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Sir Joseph Banks used to tell a story of his being at Otaheite with
Capt. Cook, when it was accidentally discovered to be the king's
birth-day, on which it was suddenly agreed to have a jollification;
every soul on board got fuddled, except three men who were on duty. The
next day they came on deck, and begged to speak to the captain. "Well,"
said the captain, "what have you got to say?"--"Please your honour, you
were all drunk yesterday, all except we three; will your honour be
pleased to allow us to get drunk to-day?" Sir Joseph, who was standing
by, was so tickled with the oddity of the request, that he begged they
might be indulged, and that he would subscribe two bottles of rum and
two bottles of brandy. The boon was granted, and in less than three
hours, these messmates balanced accounts, being as drunk as their hearts
could wish.--_Mr Wadd._
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