for one man to pass at a time, and but one pris-
oner was allowed to go on deck at a time in the
night-time. The plan of escape meditated was
that after the guard should be asleep one of the
stoutest of the prisoners should be on deck, and at
a signal by the men he should seize the sentinel
and disarm him, while the others should rush on to
the quarter-deck, through the steerage, and seiie
the arms there stacked. Millet took it upon him-
self to manage the sentineL Several times were
set to carry the project into execution, but some-
times the boat would not be on board, and some-
times the guard were disinclined to sleep. Captain
Brown, who was sick on board, always advised
against the project, alleging that it would be but a
short time before the prisoners would be recap-
tured by the French fleet and General Lincoln's
army. The former was then blockading the har-
bor, and the latter lay in rear of and besieging the
town. But, notwithstanding this caution, it was
still determined by the projectors to execute their
plan the first favorable opportunity. About the
middle of September the guard were relieved by a
guard of refugees, who appeared as ignorant of
their duty as could be wished for, and well disposed
to sleep. This was the moment to be embraced,
and the night of the 17th of September was fixed
for the time, as the moon would set about eleven
o'clock at night. The night came, and all was
ready. Just after the moon set Millet went on
deck. The sentinel was walking back and forth by



V Google



GENERAL JOHN CHANDLER. 181

the hatchway. When the signal was given Millet
seized the sentinel, disarmed him, and threw him
into the hold amongst the prisoners. Those in the
hold were in a moment on the quarter-deck, and
seized the arms. The guard made no resistance, as
they were threatened with death if they made the
least noise. They submitted, and were put down
the forescuttle and secured. The boat was lowered,
and twenty-three of tlie prisoners taken into it.
