Finding Home: A Historical Novel

By Nancy Morley

This novel tells of a group of immigrants who were kept at sea for an extended time. The joy they expected when they finally arrived in Boston was overshadowed by the fact that most of them would be unable to travel to their destination until they paid off the amount they owed the ship's Captain.
Those who reached their anticipated destination were shocked at the conditions in the mostly unsettled wilderness they would call home.
The woman whose expectations did not match the reality of the situation would have to readjust her plans more than once.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 14, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468548440

Nancy Morley

This is the second book in the author's "home" series. The first book in the series "Finding Home" was well received. Nancy grew up in Massachusetts, spent most of her life in Maine and now lives in New Hampshire and is interested in the history of the early settlers in these states.

Book preview

Chapter One

A crowd was gathering near the warehouse where the emigrants were staying. Edna, Lillian and ten-year-old Herbert had their own lodgings. They didn’t have to live in the warehouse with the others.

It was their habit to walk there and join the emigrant group for the evening worship with Pastor Stein. As they walked toward the crowd on this late June evening, it was obvious that something was amiss. There was no singing. Instead, there was angry shouting.

Young Herbert, who loved to witness any kind of excitement, rushed ahead to see what was happening. Before the women could stop him, he had blended into the crowd.

That boy moves too fast, Lillian said.

He is much too curious, Edna agreed. Everything interests him. I always worry about the danger he might be in. When I made the agreement with his father to watch over him during our trip to America, I expected we would be leaving soon. It has been more than a month now, and we are still here.

What do you think is going on? Lillian asked. It sounds like men have been drinking too much and have gotten into a fight.

It was difficult to see. Edna stood on her tiptoes and craned her neck.

I can’t believe it. Pastor Stein is the man shouting.

This was not his smooth preacher’s voice that they usually heard. It was the voice of a man who had lost his temper.

"Sie sell-verkaufer (soul seller)!" Stein yelled. His face was red and spittle flew from his mouth as he spoke.

What kind of an agent takes a month to provide a ship? You know it should have been ready when we arrived. Now you have teamed up with one of the most disreputable people in Rotterdam to provide us with our long-awaited ship. Well, I can tell you that I for one will not be getting on that ship. You have fooled me so far, but you are not going to sell my soul.

You have already received your stipend and committed yourself to these people, Herr Crell, the newlander agent, responded with equal violence in his voice. You can’t back out now.

Oh, can’t I? Stein retorted. My stipend, indeed, has been greatly diminished by the need to pay for room and board during our much too lengthy stay here.

Turning toward his astonished flock, he said: I am returning to Germany. Anyone who wants to go with me should be ready to leave as soon as I can find a boat to take us back. You have a choice, you know. Stay with this soul-seller or go back. I will be here in the morning to let you know what kind of transport is available.

The emigrants who had gathered were speechless. What had happened to their handsome young pastor and his words of great encouragement? What about the Promised Land about which he had preached with such eloquence?

As Pastor Stein stormed off, Herr Crell turned to the group and using his calmer, salesman-like voice reassured them: "This is no time to turn back. Just because Herr Stein has lost his courage, doesn’t mean that you need to lose yours. Our ship is ready with two months provisions being loaded as I speak. You have waited long, I know, but we have a fine vessel, the Priscilla, with the promised bedrooms you have looked forward to having. You have already paid your passage and believing that you would keep your commitment to emigrate, I have spent it on the necessary provisions for the long journey.

"We will be loaded and ready to leave on the ebb tide tomorrow. You will need to have your belongings at the wharf in the morning. We will be sailing at noon.

"The Priscilla lies at the farthest end of the long wharf. You may want to walk there to take note before dark, so you will know where to be in the morning. You will see that she is a fine ship. I will be sailing on it along with you, and I certainly would not do so if I thought it wasn’t safe."

For a minute there was only silence. Then Theodore Hersch stepped forward. After Pastor Stein, he was the most educated of the emigrants. Thus far, his roll had been as musician for the worship services and educator when there were things the emigrants didn’t understand. Now he spoke: "Before anyone makes a decision, let us go and see this Priscilla."

The group of emigrants followed silently along the wharf. When they reached the Priscilla, they all stood looking up at her in amazement. She was truly a fine-looking ship and, as Herr Crell had said, was now being loaded with provisions.

We have the night to think this over, Hersch announced. Like most of you, I have given up all that I had back in Frankfurt to make this journey. I don’t believe that we will be able to get our money back now that provisions have been purchased. I am going to go on. The rest of you will have to decide for yourselves whether to be off for America or back to Germany. Perhaps, if anyone wished, you could stay here in Rotterdam.

They stared at the ship for awhile longer, and then headed back to the warehouse. Herbert joined Edna and Lillian as they walked along.

Where have you been? Edna asked.

I was listening to the fight. Did you hear Pastor Stein? I never heard him talk like that before.

You should stay with us, Edna said. If there had been a real fight going on, you might have gotten hurt.

That wasn’t a fight, it was an argument, Herbert insisted.

We might as well head back to our rooms. It doesn’t look like we will be having our usual worship service this evening.

After they climbed the narrow stair to their lodgings, Herbert began to question: Are we still going? Papa expects us to, you know. He told me he would see me in America in two years - how will he find me if we don’t go?

Well, it is a difficult decision, Edna said. Herr Hersch, whom we have come to trust, seems to think it will be all right to go. Our pastor, on the other hand, refuses to go. He has been our leader – the person we relied on. It is hard to know what to choose. What do you think, Lillian?

I thought you would be the one to decide, Lillian said. You seem to be the organizer here. I don’t want to go back. It would be too embarrassing after all my bragging about going to Broad Bay to marry Emil Broch. Do you want to go back?

Not really, and I have promised to look after Herbert. If it weren’t for longing to see my brothers again, I would be glad to stay here in Rotterdam. There is much good here. I have thought of the religious troubles in our own country and of the French Huguenots who travel with us. Here in Holland they seem to have worked out a way of living that is so much better.

The fact that Herr Crell will be going on the same ship gives me comfort, Lillian said. Herr Luther seems to think he is an honest man, and I know Herr Luther can be trusted.

"It sounds like we are still going. At first light, I will see about a cart for our belongings. We will need to ask Will and Eric to help us. We couldn’t possibly get the trunks down the stairs and into a cart.

We should probably get to bed so we will be ready to begin in the morning. Will you go with me to help me with the language, Herbert?

Herbert nodded his head. He was an unusual boy. Although only ten, he could speak German, English and enough of the Dutch to negotiate all kinds of purchasing. His father, being English, had always spoken to him in his native tongue whenever they were together. His deceased mother was German, so hers was the language that had always been spoken in the home. Herbert had lived in Rotterdam for most of his life and had picked up the Dutch language while playing with Dutch children and visiting with the various shop keepers.

Edmund Allen, Herbert’s father, had situated his wife and son in Rotterdam rather than Duisburg, his wife’s hometown, so the family could spend more time together when he was ashore. When he returned from his most recent voyage, six months ago, he found that his wife had died in childbirth, and Herbert was alone except for the landlady. Because Edmund had been hired as first mate for the next voyage on the White Elephant, he decided to send his son to America to live with Edmund’s brother.

The opportunity to be first mate was something he had worked toward. It would mean much more money if the trip was successful. When he heard about the group heading to New England, he asked Herr Crell if there was anyone going on the voyage that might be willing to watch over Herbert and see that he arrived at his uncle’s safely, when the group arrived in America. Crell recommended Edna Erler.

She accepted and requested that Lillian be allowed to stay with her until the ship was ready to leave. They were the only single women in the group and had become close companions during their trip up the Rhine. Edna was the older of the two and the decision maker. Lillian was full of fun and always made light of any of the inconveniences they had.

They went to bed, although there wasn’t much sleeping. The long awaited time to leave had finally come, but now it seemed frightening. How could Herr Crell sell their souls? No one could do that.

Are you still awake, Edna? Lillian asked.

Yes, it is difficult to sleep when there is so much on my mind.

I have been thinking about what a show-off I had been, bragging to the other household help about going to America to be a bride, Lillian said. "They were very kind to me and gave me little items I would need for the trip. Herr Luther even gave me the coins I have in my cloth bag. After listening to Irma and Carla tell of the unkind household where they had worked, I became aware of how lucky I was to have been employed by the Luther family.

I wonder now if I was too quick to volunteer to go to America and marry Emil Broch. What if he turns out to be the meanest person on earth? Then what will I do? Do you think that would be like selling your soul if you left people who treated you well in exchange for a man who might be evil?

"Oh Lillian, this soul-seller business is difficult to figure out. I really don’t know what Pastor Stein meant by that. Perhaps it is something from the Bible. I remember there is a story about the brother who sold his birth right for a bowl of porridge, but I don’t remember any stories about selling your soul. Of course, Pastor Stein must know more of the Bible than I do.

He was obviously very angry with Herr Crell and maybe they are just angry words that a man might say to make a point.

The others were still asleep when Edna woke the next morning. The sky was just beginning to lighten with the morning sun. This was the day of the beginning of the trip across the ocean and she wanted to write that down.

As soon as she was dressed, she got out her lap desk and opened it. In order to take the desk with her, she had purchased an extra large trunk. The desk was such a treasure that she couldn’t give it up. She still remembered how surprised and delighted she had been when her father gave her the desk on her fourteenth birthday.

She got out her bound journal where she had written in other important entries – the day she left Began for the last time and the day the group left Frankfurt. She recorded their arrival in Rotterdam and moving into these lodgings with Herbert and Lillian. Now she would record this important day.

29 June 1751 Leaving for America today on the ship Priscilla. Pastor Stein is not going with us.

She wiped off her quill with a rag, shook a little sand over her writing so it wouldn’t smudge, and tipped her journal to let the sand slide back into its little box. The cork was pushed down securely in the ink bottle. She certainly didn’t want ink to spill out into her trunk. Her scissors were tucked under the journal which was next to her Bible and she tucked the rag around the ink well so that everything fit snugly and wouldn’t tip over or shake about.

Her trunk was tightly packed. She had the things she wouldn’t need until winter on the bottom; her one change of clothes came next, then her little box with needles and thread, her cooking pot, kettle, fry pan and spider. The bowls, mugs, spoons and knives were tucked into the larger items. She rearranged everything so that the desk could fit on top and sit evenly. Once satisfied with this arrangement, she closed the trunk.

Although she was trying to be very quiet, her sounds woke the others.

I will roll up our bedding as soon as I am dressed, Lillian said. Then you can tell me what else you want me to do.

"We must help Herbert pack his trunk. He cannot take all the kitchen items. His father told me to leave anything we couldn’t fit in the trunk for the landlady. She has been so good to Herbert that Edmund thought she should have these extra things.

We will have some bread and coffee at the bakeshop. I hope they have coffee on the ship.

We certainly have learned to enjoy it here, Lillian agreed.

Herbert got up and dressed and watched as Edna and Lillian took items from the shelf.

We should put this box of tea that you are taking to your uncle on the bottom, Edna told him as she placed it in his trunk. Get your clothing from your room, and Lillian will help you roll up your comforter.

The clothing was placed on top of the box of tea. Lillian passed things from the shelf to Edna. I suppose he will only need one of each eating item, she said.

Perhaps he could take two just in case something happens to one of them. Why don’t you pass me two spoons, two knives, two cups and two bowls?

There is also a half round of cheese and a few biscuits left in a box, Lillian said.

Do you want to put them in Herbert’s trunk or leave them for the landlady?

Perhaps we should take them. We are promised food on the ship, but we might need something for today. They will have to go in Herbert’s trunk. I don’t have any room left in mine.

What about my money belt?’ Herbert asked. Should I tie it on now?"

Yes, Edna said. You should do that. Your father warned us to keep our money where no one could steal it.

Lillian helped Herbert tie on his money belt and then put her own pull string bag around her neck. She had made it with strings long enough so the bag could be tucked into her bosom. It contained her coins and the paper stating that Emil Broch had paid her passage.

Edna’s coins were sewn into her clothing. She had used matching cloth to cover the coins so they looked like buttons on some things and in a tuck near the bottom of her extra shift that looked like a hem to be let down later. Because she had so many coins, it seemed safer to hide them this way than to have a large bag of coins in her trunk or on her person.

Once everything was ready, they started out to look for a cart man. They located one near the wharves. He spoke German, as did many in Rotterdam.

Herbert begged to pull the cart, but the man refused to let him. It is my way of earning a living, he said. I never let anyone else handle my cart.

At the warehouse, where they went to meet Eric and Will, everyone was busy getting their belongings ready. There was none of the boisterous fun that had taken place with the loading of the river boat in Frankfurt. People were busy, but no one was joking or even smiling. It was obvious that many of them could use the help of the hand cart, so Edna bargained with the man to pay him double the price if he would also transport the other emigrants’ belongings.

They walked amongst the group until they found Will and Eric. The two men quickly agreed to help them and any others that needed help with the lifting of heavy trunks.

Only one couple had decided to go back with Pastor Stein. They had always seemed unhappy and not very friendly. It was probably best that they not join the other emigrants for the long voyage.

Olga Kahn was sitting on her trunk and nursing her baby. Edna had thought that the Kahn family might choose to stay. Their baby was only two weeks old, and Olga always looked tired and drawn. She had told Lillian and Edna earlier how difficult it was to wash the baby’s diapers and things while living in the warehouse.

So, Olga, you are going with us? Edna asked.

Yes. It was a hard decision. I worry all the time about this baby. She doesn’t seem all that strong. My husband reminded me that I worried about Rachael and Leah when they were babies and they have turned out to be healthy girls. John has set his mind on getting that free land in America, and I couldn’t dissuade him.

The cart man suggested that the trunks from the warehouse be taken first, and then he would accompany Will and Eric to pick up Edna, Lillian and Herbert’s trunks.

The three headed back toward their rooms. The smell of baking bread reached them before they got to the bakeshop.

They stepped into the shop, where the aroma of fresh coffee mixed with that of newly-baked bread and found a table where they could sit down.

Herbert called out to the woman behind the counter: Three coffees and three cinnamon rolls.

Herbert had been there so often – first with his father, and then with Lillian and Edna – that the woman knew him by name.

These have been out of the oven for just a few minutes, she said. So be careful, Herbert, they might be hot. I know how you love them but don’t burn your tongue.

This will be our last visit, he told her. We are leaving for America today.

The woman shook her head and went back to get three cups of coffee. She knew that these customers enjoyed theirs with plenty of milk. Herbert also liked a little sugar stirred into his.

After she placed the mugs of steaming coffee on the table, she returned with a little cloth wrapped package. For your journey, she said, and then she squeezed Herbert’s shoulder. I will miss you all. May God grant you a safe voyage.

"Danke," Edna said. Oddly enough, her generosity made Edna feel a little tearful. Lillian looked a bit misty eyed too.

The people in Rotterdam had been so kind to them. They didn’t seem hostile toward people from a different country. The shopkeepers always seemed glad to see them and the landlady, who had so kindly looked after Herbert after his mother’s death, was always doing helpful little things.

They finished their coffee and rolls and went back to their lodgings to wait for the men to pick up their belongings. They looked around to make sure that nothing had been forgotten.

Oops, looks like we nearly forgot our chamber pots, Lillian said, as she carried her own pot in one hand and Edna’s in the other. Herbert ran into his room to get his pot, as well. The pots were placed on the floor near their luggage, so they wouldn’t forget them.

They waited in the sitting room for Will and Eric to arrive with the cart man. There wasn’t much in the room – a table and four chairs. The chairs were plain but comfortable, and the little hearth where they had sometimes set a kettle to boil looked prettier now that they were thinking of leaving it. It was only large enough for a small fire, but it was decorated around the edges with blue and white Delft tiles that made it look inviting even when there was no fire.

Edna wondered if she would see such a pleasant sight again. She wished the men would hurry up because she was beginning to feel homesick for these rooms that they were about to leave.

Finally Eric and Will came up the stairs and decided to take the heaviest trunk first. They did not joke about it, as they had when leaving Frankfurt, when they had asked if Edna was carrying rocks. They lifted it and carried it down with a bit of difficulty because of the narrowness of the stairs. They loaded Herbert’s trunk and Lillian’s worn leather bag, which was held together with a belt. The three chamber pots were put in, and then Edna put her satchel containing her wool, knitting needles and the gift of cinnamon rolls from the bakery into the cart. Last of all, they loaded the two bundled comforters and Lillian’s rolled up coverlet.

The landlady heard them coming down the stairs, and she came out to say goodbye. She hugged Herbert for what seemed like much too long. When he finally moved away from her, there were tears on her cheeks and on Herbert’s as well.

The cart man walked ahead, while the rest of them walked behind, looking like a solemn funeral procession following a coffin to the cemetery.

When they reached the wharf, Theodore and Ida Hersch had just arrived with their belongings in a similar cart. They had been the only others, besides Pastor Stein, who could afford to rent rooms. Theodore nodded, but there was no friendly greeting. With the help of Eric and Will, everything was finally placed on the deck of the ship.

I wish our ship had something great painted on it like the white elephant on my Papa’s ship, Herbert said. What is a Priscilla anyway?

Priscilla is a girl’s name, Edna informed him.

Herbert shook his head in disgust.

Don’t feel badly, she looks like a fine safe ship. That matters more than her name.

They were the last to board. Herr Crell was standing on the deck with another man, obviously ready to make an announcement.

You all know who I am, and this is Captain Brown who will navigate us safely to America. He is in charge of this ship, and you are not to interfere with him or his crew.

The Captain touched his cap in acknowledgement and quickly moved away.

In a moment, you will be free to go below and choose your bedrooms. First we must make orderly plans for the journey, Herr Crell said. "To keep from crowding, you will be divided into two groups – those who came from the area of the Ruhr, and those who began their trip in Frankfurt. I know you have been looking forward to your comfortable rooms and regular meals.

"For the purpose of keeping things straight, we will consider this the first day of the week. Today the people from the Ruhr will get their pots of food. This food should last you for two days. Because of the number of people, the galley can only handle half the number each day. Therefore, you will receive food every other day, so you must bring your largest pot to have it filled. On the alternate days, the people from Frankfurt will be given their pots of food. On the days when you do not get food, you will be able to get your ration of beer.

You may be on deck during the day, as long as the weather is good, but you must go to your quarters below at dark. There are two stairways to get below deck, so please proceed in an orderly way. The Frankfurt people may go below now and choose their bedrooms. When they are finished, the Ruhr people may have their turn. We have a great ship, and I know this will be a great journey.

The women went down the ladder like stairs first. They had to stand still for a minute, when they reached the bottom, to adjust to the darkness. Sure enough, there were beds. They had been called bedrooms by the newlander agent, but they were actually six-foot by two-foot beds.

The beds were attached to the walls, leaving space underneath for belongings. Each had a board about a foot high nailed to the outside with another board separating each bed at the head or foot. Comforters were unrolled on the beds, making it feel a little like home, although it was a type of home that none of them had ever experienced.

We have a real bed, little Anna Hammon called out from where she was sitting on a bed which she would be sharing with one of her parents. The Hammons had been staying in the warehouse, and the idea of having a bed, rather than sleeping on the floor, brought excitement to the child’s voice.

After the passengers had arranged their beds and belongings, they climbed the stairs to the deck. Everyone crowded along the outer rail to watch as the ship left the harbor. Many of the women were wiping tears from their eyes. Only the children seemed to show some excitement as their journey began.

Captain Brown began shouting orders to his crew. His words were called out in two languages. Herbert was the only emigrant who knew the languages to be English and Dutch.

All eyes looked upward as the sailors climbed the masts and slid across beams to release the sails. Children called to each other in amazement at the dangerous climbing by the sailors.

Everyone seemed to sigh in wonder, as each sail filled. It was a sight that lifted their souls. They hadn’t been sold, as Pastor Stein had predicted. Their souls were still with them after all.

Chapter Two

Once they were on their way, the people from the Ruhr lined up with their pots to get their two day ration of food. The passengers from Frankfurt gathered together on the deck. They were feeling like an extended family once again. The French Huguenots, who had left Frankfurt with them, were like a further extension of the same village.

Well, we’ve got our beds at last, but it sounds like we won’t have any food until tomorrow, Carla said, as she, Peter, Johan and Irma joined the group. Edna realized that these people, and probably many others, had not eaten today, while she had enjoyed cinnamon rolls and coffee.

Theodore and Ida Hersch heard what was being said, and Ida called out: We have extra. I will get our food, and we will have a family picnic.

Edna went below and found her satchel. She took out the cinnamon rolls they had been given at the bakeshop and searched her trunk until she found a knife. She opened Herbert’s trunk, retrieved the half round of cheese and the box of biscuits, and then carried the items back onto the deck.

Herbert observed what was about to happen and called to Edna: Be sure to save some for me.

Edna passed the rolls to Irma, Carla, Johan and Peter. She knew they were without many necessities. They young women had run away with Johan and Peter in order to go on the exciting adventure to America. They had all worked for the same wealthy family and had saved or stolen enough to pay their passage. The other passengers soon realized that the couples were not really married, although they planned to marry when they arrived in America.

Edna passed a roll to Anna and made Herbert wait until last. As she passed him his roll, she said: This was a gift to us; however, it seems we should share it.

Don’t mind. They’re too good to keep to ourselves.

Irma’s roll was already half gone. She held the other half out saying: This has to be the best roll I have ever eaten.

Me, too, squealed little Anna. Best roll I ever eaten.

Theodore and Ida also had bread and cheese, which they began to pass around. Edna opened the box of biscuits and passed them amongst the group. She cut up the half round of cheese and passed it around also. This food was consumed with much pleasure.

Theodore held up a bottle of wine. I only have this one, but if we each take one sip, it may be able to get all around.

The bottle passed with each person carefully taking a tiny sip. When it got back to Theodore, it appeared to be empty. He tipped it up, held it over his open mouth, and while everyone watched, a single drop fell out.

Theodore laughed. "This is like the story of Jesus feeding the multitude with a few fish and loaves of bread.

What do you say to having worship on deck this evening before it gets dark?

Heads nodded in agreement.

Dido (Anna’s attempt at saying Theodore) make music, she said.

You shouldn’t be calling Herr Hersch by his front name, Marie scolded.

"I don’t mind. Perhaps she could call me Onkle Theodore, he said as he reached out and patted Anna on the head. We are a family of sorts."

Uncle Dido, Uncle Dido, Anna chanted, making everyone laugh.

Herbert joined a group of other boys and was telling them that his father was first mate on a great ship. The other boys were enthralled as he explained what he knew about the different sails.

Our boy is becoming a bit of a hero, I see, Lillian said with a smile.

"He does know many things that