His father's circumstances were so straitened that he was not able to do much for him; but he sent him to the National school, where he received some education.

He remained there for about two years, and then he was put to his father's trade.

But he greatly disliked shoemaking, and longed to get away from it.

He liked the sun, the sky, and the open air.

He was eager to be a sailor, and, having heard of the voyages of Captain Cook, he wished to go to sea.