"When the two vessels reached the port of Praya in the island of St. Jago, it became necessary to practice a little deception.
"The two vessels floated the British flag, and the officers took off every eagle button from their uniform.
"Then, with the greatest audacity, the officers next prepared to land.
"They called on the governor, and paid their respects to his family, and asked permission to leave letters for Sir James Yeo, one of his Britannic majesty's naval commanders.
"The request was granted, and Bainbridge wrote the letters.
"But what had they to do with an English captain?" asked Hamilton.
"Ha, ha, ha! They had to find an excuse for landing."
"But——?
"Oh, I know what you would say, but the fact remains, they left the letters, and daring productions they were.
"But the best part of the whole thing was that, had Porter visited Praya, he would have called on the governor and asked for letters for Yeo.