in any way, but from the most honourable motives, declined joining. From the difficulty of getting out of the fort without aid, I hesitated at going alone, and mentioned it to a messmate, named Cadell, who also declined; I then sounded several other midshipmen without success. In this state of suspense, day after day elapsed, till the 4th of September, when I applied to one whose name was Hunter, he approved of my plans, and appeared gratified that I had selected him as a companion. Shortly after, it was agreed, that we should start on the 14th, intending, by means of picklocks, to get through the sally-port; and I was the more sanguine, from the circumstance of there being no sentinel at that door. At length, the 14th arrived, every thing wearing a favourable aspect, the hour of ten was appointed for the attempt. About four P.M. Hunter surprised me, by signifying his determination to postpone it until the spring, as, from the season of the year, he foresaw innumerable difficulties, and deemed success impossible.
