to say a word
or two to you respecting your education, which, I fear, has been
somewhat neglected--as, indeed, might reasonably be expected, seeing how
few educational advantages usually fall in the way of a fisher-lad.
Now, this must be remedied as speedily as possible. I am anxious that
you should become not only a first-rate seaman and thorough navigator,
but also a polished gentleman, in order that you may be fitted to fill
the highest posts attainable in the profession which you have chosen.
When I was your age if a man knew enough to enable him to safely
navigate his ship from place to place that was about all that was
required of him. But times have changed since then; the English have
become a nation of travellers; passenger-ships have enormously increased
in number, and the man who now commands one is expected, in addition to
his other duties, to play the part of a courteous and intelligent host
to those who take passage with him. To enable him to perform this
portion of his duties satisfactorily a liberal education and polished
manners are necessary, and both of these you must acquire, my boy.
There is only one way of attaining the possession of these requisites,
and that is--study. The intelligent study of books will give you the
education; and the study of your fellow-creatures, their speech, habits,
and demeanour, will give you polish, by showing you what things to
imitate and what to avoid. Now, you have an excellent opportunity to
commence both these branches of study at once. Mr Eastlake, the
missionary, takes the greatest interest in you, and has offered not only
to lend you the necessary books, but also to give you two hours' tuition
daily, an offer which I have ventured to thankfully accept on your
behalf. And in addition to this you have sixteen passengers to study.
Some of them are perfect gentlemen, others, I am sorry to say, are
anything but that. Your own good sense will point out to you what is
worthy of imitation and what should be avoided in the manners of those
around you, and I think you are sharp and intelligent enough to quickly
profit by your observations. Keep your eyes and ears open, and your
mouth as much as possible shut, just for the present, and I have no
doubt you will soon make headway. In addition to the two hours' tuition
which Mr Eastlake has promised you I intend to give you two more; Mr
Eastlake's tuition will be in various branches of useful knowledge, and
mine wil