midnight
I resolved , in my own mind , to be very correct , and put it out of the power of any one to lay hold of me , and then dismissed the subject . The brig was repaired and out of dock , and for some days I was very busy getting her ready for sea . I never quitted her ; in fact , I had no wish . I never had any taste for bad company and midnight orgies , and I had no acquaintance with the respectable portion of the inhabitants of Portsmouth . At last the ship 's company were removed into the brig : we went out of harbour , and anchored at Spithead . Captain Hawkins came on board and gave me an order-book , saying , `` Mr Simple , I have a great objection to written orders , as I consider that the articles of war are quite sufficient to regulate any ship . Still , a captain is in a very responsible situation , and if any accident occurs he is held amenable .