Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/248

 examination, without waiting the usual period fixed for that purpose, and then immediately appointed me lieutenant of the Arachne; this particular mark of his lordship's approbation, in thus dispensing, in my favour, with the customary regulations observed on such occasions, made an impression on my mind not to be effaced. In June, Captain Chambers joined, and the brig, when ready for sea, was ordered to Flushing, where I met my old friend Peter the smuggler, he gave me a letter from Rickets, Rochford, and Robinson, whom I had left at Valenciennes, and who, having lately escaped thence, were then lying concealed in the neighbourhood of the "Cat." The contents of the letter, through the channel of my worthy captain, were communicated to Sir Richard J. Strachan, the commander-in-chief, who directed him to give me a written order to adopt such measures as I should judge prudent for their delivery; this order was given, to prove, in the event of my being made prisoner in the attempt, that I was no spy. In consequence of the capture of the island