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Price of a Dream

By Lynette Joy Wermager

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Chapter 1 Immigration 1854

Bumping the pier in New York the Florentia yielded her gangplank. Relieved of the ship’s incessant rocking immigrants searched the crowd eager to be united with their American family. The fortunate were warmly welcomed then whisked away. Richard, a twenty year old English emigrant, was ushered forward in the throng, his arrival finally realized but without family greeting. The lonely arrivals dared not tip their hats but hugged their possessions close with wide eyes. This new land was big and dirty with ruffians prowling the confused crowd. Lord have mercy on the trusting newcomers. They picked their way along the harbor searching for safety. Each anticipating something far beyond themselves in this new land.

Richard and To’mas met on board gazing out at the vast dream before them. In America, the possibilities seemed limitless compared to the poverty in England. The young men forged a friendship pledging to watch each other’s back. A sharp contrast between them was evident. Richard, with a rough beard, brown eyes and British accent was lanky and thoughtful. To’mas was stocky, beardless with a proud manner, putting off some travelers on the boat. Both uncertain for what lie ahead yet eager to begin.

Securing a tenement near the harbor To’Mas landed jobs for them on the docks. Work was physically challenging and low paying but the men were strong. They were favored because they could read, figure accurately, and arrive on time. Richard avoided surly fighters and pickpockets daily near the harbor. One advantage to harbor work was hearing the news that filtered through about events at sea. Richard watched for English ships, wondering which held answers from the day he sailed.

Days before departing, Lance, just sixteen, revealed his bold plan to stowaway with his brother. Richard tried to dissuade the foolish idea and they argued. Lance scoffed at the warning of punishment if discovered aboard. Richard gripped the young man’s arms assuring he would find a place for them both in America. He urged Lance to be patient and to earn his way. Lance swore, then shouted that Richard was abandoning them before stomping away. Lance had been noticeably absent on departure day. Their mother excused him through her tearful hug and parting words.
“Never doubt your brother’s love and dedication. He’s overcome with
grief at your leaving. He will soon regret he was not here to bid you farewell. No doubt he will now value the hard work it takes to earn funds for a passage himself. I don’t know how I could part with two sons right now anyway. I will encourage him to write once we know you are safe in America.
My love and prayers go with you, my son.”

The stubborn brother was on Richard’s mind when boarding the Florentia that day. He noted four ships bound for America, his own and two clippers moored with passengers on the gangplank. The Alderbaran was already underway. Richard strained to see her rigging and colors clear the outer harbor. Sending a prayer Richard was certain that youthful impulsiveness was headed out to sea.

Working at the dock gave Richard time to think over the events that led to his immigration. Times were hard with little opportunity, political sway and religious freedoms were challenging. America held promise for able workers to earn decent wages and even obtain land. With his family’s blessing, he worked three years to earn his passage. Richard was confident the uncertainties ahead would demand their price, too.

In September the murmur of the overdue Alderbaran was circulating. Weeks passed with no word of the ships’ untimely change of course. She was initially bound for Quebec City to finally port in New York with cargo, mail, and passengers. The delay was a concern for the shippers. Awaiting news, Richard recalled his warning when Lance dared to stowaway. The boy was rebellious enough to do it. There had been no reasoning and no resolve before he’d sailed. Richard longed for a favorable word of his brother.

Fall colors were exploding as were the rumors of the Alderbaran wreckage. Questions of the crew or cargo, extent of damage, or if another port had received her for dry dock went unanswered. Still waiting Richard hefted bales and boxes, pocketing more money than he’d ever earned in Britain. In late October confirmation of the Alderbaran’s destruction was known. News of seven crew and few passengers rescued was a blow. The loss of the ship was one thing. The human loss was left to speculate as her hold was whispered to contain convicts, slaves and stowaways. As hope waned Richard grew certain it was his brother’s demise. He lifted his heavy heart in prayer contemplating how to grieve.

The thriving lumber industry in 1855 enticed strong workers to explore New York’s upper region. Prospects for canal building lured men to the region. Employment was certain if they could arrive before winter. Now, it seemed useless to continue waiting for word of his brother. The opportunity to escape the confinement and bawdy harbor life moved Richard forward with renewed ambition.

Joining other dock workers, Richard and To’mas purchased reliable mounts and headed north. The 260 mile trek conditioned the men for riding. Having no saddle horse in England, the skill required was new for Richard. He received his share of good natured teasing for his poor seat while mounted on a spirited chestnut Morgan. Once he’d trotted for a full day he quickly adjusted his legs and spine to ease other parts that were sore. Before the miles were behind them Richard sat a saddle as smooth as the experienced riders of the group. His mount was thankful they had finally found harmony on the trail as they partnered up on the long ride.

Fortune smiled on the men and they were immediately hired in the burgeoning lumber trade. They threw their few belongings into the log bunkhouse without losing a day. The quaint structure accommodated ten men with crude sleeping and personal space. On the coldest nights the lumberjacks pulled their beds away from the drafty walls to be nearer the stove. Over two grueling weeks the men were trained using the whipsaw, wedges and mauls. Working together, in this deadly occupation, the pitman had to trust the man sawing above his own head. Only the hardiest of men continued in these conditions. Those who could not keep up found walking papers when failing as lumberjacks. The men spent their evenings at camp playing poker, reading, or playing the harmonica. They were a lonely group awaiting payday and socializing in town. Richard was content to remain in camp, saving his money. He read to further his own interests acclimating to life in America and even to become a landowner one day. Eventually, To’Mas joined a crew to explore the west so the friends parted ways.

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