1815: the brig Commerce sailed down the Connecticut River and across the Atlantic. Wrecked on the coast of Africa, its captain and crew were captured, enslaved by nomads and forced across 800 miles of the Sahara Desert. 13 survived, including Capt. James Riley of Cromwell, whose account, "Sufferings in Africa: The Astonishing Account of a New England Sea Captain Enslaved by North African Arabs" was a best seller at the time. Built in Keeney Cove in Glastonbury and part owned by Wethersfield's Justis Riley, it was one of thousands of ships built along the river in the age of sail.
Dean King's new book, "Skeletons of the Zahara: A True Story of Survival," (Little Brown, 2004) includes the results of his own original research and visit to the site of the wreck and retracing of part of the route on which the crew was taken.
Author King will speak and sign first editions of his book in the Keeney Cultural Center, Wethersfield Historical Society (200 Main Street) Monday, March 20, 2004 at 7:30 PM.
For more info and photos see: "Sands Of Suffering" (Hartford Courant 3/18/04 p. D1)
See also a review at: "Into the Fire," SFGate.com (2/2204)
River of Dreams
at DougSimpson.com