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Northwest Passage, Part Six

Written by Herbert and William Sakalaucks

Newfoundland April, 1634

The anchorage for the new village of Christianburg bustled with activity. The sound of axes chopping trees echoed across the water. The crew of the fishing boat, Bridget, was busy transferring cod to the drying racks a quarter mile from the main landing. Small boats from the larger ships were shuttling settlers and their belongings ashore to waiting tents. The Kristina was the centerpiece of the activity, just offshore, offloading sheep. Three seamen stood laughing at her entry port. As they joked, another sheep rose from the hold on the end of a rope and belly band. The protesting animal was quickly set down by the port and the band removed by one of the seamen. Before the sheep could realize what was happening, the other two sailors grabbed it by its wool and shoved it through the port. It hit the water with an indignant "baaah!" The sight of land and new grass just fifty yards away drew it like a magnet and it swam quickly to shore. When its feet hit bottom it let out another 'baaah' and started to run. Every other step it tried to shake its wool dry. A small rainbow followed it ashore.

Captain Luke Foxe stood nearby watching as Taggert MacDonald supervised the growing flock's unloading from shore. When the flock began to crowd the landing, Luke pointed toward the gap in the bluff where the stream flowed down the hillside. "Mr. MacDonald, as soon as you're finished, move your flock inland. We'll need this area to unload the equipment next." The beach was ideal for unloading. Boats could anchor close in while the hills started right behind the dunes and protected the beach from winds. The seamen who had been helping the sheep over the side waved to signal they were done. Luke raised his speaking trumpet toward the Köbenhavn. "Mr. Barrow, you may start unloading the sawmill." Luke had decided the sawmill was the most urgent need. The foresters were already clearing a larger area on the nearby hills and logs were available for sawing. Sawn lumber would speed the housing construction and let him clear his ships of the settlers that would be staying. He was already three days behind his planned departure for the exploration expedition around the island. Luke turned once he was certain John had heard him, and headed for the hill where Captain Andersen was overseeing construction of the fort's palisades.

Back on the Köbenhavn, Mr. Barrow supervised the crewmen lowering the cargo sling into the hold. The sling showed signs of wear, but appeared adequate for the day's needs. He decided to continue. Time and tide were their enemies today. He yelled down to the men in the hold, "Lash that crate securely. That's worth more than your scrawny carcasses. I don't want it coming loose when we hoist." John was more concerned about the barge waiting below than the sling. The crude barge that had been built to unload cargo leaked like a sieve and looked like a gentle tap would sink it. They would have to be extra careful lowering the crates. The first crate was quickly tied off and the sailors on deck heaved on the line to raise the load. As it cleared the hatch, they swung the spar that the block and line was attached to and positioned the load over the barge. As they started to lower away, John spotted a strand of rope on a sharp crate edge part and the remainder started to unravel. He shouted at the bosun guiding the line. "Lower away now, or we'll lose it!" The bosun tried to obey but the crate still dropped with a crash onto the barge. The sound of wood breaking was very clear. John grabbed four sailors and they dropped down to the barge. He tossed them oars and roared, "Row like your lives depend on it! I'll not lose this cargo!"

With water rising in the barge, they made slow progress toward the shore. Just before the water reached the low side rail, the barge grounded. John heaved a sigh and jumped into the waist deep water, yelling for the idlers on the beach to help unload the crated sawmill. The sawmill crate was cleared quickly and then the barge was hoisted up and carried beyond the high water mark. A bottom board had been sprung with the crate's impact. John yelled to the ship for the carpenter to fetch his tools. He had planned to finish unloading the rest of the cargo before the tide changed but now he would have to wait until the repairs were done.

Luke had heard the commotion and started to turn back to the beach, but stopped when he realized John was handling the problem. He had to delegate or he would be swamped. As he turned back and continued his trudge up the hill, he remembered why he preferred the deck of a ship. It was flat and level. Climbing hills was agony on his calves. "I'm getting too old for this foolishness." He paused and sat down on a rock to massage his legs. Captain Andersen came down to greet him. Luke took the proffered hand to stand up. Back on his feet, he pointed up the hill. The stockade was going up quickly. "It looks like you've made excellent progress. Do you have enough men?"

"The extra sailors have been a big help. It freed up some of my men for the scouting work you 'suggested.' The Indian boy, Joseph, went along as well. They returned this morning. They explored the entire island and found only one abandoned village. It appeared to have been wiped out by illness quite some time ago. They found graves, but no evidence of violence. Otherwise, all they found were some older campsites. Right now, we're the only ones here. We should have the palisades finished by the day after tomorrow. The well is fresh and has a plentiful water supply. If someone should attack, we'll have a strong place of safety to retreat to." He motioned toward a work party digging a trench outside the wall and piling the spoil inside the seaside bastion. "I'm still going to mount the two cannon where we discussed. With the added height, we can cover the settlement from both land and sea attacks. The guns aren't large, but they don't need to be with a plunging shot like they'll have. Natives aren't my only concern. If that Dutch ship we heard about shows up, we'll be able to give it something to think about!"

The site looked good, even to Luke's unmilitary eye. He was pleased with the choice for military leader. He pointed toward the boats, "Unless something happens to delay the unloading, I plan to finish landing the settlers tomorrow. They can continue to live in tents while the cabins are built. I'll leave with the Köbenhavn Saturday and explore the coast. If all goes well, I'll return in four weeks. That will leave an extra week before the rest of us head to Hudson's Bay. You'll be in charge until then. Captain James will be responsible for the rest of the ships' unloading." Luke gave a wry smile. "I expect the bulk of his time, though, will be spent leading the convention for the new laws." Thomas had put up a vehement protest when he found out he would have to replace the missing Sir Thomas Roe as the leader of the convention. He detested politics but had grudgingly agreed he was the best one remaining to do the job.

Karl looked like he wanted to say something, but was hesitant. Luke decided to ask, "Is something on your mind? When I've seen that look from you before, you've usually had a good idea that meant work."

"Captain Foxe, I'm not sure yet. If the Hamburg is truly lost, I may need to relook where my remaining people need to go. I'll have a better idea by the time you get back from your trip." He gestured to the walls going up nearby. "If this works out as well and as quickly as it seems, I may not need as many military people to stay here. That would still keep my forces for Hudson's Bay up to strength. I'm just not sure how feeding a garrison there will work considering all the settlers we lost."

Luke had missed that point in his planning. The repairs and landing hadn't left much time to consider the impact of losing the Hamburg. Svend's optimism had also helped delay the realization that the Hamburg wasn't going to show up. Now he'd have to reexamine the equipment and supply lists and decide who would still go to Hudson's Bay. "Captain Andersen, you've raised a very good point. I think we may have to reconsider what we can accomplish this season at Hudson's Bay and how we'll do it." Karl seemed satisfied. Luke made a short tour of the site to encourage the workers and then went back down the hill on his aching legs.

****

Saturday morning dawned bright and clear. Neat rows of tents were sheltered close to the new palisade. Off in the woods, a work party was already busy setting up the sawmill. They would be ready to start cutting planks later that day. A nearby stream had been dammed up and a millrace built to supply power. It was quieter this morning, now that the sheep had been taken to the next valley, where new grass was abundant. At the fort, Captain Foxe was going over last minute instructions with his ship captains and Captain Andersen. "I don't plan to be gone more than four weeks. If we're gone six, send one of the fishing boats to search for us. I don't fancy walking back." Everyone laughed. Luke's aching legs had become a topic of humor. "By the way, Karl, thank you for the use of the scout. He'll be valuable for escorting our landing parties. The miners know their business, but they would be lost without guides. While I'm gone have them continue with clearing the land for planting and cutting the timber for planks. The sooner we can get the settlers and supplies in solid buildings, the healthier and happier they'll be."

"And the sooner we can return home!" Captain Johannsson voiced the sentiment of all the captains. An idle ship made no profit. The consensus had been to offload all of the livestock at Christianburg. The few animals that were going to Hudson's Bay could be reloaded when the time came for the ships that would push on. They would stay healthier that way. Without the Hamburg, the settlement at Hudson's Bay this season would be just a small trading fort and base for the surveys during the first year.

Luke continued, looking at Captain James. "And make sure the convention gets us a set of laws the people support. You've got a copy of the framework Sir Thomas planned to support. That has to be finished before I can leave for Hudson's Bay." It was the first time Luke had publicly acknowledged the loss of the Hamburg. That Svend wasn't there to hear the remark probably had some bearing on the timing.

An hour later, the Köbenhavn raised anchor and set sail on a nor-nor'east course. Svend was at the rail with drawing pad and pencils out trying to capture the beehive activity of the new settlement. He'd been kept so busy by Luke that he hadn't had time to think about the lost ship. Luke walked over to admire the effort. "Very nice work, son. You've captured the essence of the bustle onshore."

"Thank you. I've really wanted this to turn out well. Since Agnes isn't here to see the start, I wanted something to show her what she missed when we get back."

"I hope you're right, Svend, but we have to face up to unpleasant facts. If they aren't here when we return, they won't be coming."

"I'm sure they'll be here."

Luke just stared ahead to the open bay. Youthful optimism was hard to kill. If Svend could keep it in this new land, that spirit could overcome all challenges. Otherwise, the challenges would consume his soul.

Luke planned to retrace part of their voyage, sailing clockwise around the island. He'd marked likely landing points on his map where minerals were indicated. The first evening, they remained under topsails on a course to round Cape Bonavista. The next day they approached the first likely site. The exploration party was standing by the entry port as soon as the ship hove to. Besides the gear they needed for prospecting, each member of the party was armed. Captain Foxe had been adamant on that point. They were venturing into unknown territory where humans or animals could be hostile and deadly. The two scouts, Heinrich Reinhardt and Joseph, the Indian, checked everyone's gear a second time to make sure it was secure and comfortable. Heinrich was in overall command.

He gathered them all for one last review of instructions. "Once we get ashore I don't want anyone wandering off alone. Two men together, all the time. That way, if something happens, the survivor can save the gear." That brought some nervous laughs. "Pick out your partner now." He pointed to Svend. "You're with me. The captain said to show you all I can so you can record it for his journal and can learn how to lead a group like this. You may get a chance when we get to our final stop."

Svend was taken aback for a second. This was the first time he'd been told what plans Luke had for him once they reached Hudson's Bay. "Don't worry, I'll stay close. I've heard the Captain's story about the bears around here."

Heinrich laughed, "Those are further north! But there are other dangers that are just as likely here. I wouldn't want to face him if I lose anyone, especially you." The group piled into the two boats and headed for shore.

The landing was uneventful. The beach was level and the boats were pulled up above the tide line. Heinrich told the two sailors with the group, "Stay with the boats, but stay alert. We may need to push off with little warning. If you spot any natives, push off out of range of their weapons but stay near. We may have to abandon our gear and swim for it if troubles develop." The two men nodded energetically. Heinrich turned to Svend, "Which direction does the map say from here?"

Svend pointed toward a hill just inland. "Just to the south of that hill."

Heinrich had a private conversation with Joseph, who then headed off in the direction Svend had indicated. Heinrich turned back to the prospectors, "We'll follow along in a few minutes. Get your gear and be ready. Joseph will scout ahead and blaze the trail. Watch for two axe notches on the trees, about shoulder height." Svend carefully folded the map and returned it to his pack. After shouldering the light pack, he opened his drawing pad and started to sketch the forest opening Joseph had disappeared through. Before he had even finished roughing in the scene, Heinrich passed the word quietly to start out. Svend closed the pad and joined Heinrich at the head of the small party.

An hour later Svend was beginning to have second thoughts about exploring. The short stop at Christianburg had not toughened his legs from the long sea voyage and his shins were sore. As if reading his thoughts, Heinrich called a rest halt. Svend gratefully sat down on a nearby, fallen log. Before he could stretch out, Heinrich came over and asked, "How far does the map say to the site?" Svend opened the pack and pulled out the map. After studying it and checking for landmarks, it appeared that the stream should be just over the next ridge. Before he could answer, there was a rustling from the undergrowth ahead. Heinrich started to raise his musket, but a quiet hail revealed it was only Joseph returning.

As he stepped into view, he pointed back over his shoulder. "I think I've found the site. It's just up ahead." Heinrich looked to Svend, who nodded agreement.

"Very well. Let's get there and we can take a longer rest." Shouldering their tools and weapons with groans for their aching legs, the group set off. Fifteen minutes later, they broke through a patch of brambles and found the stream. Heinrich called a halt and started directing the setup of a temporary camp. Svend stood to the side and watched as Heinrich started a fire for cooking a noon meal so that no smoke showed. The three miners chose their spots to excavate and then guards were set out to give warning of any intruders. Everything was done quietly and with a minimum of fuss. Hopefully, he could do as well if he was called upon to do this in the future.

After a warm meal of boiled salted beef and cabbage, work started on the excavation. Svend stood by and sketched the three men as they worked their locations. Gunther was working the rocky hillside, trying to determine what was in a very small vein in the rock formation. He was the only one of the three with any schooling on mining and minerals. Luke had told Svend to stay close to him and learn what he could. The other two, Karl and Franz, were alternately panning along the stream and digging and sluicing their spoil to see what was near the surface. After about an hour, Gunther had gathered a large enough sample to take back to the ship for testing. Karl and Franz packed up their gear. Franz showed Svend a miniscule speck of yellow. "Your map was right. There is gold here. If I worked for a month, I might find enough to pay for one good meal at the Schwein und Stein back home." He spit on the ground in disgust. "I thought we would find gold by the bucketfuls. That's why I came." Karl nodded in agreement..

Svend vigorously defended the map. "I'd think you would be happy. The map said there was gold here and there was. It didn't say how much, but maybe the next stop it will be plentiful. That's why we have to search."

Karl chimed in, "This seam looks to be the end of an outcropping. He's right. We may have better luck if we can locate the main seam. I've worked twenty years hunting for metals and this is the first time I've at least had a lead on where to look." He seemed satisfied with his day's effort.

Heinrich had Joseph recall the guards and they all headed back to the boat. During the whole time, not one alarm had been raised. By the time they reached the Köbenhavn, the sun was just touching the top of the hill. Gunther reported to the captain on what was found and Luke then gave orders to set sail for the next site.

Copenhagen, May 1634

Bundgaard stood by his cell door, listening to the approaching footsteps. Ever since he had been thrown into prison for dealing with the French, he had been trying to escape. The previous week, a friendly guard had brought word that someone would be seeing him soon. Hopefully, his cousin was working on getting him out. Without his signature, none of his funds could be claimed by anyone else. Once he got out, there was one expense he would definitely pay. His old acquaintance, Oskar the Silent, would be given a job. If it was the last thing he ever did, that bitch at the inn, who had turned him in to the Swedes, would die. Then her brats could starve on the streets.

The footsteps stopped outside his cell. He held his breath and then the door swung open. A guard handed him a cape and hat and motioned for him to step out. Nothing was said. Gammel put on the cape and hat and followed. No one patrolled the passageways they took. Five minutes later he was outside, embracing his cousin.

****

Mette Foxe watched the evening crowd as they arrived for dinner. Two ships had arrived that afternoon and both captains had chosen to dine at her inn. They were in deep discussions with an American that she knew worked for Francisco Nasi. Since she had helped Nasi round up a French spy ring in the harbor area, the inn had seen a rise in foreign visitors. Francisco had even hinted once or twice that he might be interested in the inn as a cover for his work. When the time came to join Luke she would have to see if he was still interested.

A commotion at the door caught her attention. A disreputable looking vagrant had pushed past a departing patron, knocking him into the doorframe. As the intruder swept aside his cloak and reached for something, the American kicked back from the table and drew a gun. As the thug reached back to throw the knife he'd had concealed in his belt, the American fired. Mette heard a thud and turned to her left. The knife was buried in the post next to her. She turned back in time to see the assailant sink to his knees and then fall on his face.

The American turned to face her. "Sorry about that, ...