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Story
May 11, 1759
The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A merchant ship's mate, pressed into naval service, uses a clever trick by scratching himself to fake a severe itch, persuading the officer to release him ashore to prevent infecting the crew.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
From the LONDON CHRONICLE. Jan. 13
Mate of a merchant ship, who was pressed some time ago, made use of the following ingenious stratagem to evade being carried from the tender on board a man of war.
The night before all the pressed men were to be removed, he scratched himself all over his legs, hands, and a great part of his body, so as to raise the skin, and even cause the blood to follow in many places. On the morrow, when the poor fellows were called out of their confinement below, he took care to be the last; and just as they were going to put him over the vessel's side, he entreated the favour to speak but one word to the commanding officer which being granted, he begged in the most piteous manner, that he would be pleased to order him aboard some ship where there was an extraordinary good surgeon; 'for I have had the misfortune, Sir, (Said he) to have a most inveterate itch, (shewing his hands, breast, and legs) upon me these six months; and notwithstanding I have been under the care of several doctors, and been in two hospitals, I cannot obtain a cure; and I fear if I go to sea with it upon me, that having only salt provisions, I shall lose my life.' The officer, after viewing him with some attention, and cursing the gang for bringing such a scabby fellow on board, bid them turn him ashore for he would not send him at all, lest he should infect the whole ship's company.
Mate of a merchant ship, who was pressed some time ago, made use of the following ingenious stratagem to evade being carried from the tender on board a man of war.
The night before all the pressed men were to be removed, he scratched himself all over his legs, hands, and a great part of his body, so as to raise the skin, and even cause the blood to follow in many places. On the morrow, when the poor fellows were called out of their confinement below, he took care to be the last; and just as they were going to put him over the vessel's side, he entreated the favour to speak but one word to the commanding officer which being granted, he begged in the most piteous manner, that he would be pleased to order him aboard some ship where there was an extraordinary good surgeon; 'for I have had the misfortune, Sir, (Said he) to have a most inveterate itch, (shewing his hands, breast, and legs) upon me these six months; and notwithstanding I have been under the care of several doctors, and been in two hospitals, I cannot obtain a cure; and I fear if I go to sea with it upon me, that having only salt provisions, I shall lose my life.' The officer, after viewing him with some attention, and cursing the gang for bringing such a scabby fellow on board, bid them turn him ashore for he would not send him at all, lest he should infect the whole ship's company.
What sub-type of article is it?
Deception Fraud
Personal Triumph
What themes does it cover?
Deception
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Impressment Evasion
Stratagem
Fake Itch
Press Gang
Naval Service
What entities or persons were involved?
Mate Of A Merchant Ship
Commanding Officer
Where did it happen?
On Board A Tender
Story Details
Key Persons
Mate Of A Merchant Ship
Commanding Officer
Location
On Board A Tender
Event Date
Some Time Ago
Story Details
A pressed mate scratches his body to simulate an incurable itch and begs the officer for a ship with a good surgeon, leading to his release to avoid infecting the crew.