Travels Through North America 



Some years ago a commander of one of his 

 majesty's ships of war being stationed at this place, 

 had orders to cruise from time to time, in order to 

 protect our trade, and distress the enemy. It hap- 

 pened unluckily that he returned from one of his 

 cruises on a Sunday; and as he had left his lady at 

 Boston, the moment she heard of the ship's arrival, 

 she hasted down to the water's side, in order to re- 

 ceive him. The captain, on landing, embraced her 

 with tenderness and affection: this, as there were 

 several spectators by, gave great offence, and was 

 considered as an act of indecency, and a flagrant 

 profanation of the Sabbath. The next day, there- 

 fore, he was summoned before the magistrates, who 

 with many severe rebukes and pious exhortations, 

 ordered him to be publicly whipped. The captain 

 stifled his indignation and resentment as much as 

 possible; and as the punishment, from the frequency 

 of it, was not attended with any great degree of 

 ignominy or disgrace, he mixed with the best com- 

 pany, was well received by them, and they were ap- 

 parently good friends. At length the time of the 

 station expired, and he was recalled: he went, there- 

 fore, with seeming concern, to take leave of his 

 worthy friends; and that they might spend one more 

 happy day together before their final separation, 

 he invited the principal magistrates and selectmen 

 to dine with him on board his ship, upon the day of 

 his departure. They accepted the invitation, and 



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