The first lieutenant's boat went from the starboard side, and the second cutter was lowered on the port in charge of the third lieutenant.

Christy went in the first boat, and Mr.
Gilfleur in the second.

The officers and crews of both boats were especially directed to see that nothing was thrown overboard from the Ionian; for if her captain found that he was in a "tight place," he would be likely to heave his papers into the sea.
The first cutter had not made half the distance to the Ionian before she pulled down the British flag and hoisted the American in its place.

Her commander evidently believed that he was getting into hot water, and well he might.

He must have been selected for this enterprise on account of his fitness for it, and as the steamer had not sailed on an honest voyage, he could not be an honest man, and the officers of the boats despised him.