Nearly two weeks had passed since I left the Macedonian. I and my companion were living upon the sums I had saved from the presents I received for my civilities to her numerous visitors. One day, as I was sauntering round the wharves, with my protégé, I met a number of men-of-war’s men. Stepping up to them, I perceived some of the old Macedonians. Of course, I hailed them. They were glad to see me. They had shipped on board the John Adams, guard ship, to which they were returning, having been enjoying a few days’ liberty. Nothing would satisfy them, but for us to accompany them, and ship too. The midshipman who was with them, joined his entreaties to theirs, and we at last consented.
To avoid being detected by the British, it was usual for our men to assume new names, and to hail from some American port, on shipping in an American vessel. My shipmates advised me to do the same. To this I had some objections, because I knew that changing my name would not make me a Yankee, while it might bring me into as awkward a position as it did an Irishman, who was found by an English cruiser on board an American vessel. After he had declared himself an American, the officer asked him, “What part of America did you come from?”
“I used to belong to Philamadelph, but now I belong to Philama York,” replied Paddy, concealing his brogue as much as possible. “Well,” continued the officer, “can you say pease?”
“Pase, sir,” said Pat in true Irish style. The officer laughed and replied, “Mr. Pase, you will please to get into the boat.” The poor Irishman was unsuccessful in playing the Yankee.
Mentioning these fears, the midshipman said, “Call yourself William Harper, and hail from Philadelphia;” then turning to my companion, he added, “and call yourself James Wilson.”
“But,” said I, “suppose the officer should ask any questions about Philadelphia, what should I do?”
“O say you belong to Pine street.”
“But what if he asks me in what part of the city Pine street is situated, and what streets join it?” I answered, determined not to take a step in the dark if I could avoid it.
The midshipman assured me that no such questions would be put; and, partly confiding and partly doubting, I resolved to make the experiment. Going on board, we were paraded before the officers. Addressing me, one of them said, “Well, my boy, what is your name?”