by D P Prouty
The Pettigrew Plantation was very large. The plantation was surrounded by rice fields and the road leading up to the main house was lined with trees dressed in fall foliage of yellow and orange. The sun was sinking on the horizon as we stopped in front of a big white house that had six sizeable pillars running the height of the two-story building with a large porch leading to the doorway. Two well-dressed servants in red coats met us at the doorway and we were escorted through a corridor to a grand ballroom decorated with colorful tapestries.
Many of the guests had already arrived and mingled about. I saw Captain Murry standing near the door with some of his officers. The captain was sitting with Charlene, Mrs. Campbell, and Captain Bainbridge. Captain Bainbridge was speaking with the captain, and Mrs. Campbell looked incensed at the conversation. Charlene looked exquisite. She was wearing a light blue ball gown with white trimming. She had on a silver trinity knot necklace and blue ribbons in her red hair. As we approached the table, Captain Bainbridge stood up to shake our hands as did the captain. We were running a little late so the formal introductions had already occurred. A group of musicians sat on the far side of the ballroom playing a composition. Captain Bainbridge said to Bat, “Dr. Batterton, it’s good to see you again, sir. Did I ever tell you my father was a naval surgeon?” The captain asked us to sit down at the table as he got up and asked Mrs. Campbell to grant him a dance. The other officers followed Captain Bainbridge and Dr. Batterton over to another table where the officers from the Norfolk and Montezuma were conversing.
Frank, Richard, and I sat down at the table with Charlene. No sooner than I sparked a conversation with Charlene a thin boy approached the table and said to Charlene, “So this is the cabin boy that you’ve been telling me about.” Charlene introduced me to George and I got up and shook his hand. His demeanor instantly sparked a burning irritation. George was a little taller than me. Charlene had told me he was almost seventeen. He was very thin and had a nasally voice—squeaky and annoying. “So this is the college boy I’ve heard of,” I said, attempting to rile him. His face turned red and he said to Charlene, “Come on, Charlene, let’s dance shall we?” He put out his hand and Charlene put hers in his and stood. She looked at me as if she wanted me to do something, but I didn’t know what to do. George took her to the floor and they began to dance a waltz. Frank looked at me in amazement and said, “Why didn’t you ask her to dance?”
“Because I don’t know how!” I snapped. We watched them dance a couple of repetitions before Frank said, “You going to let her dance all night with George?”
Angry, I got up and decided to get some air. I went out on the porch and took in the clear night sky.
Dr. Batterton, Lieutenant Baker, and Lieutenant Potts were on the porch smoking cigars and walked over to me. Bat spoke, “Why, Clyde, what are you doing out here? I thought you’d be dancing with the captain’s daughter?”
I replied, “That twit George Pettigrew took her.” I explained that I couldn’t dance and he was irritating me. Lieutenant Baker took a puff from his cigar and said, “I tell you what you do, kid. Go up to him and insult him. Then when he insults you back—challenge him to a duel and shoot him! I’ll be your second if you like.” I expressed that seemed more extreme than was necessary. He said, “All right, but if you change your mind I’ll help you. He’s probably never fired a pistol in his life, so you have that going for you.” He took another puff of his cigar and walked back inside.
Lieutenant Potts commented, “I think he was jesting, Clyde.” And he followed him inside.
Dr. Batterton watched them as they went inside and said, “I’m not so sure he was kidding. Shooting the son of a prominent citizen of Charleston in a duel is probably not conducive to a good start to a career.” Then he took me by the arm and pulled me over to a bench and we sat down. “Clyde, there is always a first time for everything. Just take her by the hand, lead her out there, and tell her you never waltzed before. Tell her to teach you. If she really likes you, she will gladly show you.”
I went back inside and saw George and Charlene dancing. I went up to George and told him I was cutting in. He started to protest, but Charlene quickly put her hand on my shoulder and grabbed my hand with hers. George departed and I did just as Bat had said. To my surprise she gave out a little giggle and gratefully accepted the challenge to teach me. While dancing, she said, “Did you notice my necklace?” I replied, “It’s a beautiful Celtic trinity knot, similar to mine. Only you’re necklace is by far more handsome on you!”
She giggled and squeezed my hand. We danced a couple of numbers and I began to understand the steps when George approached again and asked to cut in. I didn’t want to let go, but Charlene nodded that it was all right. I went to the table and the captain was sitting with another man. He said, “Are you having a good time, Clyde?”
I replied, “Aye, sir, I would be having a better time if that twit George would stop dancing with Charlene!”
He raised his eyebrows, took a deep breath, and said, “Clyde, may I introduce you to Mr. Pettigrew, George’s father.”
I felt immensely embarrassed and started to apologize when Mr. Pettigrew said, “That’s all right, I think he’s kind of a twit myself. Please, sit down.”
I sat down and Mr. Pettigrew said, “Captain Campbell tells me you’re quite the sailor. I could use a man like you if you are willing. Perhaps you can come work for me in a couple of years.”
I didn’t know how to respond so I said, “Aye, sir.” I didn’t know anything about his shipping company and I certainly didn’t want to work for George. Charlene came over to the table and I escorted her over to get some lemonade. I saw Mrs. Campbell talking with some ladies and felt her following me with her eyes. Without speaking, I could hear her disapproval. I didn’t know where George went, nor did I care. Charlene gave me some more dance lessons as it were and George did not come about for the remainder of the evening. It was time to depart and she grabbed my hand and led me outside to the darkness of the porch. “I had the most wonderful time, Clyde,” she said. I hugged her, then without warning she looked at me and kissed me on the lips. I felt a warmth pass through me. She said, “That was my first kiss.” I told her that was a first for me as well. Mrs. Campbell began to call out for Charlene, we said our good-byes and she went inside. I was incredibly happy. In the darkness on the porch a figure approached. Then the familiar voice of Lieutenant Baker said, “You’re probably right kid, a kiss from a pretty girl might be better than shooting George. But then again, shooting’s fun too.” We stayed in Charleston for three more days and I enjoyed seeing Charlene as much as I could. The captain informed the crew that we had orders to sail for Norfolk. It was difficult to say good-bye again to Charlene. I didn’t know when I would see her again and it seemed our time together was always so brief. But she bid farewell to me just as she did with her father and we were again on our way to sea.
Strangely we sailed alone to Norfolk as the other ships in our squadron departed southward. Several ships were at anchor upon our arrival at Norfolk. I recognized only the frigate Constellation and the schooner Enterprise since I had seen them before. The other two ships were the Constitution and Merrimack as I was later to discover. We were again instructed to sail into port rather than drop anchor in the harbor. This seemed odd since we were in port in Charleston. The captain departed with Lieutenant Potts after we docked and returned several hours later. He seemed distant as he spoke with the officers in private then called for a gathering of the crew. In a clear voice, he said, “Gentlemen, you will be given shore leave.” Some of the crewmen began to cheer, but the captain raised his hands to stop them. “Norfolk will be the last port for many of you. Our ship will undergo a complete restoration which may last a year or longer, so most of you will be transferred to other ships in need of quality sailors.” The dock went completely silent, everyone left to their own thoughts on the matter. The crew went back to work—a haze of uncertainty choked the normal cheerful disposition of our mo
rale as inevitable dismissal loomed.
20
The Enterprise
The next day was cold and gray. I saw Frank standing on the dock next to a woman who was speaking with him. I approached him and he introduced his mother. Then he excused himself and walked with me away from his mother. He said, “Clyde, this is the end for me, I received permission to go home.”
I asked, “But why?”
He stated, “I can’t go out again…I just don’t think I’ll make it home if I go out again, not on this or any other ship.” He had sadness in his eyes and weariness in his voice. I knew there was no talking him out of his decision. “I’ll miss you, Frank. Write me when you can,” I said. I knew he probably wouldn’t, I didn’t even know where I was going. I shook his hand and off he went. He walked with his mother off the dock as I watched them disappear around the buildings, I wondered if I would ever see him again. Now I had lost my two closest friends, the thought of quitting entered my mind but I pushed it out, where was I to go? I could go back to Halifax, but I could not start over, you can’t change what has happened, only what is in front of you and the direction you sail.
Some of the men received orders upon arrival, others waited until told to transfer. The captain gathered the crew together one last time that morning. He stood on a wooden table placed on the dock so that he could see everyone. He took his hat off and said, “Gentlemen, before we begin to go our separate ways, I must tell you that it has been my great pleasure and honor to serve as your captain. We left some fine young men in the Caribbean and they will never depart my memory, nor will anyone standing here. Many of you will again sail into the Caribbean on some of those ships anchored in the harbor, I wish you the best of luck. It is my hope that we will sail together again, God bless each and every one of you!”
I remained on the Eagle helping Mr. Edwards get equipment and the remaining provisions off the ship. I received shore leave, but I hadn’t anywhere to go so I remained on the dock. Captain Campbell asked me to join him for dinner the next evening. We went to a tavern, the very one where I met him for the first time. We sat down at a table by ourselves and ordered a couple of beers. He said, “Clyde, it truly has been a pleasure to have you as my cabin boy.” He drank some of his beer, put down his mug, and said, “I’ve spoken with Captain Shaw of the Enterprise. He is in need of a cabin boy if you are interested.” I didn’t know how to answer; I was still a little stunned that I would no longer be on the Eagle—my home for the past two years. I thought maybe I could stay with Captain Campbell so I said, “Sir, what ship will you be going to?”
He was direct. “I’m not going to a ship right away, Clyde. I’ve not gotten orders yet, but indications are that I will perform duties ashore for a while.” He took another drink and leaned in close and said plainly, “Captain Shaw is a good man and his ship is first rate. I think you have the potential to become an officer if you want. If you spend a year with Captain Shaw, you will be eligible for appointment to midshipman. That would be a wise choice on your part.” When a man like Captain Campbell suggests you do something, it is wise to do what he recommends. I told him that I would accept the position even though I was very apprehensive in my decision. After all, I didn’t know anyone on the Enterprise, what if they didn’t like me or I them? When I joined the crew of the Eagle, I didn’t really have a choice since I was hungry and didn’t have a place to stay. This was different—I had a little money and I had options if I wanted to do something different. Maybe I could work for Mr. Pettigrew. I didn’t mind the sailing so much, but what if I was injured again—this time losing an arm or a leg. Pressing my hand against my leg I recalled the pain of my leg, now healed. I felt a slight soreness still all these months later. What if next time I wasn’t so lucky? The next morning I awoke early with the men as many prepared to depart. The captain gave me a piece of paper indicating I had been transferred to the Enterprise. He said, “I’ll be keeping my eye on you, Clyde, I hope we will get the chance to sail together again.” I told him the same then gave him a salute. He returned my salute and said, “I’ll be heading back to Charleston, do you have a letter for Charlene?” Charlene was right! He knew all along we had been corresponding.
I was embarrassed, but wanted to appear in control. I said, “Sir, my associating with your daughter is truly honorable.” He raised his hand a grinned. “Clyde, you need not explain. I was young once myself. She is attractive and she’s smart. I don’t worry about her. She’s not one to be misled or associate with rogues. The way you danced together did not go unnoticed by me. Besides, I’m not the one you need to win over.”
I gave him a letter for Charlene and he bid me farewell. There were men here and there saying good-bye to their shipmates, hand shaking, and the occasional embrace. I looked for Mr. Duffy but couldn’t find him or Mr. Edwards anywhere.
I was instructed to meet a boat ferrying crewmen to the Enterprise just down the dock from where the Eagle was moored. I picked up my bag and went to the boat that was tied where the directions led me. A man was standing on the dock with a couple of wooden crates and some bags. There were two men in the boat talking. I asked the man standing on the dock, “Sir, is this the ship’s boat for the Enterprise.” He confirmed that it was and I said, “All right then, I am ready to go.”
His eyes narrowed and he pursed his lips and then shouted, “Who do you think you are, kid, King George!” I was taken aback and explained that I meant no disrespect. “There’s more coming than just you. You wait,” he said curtly. I began to think I made a mistake—I was certainly not starting off well with this crew. I wondered who the cook might be. Maybe someone grouchier than Mr. Edwards! I sat down on a box stacked on the dock and waited. We waited for a half hour and the man never said a word to me, only the two men in the boat were talking quietly.
A couple of men approached the boat and as they got closer I recognized Mr. Duffy and Mr. Edwards. I thought maybe they came to see me off. Mr. Edwards was pulling a small cart with a couple of wooden boxes and a small crate. Mr. Duffy smiled and said, “You didn’t think you were going to the Enterprise by yourself, did you?” I instantly felt a wave of relief flow through me as I realized I was not alone. A scratching noise was emitting from a crate on the cart that Mr. Edwards was pulling.
The man on the dock asked, “What do you have there?” Mr. Edwards said, “That’s my cat.”
The man replied, “You can’t bring a cat aboard!”
Mr. Edwards snapped back, “If the cat don’t go, I don’t go!”
“I don’t care if you sail or not, the cat don’t get on the boat!” The man shouted.
At that the man got very close to Mr. Edwards as the two of them stood face to face. Two large men approached the group from the other side of the dock as the commotion increased. I recognized one of the men—he was Rob Richards, the boatswains mate from the Retaliation. The other man next to Mr. Richards said, “What’s this ruckus here?”
The man on the dock pointed at Mr. Edwards and said, “This man wants to take his cat aboard our ship, Mr. Walsh.”
The big man looked at the crate and answered, “That’s all right, Burns, tend to the boat now.”
“But, Mr. Walsh, I…I was just trying to…,” The man tried to spurt out a response.
Mr. Walsh got close to him and said again, “Tend to the boat!”
He conceded and began to load equipment onto the ship’s boat with the other men.
Mr. Richards looked at me and said, “Well, young man, you sure have grown since I saw you last.” I smiled and told him it was good to see him. The big man said, “I’m Galen Walsh, the first mate from the Enterprise, may I see your orders, gentlemen?” His Irish accent was very prominent, I assumed he must have been born in Ireland and immigrated here. I pulled out the paper I was given and handed it to Mr. Walsh as did Mr. Edwards and Mr. Duffy. He uttered, “I’m also supposed to be picking up a midshipman by the name of Talbert… Bart Talbert, you wouldn’t happen to know his whereabouts, wou
ld you?” We shook our heads implying we did not and Mr. Edwards said softly to Mr. Duffy, “Perhaps we’ll get lucky and he’ll miss the boat.”
Mr. Walsh spun around and asked, “Did you say something?”
Mr. Edwards shrugged his shoulders and said. “I was just saying that he should hurry or he’ll miss the boat.”
“You know, Edwards, if you didn’t come so highly recommended, I might find a way to leave your butt here— and your cat too!”
Mr. Duffy exclaimed, “Here he comes, Mr.
Walsh.”
Mr. Talbert was walking briskly toward us carrying his bag.
“Hurry along, Mr. Talbert, we’ll be shoving off as soon as possible. Mr. Talbert handed his orders over to Mr. Walsh and got into the ship’s boat with the rest of us. He looked around the boat and said, “Well it’s good to see some familiar faces.”
Mr. Edwards grinned and said, “It’s good to have you aboard as well, sir.” His grin noticeably disappeared when he locked eyes with Mr. Walsh.
The Enterprise was similar to the Eagle in size. Both were schooners with two masts, but the Enterprise had an additional sail on her foremast—a large mainsail. Once we boarded the ship, Captain Shaw and the officers of the Enterprise met us amidships. “Gentlemen, I am Captain John Shaw, may I be the first to welcome you aboard the Enterprise.” He stood about average height with black curly hair and long sideburns. He was much younger than Captain Campbell, in his mid-twenties I guessed. He said, “This is Lieutenant Somers, my first lieutenant, Lieutenant Thorn, my second lieutenant, and Midshipman Lewis. You’ll meet Dr. Peters and Lieutenant Scott, my marine commander later. You have already met Mr. Galen Walsh, the first mate.” The captain also had a distinct Irish accent, I wondered if half this ship was Irish, Mr. Duffy would sure like that. The captain asked us to introduce ourselves to his officers which we did. He then asked Mr. Talbert, “Bart, I understand you have passed all of your tests for commissioning?”