He laughed at my story, and sent me on shore with the master, who bought them, and the first lieutenant sent up the bill to my father, who paid it, and wrote to thank him for his trouble.

That morning, the first lieutenant said to me, "Now, Mr Simple, we'll take the shine off that cocked hat and dirk of yours.

You will go in the boat with Mr O'Brien, and take care that none of the men slip away from it, and get drunk at the tap." This was the first time that I had ever been sent away on duty, and I was very proud of being an officer in charge.

I put on my full uniform, and was ready at the gangway a quarter of an hour before the men were piped away.

We were ordered to the dockyard to draw sea stores.