February 2024
50 Acres in Truro
Written by Victor Morris, 1993
“I was born in North Truro, Jan 28, 1903.
My grandfather, Joseph Morris, Sr., was born in Fayal, Azores. He and his brother Victor were orphaned early. Both were unhappy and ‘ran away to sea’. They served as cabin boys on 3 year voyages ‘Around the Horn’ and to (the) ‘South Seas’.
One time, they were becalmed in the Straights of Magellan and the crew was nearly captured by cannibals. At the last moment, a wind sprang up and they were whisked out of their grasp.
Eventually, they landed in ‘P-town’ and achieved citizenship. My grandfather lived there when he was ashore. He sailed on full rigged ships.
During the Civil War, my grandfather was on the vessel Hanover, which was loaded with molasses. They ran (into) a blockade and were captured by an ‘insurgent cruiser’. Their vessel was destroyed. The crew survived in an open boat for 4 days. They finally made land on the northern part of South America. Their boat was sunk off St. Domingo by the rebels manning the cruiser Retribution December 30, 1863. When the crew landed after their ordeal, they were imprisoned by the British – HAPPY NEW YEAR!
When the case was settled — much red tape and many years later, Joseph Morris was the only living member of the crew left and reaped all the benefits, such as they were, after being whittled to a mere pittance by legal fees. Anyhow, he sued the United States government and won. With the proceeds of the settlement, $522.75, he bought a house on Longnook Road with 50 acres of land going from there to the Bay.”
The Morris family farmed for many years and eventually built the cottage colony, Skyline Village on 15 acres on Route 6A, managed by Victor Morris.