Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1888-09-13
POOR JACK.
How Interested Myself in His
Behalf.

When got my rating as able sea-
man could have navigated ship to
any part of the world. l did not enter
upon the occupation through force of
circumstances. but because loved the
sea. had fair education, steady
habits, and served my time with an
uncle who was a splendid sailor and a
God-fearlng man. l should have been
his mate after receiving my rating, but
he died while we were loading ship,
and the owners kept me ashore for a
couple of months to look over papers
and fix up accounts. Then could have
had a berth as mate, but a strange no
ton had come over me. Several
captains had been hauled up for abus-
ing their men. and l had been present
at the trials. My Indignation was
aroused by the stories told by the men,
and, encouraged by half a dozen phi
lanthropists, l determined to become
sailors champion. 1t was very silly, /
now admit, but at that time earnest
ly believed it was my mission. 1t was
silly for one man to hope to work
revolution. Had hundred cham
pions set out, and been backed by own
ers and courts, some thing good might
have come of it.
My first step was to procure the
marine laws of every country. with all
the rules and regulations bearing upon
sailors rights. l was very particular
in securing definitions of the term
mutiny, and in reading laws concern
ing the rights of sailors, to be quoted
at length before consuls in foreign
ports. had the help of a lawyer in
this work, and he gave me many hints
of value. When / was loaded and
primed I slowed $500 in cash in my
pocket and shipped aboard the brig
Adventure" bound from Liverpool
to the West Indies. This ship had
been recommended to me as good
one to begin on. as the captain had
been arrested several times for cruel
ty, but always escaped conviction
through the influence of the owners
and the perjured testimony of the
mates. was now twenty-three years
of age, five feet eleven inches tall,
weighed one hundred and sixty pounds.
and was afraid of no call on shipboard.
Twas stout as bull, a good boxer
and wrestler, and had never seen a
days sickness. As / tumbled aboard
the Adventure with half a dozen
other sailors. l was determined to do
my full duty as far as possible, and to
obey all rules and regulations to the
fullest extent.
Before we were fairly under way 1
saw that we were to have q floating
hell The captain was q hard drinker
and brute, and the mates delighted
to curse and abuse. Aboard of my
uncle's ship sailors were treated like
men. and drink and profanity were I'M
known. was prepared for the change.
however, and let nothing astonish me.
I exhibited my activity and willingness
in getting away, and before the watch
es were set it must have been patent to
the officers that was thorough sea-
man. This should have counted in my
favor, and it did for little while.
There is always leader in every crew.
He not only governs the forecastle. but
he sets the pace Of the men. especially
those in his watch. II he is active and
willing. the men will pattern after him
to q certain extent If he is . growler
and a laggard. his disposition will af-
feet all. By tacit consent was made
leader, and. to the great surprise of
some of the old sailors. informed
them that had come aboard to do my