[ Post a Response | Auckland Islands ]
Posted by John Jones
on 5/4/2001, 5:54 am
Hello Tom Heard - re General Grant - one of the many fascinating stories of the Auckland Island history - and like most others of last century, a very tragic one. The GG was but one of many vessels to crash on those island shores in the days of sail, every one a story in itself - as was the attempted settlement of 1849 when 3 ships sailed from England with a complete prefabricated village on board, along with men women and children seeking a 'promised land'. A total failure, all gone within 3 years. The General Grant was wrecked in May 1866, survivors rescued on 21 November 1867, the story of their wretched 18 months is reasonable well documented - let me know more of who and where you are Tom, I may be able to help. I spent as long as those folk on the Island but at least I was well fed, well housed, and knew that I would be going home one day - I speak often to local luncheon groups about the Aucklands and their tragic but fascinating history.
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