"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.