about one o'clock in the morning
It presented the French captain 's compliments to ours ; regretted the little interruption he had given to our occupation ; remarked that the weather was cold , and as he had been ordered off in a hurry , he had not had time to provide himself ; and as there was always a proper feeling among _ braves gens _ , requested a few gallons of rum for himself and followers . This request was answered with a _ polite note _ , and the spirits required . The British captain hoped the commandant and his party would make themselves comfortable , and have a _ bon repos _ . The captain , however , intended the Frenchman should pay for the spirits , though not in money , and sent in the bill about one o'clock in the morning . All at that hour was as still as death ; the French guard had refreshed themselves , and were enjoying the full extent of our captain 's benefaction , when he observed to us that it was a pity to lose the boat which was left on shore , as well as the other brass guns , and proposed making the attempt to bring off both . Five or six of us stripped , and lowering ourselves into the water , very gently swam ashore , in a breathless kind of silence , that would have done honour to a Pawnee Loup Indian . The water was very cold , and at first almost took away my respiration .