He began with a very lame apology for his previous conduct, and then declared that he was the victim of a "Yankee trick," and that the West Wind had not been fairly captured.
"Your officers imposed upon me," he continued.

"Mr.Balker and Jerry Sandman"-- "Who are they ?" inquired Captain Breaker, interrupting him.
"I was Mr.Balker, engaged as mate of the West Wind, selected for that position by Mr.Passford, while the lieutenant was Jerry Sandman, second mate, which he chose to be himself so that he could be with the men," interposed Mr.Graines.
"I did not know what their names was, and I reckoned all was honest and square.

These men, whoever they were, got me drunk, and got drunk themselves; and while I was taking a nap, waiting for the steamer to get under way, they fastened me into my stateroom so I couldn't get out." "I went through the forms, but I did not take a drop of liquor into my mouth," said Christy.
"I did not take more than a tablespoonful both on board and at the camp of the runaways," added Mr.Graines.
"Then you cheated me more'n I thought." "Is this all the complaint you have to make, Captain Sullendine ?" asked Captain Breaker, turning to the master of the West Wind.
"I reckon that's enough!" protested the complainant.

"I say it was not a fair capture, and you ought to send my vessel back to Mobile Point, where your officers found her." "I shall not do that, but I will compromise the matter by sending you to Mobile Point, as I have no further use for you," replied the commander.
"You are a non-combatant, and not a prisoner of war." French was ordered to leave Captain Sullendine, Bokes, and Sopsy at the shore where the whaleboat had made a landing, as soon as it was dark.
For some reason not apparent, the master of the West Wind protested against this sentence; but no attention was given to his protest.

The commander was confident that he had evidence enough to secure the condemnation of the prize, and he regarded such an unreasonable fellow as her late captain as a nuisance.