Читать книгу Bone Deep - Gina McMurchy-Barber - Страница 5

June 25th, 1812

In our hasty departure from Tlatskwala Island the Intrepid struck an outcrop of submerged rocks that tore open her hull. We are taking on water to the measure of two feet an hour and there is little time left for us.

In this, my final entry as captain, I accept full responsibility for our present calamity. We were trading with natives who call themselves Kwakwaka’wakw at the northern tip of Vancouver’s Island. Upon our arrival I sensed an uneasiness previously not experienced in our dealings with the Northwest Indians. In no time relations soured when their sensibilities became disturbed over a difference of opinion during trade negotiations. Chief Noomki was insulted and his warriors retaliated by ambushing our ship in the night. Though my men were caught off guard, they fought admirably and eventually regained control of the ship. Many are now wounded and, tragically, our sailmaker, Thomas Williams, and Mister Astor’s trading partner, Robert Lockhart, are dead.

To avoid further attack, I ordered we pull up anchor and set sail. This decision proved to be fatal when, soon after, a tempestuous squall rose up, interfering with our visibility and control over the ship. It was exactly 3 o’clock when we struck the unseen obstacle hidden below the surface of the water.

Intrepid is fitted with two dories, hardly sufficient for the entire crew. Upon my orders they are preparing to abandon ship. They are taking what they can in way of food rations. As captain I will stay at my post and oversee the evacuation of the crew or until the ship goes down, whichever comes first. I placed the responsibility for leading the men to safety onto my first mate, Mister Carver. He will deliver this journal into the hands of my employer, should he be so fortunate to make it back to New York alive.

I painfully regret that I failed in my duties and as a result Intrepid and her cargo are lost. I pray the Lord has mercy on my men and sees them safely home.

“Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you.” Jonah 1:12

Captain James Whittaker