Greatly were the provision merchants of the town surprised at the quality of the provisions that Master Beggs ordered for the use of the Swan.

Nothing but fine flour of the last year's grinding; freshly killed beef and pork, to be carefully salted down in barrels; and newly baked biscuits would satisfy Reuben Hawkshaw.

They could scarce believe that such articles could be meant for use on shipboard; for, as a rule, the very cheapest and worst quality of everything was considered as amply good enough for the use of sailors.
Then, too, the cider and beer must be neither thin nor sour, but sweet and of good body.

Surely, Master Beggs must have gone off his head, thus to furnish his ship! For never before had a vessel sailed out of Plymouth harbor, provided after this fashion.

An ample store of ropes and cordage, and of all matters required for a ship's equipage, were also laid in.