Here is a paragraph advertisement from the _Morning Herald_, June 2, 1802, which shows that our grandfathers could advertise in as catching a style as the present generation: “On Saturday, the following conversation occurred between two sailors opposite Somerset House: ‘Ah! Sam, how are you?’ ‘Why, Jack, when I saw you, a few days ago, I _was near a Gentleman_; but now, through my folly, am a _complete beggar_!’ ‘Cheer up, Sam, for you are _near_ a Gentleman now. I have just received all my prize money and wages; we have been partners in many a hard battle; we will be partners now. I am going to the London Sea Coal Company, in Southampton Street, Holborn, to buy a score of coals; and, by retailing of which, I’ll prove to you, there’s a devilish deal more satisfaction and pleasure than in throwing the gold dust away on bad women or public-houses.’” This company were in September, 1804, selling their coals at 58s. per chaldron. October 8, 1804: “Pool[72] price of coals: Wallsend, 54s. 6d.; Hebburn and Percy, 52s. 6d.; Wellington, 52s. 3d.; Temples, 51s. 8d.; Eighton, 48s. 3d. Eight ships at market, and all sold. The addition of 12s. to the above will give the price at which the coals should be delivered in town.” That was in face of approaching winter. In summer time the price was naturally lower—July 1, 1805: “Coals. Monday, 24 June, 20 cargoes sold from 39s. 3d. to 49s. 6d. per chaldron. Wednesday, 26 do.; 10 ditto 42s. 9d. to 49s. Friday, 28: 15 ditto 43s. 9d. to 49s. 6d. in the Pool.” In February, 1808, the retail price of coals was 64s.; and this did not include metage and shooting. In October, 1809, they rose to 74s., and in November of the same year they reached 84s. [Illustration] [Illustration] CHAPTER XLVII. The Navy—Sailor’s carelessness—“The Sailor’s Journal”—The sailor and “a dilly”—Dress of the sailors—Rough life both for officers and men—Number of ships in Commission—Pressing—A man killed by a press-gang—Mutinies—That of the _Danäe_—Mutiny on board the _Hermione_, and cold-blooded slaughter of the officers—Mutiny in Bantry Bay—Pay of the officers—French prisoners of war.