by Ken Busato
The next morning, Papa took Liam and me down to the dock. He was not sure it was safe to bring us there, but I told him we would have to come down here soon anyway, and there was nothing Papa could say to object. If there was any danger, it would probably happen on the day we set sail.
As we got close, I could see the three ships were not all equal in size, or in quality. “Papa,” I asked, “Do you know which ship we are sailing on?”
“Mr. Robertson told me the name of our ship is The Edward and Anne. I’m not the best with my letters, but I think the third ship off in the distance is it.”
My reading was also not very good, but I could certainly make out the two names Edward and Anne written on the side of the third ship. The first ship we passed was a large, beautiful ship called the Prince of Wales. The second ship, called the Eddystone, was a little smaller, but it too seemed to be a grand vessel. Our ship seemed out of place.
It was a sorry looking craft. She looked much older than the Prince of Wales and the Eddystone, and her sails and ropes were dirty. I didn’t want to say anything to Papa, but I didn’t want to board that ugly vessel. Could it handle the water? Would we be comfortable? I just didn’t know.
“Good morning,” boomed a voice behind us. It was Mr. MacDonell. “I see you are looking at these fine vessels. Am I to conclude you will be making the trip tomorrow?”
“Yes Mr. MacDonell sir,” said my father. “I beg your pardon, but my name is John Fraser, and these are two of my children, Molly and Liam. I don’t know if you recall, but you helped us get our papers in order about a month ago in New Lanark.”
“Ah yes, now I remember,” replied Mr. MacDonell. “From what I recall, Mr. Robertson was not going to let you join our project because of a little baby. Robertson has been in America too long. He forgets how strong we Scots are, right? Even the small ones are strong.”
“Very true, that they are. Might I ask a question of you sir?”
“By all means my good man, go right ahead.”
“Just last night,” Papa began, “My brother and I came here to see the ships. We were met by some men who did not take too kindly to our presence. We told them we were future settlers, and my brother got clubbed to the head.”
“Goodness! Is he alright?”
“Yes. Just a bad cut is all. Do you think these men are going to cause more trouble for us before leaving tomorrow?”
“I don’t want you or your children to worry,” Mr. MacDonell replied. “These men, probably paid by Mackenzie, are here to cause trouble. Lord Selkirk has brought you here at great expense, and he is not going to let it all go to waste by a pack of curs paid to do the devil’s work. Soldiers will be here soon enough to make sure the peace is kept.”
“Thank you sir, that’s good to know. One more question sir, beg your pardon?”
“Yes, what is it?”
“The ship we are to be on. It does not seem to be as nice as the other two. Is there any chance of changing?”
“No there is not,” said Mr. MacDonell, clearly agitated with the question. “The Edward and Anne might look older, but she has a lot of experience on these waters. There is no concern about her sea worthiness. She will be fine for you and your family. Besides, the other two ships are full, and not with settlers. The trading post we are going to needs supplies and men who work the fur trade. That is the main purpose of the two ships accompanying ours, for I too, Mr. Fraser, am also sailing with you on the Edward and Anne.”
“I see sir,” said Papa. “Thank you for your time.”
“Not at all. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Now I must be going. There are many last minute details to attend to.” Mr. MacDonell left. Liam ran off a little down the pier to get a closer look at the ship, while Papa and I just stood there for a while and thought about the future.
“What do you think Molly?” Papa asked.
“I think everything is going to work out for us. I don’t know about travelling on that ship, but if Mr. MacDonell is going to be a passenger, I think it will be alright. We have gone through worse.”
“Aye, I suppose we have sweetie.”
Papa called out to Liam so we could go back to our room and prepare for tomorrow. I think he just wanted to get away from the water for a little while. As we walked back, I could feel a cool breeze start up and push against my face. I closed my eyes, wishing to be pulled up and away from worry and concern, but I was to have no such luck today.