Rough journeys
Pestilence and death accompanied the emigrants from across the seas. The 114 colonists who established Savannah on February 12, 1733, were transported to America aboard the Good Ship Anne. Captain John Thomas, who was in command, had the responsibility of getting these people to the new land of opportunity. They left Gravesend on the Thames on November 16, 1732. Danger surrounded them when their water turned foul and black, the beer soured, the daily ration was cut to about two cups a day, and molasses was used to sweeten what water remained. Two children died, chickens and animals died. Dr. William Cox, almost killed those still alive with the practice of blood letting. The people got preached to by the bastard son of the Earl of Torrington, Reverend Dr. Henry Herbert. Well, guess that wasn’t his fault, born a bastard, but in those days, people knew who the bastards were, and frowned down upon them. This didn’t sound like the trip of your dreams.
colonists
But all was not bad. Story says that one night flying fish landed on board. Strange birds were sighted, one was caught and eaten. James Edward Oglethorpe under a parasol, (hmm, that’s an umbrella) went fishing in the ship’s long boat. I wonder who held the umbrella? A dolphin was caught and given to the pregnant women. No one else ate, not Oglethorpe either, but to celebrate his birthday on December 21, Oglethorpe dispensed mutton, (guess he killed a lamb) broth and bumbo* to the merry passengers (actually they weren’t merry until after the bumbo). Toasts were made to the health of the success of the colony of Georgia. They seem to have plenty of alcoholic, imbibing liquids. Good thing, they should have used those liquids for cleansing, instead of blood letting . . .
ship 1703
By January 13, 1733, the Anne arrived off the bar of Charleston, South Carolina. Oglethorpe went ashore and obtained the king’s pilot, Mr. Middleton, to guide the ship southward to Port Royal. After a short stay in newly erected barracks, the colonists were brought up the Savannah River aboard six small boats and landed at Yamacraw Bluff on February 12, 1733, the anniversary that has been celebrated ever since as Georgia day.
This is an excerpt by John Duncan, Professor Emeritus, at Armstrong Atlantic State University, that I found on a paper placemat at the Boars Head Grill & Tavern on the wharf in Savannah.
*Bumbo–cold punch, rum, sugar, water & nutmeg. This–is a good recipe!
sailed into port
Do you have any relatives that fit the Good Ship Anne?
Having recently visited Savannah for the first time, hanging out on River Street and visiting historical buildings, I found your post especially interesting. Fortunately, I arrived by car. Thanks for bringing me back to those memories.
Kathy, thanks for stopping by. Savannah is history staring at you. Except for that amazing bridge, with its new cable technology, pretty much everything on the wharf is history. Have you ever been that close to those big ships navigating to and from the ocean? I haven’t. My jaw dropped at the size of them. Did you go into the confectionery store? Did you want one of everything? In another shop, I bought for my grown girls, presents of detailed stainless steel measuring spoons. My daughter keeps them hanging on the handles of a wardrobe like tassels. They are so beautiful.
Fascinating! It amazes me what people went through back then and yet they still came to the US in droves.
Hi Maggie, thanks for stopping by. Those people were amazing. Thank goodness for their perseverance. Where would we be? My grandfather came here ahead of his family, established himself as a jeweler in Williamsburg, and sent for the rest of his family. Scary, I guess desperation is mega motivation.
All the reasons I’m a land lubber! Although the punch sounds delightful:-) Thanks for the history lesson, Gail.
Hi Paula, hmm, land lubber! I read it several time and finally realized what you did to “lover.” Thanks for stopping by.