I didn't suppose you were such a confounded fool as to think seriously of joining a privateer." "Why, sir, what can I do better?
Our merchant ships will be laid up or captured on the high seas.

Even the coasting trade will be destroyed by British cruisers stationed along the whole extent of our coast.

If I return to Newbern, I shall probably be thrown out of employment; a stranger in a small place, and almost as destitute as when I first shipped on board the Mary.

I have pondered on the subject, and am convinced that my best course is to go a privateering." "Go to Beelzebub, you mean!" exclaimed the captain, in a rage.

"I have no patience with you.