“The ward we live in is called Decker Ward and we live here on the Strand. The square in the middle is called Market Square and all the town’s commerce comes through here. You see all the carts the vendors are setting up. They are mostly African freemen. This colony does not allow slavery. It has the town split. The king’s subjects are jealous of all the riches that the Carolinas enjoy on the backs of slaves. Others of His Majesty’s servants found the practice morally appalling. Every year the people try to bend the ear of the trustees that run this town to allow the practice. I fear the Trustees’ are turning sympathies to the slavers.” As Archibald cautioned, Patrick nodded. Freeman continued, “Basically any kind of foods, services, or commerce can be found in this square and Ward and you will spend most of your hours here.
“If you go down over there into the tall grass a ways, you will come to a large crepe myrtle that has been split in two by a lightning bolt. Never seen anything like it. The tree is still alive and growing as two trees now. Ever since that myrtle got burned in two, the townsfolk call that area Thunderbolt.”
Freeman motioned down a corner to Patrick, “Let us turn down Mr. Thomas Broughton’s street until we come to Derby Ward. It is named after one of those fat cats, the Honorable James, the Tenth Earl of Derby.” Archibald mocked the pompousness by bowing.
Archibald led Patrick down a dusty road to a square that opened in front of them revealing a large dirt space. The area was busy with activity; surveyors pulled string between wooden stakes marking lines, a crew of shirtless and sweaty men were digging a large hole as a group of well dressed aristocrats and a minister in a black smock and white wig patted each other’s backs and shook each others' hands. Archibald informed Patrick of the Johnson Square. It was named after the generous and well-liked royal governor of SC and it was the hub of Anglican activities. They watched as a congregation of devout Anglicans was breaking ground to build themselves a church.
"I am not a gossiping kind,” he ensured Patrick, “but so much scandal has occurred in this Ward around those pastors.” With a sly smile and wink for Patrick, he continued, “So let me not tell you what happened. The very first minister named Henry Herbert died when he was returning on Oglethorpe’s favorite ship, the Anne. He was heading back to England and his merciful God struck him down for reasons unsuspected. Then they had Mr. Quincy stand a short tenure till the third pastor arrived. His name was John Wesley, and lad, let me tell you this scandalous tale!” The wigged man laughed. “Well the beautiful Sophia Hopkey was to be married but a misunderstanding and folly caused Pastor Wesley to refuse to publish her banns of marriage in the church. Thereafter, she ran over to South Carolina in disgrace and got nuptials done there. Pastor Wesley was made the fool by this and refused the new couple communion when they returned. Such a public insult this was that Sophia’s husband sued the pastor for defamation. Have you ever heard such a thing, suing a man of God? The resulting and embarrassing controversy caused such uproar in his parish that they asked him to return to England in thirty-seven. Funny thing is, a man told me he is starting some new Methodist Church in England that is already wildly popular. Oh those religious folks and their stories make me laugh."
As Archibald collected himself from laughter, he changed the subject and suggested, "Let us turn up this street until we run into the Heathcoat Ward." The men slowly walked on with Archibald continuing to point out the sights and characters of Savannah.
“The ward is named for George Heathcoat. I know, not very original. He is also one of the trustees. Although Savannah preaches the merits of equality, this is where all the high society resides. The square we are walking by is called St. James and at night is home to some wonderful music and arts. My favorite wandering bard sings here. His name is Wes Loper. We must remember to try and catch him one night. I'm sure you'll enjoy him very much. Rumors also bound that a troop of actors might come and perform here in the square.”
Patrick could only nod. So much information of his new hometown was beginning to overwhelm him but Archibald continued on.
“Let's make our way to the Percival Ward. This ward and square are named after Viscount Percival. Again, I know our founders were not very creative with the names,” Archibald cracked. "This is Jew territory and where the ladies of pleasure reside. There's not supposed to be Jews here at all, but that Dr. Nunis, the man who purchased the services of your goliath friend, he is the common man's town doctor and won favor for his kind. If you have bags of silver and are of the proper social class you get an appointment with Dr. Telfair, but he would never be seen with the likes of us. It took no time to break that no-Jew law because the second boat to land had forty-two Jews on it. Oglethorpe and the trustees’ never made them leave because these Jews were refugees from Spain and Portugal. They had sympathy for their plight. The trustee’s then decided to only ban Roman Catholics, in fear of them assisting the cursed Spaniards that keep attacking outside of this town.”
Archibald then straightened his shirt and spoke as if he was very serious but a faint smile could be seen on his lips. “As far as the fancy ladies go, well, officially, there are none here. The upstanding, church-going wives would have seen them in the stocks of course, but all the men deny they are here. To know the truth one just needs to look at all the soldiers and sailors in this town. Of course any military attracts prostitutes like honey to bees.”
As if on queue, two of Patrick’s former crewmates then stumbled out of a house. A woman in a worn, red dress unceremoniously shoved them out the back entrance. She then escorted them out and exchanged gazes with Patrick. A warm inviting smile beamed from her as she waived her handkerchief at the two blacksmiths. She then hiked up her dress revealing a tattooed ankle, slipping a silver round down the side of her red shoe. At the door, she blew a gentle kiss at Patrick before returning to her duties. Patrick immediately felt his face blush red and hot.
Archibald smiled at the younger man, “Ah lad. That is the mysterious April Sky. I know it is an odd name. I've never heard of someone named after a month but I am fairly certain it is not the name she was christened with. With that stated April Sky is the most powerful madam in all of Savannah and no woman works here without her blessing and paying her homage. She is the scourge of Savannah’s proper women but the men do really love her girls, so she is left to her craft unmolested by the authorities. The rumor is she used to run the seas with pirates before all the pirates were hunted down and killed. I am told every inch of her body except her face is covered with tattoos. It is said she is highly superstitious and uses them to ward off the devil." Archibald then warned, "If you want to keep your temple pure you best stay away from that harlot.”
Patting Patrick's shoulder, Archibald then announced, “Well now that the fancy lady parade is over, come along. There are two other wards under construction I need to show you."
The two men recommenced their journey with Freeman pointing out the sights. "Over that way is the Upper New Square. The other one over that way is another that they have not decided on a name yet, it seems to change every hour. I reckon they must have run out of honorable trustees to bestow the honor on," Archibald poked Patrick in the ribs.
“Beyond there, continuing through the wild to the southwest is Fort Argyle,” Archibald continued. “I’m sure you’ve guessed it’s named after someone, John, Duke of Argyle, and personal friend to Oglethorpe. It’s supposed to help offer protection from the Spanish and from Indian raiders but it’s never been manned properly.” Archibald stopped and seemed lost in thought, “A lot of men from the Scottish town of Darien rotate manning and running patrols there.” He brought his attention back to the here and now and they started walking again.
1740 Map of Savannah and Fort Argyle
Pirates of Savannah Trilogy: Book One, Sold in Savannah - Young Adult Action Adventure Historical Fiction Page 21