Any Port in A Storm – A Prussian vessel takes refuge at Cowes in 1823

 

This business letter sent from Cowes to a prominent merchant house in Bordeaux very straightforwardly illustrates an important function performed by the many small harbours and ports dotted along the south coast of England in the days of sailing ships. They could provide a refuge from bad weather.  The letter also shows that there were persons  on hand locally to assist with formalities and practicalities; a brief internet search suggests that James Day was  an establised merchant with shipping interests of his own. Written in a reasonably clear hand, it makes the reasonable assumption that there will be someone in Bordeaux who can read English; the big merchant houses were usually multi-lingually equipped. But I need Artificial Intelligence to tell me that “A galeas (or galias), in 19th-century Northern Europe referred to a relatively small, shallow-draft, two-masted merchant sailing ship equipped with a mix of square and fore-and-aft sails. They were highly popular in the Baltic and North Sea trade networks”.

James Day's bill for services of just under £34 equates according to the Bank of England calculator to about £3600 today; an 1823  agricultural labourer in southern England would have had an annual income of about £30; an experienced office clerk would have received about double that. 

Cowes circa 1827   J M W Turner

Transcription

Addressed to: Messrs Schroder Schÿler & Co Bordeaux

Datelined: Cowes 17^th Febry 1823

Postmarked COWES, postage paid in advance as far as London with London transit mark of 27 FEB, Mss rating marks.

Docketing note: Cowes le 17 Fevrier 1823 James Day   reçue le 25 dit [ditto] rep [repondu]

Messrs. Schroeder Schÿler   Bordeaux

Gentn.

I beg to inform you that about the 9^th inst the Prussian Galias Henrietta & Jacob, Capt. Notzke, was forced into this Port by contrary Winds & very bad Weather on a voyage to your place from Konigsberg with a Cargo of Timber to your Consignment. Capt. Notzke applied to me to assist him with the Needful to pay his Pilotages Port Charges &c which I accordingly did, and for the amount say £33..17..4 [thirty-three pounds, seven shillings and fourpence] Capt Notzke has given me his Draft on you, Gentlemen, at 2m date [due in two months] as p[er] his letter enclosed, and which I beg to recommend to your protection.

The Wind having become favourable yesterday Capt. Notzke lost no time getting his Vessel underway & proceeded on his Voyage, & as the Wind has since continued fair I make no doubt that he will soon be round with you, With a tender of my best Service at this Port on any future Occasion

I subscribe myself Gentlemen with great Respect Your very obedt. Servt.

James Day