Ravenswood Dreaming, page 53
The Empress returned at the end of October laden with spices, tea, coffee, Asian artifacts, china plates, cups, bowls, shoes, boots, dresses, shirts, trousers and hats. William had done well. He had an eye for products that would sell in the shop or could be sold wholesale to merchants in Perth or trading ships plying the settlements to the north and south.
He was happy when John congratulated him on a successful trip and the cargo he had brought back. John told William about considering winding up the shipping side of the business. William was surprised but understood John’s concern. He too thought that it was just bad luck that the two ships had been lost. He assured his brother that he had great confidence in his ability to manage the company. He thought that they should just continue with just one ship. They could share the load and captain the ship turn-about or for that matter sail her together. The policy of keeping well out to sea was good. It was not as fast as sailing straight up or down the coast but it was safer.
It took nearly two weeks to unload the Empress and move the cargo onto the shelves in the shop or into the store shed. It was about 4pm on the 14th November. They, John, William, Ann, Elizabeth, Mrs Ewing and Francis were just about to call a halt to the day’s work. John had produced some mugs and two bottles of wine and was just about to uncork one when he froze. The look on his face caused everyone to stop talking. He was staring at the door. All heads turned.
There walking towards them grinning from ear to ear was the rather thin and bearded form of Captain Mason. Hello everyone! I’ll bet you didn’t expect to see me again.
Well hello captain, where have you been? On short rations by the look of you. John stood up and shook the Captain’s hand.
Yes sir, I have. I’m afraid the Venus is stuck fast on a reef with her bottom ripped out.
We thought as much. The crew, what of them?
Everyone, including a passenger a Mr Bidwell, survived the initial crash onto the reef, but the cook who took ill a couple of months back has gone to meet his maker.
At this point William stepped forward and shook the Captain’s hand. It’s good to see you alive and well Captain. I’m sorry about the cook. It is good that the others are safe. You had best sit down and have a drink with us and tell your story. He turned and took the half opened bottle off John and proceeded to pour drinks for everyone.
Captain Mason sipped his drink. Well I’ll start at the beginning. It took us longer than expected to get as far as Batavia as the wind was northerly for most of that so we had to zigzag our way up the coast. Then we had a better run up the straits. We arrived in Singapore in late January. I can’t remember the date. In Singapore we had no trouble selling the sandalwood. Then over about four or five days we loaded a variety of spices, tea and coffee and one passenger as I said. Then we set off for home. Figured we would be back before the end of April. But that was not to be, as south from Singapore there was hardly enough wind to move the ship along. When we finally made it through the Sunda Strait and turned south we had a strong head wind. By the time we were off the north west coast we were running short of water and grub.
On the night of the 10th of April we were making good time coming down the coast with a strong westerly breeze. The seas were light and there was no moon to light our way so there was no breakers to be seen. I think the tide must have been up as we hit one of the outer reefs in the Abrolhos, one that I’m sure is usually visible. Because we were making about 8 to 10 knots the ship just slid straight up on the reef and just sat there stuck fast. We lit a lantern and went below and pretty soon we were up to our knees in water but we knew the damage was pretty bad. We waited till morning when the water receded and the water drained away from where we could see inside and what we could see outside. We walked around on the reef and we could see that her bottom was ripped out for about half her length and some of the ribs was snapped off. She wasn’t going to float again.
About this point things were looking pretty grim. We were short of drinking water as I said so we launched the dinghy and rowed across to Middle Island where one of the men knew of some wells that had been dug by the guano diggers and fishermen a few years back. We left the cook back on the ship as he was feeling sick. He said he wasn’t up to going anywhere, he stayed in his bunk. We stayed on the island about five days and gathered some shellfish to add to our rice…….
At this point the ladies excused themselves and left as they had young children to see to. Mrs Ewing remained to lock up the shop.
Captain Mason continued on with the account of the six months during which time they caught some seals, the cook died and they built a second boat and made some sails and a mast.
It was now the middle of October and they calculated they had been on the island for around six months and had given up any hope of being rescued. Captain Mason decided to take the dingy, and one of the crew and the passenger and try to reach Champion Bay settlement, a distance of 50 miles. They would leave the second dingy for the other two men in case they did not reach Champion Bay. Taking with them the mail and some details of the cargo and the transactions in Singapore, the three men set off. They reached Champion Bay on about the 18th of October.
John was doing some quick calculations in his head as the Captain was speaking.
Captain, you said that you arrived in Champion Bay on the 18th of October. It is now half way through, November what took you so long?
Yes that’s correct John. We had to wait six days in Champion Bay for a ship to retrieve the two men we left on the Abrolhos. Finally when the schooner Evergreen arrived the bloody captain refused to rescue the men until he was paid 25 pounds. I told the bastard what I thought of that and he still refused.
What sort of a dog is he. He ought to be flogged. John interjected.
I argued with him and things were getting a bit heated when Mr Bidwell, the passenger we had on the ship, offered him 20 pounds. He agreed to that and we finally sailed over and picked up the two men.
So everyone except the cook is safe?........and Mr Bidwell is 20 pounds out of pocket? John asked.
Yes that is correct.
Is Mr Bidwell back here in Fremantle?
Yes, I believe he was going to stay at the Southern Cross Hotel.
Then we shall have to treat him to the best hospitality and see that he is not out of pocket. Please continue Captain.
Two days later we were on the main land. Then we had to wait for the Evergreen to depart. Then there were two stops at Port Irwin and Port Gregory and a slow passage back down the coast and finally we arrived in Fremantle this morning.
John nodded satisfied with the explanation….. And what of the Venus?
There is not much chance of salvage. Her bottom was torn out and several ribs were broken. It would be futile to try and pull her off the reef as with most of the cargo waterlogged she would go straight to the bottom.
Captain I take it that you will be remaining in Fremantle for some time.
Yes John, I do not have any plans at the moment. Just glad to be alive.
Yes, well we are all glad that you and the crew and Mr Bidwell are safe. If you could provide a report on the loss of the ship and the cargo it would help to speed up the insurance claim. They would not consider the claim while there was a possibility that the ship was still missing without confirmation that she had been wrecked.
Yes John, I can provide that in the next couple of days. They shook hands and Captain Mason departed.
John looked at his watch and realised it was getting late. Mrs Ewing, could you pass on a message to the Manager of the hotel that Mr Bidwell is staying there as my guest and is to be afforded the very best hospitality.
It would be my pleasure Captain. She smiled.
Thank you for that. You go now and I’ll lock up.
The next day John and William were on board the Empress tidying up a few loose ends and planning when and where the next voyage might be.
The news that the Venus was definitely wrecked beyond repair had caused both of them to consider the future of the company. They were now left with one ship and the two lighters. Their dilemma was, should they, when the insurance was paid out look for another vessel. After much discussion, taking in to account that next year John’s family would increase to five children, they decided to continue with just the Empress for the time being. While she was away overseas the two lighters would be available to load and unload other ships or for charter up and down the river. Financially they were in a good place so they did not have to worry about that. If the opportunity came up they could perhaps buy a larger ship as there was plenty of work available importing and exporting. Then they could review the situation and decide whether to operate one or two ships between them.
To begin, the two brothers decided that they would aim to make two round trips to Singapore each year. In addition they would stop in the northern settlements when necessary and call in to Batavia when they were chartered to deliver a cargo or pick up a cargo from that port. This would keep things simple and they would be able to establish a pattern which their regular clients would appreciate.
John was to make the first voyage, leaving about the middle of December of 1851. Elizabeth was due to give birth to their fifth (surviving) child sometime in July and this would allow John over six months to complete the trip. Then William would leave on the next voyage about the middle of August.
John conveyed this plan to George Shenton and several of their regular clients so that they could arrange their business activities to coincide with these arrivals and departures.
The Empress was ready for departure on the 20th of December. Onboard was the usual consignment of sandalwood for the Singapore market and a variety of equipment and goods for Champion Bay and Port Gregory. These included flour, rice, potatoes, tea, timber, sugar, porter wine, brandy and gin.
In Port Gregory the ship took on a cargo of lead from the Geraldine Mining Company.
By June 20th the Empress was back in Fremantle ready to discharge her cargo of spices, tea, rice, shirts, trousers, boots, coconut oil, bolts of dress material and canvas.
John left the ship in the hands of his brother. William supervised their two lighters and directed the unloading. He was thus able to save time and labour by backloading cargo for the next voyage.
Back home John received a joyful welcome from Elizabeth and the boys. He had come with a bag full of gifts which he said were late Christmas presents. Jewellery, dresses and shoes for Elizabeth in several sizes so that she could choose those that fitted and she liked. Those that she did not want could go back to the shop to be sold.
For the boys, wooden Chinese puzzles, toy carved Chinese junks with sails, so real you could actually float them in the river or a pond, Chinese wooden sandals and real Chinese straw hats that you could wear down the beach.
Elizabeth was overjoyed at her husband’s generosity. It was the first time that he had returned bearing gifts for everyone. She immediately tried on the shoes and jewellery but could not try the dresses because of her advanced state of pregnancy. She held them up in front of the large mirror in the bedroom and everyone agreed that she looked splendid.
Later that evening Elizabeth informed John that she wished to employ a young girl as a domestic help and to assist with the children. He was quite surprised but not against the idea. She explained that with four children, the youngest only two years old and another about to be born, it was going to be very difficult to take care of them in the mornings. She had to prepare breakfast, get the two oldest ones dressed for school and attend to the two youngest. She also helped out in the shop when needed and at the same time attend to the accounts, the correspondence and the banking to do with the shipping business. When the baby was born it would be nearly impossible to do all these things. Without protest he agreed, in fact he thought it was a good idea. Elizabeth advertised for a servant girl to help out. Preferably she wanted someone with domestic experience who got on well with children and was able to read and write. The person she was looking for would have to be quite confident and strict enough to manage four little boys. Several women applied for the position but did not measure up to her expectations.
Finally after she had nearly given up any hope of finding someone, a young frail looking girl walked into the shop and asked to see Mrs Thomas. Mrs Ewing directed her to the office where Elizabeth was sorting out some accounts.
There was a crisp clear knock, knock on the door.
Elizabeth admitted later that she was not hopeful. It was a very young looking girl, slim, well groomed. She had on a pale blue patterned cotton dress with a high neckline finished off with a small white collar. The dress reached down to her ankles revealing low cut light brown boots and brown stockings Her dress was clean and ironed. Her thick mane of long red hair was gathered at the back into an untidy bunch.
Hello Mrs Thomas, moy name is Rose-Anne Malone. I am here about the position of domestic servant that you be havin’. She spoke with a thick Irish accent proud and confident, shoulders back and hands clasped in front, her eyes firmly fixed on Elizabeth’s.
Elizabeth fixed her gaze and paused for a moment before answering. The girl did not waver. This looked promising. Hello Rose-Anne, I am pleased to meet you.
Tell me a bit about yourself and why you think the position would suit you?
As you no doubt can tell mam I am Irish but don’t let that put you off.
Elizabeth smiled to acknowledge the girl’s humour but indicated for her to sit down and continue.
We, that is my brother and I, came out to the Swan River bout eighteen months ago. Our parents had both died, there was no work, not enough to eat and we had nowhere to live. We heard that labour was short in the colony and thought that we had nothing to lose. My brother who is still my legal guardian had scraped together enough money to pay our passage providing we worked in the galley on the ship. You know, peeling potatoes, cleaning up that sort of thing. Her Irish accent and the fact that she spoke so quickly meant that Elizabeth had to really concentrate.
My brother is working on the river boats at present. I have been looking after him washin’, cleanin’, cookin’. We are living in two rooms behind a big shed down along the river where the boats pull in. She finally paused for breath. Elizabeth took the opportunity to ask another question.
How old are you Rose-Anne?
I be seventeen Mam. I be turning eighteen in November.
I assume you are confident in a kitchen and you can sweep and clean and change the sheets on a bed.
Yes Mam, I am and I can.
Part of your duties might be looking after three boys aged ten, eight and four and a toddler. At this point Elizabeth pointed to the cot in the corner of the room where George was sleeping. Do you have any experience with children, are you confident supervising children?
Yes Mam, I am confident I can do that. I raised my young brother for eight years and kept house when my mother got sick. I did everything, changed his nappy, bathed him, fed him like he were my own.
Where is your young brother now?
He died mam, he got sick from the consumption.
Oh! I’m sorry.
Don’t worry mam it was a long time ago, he is in a better place with Ma’ and Da’.
One last question.
Yes Mam.
Can you read?
Yes mam, I am good with the reading. I’m a bit slow with the writin’ as I don’t practise it much. I’m neat but I’m slow. My mother learned me. She learned from her father who was in the church.
Elizabeth sat quietly for a while gathering her thoughts and assessing what she had seen and heard. This girl is young but she seems very sure of herself.
Yes, Rose-Anne I think I’ll chance it and give you a week or two to prove yourself.
Thank you Mam.
There will be no set time when I will want your services. By that I mean some days you will be needed for eight or ten hours, other days only two or three hours and for a few days, now and then, I won’t need you at all. The biggest problem for me is getting the boys off to school in the mornings with something to eat and changing the sheets and pillow slips. Then, bathing the young ones and getting them dressed for the day. That takes about two or three hours, depending on what I have to do on that particular day. There may be more chores for you or it may not be until the boys come home from school that I will need you. So providing you are flexible the job is yours until I tell you otherwise. A day will be eight hours and I will pay you at two shillings and six pence per day on an hourly basis. You may eat your breakfast and lunch at the house if you wish. I may also want you to work away from the house, for example, walking with the children to school or supervising them at this shop.
Do those conditions seem acceptable to you?
Yes Mam, that seems acceptable to me. May I ask that we look at those conditions in a month’s time and see if we are both happy with the arrangement.
Certainly. Elizabeth admired the girl’s direct approach. She was not afraid to say what she was thinking. Oh! I had better explain where our house is.
No need Mam, I know where you live. Made it my business to find out.
Elizabeth smiled again. Then I shall expect to see you at 7:30 tomorrow morning.
I have one more question Mam.
Yes of course.
What should I call you Mam?
Elizabeth paused for a moment, Mam is fine or Mrs Thomas.
………and Mr Thomas, what would he prefer?
Most people call him Captain.
Mrs Thomas and Captain it is. The girl smiled.
Elizabeth stood up and that was a signal that the interview was finished.
I think we have just about covered everything.
Yes Mam, goodbye, thank you Mam. The girl bowed her head ever so slightly and turned to go. As she passed through the doorway she paused and turned back and smiled……and don’t worry Mam.
