By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Observer published on 20th September, 1856 tells the tale of a group of resourceful young Islanders who tried to get free passage to South America.
STOWAWAYS. – No less than eight youths, ambitious of “a life on the ocean wave,” concealed themselves on board a ship which left this port for Brazil last week. Two days after she sailed, the mate, on passing the pig-stye, heard a snoring, which he was confident did not proceed from a snout of a member of the porcine race; and on looking in, he discovered one of the boys. On emerging from his hiding-place, the mate asked “Any more?” and, after an answer in the affirmative, the eight appeared in regular sequence, to astonishment and dismay of the officer, who looked aghast. Affrighted by the prospect of the gap which eight hungry growing lads would make in the ship’s stores, he selected two of the most able looking, and provided each of the remaining six with a small bag of biscuit and a shilling, put them on board a passing collier for this port, where they arrived “sadder and wiser” youths (let us hope) on Tuesday last.