Niagara on the Lake part 3

Miss Waterman and
I aboard the Playfair.

The landing was a success, and the casualties were light. The ships raised anchor and sailed down the Niagara River to a place we could come to dock, I gathered my gear and prepared to go ashore, and then from the shore I espied the lovely face of none other but Miss Waterman!

She came aboard in the throng of activity and told me that she was there under the care of our mutual friends and itinerant dance instructors, the Tumbusches. She could not stay aboard the Playfair for long as she was beginning to experience symptoms of the mal de mar.

Miss Waterman informed me that the Tumbusches were encamped near the Navy Hall in a great tent, and had invited me to come and stay with them ashore. I was very pleased to accept their generous invitation.

We walked together along the lane from the docks to Navy Hall and caught up on the events of the past few weeks.

Once back at Navy Hall, I was greeted by Mr & Mrs Tumbusch and their little dog Bingley (a particular favourite of my daughters) and they pressed me for stories of my adventures and give me a great quantity of tea and the wine from a nearby vineyard.

I changed into my Royal Navy small cloathes, it was nice to have a fresh shirt on.

Miss Waterman in the Tumbusch camp.

Bingley guards the longboats by Navy Hall

And so began our social duties, there was the visiting and the retelling of the assault to all those interested. We spent a good deal of our time in the Nancy camp with Schifferdecker and his crew, we got to meet not only the men of the ship but many of their ladies and families as well. They were all kindness and hospitality, and the table they laid out was delicious. The steward and his boy brought glass after glass of port all evening.

Commander S. at the Nancy encampment.

Mrs. Schifferdecker and the Steward's boy.

There was also some dancing to be done...

Look for the lovely Miss Waterman at about 2:40

Whilst in the Nancy camp, we were introduced to Mr. Midshipman Bartgis (pronounced 'Barges') who told stories of his family history. After he felt comfortable among the new company, he boldly asked Miss Waterman to dance with him at the ball taking place within Navy Hall. I was too exhausted from the day to protest.

Mr. Bartgis absconds with Miss Waterman!

to be continued...