Francis Drake's Story! :-

Chapter XVI: Footsteps into a New World!

When Francis was about eighteen his beloved Mama died. For a while he was bereft, but his new responsibilities soon drove that terrible loss to the back of his mind. He concentrated on perfecting his skills of fencing, riding and shooting, in readiness for any future adversities.

By the time he was 25 Francis' thirst for adventure took him (and us) across the Atlantic Ocean on trading exploits to Guinea and the Spanish Main (the mainland areas around the Caribbean Sea). On the first of these voyages he initially sighted the extraordinary and awe-inspiring flying fish, a spectacle which was to astound him for the rest of his life. Two years after his 'slaving voyage' to Rio de la Hacha as a senior officer under Captain John Lovell on the battle ship 'Jesus of Lübeck' he commanded the 'Judith' on another such (ill-fated) voyage led by John Hawkins, his famous kinsman. 

It was about this time that he promoted Sam to act as Ship's Drummer Boy. Sam practised hard - day and night - learning all the commands and tattoos (as well as musical drumming) and became very proficient. We also discovered that Caulkie the carpenter was a talented recorder player (A woodwind instrument, which he made himself). Together they played superb sea-shanties whilst members of the crew, led by Revup and Stewie, sang and danced hornpipes, jigs, and Sword-dances. These were highly entertaining and welcome intervals in our often back-breaking, and sometimes excessively boring work; and particularly when we were becalmed. 

When Francis was twenty-six his much loved and highly respected father (Papa) passed away. He had earlier been appointed as vicar of Upchurch in Kent, a village to the east of Chatham, retaining his connections with the sailing communities of the Medway and the Thames shipyards. The ever-faithful Walt, now retired, continued to help him in many aspects of this demanding vocation. Once again the loss of this influential figure in his life left Francis devastated. However, as ever, his work helped (compelled) him to overcome his grief.

In my opinion our next voyage marked not only a turning point in Francis' career, but also in world history.

I well recall that the Spanish king Philip II decided to create a monopoly of the New World by force, sending his troops to annihilate a French community in Florida. He followed this up  by treacherously attacking Hawkins' flotilla of six ships and 408 men in San Juan d'Ulua (near the harbour of Veracruz) in Mexico on 23 September 1568 (a date that sticks in my gullet) with 13 warships. This terrifying ordeal resulted in four of our English ships sunk with nearly all hands lost. I remember every moment of it. I particularly recall the 'Jesus of Lubeck', our heavily armed but aging flagship (loaned to us by Queen Elizabeth, and which was Francis' previous commission), being blown apart when marauding Spanish soldiers created fire on board causing its magazine to explode. ( Like to hear the last of our MusicSmiles Sea Shanties selection at this point? - Click >>>{and duck} Fire Down Below - Then Back-button top left to return)  

I still retain an image of our erstwhile cabin boy, Paul Hawkins, leaping into the sea - trying to rescue Mollie the ship's cat (She was beautiful, and a lovely mover. I'd got designs on her myself!) and some of the ship's treasure: a rich goblet and some fine crystal plate set with precious stones and pearls. Paul's clothes and hair were ablaze. His screams still echo in my ears as the waiting sharks and barracuda made short shrift of him. How can one ever forget the horror of witnessing one's best friends being hunted, killed and eaten by man-eating sea-monsters? (Click thumbnail >>> to see one artist's famous picture of the battle of San Juan d'Ulua  - Then Back-button top left to return) Only Hawkins' ship 'Minion' and our ship 'Judith' with Captain Francis escaped to fight another day. Even then we had to flee without 'Minion', and only met up with Hawkins again -after many trials and difficulties - when we eventually reached England. We had lived to tell the tale and had learned a great deal from our experience. 'Minion' limped into Mount's Bay in Cornwall many months later with only 15 starving and demoralised men left in the crew. All were overjoyed to see Marazion - with its St Michael's Mount standing out to sea; and off the starboard bow the distant Lizard Point. Home!

It was when we were on leave from one of these expeditions that Liz suggested to Francis that he ought to keep up with the current fashions encouraged and promoted by Queen Elizabeth, and learn the art of dancing. The freedom granted by the new era was encouraging a tremendous growth in arts and sciences. Arts like music, singing, dancing, painting, and theatre; and sciences like astronomy and measurement; were flourishing. 'In any case, Frankie', suggested Liz, 'this will enable you to join in with society and meet someone to share your life'. Francis said that he was perfectly happy with his lot so far and didn't see the need for such frivolity. However, as always, Liz succeeded in persuading him.

He suddenly began to realise for the first time that Liz had grown up to become a beautiful and confident young woman. Her singing had progressed, her art was famously popular, and she was in demand in places she had never been before, including, on at least one occasion, the Court. She was also a very competent farm and marketing manager, and cook; and helped Luke build up a very promising business. She organised teams of local women to make butter, cheese, and conserves from fruit in season. These were then taken by cart, along with milk, fresh fruit, and vegetables to the markets in Chatham, Rochester, Maidstone, and London on a regular basis. She personally arranged with certain dependable market stall holders to sell their products for a share of the profits, and thus helped to build a reliable market for their expanding business. 

They progressed slowly with the dancing lessons at first. It was hard work but they also had a lot of fun. Sam thought it was too funny to be serious, and discovered he had two left feet, so never quite mastered the necessary techniques. (I was completely at sea with the art-form, discovering I had several left feet, so resolved to stick to my sailing). But, as ever, Liz was a superb teacher, and Francis, as ever, an excellent student. Under Liz's expert tuition he became a very competent dancer. And would soon be ready to test his new skills at a public ball.

The opportunity arrived in the form of a private celebration in Rochester. We all set off in two carriages, one belonging to Francis, the other to Luke (By now a promisingly successful farmer, and trader in the city markets). We travelled with Francis, and Liz travelled with Luke and his father. They arrived at the hotel in Rochester in good time to see the proceedings begin. Francis asked Liz to start him off as partner in his first dance. She was proud and delighted to agree. Francis was then introduced to many people and had a super time. As a young up-and-coming Sea Captain he attracted the attentions of several Society ladies. He danced with numerous partners and didn't injure any of them, or even tear their elaborate dresses! It was a pleasant and successful evening. 

It also became quite apparent that Liz (a catholic) and Luke (a protestant) were becoming very fond of each other in much more than a business connotation. Francis was shocked at first but then conceded that he and Liz were, in nearly every sense, brother and sister. He now understood why she was so keen for him to find another lifelong friend - a partner for life. She had found one, and although she was extremely fond of Frankie in a sisterly way, she now loved Luke as a woman loves a man, and sought Francis' blessing on the match. He readily gave it.

Francis Drake's Story! :-