in
which each has a number. Thus a man has one number at mess, another at
quarters, and another at divisions. Discipline is everything on board a
man-of-war. Without it such a mass of people could not possibly be
moved together, and all would be confusion and constant disaster. There
must be a head to command, either worn by the captain or first
lieutenant. If the latter is a good seaman, all may go well in spite of
the incapacity of his superior; but a clever captain will never submit
to have a stupid first, so that it is seldom that the office of first
lieutenant is held by other than a good seaman. It would take up too
much space were I to attempt to describe all the grades and offices on
board a man-of-war. It will suffice when I state that every man has his
proper place, and that one follows the other in rank, down to the lowest
rated officer. I was rated as an able seaman, which I considered a high
honour, considering the little knowledge I felt myself to possess, and
was placed in the after-guard. I had to take my trick at the helm,
which I was also glad of, as it enabled me to perfect myself in
steering.

The commander, Captain Gierstien, was a man who had seen much of the
world, and was, I have reason to believe, a very good seaman; so was Mr
Stunt, the first lieutenant, who was a disciplinarian of the most rigid
school; and certainly the ship was in very good order as a man-of-war.
But there was a sad want of any of the milder influences which govern
human beings. Kind words and considerate treatment were not to be
found. This I soon discovered; and it seemed as if a leaden weight were
attached to my heart. Strict regulations, the cat, and fear did
everything. How the second lieutenant, Mr Dunning, contrived to gain
his rank I do not know, for he was nothing at all of a practical seaman
but then he spouted poetry, and wrote verses in praise of freedom; and
this talent, I conclude, had gained him his appointment, though, by the
bye, the verses appeared to be very bad.

There were several of my own messmates with whom I became intimate.
Though rough in manner, they were kind of heart; and I will say of two
or three of them, that all their sentiments were such as no gentleman
need have been ashamed of possessing. I found them both agreeable and
instructive companions; and I was glad to enjoy their friendship, the
more from the very want of kindly feelings which prevailed generally
throughout the s