ORPHEUS IN CAPE COD HARBOUR.--SENT ON SHORE WITH FLAG OF TRUCE.--POLITE
RECEPTION.--CAMP ATTACKED.--A MAGISTRATE OFFERS HIMSELF AS A HOSTAGE.--
OUR CAPTAIN'S MAGNANIMITY.--MY DYING MESSMATE.--AT SEA.--THIRTY REBEL
VESSELS CAPTURED.--DOUBT WHETHER THIS WILL INDUCE THE COLONISTS TO
RETURN TO THEIR ALLEGIANCE.
Varied are the changes of a seaman's life--I found them so, at all
events. An episode in my history was about to occur, of which I little
dreamed.
After the brush I have described with the enemy's batteries, the
squadron came to all anchor. On the evening, however, of the 15th of
June, the Orpheus was ordered to get under weigh, and proceed to Cape
Cod harbour.
When the sun arose in the morning, the inhabitants of the town, to their
no small dismay, found us anchored within gun-shot of their houses. I
was just dressed when Captain Hudson sent for me.
"Mr Hurry," said he, "you are to go on shore with a flag of truce.
Inquire for the mayor or chief magistrate, or authorities of some sort.
Tell them that we are in want of water and refreshments of various
sorts, that we are perfectly ready to pay for everything we have, and
then politely inform them that we are resolved, at all events, to have
what we require; and that if they decline supplying us, or in any way
molest us, we will knock their town about their ears and take what we
want by force."
I signified that I clearly understood my orders, and, quaffing a cup of
a villainous compound called tea, and putting a piece of biscuit into my
pocket, I tumbled hurriedly into my boat and shoved off. It took me
about twenty minutes to reach the landing-place before the town, whence
the boat had been observed approaching, and the very people I was in
search of were ready to receive me. The principal magistrate was a very
dignified old gentleman, with silver buckles on his shoes, velvet
small-clothes, a three-cornered hat on his head, and a silver-mounted
sword by his side. I did not expect to encounter such a personage in so
out-of-the-way and rough-and-ready sort of a place.
"May I ask, sir, to what cause we are indebted for the honour of a visit
from the King of England's ships?" said he, bowing low.
I thought that there was more of mock humility than of respect in his
manner, though. I delivered the message the captain had given me.
"Certainly, sir, certainly," replied my friend, smiling: "the arguments
you use are incontrovertible under our present circumstances. I doubt
not that they will make all the inhabitants of this place true and
faithful servants of King George."
I was rather amused than offended with his manner, and was pleased that
I had to deal with a gentleman instead of a lout.
"Do not let us weigh the force of the arguments, sir," I replied. "I
shall be perfectly satisfied if I have your word that you will not allow
any attempt to be made to molest our watering party, and will collect
for us any provisions we require."