Note 45 — PREFACE (continued 2)

On returning to Philadelphia, and stating how I had disposed of the baggage I was greeted with grins and smiles; one said he would not give fifty dollars for my chance, another offered ten, and in short I found that no smart fellow thought of trusting another in America; and that he who should think himself safe under the pledge of honour or honesty was considered a fiat and deserving to be taken in! At Vincennes I had yet to learn this at the expense of at least a thousand dollars.—Welby.