Excerpt

Somewhere in the British Isles – 1712

Alexander and his friends were playing chase in the village street when the boy being pursued stopped suddenly and stared at the hastily approaching stranger. Without a word being spoken, the other three boys took up positions close to their friend and waited as the man came closer.

“Can you lads tell me where Joanna Stinson lives,” he asked, “I have a letter for her.” Alexander stepped forward and said, “That’s my Mum, I’ll take you to her,” and started off while he was still speaking. Hurrying the short distance to the house, he jerked the door open, and called out, “Mum, there’s a man here with a letter for you!”

Joanna came rushing to the door followed by Alexander’s grandparents. “It’s from America,” the man said, “and I’ll be wanting a shilling for bringing it here.” After receiving his pay, he handed her the letter and left. The family watched anxiously as Joanna opened it and when she saw the familiar handwriting, she said, “It's from John, this may be the letter we’ve been waiting for.” She then began to read aloud.

My dear Joanna,

At last the time has come for you and Alexander to join me in America. I have received my land and have on it a small house that will serve until we can do better. I have contracted passage for both of you from Bristol to Yorktown with Captain Isaac on his ship, the Bristol Merchant. I have paid passage for one and will have money to pay the other passage when you arrive. Use your money to prepare food for the voyage. Make enough hard biscuits to nurture you both during the long journey since the ship food is not good. You will need to be ready to depart Bristol by the middle of August and I will meet you when you arrive at Yorktown. I live not far from the harbor and will check there daily when the time of your arrival draws near. If I am not there when you arrive, remain on the ship until I come fetch you. Papa can help you prepare for your trip to Bristol. Too much baggage will be a great hindrance to you but plan to wear as many warm clothes as you can. Tell Mama and Papa I pray for the day when we can all be together again. I can hardly wait to see you. May the Almighty watch over you as you journey.

Your loving husband,

John

Alexander was jumping with joy until he looked at the faces of Papa and Mama and saw they were weeping. Quieted by their display of emotion, he stared at his mother, searching for an answer. On her face was a trace of a smile, indicating she was feeling the same joy that her son was feeling, but the troubled look in her eyes showed the pain she was feeling for the old couple. Slowly, he began to understand. Mama and Papa believed that when he and his mother left for America to join his father, they would never see each other again. Turning to his grandmother, he said, “Don’t you cry, Mama. One day I’ll come back for you and Papa and you can come live in our house in Virginia.” The portly woman did not speak but hugged her only grandson tightly for a long time as her husband quietly left the room.

The weeks that followed were filled with activity and excitement as the family prepared for the mid-August departure. The two women spent much of their time preparing the food and clothes that Joanna and Alexander would take with them. Papa was busy making arrangements to get them to Bristol in plenty of time for the voyage. When he and Mama were alone, they would talk about their sorrow and try to comfort each other. One day when Alexander had gone with his mother to one of the local merchants, the woman sat down at the table and began to weep.

“I wish our John had never gone to America.”

“Please don’t say that Mama. You know he will have a better life there.”

“But I miss him so much. It’s been five years, and I miss him now more than ever. What are we going to do when they are gone? I don’t think I can stand it.”

“Maybe in a few years we will be able to go.”

The woman quit crying and sat quietly staring at the floor for a long time. Finally she said, “No Papa. We’ll never see any of them again.”

When the day finally arrived for them to leave, Papa had the arrangements complete. He would carry them by wagon to the harbor, where they would spend their first night. From there they would be taken by boat to Bristol, a journey of several days, where they would board their ship for America. Arising early that morning, Mama had been busy cooking at the hearth. When the others arose, a hearty breakfast was already waiting for them. Giving Alexander a hug, she said, “I’ve fixed your favorite breakfast so you will eat a lot. It may be a long time before you get another good meal.”

As they sat down to eat, Papa gave thanks for the food and Mama served their plates. There was little conversation as they picked at their food, pretending they were eating. Suddenly, Mama began to sob and stood up to leave the room. Jumping up from the table, Joanna took her mother-in-law in her arms and the two women stood weeping for several minutes. Papa quietly pushed his plate away and said to the boy, “Try to eat your breakfast, son, you’ll need it later.” Alexander nodded at his grandfather but made no attempt to eat. He had a big lump in his throat and knew he could not swallow the food.