152 A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY 
other design for amusement consists in acting 
Plays, for which they are now preparing. The 
last of these I have no doubt will answer its end, 
—that of diverting the men; but the first I am 
not quite so certain of, as 1 have seen one 
or two instances, and have heard of many 
more, where newspapers on board of ship, instead 
of affording general amusement, and promoting 
friendship and a good understanding amongst 
officers, tended in a short time to destroy both : 
for although the professed object and intention at 
first may be to afford entertainment and convey 
knowledge, yet for lack of materials to answer the 
expectations excited, jokes and reflections upon 
one another will at length be admitted to fill the 
columns: these will, by some, be taken in good 
part, and by others in a contrary way; conse- 
quently those who consider themselves offended 
will retaliate, perhaps, in less courteous language, 
on those whom they consider their annoyers; until 
at length the paper, instead of being the source of 
amusement and instruction, becomes the vehicle of 
sarcasms and bitter animadversions. And should 
the conductor, or conductors of the paper have 
discretion enough to refuse admission into their co- 
lumns of productions of this nature, yet they can- 
not repress the sentiments or opinions of the par- 
ties concerned, who, to make the matter worse, 
generally know one another; for, to be an ano- 
nymous writer on board of ship is but a thin veil 
to prevent a person from being known, as peoples’ 
talents and turn of mind are soon discovered, 
