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Tales of the Chesapeake

by George Alfred Townsend (1841–1914)

  • Free to read
  • 6 hours to read
  • 13 chapters
  • Reading level: 7th grade

"Tales of the Chesapeake" by George Alfred Townsend is a collection of narratives written in the late 19th century. The work appears to focus on the history, folklore, and characters of the Chesapeake Bay area, weaving together tales that embody the local culture and landscape. The stories reflect a deep-seated connection to the region, drawing upon its history and the interplay between human experiences and the natural world. The opening of the collection introduces the reader to a nostalgic and sensory-rich depiction of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, specifically referencing the Pocomoke River area. The narrator, possibly reflecting Townsend’s own sentiments, yearns for a return to simpler times and the peace of his childhood home. This setting serves as a backdrop for the series of tales, hinting at stories yet to come, including themes of love, loss, and community. Following this introduction, the narrative shifts to "King of Chincoteague," where varied characters, including an outcast preacher and a Jewish oyster man, engage in a poignant tale surrounding themes of faith, identity, and redemption against the backdrop of Christmas. This blend of rich imagery and character-driven storytelling sets the tone for the remainder of the collection.

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  • Chesapeake Bay Region (Md. and Va.)

Read the opening

Chapter I

Nick Hammer sat in Funkstown
Before his tavern door—
The same old blue-stone tavern
The wagoners knew of yore,
When the Conestoga schooners
Came staggering under their load,
And the lines of slow pack-horses
Stamped over the National Road.

Nick Hammer and son together,
Both blowing pipe-smoke there,
Like a pair of stolid limekilns,
In the blue South Mountain air;
And the mills of the Antietam,
Grinding the Dunker's wheat
So oldly and so slowly,
Groaned up the deserted street.

"What think'st thou, Nick, my father?"
Said Nick, the old man's twin.
"This whole year thou art silent.
Let a little speech begin.
Thou think'st the bar draws little;
That the stables are empty yet,
And the growing pride of Hagerstown,
Thou can'st not that forget."

"Thou liest, Nick, my little boy;
For Hager's bells I hear
Like the bells of olden travel,
Forgot upon mine ear.
In a wonderful thing once asked him
Thy dear old daddy is sunk—
I have sot here a year and wondered
Who the devil was Mr. Funk!"

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Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Chapter I
  3. Chapter II
  4. Chapter III
  5. Chapter IV
  6. Chapter V
  7. Chapter VI
  8. Chapter VII
  9. Chapter I
  10. Chapter II
  11. Chapter III
  12. Chapter IV
  13. Chapter V

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About this edition

This free edition of Tales of the Chesapeake by George Alfred Townsend comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #18126, released 2006-04-05. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Short Stories, Mythology, Legends & Folklore, American Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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