striking the surface of the water several times, buried itself in
a huge billow at no great distance. This was language that
required no interpreter. It was a mandate that must be obeyed.
The helm was ordered "hard-a-lee," the foresail hauled up, and
the topsail laid to the mast.

The armed brig hoisted British colors, and her boat was soon
alongside the Dolphin. An officer sprang on board, followed by
several sailors. With an off-hand, swaggering air, the officer
addressed Captain Tilton, demanding where we were from, whither
we were bound, and the character of our cargo. He then expressed
an intention to examine the ship's papers, and went with the
captain into the cabin for that purpose. When they returned on
deck, Captain Tilton ordered the mate to summon aft the crew.
This was not a work of difficulty, for they were standing in the
waist, deeply interested spectators of the proceedings. At least
three of them were trembling with fear, and speculating on the
chances of being again impressed on board an English man-of-war.

"Where are these men's protections?" demanded the lieutenant.

By "protection," was meant a printed certificate, under the
signature and seal of the collector of one of the revenue
districts in the United States, stating that the person, whose
age, height, and complexion were particularly described, had
adduced satisfactory proof of being an American citizen. An
American seaman found without this document, whether in a foreign
port or on the high seas, was looked upon as an Englishman,
notwithstanding the most conclusive proof to the contrary, and
regardless of his rights or the engagements by which he might be