Emigration to the new world

Many emigrants set off for the new world on these ships "with a suitcase full of hope" - without knowing whether they would ever reach their destination or what to expect there.

The crossing took courage. Often it was the courage of desperation because life in the old world of Europe had become so difficult with the many wars, poverty, shortages and oppression by the power-hungry elites lurking everywhere. These crossings were also difficult and dangerous. Many a passenger was unable to cope with the considerable stresses caused by swell, weather and the circumstances on board. Not every ship reached the port of destination and often adventurous detours had to be taken. Many a crossing ended in the cliffs or in pirate hands.

The ship drove regularly on the routes between Falmouth in southern England and Rio de Janeiro / New York / Boston / Halifax, later also the short route between Falmouth and Lisbon. The trip to America and back took two months. The route Falmouth - Lisbon and back was completed in two weeks by the sailors.

Packets - that's what they were called

Package ships such as the STANMER from Falmouth Packet Service were already very comfortable for the time. Cabins for the passengers, including a toilet, all below deck. The STANMER had a total length of about 40 meters and a weight of 180 tons and had three decks.

The STANMER should have looked something like in the picture.

The blue and white flag was their distinguishing mark.

Captain Sutton,

Born in 1779 as the son of a cross-channel captain, his career began in 1804 as a young captain at the age of 23 and was in command of the three-master WINDSOR CASTLE until 1815, then for two years the ship Hinchinbrook.

From 1815 to 1817 he had his own ship built in the shipyard near Flushing / Falmouth with the financial participation of some partners - the STANMER.

He commanded his ship from 1817 to 1835, the entire time without the problems with pirates that were otherwise known in the seafaring of the time. In 1836 he went into well-deserved retirement. The STANMER was sold to a Portuguese fishing company. Sutton died in 1842 with his extended family.

RS Sutton / picture from unnamed archive

Earned good money with the ship for 17 years and then sold it. That is a very good entrepreneurial result - a big compliment.

Sutton was a very prudent, entrepreneurial captain. Only a few of his colleagues were fortunate enough to even reach retirement and still be able to enjoy a few years of healthy life at home with their families. Despite his many sea voyages, he was happily married, had 12 children and a good home.

The job of captain was very exhausting and exhausting. The harsh conditions on board, bad food, stress, injuries and months of traveling under such conditions ensured that most of the captains did not even reach retirement age.