A RECOMMENDATION. 341 



recommendation, and it" this is not forthctming, 

 at once refuses, unless pressed for hands, to engage 

 the applicant. 



We had been told that our captain would refuse 

 any one a recommendation. For my part I cared 

 little for it, as I was not to sail under the flag any 

 more. My shipmates, however, felt somewhat 

 anxious on the subject. 



At the appointed time we met at the owner's 

 o$oe. The captain was there. As each one's 

 name was called, he stepped forward to receive 

 his wages and sign his account. Then the captain 

 handed him his discharge and recommendation, 

 if any was forthcoming. Fred, George and I, were 

 the only ones of the crew who were favored with 

 the latter document. I will here give a copy of 

 mine, as it may satisfy the curiosity of some reader. 



"Kfcis is to Ceriifg, That - , ha& 



served on board the PAULINE HOUGHTON, under 

 my command, as able seaman, from Mauritius to 

 London, and has conducted himself to my satis- 

 faction ; and can recommend him to any person 

 that may require his services. 



" JOSEPH K. SMITH, Master.'' 



With this precious indorsement in my hand 

 and seven pounds sterling (thirty-five dollars) the 

 proceeds of my voyage, in my pocket, I left cap- 

 tain Smith, thinking, " Take him for all in all, 

 [I hope] I ne'er shall see his like again." 



