When I came back I resolved to settle in London; to which Mr.Bates, my master, encouraged me, and by him I was recommended to several patients.

I took part of a small house in the Old Jewry; and, being advised to alter my condition, I married Mrs.Mary Burton,[4] second daughter to Mr.Edmund Burton, hosier in Newgate Street, with whom I received four hundred pounds for a portion.
But my good master, Bates, dying in two years after, and I having few friends, my business began to fail; for my conscience would not suffer me to imitate the bad practice of too many among my brethren.

Having, therefore, consulted with my wife, and some of my acquaintance, I determined to go again to sea.

I was surgeon successively in two ships, and made several voyages, for six years, to the East and West Indies, by which I got some addition to my fortune.

My hours of leisure I spent in reading the best authors, ancient and modern, being always provided with a good number of books; and, when I was ashore, in observing the manners and dispositions of the people, as well as learning their language, wherein I had a great facility, by the strength of my memory.
The last of these voyages not proving very fortunate, I grew weary of the sea, and intended to stay at home with my wife and family.