John Wheeler's Nautical Adventures
p_Boyce_J._H._Wheeler.jpg 416KB
Name/Title
John Wheeler's Nautical AdventuresEntry/Object ID
2023.50.29Scope and Content
The Nautical Adventures of John Wheeler [Note: Among the effects of the Wheeler family now in the possession of great-granddaughter Peggy Boyce of Saugatuck there are two large sheets of paper. One is labeled page 4. They contain a fragment of a letter or autobiography, apparently written by John Wheeler (1824-1910) who worked as a wood joiner in Singapore and Saugatuck and ran the chain ferry in the 1880's. The manuscript deals with his sailing experiences. The first incident took place before he left his native Ireland. The second incident occurred at some time after he arrived on the shores of Lake Michigan, but before he returned to Ireland in 1854 to marry Annie Cowan. Some misspellings have been corrected and punctuation added to make the account more readable.] --- I had a nice visit with 3 families, one of them lived quite close to the sea. One day when out in a sail boat a most rapid storm came up all in a sudden and to save our lives we had to cross over to Wales. We were there 3 days all hopes were given up by the people and their folks. They did not know what to do about letting my folks know. They thought they would wait until they would get some definite account. Just as it was drawing up to the close of the 4th day we all walked in, they had concluded to write next day to my folks and tell how four of their family and their visitor was out in a boat when a most dreadful storm came up very sudden and the probability is they have all perished. We had a very nice time in Wales, the people there used us most splendidly. There was not anything they could do for us but what was done. You may imagine the joy and thanks that was sent up to God that night and I was so thankful they had not written home to my folks. I remained with them for two weeks longer when I took my departure from a most loving and God-fearing family. I ever love the name of the Chapmans, Dunbar Co., Wicklow; next was the Moore family there were but 4 of them, the other family was of the name of Tindels ... that was the last I ever saw of them. When I got home and related our experiences in Wales there was another thanksgiving and rejoicing. I trust in God when we are all having to take our last trip across the water that we shall have the same great pilot. --- I will tell you before I get through of worse cases than that where I had the protection of the same great pilot, one more and most dangerous from Saugatuck to Chicago in the month of December. There were 7 schooners loaded with lumber kept in on account of headwinds. They had all given up going but Captain Davis. I had some business down to the mouth of the river just as the wind turned fair for Chicago. Captain Davis could not get anyone from any of the 6 schooners to go with him, he asked me to run up to Saugatuck to tell two of his old hands that now he was ready to go and he wanted them to hurry down. I made it my business to see 4 or 5 sailors more and they were all on about the same word that they would not cross the lake this time of year for all Captain Davis is worth. When I went down and told him he felt very much displeased. The tug was alongside ready to tow him out. He looks at me and said, Wheeler, supposing you would come across with me. I replied, I would be of no use to you as I am no sailor. All I would want of you is to be on deck when I would arrive there so as not to appear shorthanded. If that's all, I said I would go. The tug took the rope and towed us out. About half way across he sees a violent storm right at hand. He had a young lad about 17 years old with him learning to be a sailor. He hollered very loud to him to take in the mainsail. Jack went to the wrong rope. On the moment the captain quit the steering wheel and had the sail down all right, just as the storm struck her tearing all the rest of the sails to pieces. I had my arm locked in one of the ladders looking on quite amused. When the storm was all over he told me it did him good to look over at me and see how I took it. I thought there was no man as fearless as I am, but Wheeler, I give you the cakes. I tell the truth that I was afraid. He had this vessel unloaded ready to go back. It was very fortunate the wind was not right. He kept watch for the wind to turn in his favor. It was so for 5 days. He told Jack if the wind would be the same way in the morning to commence and strip her, so you may be sure Jack went with a good will in the morning. Captain and I were still taking in all that was worth looking at in the city in the afternoon when we were 5 or 6 miles from the schooner he noticed the wind turn right when we got to the vessel Jack had her stripped, so he gave it up. In two days more I returned by rail. At Saugatuck they all took it for granted we had all four perished in the lake. It was very lucky that we did not come out, we would be frozen in the ice all winter quite likely. We would have to go on short allowance to put the winter over us. It was one of the most venturesome trips thought of. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory.Context
First hand account of the dangers of sailing and difficulties communicating in the 1800s.Collection
SDHS NL InsertsCataloged By
Winthers, SallyAcquisition
Accession
2023.50Acquisition Method
Found in CollectionNotes
SDHS Newsletter insert page 61Location
034 Peggy Boyce/Boyce Family
Digital data in CatalogIt