e possession of the
hulk assigned them, the purser gets from the victualling-office
provisions enough for present use, and draws from the same quarter a
quantity of slop clothing, as well as bedding and haversacks, for the
marines, who are generally the first men on board. They are supplied
by the boatswain with hammocks, and thus the Jollies soon feel
themselves at home. The captain's clerk having prepared what is called
an "open list," he enters the names of the officers and men as fast as
they arrive. Hammocks and bedding, as well as blankets and shoes, are
issued to those sailors who may come on board without any kit, which
is too often the case. The senior lieutenant ought, if possible, to be
one of the very first persons who joins, and the sooner he establishes
himself on board the hulk the better. The marines, being a standing
portion of the service, are always ready, and, if necessary, they may
be sent on board at a few hours' warning. On this account, as well as
many others, they are a most invaluable body of men. When there is no
particular hurry, however, they will be embarked in two or three days
at the furthest from the time they receive orders.[8] Application
should also be made for boys, who are supplied as soon as possible; a
certain number being sent from the flag-ship, while the remainder are
enlisted from the shore. A boat's crew of sailors will very soon be
picked up from the stray hands lounging about the Common Hard and
Jack's other well-known haunts.

Thus, in a very few days, the foundation of a ship's company is laid;
and under good management, with a little patience and cheerfulness,
the superstructure will advance rapidly. A rendezvous should be opened
at a public-house in some street frequented by the seamen; and a flag,
with the ship's name on it, exposed before the door; while bills,
containing the ship and captain's name, should be stuck up and
distributed in the proper quarters. If her destination be India, South
America, the Mediterranean, or any other favourite station, that
circumstance will of course be sufficiently noticed in these cards of
invitation. The master-at-arms, the captain's coxswain, or some old
and steady hand who has an interest in getting the ship manned, will
be usefully employed at the rendezvous, to talk to the sailors as
they drop in to consider the _pros_ and _cons_ of the new enterprise
in which they are invited to engage. The captain himself, and the
first lieu