October 1821
Arriving in Black Rock in mid-October, Dead Eye found a small house with a single room available to rent. Not requiring much space, he agreed with the homeowner to stay there until his ship set sail, which could be weeks to months away.
On the last day of the month Dead Eye boarded the Walk-in-the-Water. This was the historic first steamship to have sailed Lake Erie. Having been in service since 1818, it had never incurred a mishap. A fact that gave landlubbers like William a sense of confidence and a willingness to board.
Having spent the war on land, William found the ship’s structure an amazing sight. The ship was a cross between a steamer and a sailing craft. Carrying two high masts, she was fitted with a square-rigged foresail. Her smoke stack, a new technology, stood between the masts amidships. Two large paddle boxes, housing the paddle wheels, were exactly amidships, protruding clumsily from her deck though to Will's eyes they were fascinating.
The length of the ship was about one hundred fifty feet with a thirty-foot beam, and had an eight-foot depth. Her gross tonnage was reported to be around three hundred thirty-eight tons. Her bow was as high as her stern.
But what caught Will's eye was the proudly displayed carved figurehead of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry on her bow! This brought back memories of Put-in-Bay.
Boarding by way of the ramp, he was immediately directed to an area called the Steerage. The Steerage was actually a cabin situated below the forward deck. Looking around, he sighed. Just bunks! He found one toilet that was barely private and reeked. Shaking his head he found a lower bunk to claim as his own. Setting his bag upon it, he sighed again. Three dollars almost brakes me and I had better accommodations in the army. Give me a blanket, a saddle, and a piece of ground any day. The cabins sounded so much nicer, but I simply do not have anything left, certainly not eight dollars!
Leaving the steerage, he returned to the deck. There, he met Captain Rogers and showed him his letter.
“You're wanting to travel without entrance in our log? This is highly unusual.”
“I know, sir. I wish I could tell you more, but this letter is all I have. Governor Cass wants me and has asked I travel as quietly as I can.”
“OK. Another family is boarding soon. They also are traveling unregistered. In their case it is a last minute addition and the owners don't want to delay the ship any more than absolutely necessary. So instead of eighteen passengers, we'll be carrying twenty-two.”
“I'm sorry for causing any trouble.”
“Naw. No real trouble. The owners can do what they want. Besides, this ship is sturdy and can handle a few more people.”
The captain smiled at him and left. Moving over to the side of the ship and leaning over the railing, Will watched as a yawl pulled along side with the last of the passengers. His attention was quickly riveted upon a young lady, probably fifteen or sixteen, who appeared to be traveling with her family. All three were dressed in good quality but not excessive travel clothes. Most of the passengers were adult males, so seeing a young, pretty female brightened the scene. The family boarded the ship and hurried past him toward the below deck cabins. He couldn’t help but notice that the young lady was full of excitement.
This must be the family the captain was talking about.
He could see the Black Rock harbor and, directly in front of him, the town of Black Rock. The harbor, now located where the river once emptied into the lake, was already a major shipbuilding site.
Black Rock itself ran north and south with its north end presenting a broad line of cleavage forming a natural wharf. This was where the yawl would pick up the passengers to bring to the ship. It is in this cleavage where the Walk-in-the-Water was anchored.
Turning his attention to the southern end of the rock, he noticed that it appeared to narrow until it disappeared into the bank.
“Below deck, sir. Captain’s order.”
Obediently he returned to the Steerage. As he did so, he pulled out his pocket watch and noted that it was almost 4 pm. Shortly afterward, the ship fired it's lone canon to signal its departure. Almost immediately he felt the ship vibrate as it moved out.
Although this was his first trip on a steamship, he had been looking forward to it ever since leaving home. Besides, it was better than traveling on land through formerly hostile Indian territory. Maybe I should have taken the trail anyhow. I am used to wilderness travel, hardships and all, although it’s been six years.
Moving his bag, he decided he was too tired to join the others for dinner which was scheduled for six. He lay down on the bunk and fell asleep.
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At 8 pm, William awoke with a start. Something’s wrong!
Immediately, getting up, he swung his feet off the cot and stood up. The sudden touch of cold water sent a shiver of alarm through him that was heightened by the realization that everyone else was also standing in an inch of water.
“The ship is leaking!” exclaimed one of the passengers, “We are going to drown!”
The ship suddenly rolled to the right, causing further panic. Several people were looking very sick.
What is going on? I am going topside to find out for myself.
Hurrying over to the ladder, he climbed up. As he climbed, he noticed that water was seeping through the open hatch. Stepping onto the deck, which seemed to be moving under him, he grasped a nearby railing. The wind and rain told him all he needed to know - a squall was raging! The wind was so strong that he could barely stand upright and he was already drenched.
The ship was rolling from side to side as he looked aft and saw that the crew was getting ready to drop both anchors. He watched as they calmly went about their duties. Their calmness in the face of stormy weather quelled any fears that might have risen.
Retreating down the ladder he pulled the hatch shut. Descending, he was quickly surrounded by the men and women, who listened intently as he described the scene above.
“It looks like they are dropping anchor and are waiting for better weather,” he finished.
Everyone started asking questions at the same time until he held up his hand for quiet.
“The captain knows what he is doing. We need to stay calm and trust him.”
Everyone quieted down. The men patted him on the back as if they were saying ‘good job.’ But the two women were still frightened and looked to their husbands for comfort.
During the next two hours they stayed on their bunks trying to stay dry and calm. The latter was difficult because the ship was violently being tossed. Even the people in the cabins were feeling the effects of the storm. As the storm raged the eighteen passengers all felt an increasing sense of fear. Some reacted with sheer terror, others talked a lot. Still others turned to God in prayer.
As the night wore on the ship creaked and strained at the anchors. The crew struggled to control the ship, but as dawn approached the storm showed signs of winning as the ship began dragging her anchors.
When the captain learned the anchors were dragging and that several leaks had sprung up within the ship, he was forced to make his decision. To stay anchored was inviting disaster, to continue toward Detroit impossible, and to return to Black Rock improbable. Their only hope was to strike for Buffalo.
Shortly after cutting the anchors, the ship plunged heavily causing some of the passengers to fall, others managed to keep their feet by grabbing anything they could find. Steadying himself, William decided to return to the deck. Climbing back up the ladder, he almost fell off as the ship plunged once again. Regaining a foothold, he continued upward, finally reaching the top and opening the hatch.
Even in the darkness he could see that the ship was making a wide turn. William quickly realized what was happening. The ship is turning around and heading back for Black Rock!
As he stepped out, he saw a sailor lose his balance in the driving rain as he was working his way aft. Without concern for his own safety, William quickly went to the sailor’s assistance and helped him to his feet. William recognized the sailor as the 1st Mate.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” William hollered.
“Come with me. The Captain will find something for you.”
When they reached the helm the sailor turned William over to Captain Rogers, who gave William a quick appraisal.
“You want to help?”
“Yes, sir. But I am not a sailor. Ex-army, so I know how to take orders. Are we heading back to Black Rock?”
“No. We wouldn't make it. We're going to Buffalo. The crew is securing the ship best as possible. That's why I am handling the wheel. Come over here and place your hands on the wheel right next to mine. I will turn the wheel over to you. Think you can do that?”
“Yes, sir!”
William moved forward and placed his hands exactly where the captain said. Instantly, he felt the power of the storm as it fought to control the ship. Slowly the captain relaxed his grip, watching to make sure William was able to handle the load. Once satisfied, he stepped back and observed.
“You are doing fine, son. Just keep a firm grip and that spoke lined up as it is now and everything will be fine. I must inspect the ship.”
Out of the corner of his eye, William watched as the captain retreated, grabbing hold of a railing, or lifeline as the sailors called it. Bracing himself against the violent winds, Captain Rogers reached inside his coat and pulled out a well-worn Bible. Gripping it tightly, he appeared to pray. When finished, he replaced the Bible.
Turning aft, the captain seemed to move in slow motion. Even so he soon disappeared from sight. Will had watched the praying captain in admiration. I guess the bravest of men need God sometime.
Suddenly a powerful wave hit the ship causing him to almost lose control, but he managed to regain his balance. When a second wave hit he was ready. Wave after wave hit the vessel straining his muscles. But he continued holding the wheel steady.
Maybe I'd better pray! God, I am not much on prayer, but this sure looks like a good time to start. I am a soldier not a sailor, but even I can tell that we are in trouble. It is pitch black out, I don't see how anyone can see where to go. Help us, God.
He stopped, not knowing what else to say. He couldn't even remember any of the Bible verses his mother had taught him.
Every moment, or so it seemed, the storm was trying to wrench control of the ship from him. He forced himself to concentrate, telling himself that he must not surrender to this unseen enemy. He exerted every bit of strength he had to keep the ship on course.
Forty minutes crawled with each minute an eternity of pain. By that time he was thoroughly drenched, his arms aching from the strain, and his legs numb. It seemed that just as he was about to give up, the captain returned.
“You did fine, son. Now let me take it over. And go with Fred.”
The transfer back to the captain went smoothly. Obeying the captain’s order, William turned to follow the sailor.
As William and the 1st Mate returned to the main deck, Fred explained that the captain wanted everyone on deck.
“I will go to Steerage, you go to the ladies cabins forward and help them anyway you can, but all must get topside. And be quick about it! I will meet you in the gentleman's cabins and help when I finish.”
“Then what?”
“We commit ourselves to the sea and pray for the day!”
With a sense of urgency and renewed energy, William began going from cabin to cabin getting the people out of their beds, although most were already up. Still others, though, were in their nightclothes and groggy. He urged them to leave their cabins. As they emerged from their cabins, he guided them to the ladder. Once they were topside, he would turn and go to the next cabin.
Finally he reached the last cabin and knocked. The cabin door opened and an attractive woman stood there. He stepped inside. It was then that he came face to face with Mary.
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Mary was lying in her bunk, her stomach churning. She hadn't slept in hours. Hearing her mother get up, she tried sitting up, but felt nausea quickly overcoming her. Earlier a sailor had laughingly said she was seasick, but she failed to see the humor. Struggling to maintain control, she was startled as the door opened and the most handsome man she had ever seen stood before her.
“Everyone out. Captain’s orders!”
Her mother grabbed their travel bags and turned to help her.
“Keep going. I will bring her. Be careful going up the ladder, it is slippery.”
William took the girl by the hand and guided her out the door and over to the ladder.
“My clothes! I must get my clothes.”
“No time. Keep moving.”
Mary managed to reach the ladder without incident but couldn’t go any farther. Falling to her knees, she began to shake and vomit. Suddenly she felt two strong arms pick her up and the next thing she knew she was draped over his shoulder in a most undignified manner.
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With the girl on his shoulder and his right arm encircling her legs, William used his left hand to ascend the ladder. He hung there a moment adjusting to the extra weight and then slowly continued his way up. This would be funny if we were not in such a dire straight.
Meanwhile, Fred returned from Steerage and went to the gentleman's quarters, which were just forward of the ladies quarters. As the men came up, Mary’s father, who was among them, saw his wife and daughter, and rushed to their side. He looked at William who still carried Mary over his shoulder questioningly before taking his wife by the hand and following William to the center of the ship.
Mr. Calhoun, the steamer’s engineer promptly pointed them to a place of safety. As they were about to thank him, he simply smiled and moved away. Will gently set the girl upon her feet.
"Stay by me!" he shouted above the storm. "I will keep you safe."
Mary huddled next to this stranger. She was now drenched and very, very sick. Again she vomited, this time staining her nightclothes.
That morning friendships were formed that would last a lifetime. Wet, cold, and in fear for their lives, the passengers of the Walk-in-the-Water looked at one another and began to pray.
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The ship slammed into the sand bar just west of the Buffalo Lighthouse and south of the Buffalo harbor causing the vessel to shiver as if a chill went up its back. Many of the passengers tumbled to the deck, but William, having taken responsibility for the teenager, held her firmly by his side with his right hand, while gripping the railing with his left. He was glad when the ship finally came to a rest.
As Mary sagged against him, he looked down at her. Wet, scared, and sick, she is still beautiful.
Turning his attention to the shore, he saw the stone lighthouse, its light now clearly discernible. It was a round, almost fortress like structure with a smaller round structure on top punctuated with windows all around allowing the light out. In another time he might have wondered about the winding stairs leading up to the light. He may even have sympathized with the keeper who had to trudge those steps with a heavy bucket of coal. But all he could think about right now was whether the ship would survive!
Suddenly the captain sent orders for everyone to abandon ship. Earlier such an order would have caused panic, but now the crew and passengers responded as though they had been preparing for this day all their lives.
William, realizing the girl was still too weak to fight the winds, once again lifted her up over his shoulder. Too sick to care about her appearance, Mary made no resistance. Will turned to her parents and signaled them to follow. Then, with the girl fully secured over his shoulder, he led her parents to the disembarking point.
With the ship permanently stuck in the sandbar two sailors went ashore with one end of a hawser, which they tied to a tree. Once it was secured, one crewman stayed and the other rowed the small boat back to the ship where it was immediately prepared to take on passengers.
William carried Mary over to the edge and prepared to lower her to the boat below. Suddenly her arms tightened around William’s neck.
“I can’t.”
“It’s all right. There’s a crewman waiting below.”
“I’m afraid. You take me.”
At this point, her father spoke up.
“Let him lower you, Mary. It is safe!”
This had a calming effect and she allowed herself to be lowered to the boat where her mother shortly joined her.
The first boat load of passengers began its precarious journey to safety. The ship’s crew held unto the cable as it snaked toward the rear. At the same time, the sailor on shore pulled on the hawser bringing the boat toward land. Once the boat landed, the women and children huddled on the beach in the driving rain while the men joined the sailor. From that point on the transfer of passengers moved faster. Soon there were only a few left.
William’s turn came and he descended to the waiting boat. Once the craft was full a sailor signaled to the men on the beach. William watched in fascination as the cable attached to their small craft pulled them toward the shore. Glancing back, he could see the men on the ship gradually releasing the cable. You will make a shipwreck of your life. The thought came unbidden. William’s mind went back to the conversation he had had with his grandfather.
“That’s silly,” he said.
No one in the boat seemed to hear him and several minutes later, they disembarked. Almost immediately the craft headed back to the stranded ship for the last of the crew.
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