Courtesy and good breeding demand a return of politeness even toward a slave; remembering at the same time, that familiarity begets contempt. I noticed very soon after I had joined the yard, the boatswain and gunner with one of the master's mates, were often busy about the commodore's house, and frequently about the kitchen; and at one time I saw the boatswain go over to Boston with a wheelbarrow, and bring home the commodore's marketing, which was derogatory to their rank. I had received orders to take the carpenters who were attached to the yard, and have all the boats repaired, and painted. I always appeared during the day in the uniform appointed for a warrant officer, and several times when passing the commodore, noticed that he looked rather closely at me, the meaning of which I well understood, from several hints which I had received from the boatswain- There was another officer attached to the yard, as a supernumerary — the gunner of the Java, who was a tine fellow, and much of a gentleman.
The commodore had hinted to him several times that he must go to work, without ordering him to do it, however. He knew his place, and positively refused to touch his hand to anything; but was ready and willing to superintend or direct any work in his department which the commodore might place him over. I was told that I was not one of the old marts disciples, and this I well knew before. So 1 was determined to leavo the yard, at any rate. Not far from the Navy Yard there was a fine looking ship fitting out for India. I went alongside of her and was introduced to the captain, and asked him if he had engaged his carpenter.
He replied that he had not, but was looking for one. I told him who and what I was, and that if I could get a furlough in season, would like to go the voyage with him. He seemed much pleased, and wished me to go about the furlough as quick as possible, as he would sail in four days. I knew that four days were not sufficient to get an answer from the Secretary of the Navy; made the matter known to Mr. Macomber, first lieutenant of the yard, who was a very austere man, but quite friendly toward me; always manifesting the greatest kindness. He told me that Mr. Crowninshield was not at Washington, but at his residence in Salem; that it was very doubtful whether he would attend to any official business, while absent from the seat of government.
" But," he continued, " notwithstanding I am sorry to have you leave the yard, you have my permission to go to Salem, and see what you can do with the Secretary." As there were no railroads then, a journey to Salem and back used nearly a whole day. I started off immediately, and found Mr. Crowninshield at home. Told him my errand, and the reason I had called upon him. After making some few enquiries, he gave me the furlough, at the same time wishing- me a pleasant voyage. On my return to Boston, I notified the captain of the merchant ship, that I was all right, and would be on board ready for duty on the next day.
My next business was to acquaint Commodore Hull about the furlough and the India voyage, and when I first named it to him, he was quite astonished at my not having first applied to him. Of course I knew better than to have done that. He seemed to regret my leavino the yard. I told him it was too inactive a life for me, and preferred a voyage to India, rather than the. navy yard. Next morning I went on board my new ship, and reported myself to the chief mate, ready to select the lumber and other stores required in the carpenter's department for tli3 voyage. The captain directed me to go to the ship yard, and get what I wanted.
Accordingly, with these unlimited orders, and not knowing what might happen, I selected six large white oak plank three inches thick, also some short pieces of various thicknesses, and six three inch deck plank, and four very wide two inch pine plank, with some pine and oak boards — besides some small pieces of oak stuff, which I threw into the cart. I took four bundles of oakum (200 pounds), a large pitch pot, a barrel of pitch, and one of tar, and a large lot of bolts, assorted spikes, nails, augers, and a good grindstone; when all this stuff was dropped along-side the ship, the mate swore that I was either crazv, or else had an idea that I was fitting out a line-of-battie-ship.