James Braithwaite, the Supercargo; The Story of his Adventures Ashore
and Afloat, by W.H.G. Kingston.
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This is a typical Kingston book, very skilfully written, with lots of
difficult situations very well described. But what is worth remembering
is that it is probably the last book Kingston ever wrote, for he had
already been diagnosed with a rapid and terminal illness, which I
suppose to have been cancer. Yet, despite the position that redoubtable
author found himself in, he still gave us one of his very best
well-written adventure stories.
A supercargo is a position in the ship's crew analogous to the ship's
clerk. His work consists of knowing exactly where every item of the
cargo is stowed, so that it can be put in the right place for it to be
most conveniently taken out on its arrival at its destination.
Do read it and judge for yourself. You will find it worth the short
seven hours it takes to read aloud.
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JAMES BRAITHWAITE, THE SUPERCARGO; THE STORY OF HIS ADVENTURES ASHORE
AND AFLOAT, BY W.H.G. KINGSTON.