ed me if I had yet passed at Surgeons'
Hall? To which question I answered, I did not so much as know it was
necessary. "Necessary:" cried he, "Oh then I find I must instruct you:
come along with me, and I'll give you information about that matter." So
Saying, he carried me into an ale-house, where I called for some beer,
and bread and cheese, on which we breakfasted. While we sat in this
place, he told me I must first go to the Navy Office, and write to the
Board, desiring them to order a letter for me to Surgeon's Hall, that
I might be examined, touching my skill in surgery. That the surgeons,
after having examined me, would give me my qualification sealed up in
form of a letter directed to the commissioners, which qualification
I must deliver to the secretary of the Board, who would open it in my
presence, and read the contents; after which I must employ my interest
to be provided for as soon as possible. That the expense of his
qualification for second mate of a third-rate, amounted to thirteen
shillings, exclusive of the warrant, which cost him half-a-guinea and
half-a-crown, besides a present to the secretary, which consisted of a
three-pound twelve piece. This calculation was like a thunderbolt to me,
whose whole fortune did not amount to twelve shillings. I accordingly
made him acquainted with this part of my distress, after having thanked
him for his information and advice. He condoled me on this occasion; but
bade me be of good cheer, for he had conceived a friendship for me, and
would make all things easy. He was ran out at present, but to-morrow or
next day, he was certain of receiving a considerable sum; of which he
would lend me what would be sufficient to answer my exigencies. This
frank declaration pleased me so much, that I pulled out my purse,
and emptied it before him, begging him to take what he pleased for
pocket-expense, until he should receive his own money. With a good deal
of pressing, he was prevailed upon to take five shillings telling me
that he might have what money he wanted at any time for the trouble of
going into the city; but as he had met with me, he would defer his going
thither till tomorrow, when I should go along with him, and he would put
me in the way of acting for myself, without a servile dependence on that
rascal Cringer, much less on the tailor to whom he heard him turn me
over. "How!" cried I, "is Mr. Staytape a tailor." "No less, I assure
you," answered he, "and, I confess, mo