It is difficult to describe the consternation on board the French vessels, whose decks were crowded with strangers (French merchants, &c.), invited from the shore to do honour to their King's fete.

These horrid tompions and their adjuncts went flying on to their decks, from which every one scampered in confusion.

It was lucky our guns did not burst.
This was a most awkward dilemma for all of us.

I was sent on board to apologise.

The French captain, with the courtesy of his nation, took the mishap most good-humouredly, begging me to return the tompions to my captain, as they had no occasion for them.