Lost Love and Shipwrecked: Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land Read online

  LOST LOVE

  and

  SHIPWRECKED

  Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land

  Jessica Marie Dorman

  Cathy Lynn Bryant

  Published by

  Innovo Publishing, LLC.

  http://www.innovopublishing.com

  1-888-546-2111

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  Lost Love and Shipwrecked

  Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land

  Copyright © 2012 by Jessica Marie Dorman and Cathy Lynn Bryant

  All Rights Reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.

  Library of Congress Control Number: 2012951373

  ISBN 13: 978-1-61314-071-0

  Cover Design & Interior Layout: Innovo Publishing, LLC

  Printed in the United States of America

  U.S. Printing History

  First Edition: October 2012

  Our characters include actual historical figures intermingled with fictional characters. Some of the events are actual historical events, such as the wreck of the Angel Gabriel.

  Chapter 1

  The Voyage and Shipwreck

  * * *

  Madeline Pike grasped tightly to a piece of the wreckage to keep herself afloat amidst the hurricane winds and splashing waves. She could hear off in the distance the call of one of the other passengers that had been aboard the Angel Gabriel. Though she was grateful to hear another voice, it was difficult to make out to whom it belonged. Floating along in the storm for what seemed like hours, she had lost all sense of direction. Madeline knew that she had to find her way to the shore, soon, or she would be lost.

  It had been twelve weeks since Madeline had felt the dry ground beneath her feet. Setting sail from King’s Road, Bristol, England, for New England in the year 1635, the Angel Gabriel had carried Madeline and nearly thirty other passengers along on their journey. Madeline had heard numerous stories of how the tough old 240-ton ship had survived mighty storms, Spanish attacks, and other harrowing voyages. She and her husband, Oliver, were fully confident in the Angel’s ability to convey them to the “new land.” As part of the “Great Migration,” they had only dreamt about the kind of freedoms they hoped to experience once they braved their way across the ocean to a new land.

  As Madeline felt her last bit of strength waning, her mind drifted back to the home she had left behind in England. She thought of her beloved Oliver. “If only we had not taken this journey. Is this how it is all going to end? Oliver, oh Oliver, how I miss you,” she cried.

  Oliver was a kind and loving man of but eight and twenty. Many of the people in Madeline and Oliver’s hometown had often remarked that they were the handsomest pair around. Madeline, a woman of the age of four and twenty, medium height with a slender build, was most admired for her shiny blonde locks, which she kept loosely tossed and pinned atop her head. Oliver was a tall, slender man with thick brown hair and a soft smile that endeared him to everyone. Madeline had been so happy in this their first year of marriage. Now, Oliver was lost to her forever.

  It was the fourth week into their journey. Some of the children had come down with smallpox soon after setting sail. Oliver had spent many hours with the little ones holding their hands and telling them stories, attempting to ease their suffering. In the end, each of the children recovered; however, Oliver, weakened by exhaustion, was stricken and did not survive.

  A familiar voice calling, “Maddie,” brought her mind back to the reality of her situation. It was Christopher Osgood, a man she had come to know and admire during their twelve-week journey. Madeline had observed that Christopher was a kind and loving husband and father. To Madeline, he and his wife, Hannah, seemed to be the perfect match. They filled their hours aboard the ship affording the other parents many breaks as they occupied the children with games and Bible lessons. It was clear to all that they had a deep passion for children.

  Christopher and Hannah’s son, Zachary, a boy of age three, was a magnificent combination of his mother’s beauty and his father’s wavy brown hair and strong, square jaw. He and Henry Bleasdell, also age three, had the time of their lives running about the ship, oftentimes to the chagrin of the other passengers. Christopher and Hannah, however, did not mind very much, as Zachary had been extremely ill early in the voyage. He had been amongst the children who had come down with smallpox a few weeks into the journey. Christopher had admired Oliver Pike’s compassion for the children during this time, which had served to put him at great risk. When Oliver fell sick and ultimately died, Christopher felt the loss supremely.

  Madeline called out in desperation, “Christopher, I am here, I am here,” hoping to be heard over the crashing waves and howling winds.

  Before too long, she heard Christopher say in a reassuring voice, “Maddie, I am right here. It is going to be all right. Take my hand so that I can pull you over to me.” Unaware that Christopher had also tried, unsuccessfully, to rescue his wife and son, she reached out and took hold of his hand.

  “I could not decide in which direction to go,” cried Maddie.

  “It is all right, Maddie, I am here now,” whispered Christopher softly.

  Other than Oliver, no one has ever referred to me as Maddie, she thought, finding it to be strangely comforting.

  With a sigh of relief, she settled in under Christopher’s arm as he made his way through the waves in the direction of the land. To their great relief, it was not long before they could feel the ocean floor beneath their feet.

  In sheer exhaustion, Christopher and Madeline fell onto the shore, neither stirring for hours. Startled awake by the sound of someone yelling, Madeline glanced over at Christopher. The memory of the last several hours came flooding back as a storm. Just then, a small child came running up to them. It was Henry Bleasdell looking no worse for the wear. Henry, a spunky little fellow, was loved by everyone; though aboard the ship, many were relieved when he was down for a nap. His energy seemed endless, which could be trying at times. Before long, Henry’s parents, Mr. Ralph Bleasdell and his wife, Elizabeth, came searching for him. They chuckled when they found him snuggled down in between Madeline and Christopher.

  “Henry, we have been looking for you. You should not have run off like that,” said Elizabeth, who treasured her little man. As an older mother of forty-two, she doubted before Henry came along that she would ever be blessed with a child to raise, for she had already lost two children in their infancy.

  For Ralph and Elizabeth Bleasdell, the wreck of the Angel was just another trial in what had been a rather traumatic journey. As part of the Puritan movement, the Bleasdells had suffered numerous hardships in England. Many who shared their beliefs had been fined or imprisoned. Consequently, the Bleasdells left England in secrecy not knowing until they were well away whether they would be caught. They desired a better life for themselves and for Henry where they could worship God according to the precepts of scripture rather than obligatory service to the edicts of the Church of England.

  Madeline, relieved to see that the Bleasdells had made it ashore, was beginning to wonder who else had survived the terrible nightmare. Mr. and Mrs. Bleasdell recounted everyone they had seen that had made it safely to
dry land. Madeline whispered, “thank you,” to the Lord, seeing that most of the passengers had survived. Then a dreadful thought came to her; the Bleasdells had not yet mentioned Christopher’s wife and son. She sheepishly peeped over at Christopher just as he was brushing away a tear.

  Oh how terrible; it must be true. He has lost his family, she thought.

  Just then, Christopher, rising to his feet, said softly, “I will return in a little while.”

  Madeline, Elizabeth, and Mr. Bleasdell watched him as he walked somberly away.

  Mr. Bleasdell, a tall, rugged-looking man of middle age, rose up quickly to walk alongside Christopher. Placing his arm on his shoulder, he whispered, “We are all here for you. You are not alone.”

  By now, all of the survivors had gathered to discuss their situation. Nearly everyone had lost most of their belongings when the ship went down. Each one stacked up what they had salvaged into one pile. In the midst of it lay Mr. John Cogswell’s tents. Somehow, the tents had survived the wreck and were now their best hope of a temporary shelter.

  Mr. John Cogswell, an amiable middle-aged gentleman, was accompanied by his wife, Elizabeth, and eight of his children on the journey from England. Mr. Cogswell called out to his sons, John Jr., who was twelve and, William, who was sixteen. “John, William, start setting up the tents.”

  Thomas and Robert Burnham, Captain Robert Andrews’ nephews, decided to lend a hand. Everyone, though still in shock over the events of the day, somehow managed to pull themselves together. The friendships that had begun in the twelve weeks at sea helped to bond them together during such a crisis. At this point, with all gathered around, Mr. Bleasdell lifted his voice to heaven and gave thanks for God’s mighty hand of protection. He also recognized that there were a few who had lost their lives and prayed that God would grant their families comfort and peace.

  John Tuttle, age seventeen, and William Furber, age twenty, took it upon themselves to dig through the pile to find something with which to fish. They called out, “We are going to catch some dinner. We shall be back before it grows dark.” They finally returned just as the sun was going down, bellowing, “Success!” as they held up their catch of the day.

  It was not long before a fire was crackling beneath the starlight and the smell of fish was drawing the weary survivors to dinner. After everyone had eaten, many of the passengers were conversing about their frightful day.

  John Bailey, who was traveling with two of his children, John Jr. and Joanna, exclaimed, “My wife, the poor dear woman, desired for me to leave off from taking this voyage! I dare not give her an account of the terrible storm and the wreck that claimed all of our belongings. She may then be afeard to cross the ocean with our other children.”

  The passengers were beginning to realize that their lives in the “New Land” had just become more difficult. Many wondered how they would start over devoid of any of their belongings.

  Madeline had been so distracted by all of the events of the day that she had nearly forgotten her own predicament. A wave of fear swept over her as she thought, I am all alone in a new land without my husband. She knew from experience the only thing she could do to calm herself would be to inquire of the Lord regarding her situation.

  “Entrusting Him with the troubles that are too great to bear alone has always proven to be a wise decision, as many a trial has come to naught in His capable hands,” she said. Madeline, unaware that she had been speaking aloud continued, “Of course this time the need is much greater.” As she stood up to go and find a place to pray, she caught a glimpse of a little smile that had come upon Christopher’s face. Embarrassed by the knowledge that she had been speaking loud enough for others to hear, she quickly made her departure.

  Following her time of petitioning the Lord, Madeline felt a renewed sense of calm. She did not yet know the manner in which the help would come, but she felt assured that it would. Madeline rejoined the others just as Christopher was returning from gathering up some extra clothing from the salvage pile to set out to dry. Madeline’s respect for him grew all the more as she observed his peaceful demeanor even after having lost his wife and son.

  He is truly a man of great strength, she thought.

  By now, just about everyone in the group had developed an attitude of acceptance over their circumstances. In spite of the wreck, a sense of awe was beginning to sweep over them as they realized that they had made it to the “new land.”

  Early the next morning, Mr. Cogswell and some of the younger men returned from the little settlement upon which they had stumbled when they were out exploring the area. Bubbling over with what appeared to be good news, his cheerful expression was contagious, as everyone seemed to be smiling while patiently waiting for him to speak.

  He began by explaining, “While we were out having a look around we found a little settlement, which apparently is called Pemaquid. It seems that the area was granted as the Pemaquid Patent to merchants from Bristol, England. As some of you are aware, I have been given a land grant in Ipswich, part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. We have procured a ship to carry us there, the owner of which is Captain Gallup. As some of our things were sent on ahead by another ship, we are in a better position to offer assistance. Though it may not have been your original destination, anyone who wishes to may travel on with us.”

  Many in the group were happy to take advantage of the opportunity to go along with the Cogswells, including Mr. and Mrs. Bleasdell who were also pleased to accept his generous offer. They decided that Ipswich was a good location as any from which to investigate all opportunities in the surrounding towns.

  At this point, Madeline, keenly aware of her situation, thought, I must make a decision. Oliver would have known what to do, but now I am left alone to decide. Fear was, once again, sweeping over her at the thought of having no means by which to support herself.

  Elizabeth Bleasdell, realizing Madeline’s dilemma, said, “Madeline, we would be most happy to have you reside with us upon our arrival to Ipswich. I could do with a bit of help with Henry.”

  Madeline, overflowing with gratitude, replied, “Oh thank you, Elizabeth, I believe I shall accept your generous offer.”

  After some tearful goodbyes with the few who did not venture on with the Cogswells, the rest of the survivors of the wreck of the Angel Gabriel traveled on to begin their lives in the new land. They each loaded onto the ship the few things that had been salvaged and were off on the next leg of their journey.

  Chapter 2

  On to Ipswich to Begin Life in the “New Land”

  * * *

  Before long, the travelers were disembarking from Captain Gallup’s ship. Mr. Cogswell’s family as well as his servants, William Furber and Samuel Haines, were planning to settle in Ipswich. Some of the others who were going to do the same were Captain Robert Andrews and his Burnham nephews John, Thomas, and Robert. The others intended to remain in Ipswich for as long as it took to prepare to travel on to other destinations.

  The residents of Ipswich rallied around the survivors, lending a hand by giving generously of their food and clothing. They seemed more than willing to suffer a little hardship to be of assistance to their new neighbors. In addition, the town leaders allowed the Bleasdells to make use of a small home for a temporary shelter. The previous family had not survived their first winter, leaving the home abandoned. Madeline and the Bleasdells had no way of knowing, at the time, what a blessing the meager home would become, as it would be a couple of years before they could move on to a new place.

  Christopher Osgood procured work with some of the local fishermen. One of which, a man by the name of Nathaniel Bellamy, with empathy for him offered him a place to stay. Nathaniel, a rugged young man, had lost his family to illness and had since been living alone. Christopher’s mind was consumed with a yearning to continue his dream of furthering the gospel, especially among the children. He was sure that Hannah would have desired for him to carry on. He remembered how eager they had been to teach witho
ut the restrictions of the Church of England.

  Still, how can I go on without Hannah? he thought.

  Madeline busied herself with Henry Bleasdell for hours each day. She had grown to love the curly-headed little boy. She was greatly amused by his indomitability and his quirky smile that always popped up on his pudgy little face whenever he got the best of her. Elizabeth was grateful for the help, especially throughout the weeks that Mr. Bleasdell was away.

  During their time in Ipswich, Mr. Bleasdell made frequent trips to Agamenticus and Colechester. At first, the purpose for the trips was to obtain additional work to help his family. However, as time went on, he became very fond of the towns, especially Colechester. He was beginning to believe that Colechester might be the place in which he and his family should settle; however, he found himself a resident of Agamenticus for a time, assisting them in establishing the town. During this time, Elizabeth, Maddie, and Henry remained in Ipswich, for Mr. Bleasdell had not planned to be there long.

  During Madeline’s first few months in Ipswich, she intentionally kept herself exceptionally busy. She knew that if she allowed herself time to reflect on the life she had planned with Oliver, she might become overwhelmed by sadness. However, on one particular day, Madeline found that she had time on her hands in spite of her efforts to the contrary; thus, she decided to go exploring.

  Recalling that the townsfolk had warned them of straying too far alone, as there were wolves and at times some of the Indians could be hostile, she determined that down by the water would be a safe destination. She knew that it had always been bustling with people. As she could see that she was rapidly approaching the water, she grew excited, for, in England, she had loved gazing out over the water and skipping stones across its surface.