James Braithwaite, the Supercargo | Page 7

the enemy.
Mr Janrin and Mr Thursby both paid him much attention during dinner.
Allusions were made by him to a trading voyage he had performed in
the service of the firm, and it struck me from some remarks he let drop
that he was about to undertake another of a similar character. I was not
mistaken. After dinner, when the rest of the guests were gone, he
remained behind to discuss particulars, and Mr Janrin desired me to
join the conclave. I was much interested in all I heard. A large new ship,
the Barbara, had been purchased, of which Captain Hassall had
become part owner. She was now in dock fitting for sea. She mounted
ten carriage guns and four swivels, and was to be supplied with a
proportionate quantity of small arms, and to be well manned. A letter of
marque was to be obtained for her, though she was not to fight except
in case of necessity; while her cargo was to be assorted and suited to
various localities. She was to visit several places to the East of the Cape
of Good Hope, and to proceed on to the Indian Islands and China.
"And how do you like the enterprise, James?" asked Mr Janrin, after
the captain had gone.
"I have not considered the details sufficiently to give an opinion, sir," I
answered. "If all turns out as the captain expects, it must be very
profitable, but there are difficulties to be overcome, and dangers
encountered, and much loss may be incurred."
I saw Mr Janrin and the head clerk exchange glances, and nod to each
other. I fancy that they were nods of approval at what I had said.
"Then, James, you would not wish to engage in it in any capacity?" said
Mr Janrin. "You would rather not encounter the dangers and difficulties
of such a voyage?"
"That is a very different matter, sir," I answered. "I should very much

like to visit the countries you speak of, and the difficulties I cannot help
seeing would enhance the interest of the voyage."
Again the principal and clerk exchanged glances and nodded.
"What do you say, then, James, to taking charge of the venture as
supercargo? My belief is that you will act with discretion and judgment
as to its disposal, and that we shall have every reason to be satisfied
with you. Mr Thursby agrees with me, do you not, Thursby?"
"I feel sure that Mr James will bring no discredit on the firm, sir,"
answered Mr Thursby, smiling at me. "On the contrary, sir, no young
man I am acquainted with is so likely to conduce to the success of the
enterprise."
I was highly gratified by the kind remarks of my friends, and expressed
my thanks accordingly, at the same time that I begged I might be
allowed two days for consideration. I desired, of course, to consult my
mother, and was anxious also to know what another would have to say
to the subject. She, like a sensible girl, agreed with me that it would be
wise to endure the separation for the sake of securing, as I hoped to do,
ultimate comfort and independence. I knew from the way that she gave
this advice that she did not love me less than I desired. I need say no
more than that her confidence was a powerful stimulus to exertion and
perseverance in the career I had chosen. My mother was far more
doubtful about the matter. Not till the morning after I had mentioned it
to her did she say, "Go, my son; may God protect you and bless your
enterprise!"
I was from this time forward actively engaged in the preparations for
the voyage. My personal outfit was speedily ready, but I considered it
necessary to examine all the cases of merchandise put on board, that I
might be properly acquainted with all the articles in which I was going
to trade. "It's just what I expected of him," I heard Mr Janrin remark to
Mr Thursby, when one evening I returned late from my daily duties.
"Ay, sir, there is the ring of the true metal in the lad," observed the
head clerk.

Captain Hassall was as active in his department as I was in mine, and
we soon had the Barbara ready for sea with a tolerably good crew. In
those stirring days of warfare it was no easy thing to man a
merchantman well, but Captain Hassall had found several men who had
sailed with him on previous voyages, and they without difficulty
persuaded others to ship on board the Barbara.
Our first officer, Mr Randolph, was a gentleman in the main, and a very
pleasant companion, though he had at first sight, in his everyday
working