The Journal of Nicholas Cresswell, 1774-1777


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.6 stars; 9 reviews)

Against his family's wishes, the son of an English landowner emigrates to America in 1774 for reasons he won't reveal. His adventures take him
from Barbados to trade cotton, to the Ohio frontier in search of farmland, and back to the ruins of New York during the Revolutionary War. Refusing to fight for the American side, fearing death in prison, and with his money running out, he struggles to find a way back to England.

Amazing adventures and fascinating observations of life, politics, piracy, survival in Indian country, and parties at George Washington's house during this critical period in America's history. (Summary by Matthew McNaughton) (10 hr 18 min)

Chapters

Foreword 6:32 Read by Piotr Nater
Preparations 19:56 Read by jenno
The Voyage-First glimpses 13:41 Read by jenno
Virginia-Illness-Barbados pt.1 35:44 Read by Jennifer Fournier
Virginia-Illness-Barbados pt.2 34:16 Read by Jennifer Fournier
Virginia Again-Proposed Trip to Illinois 45:32 Read by Jennifer Fournier
Over Hills and Stream-The Kentucky River pt.1 30:45 Read by jenno
Over Hills and Stream-The Kentucky River pt. 2 26:14 Read by jenno
The Ohio River-The Indian Territory pt.1 41:32 Read by Thomas Wayne
The Ohio River-The Indian Territory pt.2 39:03 Read by Thomas Wayne
Back in Virginia-News of the Revolution pt.1 27:40 Read by Matthew McNaughton
Back in Virginia-News of the Revolution pt.2 33:08 Read by Matthew McNaughton
Attempt to Leave-Suspected as a Spy 40:10 Read by Matthew McNaughton
A Winter of Discontent pt.1 31:27 Read by Matthew McNaughton
A Winter of Discontent pt.2 30:38 Read by Matthew McNaughton
Hampton-Williamsburg-Voyage to New York 28:22 Read by Matthew McNaughton
Two Months in New York Harbour pt.1 29:44 Read by Matthew McNaughton
Two Months in New York Harbour pt.2 34:14 Read by Matthew McNaughton
General Washington-The Colonies 41:49 Read by Matthew McNaughton
Return Voyage-Edale Once More 26:28 Read by Chad Jackson
Appendix-Comparative Table of Dates 1:49 Read by Chad Jackson

Reviews


(4 stars)

fascinating details of life in revolting colonies! Poor Nicolas was suspected on both sides as being a spy & ended up bootless & unhorsed more than once, always on the scrounge for the next meal, casually adopting then abandoning an Indian bride. He does look down his nose at people a lot, without any justification, obsessed with success which forever eludes him, this is the adventure of his life - at great cost to his father,when Nicolas returned a failure, his life must have been miserable.