Charles Irving
Charles Irving
Charles Irving
Charles Irving
Charles Irving
Charles Irving
Charles Irving
References to Dr. Charles Irving
taken from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa,The African. Written by Himself, 9th Edition, 1794
"In February 1768, I hired myself to Dr. Charles Irving, in Pall-mall, so celebrated for his successful experiments in malung sea-water fresh; and here I had plenty of hair-dressing to improve my hand. This gentleman was an excellent master; he was exceedingly hnd and good-tempered; and allowed me in the evenings to attend my schools, which I esteemed a great blessing; therefore I thank448 God and him for it, and used all diligence to improve the opportunity. This diligence and attention recommended me to the notice and care of my three preceptors, who, on their parts, bestowed a great deal of pains in my instruction, and besides were all very lund to me."
" On my return to London, I waited on my old and good master, Dr. Irving, who made me an offer of his service again. Being now tired of the sea, I gladly accepted it. I was very happy in living with this gentleman once more; during which time we were daily employed in reducing old Neptune’s dominions by purift.ing the briny element, and making it fresh.468 Thus I went on till May 1773, when I was roused by the sound of fame to seek new adventures, ..."
"On the 20th of June we began to use Dr. Irving’s apparatus for making salt water fresh; I used to attend the distillery; I frequently purified from twenty-six to forty gallons a day. The water thus distilled was perfectly pure, well tasted, and free from salt; and was used on various occasions on board the ship."
"OUR voyage to the North Pole being ended, I returned to London with Dr. Irving, with whom I continued for some time, ... In process of time I left my master, Doctor Irving, the purifierof waters."
"I was happy once more amongst my friends and brethren till November, when my old fiiend, the celebrated
Dr. Irving, bought a remarkable fine sloop, about 150 tons. He had a mind for a new adventure, in cultivating a plantation at Jamaica and the Musquito Shore; he asked me to go with him, and said that he would trust me with his estate in preference to any one. By the advice, therefore, of my friends, I accepted of the offer, ..."
He was very unwilling at first to grant me my request;583 but I gave him so many reasons for it,
that at last he consented to my going, and &we me the following certificate of my behaviour:
The bearer, Gustavus Vassa, has served me several years with strict
honesty, sobriety, and fidelity. I can, therefore, with justice rec-
ommend him for these qualifications; and indeed in every respect
I consider him as an excellent servant. I do hereby certify that he
always behaved well, and that he is perfectly trust-worthy.
CHARLES IRVING.
Musquito shore, June 15, 1776 Though I was much attached to the Doctor, I was happy when he consented to my going ... the Doctor and I parted, not without shedding tears on both sides."