"Our government regards all trade with that part of the continent with great distrust, particularly since the late movements of the French. I really wish, sir, you had not been bound to Hamburg."
"I believe Hamburg is still a neutral port, sir; and, if it were not, I do not see why an American should not enter it, until actually blockaded."
"Ah! these are some of your very peculiar American ideas on such subjects! I cannot agree with you, however, it being my duty to obey my orders. Lord Harry has desired us to be very rigorous in our examination, and I trust you will understand we must comply, however unpleasant it may be, sir. I understand, now, sugar and coffee are exceedingly suspicious!"
"They are very innocent things rightly used, as I hope mine will be."
"Have you any particular interest in the cargo, Captain Wallingford?"
"Only that of owner, sir. Both ship and cargo are my own private property."
"And you seem to be English, or American--for, I confess myself unable to tell the difference between the people of the two countries, though I dare say there is a very great difference."
"I am an American by birth, as have been my ancestors for generations."
"I declare that is remarkable! Well, I can see no difference. But, if you are American, I do not see why the sugar and coffee are not American, too. Lord Harry, however, desired us to be very particular about these things, for some reason or other. Do you happen to know, now, where this sugar grew?"
"The canes of which it was made grew, I believe, in St. Domingo."