IMy father had a small estate in Nottinghamshire, and I was the
third of four sons. He sent me to Cambridge at fourteen years
old, and after studying there three years I was bound apprentice to
Mr. Bates, a famous surgeon in London. There, as my father
now and then sent me small sums of money, I spent them in learning
navigation, and other arts useful to those who travel, as I always
believed it would be some time or other my fortune to do.
Three years after my leaving him my good master, Mr. Bates,
recommended me as ship’s surgeon to the “Swallow,” on which I
voyaged three years. When I came back I settled in London,
and, having taken part of a small house, I married Miss Mary
Burton, daughter of Mr. Edmund Burton, hosier.
But my good master Bates died two years after; and
