At any rate, I determined to give it this construction.

But, alas! I was wholly ignorant of this subject; and, what was unfortunate, a few weeks only were allowed for the composition.

I was determined, however, to make the best use of my time.

I got access to the manuscript papers of a deceased friend, who had been in the trade.

I was acquainted also with several officers who had been in the West Indies, and from these I gained something.