The Wasp — 1914 — page 98: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains dialogue between a colonial governor and James Burnham, a young man who has washed ashore in distress. The governor shows kindness, recognizing Burnham's family lineage (he bears the Burnham family crest on his back) and assuring him he's among friends. Burnham requests the governor extend mercy to "Todd," a fellow escapee from a "New England brig" (ship), indicating Todd helped him flee captivity. The satire appears to concern naval desertion, impressment, or maritime labor disputes common in colonial America. The governor's warmth toward the gentry-born Burnham contrasts with his implicit obligation to help the lower-class Todd—likely satirizing class disparities in colonial justice and social courtesy.