I then told him my errand, with which he seemed to be much pleased.

On asking him to tell the captain that I wished to speak with him, he replied that he was on shore.

This put me to great difficulty, as I did not know then what to do.

I consulted with Truman Harford, and it was our opinion that we should inquire of the seamen, but in a very quiet manner, by going individually to each, if they had ever demanded to see the articles on signing them, and if they had been refused.

We proposed this question to them.