Well, just then, Tom, when I had got my accounts squared, the rascals took my vessel, and sunk it in the channel to keep the Union fleet out.

My pipe was out then, and I couldn't do any thing more.

I hung round the city of Norfolk till I saw there was no chance to get out in that direction; and then I left.

I was up near Bull Run--the rebels call it Manassas--when the battle was fought; but our folks got licked so badly, that it was no use to try to get through there.
"I tried half a dozen times to crawl through, and had nearly starved to death in the woods; but some rebel cavalry pickets spied me out, called me a traitor, and sent me back.

My money was all gone by this time, and I went over to Norfolk again.