How do Captain Smollet's three days on the boat go? 

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bullgatortail eNotes educator| Certified Educator

First, let me correct you: Captain Smollet spent far more time than three days aboard the Hispaniola. He was hired by Squire Trelawney in Bristol to captain the ship on its voyage to Treasure Island, and he made the entire trip with its crew. Smollet was later wounded by the pirates on the island, but Doctor Livesey tended to his wounds. Smollet made the return trip to England with the remainder of the men.

Smollet is a no-nonsense captain who senses a problem with the crew even before they set sail. He appears to be a highly capable and efficient seaman who recognizes the quality of the ship, but he immediately takes a disliking to the pompous and over-talkative Trelawney. He demands strong discipline from the crew, and he sees that the men selected by the squire and Long John Silver do not meet his standards. He does recognize Silver's leadership abilities, however, and the crew remains relatively efficient until they arrive at the island. The pirates mutiny and take control of the ship, leaving Smollet to command on shore.