But Latin was not the only language that he learned. Finding in the Kirwan library many books upon mathematics written in French, he determined to learn that tongue likewise. Accordingly, at the age of nineteen (May 15, 1792), he began to study it. Fortunately, he was able to make an arrangement with a Frenchman living in Salem, who wished to learn English. Mr. Jordy agreed to teach the apprentice French, on condition that Nat would teach him English. For sixteen months they met regularly, a certain number of times a week; and the consequences were very important to the youth’s future success in life. One circumstance took place, during this study of French, which I think it important to mention. Nat, desiring only to learn to read a French book, supposed that it would be unnecessary to spend time in learning accurately to pronounce the words. These, as is the case in the English tongue, are often pronounced very differently from the manner in which we should be led to speak them, if we judged from their mode of spelling. His master protested against teaching without reference to the pronunciation; and, after much arguing, Nat yielded to the wishes of his instructor, and he studied the language in such a way that he could converse with a Frenchman, as well as read a French book. You will soon see the good that resulted.
CHAPTER III.
From 1784 to 1796—age, 10-22.
Apprenticeship continued.—Favorite of his companions.—Learns music; neglects his studies for a time.—Gets into bad society; his decision in freeing himself from it.—Engages in a survey of the town of Salem.—Sails on his first voyage to the East Indies; extracts from his Journal during this voyage; arrival at the Isle of Bourbon; return home.
STUDY AND BUSINESS.
A GOOD COMPANION.
Though so interested in his studies, Nat tried, as we have seen, never to neglect a known duty. Whenever any one came to the store, he was ready to leave study in order to attend to him. And he did this cheerfully, and with so bright a smile that all were pleased to meet him. His young companions loved him, for he was not one of those vain persons who think themselves more important than others because they are more learned. On the contrary, what he knew himself he liked to impart to others. He was a member of a juvenile club for the discussion of different subjects. In this association his opinion had much weight, because he rarely spoke, and never unless he had something of importance to say.
LOVE OF MUSIC.