The former said, 'Sir, you have no business here, this vessel is under English protection.

I give you five minutes to leave or take the consequences.' The other replied, 'Sir, I am ordered to search the vessel, and search her I will.' They both seemed to, and I am sure did, mean business; for myself, I got close to my lieutenant and cocked a pistol, intending to shoot the French officer at the least show of fighting.

Nevertheless, I thought it a shockingly cruel and inhuman thing to begin a cold-blooded fight under such circumstances.
However, to obey orders is the duty of every man.

Lieutenant C---- looked at his watch; two minutes to spare.

The marines were ordered to prepare, and I thought at the end of the two minutes the deck of the little vessel would have been steeped in blood.