THE AMERICAN WHALEMAN: 325 



We left behind us Mr. S , the second mate, and one 



man, both being too sick for the cruise before us ; and one 

 of the boat-steerers was discharged for inefficiency. We 

 shipped three Kanakas, making thirteen in all, who, with 

 three blacks and fourteen white men, compose our entire 

 crew. At this time I was promoted to steer the captain's 

 boat ; and whether I can stand the test or not remains to be 

 seen. 



June 11, lat. 31 28' lST.,long. 178 10' E. After a passage 

 of forty-five days, we have reached the eastern verge of the 

 cruising-ground of Japan. We have accordingly established 

 boat-crew's watches, and for the first time our young boat- 

 steerer has headed his watch, and put on airs accordingly, 

 pacing the weather quarter-deck, and taking a new interest 

 in the ship's course. " How does she head ?" he asked, with 

 unnecessary frequency, as we forged slowly along under 

 reefed top-sails and furled courses. A vigilant eye was also 

 kept for the impossible dangers of this unknown sea. The 

 most decided change for the better which I have experienced 

 is that my meals are eaten in the cabin at a table, instead of 

 on the forehatch, and our dishes are washed by the cabin- 

 boy, and not scavengered by the horrible cockroaches of the 

 forecastle. 



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