The Log of the Jessie Bill

For the life of me, I don't see how anybody in his right mind would want a berth on a busted down wreck like the Jessie Bill. But then there ain't many people on the Jessie Bill in their right minds [...]My name is Peter Paul Sherman and I'm mud clerk on the Jessie Bill. Flunky might be a better word for it. I'm 17 and if I can live through one more season on this leaky old tub, I'll put in for a job on some respectable boat...

And so begins the wonderful adventures of Mr. Peter Paul Sherman...