The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-04-17
THE MERCHANT AND THE MATE.

THE MERCHANT AND THE MATE.
In the course ola somewhat eventiul life,
have learned that il is not only strictly con-
sistent with the principles ofgood breeding to
treat every man, however humble his station
or degrading his occupation, with courtesy and
poteness, but that such course Of conduct is
called for by policy and expedlency. Civility
costs nothing but smile or bow, or trining
effort to be something more than a brute. BY
refusing a request from poor man, in courte-
Gus language, you will not make an enemy
while by granting favor in an arrogant, over
bearing manner, as you regarded the person
whom you obiige with contempt, you will nine
times out Of ten make firm and unhinching
enemy. No human being loves to be treated
with rsoence and contumely; and the spirit
of pride and arrogance, which is cherished in
the bosoms Of some persons on whom fortune
has blindly and unjustly layIshed her gifts, has
often dictated conduct towards humble but
deserving individuals, which has tended to
mortify their feelings, repress their energies
and crush them to the earth The mental or
moral calibre of such men is generally exceed
ingly small. They are almost always pitiful
pa,renus, who are despised wherever they are
known.
A number of years ago, by one of those
strange vlcissitudes which are met with in
every station or occupation in life, | found
myself in Boston in the month of June
young, active and vigorous, without money or
friends, and in search Of employment as mate
of merchant ship. At that time the COM
merce of Boston was not in a very hourishing
condition. Many vessels were lying at the
wharves, and many masters and mates OF yes-
sells were looking Tor employment.
The manner in which my numerous appli-
cations were received by the different mer-
chants and shipmasters to whom applied for
situation, differed, of course, according to
the characters of the individuals. Some re-
ceived me with much civiIity, and although
they did not think proper to grant my applica-
ton, proved by their courteous manners that
they were gentlemen and entitled to my re-
speCt and esteem. Others saw in me only a
poor, and unfortunate man, who would proba-
bly, never have it in his power to aid or retard
their interest, and treated me not only with
incivilty, but in some cases with the most in.
sulting arrogance. Although in my inmost
soul, deeply fell such treatment, | deermin-
ed that the conduct Of such apologies for men,
SIOulu lOl OliC lotd tIiC lidtNC cHGIPy
Of my character.
persisted in my efforts to get an eligible
situation-but rs | had no one to refer to in
relation to my character and capacity, | CONT
nued unsuccessful-and as my money was all
gone, and was getting in debt, | resolved as
a last and desperate resort, to endeavor to pro-
cure situation on board one of the Havana
traders. The summer previous it had been
very sicky in Havana-many whole crews
had died of yellow fever, and it was difficult to
find officers and men to navigate them to the
United States. thought that what had once
occurred, might, and probably would occur
again-and who knew but what might by
some curious turn of Fortunes wheel, be thus
placed in command of vessel, and by my
industry, integrity and skill, gain the conf
dence of the owners, and thus, as it were, at
the outset receive cheering impulse in my
career through life! 1t never occurred to me
that should find difficulty in getting mates
birth to that port, at that season of the year
or that was in danger of being carried off by
yellow fever as well as others.
accordingly went to work. learned that
little old brig, lying at one Of the wharves at
South end, belonging to gentleman whom
Sllall Call Lake. anu WHO lldu Il counting room
on Central wharf, was taking in cargo Of
lumber for Havana--and that neither a cap
tain or mate had yet been appointed to her.
/ lost no time, but forthwith proceeded to Mr..
Lakes counting room, to make application
for the birth. He was alone, and received me
with distant civiIity. | told him in a respect
ful manner that understood he wanted u
mate for his brig Vulturc, bound to Havana,
and that should be pleased to 90 on board
in that capacity. He made some inquiries,
which answered satstactorIly-the assum-
ing an air of much importance and dignity,
which sat extremely awkward upoa him, he
said that he wanted mate for the Nulturc, Of
tirst-rate capacity, and il | was person of
that character he would have no objections to
giving me cmployment-he added that the
person whom he intended should take charge
Of the Vulture, was every day expected from
Havana, and thnt he should like to consult with
him in the appointment Of a mate. Young
man." said he, call in again in the course of
two or three days, or week at farthcst, and
will talk further with you on this subject"
The week passed away-mcanwhlle | was
carefully watching the proceedings on board
the Nuturc, All her cargo was now OH board,
and she was hauled to the end Of the wharf,
ready for en-, but neither mate nor master
were yet appointed to her. II was about
eleven o'clock, when u reached Mr.. Lakes
counting room. | opened the door with a