We had been out fortv-two or three davs, and were drawing nigh to our port of destination, and not once was I found to be remiss in mv duty. I was not allowed a moment of time, even to mend my clothes. Our cargo was coffee, and every night while taking it in, the sweepings of the deck, in which was some considerable quantity of coffee, were placed in barrels, and kept for ship use, and when my cooking was done for the day, 1 had this coffee to pick, and 1 have often shut myself up in the camhoo.se, in order that 1 might have an opportunity to read a chapter in my Bible. Thin <>s now began to be more favorable.
I got through with my various duties without difficulty, although a sailor knocked me into the lee scuppers on:1 day for refusing to rinse out his tin pot. 1 picked myself up, and had not the mate interfered, 1 think it doubtful whether he would ever have struck another. 1 am sorry to acknowledge it, but to this day I find it hard to forgive an injury. I know it is unchristianlike, and contrary to the precepts of the religion of Christ, and earnestly hope that God will give me grace to overcome it. And while I am now writing, (1856) my mind involuntarily glances over the past, when a recollection of the wrongs and impositions that I have suffered, flits before me, I find it necessary to lay down my pen until the perturbation ceases.
We arrived at Helveot-sluys in forty-four days from Boston; took a pilot and proceeded up the river, stopping at Dart, Scravendale and Schiedam, and then to Rotterdam, hauling in to Glasshaven to discharge our caro-o. While lying at Rotterdam our captain lived on shore, which gave me rather more latitude than if he had been on board. I frequently went on shore with the sailors in the evening, and as the general resort of sailors are bad houses, and their habits tending to drunkenness, my accompanying them was of no benefit to my morals, for on one occasion they got me quite intoxicated on anise seed, which made me very sick all next day. I did not go on shore again, but spent my time in reading, after my work was done.
There was now a ceneral armistice throughout the continent of Europe. Joseph Bonaparte was king of Holland. After receiving our homeward cargo, we sailed for Boston. American vessels were at this time subject to much annoyance from English and French cruisers, but more particularly from the former, as they were very abusive to our flag, frequently bringing vessels to, insulting the captains, and in many instances impressing the seamen. The French had issued the Berlin and Milan decrees, by which all vessels, of whatever nation, having enemy's goods on board, were considered as lawful prizes, and dealt with accordingly. The English, on the other hand, had their orders in council, which also confiscated all vessels having enemy's property on board.
American masters, in foreign ports, were often insulted by British officers, and I recollect a laughable incident that occurred in Gibraltar, and was well acquainted with the captain who was the hero of the story, and telk it so humorously. His name was Brock, hut usually pronounced Brick. One day, while at the Crown and Anchor hotel, in company with several American shipmasters, who were all seated in the principal room, enjoying themselves over a hottle of wine, there came in some British naval officers, who, rinding the table occupied, went out grumbling, and from one of them was heard the epithet, " Yankees." " Did you hear that?" says Breck, to the others. They all heard it, and Breck jumped up, and following the officers ininto the hall, inquired which of the gentlemen it was that made use of that insulting lanonmo;e, and to whom it was addressed.
The British officer, who by the way was a captain in the navy, looking rather indignantly on Breck, who was rather short, though very stout, while the Englishman was a tall, raw-boned fellow, replied: " To you, if you take it up." Breck immediately threw off his coat, put his fist in the captain's face, and told him to defend himself. By this time a number of spectators had gathered around, and the noble Englishman finding himself in rather an awkward position, replied that he was not going to make a blackguard of himself. " My name," said he, " is Clay, of His Majesty's brig Hanger, and I will give you any satisfaction you wish, in a gentlemanly manner." " Well," says Breck, with his fist still clenched, " if your name is Clay, my name is Brick, and Fm already baked, and I want satisfaction now." This created such a roar of laughter all around, that the by-standers as well as the British officer, insisted on settling it on the spot ov< r as much champagne as all could drink, and the Englishman insisted on paying the bill.