe when Jennings came up and asked that one of the crew named Ballinger be substituted in place of one of the men as he had a communication for Wilkinson which required immediate delivery. Jennings seeing the Governor’s secretary helping John off assumed that he was leaving as a special messenger in the Governor’s service and did all he could to help; glad that without friction he could now assume command and load the boats with the return cargo. Shortly before sundown of the afternoon of David’s arrest the three hardy back-woodsmen, and by recent experiences capable river-men began their river voyage to Frankfort, of more than fifteen hundred miles. John was now fully impressed with the importance of getting away before the Governor discovered his mistake. As Clark had not told him of the secrets David had learned by reading Wilkinson’s letter, he knew of no reason why David should not be released as soon as he was beyond the reach of the Governor. Before leaving he made Daniel Clark promise that on the afternoon of the next day he would demand of the Governor why his cousin was held as a prisoner; when an investigation would ensue and the Governor discover his own mistake. The early morning of the day following John’s departure, the frigate set sail for Spain with David Clark prisoner aboard. Thirty hours later the ship passed through the mouth of the river and the swells of the gulf soon caused him to forget his own identity; or at least for the time being, to wish that he was John Campbell or any person other than David Clark. When he felt better they were out of sight of land and thinking it time to exhibit an interest in his own welfare, asked to speak to the captain and was brought before him. “Be brief, what is it?” “My name is not John Calvin Campbell but David Clark.”