Having escaped the pirates and evaded them, Jarvis must now decide whether his damaged ship can safely cross the Atlantic to England. Is it too much for the limited rig and the small crew? Should he put into a port up the coast? Or will his haste to...
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Four bells of the afternoon watch pealed as we sounded our way past Sandy Hook, pleased with the accuracy of the chart. I looked again at it when the next call came from the chains, then nodding, I said to Evans, "Thus far, the charting is precise."
"Aye, sir. It appears too detailed to not be. Besides, with the other ships following this track both in and out, it seems reliable."
"True. And with the unmarked sandbanks, it might be best that we follow in their wake, assuming they have knowledge and experience of the entrance. But we shall continue sounding for safety."
Shortly after seven bells had rung, we passed through the strait between Long and Staten Islands, and ahead, a line of rooftops broke the horizon. I looked again at the description of Betheson's location: On the East River at the foot of Wall Street. This will make sense when we are closer.
As the water broadened, more rooftops appeared past the edge of Long Island, some much taller than I had expected to see, and I said to Evans, "Steer on the right edge of the buildings ahead."
"Aye, sir. Right edge of buildings."
After he had ordered the helm and sail adjustments, he said, "More buildings grow above the horizon, sir."
"Aye, it appears the town continues eastward. Adjust our heading to maintain its right edge."
"Aye, sir. Point the emerging edge."
"Eastward of there appears to be an anchorage basin." I glanced up at the sails. "The wind should remain suitable to take us there."
By the time eight bells rang, we had drawn close enough to see details along the waterfront of a town much larger than I had imagined. While Evans turned over the watch to Jenson, I paged to the entry on New York to read its introduction. Oh, my! Over six thousand people - almost the size of Kingston. Little wonder all the ships. Must examine trade possibilities and ...
Evans interrupted my thoughts. "Sir, Master Jenson has assumed the watch, carrying on with your orders."
"Thank you. Keep your watch on deck. We will soon shorten sail and make ready to anchor." I pointed toward the town. "Assist me in scanning the shoreline, searching for wharves, warehouses and what might be a wall."
"A wall, sir?"
"The description of Betheson and Sons places their wharf at the foot of Wall Street - usually named for a town's walls. We should anchor near it."
He nodded and lifted a glass to his eye while I went to talk with Jenson about anchoring and launching the longboat. We were discussing the surprising size of the town when Evans approached and said, "Over the port bow, sir. The Betheson name on a long line of warehouses."
"Thank you." I lifted my glass and scanned, soon stopping on the name. Then seeing empty space in front of two of the warehouses, I said, "Appears there is ample room for us to lay alongside. We shall do that instead of anchoring. Let us decide on the best approach."
