When I gave the boatswain the letter, I gave him a shilling with it, which I told him was for the charge of a messenger or porter, which I entreated him to send with the letter as soon as he came on shore, that if possible I might have an answer brought back by the same hand, that I might know what was become of my things; 'for sir,' says I, 'if the ship should go away before I have them on board, I am undone.'
Quand je remis ma lettre au bosseman, je lui donnai en même temps un shilling et je lui dis que ce serait pour payer le commissionnaire que je le suppliais de charger de la lettre sitôt qu'il viendrait à terre, afin que, si possible, j'eusse une réponse rapportée de la même main, et que j'apprisse ce que devenaient mes effets. --Car, monsieur, dis-je, si le navire part avant que je les aie reçus, je suis perdue.