Friday, 3 February, 1865 - Crossing the Equator
Last night, Clancey points out to the Brides and the Bolts that the Shamus O'Flynn is now entering the Southern Hemisphere. He shows them the constellation the Southern Cross, visible only from areas south of the equator. Today, feeling buoyed by the continually improving weather, and the fact that Clancey says they are but a week away from the port of Rio de Janeiro where the Shamus will make its first stop, the Brides all venture out on deck.
| This is the date of the "laundry scene" - Joshua's flirtatious game of "Guess or Kiss" with Frannie, Anne and Biddie, the Brides' dance and Jeremy's refusal to join in, Joshua's attack on the rude sailor, Jason and Joshua's admonishment to Jeremy to "Get outta here and find somebody else to talk to—a girl, if possible!", and Candy and Jeremy's first conversation. |
|
Thursday, 9 February, 1865 - In sight of Rio de Janeiro
That evening, what was thought to be a bright star on the horizon is identified by Clancey as the Light House at Cape Frio, some 40 miles distant. It signals the approach to the port of Rio de Janeiro.Friday, 10 February - Arrive Rio de Janeiro
As dawn breaks, the Shamus O'Flynn approaches the harbor. By mid-day, the ship reaches its anchorage about half a mile from the city. The Brides' enthusiasm for reaching Rio flags a bit when they find they cannot see the city from their vantage point on the ship, mistaking the few straggling buildings around the harbor as Rio.Late that afternoon, the Bolts call a meeting with all the Brides. Jason addresses the gathering, informing them he has received word from some of the leading American merchants in the city that is unsafe for the ladies to go ashore, due the raging epidemics of cholera and small pox to be found there. "Of course, my brothers and I are willing to take face disease, even death itself, by going ashore and learning where it may be possible to take you ladies, or if it is possible at all."
The ladies, for the most part, are persuaded of the dangers, and are content to remain on board. That night, the three Bolts, along with Clancey, leave for a rousing good time in Rio. All the ladies, under the watchful eye of McNab, remain on board.
Saturday, 11 February - Averting a Second Mutiny
A bit worse for their rousing night in Rio, the Bolts awaken to find the Brides in an agitated state. Another meeting is called, this one convened by the Brides and headed by Candy Pruitt. The women question the Bolts about what they learned on their "perilous trip" into the city. Not receiving satisfactory answers from any of their "guardians," the ladies begin to clamor for the chance to go ashore after so many long weeks at sea. One of the older brides, a widow named Harriet Stevens, stands and states that in her opinion, the Bolts are correct, and that they should be thankful to have such protectors in such a strange and dangerous place.Jason sees some hope in this testimonial, and asks all the brides who agree with Mrs. Stevens to rise and be counted. Mrs. Stevens is the only bride to stand. Sensing the begininngs of another "mutiny", Jason earnestly agrees to spend the next day mapping out a proper tour for any ladies who wish to go ashore.
Sunday, 12 February - Too Late for Carnivale
Following the Sabbath service, this time led by Anne Scarborough, Clancey sends the Bolts ashore with a letter of introduction to Captain Thomas Baldwin, a prominent merchant mariner with whom Clancey is acquainted. Baldwin informs them they have arrived too late for Carnivale, the season of celebration preceeding Lent. Captain Baldwin gives some suggestions to the Bolts as to proper excursions for the Brides, and the Bolts return that evening with three days of activities planned.Tuesday, 14 February - Seeing the Elephant
It takes some time to get the ladies organized, and for the carriages the Bolts had hired to arrive, but by mid-day, the Brides are ready to go "see the elephant" (a contemporary phrase for having one's first real adventure). Not all the brides choose to go, for various reasons ranging from ill-health to concerns about Jason's earlier warnings of disease, and those who do stay remain on board the Shamus O'Flynn [ed. note: All brides must either accompany the Bolts on the expeditions described or remain on ship board - no solo excursions would have been permitted, and no one will be allowed to "sneak off".]Due to the lateness of their departure, the Bolts decide to begin with a carriage tour of the central part of the city. The first stop is the city's market, followed by a trip to the Custom House and the Exchange, where representatives of local industry meet with brokers from all over the world to determine the value of commodities, and transact in commerce. Leaving the Custom House, the Brides are driven by the Palace. Standing outside the Palace, the company sees the Royal carriage, containing the Emperor and his family, passing by. The Brides nearly fall over one another craning for a glance at the Royal party, and many boldly wave their handkerchiefs at the passing carriage. Only later do they learn their serious breach of etiquette, for in Rio no respectable woman is seen in the streets during the day, except inside a carriage.
Wednesday, 15 February - More Tour
Many of the Brides prepare for another excursion, first to a brief trip to the city's Museum, followed by a carriage ride to the Botanical Gardens. The company returns at sunset.Thursday, 16 February- to Corcovado
Today's excursion takes the Company to the top of Corcovado, a popular picnic spot in Rio. The Bolts and the Brides were joined by Captain Walker and a few members of the crew of the Onward, a U.S. merchant steamer. The Bolts had made the acquaintance of Captain Walker at the home of Captain Baldwin. The afternoon is spent enjoying a fine luncheon prepared by the Brides, and strolling along the reservoirs of the park. Mrs. Baldwin and Mrs. Walker accompany the group and serve as chaperones for the young ladies. The party returns to the Shamus O'Flynn before nightfall.Friday, 17 February - Missionaries On Board
No more excursions can be arranged, and with the departure of the Shamus O'Flynn iminent, all Brides and the Bolts stay on board today. Reluctantly, the Bolts and Clancey agree to honor the favor asked by their "host" in Rio, Captain Baldwin. Baldwin has requested they provide passage for a family of American missionairies, stranded en route to Lota, Chile. Jason argues strongly that the Shamus is already crowded, but the Rev. Mr. Simonton is not to be dissuaded. That afternoon, Simonton, a dour middle-aged man with an equally dour middle-aged wife, board the Shamus, bringing with them their two children; Martha, a prissy little girl of ten, and Thomas, a quiet but bright-eyed young boy of 17. The Simontons are given Clancey's quarters for the duration of their stay.Saturday, 18 February - Depart Early
That morning, the Shamus O'Flynn sets sail, leaving Rio de Janeiro behind. As they leave the harbor, the Shamus passes the Onward and another American merchant steamer, the Shamokin, whose officers wave their hats and cheere in goodbye. The Brides, for their part, wave their handkerchiefs farewell.Sunday, 26 February - Sabbath
The Simontons have been little seen since the ship's departure, but this morning, Rev. Simonton officiates at the Sabbath service - no one has asked him, he simply assumes as the only clergyman onboard, it is his religious duty. The Brides, at first, seem happy to have the services of a real Reverend. However, Simonton's service amounts to a stern lecture on the necessity of conduting themselves with propriety for the balance of their lives, admonishing them against frivolity, and reminding them of their "duty" to serve as caretakers for their husbands-to-be, and bearers of the husband's children.Wednesday, March 1 - Preparing to Enter the Straits
Clancey informs all onboard that this is the last day of full sailing before the Shamus O'Flynn enters the Straits of Magellan, where it will finally round Cape Horn and enter the Pacific Ocean. As they travel through the Straits, Clancey tells them, the sailing will be so treacherous, and the weather so wicked, that they will only dare sail during daylight hours.
Thursday, 2 March - Entering the Straits of Magellan
The last week has been hard on all on board except the crew. As the Shamus O'Flynn has continued south, the temperatures have dropped dramatically again, and the hours of daylight have diminished. Now, at the entrance to the Straits of Magellan, the travel has slowed to a snail's pace, and the company is fortunate to be at sail six hours per day. Navigation throughout the Straits is treacherous, owing to the countless rocky islands that clutter the passageway. While the ship comes to anchor each afternoon, the shoreline of the Straits is too forbidding to allow any hope of going ashore.For the most part, the passengers have tried to maintain high spirits, although a few tempers have flared. Most of the tension is a result of having the missionaries (the Simontons) aboard. Mrs. Simonton feels duty bound to "instruct" the brides in proper behavior, and the importance of establishing strict moral values in their new homes. The Simonton's little girl Martha is a fussy, disagreeable child of 10, and both Simonton females are constant complainers. The Reverend Simonton has missed no occasion to lecture the Bolts about the "cavorting" he sees happen between the brides and the crew, harmless though it may be. He say he feels the need to protect his son, Tom. But at 17, Tom is a sneaky sort who plays the pious son for his father's benefit. However, Jason and some of the other men have witnessed Tom variously trying to spy into the brides' quarters, teasing Serena's cat Diana, pilfering pennies from the sailors, and sneaking a taste of Clancey's whiskey. Jason has resisted the overwhelming temptation to get the boy in trouble with his father, hoping instead to ride the situation out, for the sake of harmony.
Saturday, 4 March - Port Tamar, Chile
For the latitudes, it is a reasonably fair day. While still cold, there is little rain and wind. This afternoon at two o'clock, at the end of the day's sail, the Shamus O'Flynn comes to anchor at Port Tamar, Chile. A party of some of the ladies and crew as well as the Bolts goes ashore for an hour or so to explore the coastline. Tom Simonton joins the tour, without his father's consent.Some of the ladies set about gathering moss, shells, and other bits of flotsam and jetsam from the shoreline. The men explore the hulk of a ship, the Salamorter, shipwrecked and ruined on the beach. An inscription on a nearby granite outcropping reads, "H.B.M. Ship Salamorter, Feb 13, 1843". Evidently, the Salamorter had been carrying a shipment of bricks as part of her cargo, for bricks still remain strewn about the wreckage. Some of the group claim a brick or two as a souvenir of the outing. After dark, the party builds a large bonfire and enjoys a pleasant evening before returning to the Shamus O'Flynn.
Sunday, 5 March - Sour Sabbath
When young Tom Simonton returns to the ship the night before, he makes as his excuse for going ashore the suggestion that he had been coerced by some "wayward females" into going. The Reverend Simonton is livid about the influence of the brides on his supposedly innocent son, and uses the occasion of the Sabbath service to give the congregation a heavy-handed sermon on temptation. He uses as his examples of these pernicious behaviors a litany of "evil" women from the Old Testament, beginning with Eve's temptation of Adam, and continuing with Salom‚ through Delilah and even Jezebel and Lot's wife.The congregation is silenced by the sermon. Some of the brides, feeling unnecessarily ashamed, weep, while others are too angry for words. Jason rises to address the congregation. He tells them that the words of wise King Solomon have something to say on the subject, and he quotes from Proverbs 30, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She stretecheth out her hand to the poor. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." With a resounding "Amen" from the brides, the service is concluded.
Tuesday, 7 March - Farewell Patagonia
The last day of passage through Patagonia, and with no possibility of going ashore, most of the passengers enjoy a beautiful morning on deck, delighting in the last bits of scenery. This is a rare sunny day, with air that is as balmy as spring. The ship passes Eden Harbor, a small inlet alive with "side wheel" ducks, and the party spends a considerable amount of time watching them to determine if, as some have suggested, the ducks are unable to fly.Saturday, 11 March - Shots Across the Bow
Another beautiful morning finds most of the passengers on deck at the crack of dawn, enjoying not only the scenery, but the large number of ships to be seen in the area here in the open sea off the southern coast of Chile. Among those passed by the Shamus is a steamer under full sail in the far distance. While the Shamus never gets near enough to be certain of the ship's character, Clancey guesses her to be a man-of-war. When the ship fires its signal guns, warning the Shamus to stop, Clancey decides to test the speed of the Shamus. He heads for Lota, a Chilean port free of Spanish blockade, to see if the Shamus can reach port first. But in his haste, he misses Lota, and mistakenly sails instead to Coronel, a blockaded port. Before the crew recognizes the error, the Spanish man-o-war momentarily mistakes the Shamus for one of the ships expected daily to assist the Chileans in breaking the Spanish blockade. As Clancey tries to leave the port, the man-of-war fires a blank shot across the Shamus' bow. Some ladies scream and weep, and two faint dead away. Finally the ship is allowed to leave, and by night, anchors in the port of Lota.Sunday, 12 March - Ashore in Lota, Chile
Following last Sunday's debacle, the brides resume conducting the Sabbath services themselves, this week led by Katchie McQuire. Instead of attending the services, the Bolts go ashore to meet with Dr. Silver, the American Consul, to arrange for the transport of the Simontons to their mission, and to see if there are any suitable outings that might be arranged for the brides. Dr. Silver is most interested in the Bolts "cargo," and accompanies them back to the ship that evening to meet the ladies.Tuesday, 14 March - Adios to the Simontons
Today, the Simontons depart for the mission, to fulfill their calling. Dr. Silver arranges for transport for the missionary family, and invites the ladies looking for a diversion to accompany them. However, by this time the Simontons had become such objects of scorn that none of the brides choose to go. They are anxious to see them off, and so the brides and the Bolts gather on deck and happily wish the Simontons goodbye, and good riddance!Friday, 17 March - Market Day in Lota
With Dr. Silver's help, the Bolts have arranged that the brides have a choice of day outings. The party breaks up into two groups. Joshua and Clancey accompany some of the brides to the city market. The vendors, having advance notice of the arrival of the ladies, expect to make a pretty profit from the visitors. However, these Chilean merchants never before had occasion to bargain with a Yankee girl! Because neither speaks the other's language, the brides barter stubbornly, and most simply give the vendor what they think the item is worth, and walk away, much to the surprise of the Chilean locals.The second party, led by Jason and Jeremy, heads toward the Consul's home for luncheon served by his wife, followed by a stroll around the grounds, which includes a beautiful garden, and a pathway to the beach.
Monday, 20 March - The Consul's Party
Dr. Silver has offered to throw a party on board the Shamus O'Flynn in honor of the brides' departure tomorrow. His staff has catered a fine meal, and the Consul and some of his officers arrive to spend the evening with the brides and the Bolts. Silver and his men stay until after midnight, and a wonderful time is had by all.Tuesday, 21 March - Remembrances from Home
The Shamus O'Flynn leaves Lota at three o'clock that morning, under sail in heavy seas. In fact, the seas are so rough, a few of the brides are once again struck by sickness, and all the ladies decline the chance to go into Talchuahno when Clancey makes a short stop there late morning. Jeremy and Clancey go into town to gather a few supplies, mostly fresh vegetables, for this will be the last civilized port for nearly a month. Talchuahno is a favorite resort for whalers, and many whalers are in port now. Thinking that it might cheer the brides to have some reminder of the whalers in their hometown of New Bedford, Jeremy returns with his pockets filled with whale teeth he picked up from the sailors in port, to give to the brides as souvenirs. Once Jeremy and Clancey return to the ship, the Shamus sets sail for the open expanse of the Pacific Ocean.Friday, March 31 - Total Eclipse of the Moon
Clancey mentions to the Bolts that the almanac registers a total eclipse of the moon for this night. Soon, word of the impending wonder filters through the brides, and some of them gather on deck to witness the phenomenon. In the hour past midnight, Felicity Parker is the first to notice the change. A grayish brown shadow starts to cover the moon, and while the eclipse remains in its partial stage, it retains this same color. But once the eclipse becomes total, the whole of the moon's surface changes suddenly to a light salmon color. The strange color causes some of the brides to doubt this was an eclipse at all.Friday, April 7 - The Gallapagos
Today, the ship weighs anchor on the north side of Charles Island, one of the Gallapagos chain, made famous by Charles Darwin, the namesake of this island. The islands themselves are hardly inviting, consisting primarily of lava and volcanic debris, completely devoid of soil, and with only a few scant stunted trees and shrubs. But when Clancey informed the brides that it would be another two to three weeks before they had a chance at dry land again, some of the brides accompany the Bolts and some crew members ashore. The men take off for the island's interior to hunt, while the brides find a secluded lagoon in which to bathe, their first real such luxury since leaving New Bedford.Thursday, April 13 - Clancey Lays Down the Law
Less than two weeks out of San Francisco, and the entire contingent aboard the Shamus O'Flynn is restless and contrary. Clancey feels he has humored the ladies as much as possible to this point, but the flirtations between some of the brides and members of the crew has gotten so out of hand that some of the work aboard ship is being neglected. So Clancey hands down an edict - "No fraternizing 'tween the females and me men!" How he plans on enforcing this edict is anyone's guess, but the Bolts have little choice to try and help enforce it, for Clancey threatens to strand the lot of them in San Francisco if the problem persists.Sunday, April 16 - The Siege Begins
The brides refuse to follow Clancey's orders. Clancey tries another tactic - he imposes a curfew. The brides are to be below by ten o'clock, and Clancey posts one of the crew to stand watch at the stairs down to the hold.Tuesday, April 18 - Counterattack
One of the brides, Kitty Mulhern, devises a clever plan to distract the man, and before Clancey could stop them, they were back on deck. The Bolts find the whole matter laughable, since Clancey has always been quick to give advice on the "handling" of the brides. Finally, Clancey "negotiates" with the instigators, at the cost of abandoning his earlier proclamation.Monday, April 24 - Through the Golden Gate
With the late afternoon sun to its back, the Shamus O'Flynn passes through the Golden Gate, and enters San Francisco Bay. The ship sails past Black Point and close by Alcatraz Island. The view of the city as the ship approaches is less than favorable. It is built upon great sand hills, with scrub oaks the only trees in sight. The ship comes to anchor off the Folsom Street Wharf after dark. It will be morning before anyone goes ashore.Tuesday, April 25 - San Francisco, A Woman's Town
Once again, Jason hopes to forestall the brides' curiosity about San Francisco by imploring them to remain on board their first day in the city, so that cargo can be unloaded unencumbered, and so that he can "arrange" for some sight-seeing tours.Wednesday, April 26 - Telegraph Hill
This morning, just after dawn, Jeremy is the first of the brothers to rise, and comes sleepily on deck. To his surprise he finds most of the brides dressed and ready for their first day of sight-seeing, and determined not to be forestalled by Jason's excuses. Jason and Joshua grumble, but dress quickly, and soon the three of them are leading the ladies through town.Jason makes a point of first taking the ladies down Pacific Street, an avenue notorious for its "pleasure palaces," hoping to get some sort of reaction from the girls. For the most part, the brides simply turn their chins upward, keep their eyes forward, and proceed, following the Bolts like a gaggle of ducklings after their mother. Then Jason leads them to Telegraph Hill. The hill is home to a signal tower that keeps the city abreast of all incoming ships. The path up the hill is narrow and treacherous. Many of the brides refuse to even try, and some must quit before reaching the top. But a few intrepid girls make the full trip, and are rewarded with a breathtaking view. From this point, they can see the Bay from its river origins to the south and east, all the way west to where the waters slip from the Bay through the Golden Gate, to join the Pacific. It's a high, dry, dusty place, but a beautiful clear day.
That evening, the brides retire early, and the Bolt Brothers join Clancey and some of his men in a trip to Pacific Street.
Thursday, April 27 - Rest for the Weary...and the Wicked
After their long and exhausting day, most of the brides decide to sleep late. After their long and exhausting night, the Bolts decide to do the same.Friday, April 28 - Promenades and Parasols
On their first excursion, the brides saw just enough of San Francisco society to be dutifully impressed by the fashion and style of the city. On their own, Charity and Prudence make some inquiries, and decide to venture to Montgomery Street, home to the city's finest shops. Jason insists that Jeremy and Joshua accompany them, while he makes arrangements for the shipment of some supplies for their logging operation.The ladies spend a blissful day wandering in and out of shops, gazing in store fronts, and (the few who can) purchasing some of the city's finery. Most, however, are disappointed to find how extravagently expensive even the smallest items can be. Natural concerned about saving their money for necessities in Seattle, most content themselves with a small souvenir, or less - the memory of a beautiful day dreaming of Spanish lace and French perfume.
That night, Jeremy tells Jason of some of the girls' disappointments with their visit, which Jeremy had heard several mention during the day. "The hills are too steep, and so are the prices," he heard someone say. After dinner, Jason slips off the Shamus, and returns just before bedtime, telling everyone on board to be ready for a surprise the next day, at the crack of dawn.
Saturday, April 29 - Morning at Cliff House
When the brides come on board just after dawn, they are greeted by two things - a fog so thick they can't see the city behind harbor, and carriages waiting wharfside. Once loaded, the carriages travel west, six or seven miles. Though they take the lowest possible trail, the road through the sandy dunes that lay between the ocean and the city make the carriage ride jarring.The carriages travel all the way to the beach, and stop in front of Cliff House, a magnificent hotel, not two years old, built directly upon jagged rocks that form a promintory toward the ocean. Some of the ladies are most impressed with the hotel's elegant appointments. They marvel at its rich interiors, and equally rich clientele. But others are drawn outside, onto the veranda, a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to congregate and watch the sea lions lazing in the sun on the rocks below. After they leave Cliff House, the carriages travel to the beach itself, and the brides and the gentleman enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic, and watch scores of others on the beach involved in various recreation.
Sunday, April 30 - Casting Off for the Last Time
With the Shamus set to sail with the evening's full tide, a few of the brides make quick jaunts back into the city for last minute purchases. The Bolts and Clancey are busy loading supplies for Bolt Brothers Logging most of the day, but find time for one last dockside drink before casting off.Saturday, May 6 - Anticipation
Even Clancey notices the change the last few days have brought about in the brides' normal behavior. The usual level of gossip, giggling and gathering has dropped off considerably. Jason attributes it to the girls' apprehension about nearing their final destination. He asks Clancey not to tell the brides when, precisely, the ship will arrive in Seattle, thinking that it may lessen their anxiety if they're not sitting around counting off the hours.Wednesday, May 10 - Gangway, Lord
It's a crisp, raw morning. The brides are awakened from their sleep by a long, low, call. Some of the brides go topside to see what the ruckus is about. "Rise and shine!" Clancey calls. "Look alive, ya bleary-eyed idiots! Land ho! There she is! Seattle! That's what you're here for! Now hit the deck!"For all the five months they've had to prepare for this moment, Jason notices it takes the women an unusually long time to get up and about this morning. But finally, the brides are back on deck, dressed and ready to go. As the Shamus O'Flynn nears Seattle's docks, the brides can see a growing gathering of people - every last man, woman and child in Seattle, although they don't know it. The Bolts recognize Lottie, Ben, and Corky and the men, and wave excitedly. It takes a while for Clancey to navigate the Shamus into her slip, and as he does, an eerie quiet covers both the dock and the deck. Slowly, the gangplank is lowered, and Jason gives Candy Pruitt a hand, as the first little lady ashore, and then two more. "Choose your partners," he says, and with that, Seattle men and New Bedford brides finally meet.
That night, the entire town throws a large party in Seattle's square. It doesn't take long before the ladies and men start to get acquainted, with mixed reactions on both sides. Overall, the trip has been a success, and despite Aaron Stempel's doubts about the bet, for tonight, at least, the Bolts bask in their success, and the pleasure of being home. But, as Jason tells Lottie. "It's just the beginning, Lottie. Just the beginning."
Discuss the trip or anything else HCTB-related:
|
|
|
|
|
|