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.
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