He is a very nice, active, little fellow,
with a broad Scotch tongue and "dirty, little rascal" appearance.
He had a sad disappointment at starting. Having been second mate
on the last voyage, when the first mate was discharged, he took
charge of the ELBA all the time she was in port, and of course
looked forward to being chief mate this trip. Liddell promised him
the post. He had not authority to do this; and when Newall heard
of it, he appointed another man. Fancy poor H-having told all the
men and most of all, his sweetheart. But more remains behind; for
when it came to signing articles, it turned out that O-, the new
first mate, had not a certificate which allowed him to have a
second mate. Then came rather an affecting scene. For H- proposed
to sign as chief (he having the necessary higher certificate) but
to act as second for the lower wages. At first O- would not give
in, but offered to go as second. But our brave little H- said, no:
"The owners wished Mr.
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