But I am anticipating my story. For two years after his arrival from his last voyage, Mr. Bowditch remained at home, and engaged as a merchant in commerce. We find him generally, in connection with his old friend Captain Prince, trying his fortunes by adventures of money sent to different parts of the world. In 1802 he owned one sixth of a small schooner and its cargo, valued at nine hundred and eleven dollars. During this long residence in town, his fame had increased. He had become known among his fellow-citizens as an “able mathematician.”[4] He was therefore appointed to offices of honor and trust. He was a member of the school committee of the town. This boy, who had been obliged to leave school at the age of ten years and three months, was now, at the age of twenty-five years, appointed to superintend the instruction of others. He was secretary of the East India Marine Society of Salem. This society had one of the most interesting collections of East Indian curiosities that can be found in America. It is now in the possession of the Essex Institute. The East India Marine Society was composed of the most influential men in Salem. No one could be enrolled among their number unless he had sailed, as captain or supercargo of a vessel, around either Cape Horn or the Cape of Good Hope. It was intended as a benevolent society, for the relief of the families of deceased members, and also for the promotion of the art of navigation. Mr. Bowditch was one of its most active members. In the early part of this century, the society was accustomed, on the days of its annual meeting, to have a public procession. A description of one of these processions may not be uninteresting to you. I quote the words of an eye-witness[5] of a celebration that occurred two years later than the period of which I am speaking; but the date is unimportant, as the ceremony was the same. “January 4, 1804. This day was the annual meeting of the East India Marine Society. As the clergy attend in turn, this occasion afforded me an opportunity to enjoy the day with them. After business, but before dinner, they moved in procession, but the ice limited the distance. Each of the brethren bore some Indian curiosity, and the palanquin was borne by negroes dressed nearly in the Indian manner. A person dressed in Chinese habits, and masked, passed in front. The crowd of spectators was great. Several gentlemen were invited to dine. Instrumental music was provided in the town, for the first time, and consisted of a bass drum, bassoon, clarinet, and flute (!), and was very acceptable. There was no singing.” ... “It is a most happy arrangement,” continues this writer, “to deliver all the papers of this company into the hands of Mr. Nathaniel Bowditch, lately returned from his voyage to India, that they may be prepared for public inspection.”