I say privately; because, knowing the sentiments of many of the corporate body at Bristol, under whom he acted, he was fearful of coming forward in an open manner.

His advice to me was, to take notes of the case for my own private conviction, but to take no public cognizance of it.

He said that seamen, as soon as their wages were expended, must be off to sea again.

They could not generally, as landsmen do, maintain themselves on shore.

Hence I should be obliged to keep the whole crew at my own expense till the day of trial, which might not be for months to come.