Chapter II: Part 2

While seting, with writing meterials before me in my chamber, in the act of writing for another set of papers--a French gentleman, who occopied the next room, & who spoke good English, passed my door; I asked him in, & related to him my greivances--after he had thought for a few moments; he advised me, to endevour to obtain an interveiw with Roberspeire, & make known to him my greivances; assuring me that he was partial to Americans, & had no doubt, but he would give me such advice as would be servicable to me--But, I asked, will he, the leader of this nation, condesend to listen to a private induvidual, & interpose, in meely, a commercial transaction--yes, if the business is managed right, I am confident he will. But, how shall I obtain an interveiw--simply by writing him a billet yourself, in the republican stile, an American cetizen, to citizen Roberspeire, & send it by a servant of the Hotel, requesting an interview upon business.

[Sidenote: Interview with Robespierre]

After duly considering upon the subject, I wrote the following, & sent it by servant.

An American citizen, captured by a French Frigate on the
high seas, requests, a personal interveiw; & to lay his
greivances before citizens Roberspeire.

Very respectfully
E. Cobb

In about an hour, I received the following note, in his own hand writing.

I will grant Citizen Cobb an interveiw to morrow at 10 A M.

Roberspeire

This, gave a spring to my feelings, and banished that depression which had held me in chains, for some days previous. I was puntual to the time--sent my name up, & was admitted into the presence of the great man. He pointed me to a seat without speaking; there was one man, only, in the Hall, an enterpreter, who told me that, Citizen Roberspeire whished me, to commince my relation, at the time of my capture, and to tell the whole, up to this time--I accordingly proceeded; and, thro” the interpreter, related my Capture & treatment, up to that time--upon my closing the detail; with a waive of Roberspeires hand, the interpreter left the hall, and he, R--e, began conversing with me, in very good English, questioning me, upon some perticcular points, of the former conversation; but more perticurly, about the loss of my papers, since I arrived in Paris--finally, he told me to call at an office, in Rue S^{t.} Honorie, called the office of the 2^{d} department, & _demand_ my papers, I told him, that I had been there repeatedly, & that I was forbid to enter the office again, upon my telling him that, he exclaimed. _Sacra coquin_--go, said he, to that office, & tell cetizen F. T., that you came from R--e, and if he does not produce your papers, & finish your business _immediately_, he will hear from me again, in a way not so pleasing to him. Observing at the same time, that he regreted that _his name_ should be made use of, in a mercantile transaction, but that my case, absolutely demanded it.

I tendered my greatfull thanks for his services, & left him; after receiving his injunctions, to call & let him know how I succeeded--I went direct to the afores^{d.} office; and, by the previledge of making use of Roberspeirs name, I was kindly rec^{d.} an opology made, for former abuses, and my business compleated the next day--but as my exchanges were drawn, payable sixty days after date, & the tribunal had decred, demurage &c, untill I received my Bills, I refused to receive them in Paris, as my pay wou’d then stop, but insisted on their being sent to the agent in Brest agreable to contract--my object was, not to receive them untill 12 or 15 days before they were due, consequently I remained in Paris about 3 weeks after my bills were sent to Brest. and during that time, the great man, who had so assentially befreinded me, was beheaded by the Galliotine.

[Sidenote: Various Pleasant Towns]

This event, very meterially changed the aspect of affairs in France; my exchanges, which before, I could have readily sold at par value, now, would not bring 50^{cts.} on the dollar--this induced me, to go on to Hamburg with them myself & know the result; and having a desire to see more of the country, & could travell, principally, at the expence of the nation, having full time, before my bills wou’d become due--I took my seat in the accomodation stage for Burdeaux, visited that City, tarried 5 days, again started, visited Nantes, Loreong,[2] & various pleasant towns in La Vanda,[3] & arrived at Brest, 20 days before my bills were due.

The agent of Merine, expressed a little disapprobation at my not calling before for my Bills, having had them about 20 days--but I setled with him, quite amicably; and found a small vessell, bound direct for Hamburg, in her, I secured a passage, & embarked 3 days after. We had a long passage, but I arrived the next day after my bills became due.

[Sidenote: Welcome Advice]

And here, I will relate, one of those casual events, which frequently take place, to the benifit of man--the vessell in which I took passage, stopped at Gluxstad, a town on the river Elbe, about 30 miles below Hamburg; the Captain & myself went on shore, & engaged a carraige to take us up to the City; but night overtaking us before we reached it, the gates were shut & we could not enter (the gates were always shut at sunsetting, & upon no occasion, were opened untill sun-rise) consequently, we turned back, about a mile, to the Danish city of Altony, where put up for the night, at a famous Hotel, & there I found a number of american ship Masters merchants &c; at the supper table, various questions were asked me, by which they learned that I was from France, that I came as a passenger; but I discovered that curiosity was _wide awake_ to know my business--I, however, thought proper, to keep that to myself; having my fears, relative to my Bills--after riseing from the supper table, a gentleman came to me, & asked me into his room; being seated; he introduced himself as follows.--I am Sir, an american, from New York, my name is Loyle, I noticed the curiosity of our countrymen, at the supper table, to know your business; & Sir, I was pleased to notice your prudent reservation, upon the subject--I do not ask you; but conjecture what it is, and if it is, as I think; I can be of service to you, by way of advice, probably.--my conjecture is, that you have French government Bills on their agent in Hamburg; if so, I advise you, to let no man know it, but go & present your demands, in person; otherwise, they will be protested; for their agent De çhapeaurouge, has already been prosecuted, for paying French claims, I think, therefore, if you conveince him, that no one but yourself, is privy to the transaction, that he may pay them. I tended to M^{r.} Loyle my thanks, for his information & left him, and the next morning, I entered the city, and by enquiry soon found the office of the said agent, & presented my Bill--he cast his eye upon it, without speaking, then gave me a very scrutenizing look, & said, how came you in possession of this draft--I received, Sir, from M. V. la Fontaine, Minister of Marine at Brest--did you receive it in person, or thro” other hands--I received it myself--has it been in your possession ever since--it has--who are your freinds in this city--I have none, nor even a corispondent, nor ever was in the city before, &, Sir, your office, is the first, & only building I ever entered in Hamburg,--where did lodge last night--I now told him, that I came a passenger from Brewst, that the vessell stopped at Gluxstaad, that I landed & hired a carriage to bring me to Hamburg, that we were too late to enter the city last night, that the driver landed me in Altona, at Lants’s Hotel, where I lodged & Breakfasted this morn”, that I came alone into the city, & by enquiry had found his office--He then observed, it is an unusual mode of negociating bills, it is generally done thro” some resident merchant, especially by a stranger, like yourself--I told him, that in so simple a transaction, as that of presenting a draft for acceptance, I felt myself competant to the task, and thereby save paying a commission--well, ‘said he you have acted discreetly, took a pen & wrote accepted, across the face of the Bill--He then said; your money is ready for you; but this draft, must not go out of my hands again; for if it does, it never will be paid by me.

This embarrassed me extreemly; what could I do, with 40,000 crowns in silver, in my situation, an entire stranger, in a strange City.

After a moments reflection, I said to him, will you, Sir, give me your due bill, & allow me to receipt the draft--certainly, said he, I will; and accordingly, it was done. This, I knew, was exchanging the obligation, of a great & powerfull nation, for that of a private induvidual; but I thought, that circomstances justified the Act.

I then asked him, if he would name to me, a house of entertainment, frequented by Americans, & he ordered a servant to conduct me to Lilbons Hotel--and thus closed the important interveiw with De’ chapeaurouge; & I found his _due Bill_, as good as Cash.

[Sidenote: The Ways of Providence]

Thus, how fortunate the circomstance of my interveiw with M^{r.} Loyle--but for his kind information & advice, I shou’d, no doubt, have put my draft, into the hands of the American Consul for collection; the consequence would have been, a protest; and another tour to France, to seek redress. And all this saved, by the Gates being shut before I reached them. How often, my dear Grand Children, do we repine and murmer, when disappointment, affliction, and trouble come upon us; & even distrust the goodness of our Heavenly Father; when we, very frequently, afterwards, realize that it was for our good.

It was somewhat so with me, I felt, very much put out, at the gates being shut, & chided the driver for his dilatoryness, when he knew the city gates closed at sun-sett--but this very circomstance, was the means, of freeing my mind from a burden, which had weighed it down for months,--it was the means of a happy, and prosperous termination of my labourous voyage--for nothing now remained to be done, but to remitt the funds to T. Dickerson & Sons, London; & to take passage for Boston myself, & give an account of my stewardship to my employers. And all this, I could do, with bouyant sperits, having made them an excellent voyage.

I was not long in closing my business in Hamburg, & took passage for Boston in the ship Warren, Cap^{t.} Hodgkins, where we safely arrived after a passage of 54 days.

My arrival, gave great relief to my owners, for, from the accounts they had from France, they doubted the validity of my Bills on Hamburg, & expected I wou’d have to return to France.--

The fortunate close of this tedious voyage, and my return; being the first instance of the kind, under the then state of things in France, produced, no small, excitement among the merchants of Boston, who had property in France; and applications was continually made to me, for all the whys & wherefores, relative to the fortunate result of my business; and the consequence was, it added greatly to my fame, as a ship master.

[Sidenote: Another Voyage to France]

Another voyage was immediately planed, by my owners for France, & I was only allowed a very few days, to visit my family,--although, our first child (now Aunt Sampson) was but 24 hours old when I left home--when I return’d, could say, _my par_. But short, endeed, was the time allotted me, for injoying the objects of my affection, I must leave them; and persue the road marked out, for obtaining that subsistance for myself & family, which nature required, and reason dictated.

After staying at home 4 days only, I returned to Boston, fitted out my vessel, & sailed for Alexandria, & there purchased a cargo of Flour & sail’d for France--on my arrival in Harvre de grace; I found that government purchased all the flour that came to market Consequently, I sold my cargo to the governments agent, at 20 crows p^{r} bbl, under a promis, that I sho’d have my pay, in 40 days after delivery.

But I found, to my sorrow, that no confidence could be placed in their pledges; & that I was again subjected, to a tedious altercation with the agent & his government. After dancing attendance upon them about 2½ months, my vessell, at the same time, laying Idle & at a great expence, I again concluded to send her home, under charge of the mate, & stay myself, & fight it out. Accordingly, I dispatch^{d} the Brig, & went on to Paris, prepared for the seige & expecting a long one.

In about two months more, I received, about one third of my demand, in Ingots of silver, & made a trip over to London, & deposited their amount with, Bird, Savage, & Bird; subject to my owners order--I then returned to France, and renewed my claim for the remainder.

And after about three months more of attendance, upon the government of France, I received the ballance due me; about 40,000 Crowns--here, probably, you will conclude that my anxiety terminated. But, on the conterary, it was, if posible, increased.

I had attained the object of 10 months contention with the french government--I had on hand, a fine voyage for my employers--but the great deficulty now was; how I should git the property out of France. There was a special law, against exporting _specie_ from the country,--exchanges were not to be obtained, in which my confidence coul’d be placed; my vessell gone, so that, investing in goods, was out of the question,--and 40,000 crowns in my sleeping chamber, brought there publickly, at noon day.

Thus situated, you may judge, whether my mind could be at ease--however, after having taken the necessary precautionary measures against robery, or theft; I went to work, & purchas^{d} all the _foreign Gold_ I could find; in order to git the value, into a smaller bulk, for the purpose of smuggling it out of France.

[Sidenote: Brings Back Gold]

After about two months; by my agents, in Paris & Roen, & my own, in Harvre de grace, I succeeded in converting my 40.000 crowns, into less than 3000 peices of gold, prinsapally, Spanis doubloons--this had been done, in as secret a manner, as posible.--I then, went to a village, about 3 miles, & ordered 2 leather belts made, of a sufficient size to hold 8 or 9 hundred peices, and after puting each peice, into a wrapper of silk paper, I stowed my belts, & stiched it, in such a manner, that there could be no motion of the peices--the two belts contained 1700 peices--the remainder, I made up into wads, of about 50 peices each, inveloped in paper, & cloth.

I then engage my passage for Boston, in the ship Caroline, Cap^{t} Cutter, and after two or three days, the ship hauled out of the bason, and stopped opposite the custom house, and within Six rods of my Lodgings; having free exces to the ship, at all times, I soon decided, in my mind, how to dispose of my money, not, contained in the two belts; and in a short time, it was safely & secretly stowed away on board the ship. On the morning of the day, on which the ship was to sail, I made interest with the ships Steward, to put one of the Belts round his waist, by the promis of a guinia, & wear it, untill we were clear from the peir head, the other belt, I secured to my own person,--and thus curcomstanced I had to submitt to the scearch of 8 french officers at the head of whom, was an old experi-^{d.} Scearcher, who strongly suspected that there was money on board.--But notwithstanding all, I got off clear with my money, and after a passage of 35 days, I had the satisfaction of delivering it to my owners in Boston.

On my return home, I found that my pertner, in lifes voyage, had run me in debt, for a cape Cod farm; and as the place was distitute of a suitable building, for the accommodation of our little family, it was thought advisable to proceed to errect one, the following season; I consequently, felt myself under the necesity of declining business, in the sea-faring line, and attend to that of a more domestic nature, for a while--I remained at home, from August 1798--untill Sep^{t.} 1799--and, as the events of this year, are something remarkable, I will name a few of them.

This year 1799, the beloved Washington, the Father of our Country died,--this year, our first son was born--this year I took possession of the farm, built my house, and the family moved into it on new years day 1800.

In Octo^{r.} 1799 I took charge of the Brig Mary, went to Savannah, in Georgia, from that to Lisbon, from thence to London, to Rotterdam, Copenhagen, S^{t.} Petersburg, and back to Boston--and performed the voyage, in 8 months & 4 days--

[Sidenote: Commands the Monsoon]

After remaining at home, a shot time, I received a letter, offering me the charge of a new ship called the Monsoon, I accordingly repaired to Boston & took charge of her--she was owned by the following company; Mess^{r.} Hayden & Baxter, M^{r.} Joshua Hall, & Jacob Tidd, they put on board a valuable Cargo, & ordered me to find a Market for it in some part of the north of Europe, but as I had, in the cargo, a quantity of American Rum, they recomended that I shou’d touch into Ireland, upon the supposition that if I cou’d obtain permission to land it that it would command a high price.

I accordingly made the best of my way for Cork, and after a passage of 26 days arriv^{d.} at the Cove of Cork, this was meerly a harbour, & a village of a few thousand inhabitants--I landed & proceeded for the City, which was about 12 miles above; called upon the House of Jn^{o.} & Isaac Carrel & Co. to whoom I had a letter of introduction--they received me very politely, but doubted my obtaining permission to land the rum, even if I was willing to pay foreign duty. They, however, went with me to the custom house, to consult with the collector, who, I found was in favour of landing it; but dare not give permission, without consulting his superiors in office, and said he wou’d attend to it & essertain in a few days.

I returned on board my ship in the evening, & found her in possession of 3 custom house officers, seized, ship and Carg, with the Kings seal upon her hatches--when I enquired the cause, I found it was for having on board sperits, not of the growth & manufactory of the British plantations--I called upon the deputy collector who ordered the Seizure of the ship--& he appeared so pleasant upon the subject that I felt quite a releif. I consequntly return’d to the city, & called again upon the Collector,

[Sidenote: In Ireland]

He told me, I would have to apply _in person_, to the Admirallity of Dublin relative to the Seizure of the ship--& he at the same time he wou’d write them relative to landing the sperits. I consequntly, post’d of for the City of Dublin a journey of about 200 miles, & arrived there without accident; much amused in traveling thro” the hart of Ireland, and observing the Irish people, in their symplicity of manners, and to appearance, almost, in a state of nature I called upon the board of Admirallity and after a lengthy investigation, & I employed council, twas found, that the ship & cargo, was forfeited to the crown, and was ordered fourthwith, to be adverti^{d} & sold at publick Auction--. It was (however) intimated to me (in private) this was intended as a _shem_, & that I wou’d have liberty, to buy ship & Cargo at my own price--& so it proved; for when I returned to Cork, I found the ship advertised, to be sold in 3 days, I appeard at the time & place, ship & cargo, with all appertunances, were set up together, to be sold for Cash down, some one, freindly to me, bid 2/6--I then bid 5^{s}/. and the whole was struck off to me--and thus, I was again in possession of ship and Cargo,

Finding no prospect of obtaining permission to land the rum, I concluded to proceed elswhere for a Market for my Cargo, and was advised to try the Island of Geurnsey--& therefore applied to the custom House, to clear the ship, which was readily complied with; the collector, observed to me when about taking leave, Cap^{t.} Cobb, I must confess, I think your usage has been something rough here; and I shou’d not blame you, if you was to help yourself a little, in the way of smuggling.--no Sir said I, but wou’d you not be one of the first to make a prize of me therefor--oh said he, I shou’d have to do my duty--well Sir, said I, when you _Catch’em_ you _Hab’em_ God blesse you said he, & thus we parted, and the next morn” I sail’d; matters were, however, so arrainged, that between the cove of Cork, & the Scilly Islands, that I hove overboard Eight hogheads of N. E. rum, and a pilot boat sheer’d along side, and hove on board a small bag, which I found contained 264 English guineas--and although I saw them pick up, & hoist on board the 8 hhds of rum, _I was satisfied_.

[Sidenote: A Hurried Departure]

I then proceeded for my Port of distination, Geurnsey, an Island in the channel of England, which had always been a free port, & a resort for Smugglars.--I anchord in the roads about the suns setting, & having a letter of introduction, from a friend in Cork, to a merchant there; altho” the hour was an improper one, _the dusk of Eve_”, to deliver a letter of introduction I took my boat & went on shore, being an entire stranger, I had to make enquiries--but finally, in about an hour, I found the Gen^{m.} to whom the letter was addressed,--he rec^{d.} me with politeness, and read the letter--I apologised for calling upon him, at so unseasonable an hour; he promptly replied, it is fortunate for you, that you have thus done.--I am now Sir compelled to act a part, which not only appears _uncivil_, but almost to an insult. Viz, that you return immediately on board your ship, and leave this port. He then, in a few words, told me that, the British parlement, had recently, passed revenue laws, that affected that Island; & that, two English cutters, had that day arrived, to inforce the laws; & that I shou’d certainly have trouble, with my cargo, if I was not off, before sun rise, the next morning.--I accordingly bid the gentleman good bye, repaird to my boat, which was waiting for me at the wharf, went on board the ship, & immediately got underway and at sun rise, the next morn, I was out of sight of the Island of Geurnsay up channell, on my way for the City of Hamburg.

Thus ended my deficulties of that voyage--I arrived safe in Hamburg, found a good Market for my cargo, loaded my ship, & returned to Boston, having made a good voyage to all concern’d.

My employers were so well pleased with the trade, I had opened in Hamburg; that they planned another voyage immediately, and tho^{t.} they you’d hardly afford me time to visit my family at the cape. However, by promis’s of a short stay, I came to Brewster; saw my family, and returned to Boston to fit out the ship, for another Voyage in which, it was concluded, that it wou’d be for the Interest of the Voyage, that on my arrival in H--^{g} I should land my Cargo, load the ship with a return cargo, & send her home by my Mate, & remain in Hamburg myself thro” the Winter, to sell the cargo then landed, and prepare another for the ship, on her return to me in the spring.--under the foregoing arrangement, I saild for Hamburg a 2^{d} time; arrived their after a common passage, landed my Cargo, loaded the ship, with Russia & Germain goods, and sent her for Boston, under the comman^{d} of my mate, David Nickerson.

She sailed, the last of September, and by the middle of Nov^{r}, we were compleatly bound in fetters of _Frost_, and, in that high Lattitude, we had only about 7. hours day light in 24. but there was no lack of _amusements_, to please the eye, tast, or mind, & I injoyed myself very well, untill the last of Dec^{r.} when I received a letter, which came overland, by way of Holland, from one of my employers, in which it was stated in a, Postcrip, _Your wife has been very Sick, but, I beleive, she_ _is better_. This unwellcome intiligence; the uncouth manner, in which it was conveyed to me; and the great uncertainty of hearing any thing more, untill the ship returned to me; put my mind into a perplexing state of anxiety, which bid defiance to all injoyment of life.

[Sidenote: Anxiety and Illness]

Within a few days, as I entered the coffee room, of the Hotel, one morning, the servant said to me; there is an american Newspaper, which arrived last evening, by way of London,--I took up the paper, and first thing that attracted my notice, was my _Brothers death_--Thus the mind, already bowed down with anxiety; was obliged to receive this _heartrending_ addition to its already overcharged burden, but, our heavenly Father, lays no more upon his children, than, He knows, they can bear.--for in addition to my afflixtions then, I was attacted with the _brain_ fever, and with such severity, that for 8 days, I was unconcious of either pleasure, or pain.--but I was, finally, permitted to recover, with the loss, only, of my full head of black hair; but I got over that deficuty _pritty_ well, by substituting a Wig, and have been obliged to wear one ever since, to keep my head warm.--but notwithstanding all, I was supported thro” the winter, my business, by the help of merchants, Brokers &c, went on well; and when the ship arrived; about the 20^{th} of May, I was ready prepared for her; and the news she bro^{t.} me, from my family, was a cordial to my lasserated feelings.

As soon, as the Cargo which the ship bro^{t.} out, cou’d be sold; the arrangements made, during the winter, were such, that we were soon ready for returning to Boston,--I reach’d home in Aug^{t.}, having been absent somthing over 14 months, found Mrs C. very feeble, but convallessent.

I made one more voyage to Hamburg, in the Monsoon, & when I return’d she was sold; which gave me an oppertunity of spending a few weeks at home, with my beloved family.

But, it was not long, before I received a letter from M^{r.} J. Tidd, who was one of my former owners in the Monsoon, requesting me to come to Boston fourthwith, as there was a new Brig for sale, which he had an idea of purchasing, and wished for my opinion &c &c.--I accordingly went to Boston, & the Brig, Sally & Mary, was purchased, and another Hamburg voyage was plann’d fourthwith.

M^{r.} Tidd, had put on board a valuable cargo; on his own account & risk, and ordered me for Hamburg; and I accordingly proceeded for the river Elbe; it being in the summer season, I took the more direct passage; of north about, so called, viz. between the Okney & Shetland Islands, into the North sea, at the S E part of which, the river Elbe comminces; Hamburg is 110 miles above--I had heretofore, always obtained a Pilot, before I reach’d the entrance of the river--but now, none appeared, and I saw, at anchor, in the mouth of the river, one large ship, & 2 or 3 smaller vessells--it struck me, at once, that the Elbe, was blockaded, but I had no alternative but to proceed on & know, I accordingly, run on, untill within about a mile of the largest ship, when I came to an anchor.--she immediately sent her boat on board, for me & my papers,--I found the commander, a _haughty_, _crabbed_, self _willed_, Scotchman.

[Sidenote: The Blockade]

He insisted upon it, that I knew of the blockade; and that I intended a breach of it; of course, I was a good prize, & he shou’d send me to England, very well! I had to submitt to his superior force; and I was accordingly ordere’d for Yarmouth in England.

On my arrival there, my papers were sent to London, to the Kings advocate for adjudication; but they were return^{d.} in 6 days, & I was pronounced clear, to proceed to any port that was not blockad^{d} and I put to sea the next morning.

As I cou’d not go to Hamburg, I concluded, that Copenhagen, would be, the next _best_ market for my Cargo, and I accordingly, steered my course for that port.--On my arrival there, I was advised, by a freindly, Danish Merchant, to proceed to _Lubec_, one of the, _Hans Towns_, of Germany, about 100 miles South of Copenhagen, on the great Belt, so called, from which place, an inland canal, communicated with Hamburg, where my Cargo cou’d readily be sent, in defiance of the Blockade; and as my Cargo, was perticularly selected for the Hamburg Market, this was a very important object with me.

I consequently proceeded for Lubec where I arrived in about 48 hours., and was told; that I displayed the first American flag; ever wafted over their City.--on approaching the Town, an entire stranger, I recolected, that, on my last voyage to Hamburg--a M^{r.} Smidth, of the Firm, of Smidth & Plessing, of Lubec, had made a shipment of 100 peices of Duck by me, which I had sold, & made returns to them.

I was now glad to enquire them out, and avail myself of their services in selling my cargo, & purchaseing another on my return &c &c.--I very readily found them; and received from them all those kind attentions, to me, and my business; so greatfull to a Stranger. A great part of my cargo, went thro” the canel to Hamburg, and also, much of my return cargo, came in the same way,--but I found a good Market; got quick dispatch, and returned to Boston with an excellent voyage.

After discharging my cargo, in Boston, I visited my dear family, at the cape; where I found an aditional pledge of affection, in a little black-eye’d daughter, which we call’d Mary P, then 69 days old--it being in the night, & no light in the house, I hawl’d her out of Bed, and held her up to the window to look at her by moonlight.

[Sidenote: Orders in Council]

I was not permitted to remain, but a short time, in the enjoyment of the family circle; before I receiv’d a letter, saying, that another voyage was planned, & I must come forward. I accordingly, went on to Boston, & found they had began loading the Brig, for a voyage to Malaga.--the loading was soon compleated, and all necessary preperations made; and I saild for the Medeterenaen., on the 15^{th.} of Dec^{r.} 1807, & arrived at Malaga, Jan^{y} 11^{th.} 1808. On my arrival, I was informed that the _celebrated British orders in council_ went into fource, _there_; the 10^{th.} In^{t}, the day before I arrived.--those orders, forbid american vessells, taken a return cargo from any ports in Europe, under the penalty of being a prize, in any English port.--in consequence of this, we knew, that _wines, & fruit_, wou’d rapidly advance in price, in America; which made a return cargo, very desirable.

The _American Consul_, with whoom I advised, thought, if I got quick dispatch there wou’d be but little risk in my taking a return cargo; that he wou’d obligate himself, to dispatch me in 10 days with a full cargo of wine & fruit--and I finally concluded to take the risk.

[Sidenote: Detained at Gibraltar]

I accordingly proceeded in discharging my cargo, & in receiving on board wine & fruit in return, & in 8 days was ready to sail--in order to succeed in escaping an investigation, & probably, a capture, by the English, I tho^{t} to wait for a strong easterly wind, and to improve the night, to make a run through the _Gut of Gibraltar_, where lay the greatest danger of capture, or detention,--I accordingly waited the first Easterly wind & left Melaga, calculating to reach the rock of Gibralter, about Dark, the same Eve”, which I did, but unfortunally as I approach’d it, the wind died away, & by time I had pass’d it, it was nearly calm--knowing that if it remained so thro the night, that daylight would expose me to Fort & their cruizers, & that I should surely be exposed to examination, & detention, I thought it advisable, to proceed to Anchorage with what wind I had--and I immediately haw[l]ed into the Bay, for the neutrial ground, but the wind being a head, I had to make a tack under the Spanish shore, & while standing over for the rock, was boarded by the boat of an English Fregate, under the command of a midshipman, who took charge of me, under pretence that I was bound into Algaziras--after we had come to anchor, altho 12 ^{o}Clock at night, he insisted upon taken me on board the Frigate with my papers--well I was conducted on board & before an officer, who questioned me, I told him the truth, that I was from Malago, bound to Boston, that I had come in there to evail myself of a clearence from a British port, & a convoy thro the gut--well ‘said he, a convoy will sail, the day after to morrow, & ordered the officer to carry me on board my vessell again immediately. I went on shore the next morn” & call^{d.} upon the American consel, to whom, I made know my true situation--he told me, he thought there was but little chance for me, as I was compleatly under the _Orders in Council_.--I left the consul & in the street, fell in with an old acquaintan[ce], to him also, I told my greivance--he advised me, as a last resort, & as my situation was not generally known, to endevour to effect a clerance by bribery; & he gave other advice & information upon that subject.

I accordingly went on board, got my papers, put a couple of ounces of spanish gold into my pocket, & went on shore & directly to the office, on the Key; I found only the _Principall_ in the office--I told him, I commanded an American vessell was from Malaga, bound to Boston, and had put in there, to obtain a clearance, & a convoy thro the Gut--well ‘said he, as you say, you have a cargo on board, there are some serious questions to ask, previous to your obtaining a clearance.--I know, I know Sir, but do not be too perticular, give me a clearance, & at the same time, I laid on the counter before him, _two ounce peices of gold_--well’ but said he, if I give you a clearance you have another office to git signed at, well ‘said I, if you will give it, there will be more deficulty--& as I spoke a gentleman came into the office, to whom the first observed--this Captain was about going up to your office with his clearance, will you be so kind as to save him the trouble by signing it here, oh yes, said he cheerfully, accordinly, in a few minuits my clearance was compleated, the fees of both offices paid, & I was in the street, making a streight wake towards the American consuls--when I entered his office, he, with a long face said, I am glad to see you, but greatly regret your situation--I took my clearance from my pocket, & held it before his eyes--_Good God_ said he, how did you git that--said I--ask me no questions, & I will tell you no lies--

[Sidenote: Escapes from the Convoy]

The Signal Gun was fired, at sun-rise, the next morn” for the convoy to weigh, & I was one of this first to move--for I was full of fear, that some incident might _yet_ subject me to the _fatal_ investigation, I was therefore desirous to git out of their reach; a large English merchant ship, showing a teir of guns, streched over for the Barbary coast, & I followed her, under easy sail; _our convoy_, a gun Brig, was not then under-way and in watching her motion, I discovered a boat after us, full of men, roughing,[4] & sailing--I immediately felt jelious, _they are after me_, I ordered sail immediately put on, & in a very short time, the boat _give up_ & put back for Gibranter--I then felt antious fearing the convoy might have orders to bring me back; but I heard nothing more, parted from the convoy off cape _Trafelgar_, & proceeded home.

I have mention’d a boat that was after me--sometime after I arrived home, I fell in with a Cap^{t} Mills, whom I left in Malaga, in a Brig belonging to Boston, & persueing the plan I had done, he saild from Malaga the day after me, was taken into Gibrater the night before I left--seeing me underweigh, without reflection, he observed there is Cobb, why is he allowed to go--the boat was immediately dispatch’d after me--but, by my vigilence in making sail, in season, & being favoued with a good stiff breeze I was enable’d to keep clear of them.--

I was favoured with a good passage, and arrived safe in Boston, a subject of the most intent speculation; how it was managed to clear out, a _cargo of Spanish goods_, from Gibralter, under the _British orders in Council_.--But, I had made a good voyage for all concerned, & return’d to my family.

I remained but a short time with my family, when I received a letter from Mess^{r} Bixby, Vallintine & co, requesting that I would go on to New York, & take charge of a Ship, belonging to them, called the W^{m.} Tell, for a voyage to Europe--accordingly, I went to Boston, and after receiving instructions from my Owners, I took the stage for N. York and took charge of Ship, & fitted her, with all posible dispatch for sea--I then proceeded to Alexandria in Virginia, where I loaded the ship with Flour, and went for Cadiz, in Spain, where I sold my Cargo, Ballasted the ship with stones, and returned to Norfolk in Virginia--where I found letters from my Owners with provisions, from Boston, for another voyage, and orders to go up to Alexandria & load--but, as a part of my crew wished their discharge and others were to be shipped to supply their places, a few days detention was unavoidable--

[Sidenote: Mr. Madison’s Embargo]

While this process was in opperation, a most violent _storm_ came on, & as I had discharg’d the most of the crew, I was on board the Ship, assisting in secureing the ship to the Wharf, when M^{r.} Fisk, the Merchant with whoom I advised, came down the wharf & told me, that he had just received a _dispatch_ from M^{r.} Randolph, in Congress, saying to him, _what you do, must be done quickly_ for the embargo will be upon you, on Sunday at 10 A M.--it was now Fryday P. M, & a violent storm, well,” said M^{r.} F, what can we do Cobb, why said I, if we can hold the ship to the wharf, while it blows so hard, I shall be glad--We can, however, see, where we can git the cargo, & if it is fair to morrow much may be done--In fact much must be accomplish’d in order to effect our object _viz. to cheat the Embargo_. We had about 100 Tons of stone Ballast on board, which must be landed, upward of 3000 bbls of Flour, to take in and stow away, provisions, wood & water to take on board, a crew to ship, to clear at the custom H. and, to git the ship to sea, before the embargo gits possession--and all this must be done, between Saturday morn” at day light, & sunday morn at 10 ^{[o:]}Clock, in the month of Dec^{r.}--We found, upon enquiry, that, we cou’d have our supply of Flour from a block of stores, direct along side of the Ship, & by giving ⅜^{th} of a dollar extra, we had liberty, if stopped by the embargo, to return it--

Saturday morning, was fine weather I had given instructions to the mates, to have purchases up, at each hatchway, the ship having three--to discharge ballast, at the main hatchway, & to receive Flour forward, & abaft, with two gangs of Stevidore in the hold--at about Sunrise, I went up to _lazy corner_, so call’d, & pressed every Negro into my service, that came upon the stand, & sent them on board the ship, untill I thought there were as many, as could work.

I then visited the Sailors boarding houses, where I shipped my crew, paid the advane to their landlords, & took their obligations to see each sailor on board, at sun-rise the next morning.--It had now got to be about 12 ^{o}Clock & the ship must be cleared at the Custom house at, or before, one--I accordingly prepared a Manifest & went to the Custom house to clear the Ship--M^{r.} Taylor, the collector, knowing my situation, with the ship; _said_ why Cobb, what is the use of clearing the ship, you cannot git away, the embargo will be here at 10 to morrow morning, & even if you git your ship below, I shall have boats out that will stop you, before you can git 3 leagus to sea. Said I, “_M^{r} Taylor_, will you be so kind as to clear my Ship--Oh yes’ said he, I cannot refuse, (untill the embargo arrives; & accordingly the ship was cleared & I returned on board, & found all things going on well.--finally--to shorten the Story--at 9 that evning, we had on board 3050 Barrels of Flour, our long boat on board in the chocks, water, wood, & provision on board & stowed, a pilot engage, & all in readiness for Sea.

[Sidenote: A Feat of Loading]

The tide wou’d serve at 8 ^{[o:]}Clock on sunday morn, & we could not go before, & at 10 the embargo was expected--well, “the morn” arrived, the sailors were bro^{t.} on board by their Landlords, the pilot came on board, & at 8 ^{o}Clock we started with a fair wind, down a crooked nerrow river, but the wind dying, our progress was Slow, & when we entered Hampton roads, it had got to be after 11 ^{o.}Clock, and nealy calm--feeling anxious, I kept a sharp look out a stern, & with my glass, I saw about 12, a boat comeing down, under the full opperation of sails & oars--well,’ said I, to the mate, I fear, we are gone--but very soon I saw, to appearance, a fresh breeze coming off from the South shore, I saw that the boat, had already taken it--I then ordered all the light sails set, ready to receive the breeze.--when it reached us, the boat was so near, that with my glass I trace the features of the men--but in 10 munuites after I took it the boat give up the chace & turn’d back, and I went to sea without further molestation.--

By the pilot, I wrote my Owners, informing them of my running away from the Embargo, & then proceeded on for Cadiz, & carraied to that port the first news of the Embargo.

Flour was selling, on my arrival at $16.00 but in consequence of the Embargo, & the war then rageing in that vicinity, the flour holders had a meeting, & agreed to raise the price of Flour to $20.00.--& finally, altho” I waited some time I obtained that price for my Cargo.--

Soon after my arrival, I rec^{d.} a letter, by a vessell under Sweedish colours, adviseing me to bring home money, providing there was liberty to export it; & finding, upon enquiry, that was the case, I immediately took out a license from the custom house, to export $72,000, having funds here, of last voyage,--but before I got ready to sail I heard of the repeal of the orders in Council, & allso, of the _Milan_ & _Berlin_ decrees, & beleiving this would have a favourable effect, to America, in our Exchanges, & finding I cou’d buy British government Bills, at a great discount, I concluded to give up my Licinse, & remitt my money to England,--(I mention this circomstance to shew, how fortunate it was--as I was captured, on my return, if the Monney had been on board, we shou’d have lost it.--The day before I sailed I dine’d in a large party, at the american consul, & it being mention’d that I was to sail the next day, I was congratulated, by a British officer, upon the safety of our Flagg.--well” I tho^{t.} the same, when at the same time, the _War_ between England & America was then rageing.

[Sidenote: Spoken off the Grand Banks]

I sail’d from Cadiz, the 5^{th.} day of July 1812 bound for Boston, & I never felt myself saffer, on account of enemies on the high seas,--I had just entered upon the eastern edge of the grand Bank--at day light, of the morn” of the 17^{th} I went on deck; we had a light breeze of wind from the north, with all sails sett, that would draw, in casting my Eye to windward, I saw a sail, to appearance, bearing down directly for us--not having spoken any thing, I told the mate, to back the maim yard & would speak her, we accordingly did; & at sunrise I ordered the Insign hoisted, at the Mizen peak; no sooner were our colours up, than his went up in the smoke of a gun, I saw that she was a Schooner, under English colours, & that she was armed; but did not alarm me, I continu^{d.} to lay by, she run down across^{t.} my stern, with the usual hail, of, where from, where bound, how long out, &c &c--& he concluded from my replys that I did not know that war existed; he said to me, very mildly, I will thank you to continue laying by, & I will send my boat on board--Seeing she was a cutter Schooner with 10 brass Guns, I, of course, acquiesed, & her boat came on board, with two petty officers, rowed by _only_ two men--One of the officers requested me to go on board the cutter with my papers; well” I asked the 2 officers below, while I shifted myself and got my papers; while I was in my statroom, one of them, says to me, Cap^{t}, ‘what cargo did you carry to Cadiz? Flour,’ you got a good price, I presume Yes,’ said I--got Cash on board I suppose? No, said I, I remitted my money, to England,’ well,” said he, You’ve a fine ship here! Yes, toloble--what,” said he do you think she’s worth--this question, roused my curiocity, I step’d to the door of the Stateroom, & looking the man in the face, said to him, have you an Idea of buying, or taking the ship, Oh, said he, Captain, you’l excuse our inquisitiveness, it was without meaning.--When I was ready, one of the officers went in the boat with me, & the other, remained on board the ship--I was received on board the cutter, & conducted into the cabin, to the Cap^{t.},--he received my papers, & looking them over, ask’d, if I had not a Clearance from Cadiz; I told him I had, but, I did not [know] it wou’d be required, & I had not bro^{t.} it, well,” said he, I must have it; if you’l send your boat Sir, I will go & look it up, I think its in my writing desk,--well,” said he, send for your desk, I told him I was unwilling to do that, as it contained papers of consequence to me, & by accident it might be droped overboad--oh said he, I’ll make good all damages, you _must_ send for it. well,” I wrote a line to the mate, to send my. W. Desk, it was brought into the cutters cabin, & having my keys in my pocket, I open’d it, & soon found the paper required,--my writing standing upon the Table open, & the officers standing round, they began looking at papers, among them, was a small bundle of letters directed to the Commissary Gen^{l.}on the _Quebec Station_, they open’d it, & broke the seal of one of the letters--; upon which I look’d at the Cap^{t.}, & observ’d, that this was treatment which I had not anticipated, from the British flagg; the Capt observ’d, you must submitt, we will explain ourselves bye. & bye about this time, the word came from the decks, _a Strange sail in sight_, & the Capt, drop’d the paper from hands, & run on deck.--I set still & look’d at the officers, overhawling, & deranging my papers in my writing desk.--after a while the Capt came down below; & said to me, Captain; you have expressed some surprise at our investigation, at which, I am not at all supprised, for I find, you are ignorant of a fact, which will justify, our proceedings with you, _We are at War with America_--now Sir, said I I beleive you are disposed to _tantalize_, for I do not beleive it.--Well,” Sir, said he, we will not alticate upon this subject; & he step’d to a desk took out a newspaper, & pointed me to the declaration of War, & danced on deck again, to look at the Strange sail.--the paper that he handed me, was an American paper, only 12 days old--after reading the declaration of war, I look’d it over for other news, untill the Capt came down.--He then said to me, well Sir, what think ye now--I told him, I was satisfied, as to _war_, but, I shou’d like to know now, whether _I_ was to be _hung_, or _drounded_.

[Sidenote: On Board the Cutter]

He smilling said, “well,” I beleive nither, _by me_.--I will now, said he, explain to you the reasons, for our conduct toward you; I am said he--from Halifax, bound to England with dispatches for Gov^{t.}, I cannot take you, not having men to man you, if I had found money on board I shou’d have taken it out, & have put one man on board, that might not be call’d piricy & have let you have taken your chance--but as it is you can take charge of your ship, & do the best you can--the sail coming down, is an American Frigate, & if I can keep out the reach of her guns, I do not fear her heals, & the sooner you go on board the better--as soon, as you please, said I--& I crow[d]ed some of my papers into my Desk, & tied some up in a hankerchief, & thus went into the boat & was set on board my own ship again.--When I got on my Ships deck, the Frigate was so near that she cou’d easyly have sent a shot over me, & coming down will all sail set, & an American Insign at her Mizin peak.--altho I was confidant, she was an English Frigate; still, being compleatly within the reach of her guns, & my ships sails all taken, I had only to lay still & take it.

[Sidenote: The Frigate]