268 
LETTERS FROM 
The captain’s brother, Diego, a fine lad 
about sixteen years of age, appeared rather 
more civilized than any of his companions. 
He had some talent for drawing, and had 
painted a large plan of the flags of various 
nations, with tolerably well-executed views of 
vessels in the corners. Wishing to encourage 
a brother artist, I gave him some paper and 
other drawing materials, but I very soon re¬ 
pented having done so, for he became a most 
importunate beggar, and annoyed me all the 
rest of the voyage by his petitions. He espe¬ 
cially coveted a small two-bladed pen knife 
of mine; and he had the impertinence to say 
to Captain R-, that if I did not give it 
to him, he would find some opportunity of 
taking it, for he was determined it should 
never leave the vessel. It is still in my 
pocket, however. 
We had also a musician in our company, 
