He was in charge of six vessels loaded with cotton, and the ship's company of the Bronx and other vessels had an interest in their cargoes.

The Vixen was less than a hundred and fifty miles from the coast, and a tug boat, with a bow gun and a crew of twenty-five, could come out and capture the whole fleet without the least difficulty.

The risk was too great, and the commander was as firm as a rock.
The next morning, before it was daylight, Mr.Bangs the second lieutenant, who had the mid watch, sent a messenger to the commander to inform him that a sail was made out, which appeared to be a steamer, on the starboard bow, very broad, nearly on the beam.

Christy dressed himself in a great hurry, and hastened on deck.

It was beginning to be a little light, and the steamer appeared to be about five miles to the eastward of the Vixen, and was headed towards her.
Christy at once concluded that the vessel meant mischief, and he promptly gave the order to beat to quarters.