This document was conveyed to its destination by his servant, a judicious fellow.

Though it proved no easy matter to decipher the hieroglyphics, it appeared evident that there were extenuating circumstances which had not been brought forward.

The only remark, however, which the captain made was, that the letter ought not to have been brought to him; and that his servant was quite out of order, in being accessory to any proceeding so irregular.
The steward took the hint, and recommended the prisoners to appeal to the complaining officer.

Accordingly, next day, when the captain went on deck, that person came up and said,-- "I have received a strange letter, sir, from these three fellows whom I complained of yesterday; but what they say does not alter my opinion in the least." "It does mine, however," observed the captain, after he had spelled through it, as if for the first time.
"Indeed, sir!" exclaimed the other; adding, "I hope you won't let them off." "I tell you what it is," quietly remarked the captain, "I would much rather you let them off than that I should; for it strikes me, that all the useful ends of discipline will be much better served, and your hands, as well as mine, essentially strengthened, by your taking the initiative in this business instead of me.

My advice to you, therefore, is, that when I go below you send for the men, and say to them you have read their statement, and that, although it does by no means excuse, it certainly explains, and so far extenuates, their offence, that you feel disposed to try what your influence with the captain can do to get them off altogether." "I do not see the force of your reasoning," answered the offended officer; "nor can I conscientiously trifle with the service in the manner proposed.