The Virginia Gazette

A conversation which passed between two sailors, on board the CHATHAM in the river Medway.

BOARD the Chatham, a hoist—
Holloo—Here, take my partner on board, and haul me alongside.—Ha! Jack! what news from the London?
You have heard of Commodore Pitt, who took the command of the Britannia after her officers and crew had shamefully deserted her, because she had laboured a little in hard weather. Well; this Commodore, do you see, found out her trim, and gave chase to the enemy, and getting in their wake, presently over-hauled them; when, coming alongside, he played hell with their gin kegs; and, out of the Royal navies of France and Spain, did not leave ships enough to victual the British fleet with slip only.
After all this, some of those that did not like his speech, tar-fashion being all truth, hove him out of his birth, and the King's books too. But hark ye, Will, it is reported that there is now more use for him than ever, and one and all have requested him to take the command again. What they will do I know not; but the crew of the London, who were ready to lick the flush from his platter, heave out a cargo of foul-mouthed rubbish against him, because, they say, now he has suffered himself to be made an Admiral, he will soon be put on the yellow list, and cannot do his country any further service. Now, how can such loggerheads prate? He is sure of a seat at the Board, before which all matters must pass and be allowed; and without his approbation and concurrence no act or commission can take place that can affect the Britannia, or her crew. Then, Will, how are his hands tied? Ha! it matters not a rope's end to thee and me who command; we must be sailors still; but let the man's actions be judged favourably of in a new station, who never did ill in his former birth.