Monday, February 12, 2007

The Adventures of Benjamin Franklin Seaver - Part 6

This is the sixth post of a series concerning the adventures of Benjamin Franklin Seaver (1780-1814), who was a mariner, captured by the Moors in Morocco in 1806.

Part 1 is here.

Part 2, which introduced a series of seven letters published in the "Connecticut Herald" newspaper (published in New Haven CT, dated 20 January 1807 (Volume IV, Issue 169, Page 1), and posted the first letter, is here.

Part 3, which includes the second letter, is here.

Part 4, which includes the third letter, is here.

Part 5, which includes the fourth letter, is here.

I accessed the images of these newspaper pages on the "America's Historical Newspapers, 1690-1876" (provided by NewsBank) through the New England Historic Genealogical Society website, www.newenglandancestors.org. They are also available through www.GenealogyBank.com (a commercial website).

Here is the fifth letter in the series:

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Headline: No. V. Captain Seaver to Messrs. Courts.

Text:
................Wednow, (Africa), Sept. 3d, 1806.
Messrs. Wm. Court & Co.
.......Gentlemen,

Your esteemed letters of the 21st June and 22d July, I received the 22d August. I have wrote to the Consul General, (31st July last) mentioning I should always be willing to reimburse to the United States, any sum he might give for my redemption, provided I was able to gain my liberty prior to his having instructions from my government to negociate for the same, by which I conceive any gentleman, who would have the humanity to advance a sufficient sum for my liberation, would not interfere in his affairs in the least. No doubt if captain Baker is with you, he will give every assistance necessary to expedite my redemption.

I have not had five minutes notice of the English going from this, by whom this comes.
............In misery, I am, gentlemen,
......................Your most obedient servant,
.................................BENJAMIN F. SEAVER.

P.S. I have to write with a piece of wood.

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Our Benjamin has survived another months in bondage, and sounds hopeful that something may happen soon.

Stay tuned for the next installment in our saga - the end is near!

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