our gave me no advantageous idea
of his character; and I could not help lamenting my own fate, that had
subjected me to such a commander. However, making a virtue of necessity,
I put a good face on the matter, and next day, was, with the other
pressed men, put on board of the "Thunder," lying at the Nore. When we
came alongside, the mate, who guarded us thither, ordered my handcuffs
to be taken off, that I might get on board the easier; this circumstance
being perceived by some of the company who stood upon the gangboard
to see us enter, one of them called to Jack Rattlin, who was busied in
doing this friendly office for me, "Hey, Jack, what Newgate galley have
you boarded in the river as you came along? Have we not thieves enow
among us already?" Another, observing my wounds, which remained exposed
to the air, told me, my seams were uncaulked, and that I must be new
payed. A third, seeing my hair clotted together with blood, as it were
into distinct cords, took notice, that my bows were mended with the red
ropes, instead of my side. A fourth asked me, if I could not keep my
yards square without iron braces? And, in short, a thousand witticisms
of the same nature were passed upon me before I could get up the ship's
side.

After we had been all entered upon the ship's books, I inquired of
one of my shipmates where the surgeon was, that I might have my wounds
dressed, and had actually got as far as the middle deck (for our ship
carried eighty guns), in my way to the cockpit, when I was met by the
same midshipman who had used me so barbarously in the tender: he, seeing
me free from my chains, asked, with an insolent air, who had released
me? To this question, I foolishly answered, with a countenance that
too plainly declared the state of my thoughts, "Whoever did it, I am
persuaded did not consult you in the affair." I had no sooner uttered
these words, than he cried, "Damn you, you saucy son of a hitch, I'll
teach you to talk so to your officer." So saying, he bestowed on me
several severe stripes with a supple jack he had in his hand: and,
going to the commanding officer, made such a report of me, that I was
immediately put in irons by the master-at-arms, and a sentinel placed
over me. Honest Rattlin, as soon as he heard of my condition, came to
me, and administered all the consolation he could, and then went to the
surgeon in my behalf, who sent one of his mates to dress my wounds.
This mate was no other than my old fri