| Citation |
PC.773.020
25 Jan-1 Feb 1773:81 (316)
A Contempt of Money remarkable in British Sailors.
I have been engaged in many pursuits with people devoted
to a maritime life, and have had an opportunity of making an
observation that one general character prevails through
them, of a thorough contempt of money. . . [24 lines with
examples] Another tar, who had recieved about forty pounds,
was met by his captain, who told him he should sail in about
a fortnight, and should be glad to have Jack with him; the
honest tar replied, "he could not go so soon, " which
induced the captain to ask the reason, when he was informed
he could not get rid of his money in time. --"How do you
amuse yourself?" said the captain. "Why I keep a whore and
a fidler, and I find my money will last a month." "Then, "
added the captain, "keep two whores and two fidlers, and
you'll be able to go in a fortnight." "Egad captain, " cried
Jack, quite happy at the thought, "you're right, I'll do it,
and go with you." . . . [6 lines] [signed] Mercator.
Portsmouth, ---1772.
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