[6] Americus Vesputius.
[7] The present Commodore ----, when a young man, commanded a merchant
ship for a short time. On one occasion, inward bound, the yellow fever
broke out in the vessel. Most of the crew died; and all on board, with
the exception of the young captain, had the disease. The tasks of
tending the sick and of taking care of the ship consequently fell on
the latter. He cooked, nursed, made and shortened sail, managed the
helm, and, after several days of severe labour, brought his vessel
safely up to the Hook. What is more extraordinary, he twice reduced the
canvass to reefed topsails, and spread it to the royals. Of course, he
brought every thing to the windlass.
[8] The Beautiful Genoese.