Division of Ideals

February 2, 1717

England lies behind us now. With the wares from Singapore logged and accounted, we sail for the Colonies. The crew has weathered the seas, though at times these last few months I began to question if they would not all be better suited amongst the sharks. A more disagreable, unsatisfiable lot I have ever met. These honest seamen, these men who sail to bring trade goods simper like women over the most ordinary things.

But I wander in my thoughts. Greater things concern me, most especially now that the seamen are not spilling tears into their mugs. During my brief visit on the mainland, I met again with William Prescott and Richard to discuss our forthcoming merger. We will sign the final accounts upon my return from this voyage west. Mister Prescott is a most fair businessman, and I find his dealings shrewd in a most admirable fashion.

'Tis a matter of business Richard spoke of, when Prescott concluded his discourse for the day. He presented to me three ledgers, the accounts for a minor fleet of Prescott's, North Atlantic Freight. It would be unwise to put to quill and parchment the precise details of what conversation occured upon the presentation of these financial records. The nature of my friendship with Grey is such that I would not wish to embarrass him should these meger thoughts end up in the wrong hands.

Suffice it to say that I found myself looking on a concerning matter. Figures that speak to a practice I cannot endorse, that of slavery. A practice it would seem the esteemed Mister Grey has come to the decision he wishes to pursue. A dispicable business, of which, he and I do not share the same mind. We argued fair violently; he as adamant we should pursue the limited course North Atlantic Freight has assumed and expand it, and I adamant we shall return to a life of paupers before we subject men to the vile conditions on a slaving ship. They are men, I say.

When I reminded Grey of our pact upon leaving The Flying Gang's waters, his memory experienced a moment of clarity, and he recalled, quite succinctly, that we were in the business of shipping market wares not human bodies. He declared I should forget the matter and we shall not visit the conversation with Prescott about assuming this portion of his trade.

Still, I cannot say that I am pleased with our notes of parting. Grey is displeased,;I am uncomfortable with the knowledge the man I would call brother is so driven by the accumulation of great wealth. It is not as if we require the additional coin. Grey and Cathain has done quite well. It leaves me, as I sail these chill waters, with the awareness that my presence should make itself known more frequently on land. My interests in this business cannot be so overlooked if I made it habit to linger in London more oft than I do.

I will have to debate the matter more. The time has come for me to join this feckless crew for morning watch. Eight bells rings, and I will tend to the recording of my thoughts another time.

~@ Cain