In the absence of the captain,
who often spent the night ashore, Le Roy found himself at odds
with the carpenter, who had too much to drink. An important
member of the crew, the carpenter was responsible for
maintenance and repairs, and getting the ship ready for the
fishery. His supplies included tallow, oakum, pitch, pine tar
and a complete set of tools. When he was not busy with his
regular duties, he helped the others fish or prepare the cod.
The Saint-André's carpenter seems to have been
rather close to the captain; they sometimes went ashore together.
Jean Marin Le Roy had trouble getting him to do as he was told.
Saturday, February 9, 1754
Around 10 a.m., following the captain's orders, I sent five
men ashore. Around 2 p.m., a shallop from Saint-Martin-de-Ré
brought us our large anchor. Our shallop returned at 2 a.m. with
the five men. The captain remained ashore for the night. The
carpenter wanted to go back to shore, despite my objections. I
stopped him because he was tipsy. He reviled me. I asked him
to leave me alone. He asked me what I'd do if he didn't. I told
him I'd send him to bed or punch him. He said I wouldn't dare.
So I did. Afterwards, he said he'd take legal action when we
returned. Gentlemen, I ask you for justice here and now. I
have as my witnesses Jacques Beaudry and Michel Mouttier,
who have placed their mark or signed below.
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