THE “OLD MAN”
From “The Etchings of a Whaling Cruise”

Let every commander keep before him this eternal truth, that to bewell obeyed he must be perfectly esteemed.
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Never had I met a more generous and warm hearted man. He wa kind to his crew, respected their feelings and did all in his power to promote their comfort. At the same time he preserved discipline and made every man know his place. A better sailor never walked a ship’s planks.

He understood his duty from beginning to end, kept within the bounds of authority, and, while faithful to the interests of the owners, gavethe crew their full complement of provisions, and encouraged them in all their enjoyments.

The consequence was that they respected him, and made themselves active and useful. Brave, Energetic and Liberal, he set an example that excited the emulation of all on board. No man flinched from danger, avoided work, or refused to share the best he had with his shipmates.

By John Ross Browne
1821 ~ 1875 ~~ Dublin, Ireland