Chapter 1 – Inaugural Voyage of the Odyssey
Captain Alexander Dawson stood on the deck of his newly coppered merchant ship Odyssey, surveying the provisions and mostly importantly - the cargo - being loaded into the hold. The boisterous, animated voices of the crew played in harmony with activity in the already bustling shipyard. Many were getting underway for their various assignments.
An early morning fog that had enshrouded Boston Harbor earlier that morning was now dissipating as Dawson could now see across the shipyard through the veil of mist. After gauging his best time for departure, he turned his attention back to the cargo loading. Mostly tobacco, textiles, cotton, coffee, and molasses this time although during his career, Dawson had not above shipping contraband for some extra money. He narrowly escaped a French schooner bearing down on him on the last trip out. All part of the game, but not without risk. It was after that close call that Dawson decided to re-copper the bottom of the ship to facilitate more speed should he ever need it again.
There was inherent risk in shipping of any kind since the onset of hostilities between France and England, America's two biggest trading partners. Merchant ships typically carried no guns which left them vulnerable to corsairs and privateers, not to mention the press-gangs of various navies. America declared herself as a neutral in their war, but this did not protect her ships from foreign harassment.
He still had reservations about taking his son and daughter along on this voyage, but he couldn't really leave them at home. His heart still mourned the recent loss of his beloved wife Mary. Her death was very hard on the children. His son Joseph insisted he would be a help to his father on this voyage since he had sailed with him numerous times. Now at age 16, he clearly showed the seamanship and skill to garner him a solid position in the merchant fleet, or even the Navy if he chose. His daughter, Kathryn, was recently widowed. A cruel loss to be endured for a young woman in her early 20s, followed so closely by the death of her mother. She didn't want to stay behind, alone in Boston, with all her well-meaning friends and relatives constantly reminding her of the loss. Dawson agreed to bring them both along, impressing upon Joseph his duty to look out for and protect his sister. They would bear this loss together.
Dawson heard the church bell toll from across the harbor and checked his own timepiece for accuracy. His crew had loaded and secured the cargo and were now busy with the bunt and clew lines. The sails were being manned. The winds were light and variable. The fog had finally lifted.
The Odyssey was ready to get to sea, and Captain Dawson smiled in anticipation.