on my account, had since that time taken all opportunities of
reviling and ridiculing me, when I was not entitled to retort this bad
usage; and, even after I had been rated on the books, and mustered
as surgeon's mate, did not think fit to restrain his insolence. In
particular, being one day present while I dressed a wound in a sailor's
leg, he began to sing a song, which I thought highly injurious to
the honour of my country, and therefore signified my resentment, by
observing that the Scots always laid their account with finding enemies
among the ignorant, insignificant, and malicious. This unexpected piece
of assurance enraged him to such a degree, that he lent me a blow on
the face, which I verily thought had demolished my cheek-bone. I was
not slow in returning the obligation, and the affair began to be very
serious, when by accident Mr. Morgan, and one of the master's mates,
coming that way, interposed, and, inquiring into the cause, endeavoured
to promote a reconciliation; but, finding us both exasperated to the
uttermost, and bent against accommodation, they advised us either to
leave our difference undecided, till we should have an opportunity of
terminating it on shore, like gentlemen, or else choose a proper place
on board, and bring it to an issue by boxing. The last expedient was
greedily embraced by us both; and, being forthwith conducted to the
ground proposed, we stripped in a moment, and began a furious contest,
in which I soon found myself inferior to my antagonist, not so much in
strength and agility, as in skill, which he had acquired in the school
of Hockley-in-the-Hole at Tottenham-court. Many cross buttocks did I
sustain, and pegs on the stomach without number, till at last my breath
being quite gone, as well as my vigour wasted, I grew desperate, and
collecting all my strength in one effort, threw in at once, head, hands,
and feet, with such violence, that I drove my antagonist three paces
backward into the main hatchway, down which he fell, and pitching upon
his head and right shoulder, remained without sense and motion. Morgan,
looking down, and seeing him lie in that condition, cried, "Upon my
conscience, as I am a Christian sinner, (look you,) I believe his
pattles are all ofer; but I take you all to witness that there was no
treachery in the case, and that he has suffered by the chance of war."
So saying he descended to the deck below, to examine into the situation
of my adversary, and left m