Were this course thoroughly pursued, it would put at once, we are free
to assert, a wholesome check upon any further attempts to defraud the
ignorant and unsuspecting. We may go even yet further, and say, that it
is clearly the _duty_ of agents and officers of ships to look after the
interests of inexperienced seamen who sail in their employ, and under
their command; and if they did as suggested, it would doubtless greatly
conduce to the contentment of seamen on shipboard, and likewise promote
mutual good will and understanding, in regard to the purposes of the
voyage.
It is hoped, however, there is less disposition now than formerly to
defraud the unsuspecting, either in the quality or number of articles
included in their outfit, or to deceive the ignorant by presenting to
their minds unreasonable and extravagant promises, which would never
be realized; and that honesty, which is always the best and safest
policy at all times, and under all circumstances, will henceforth be
more obviously seen in this branch of business connected with the whale
fishery.
The following is an inventory of the principal articles of clothing,
and a few incidentals, included in a young whaleman's outfit for
a voyage, of two, three, or four years. It may serve as a sort of
directory, and thus be of considerable advantage to those who would
prefer a good, substantial outfit, compared with one which may have a
name simply, but deficient in a great measure in real worth and service.
1 Monkey Jacket,
1 Reefing do.,
1 Oil Suit,
4 Pairs Thick Pants,
6 Thick Shirts,
4 Undershirts,
6 Pairs Thin Pants,
6 Thin Shirts,
4 Pairs Thick Drawers,
1 Guernsey Frock,
1 Thin Frock,
6 Pairs Shoes, good,
6 Pairs Stockings,
6 Jackknives,
1 Tin Pot,
1 Spoon,
1 Tin Pan,
1 Bed, (mattress,)
Quilt, Blanket, Pillow, &c., &c.; Razor, Strop, Soap, Needles, Thread,
Brush, &c.
The chief purpose the writer had in view in bringing together these
facts connected with the history and details of whaling, was not
only to interest the general reader, but that young men from the
country, and elsewhere, who are desirous of engaging in this branch of
employment, may know somewhat of its character and pecuniary importance
in a commercial point of view.
Men of the first business talents are enlisted in this enterprise
at home; and a more hardy, thorough-going, energetic, and generous
class of men, as captains and officers of ships, do not traverse the
ocean. That there are exceptions to this general rule, none will deny.
Capriciousness, tyranny, crossness, and inhumanity are exhibited by
some upon the sea as well as upon the land. He who cannot govern
himself is ill prepared to be the leader of others.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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