I was strong and active, and although poorly off for clothing or worldly goods, was free from debt, and had a couple of dollars which I could call my own.

My condition had decidedly improved; the prospect ahead began to brighten, and I felt able and anxious to perform a manly part in any noble enterprise.
I took an early opportunity to look around the wharves, and examine the privateers that were getting ready for a cruise.

Two of these vessels particularly commanded my admiration, the Teaser and the Paul Jones.
The Teaser was a New York pilot boat of ninety tons burden, a rakish, wicked-looking clipper enough.

Her armament consisted chiefly of one long eighteen-pounder amidships.

The Paul Jones was a large schooner of two hundred and twenty tons, heavily rigged, with immense spars, a spacious deck, and of a genuine buccaneer model.