We Learned A Good Deal From
Them About Curing And Stowing Of Hides, Etc.
And they were
anxious to have the latest news (seven months old) from Boston.
One of their first inquiries was for Father Taylor, the seamen's
preacher in Boston.
Then followed the usual strain of conversation,
inquiries, stories, and jokes, which, one must always hear in a ship's
forecastle, but which are perhaps, after all, no worse, nor, indeed,
more gross, than that of many well-dressed gentlemen at their clubs.
CHAPTER XVI
LIBERTY-DAY ON SHORE
The next day being Sunday, after washing and clearing
decks, and getting breakfast, the mate came forward with
leave for one watch to go ashore, on liberty. We drew lots,
and it fell to the larboard, which I was in. Instantly all was
preparation. Buckets of fresh water, (which we were allowed in
port,) and soap, were put in use; go-ashore jackets and trowsers
got out and brushed; pumps, neckerchiefs, and hats overhauled;
one lending to another; so that among the whole each one got a
good fit-out. A boat was called to pull the "liberty men" ashore,
and we sat down in the stern sheets, "as big as pay passengers,"
and jumping ashore, set out on our walk for the town, which was
nearly three miles off.
It is a pity that some other arrangement is not made in merchant
vessels, with regard to the liberty-day. When in port, the crews
are kept at work all the week, and the only day they are allowed
for rest or pleasure is the Sabbath; and unless they go ashore on
that day, they cannot go at all.
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