The Merry Past 



away, went on board the " Undaunted " in hopes of 

 getting a new head supplied by this ingenious 

 sailor. The captain in question was reputed to be 

 somewhat harsh — even tyrannical amongst the men of 

 the Fleet ; and on account of having inflicted sixteen 

 dozen lashes upon a sailor for drunkenness, he was 

 commonly called by the foremast-men, " Sixteen- 

 dozen-Jack." When he got on board, he asked Cap- 

 tain Usher to let his carver supply a head to his 

 figure. The carver was called, and Captain Usher 

 communicated to him the wishes of his fellow-officer. 

 The blunt tar replied by a significant shrug of the 

 shoulders. The officer was very urgent, and told him 

 he should not care what he gave him, if he would re- 

 place the head. " Can't do it, sir — can't do it — it is 

 no use to try at it — I am sure I can't do it." " I will 

 give you anything you desire," said the captain, "if 

 you will oblige me." " It's of no use, sir ; for I 

 couldn't do it if your honour would give me sixteen 

 dozen." 



Besides the real Jack Tar, there was a sham one who 

 assumed nautical dress and bearing for purposes of 

 gain. * 



The popularity which the British sailor enjoyed 

 was the cause of disreputable landsmen resorting to 

 various nefarious practices. After our great naval 

 victories a swindle known as the shawl rig was much 

 in favour with such gentry. 



A fellow dressed like a seaman and having a flashy 



shawl wrapped round his arm, in a careless way, 



would roll into a shop in fine style and ask for a 



119 



