That I might not have time to cool, he bade me draw
out a list of medicines for a complement of five hundred men, adapted
to the distempers of hot climates. and sufficient for a voyage of
eighteen months; and carry it to a certain wholesale apothecary, who
would also provide me in two well-qualified mates. While I was thus
employed Strap came in, and looked very blank, when he understood
my resolution: however, after a pause of some minutes, he insisted
upon going along with me; and at my desire was made ship's steward
by Captain Bowling, who promised to be at the expense of fitting
him out, and to lend him two hundred pounds to purchase an adventure.
When I had delivered my list of medicines, chosen a couple of my own
countrymen for mates, and bespoke a set of chirurgical instruments,
my uncle told me, that by his last voyage he had cleared almost
three thousand pounds, one-third of which he would immediately make
over and put into my hands; that he would procure for me credit
to the value of as much wore in such goods as would turn to best
account in the country to which we were bound; and that, although
he looked upon my interest as his own, he would keep the remaining
part of his fortune in his own disposal, with a view of preserving
his independence, and the power of punishing me, in case I should
not make a good use of what he had already bestowed.
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