was returning from that officer with orders for my future guidance, ran past me, and incautiously proceeded until she reached the government-wharf, when some of her late crew, who had so imprudently been afforded the opportunity, jumped on shore, and reported that the British had already commenced hostilities.
“On receiving the orders brought by Lieutenant Forrest, I instantly sent him back to his schooner, with directions not to remain a moment longer in the harbour; at the same time intimating my intention of immediately putting to sea; but before I could do so, the Surinam was hailed by a Dutch frigate, and threatened with instant destruction if she attempted to move; the forts and batteries were then evidently preparing to carry this menace into effect. I was soon afterwards sent for by the governor, who acquainted me that, according to affidavits then lying before him, Dutch vessels had been detained by the British squadron on the Leeward Islands station; but that if I would recal the schooner, and her commander would pledge his word and honor to the contrary, the Surinam should not be detained. This, as I then felt convinced, was merely a ruse, and I therefore considered it my duty likewise to dissemble: I accordingly professed to acquiesce; but instead of recalling Lieutenant Forrest, I hailed the Surinam, directing that he should be ordered by signal to proceed to the commodore. There not being any possibility of effecting my escape, I now employed myself in taking plans of the forts and batteries, and in ascertaining the disposition of the inhabitants of St. Ann; transmitted all the information I acquired both to Sir John T. Duckworth and Commodore Hood; and was informed by those officers, that as soon as troops could be spared, an expedition would be sent against Curaçoa. My last despatches, however, were treacherously delivered into the hands of the Dutch governor, who immediately demanded the surrender of my ship, and ordered me to be confined in a room over the soldiers’ barrack, the windows of which were level with a rampart, and watched by two sentinels. In the course of the same evening, two musket-balls were fired into this room, one of
