Edward Cyrus Forte ²¹

  General Notes:

[MyFamily.com, Inc. WFT Vol. 150, Ed. 1, Tree #0018, Date of Import: Dec29, 2004]

Linda Coate Website

According to Norman L. Forte, grandson of Edward Forte, Edward's parentsand grandparents were physicians from the Barbados Islands, originally ofEnglish descent. According to his son Edward Cyrus Forte, his father'sfull name was Edward Cyrus I. Factually, an 1850 U.S. census record listshis birthplace in Barbados. He came to America as a hand on asailingvessel at a young age. He was supposedly in the service as hisson Edwardof Julius applied for a pension for their mother due to hisservice forhis country. (F-321) He spent much of his life at sea and spent his lastfew years as ship's captain. He was murdered in Mexico. There is acemetery stone for him in New Haven, Conn.

Diantha Fitch Bunnell apparently made a living, part of her life, bybeing a college dormitory mother. She raised her children Presbyterian.

Feelings left over in the family, suggest that Edward was despised byhissons as a pirate. He supposedly owned land that is now a part of MexicoCity. His sons disposed of his holdings as if to wash their handsof him.The Mormon I.G.I. files for Barbados includes the following data. Theinformation was supposedly transcribed from actual Christening records.An Edward Forte was christened as the son of Christopher and Anna Forteon 22 Sept. 1822 in Saint Thomas Parish, Barbados. Edward hadthefollowing brothers and sisters, also children of Christopher and Anna:Samuel Simmons, chr. 1816, Elizabeth, chr. 18 Sept., 1818, Christopherand Sarah Elizabeth, Chr. 17 Nov. 1820, (Our Edward) Mary Anna, chr. 8Jun., 1824. (Note that this Christening date contradicts information inEdward's Autobiographical letter: "The Sea Gull." In it he statesthathis three sisters died before he was born, Mar., 1821. (F-227d)Christening records have been verified when we took a trip to Barbados.It appears that Edward didn't have every detail correct.

The following letter and newspaper clipping were sent to me by Edward'sgreat grandson, Henry Lincoln Forte III. The letter, as printed in totalhere, was transcribed from the original by the grandson of Edward,NormanLeroy Forte. The original is lost by all known accounts, but itwaspassed down through Edward's son, Henry Lincoln Forte I, to his grandson,Joseph A. (Joe), to his brother, Norman. The letter is entitled, "The SeaGull: The Life and Adventures of E. Forte. (It is typed in exactduplicate, preserving punctuation, to the copy I received. Onlyinformation in parentheses has been added by me.)

"As I am now about to relate a few circumstances touching on my own lifeand proceedings, I think I shall explain as well as I can my birth placeand the curious way which I have got along through life, hoping that ifany one should ever take up or notice these few lines they will of courseexcuse the rough language and the many mistakes which are generally madeby seamen as by profession I am one of that unfortunate class of mencalled the sons of the sea at the same time not professing tobe anaccomplished author but only do this for my own curiosity in my idlemoments as it maybe of some importance to my relatives or friends as wellas my own family.

Chapter 1
I was born in the Island of Barbadoes, one of the British West IndiesorCaribbean Islands laying in North latitude 13 (degrees) and Westlongitude 59 (degrees). I was born in the year of our Lord 1821 on the7thday of March and am a son of Doctor Christopher Forte and AnnaLammingwhich was my Mother's maiden name and a grandson of Doctor SamuelForte. There were six children by my Father and Mother; namely, SamuelSimons Forte, Christopher Forte, Elizabeth First, Elizabeth Second andMaryAnna Forte Third, Edward Forte the Last and youngest. My threesistersall died before I was born and my Mother, Anna Lamming, died July4th,1821, leaving me at the age of three months. After the death of myMother, my Father was almost driven to distraction having lost his solechoice and consolation in this life. But things soon took a change. Myaunt, Miss Mary Forte and her sister Sarah took charge of my BrotherChristopher and myself and educated us - of whom we have now to thank forwhat little education we are hoped of. My Brother Samuel remained with myFather and studied his profession. After I arrived at the age of eightyears, my Father took another wife and was married October 9th, 1829to aMiss Mary Yearwood, home town Barbadoes and in December of the same yearI was brought back to my Father's residence along with my BrotherChristopher and was then put to school in the parish of St. Thomas to myuncle Mr. Dymock Lamming a Brother of my deceased Mother. It was not longbefore terror and dismay began to show itself in the countenance of mypoor, afflicted Father as his second wife began to act contrary to hiswishes and to abuse my Brother and myself, giving us very often what iscalled the mother-in-law's affection in giving us a regular caneing everychance she got. My Father had four children by this cruelwoman.Nathaniel the first, Ann the second, Jane the third, and John MillardForte the last. Every day I could see that my poor parent began todecline in health and often would I sit by his side and tell him that Ithough(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 aMr. 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 lastmoment and he died perfectly delirious but knew me and spoke tome aboutan hour before he died. It is impossible for me to describe my feelingswhen 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 butwhich I believe is the British law, that my oldest BrotherSamuel SimonsForte, was heir to all the proceeds left after the estate was settled ofwhich he went to England, finished his medical studies and I found that Imust 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. Inext went on board the ship Eleanor of London and stayed one year and ahalf and left her as in British Merchantman the usage is very cruel toboys. Captain Samuel Ewing was the captain ofthe ship Eleanor. I lefther at Barbadoes and joined the American barque Magnolia of New Haven,Connecticut and came to New Orleans from thence to New Haven and madeseveral voyages in that employ the firms then of Meyers, Hotchkip andForties and from the kind usage which I received from the Americans Imade New Haven my home for life. I also made some voyages in SchoonerSmith with Captain Henry Bush and in the Schooner Baltimore, CaptainGeorge Auger also in Barque Panthea Captain Monthope and Brig IndustryCaptain Owen, also Brig Blackhawk Captain Dennis Bunnel my Brother bymarriage. I was naturalized in New Haven and married Miss Diantha FitchBunnel of New Haven, Connecticut in the year 1842, October 28 and onApril lst we were blessed with a son, 1844 called Lester Baldwin Forteand in February we were blessed with a daughter, 1846, called AnnaElizabeth Forte. Everything went well with me until July 1846. I took itin my head, like a great many others, to go and seekmy fortune in thegold regions of Columbia in a smuggling vessel to the coast of SaintMartha and after a severe contest with our opponents of which I gotseverely wounded I was taken prisoner at Saint Martha's August 24, 1846and was imprisoned for ninety-five days. The furst of my imprisonment Iwas very cruelly treated but in the latter part very kindly used. After Iwas imprisoned, my friends all deserted me and after I was released andcame to the United States it was very hard for meto console with myfriends as they took my behavior in another light and up to this daythere are many who hold a suspicious opinion about the matter but I thinkthey are wrong but will never force as the old adage is try to makepeople believe that never had any belief either in God or man. I wasafterwards Master of the Columbian Brig Inconstant of Sabanilla and madea voyage in her afterwards condemned her at the Island of Grand Caymansin the West Indies and having sailed out of Mobile and New Orleans fortwo years I am now at this time, March 16th 1850, commander of theSchooner Home of New Orleans and owned by E.E. Spearingand Co. of thecity of New Orleans of which I have made two voyages toAramsas(?) andCorpus Christi and am now on my way from Galveston to Attakapas,Louisiana.

Chapter 2.
In which I shall state many curious little circumstances selective toasea faring life. Previous to this I met with another very serious trialafter being absent for three years I returned to New Haven and arrived atthe city August 30, 1849 and in four days from the time of my arrival Ihad the sad misfortune of following the funeral and corps of mypoordeceased sister-in-law Miss Martha Elizabeth Bunnel who died September 3d1849 in the 20th year of her age of which I will write the fewfollowinglines on the next page(.) Blessed ar(e) they who die in the Lord.

Lines on the Death of Miss Martha E. Bunnel. - - - - - - - - - - - - Lowshe 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 lightbeyond Where we neither died nor sleep She is there of whom our soulswere fond Then wherefore do we weep. The world of light with joy isbright This is a world of woe Shall we grieve that her soul has takenflight Because we dwell below We have buried her under the mossy sod Andone long bright tress we well keep We have only given her back to GodThen 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 poorgrieved Mother in 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 hourswere When thou wert near the light of all Nor aught wails the burningtear To soothe the lone and stricken hearted Which still reminds thou artnot here We know we feel thous hast departed. And while the Beautifulshall find Her dwelling in the humane heart Fond memori(ies) of theeshall bind To years in mournful radiance do rest Whose farthest lightshall still endear The pair to one sad bosom given Whom one sweet hopealone can cheer To meet the lost on earth in heaven.

Written by Edward Forte
Arrived Safe at Pattersonville Atakapas G.(or C.) Wednesday 20th Marchand found myself in the land of alligators snakes and mosquitoes witheverything as dull as life could make. Once in a while there happensalong an old planter with his blue Kentucky suit rather the worse forwear and to see the inmates of their houses is a perfect sight. Themoment you get near these planters houses and it is known that you are astranger you will see the ladies flying to see where they can hide theirbeautiful saffron coloured faces as you cannot find the rosy cheek andred lip in this part of the world and when they are dressed up in theirSunday go to meetings is what takes my eye the most. They then look asthough 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 thenatives of Louisiana, ------ perfectly at my ease taking comfort ________that I shall soon be to the north among ______own little family hoping tobe able to ____their little wants and make them as -----I can. I am nowon 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 Northink nor care for others more Than they may care me Why follow thus withvain regret To save a broken claim If others can so soon forget Whyshould I not same O could I learn indifference From all I hear and seeNor think nor care for others more Than they may care for me. There is noblight that winter throws No frost however stern Like that which chilledaffection knows Which hearts forsaken learn What solace can the worldimpart When love's reliance ends ----heres no winter for the heart-----that unkindness sends O could I learn indifference From all I herand 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 forsharing 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 whichreads as follows:

Tehuantepec.
Correspondence of the New Orleans Delta.
Minatitlan, Sunday, Aug. 1, 1858.
Since my arrival here nothing of especial interest has occurred, eitherin the affairs of the Government or the prosecution of the work uponthe"Transit Route." It is reported that there are some two hundred men,principally natives, employed in finishing the road for the "TehuantepecCompany," but for the truth of this report I would not vouch. At thisplace, (which is some one hundred miles from the seat of the work,)through which all the supplies and laborers, with the exception of thenatives, must pass, there are no signs which would lead one to supposethat any work was being done, or even contemplated. ... I anticipatemaking a trip over the Isthmus in a few days, I shall be prepared in mynext letter to give you more complete information.

In political affairs everything is perfectly quiet in this part of thecountry, it being entirely under the control of the Liberal party. ThisDepartment is favored with a most excellent Governor, Sr. D. FranciscoZeraga, of whom I cannot speak in too high terms.

Capt. EDWARD FORT, a merchant residing here, and late of the UnitedStates, was most brutally murdered at his own house, on the 14th of Junelast, and at the same time robbed, as is supposed, of about two thousanddollars. He received some sixteen or seventeen wounds, either one ofwhich was fatal. Of the authors of the deed as yet no information hasbeen obtained, and little hope exists of bringing the perpetrators tojustice. (The article was cut off after one line of a new paragraph,further describing the status of the area the reporting was writingabout...presumably the Barbados. Please note, the spelling of Barbadoscurrently leaves out the "oes" ending. Apparently it was spelledBarbadoes 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 inthe
possession of Clara Forte Corrigan and now belongs to her daughter LibbySwenson of Van Nuys, California. The scrap book contains many newspaperclippings. 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 forMrs. 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 itthat 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 inmine,
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 hastfound
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 wifeand their falling apart after years, only to Edward's regrets.

He was also mentioned in various newspaper clippings, from what paperitis not known. One possible newspaper could have been the (Fob?) THEHERALD 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 heranswer, he asked her to come back the next day. "He had some doubts as tothe propriety of acceding to her request." When she returned on Sundayevening, he became convinced that she was a fugitive. He thenwent toreport her to the authorities. He was accosted on the way by three menwho threatened him and wished him to take her to New York. Capt. Fortedrew a revolver at which time they tried to bribe him with money. Hedeclined and gave the information he had to the guardhouse whereshe waslodged to await the application of the owner.

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 RoyalGazette of the 25th ult."

And another, "Captain Forte, of the Schooner Agnes H. Ward, this morningplaced, or caused to be placed on our table, a noble assortment of pineapples, limes, lemons, etc., all of which we promise duly to discuss.- Wepresume the Captain has a few more of the same sort left to be disposedof at private sale."

And the last, from THE DAILY DELTA entitled "Letter from Tehuantepec,Minatitlan, June 2, 1857." "At the request of thirtyone Americans, I begleave 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 goodwishes for the good dinner tendered them on board schooner Visitor onthe26th May, and also for their kindness in offering them a free passage tothe United States, while destitute in the town of Minatitlan. They mayrest assured their kindness will never be forgotten.

The Sloo party which came down on the Visitor were most cordiallyreceived by every one here. They brought a very large amount of Americangold to drive ahead the work, which was very much needed... Theschooner...,Visitor, (will) leave this afternoon for New Orleans."

We had the opportunity to visit New Orleans for a day in 1992. I foundhim 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, twomasts, 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 forthis this, we find it was "Registered, No. 120, Dec. 4, 1850 (Wednesday).Owner: James Carter, New Orleans. Master: Edward Forte." Then I checkedthe New Orleans Commercial Bulletin and found the advertisement for thedeparture of the ship on that exact same day: "For Chagres, TheA 1coppered and copper fastened schr. John Rowlett, Capt. ______, havingnearly all her cargo engaged and going on board, will have immediatedispatch for the above port. For balance of freight or passage, havingsuperior accommodations, apply on board, foot of St. Peter st., LowerPicayune Tier, or to n30. W.S. Brown, 30 Gravier st." (Note that EdwardForte must have been selected to be the master of this ship at the lastminute). (F-242 & 243) A map of where this tier was located is numberedF-244 in my files.

Libby Swenson also had several family bibles in her possession. One ofthem included this handwritten inscription in the front: "(For) MasterEdward Forte From his Father Edward Forte (Snr?) Learn as soon aspossible to be acquainted with the scriptures and practice them in allyourways." June 10th 1854 (It appears to have a very fancy F. signedafterthe inscription) The bible has an 1851 copyright. (F-314a) HankForte also has a family bible with the name Henry L. Forte printed on thecover 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.

Edward married Diantha Fitch Bunnell, daughter of Jairus Bunnell and Martha Lincoln, on 24 Oct 1842 in New Haven, New Haven County, CT.²¹ (Diantha Fitch Bunnell was born on 28 Jul 1826 in Connecticut,²¹ died on 29 Nov 1902 in Mt. Vernon, West Chester County, NY ²¹ and was buried about 2 Dec 1902 in New Haven County, CT ²¹.)