The French flag-ship, the Ville de Paris, was seen to be upon the heel, blocking up the shot-holes she had received between wind and water.
All this time on shore the French were attacking General Fraser, who had been compelled to retire to a fort on Brimstone Hill, and with whom it had become exceedingly difficult to communicate. I was in the berth when I received a message from the captain, to go to his cabin.
“I have just come from the admiral,” he said. “He wishes to send some one on shore to communicate with General Fraser at Brimstone Hill. I told him at once that you would be able to succeed if any one could; though I warn you that the risk of being shot or captured by the enemy is considerable. Are you, notwithstanding, ready to go?”
“With all the pleasure in the world, sir,” I answered, “if I am likely to be able to find my way to the fort.”
“You’ll not have much difficulty in doing that,” he said, unless you’re stopped, for you’ll be furnished with an exact plan.
“Am I to go in uniform, sir, or in disguise?” I asked.
“I wouldn’t have you risk your life by going in disguise,” he replied. “If you were caught you would be shot as a spy. You must make the attempt at night, and by wearing a cloak you may escape detection, unless you happen to encounter any of the French soldiers; in that case you’ll have to yield yourself a prisoner.”
“Whatever the difficulties, I’m ready to go through with them, sir,” I said; “and as I speak French, though not very well, should I meet any French soldiers, I may perhaps be able to make my escape from them.”
“The captain told me that the object of the admiral was to establish a communication between the fleet and Brimstone Hill, by means of signals, which I was to carry with me, the general not being supplied with them. It will be safer to take a man with you to convey the flags, while you carry the code of signals, which you must endeavour to destroy should you be made prisoner,” he said.
I had still some hours to wait, however, before it was dark enough for me to land. I soon afterwards met La Touche. Both he and Dubois made themselves very happy on board, caring apparently very little about being prisoners. I told him of my intended expedition.