Note 492 — NOVEMBER.
Reading edition
An example of the rigour with which the Quarantine laws were enforced is given by Sir Walter on the 24th:—"We had an instance of the strictness of these regulations from an accident which befell us as we entered the harbour. One of our seamen was brushed from the main yard, fell into the sea and began to swim for his life. The Maltese boats bore off to avoid giving him assistance, but an English boat, less knowing, picked up the poor fellow, and were immediately assigned to the comforts of the Quarantine, that being the Maltese custom of rewarding humanity."—Letter to J.G.L.