Major Strong was sent on shore with two companies,--those of Captain James and Captain Metcalf,--with instructions to surround the town quietly, allow no one to leave it, molest no one, and hold as temporary prisoners every man whom he found.
I watched them push off into the darkness, got the remaining force ready to land, and then paced the deck for an hour in silent watchfulness, waiting for rifle-shots.

Not a sound came from the shore, save the barking of dogs and the morning crow of cocks; the time seemed interminable; but when daylight came, I landed, and found a pair of scarlet trousers pacing on their beat before every house in the village, and a small squad of prisoners, stunted and forlorn as Falstaff's ragged regiment, already hi hand.

I observed with delight the good demeanor of my men towards these forlorn Anglo-Saxons, and towards the more tumultuous women.

Even one soldier, who threatened to throw an old termagant into the river, took care to append the courteous epithet "Madam." I took a survey of the premises.

The chief house, a pretty one with picturesque outbuildings, was that of Mrs.A., who owned the mills and lumber-wharves adjoining.