Born into a large family, Nathaniel Bowditch has six brothers and sisters: Hab, William, Sammy, Mary, Lizza, and Lois. He is brought up by his parents and his paternal grandmother. His father has suffered severe reverses in his shipping business and spends too much time "splicing the main brace," that is, drinking in the local taverns. To improve the family's financial situation, twelveyear-old Nat becomes an indentured servant to the firm of Ropes and Hodges, a ship chandlery that sells nautical equipment and supplies to merchant ships. Delighted at the prospect of having "one less mouth to feed," the family sends Nat to live with Mr. Hodges. Instead of receiving the formal education he desires, Nat must learn by working at the chandlery. Despite discouraging comments from Ben Meeker, an occasional visitor to the shop, Nat teaches himself after working hours by reading and...