Jonathan Thorn and the Tonquin (Part 1)


The next day he sent Ebenezer Fox, first mate, and two other men on a small island to look for water. MacDougall and MacKay also went ashore to hunt for birds. Many hours went by before the men returned to the ship. Once again, Thorn attempted to leave the men behind. Fortunately, the men rowed up just about that time. They had not found any water on the island, but the partners had killed some birds and seals to add to their boring diet. Thorn had a fit over the lack of water, but threatened to shackle Fox for his incompetence. MacKay stood up for Fox and told him he would do no such thing.

They finally found water at an island called Port Egemont. They stayed a few days to replenish their supply and repair the ship. On the last day, MacDougall, David Stewart, Alexander Ross, and Gabriel Franchere were exploring the French and British ruins there, when suddenly someone realized the ship had set sail. There had been no signal. They couldn't believe that Thorn would leave them there. Their only chance was to a board a 20-foot "jolly boat," left on the shore.

The boat was not built to take the weight of nine men. It also leaked and they had to constantly bail out water. They had only four oars, one of which broke early on. MacDougall had to cheer the men on so they wouldn't give up. Fortunately the wind shifted and the Tonquin slowed down. MacDougall worried that if they didn't reach the Tonquin before dark, they would never be able to find the ship.

Thorn watched them struggle and laughed at their efforts. Robert Stewart pleaded with him to go back and pick them up. Thorn ignored him. Stewart got his pistols from his cabins and told Thorn to turn around or he would kill him. Thorn did go back, but told Stewart that he would see him hung for mutiny. After the men were rescued, Thorn locked himself in his cabin to avoid facing them. This event ensured everyone was his enemy.

Somehow they made it around Cape Horn and to the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) without incident. King Kamehameha greeted them cordially and gave them good food and drink. Many men deserted as soon as they landed. Thorn showed that he had just as much contempt for King Kamehameha as he did for all natives.

By the time he

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