largely proclaiming them to be planters from the interior, either gathered to inspect the consignment of prisoners, or eager to purchase at low prices the stores hidden away in the vessel’s hold.  Some among the concourse, however, were undoubtedly present to welcome friends and relatives among the passengers.  Altogether it was a bustling scene, full of change and color, the air noisy with shouting voices, the line of wharves filled with a number of vessels, either newly arrived, or preparing to depart.  Servants both white and colored were busily at work, under the command of overseers, loading and unloading cargoes, while the high bank beyond was crowded with vehicles of various kinds.  News of the arrival of the Romping Betsy had evidently spread widely, together with the rumor that she brought a number of prisoners to be auctioned off.  It was a good-natured, restless crowd, especially anxious for any news from abroad, and eager to benefit from the sale.  The majority of the men I judged to be landowners, hearty, wholesome looking fellows, whose lives were passed out-of-doors, dressed in their best in honor of the occasion.  The prevailing fashion was a broad-leafed, felt hat with one side looped up to the crown by a brilliant metal button, a velvet coat with long, voluminous skirts, wide sleeves, metallic buttons as large as a Spanish dollar, short breeches, and long stockings with gold or silver knee and shoe buckles.  Many wore swords, while those who did not bore about with them enormous gold or silver-headed canes.  The smoking of pipes was common, and thoughtless profanity was to be heard on all sides as an ordinary part of speech.  It was with no small difficulty we succeeded in forcing our way through this jostling throng until we attained to an open space ashore.

I followed closely behind the three composing our party, Roger Fairfax, and Sanchez, with the laughing girl between them for protection, pressing a passage forward.  Even had I not been laden with packages my general appearance and dress would doubtless have proclaimed my position, and aroused passing interest.  I heard voices calling attention to me, while curious eyes stared into my face.  Fairfax was evidently well known to a number present, for he was being greeted on all sides with hearty hand-shakes, and words of welcome.

“Ah, back again, Roger; and what fortune in London?” “A fair price for the crop?”

“Is the lad trailing behind ye one o’ Monmouth’s men?”

“Any news, friend, in Parliament?  What is the latest on the tax?”

“And pray who is this damsel, Roger; not Hugh Fairfax’s girl?  Ay, quite the woman now.”

“Your men?  They’re over there, across the road.  Of course I know; did I not come from the dock with them?”