Cyrus Cole (1883)

There are other pieces of evidence which we think provide believable documentation of encounters.  We offer this recorded session as told by a Cyrus Cole in 1883 to a Dr. Wyman Packard of Plymouth. Cole said he knew of the youngster mentioned in his story, and believed the lad.

August 12^th 1883

Notes recorded 5:45 PM


Cyrus Cole – Age 77 – Liver ailments - Long time alcoholic - Severe short term memory problems.  

Cyrus told me this tale today.  My note taking was tested here, thus have recorded the details as best I could.  Historical content I believe, but will work to verify, though his other stories have proven to be correct in terms of past factual events.

"By 1814, blockade running on Cape Cod had become lucrative for some, and the western shore line with its vast flats from Eastham to Barnstable was ideal for skirting their watchful British navy.  Remember that Mayo and Hill of Eastham (1) [He seemed to believe I should know these two characters of the past.] were adventurous lads and the scheme to take a load of rye to Boston was risky at best, as the British ship Spencer patrolled the bay with the assistance of other smaller vessels.  To the surprise of those who heard later, the two made it safely to Boston in their outfitted whale boat.  But here their success may have gotten the better of their judgment.  They traded their vessel for a larger boat loaded with cargo and headed homeward, proud of their exploits thus far.  When they reached the waters off the Gurnet of Duxbury, a pinkie (2) approached them. Mayo thought the vessel to be a fisherman, but the two were unpleasantly surprised to find the boat to be a disguised British patrol."

"They were easily taken into custody.  I believe Hill was taken to Boston for ransom.  Mayo was given the choice to pilot the vessel and assist the crew while navigating the area.  The offer pleased Mayo.  He had them head south and soon they were just a couple of miles off Yarmouth."

[Cyrus shifted in his seat.  He seemed nervous.]

"A storm came up and a heavy westerly wind with growing seas battered the schooner.  Mayo, known to be quick thinking, told the others to take safe haven inside Billingsgate, and they made their way North.  It wasn’t long before Mayo’s decision, whether planned or not, had the vessel grounded off the flats west of his own town.  The crew was furious, but he assured them that on the next tide they would float free.  He suggested they go below in the meantime so the vessel would not cause suspicion."

"Of course, they didn't know Mayo from Adam, so one might wonder why they complied."

To be continued...


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(1) We could not find record of these men. The names may be fictitious to protect both the patient and the doctor who provided the records.
(2) A pinkie was a small schooner with the stern of the vessel painted pink.