Added to these feelings, the sea-boy has to endure physical hardships, and the privation of every comfort, even of sleep.

Nelson had a feeble body and an affectionate heart, and he remembered through life his first days of wretchedness in the service.
The RAISONNABLE having been commissioned on account of the dispute respecting the Falkland Islands, was paid off as soon as the difference with the court of Spain was accommodated, and Captain Suckling was removed to the TRIUMPH, seventy-four, then stationed as a guard-ship in the Thames.

This was considered as too inactive a life for a boy, and Nelson was therefore sent a voyage to the West Indies in a merchant-ship, commanded by Mr.John Rathbone, an excellent seaman, who had served as master's mate under Captain Suckling in the Dreadnought.
He returned a practical seaman, but with a hatred of the king's service, and a saying then common among the sailors--"Aft the most honour; forward the better man." Rathbone had probably been disappointed and disgusted in the navy; and, with no unfriendly intentions, warned Nelson against a profession which he himself had found hopeless.

His uncle received him on board the TRIUMPH on his return, and discovering his dislike to the navy, took the best means of reconciling him to it.

He held it out as a reward that, if he attended well to his navigation, he should go in the cutter and decked long-boat, which was attached to the commanding-officer's ship at Chatham.