KAPITEL XXVI.
During his first attempt to assist Thompson with administering clysters to the sick, the narrator accidentally knocked over a box of perfume while the ship rolled, creating a stench that offended everyone aboard, and became wedged between hammocks until a sick patient seized him by the nose in retaliation for the disturbance. After descending to the cockpit, Morgan confronted the steward about noxious smells, blaming him for serving damaged provisions and spoiled cheese, while launching into an elaborate discourse on the merits of good cheese from Glamorgan versus Cheshire, and then prepared a fiery salmagundy for supper that burned the narrator’s entrails. The narrator subsequently discovered unwelcome passengers in his hair—likely lice—and had it shorn, replacing it with a borrowed wig, before struggling to master the unfamiliar art of climbing into a hammock, which he eventually accomplished only after much trepidation. During his fitful night’s sleep, he was jolted awake by the deafening noise of the boatswain’s mates calling the larboard watch, and the following morning, after breakfasting on biscuit and brandy, he resumed his duties attending the sick, while the mess boy rang a bell summoning those with sores to receive treatment before the mast.
Disagreeable Duty Accident
A disagreeable accident occurs while the narrator is discharging his duties as an attendant to the sick. The incident involves an unfortunate mishap with a perfume box that diffuses an overwhelming scent throughout the ship, causing discomfort to all who remain on deck. The consequences extend beyond mere smelling, as the narrator suffers in multiple ways from this disgrace.
Morgan’s Nose Offended
Mr. Morgan, a Welshman and ship’s steward’s mate, possesses an exceptionally sensitive nose. As the narrator descends to the cockpit after the incident, Morgan detects the approach of something extraordinary before even seeing anyone, crying out that the enemy has boarded them in a “stinkpot.” His sense of smell has already forewarned him of the narrator’s unfortunate condition, leading to immediate reproaches directed toward the ship’s steward.
Steward-Morgan Odor Dialogue
A sharp dialogue erupts between Morgan and the steward regarding the origin of the offensive smell. Morgan reprimands the steward for the “freedoms he takes among gentlemen of birth” and threatens to smoke him like a padger with sulphur if he ever presumes to offend his neighbors with such smells again. The steward, conscious of his own innocence, replies heatedly that he knows of no smells but those of Morgan’s own making. This exchange introduces a debate about the source of unpleasant odors aboard the ship.
Additional Complaint Causes Found
After being warned that entering in his current condition would make him unwelcome, the narrator discovers additional causes of complaint beyond the perfume incident. Some unwanted guests have honored him with their company—unwelcome visitors whose presence he did not think seasonable. These guests have taken possession of his “chief quarters” and feed freely at the expense of his blood. Recognizing that extirpating this “ferocious colony” in its infancy would be easier than dealing with them once multiplied and naturalized, he resolves to take action.
Hair Cut Off for Infestation
Following the advice of his friend Thompson, who goes always close shaved to prevent such misfortunes, the narrator has the boy of their mess cut off his hair, which had been growing since he left the service of Lavement. The second mate lends him an old bob-wig to supply the loss of that covering. This measure is taken to address the infestation that has colonized his person.
Morgan’s Salmagundy Cookery
After the hair-cutting affair concludes, Mr. Morgan returns and prepares a dish of salmagundy. He cuts a piece of salt beef from the brine, slices it, and mixes it with an equal quantity of onions. Seasoning with a moderate proportion of pepper and salt, he brings the dish to a consistence with oil and vinegar. Tasting the preparation, Morgan assures his companions it is the best salmagundy he has ever made and recommends it to their palates with such heartiness that the narrator cannot help but do honor to his preparation.
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