In a very few minutes the bow of the boat was run up on the beach, the gangboard put out, and then the officer stepped ashore.
"The Beautiful Wretch; The Pupil of Aurelius; and The Four Macnicols"
William Black
When we came alongside, the mate, who guarded us thither, ordered my handcuffs to be taken off, that I might get on board the easier; this circumstance being perceived by some of the company who stood upon the gangboard to see us enter, one of them called to Jack Rattlin, who was busied in doing this friendly office for me, Hey, Jack, what Newgate galley have you boarded in the river as you came along?
"The Adventures of Roderick Random"
Tobias Smollett