They are of about five hundred tons each. A letter from the
confidential agent of my father, Captain Horatio Passford, an agent
in whom he has perfect confidence, both on account of his loyalty
to his country undivided, and because of his skill as a shipmaster,
contains this statement, which is submitted to you for your
guidance: 'I have put twelve loyal American seamen, with an officer,
on board of each of the steamers mentioned above; and they comprise
about one-half of the crew of each vessel; and they will take
possession of each of the two steamers when supported by any United
States man-of-war. WARNOCK.'
Respectfully yours,
CHRISTOPHER PASSFORD,
_Master Commanding_."
"I beg your pardon, Captain Passford, but what under the canopy is that
letter for?" asked Flint, not a little excited.
"It is for Pink Mulgrum to copy," replied the captain. "That is all the
use I intend to make of it."
Flint leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily, and the commander
could not help joining him.
CHAPTER IX
A VOLUNTEER CAPTAIN'S CLERK
Mr. Flint was really amused at the plan of the commander of the Bronx,
as indicated in the letter he had just read, and he was not laughing out
of mere compliment to his superior officer, as some subordinates feel
obliged to do even when they feel more like weeping.
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