Barlow is press-ganged from his ship by the frigate YARMOUTH, but his sister is able to visit him on board. War with France is threatened.

Barlow and another man are press-ganged from their ship by the frigate YARMOUTH. He complains that press-ganged men are often not paid properly and cannot see their families on shore. His sister visits him and gives him family news. The YARMOUTH sails into the Downs, where ships are gathering as war with France is likely. The ship then looks out for French ships in the Channel, but sees none.