I
set off for Glasgow in company with Sanders, and he busied himself very
hard in looking about for a vessel that would suit. At last, he found
that there was one ready for launching, which, in consequence of the
failure of the house for which it was built, was to be sold. He made
inquiries, and having found who was likely to purchase her - that it
was a very safe and respectable firm - he made a proposal for me that I
should take one-fourth share of her, and command her. As Sanders was
very respectable, and well known to be a steady man, his recommendation
was attended to so far that the parties wished to see and speak to me.
They were satisfied with me, young as I was, and the bargain was made.
I paid down my two thousand pounds for my share, and as soon as the
vessel was launched, was very busy with Sanders, whom I had chosen as
first mate, in fitting her out. The house which had purchased her with
me was a West India firm, and the ship was of course intended for the
West India trade. I had two or three hundred pounds left, after I had
paid my share of the vessel, and this I employed in purchasing a
venture on my own account, and providing nautical instruments, &c.
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