Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 3.djvu/61

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE NAVAL OFFICER.
57

In case of meeting with any vessel bound to the United States, the admiral had given me permission to send my prisoners home without carrying them to England. I had not mentioned this either to Peters or Green, for fear of producing disappointment; but when I found I could dispose of them so comfortably, I acquainted them with my intention. Their joy and gratitude were beyond all description; they thanked me a thousand times, as they did my friend Talbot for our kindness to them.

"Leftenant," said Peters, "I am not much accustomed to the company of you Englishmen; and if I have always thought you a set of tyrants and bullies, it arn't my fault. I believed what I was told; but now I have seen for myself, and I find the devil is never so black as he is painted." I bowed to the Yankee compliment.

"Howsoever," he continued, "I should like to have a sprinkling of shot between us on fair. terms. Do you bring this here brig to our waters; I hope to get another just like her, and