Dawn of Steam: First Light

by Jeffrey Cook

  We have at last made contact with our company again. Eddy made most certain to check the area for any sign, even distant, of the other ship before we signaled our ship, once he had confirmed it was ours. The suggestion that they might have gone north when they caught some sight of the other airship proved accurate. They are not certain if they were seen in turn, and simply lost pursuit, or if they managed to go unnoticed, but they were forced to abandon their intended path partway through, for worry that the other ship would have people on the ground with rockets, or that they might at least be able to track them and put us at risk. They traveled northward around the part of the mountains where we entered, and eventually found a way to travel across that was clear.

  According to Miss Bowe, there is another, smaller mountain range to our west. After as accurately as she has led us, and having proved she knows not only the land, but the people of the land, and some of them know her, we are certain that there is no reason to doubt her accounts of what lies ahead still. As such, we will have to put down again in order to make accurate maps, but across open territories, or wooded land, we are trusting in her account and mapping from the air for the protection of our members. The opposing airship, while not in sight, cannot be more than a few days away, and knows that we evaded them, so they have either retreated out of need to restock their supplies, or have given up for the time being, thwarted by our ability to navigate the land and our dirigible's evading them. Given that they have the same accounts as we do of Dr. Bowe's works, we will doubtless encounter them again, but do not currently think it will be here in the American West.

  We have elected to carry on with our mission as stated. If they have made some deal with the Spanish, then there is far more good they could be doing with an airship than trying to capture us now, especially with ours being the only air support the Americans of the South could currently expect. Any message sent to England would also be some time in arriving. We also have some engagements lying ahead of us which we cannot afford to miss. While a journey back to New Orleans would be welcome after some of what we have been through in recent times, it is entirely likely that this is part of what they wish to lure us into. Given all of this, Sir James is certain that the best thing we can do is move forward and not allow them to distract us from our pursuits.

  For the terms of the wager, we currently have some advantage. Even if they now map the pass and trail over which they followed us, everything there would absolutely confirm Dr. Bowe's accounts of the American West and the trail by which one may travel from east coast to west without needing to move through territory occupied by the Spanish. If we are able to traverse this last obstacle, we can confirm at least that Dr. Bowe did thoroughly search, map, and write of Western America long previous to our movements. This, of course, is only one continent, and we have a long way to go before your bet can be completed. In the meanwhile, no matter that result, the maps included with this and other letters of our travels, along with photographs and descriptions of the things we saw upon our travels, should benefit England and its colonies should there be a push for westward expansion. For now, I will simply hope that the war effort proceeds well, and that in the time we have been away, the colonists have received more direct support and leadership from our armies.

  One theory which has been put forth, now that he has been seen, is that the Spaniard and other Europeans among the numbers of our enemy are what they seemed to be, mercenary forces, but his presence among them might afford our enemies an ability to do trade with the Spanish forces, and likely warn them of our ship and align them against us without necessarily forging military alliance. This would still certainly be a betrayal, for our country remains aligned against Spain, and possibly soon will be at war, but does not yet guarantee that any of our secrets have fallen into enemy hands. This explanation, put forth by Sir James after assessing our pursuit and circumstances, would seem to fit what has happened so far, and why they feel so free to move north and south along the mountains, expend energy and fuel hunting us, and still do not put too much effort towards aiding the Spanish forces in more important regions.

  I will continue to detail our theories and any evidence we collect as to their actions and alliances as we travel. So far, there is no proof of wrongdoing beyond attempting to murder our members in pursuit of their goals, though that should be quite enough of a problem, but their actions remain most suspicious. Despite the risk we continue on. You have been most generous, and along the way, our actions will serve the whole of England.

  Yours,

  Gregory Conan Watts

  Letter from Heathsville, Northumberland County, Virginia Colony Archives, Wright Collection.

  December 21st, 1815

  To The Honorable Mr. Wright and Madam Wright,

  First, and throughout reading this letter, please be assured of your daughter's health. This letter is not the bearer of bad news. I know that you must be worried about my dear Cousin, with her so far away.

  I must admit that your worries are not without any reason. Your brave and sensible daughter volunteered for a most grievous duty. Our mountain party was planned to contain Mr. McBride, Mr. Watts, and Sam Bowe, when your daughter declared that Miss Bowe should not be the only lady in the party and promptly declared she would accompany them. As much as I did not like this plan, Harriet was resolute, and her presence would, indeed, solve the problem. I am ashamed to say that while on this trek, Harriet took a chill and caught fever somewhere on the great continental divide. I count this as a failure in my duties, as you had placed Harriet in my care.

  Harriet owes her health to Edward McBride, who bodily carried her to safety, and to Miss Bowe, who knew where in this wilderness one could claim hospitality. Our Eddy is said to have carried your daughter 8 hours a day for 4 days to get her to a village that Miss Bowe could claim as friends. The women of this tribe, assisted by Miss Bowe, nursed Harriet back to warmth and health, and she was able to complete her journey with vigor, if not with full strength.

  Indeed, you should be proud of your daughter, as she is now among the first non-native women to have crossed these rock strewn-mountains, and she did so in horrid winter. It may not be a claim banished anytime soon, for many a woman won't even think on the feat.

  I also have news directly for Mr. Wright, in his role as Harriet's Father. I would not be too surprised if, once our exploration is done, you receive a visit from Mr. Edward McBride. He has shown great concern for Harriet, and indeed, she owes him her life. You are, of course, aware of him due to his exemplary war record. James assures me that he owns Lands enough in Scotland to make a suitable match for the daughter of a gentleman farmer. I, however, hesitate in stating this, as I do not think that Harriet recognizes Mr. McBride's regard as the honor that it undoubtedly is. Mrs. Fisher and I will continue to ask her to think of her future, and there is time yet in this voyage.

  Your Dutiful Niece,

  Jillian Coltrane

  The West on Water

  Sea to Shining Sea

  December 25th, 1815

  Columbia River (we think)

  45º45'N 120º13'W

  My Dearest Cordelia,

  Merry Christmas, my dearest! I hope the holiday season is treating you and your family well. Though it seemed like we were forever away from our companions and in the cold, we were returned to the dirigible just in time to meet the season in good company and good cheer. I am including several pictures of the native flora and fauna, which I will hope, though it will reach you late, suffice as gift for now. Though we met with only a partial success in the north, we have found what we were most seeking in the American West, and with both detailed maps and photographic proof of the journey. It seems as if I am well on my way to fame and fortune enough to satisfy your good father's demands of me that we might be married. Though we are far away, the return to warmth and companionship and the joy of the season has had me thinking of you.

  Since our return to our fellows, Eddy has taken to spending a great deal of
time in training Matthew the ways of his rifles. He is still not teaching him a great deal about actually shooting the weapons, which has been virtually forbidden by Mrs. Fisher, but Eddy assures us that Matthew will soon be entirely capable of cleaning, handling, and reloading the weapons without any need for coaching.

  Sir James has also revealed that he hid away some amount of spirits appropriate to the season and insisted that we all come together, crewers included, for a toast to our successes so far and more to come. He has also promised that, when we return to something akin to civilization, we should all be presented with reasonable gifts for our travels. Giovanni Franzini availed himself of a greater amount of drink whenever Miss Bowe came near and he could not avoid it. Julietta Penn, in turn, has stayed closer to Samantha than ever since our return.

  Miss Coltrane, in particular, was glad for Miss Wright's return. Though she seems sometimes aloof, she is still her cousin's teacher, and she was obviously very worried for her health in the time apart. She also received news of the illness Miss Wright suffered, and apparently directly from Miss Wright, some news of the care she had while we were with the Apsáalooke. Though clearly distressed, she seems mostly just grateful for Harriet's return and has promised a shopping trip as soon as they are able.

  Though I know I should not pry or report rumors, I feel that I would be remiss if I did not report to you that when they were in private chambers, and I was passing by on my way to play cards with Sir James, I did hear a small bit of an argument between the women. A few words were directed towards wondering why Miss Wright had put herself at such great risk, of course. But also, it seems that Miss Wright has said some small part about Eddy's affection for her, and that she has no interest in him. Certainly the expected gossip among young and unmarried women.

  Miss Coltrane was shocked by this, and defended our Scotsman and his value as a match to Miss Wright, but Miss Wright was adamant and spoke instead of gentlemen of England. I cannot be certain, but despite the impropriety of such a match – a baronet's sister is a different thing from a baronet's colonial cousin – Miss Coltrane seems to have the affection for Eddy that her cousin lacks. I am also more sure than ever that Miss Coltrane has no interest in the many dashing and handsome men of money and society that wish her hand, and Miss Wright so fancies. I believe words such as boring, stuffy, and self-absorbed came up, while Miss Wright seemed rather aghast at such a suggestion.

  Of course, it goes without saying that such accounts should not be repeated to anyone. It is certain, after all, that once we are returned to England, Miss Coltrane and Sir James alike shall soon have to marry. For the reception we already receive, and the station of the people they have attracted, I must imagine that both weddings will be almost royal events.

  In more practical news, one of the finest presents I have yet heard for the lot of us is that Miss Bowe knows a few routes we might travel by to reach the west, but one of these is a river valley which goes all the way through the mountains, with waters which may be traversed, and the way should be viewed and traveled entirely by air. Dr. Bowe did, indeed, note such a route, though some parts are difficult along the river's path, but it would still permit us to complete our mission and map without needing to leave the ship for any long period, save to survey the river's path and ensure that it can be traveled. The thought of trying to move through a mountain valley without support from the air in the midst of this terrible winter, again, was not encouraging me in the least.

  I will certainly have more to write later, my darling, but for the time being, I believe Sir James is offering another toast, at least among the gentlemen, and card games and talk shall go well into the night.

  My love, always,

  Gregory Conan Watts

  From the journals of Gregory Conan Watts,

  December 28th, 1815

  Columbia River

  45º56'N 122º51'W

  I shall never forget this day so long as I live, and now I think I should not wish to, much as I had thought multiple times as we traveled that my end was drawing quite near. Two days past, we found the riverway Miss Bowe has spoken of a number of times since we set to charting our path. She says that this will carry us all the way to the Pacific Ocean if we wish it, though we elected to move through the mountains, rejoin the dirigible, and then take in the last of the journey from above, at the time, for sake of speed of travel and safety.

  She did say she did not think we had a great deal to worry over from the natives here, so long as she was with the group, but Sir James is taking as few chances as possible in our endeavors. The success so far has excited him, and now that we are nearing the end of this quest, I believe he is most eager to move to the next. We have made up enough time in covering much of this country by air and water that we may be able to travel back to New Orleans before we travel southward. We hope to gain some news of the conflict and to determine if we are at war, for we are all quite eager to make certain that all goes well and England has responded before we spend a long period without any means of gaining any word. We are still awaiting the final bit of our travel, ensuring we hit no final obstacles, and seeing what Sir James decides we shall do next, though first, we anticipate a celebration of success in our westward journeys across North America.

  When we found the river, Miss Bowe set to making us a small boat, attempting to show myself, Eddy, and Sir James how it might be done. It was a tiring process, but with all of us working, plus two of the ship's engineers, were able to quickly complete our second attempt at the craft, for the first was ruined by inexperience and enthusiasm in woodcraft. It was not the most comfortable of things from the first, with no efforts made towards fine details to permit anyone to ride comfortably, but she felt it would survive the river journey. Within this homemade boat, Miss Bowe, Miss Wright – quite insistent again that our guide should not be alone with unmarried men – Eddy, Sir James, and myself all made the journey, with the others watching our progress from above.

  This was not at all like the trips aboard even small craft I have taken at home. The water was fast moving, and on more than one occasion we were having to row not for progress, which the river enthusiastically provided, but to avoid fallen logs, large rocks, patches of ice, and whatever other manner of obstacle it might put in our way. At the places where the water grew more narrow, we were moving especially rapidly, and control was all but impossible. Even with our best efforts, we hit many of the things we would rather avoid, and each time it was all we could do to hold onto the boat and not get thrown overboard, and even then we had a few close calls. At one point, Sir James caught my hand while I was flailing about trying to find some balance and nearly being carried into the water.

  Even with all hands remaining aboard, many times, we were certain that this craft Miss Bowe instructed us to construct was going to be split apart when we hit the rocks, but each time, we managed to deflect off them or were carried over them with a terrible scraping noise, with the boat left whole. Miss Bowe has said since that she would have much preferred more time to construct the boat properly, which would have been nice to know beforehand, and that she would much prefer time to instruct us better in river navigation and rowing since, but we were all so excited and eager to get going that she made do with what she had. Despite these misgivings, she seems quite pleased by our successes, and in moving down the river, she was most enthusiastic and seeming to enjoy the journey that had so terrified the rest of us. When we finally set camp for the first night, the rest of us found it quite hard to manage to find our land legs again, and Miss Wright grew quite ill. Thankfully only in the most temporary of senses. I fear I did not fare much better and felt quite nauseous for a good time after we stopped.

  Our following ship put down its ladders, and we collected gear, including my camera and writing materials, that I could document where we had come, for Miss Bowe had fortunately assured us we did not wish to bring anything unnecessary along on this journey. I certainly wish the people who will come after us luck,
or larger and more sturdy craft, as well as skilled river pilots.

  Today was much the same, though the water was calmer, or perhaps it was just that we had our first day of hard lessons behind us, and thus were better able to handle the obstacles that came up, having some idea what to expect. Sir James agreed that when we return to the dirigible, we will make our maps from above, instead of asking me to reliably sketch our path as we travel, but that we need to complete our journey through at least the mountain ways for proof it can be done.

  The single most difficult times of the day, in their own fashion, were not the river obstructions, but those times when we began descent. For when we hit larger waterfalls, we had to make it quickly to shore before we were put over the falls, then find a way to travel while carrying the boat. While not so life-threatening as the river often seemed to be, carrying a hastily constructed boat of dense wood down an icy slope is almost precisely the joy it sounds. Miss Bowe had to spend quite a lot of this time navigating ahead, making sure we had the easiest possible path, one large enough by which to travel. With her keen guidance and knowledge of the area, some luck, and the muscle of our combined company, we were at last able to reach the river again each time. It is through greater luck still that no threat found us in this difficult situation, for even if we had warning, between the cold, numbness from effort of carrying the heavy thing, and the many splinters we collected during the trip, I do not imagine anyone would have been eager – or perhaps able – to handle firearms.

  Miss Bowe has stated that we are nearing the end. For all its difficulties, following the river has been much swifter than going by foot. I shall be more than glad to see the end of this boat, and in the future, shall give her the time she wishes to construct the craft properly and make sure she is aware that no matter how eager we are to be going, that it is no cause for haste in preparation. I fear that such entreaties will fall upon deaf ears, of course, as Miss Bowe seems to thrill in living in the spur of the moment, and throwing herself into danger and excitement.