THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 47 (Lost Bearings)

Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

George sat patiently waiting for Epinetus to get to the part of the story where George’s relative would be mentioned. He had driven quite a distance from Berkshire to Preston Manor to gather information. George needed to know more about Guilliame de Besse, also known as John Bessac.

 

However, Epinetus had one more “mud hole” story to tell.

 

“Another mud hole was encountered later that same day. Grandfather and my father Horace rocked and levered the wagon without luck. On the final try one of the wheels fell off the wagon. The wagon lurched forward and out of the muddy abyss but severe mechanical damage had already been done. Grandfather inspected the wheel to determine what the cause of the failure was. He found it rather quickly.”

 

 

Epinetus was proud to describe his knowledge of wagon wheels. George patiently listened.

 

“In those days, when wagon wheels were manufactured they were equipped with a steel ring on the inside diameter. Another steel ring had been forced on the oaken axle. These two rings acted as bearings and kept the wheels from wearing out prematurely. Now however, one of these bearings lay deep in the mud hole. At Grandfathers urging the whole family, except for Uncle Henry, thrust their arms into the mud hole in search of the lost bearing.”

 

“After a lengthy period Grandfather called the search off and sat dejectedly beside the broken wheel. Grandmother Abashaby told me that it was one of the very few times that Grandfather seemed to be beaten. Before long he arose and walked into the woods where he could barely be seen. Kneeling in the shaded canopy of oak trees he prayed. There, in deep reverence, he knelt for a long period. The family knew that he was talking to the Light Within Man, not asking for any more help than he could muster from within himself.”

 

 

Epinetus smiled proudly as he continued his story of the broken wheel.

 

“As he Walked back to the wagon the entire family saw a renewed appearance in Grandfather. He silently paced back and forth beside of the bearing-less wheel. Suddenly he stopped and unbuckled his leather belt. Taking a sharp knife from its scabbard he cut about ten inches off the end of the belt. Rolling the leather into a spiral he placed it inside the wheel. He removed it, trimmed it and replaced it several times. Finally he was satisfied with a perfectly fitting leather bearing. He then took his knife and removed some of the copper tacks that held a canvas pail around its wooden frame. Grandfather used these tacks to hold the new leather bearing in place. Both the wheel and Uncle Henry’s hand were watched with equal care until the family reached their destination. Grandfather prayed for the wheel and the hand.”

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 46 (Catastrophe)

Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus once again became quiet.

 

 

George asked him if he was alright.

 

Epinetus answered with the following; 

 

“Becoming stuck in a mud hole was soon thought of as a normal part of the day. Extracting the wagon from these tenacious bogs became so commonplace that Grandfather and Uncle Henry became nonchalant about it. On one such instance Grandfather was driving the horses so as to put pressure on them to pull ahead. Uncle Henry had his right hand on a wheel spoke and his left hand on the rim. The wagon lurched forward and up on a rock. The horses could not hold the fully loaded wagon and it rolled back to its original position.”

 

 

“Uncle Henry screamed in pain and it was a few moments before Grandfather realized what had happened. Uncle Henry’s hand was caught between the wheel and the earth. The wagon had to be backed up in order to free Uncle Henry. Grandfather was able to move the horses backward and Uncle Henry’s hand was released. The horribly heavy load of the wagon had already taken its toll. Uncle Henry had several broken bones in his hand and one of the bones had punctured a hole through the palm.”

 

 

“Grandmother washed his hand in a nearby stream, placed a homemade salve on the open wound and wrapped the whole thing in the whitest cloth that she could find.”

 

Epinetus winced and closed his eyes as he finished the story. George sat on the edge of his chair and lit up another factory-made cigarette.

 

“The pain was almost unbearable but Uncle Henry insisted on continuing to walk beside the wagon. Finally, however, the throbbing became so strong that he had to lie down in the ox cart. Someone spied a white willow tree and a piece of bark was cut from it. Uncle Henry chewed on the bark and this natural pain reliever did its job. Once Uncle Henry was more comfortable Grandmother changed the bandage and applied new salve. The new bandage included a small flat board for a splint.”

 

“That was a bad day” said Epinetus as he continued his story.

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 45 (Landmarks)

Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus explained to Mr. Parks about the fork in the road.

 

 

“A few miles down the road he came upon a toll house. After paying he asked the gatekeeper about the strange fork in the road. ‘Toll Robbers’ the gatekeeper responded. ‘They take a route around the toll houses to avoid paying. Best keep on the turnpike mister. Fines for toll robbing are steep. We confiscate livestock and wagons.’ Grandfather informed the gatekeeper, in no uncertain terms, that his Quaker background made this warning unnecessary.”

 

 

Epinetus shared some of the landmarks with George.

 

 

“The entourage passed several inns without taking advantage of their light and warmth. Grandfather stated very clearly that these inns were traps for sinners but said no more than that. They passed the Newell Tavern at Durham, the Delaware Inn at Stamford and the Stamford  Inn at West Merideth among many other of various sizes and quality. The complete trip on the turnpike would be ninety miles and would end with a ferry ride at Unadilla.”

 

Epinetus then switched back to the story and of a particular incident in his family’s journey.

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 44 (Turnpike Fees)

Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus continued his story regarding the Katskill to Susquehanna River Turnpike.

 

“As the family and livestock moved along the turnpike there were several tolls to be paid. The tolls varied but father told me that typically they were.”

 

Once again Epinetus rattled around in his trunk of treasures. He held up a receipt for George to read.

 

 

 

Epinetus then told a little story about his grandfather. George noticed the twinkle in his eye that said he was proud of his grandfather’s actions.

 

“Grandfather grumbled about the tolls to each of the collectors but once he was out of earshot he would admit that the turnpike was much better than bush-wacking through the forest and attempting to ford the bigger rivers.”

 

Epinetus continued for quite some time with his description of the turnpike. George was genuinely impressed with its description and took some notes.

 

“Even with the turnpike there were dangers lurking under each mud hole. Sometimes it would appear that the path was through a mud puddle; and that would simply be the case. At other times mud two feet deep would be hiding under the water. The Birdsalls would then use hefty poles to lever the wagon into the air and coax the horses onward. The oxcart would never become stuck. Those mighty beasts could continue plodding forward without even a deep breath.”

 

Epinetus became quiet while he thought about the oxen and cart.

 

 

George cleared his throat with a  slight “Ahem” and Epinetus came back to the story.

 

“It soon became apparent to the Birdsall men that if they saw a mud hole or puddle with discarded poles by the side it was a sure sign of difficulty. There were other signs that also spelled trouble. One of those signs would be a fork in the road with clear indication that one path was the turnpike but the other path was more trodden. The first time Grandfather saw this he was perplexed and took some time to decide which path to take. He decided on the clearly marked turnpike path.”

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 43 (On the Turnpike)

Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus told George how impressed his Grandfather Henry was with the efficiency and schedule of Captain Tanner.

 

“Right on schedule the brig reached Katskill in the late afternoon of the second day. Captain Tanner told Grandfather about a field were he could keep his teams and other animals that night. The horses were much better behaved when leaving the ship than when they boarded. The oxen were, as normal, rather unconcerned about the whole thing. The other livestock was either herded or carried out of the lower hold. My father and Aunt Deborah had their usual job of cleaning up the mess that remained on the ramps.”

 

 

“The next morning, after sleeping on or under the wagons, the family got an early start on the Susquehanna/Katskill Turnpike. The seasonal maintenance had been completed and therefore the turnpike was in relatively good shape.”

 

 

Epinetus hesitated, then added;

 

“Well, – – – – it was good at the start of the trip.”

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 42 (Sailing on the Hudson)

Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus felt tired. He sat still in his chair. George noticed that his eyes closed as his head tilted forward. Epinetus’ breathing became less labored and steady. George let him sleep.

 

After a few minutes Epinetus awoke. He acted as though nothing had happened.

 

“Oh, yes, where was I? Yes, yes, now I remember. The Birdsall family was just getting underway on the ship out of Peekskill. The square sails on the brig made that ship powerful and steady. They caught enough wind to not only fight the current of the Hudson but also to keep a steady pace northward.”

 

 

“The wind off the cold April waters was brisk and invigorating. However, it was a miserable and bitter first night on the river. Each person had wrapped themself in a blanket and the cast iron stove was stoked and hot with burning coal. It was the first time that many of the passengers had ever seen the black rocks that burned.”

 

 

“During the day the passengers would wave to other people on passing ships. There were also rafts made of lumber and manned by one or two people working a rudder resting on a forked tree branch. There was not much control over the rafts as the current carried them toward New York City. Captain Tanner informed my father that the rafts were actually timber logs being floated downstream were they would be sold. Some of the rafts had small cabins built on them; others simply had cargo in wooden barrels or casks.”

 

 

 

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 41 (Captain Tanner Revisited)

Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

“A story? Epinetus; you have already told me the story about Captain Tanner” said George Parks who was in apparent disbelief that anything more could be said.

 

“Oh yes, George. There is more to be said about Captain Tanner, his crew and my father Horace’

 

George Parks  knew that there was no stopping Epinetus once he got talking. George Parks said “Well then; do tell.”

 

“Upon Captain Tanner’s command some deck hands partially raised the sails as others untied the brig from its moorings. The ship slipped away from the dock the river currents carried it downstream. My father Horace, over the years, has often re-enacted Captain Tanner’s command, although quite inaccurately I am sure. Father could never remember the correct sailing terms. As I have said, his reenactment was repeated several times a year, year after year. It was a joy for all the children in the Birdsall compound beside the Chenango River.”

 

“Oh? Then this does not involve your sailing up the Hudson River?” asked George.

 

“In a way it does Mr. Parks – – – in a way it does.” responded Epinetus.

 

“Then please get on with the story Epinetus.” pleaded George.

 

“Father’s one act play would start out just as if he were Captain Tanner.”

 

“Mr. Jones, raise the sail. Sllllowww now, Mr. Jones. – – – – – Mr. Clay, bring the boom to port and forward – – -NO – – – NO- – Not aft – – you snaggle-toothed idiot – – FORWARD. Now up with the sail a little more Mr. Jones – – – SLOOOOWWWLY – – a little more now. – – GOOOOD – – Good, Mr. Jones.”

 

“Father Horace would leap around in spurts and jerks as he recited his lines. Sometimes a spurt to the left or right and then a jerk forward or back. Quite often he would leap up onto a stump pointing a stick into the air as if telling Mr. Jones where the sail should be.”

 

“One more mistake Mr. Clay and I will put you off at Beacon or throw you over the side myself. Now Misssttterrr Claaay – – hold the boom steady – – – steady as she goes. – – – Now, you, Mr. Butts, one degree starboard on the rudder – – – that’s it – – steady – – – steady, man – careful for the current. – – – good – – good Mr. Butts.”

 

“Father would twist his face into grotesque patterns; left eyebrow down and eye almost closed, right eyebrow high on his forehead, that eye wide open and almost bugging out of his skull, his mouth twisted up, down, and sideways; all at the same time. His shoulders would take on an almost inhuman twist with one high and backward with the other one bent forward. The children of the various families in the Birdsall clan would gather in small groups as the act continued.”

 

“Take a depth reading Mr. Smythe. Throw the weight forward – – watch the rope Mr. Smythe – – THE ROPE – – THE ROOOPPE. Why you jimmy-jawed, walley-eyed, son of a land turtle.”

 

 

“And with that phrase, always repeated in the same manner, father would hobble over to some imaginary being and unwind the imaginary rope from around the being’s imaginary leg.”

 

“Now try again Mr. Smythe,” father always pronounced it ‘Smithe,’ never Smith, and he would continue, “And if you hit me with that weight I will take the rope and tie you up into a ball, then place you with all the other swine in the lower hold.”

 

 

“Father would bob and duck as he tried to get out of the way of the weight that his imaginary Mr. Smythe would be swinging around and around in circles. As the invisible Mr. Smythe released the weight, at exactly the correct moment, father’s eyes would follow the imaginary weight toward the front of the invisible ship and into the water.”

 

“Up with the sail – – more on the boom – – take a reading – – “ father would call out to all his imaginary seamen. A few more impromptu commands, some familiar to us children, others new, father would extend the play.”

 

“As a ‘Grand Finally’ to his play, father would repeat the circular pattern with his head and eyes as Mr. Smythe swung the weight tied to the end of the rope. And with one large arc of his frightened eyes and head father would watch the imaginary weight fly straight upward towards the clouds. It would then plunge straight downward in his direction. Father would dance in half-steps trying to avoid the invisible weight that hurtled towards him. And then with a scream he would grab his head and then hold his hands in front of his eyes as if looking for blood.”

 

“Picking out the largest group of mesmerized children he would hobble directly toward them. Then, looking menacingly toward them and scowling in his most frightening manner he would screech ‘No Mr. Smythe – – – I will not tie you up with the swine – – – I will cut you into tiny pieces.’”

 

“With that, father would slowly draw an imaginary sword from his imaginary side scabbard and swing it through the group of children. They would scream and scatter but would then stop and look back at father. By then he would have a big benign smile on his face, and his arms wide open to welcome the children back.”

 

” ’AGAIN, AGAIN, Uncle Horace’ the smiling children would beg. But father knew that his act would loose the impact if repeated to soon.”

 

Epinetus sat there for a few moments, silently. George could see just hint of tear in the corner of Epinetus’ eyes and sadness cover his face.

 

After a while Epinetus perked up and seemed to continue with his story. The emotion however, was not on the story but appeared to be centered on his father Horace. “Father would finish his story with love and tenderness.”

 

“Another time children, you seamen tired me out. Let us sail along and enjoy the scenery.’ Father would then find a stump and sit down.

 

Epinetus continued “These mini-plays and other activities appeared to tire father out. Each year that passed father would be more easily fatigued.”

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 40 (Glass Pyramids)

Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus  remembered one of the stories that his father repeated so often. George Parks, once again, whether he wanted to hear it or not, was told that story.

 

“Captian Tanner gave the command to ‘Prepare the ship – – – Gentlemen.’ The deck hands hauled the first ramp back to the wharf and then jumped aboard the ship. The man who appeared to be senior trotted across the deck and down into the hold via the second ramp. He showed Grandfather, Uncle Henry, and the other men tending their animals how to get to the upper deck via a ladder. Soon the senior seaman was joined by the other deck hands. They used a system of pulleys and ropes to raise that second ramp. Once it was in the upmost position the ramp became part of the upper deck railing. Semi-darkness overcame every being in the lower hold. Slowly, here and there, rays of light shone down becoming wider and wider the farther the rays descended. It was as if each light emerged from a star shrouded in fog. Yet Uncle Henry could see no candles or lamps.”

 

“After tending the animals Grandfather and Uncle Henry used the specified ladder and emerged onto the upper deck. Children were running here and there, looking under, over, inside of, and around all the sailing equipment that ships provide for children to discover. Mothers scurried after those children who were getting too close to the ships rails.”

 

 “Uncle Henry’s eyes searched for the magic that made the lower hold bask in the dim pyramids of light. He soon located several octagonal slabs of glass mounted randomly on the floor of the top deck. He swiftly moved back to the ladder he had just used to come up from the hold. Moving down several rungs he stopped with his head at deck level. Popping up and down, like a groundhog at his burrow, Uncle Henry inspected the light sources.”

 

 

 

“Uncle Henry first inspected the top and then the bottom of one of those glasses that transmitted the hazy pyramids of light. The top of each glass was octagonal but the bottom was shaped like a cone. The natural color of the glass was clear with a green tint. Each glass was about six inches across the octagon, the top part flat and parallel to the deck. The bottom part of the glass was about eight inches long pointed and downward toward the lower deck; much like an inverted pyramid. Sunlight was captured by the octagon and transmitted down and outward by the shape of the glass prism. My father Horace told me that Uncle Henry seemed to be mesmerized by the design.”

 

 

Epinetus also enjoyed telling George about Captain Tanner.

 

“Captain Tanner’s commanding voice called the passengers together to discuss the schedule.”

 

Epinetus then engaged one of his story telling ‘Captain’s voices’ as best as an old man could.

 

‘The distance to Katskill is sixty-four mile, to Albany one hundred mile. The trip will consume twelve hours of sailing time to Katskill, eighteen hours to Albany. However, we will be putting in at Beacon, Poughkeepsie, Port Ewen and Saugerties. We will be untying the ship in about one hour. Depending on how the wind hits our sail we should be laying up overnight at Poughkeepsie. Once there, and if we load our hold on schedule, we should put back to the river before noon. We should be putting in a Katskill for our second night. Those who have contracted to sail to Albany will reach there at the end of the third day.’”

 

Epinetus then related one of his family’s favorite pastimes to George.

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 39 (Loading the Livestock)

Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus continued with his story of the journey from Salem to Greene as best as he could remember the way his father Horace had told it to him.

 

“The brig ‘Mary Louise’ had a ramp from the wharf to the deck and a second ramp from the deck to the lower hold. My father told me that the horses balked at both ramps. Grandfather took the reigns to lead each team of the animals; first the horses and then the oxen. The horses sidestepped and whinnied at the first ramp. Only the heavy side rails kept them from the depths of the Hudson River. By the time they reached the second ramp, which sloped steeply down into the semi-darkness they were terrified. With eyes bugging out of their skulls, neck veins pulsing, noses flaring, and hooves pounding on the ramp, they begrudgingly followed Grandfather’s calm but stern voice and the meaningful tugs on the reigns until they reached their specified places. Once there Uncle Henry secured them to a wooden rail.”

 

George’s heavy dinner worked against his ability to stay awake and clear headed. Epinetus noticed this and raised his voice a little louder while trying to create a little excitement in his story.

 

“Captain Tanner spoke to Grandfather ‘Keep the ramps clean Mr. Birdsall. We do not want your oxen to slip.’ Grandfather knew what the captain meant so he assigned my father and Aunt Deborah to grab a shovel and bucket. They were to clean up the horse dung that now littered both ramps. Grandfather also informed them that they were assigned that job for the remainder of the trip. Father and Aunt Deborah were not too pleased with that news.”

 

 

George sat a little straighter in his chair as Epinetus finished the story regarding the loading of livestock into the ship.

 

“Thanks to the superb training that Grandfather had given the oxen they behaved much better than the horses. In fact, father told me that they were almost meek. Everything was to remain loaded and harnessed for the full trip. The Birdsall women herded their livestock down the ramp.”

 

“Uncle Henry was helping Grandfather by feeding and watering the animals. My father and the aunts were on the top deck inspecting the cabin. It was made of rough-sawn wooden slabs and had wooden slab seats all around the outside walls. There were two cast iron stoves placed at equal distances from the ends of the cabin. The windows had no glass but there were wooden doors that, when loosened, swung down to keep out the rain and river mist. The area outside the cabin was flat except for the ramp down into the hold and the few stairs up to a small captain’s deck. Slab boards also formed a bench row around the perimeter of this outside deck. Anyone using these benches could use the wooden deck rails as a backrest.”

 

“Father always remembered Captain Tanner.” Epinetus related to George, who had lit another cigarette.

 

Preston Manor in the mid-afternoon always got hot and stuffy. A few of the older patients had bladder problems and the odor of ammonia had permeated the building.

 

Epinetus then told George his father’s favorite story.

 

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 38 (Dominionship)

Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus informed George that his father Horace had related the following.

 

“The first twenty miles from Salem Township to Peekskill-on-the-Hudson should have been covered in one day. However, because the wagons shook and rolled, the rope ties had loosened, hooks became loose, and wagon bolts required frequent tightening. This extra effort took time and the family did not reach Peekskill that first day.”

 

“After getting permission from a farmer, we slept in a pasture that night. Rolled up in woolen or feather quilts we slept on straw filled mattresses beneath the wagons. This kept the spring frost off most of us.”

 

Epinetus informed George Parks about what more his father had told him.

 

“My father, Horace, told me that the remaining six miles to Peekskill were covered well before noon the next day. Through a stroke of luck and the late arrival of important cargo, their transport ship, heading north up the Hudson River, was still tied at the wharf. Grandfather had made reservations on the packet brig ‘Mary Louise,’ which was sailed by Stephen Tanner; ‘Master.’ The advertisement had been posted in the town square in North Salem.”

 

“Would you like to see the hand printed advertisement – – Mr. George Parks Esquire – –  ?”

 

Epinetus arose and once more started rummaging around in his box of treasures.

 

George took the opportunity to speak and addressed a completely different matter.

 

“Epinetus, this is my second trip to see you. Please call me by my first name”

 

Epinetus was still hurt by something George had done on the first visit. George had rather pointedly informed Epinetus that he was a lawyer. Epinetus, realizing that he was the senior of the two men was quite disturbed by Georges attempt to place himself above him. Some of the Epinetus’ hurt was self-inflicted; he was embarrassed that he had to live in the poor house.

 

“Oh, – – – I don’t have to call you by your full name and title? I thought that was what you were fishing for when you told me you were a lawyer.” Epinetus continued in mock reverence, “Well then, how about if I call you Georgie?”

 

George’s patience had not been strained. After all, he was a lawyer and had encountered many instances of being insulted.

 

“Why not settle on ‘Mr. Parks’?” George asked. He still wanted some formality used when being addressed.

 

Epinetus responded with some sarcasm in his voice. “I must have been confused – – – , Mr. Parks. Yes, ‘Mr. Parks’ will do just fine. But you can simply call me Epinetus.”

 

The sarcasm was not lost on George. He realized that old Epinetus still had one leg up on him. Silence surrounded the two men as the emotions ebbed to a level where decent conversation could be had.

 

Returning to the previous subject Epinetus stated, “I saved the advertisement along with my other keepsakes in my leather case. Did I mention that I had a few daguerreotypes there also?”

 

George, once more, used the gap of a question to remind Epinetus of the intent of the visit. “Do you have anything in that trunk about Jean Guillame DeBesse?”

           

Epinetus attempted, once more, to gain the upper hand by trimming down the way George always employed hegemony to establish his superior position.

 

“Jean Guilliame DeBesse? –   –   –   Oh yes, Mr. Bessac, your Frenchman. You wanted to discuss what I might know about him. Why yes, Mr. Parks, I will. But first I must finish Grandfather’s story. Here is the advertisement my father took as a souvenir from North Salem.”

 

Epinetus unrolled the old paper and, as best he could, attempted to hold it flat against the wall.”

 

 

 

© wtomosky