the application of our own officers. Finding there was no probability of a junction, and all suspicion being at length removed, I again commenced sounding those around me, when I found an opening to make a proposal to a brother mid, named Rochfort; he came into it immediately, the strictest secresy was observed, and we determined to be seldom seen together, although the most perfect harmony and cordiality prevailed between us, and, I may add, an implicit confidence in mutual support. He was well calculated for the adventure, as he was known to be a seaman, endowed with great bodily strength, and a still more admirable quality, firmness of mind; my only fear was from an apprehension of rashness, for to afford a chance of success in such an enterprize, it was of the utmost importance that courage should be tempered by prudence. With the assistance of Ricketts and Cadell, our preparations were completed, and the 15th of October, was fixed for departure. I was the more anxious to carry our plans into execution, so soon as matured, because the
