Westward To Freedom: A Founding Fathers historical adventure (The New World Nautical Saga Book 3) by David Field

Author:David Field [Field, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sapere Books
Published: 2023-09-21T16:00:00+00:00

Two days later, Captain Jones invited Brewster and John Carver into his cabin, along with two representatives of those who had travelled west in search of fortune. It was agreed that they would continue north alongside the long strip of land, then turn into what they hoped would prove to be a broad bay, in which they could seek shelter from the Atlantic gale that had dogged their entire voyage. There they would drop anchor and a party of men would venture ashore in search of food. When the weather proved more clement, they would venture back out into the open ocean and set a course south for the river that had been named ‘Hudson’ by earlier explorers, where they had been authorised to settle the land in the name of King James.

A ragged cheer broke out from those on deck looking eagerly landward as the tip of the long promontory came in sight, and the Mayflower was steered into calmer waters on its leeward side. Captain Jones ordered the dropping of the anchor, and clouds of dust ascended into the swirling wind as the ropes and chains were deployed for the first time in sixty-six days. It had stopped raining, and Standish appeared on deck with a triumphant grin, carrying a bundle of objects covered by a coarse cloth.

‘Who will join me ashore?’ he called out.

John Carver stepped forward. Although he had been one of those negotiating on behalf of the Leiden congregation for their inclusion in the overall expedition, he had become a voice for those on board who were more interested in making their fortune. ‘I will go with you gladly,’ he announced, ‘in order that I may lay claim to such riches as may be found there, on behalf of those who have appointed me as their spokesman.’

Brewster nudged Thomas’s elbow. ‘You should go too, Thomas,’ he urged him in a low voice. ‘It is important that we pilgrims be among those who first step ashore, and I fear that Myles Standish may be too arrogant and aggressive towards any native tribes that he may encounter. We cannot afford to begin our new life at war with natives.’

‘There are natives out there?’ Joanna asked fearfully as she looked up at Thomas. ‘Have a care, Father.’

Thomas smiled down at her. ‘You wish to eat something more wholesome than the sodden ruins of provisions? If so, then I must obtain such.’

‘Do you know how to fire a musket?’ Standish challenged him.

‘No, but you can teach me,’ Thomas replied confidently. ‘If it comes to that, know you how to launch a spear or fire an arrow? My father was a carpenter and a woodsman, and he taught me how to bring birds down from trees and spear rabbits.’

‘I will go also,’ Jonathan Brewster chimed in as he stepped forward. ‘Thomas taught me his skills back in England, and I provided for the pot each day.’

‘Please keep a watchful eye on him, Thomas,’ William Brewster muttered.

Thomas nodded. ‘I promise I will.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.