Roger Weston - The True Tale of Castaway Ann Saunders

THE TRUE TALE OF CASTAWAY ANN SAUNDERS: A SHORT STORY

ROGER WESTON

Copyright 2014 by Weston Publishing Enterprises
All rights reserved.

Based on the true story of Ann Saunders

November 10, 1825

As the three-masted clipper ship Francis Mary parted from the dock in Liverpool, England, Ann Saunders stood on deck with one hand clinging to the rail, and the other holding the hand of her betrothed, James Frier. She smiled into his eyes then turned towards the sea.

The sails of the clipper ship snapped in the brisk wind under a rare blue sky. The vessel slid across the smooth waters of the River Mersey faster than Ann had expected, and it took her a moment to gain her balance and adjust to the rhythmic movement of the wooden ship. She would get her sea legs soon enough, she thought to herself. This was going to be the adventure shed always dreamed of. High above, she heard deck hands singing a sea chantey as they clung to the rigging. The men continued to sing as they worked in harmony unfurling white canvas. Oh, how she loved the sound of their voices along with the creaking of the timbers. It sounded exactly how shed always imagined it would. This was the beginning of her new life. She was leaving behind the only world she had ever known. She was leaving behind her mother and sisters. But she would be back. And when she came back she would tell them all about her adventure. She smiled and faced the sea and the horizon of her dreams.

The soaring columns of another ships white sails rippled in the wind as it passed by the Francis Mary . Ann waved to the passing vessel, but the ships crew was working feverishly hauling in the canvas of the sails and nobody waved back. Anns smile faded for a moment. Then a small fishing boat drifted by and Ann watched as a solitary man on its deck repaired a torn net. He looked so lonely, she thought. She peered up at the proud masts of the Francis Mary and watched as the sturdy material of its sails shuttered and pulsated. When a puff of salt spray misted her face, she laughed with joy. This was the best day of her life.

It was to be her first time abroad, and she had no idea of what to expect, but she was so excited. And when she returned, she and James would be married. The captains wife, Mrs. Kendall was serving as their chaperone. A friend of Anns aunt, Mrs. Kendall had invited them along as her guest on this voyage to the new world. James was considering a life as a seafaring man and both she and James agreed this would be the perfect opportunity to see if it was the job for him.

The thought of spending the rest of my life with you fills me with unending joy, Ann said as she lifted her hand to his cheek. I shall always be faithful to you in all my thoughts and deeds.

James looked at her with gentle affection. I know you will, my darling.

As the Francis Mary stood out to sea, several other ships sailed past her. The bowsprits of the various vessels glistened in the sun as they led the way into the sparkling Atlantic sea.

James, Im afraid that I must go below. Im not feeling well. My stomach needs some time to adjust to the motion of the sea.

He squeezed her hand, Everythings going to be alright, my love.

She found comfort in his piercing blue eyes.

For three days, Anns stomach refused to keep anything down. She had never felt so wretched, but then her body became accustomed to the movement of the vessel, and her seasickness faded. After that she had no more trouble on their journey to New Brunswick, Canada. After they arrived on the rocky shores of the New World in January of 1826, they spent a few enjoyable weeks together exploring the quaint seaside village of St. Johns. But by the 18 th of the month, Captain Kendall had secured a cargo of timber, and he made the preparations for the return voyage. For a brief moment Ann and James considered not returning to Liverpool. But Ann remembered her promise to her mom that she would return. There was also the wedding that was to be. They would return home.

Once again, the clipper left harbor and pressed out upon the vast Atlantic Ocean. A fair wind carried the Frances Mary until February 1 st , at which time the sky turned dark and evil. A severe gale struck with punishing fierceness. Wind tore through the rigging, taking some of the wooden yards and spars with it. Huge gray waves with white beards broke across the decks, washing one of the skiffs overboard and severely wounding some of the crew. Fortunately, by the next day, the weather had died down. Ann worked with Mrs. Kendall dressing the wounds of the poor sailors who had been beaten by flying timbers and bruised from the thrashing they took as they were thrown about the deck by the rough seas. The uninjured among the crew worked without delay, splicing and disentangling the rigging, clearing the deck of the splintered pieces of the yards and spars, and mending the canvas. Ann was immeasurably grateful for their efforts and flooded with relief when they made sail once again.

During a short break from taking care of the crewmen, Ann descended into the galley. Lanterns swung on their chains, and the sounds of the sea splashing against the side of the hull filled the room. A sailor sat at the long dark polished wood table. His head hung low, hovering over the thick rim of a mug. Greasy hair stuck thickly to the side of his head. He didnt look up as Ann sat at the table. The only time he moved was when he took a swig from his cup. Captain Kendall entered the dark, musty room.

The lines on Kendalls face ran severe like the crags of a cliff. He stood with a rigid posture and scowled at the sitting sailor, All hands on deck, man. I see more squalls on the horizon.

The man staggered up the ladder and onto the deck.

Sorry for the rough journey, Maam. I want to thank you for attending to the wounded with my dear wife.

Its my pleasure. To not help where one is needed would be an abomination to the Lord.

Kendall looked troubled. Pray that the worst of the storm is over.

If Providence wills it then it will be so.

Well then, Im afraid that we havent seen the extent of the Lords fury.

The Captains predication came to pass. By February 5 th , another severe gale thundered in from the Southeast, heaping the uncaring sea into rolling mountains of frightening, raw power directed straight at their ship.

Ann saw the captains face darken as he peered at the horizon. He turned to his first mate, Powell. Batten down the hatches.

Ann returned once again to the galley to escape the fierce storm. Mrs. Kendall was sitting at the table reading her Bible. James had been put to work as a deckhand. Shed barely had a word with him since the storms hit and missed him terribly. Captain Kendall said he needed his able hands, and she took comfort in the fact that she would have him all to herself once the voyage was over. For now she would just have to be patient. James had already decided that the seafaring life wasnt for him, and she was delighted with his decision. Now she wasnt going to have to suffer through the long periods of separation that the wife of a seaman must endure.

She sat across from Mrs. Kendall. Will this storm ever end?

Mrs. Kendall put down her Bible and smiled. Dont worry, my dear. It will all be over soon. My husband has seen many crews through the worst the sea has to offer. Our good Lord guides him you know.

A loud slap hit the hull and reverberated through the galley. Ann ran up and peered out the galley door as a tremendous wave crashed across Francis Mary s deck and sweeping away everything that wasnt roped down. She gasped with horror as the deck was transformed into a raging river. The ocean was showing its violent apathy and two seaman were washed overboard in its fury. Ann flew to the rail searching for the victims of the cruel sea. She held on tightly to the wooden railing as water swirled at her ankles.