time absent. Mr. Tuthill wished to go and see what detained him. Mr, Essel and myself remained on the side of the road, anxiously looking out. They very soon appeared; and, to our inexpressible grief and mortification, were conducted by two armed men in an uniform entirely foreign to us.[1] I clearly perceived that these fellows had taken them into custody, from the manner in which they approached. When they had joined us, Mr. Ashworth introduced me to them, as Captain Cox, of the ship Favourite, of New York – This had been the story fixed upon in case of being stopped. – We had been cast away near Marseilles, and all hands had perished, except Florence Neath (Mr. Ashworth) mate, William Dixon (Mr. Tuthill) supercargo, and Mr. Essell, (whose new name I now forget) passenger. We were bound to Barcelona. Cargo – slaves and cotton. Only the supercargo and mate could speak French: consequently, I had an opportunity of disclosing my sentiments more freely, to those who stood interpreters. They appeared to commiserate our situation, and had not the least doubt but what we alledged was true: But they must take us to the mayor of the town, who would (no doubt) grant us passports to proceed to some sea-port, whence we could take shipping for America, or any other place we pleased. We expressed our warmest thanks for this mark of their attention; but (if they pleased) we did not wish to put them to the inconvenience of going out of their way on our account. – It was entirely in their way, and it was impossible we could proceed along the coast without papers – they were only astonished how we had crossed the kingdom of France, without being arrested. We had been much to blame in not having procured passports prior to our quitting Marseilles. We assured them. We were ignorant of its being in the smallest degree necessary – We had been born in a country where nothing of the bind was required, and where it would be deemed a very great insult, to ask any person where he came from, or whither he was going. They gave a shrug at this – and declared it was bien different dans ce pays ci. We regretted that we had not been more enlightened with respect to the laws of their country, &c. &c.; and by that time we arrived at the ferry boat, and in a few minutes were in the town of Estaples. We had a number of articles in our possession that we wished to get rid of; so I desired my mate to mention to them, that I wished to take a little refreshment at some convenient inn, before we waited on the mayor. They consented, without hesitation, and we arrived at a small cabaret; called for some bread and wine, and, one at a time had occasion to withdraw for a few minutes – Thus, we got clear of several things, that might have produced disagreeable consequences.
“We now cheerfully accompanied (at least in appearance) our conductors. They were under the necessity of waiting upon their captain, before they went- ↑ They were douaniers or custom-house officers – the sea-coast abounded with them.
