Your protection was obtained by perjury.
Get ready to go in the boat." In vain Captain Tilton represented that Johnson was sailing under the American flag; that he had the usual certificate of being an American citizen; that his vessel was already short manned, considering the peculiar character of the cargo, and if his crew should be reduced, he might find himself unable to manage the brig in heavy weather, which there was reason to expect at that season in the latitude of the West Indies.
To these representations the lieutenant replied in a brief and dry manner.

He said the man was an Englishman, and was wanted.

He repeated his orders to Johnson, in a more peremptory tone, to "go in the boat." To the threats of the captain that he would lay the matter before Congress, and make it a national affair, the officer seemed altogether indifferent.

He merely bade his trembling victim "bear a hand," as he wished to return to the brig without delay.
When Johnson saw there was no alternative, that his fate was fixed, he prepared to meet it like a man.

He looked at the American ensign, which was waving over his head, and said it was a pity the American flag could not protect those who sailed under it from insult and outrage.