Lifelines: Canada's East Coast Fisheries

The Search for Cod, a Delicacy for Meatless Days
A Fishing Expedition on the Saint-André (1754)
The Search for Cod, a Delicacy for Meatless Days: 
A Fishing Expedition on the Saint-André (1754)

By Jean-Pierre Chrestien to TABLE OF CONTENTS


In the Roads near Ré Island

The Fishermen's Provisions
 

A few days before the ship sailed for Newfoundland, the captain allowed his men to go ashore and buy personal provisions: "clothing for the fishery... extra food such as eggs, cheese, sardines and ham, and eau-de-vie." 49 The fishermen received a cash advance on their "third" to meet their needs and those of their families. 50 They used part of the money to buy personal items. Some bought shirts, socks, shoes or a new overcoat. Others purchased favourite foods to break the monotony of the rations. The trip into town was a critical moment in the voyage when seamen who were unhappy and thirsting for freedom saw the door of the cage open a little.

Tuesday, February 26, 1754

Around 8 a.m., the captain sent half the crew ashore to buy their provisions. All the men returned between 4 and 5 p.m.

Wednesday, February 27, 1754

Around 8 a.m., the other half of the crew went ashore. They returned between 5 and 6 p.m., except for the one named Jacques Philippe, from Saint-Étienne-de-la-Tillaye, who deserted. The captain declared him a deserter.



THE VAGARIES OF LIFE AT SEA | PROBLEMS AT THE ADMIRALTY
THE SHIP'S CARPENTER | SUNDAY MASS | THE SALT IS LOADED
THE FISHERMEN'S PROVISIONS | AN APPRENTICE DESERTS
THE SHIP RUNS AGROUND AND IS REPAIRED


Design

 

 
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