history

THE HISTORY

OF SHOPPOLIS ISLANDS

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The Arrival - March 20, 1784

     On March 20, 1784, the Prize Mary sailed slowly toward the distant islands. She had rounded the crescent-shaped rocky island northeast of their goal and was now negotiating a treacherously narrow but deep furrow through the coral, rocks and sand below. All eyes were focused forward and off each beam as the ship drifted through. The helmsman complained that the ship was unstable, and that the current was such that the ship could begin to swing. If this became the case, she might ground on one side or the other. Captain Cryde had the crew assemble a drogue and launch it from the stern chaser gallery. Once the device filled with water and the line went taught, the stern immediately stabilized, and the Prize Mary drifted obediently toward a split in what appeared to be one island ahead.

     As if by magic, the ship entered the narrow channel and slowed. Ahead was a clear path out the other side of the islands into the open sea. Desmond Pequod mentioned that if his memory served him well, leaving the islands would be only to the south, and that the ship should hug the eastern slope of the channel and avoid the western which lead out onto the shallows that would eventually destroy any ship aground. Once inside the protection of the lee, the helmsman was ordered to steer the ship to the east into the bay that would eventually be referred to as Shoppolis Bay. The waters calmed immensely, and the Prize Mary stood her position about the middle of the small bay. From a strategic standpoint, the bay was too confining, and could trap a ship, but considering the height of the surrounding landscape, the ship was completely swallowed up in the eastern island gap.

     Since there was no reliable wind or current for the ship, the skipper called for the ship to be warped into such a position where the anchors could be dropped, and the ship kedged in such a manner as to bring the starboard beam perpendicular to the course to the beach. This way, anything detected on the beach that could endanger the landing party could be persuaded to desist by launching a bit of well-placed cannon fire among them. Two pieces were cleared amidships on the upper deck and prepared. Two swivels were brought to bear, and small arms were issued to ten men who lined both sides of the ship. It would not be the first time that hostile forces came aboard from the side of the ship not facing the beach. All crosstrees were manned, as was the bowsprit. The after ports were closed, and a watch set in the captain's cabin. The ship's boat was swung over the side and manned. Lieutenant Crenna and his party pushed off toward shore. Captains Cryde and Shopp, glasses in hand, surveyed the line of green against the brilliant sun. It was after noon, and the sun would be in their favor and in the eyes of those ashore surveying them, if any were present.

     Two hours later, the Lieutenant reported that nothing was found nor detected other than birds, occasional pigs running amok, and small animals and bugs moving about. A second party was sent ashore, and the results were the same. Nothing was found, not anything that suggested there were any humans at all. When the party returned, all watches were set, extra men were placed on duty, and the ship's company was relaxed. All passengers were allowed on deck in shifts in case the decks would have to be cleared, and hasty retreat executed. By morning, nothing had happened. Various large fish cruised by as if to inspect the ship and eye the eyes studying them.

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