| Notes |
- According to Norman L. Forte, grandson of Edward Forte, Edward's parents and grandparents were physicians from the Barbados Islands, originally of English descent. According to his son Edward Cyrus Forte, his father's full name was Edward Cyrus I. Factually, an 1850 U.S. census record lists his birth place in Barbados. He came to America as a hand on a sailing vessel at a young age. He was supposedly in the service as his son Edward of Julius applied for a pension for their mother due to his service for his country. (F-321) He spent much of his life at sea and spent his last few years as ship's captain. He was murdered in Mexico. There is a cemetery stone for him in New Haven, Conn.
Diantha Fitch Bunnell apparently made a living, part of her life, by being a college dormitory mother. She raised her children Presbyterian. Feelings left over in the family, suggest that Edward was believed to be a pirate. He supposedly owned land that is now a part of Mexico City. His sons disposed of his holdings as if to wash their hands of him.
The Mormon I.G.I. files for Barbados includes the following data. The information was supposedly transcribed from actual Christening records. An Edward Forte was christened as the son of Christopher and Anna Forte on 22 Sept. 1822 in Saint Thomas Parish, Barbados. Edward had the following brothers and sisters, also children of Christopher and Anna: Samuel Simmons, chr. 1816, Elizabeth, chr. 18 Sept., 1818, Christopher and Sarah Elizabeth, chr. 17 Nov. 1820, (Our Edward) Mary Anna, chr. 8 Jun., 1824. (Note that this Christening date contradicts information in Edward's Autobiographical letter: "The Sea Gull." In it he states that his three sisters died before he was born, Mar., 1821. (F-227d) Christening records have been verified when we took a trip to Barbados.
His diary has been preserved through a remaining translation. It appears that Edward didn't have every detail correct. The following letter and newspaper clipping were sent to me by Edward's great grandson, Henry Lincoln Forte III. The letter, as printed in total here, was transcribed from the original by the grandson of Edward, Norman Leroy Forte. The original is lost by all known accounts, but it was passed down through Edward's son, Henry Lincoln Forte I, to his grandson, Joseph A. (Joe), to his brother, Norman. The letter is entitled, "The Sea Gull: The Life and Adventures of E. Forte. (It is typed in exact duplicate, preserving punctuation, to the copy I received. Only information in parentheses has been added by me.)
"As I am now about to relate a few circumstances touching on my own life and proceedings, I think I shall explain as well as I can my birth place and the curious way which I have got along through life, hoping that if any one should ever take up or notice these few lines they will of course excuse the rough language and the many mistakes which are generally made by seamen as by profession I am one of that unfortunate class of men called the sons of the sea at the same time not professing to be an accomplished author but only do this for my own curiosity in my idle moments as it maybe of some importance to my relatives or friends as well as my own family.
Chapter 1 I was born in the Island of Barbadoes, one of the British West Indies or Caribbean Islands laying in North latitude 13 (degrees) and West longitude 59 (degrees). I was born in the year of our Lord 1821 on the 7th day of March and am a son of Doctor Christopher Forte and Anna Lamming which was my Mother's maiden name and a grandson of Doctor Samuel Forte. There were six children by my Father and Mother; namely, Samuel Simons Forte, Christopher Forte, Elizabeth First, Elizabeth Second and Mary Anna Forte Third, Edward Forte the Last and youngest. My three sisters all died before I was born and my Mother, Anna Lamming, died July 4th, 1821, leaving me at the age of three months.
After the death of my Mother, my Father was almost driven to distraction having lost his sole choice and consolation in this life. But things soon took a change. My aunt, Miss Mary Forte and her sister Sarah took charge of my Brother Christopher and myself and educated us - of whom we have now to thank for what little education we are hoped of. My Brother Samuel remained with my Father and studied his profession.
After I arrived at the age of eight years, my Father took another wife and was married October 9th, 1829 to a Miss Mary Yearwood, home town Barbadoes and in December of the same year I was brought back to my Father's residence along with my Brother Christopher and was then put to school in the parish of St. Thomas to my uncle Mr. Dymock Lamming a Brother of my deceased Mother. It was not long before terror and dismay began to show itself in the countenance of my poor, afflicted Father as his second wife began to act contrary to his wishes and to abuse my Brother and myself, giving us very often what is called the mother-in-law's affection in giving us a regular caneing every chance she got. My Father had four children by this cruel woman. Nathaniel the first, Ann the second, Jane the third, and John Millard Forte the last. Every day I could see that my poor parent began to decline in health and often would I sit by his side and tell him that I though(t) we would not have him long with us and surely it proved true. My Father was taken very ill and was removed to my Aunt's who married a Mr. John Millard, an English merchant, and on the 10th day of December, 1835, he died in the 40th year of his age. I was with him to the last moment and he died perfectly delirious but knew me and spoke to me about an hour before he died.
It is impossible for me to describe my feelings when at that moment and for ever up to this day that I am writing this, after everything was settled it appears by some unjust contrivance but which I believe is the British law, that my oldest Brother Samuel Simons Forte, was heir to all the proceeds left after the estate was settled of which he went to England, finished his medical studies and I found that I must do something. I was put on a plantation by my Aunt, Miss Mary Forte, to learn to be a planter, but I did not like it and therefore left.
I next went on board the ship Eleanor of London and stayed one year and a half and left her as in British Merchantman the usage is very cruel to boys. Captain Samuel Ewing was the captain of the ship Eleanor. I left her at Barbadoes and joined the American barque Magnolia of New Haven, Connecticut and came to New Orleans from thence to New Haven and made several voyages in that employ the firms then of Meyers, Hotchkip and Forties and from the kind usage which I received from the Americans I made New Haven my home for life. I also made some voyages in Schooner Smith with Captain Henry Bush and in the Schooner Baltimore, Captain George Auger also in Barque Panthea Captain Monthope and Brig Industry Captain Owen, also Brig Blackhawk Captain Dennis Bunnel my Brother by marriage.
I was naturalized in New Haven and married Miss Diantha Fitch Bunnel of New Haven, Connecticut in the year 1842, October 28 and on April lst we were blessed with a son, 1844 called Lester Baldwin Forte and in February we were blessed with a daughter, 1846, called Anna Elizabeth Forte. Everything went well with me until July 1846. I took it in my head, like a great many others, to go and seek my fortune in the gold regions of Columbia in a smuggling vessel to the coast of Saint Martha and after a severe contest with our opponents of which I got severely wounded I was taken prisoner at Saint Martha's August 24, 1846 and was imprisoned for ninety-five days. The furst of my imprisonment I was very cruelly treated but in the latter part very kindly used. After I was imprisoned, my friends all deserted me and after I was released and came to the United States it was very hard for me to console with my friends as they took my behavior in another light and up to this day there are many who hold a suspicious opinion about the matter but I think they are wrong but will never force as the old adage is try to make people believe that never had any belief either in God or man.
I was afterwards Master of the Columbian Brig Inconstant of Sabanilla and made a voyage in her afterwards condemned her at the Island of Grand Caymans in the West Indies and having sailed out of Mobile and New Orleans for two years I am now at this time, March 16th 1850, commander of the Schooner Home of New Orleans and owned by E.E. Spearing and Co. of the city of New Orleans of which I have made two voyages to Aramsas(?) and Corpus Christi and am now on my way from Galveston to Attakapas, Louisiana.
Chapter 2. In which I shall state many curious little circumstances selective to a sea faring life. Previous to this I met with another very serious trial after being absent for three years I returned to New Haven and arrived at the city August 30, 1849 and in four days from the time of my arrival I had the sad misfortune of following the funeral and corps of my poor deceased sister-in-law Miss Martha Elizabeth Bunnel who died September 3d 1849 in the 20th year of her age of which I will write the few following lines on the next page(.) Blessed ar(e) they who die in the Lord. Lines on the Death of Miss Martha E. Bunnel. - - - - - - - - - - - - Low she lies who blest our eyes Through many a sunny day She may not smile. She will not rise The life hath passed away. Yet there's a world of light beyond Where we neither died nor sleep She is there of whom our souls were fond Then wherefore do we weep. The world of light with joy is bright This is a world of woe Shall we grieve that her soul has taken flight Because we dwell below We have buried her under the mossy sod And one long bright tress we well keep We have only given her back to God Then wherefore do we weep. Written by Edward Forte as a token of his esteem and affection
In the next page will also be found a few lines written for a poor grieved Mother in the loss of an only child. For Mrs. Tabor of New Orleans
On the death of her only daughter Elizabeth Tabor Adieu sweet Child! Oh, never more Thy jo(y)ous presence shall recall The beauty which the hours were When thou wert near the light of all Nor aught wails the burning tear To soothe the lone and stricken hearted Which still reminds thou art not here We know we feel thous hast departed. And while the Beautiful shall find Her dwelling in the humane heart Fond memori(ies) of thee shall bind To years in mournful radiance do rest Whose farthest light shall still endear The pair to one sad bosom given Whom one sweet hope alone can cheer To meet the lost on earth in heaven. Written by Edward Forte
Arrived Safe at Pattersonville Atakapas G.(or C.) Wednesday 20th March and found myself in the land of alligators snakes and mosquitoes with everything as dull as life could make. Once in a while there happens along an old planter with his blue Kentucky suit rather the worse for wear and to see the inmates of their houses is a perfect sight. The moment you get near these planters houses and it is known that you are a stranger you will see the ladies flying to see where they can hide their beautiful saffron coloured faces as you cannot find the rosy cheek and red lip in this part of the world and when they are dressed up in their Sunday go to meetings is what takes my eye the most. They then look as though they thought they ought to be worshiped -------- golden images. The negroes seem to be ---- deal better looking especially the yellow -------as they resemble the castilian people ---- than they do the natives of Louisiana, ------ perfectly at my ease taking comfort ________ that I shall soon be to the north among ______own little family hoping to be able to ____their little wants and make them as -----I can. I am now on my way --- Attakapas, Louisiana with a cargo of _____ To A Lady Who Was Wrongfully Deserted By Her Husband In Answer To His Abortive Letter.
- - - - - - O could I learn indifference From all I hear and see Nor think nor care for others more Than they may care me Why follow thus with vain regret To save a broken claim If others can so soon forget Why should I not same O could I learn indifference From all I hear and see Nor think nor care for others more Than they may care for me. There is no blight that winter throws No frost however stern Like that which chilled affection knows Which hearts forsaken learn What solace can the world impart When love's reliance ends ----heres no winter for the heart -----that unkindness sends O could I learn indifference From all I her and see No think nor care for others more Than they may care for me. Edward Forte, Esqr. (Thus are the writings of Edward Forte's Journal.) (F-227d, F-DOC)
(A special thanks goes to Henry Lincoln Forte, III for sharing his copy of Edward's journal with us. ) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -
The second item of significant information from Henry Lincoln Forte III, was an original newspaper clipping from a New Orleans Newspaper which reads as follows: Tehuantepec.
Correspondence of the New Orleans Delta.
Minatitlan, Sunday, Aug. 1, 1858. Since my arrival here nothing of especial interest has occurred, either in the affairs of the Government or the prosecution of the work upon the "Transit Route." It is reported that there are some two hundred men, principally natives, employed in finishing the road for the "Tehuantepec Company," but for the truth of this report I would not vouch. At this place, (which is some one hundred miles from the seat of the work,) through which all the supplies and laborers, with the exception of the natives, must pass, there are no signs which would lead one to suppose that any work was being done, or even contemplated. ... I anticipate making a trip over the Isthmus in a few days, I shall be prepared in my next letter to give you more complete information. In political affairs everything is perfectly quiet in this part of the country, it being entirely under the control of the Liberal party. This Department is favored with a most excellent Governor, Sr. D. Francisco Zeraga, of whom I cannot speak in too high terms. Capt. EDWARD FORT, a merchant residing here, and late of the United States, was most brutally murdered at his own house, on the 14th of June last, and at the same time robbed, as is supposed, of about two thousand dollars. He received some sixteen or seventeen wounds, either one of which was fatal. Of the authors of the deed as yet no information has been obtained, and little hope exists of bringing the perpetrators to justice. (The article was cut off after one line of a new paragraph, further describing the status of the area the reporting was writing about...presumably the Barbados. Please note, the spelling of Barbados currently leaves out the "oes" ending. Apparently it was spelled Barbadoes in the past, as many old documents, including this journal, spell it that way.)
More information of interest on his life is from a scrap book that was in the possession of Clara Forte Corrigan and now belongs to her daughter Libby Swenson of Van Nuys, California. The scrap book contains many newspaper clippings. The following were the ones that applied to Edward Forte.
He wrote several poems which were published in newspapers of the day. This one had the following handwritten message on it. "Christmas gift for Mrs. Diantha Forte from Mr. E. Forte."
Maiden Worth Her home was but a cottage home, A simple home and small Yet sweetness and affection made It seem a fairy hall; A little taste, a little care, Made humble things appear As though they were translated there From some superior sphere; Her home was but a cottage home, A simple home and small, Yet sweetness and affection made It seem a fairy hall. As sweet the home, so sweet the maid, As graceful and as good; She seemed a lily in the shade, A violet in the bud! She had no worth but maiden worth- A wealth that's little fame; Yet that's the truest gold of earth- The other's but a name! Her home was but a cottage home, A simple home and small, Yet sweetness and affection made It seem a fairy hall. A cheerfulness of soul that threw A smile o'er every task, A willingness, that ever flew To serve, ere one could ask! A something we could wish our own; An humble flow'ret born, To grace in it's degree a throne, Or any rank adorn! Her home was but a cottage home, A simple home, and small, Yet sweetness and affection made It seem a fairy hall! (F-231x)
The following poem has handwriting on it that says it was "by E. Forte." TO DIANTHE. The evening star with lingering ray New shines above the trysting-tree, Where oft we've watch'd it fade away And sink beneath the silent sea; When though thy young hand clasp'd in mine, With tearful eye wouldst question me, If, when I saw its glory shine In other climes, I'd think of thee. And I would promise thee to keep Love's vigil's by its trembling light, Or on the land or on the deep, Whene'er it beam'd upon my sight; And often when the billows threw Their arms across my foamy track, That lovely star would fondly woo To thy loved home my spirit back. On India's bright and burning plain, Where fair Italia's breezes sweep, Or proud Athenia's ruined (fanes?) Their watch o'er Grecian glory keep; On many a land, o'er many a sea, When sped my bark to realms afar, My pilgrim heart would turn to thee, While gazing on that lovely star. Years since have flown, and thou hast found Another shrine, another throne, Whereon thy hand hath lightly bound The offerings I had deem'd mine own; But though another claims thy love, Fond memory oft will whisper me Of happy days, when Fancy wove Hope's garlands by the star-lit sea.
A couple of his poems above have alluded to his great love for his wife and their falling apart after years, only to Edward's regrets.
He was also mentioned in various newspaper clippings, from what paper it is not known. One possible newspaper could have been the (Fob?) THE HERALD as it is listed at the top of one poem.
In one a "colored girl" asked to be transported on Captain Forte's ship. When he tried to ascertain her free status and was not satisfied with her answer, he asked her to come back the next day. "He had some doubts as to the propriety of acceding to her request." When she returned on Sunday evening, he became convinced that she was a fugitive. He then went to report her to the authorities. He was accosted on the way by three men who threatened him and wished him to take her to New York. Capt. Forte drew a revolver at which time they tried to bribe him with money. He declined and gave the information he had to the guardhouse where she was lodged to await the application of the owner. I
In another, " We are indebted to Captain Fort of the Schr. Agnes H. Ward, at this port, from Nassau, New Providence, for a copy of the Royal Gazette of the 25th ult." And another, "Captain Forte, of the Schooner Agnes H. Ward, this morning placed, or caused to be placed on our table, a noble assortment of pine apples, limes, lemons, etc., all of which we promise duly to discuss.- We presume the Captain has a few more of the same sort left to be disposed of at private sale."
The last is from THE DAILY DELTA entitled "Letter from Tehuantepec, Minatitlan, June 2, 1857." "At the request of thirty-one Americans, I beg leave to return to Capt. Edward Forte, of the schooner visitor, and Col. S.W. Pratt, the agent of the Sloo party, their kind thanks and good wishes for the good dinner tendered them on board schooner Visitor on the 26th May, and also for their kindness in offering them a free passage to the United States, while destitute in the town of Minatitlan. They may rest assured their kindness will never be forgotten. The Sloo party which came down on the Visitor were most cordially received by every one here. They brought a very large amount of American gold to drive ahead the work, which was very much needed... The schooner...,Visitor, (will) leave this afternoon for New Orleans."
We had the opportunity to visit New Orleans for a day in 1992. I found him listed in the ship registers of New Orleans, Vol. Four, 1841-1850, pg. 146. John Rowlett, schooner, of Baltimore, Md. Built at Baltimore, Md. 1838. 73 88/95 tons; 72 ft. 10 in. by 5 ft. 8 in. One deck, two masts, square stern, billethead. Previously enrolled, No. 135, July 17, 1846, at Baltimore, Md. Vessel mortgaged in favor of Thomas Hooper, Baltimore, Mr. Vessel mortgaged in favor of Thomas Hooper, Baltimore, Md. for $325.00. July 18, 1846. At the end of a long list of registries for this this, we find it was "Registered, No. 120, Dec. 4, 1850 (Wednesday). Owner: James Carter, New Orleans. Master: Edward Forte." Then I checked the New Orleans Commercial Bulletin and found the advertisement for the departure of the ship on that exact same day: "For Chagres, The A 1 coppered and copper fastened schr. John Rowlett, Capt. ______, having nearly all her cargo engaged and going on board, will have immediate dispatch for the above port. For balance of freight or passage, having superior accommodations, apply on board, foot of St. Peter st., Lower Picayune Tier, or to n30. W.S. Brown, 30 Gravier st." (Note that Edward Forte must have been selected to be the master of this ship at the last minute). (F-242 and 243) A map of where this tier was located is numbered F-244 in my files.
Libby Swenson also had several family bibles in her possession. One of them included this handwritten inscription in the front: "(For) Master Edward Forte From his Father Edward Forte (Snr?) Learn as soon as possible to be acquainted with the scriptures and practice them in all your ways." June 10th 1854 (It appears to have a very fancy F. signed after the inscription)
The bible has an 1851 copyright. (F-314a) Hank Forte also has a family bible with the name Henry L. Forte printed on the cover published in 1868. On the fly leaf is written, "From Libbie, Christmas, 1869." Hank received the bible from his grandfather, Henry L. Forte, before he died. (F-227)
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1821 - 1858 (37 years)
[9, 10] 
