The cast of characters in Voices Beckon crossed the Atlantic in the winter of 1783-4, on a ship named the Industry.
The ship itself was real enough. She sailed out of Bristol, England on November 7, 1783, destined for Philadelphia. She was a brig: a two-masted, square-rigged, merchant vessel, under 250 tons. That’s not big, and quarters would have been snug.
Whether she carried passengers in steerage or a hold filled with merchandise, I’m not certain–although with the American Revolution just over, I think it’s likely she carried passengers.
The winter of 1783 was uncommonly severe, and it took Captain Honeywell three months to reach Philadelphia, a journey that might normally take less than two months. It stands to reason that food and water supplies, foul or not, were sorely depleted by journey’s end.
Hi Linda, I just came across this page looking for information on a very interesting 1800 dated tax receipt I just bought at an auction. Perhaps you can help me learn more about it. It is signed by William Ellery one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Anyway, two ships are mentioned on the document…the Schooner Polly and the Brig Industry. Searching for the latter is what led me to your page. Do you have any additional information about that ship?
Many thanks and regards,
Patrick
I do, Patrick, although I’m not sure it’s the same Industry as that on your tax receipt. I’ll email you the citations.
Linda