He
therefore, without much hesitation, embraced the proposal of his
kinsman, and, as he observed, was, in less than a month after his
discharge, turned adrift to the mercy of the wind and waves.
Since that period he had never maintained any correspondence
with his relations, all of whom had concurred in sending him off;
nor would he ever pay the least regard to the humiliations and
supplications of some among them, who had prostrated themselves
before him, on the advancement of his fortune: but he retained
a most inveterate resentment against his uncle, who was still in
being, though extremely old and infirm, and frequently mentioned
his name with all the bitterness of revenge.
Perry being perfectly well acquainted with the particulars of this
story, which he had heard so often repeated, proposed to Hatchway
that a person should be hired to introduce himself to the commodore,
with a supposititious letter of recommendation from this detested
kinsman; an imposition that, in all likelihood, would afford
abundance of diversion.
The lieutenant relished the scheme and young Pickle having composed
an epistle for the occasion, the exciseman of the parish, a fellow
of great impudence and some humour, in whom Hatchway could confide,
undertook to transcribe and deliver it with his own hand, and also
personate the man in whose favour it was feigned to be written.
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