Some boys, nowadays, would gladly undergo the “flogging” if they could be permitted to enjoy a smoke afterwards.
There are but few people inhabiting the eastern coast, and following fishing for a vocation, who do not smoke or chew tobacco; and their wives and children also smoke.
Sailors are proverbially addicted to smoking and chewing. Their love of tobacco far exceeds their appetite for grog.
The following letter from a sailor below port to his brother in London explains itself:—
Near Gravesend, on board Belotropen.
To dear Brother Bob.
Dear Bob: This comes hopin’ to find you well, as it leaves me safe anchored here yester arternoon. Voyge short an’ few squalls. Hopes to find old father stout, and am out of pigtail.
Sight o’ pigtail at Gravesend but unfortinately unfit for a dog to chor. I send this by Capt’n’s boy, and buy me pound best pigtail and let it be good—best at 7 diles (Dials), sign of black boy, and am short of shirts—only took two, whereof one is wored out and tother most.
Capt’n’s boy loves pigtail, so tie it up when bort an’ put in his pocket. Aint so partick’ler about the shirts as present can be washed, but be sure to go to 7 diles sign of Black boy and git the pigtail as I haint had a cud to chor since thursday. Pound’ll do as I spect to be up tomorrow or day arter. an’ remember the pigtail—so I am your lovin’ brother