; and as I had met with so much civility from this stranger, I
desired further acquaintance with him, fully resolved however, not to be
deceived by him so much to my prejudice as I had been by the beau - He agreed to
dine with me at the cook's shop which I frequented; and on our way thither,
carried me to 'Change, where I was in some hopes of finding Mr. Jackson (for
that was the name of the person who had broke his appointment) - I sought him
there to no purpose, and on our way to the other end of the town, imparted to my
companion his behaviour towards me: Upon which, he gave me to understand, that
he was no stranger to the name of beau Jackson (so he was called at the
Navy-Office) altho' he did not know him personally; that he had the character of
a good-natur'd careless fellow, who made no scruple of borrowing from any body
that would lend; that most people who knew him, believed he had a good enough
principle at the bottom; but his extravagance was such, he would probably never
have it in his power to manifest the honesty of his intention. - This account
made me sweat for my five shillings, which I nevertheless did not altogether
despair of recovering, provided I could find out the debtor. - This young man
likewise added another circumstance of 'Squire Jackson's history, which was,
that being destitute of all means to equip him for sea, when he receiv'd his
last warrant, he had been recommended to a person who lent him a little money,
after he had signed a will and power, entitling that person to lift his wages
when they should become due, as also to inherit his effects in case of his
death. - That he was still under the tutorage and direction of that gentleman,
who advanced him small sums from time to time upon this security, at the rate of
50 per cent. But at present his credit was very low, because his funds would do
little more than pay what he had already receiv'd; this moderate interest
included. - After the stranger (whose name was Thomson) had entertain'd me with
this account of Jackson, he inform'd me, that he himself had passed for a third
mate of a third rate, about four months ago; since which time, he had constantly
attended at the Navy- in hopes of a warrant, having been assur'd from the
beginning, both by a Scotch member and one
