A Fitting Out

A chest that is neither too large or too small
Is the first thing to which your attention I'll call.
The things to put in it are next to be named,
And if I omit some I'm not to be blamed.

Stow first in the bottom a blanket or quilt
To be used on the voyage whenever you wilt.
Thick trousers and shirts, woolen stockings and shoes,
Your papers and books next to tell you the news.

A good substantial taurpalin to cover your head.
Just say keep it furled, NC, 'nough said.
Carry paper and ink, pens, wafers and wax,
Some shoemaker's last, awls and also small tacks.

Some cotton and thread, silk, needles and palm,
And a paper of pins as long as your arm.
Two vests and a thimble, a large lot of matches,
A lot of old clothes that will answer for patches.

A Bible and hymn book of course you must carry,
If at the end of the voyage you expect for to marry
Don't forget to take esseners, pipes and cigars,
Of the sweetest of butter a couple of jars.

A razor you will want, and a pencil and slate,
And a comb and a hair brush you'll need for your pate,
A brush and some shaving soap, plenty of squills,
And a box of those excellent Richardson spills.

A podeldoc and painkiller surely you will need,
And something to stop the red stream should you bleed.
Some things I've omitted but never mind that.
Eat salt junk and hard bread and laugh and grow fat.


From Gale Huntingdon's Collection, from the log of the Ocean Rover

Paul Clayton sang it to the tune of Villikens.  

Tough words supplied by Ellen Cohn, perusing the original logbook.