 | CHAPTER XVII
SAN DIEGO Two years before the mast, and twenty-four years after: a personal narrative |  |
Footnotes
[[note 1]]
Soger (soldier) is the worst term of reproach that can be applied to a sailor. It signifies a skulk, a sherk,-one who is always trying to get clear of work, and is out of the way, or hanging back, when duty is to be done. "Marine" is the term applied more particularly to a man who is ignorant and clumsy about seaman's work-a greenhorn-a land-lubber. To make a sailor shoulder a handspike, and walk fore and aft the deck, like a sentry, is the most ignominious punishment that could be put upon him. Such a punishment inflicted upon an able seaman in a vessel of war, would break his spirit down more than a flogging.
| CHAPTER XVII
SAN DIEGO Two years before the mast, and twenty-four years after: a personal narrative | |