The Wager by David Grann: Book Overview

Have you ever wondered what it's like to survive a shipwreck in the 18th century? What lengths would you go to in order to stay alive on a remote island?

In The Wager, David Grann takes you on a thrilling journey through one of history's most harrowing naval disasters. This gripping tale explores the aftermath of a British warship's wreck, delving into the struggles, conflicts, and survival stories of its crew.

Read on to discover the incredible true story behind David Grann's The Wager and the lasting impact it had on maritime history and literature.

Overview of The Wager

David Grann's The Wager unravels a gripping saga of the ill-fated 18th-century voyage of the HMS Wager, one of Britain's naval vessels bound for the Pacific Ocean, entangled with imperial ambition, rife with hardship and tragedy. The book explores the hidden motives fueling the expedition's secret mission, the calamity that befalls the crew, and the power of stories to shape history's narrative.

On a remote island in the wake of the wreck, clashing accounts emerge from the survivors—stories woven from desperation, self-preservation, and the struggle to cling to the vestiges of British naval order. From this crucible, a chronicle of fractured leadership and human resolve takes shape against the vast, unforgiving backdrop of the sea.

The Perilous Journey of the Wager

The voyage of the HMS Wager was fraught with danger from the start. As part of Commodore Anson's squadron, the ship set sail from Portsmouth with the ambitious goal of capturing a Spanish galleon. But this wasn't just any ship - it was known as the "jewel of the seas," a prize that could tip the scales in the ongoing imperial rivalry between Britain and Spain.

David Cheap, who had previously been second-in-command, found himself at the helm of the Wager. He was about to embark on a journey that would push his nautical skills to their absolute limits. The Wager itself was a formidable vessel, boasting 28 cannons and on the verge of being classified as a sixth-rate ship - a designation that spoke volumes about its place in the naval hierarchy and the expectations placed on its crew.

Before setting sail, the Wager underwent extensive modifications at the royal docks. It was a hive of activity, with expert carpenters, sealers, and riggers working tirelessly to prepare the ship for its mission. They equipped it with ample provisions, safely stowed away its armaments, and even designated an area on the upper deck for livestock to provide fresh food for the crew during the long journey ahead.

But the preparations weren't without their challenges. A severe British winter saw the Thames freeze over, trapping the ships in ice and causing further delays. When the ice finally thawed, the Wager found itself stuck again, compounding the already lengthy list of setbacks in its preparation.

A Motley Crew Sets Sail

The crew of the Wager was a diverse bunch, to say the least. Many were forcibly enlisted, while others were fighters weakened by illness or age, some bearing the scars of previous battles. The initial muster at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea was so lacking in vigor that Anson proposed alternatives. But his efforts to gain support were largely ignored, and the mission proceeded with a diminished group.

Life aboard naval ships of the time was characterized by extreme overcrowding, with stark differences in space allocation between ranks. Captain Cheap retreated to his spacious private quarters, a luxury afforded by his rank, as he contemplated the weighty responsibility of leading a maritime expedition.

The group faced numerous challenges due to the slow pace of provisioning within England. The outbreak of hostilities with Spain threw port activities into disarray, disrupting vessel maintenance schedules. Combined with dangerous winds, this made it impossible to set sail. The Admiralty's strategy to launch an assault on Valdivia along the Chilean coast hinged on the coordinated actions of the Centurion and the Wager, both of which remained moored in England. As time passed, the window for a successful attack was rapidly closing.

Disaster Strikes: The Wager's Demise

The journey around Cape Horn to reach the Pacific was notoriously treacherous. The region was infamous for its massive swells, strong currents, and a cocktail of snow, sleet, and mist that converged at the southernmost tip of South America. It's no wonder that Cape Horn was often referred to as the "Terrible" - and it was here that the Wager met its tragic end.

Under Captain Cheap's command, the Wager faced a monumental test of endurance. The team's internal hierarchy was put under immense strain as positions responsible for managing armaments and maintaining the vessel became crucial in the fight against the encroaching floodwaters. The stark reality of the situation underscored the critical importance of obeying the captain's orders - any act of insubordination could result in a death sentence, a point driven home each time the Articles of War were recited.

The expedition encountered challenges of unprecedented severity. The ship's future hung in the balance as it sailed into waters known for waves of colossal proportions, threatening its very structural integrity. The vessel's framework and steering mechanisms were under immense strain. Captain Cheap and his team faced significant difficulties navigating through a violent storm - an ordeal that the author Melville likened to descending into hell itself.

Isolation and Desperation

As the Wager became isolated from the rest of the fleet, Captain Cheap was reminded of the mission's priorities through a confidential briefing. The goals of the mission were to be prioritized above all immediate safety considerations. The crew worked tirelessly to keep the ship afloat, but the persistent submersion was taking its toll not only on the vessel's structure but also on the morale of the crew. Their numbers dwindled due to illness and attrition, and a sense of turmoil and hopelessness engulfed the vessels as they endured the relentless assault of the waves near the Chilean shoreline.

The situation on the Wager reached a critical point. The ship's fate was sealed by the unyielding gales; water rapidly filled its hull, the steering mechanism was shattered, and there were desperate attempts to create makeshift sails due to the collapse of the masts. To make matters worse, Captain Cheap was recovering from an operation, adding another layer of risk to an already precarious situation.

In the end, the Wager succumbed to the unrelenting tempest. After battling fierce gales and navigating the treacherous waters of the Southern Ocean, the ship finally gave in to the persistent forces of nature. The crew watched in dismay as their once-solid barrier became wedged and unstable amidst the rocks.

The final moments of the Wager played out between two enormous rock faces, with a small group of survivors gazing at an island that had somehow remained untouched by the storm's fury. The tale of the Wager had unfolded from a slender strand of hope into a tempestuous finale, embodying the unpredictability of fate and the unforgiving nature of sea voyages in the age of sail.

Survival on Wager Island

In the aftermath of the Wager's destruction, the ship's officers and crew found themselves in a desperate situation. Faced with severe cold and dwindling food supplies, they quickly realized the need to establish a camp to maintain some semblance of naval order. Their initial successes were small but significant - they managed to light a fire using damp timber and concoct a simple broth from a seagull. However, their situation was worsened by illness caused by tainted flour.

The survivors were largely confined to the coastal areas of the island, where their survival depended on gathering mussels and snails. The discovery of a barrel of beef amidst the sunken ship's remains proved to be a lifesaver. These supplies were crucial for enduring the relentless downpours and frigid conditions, making it clear that survival would be impossible without adequate shelter.

Building a Community

Captain Cheap remained committed to establishing a solid base for British power, emphasizing the need for strict frameworks and rules to prevent the kind of chaos that Hobbes had theorized. The survivors set about constructing various "irregular habitations," ranging from lean-tos and tents to thatch-covered huts. They established a community zone bisected by a thoroughfare, which included an improvised medical center and water collection facilities. The bell from the Wager found a new purpose, now used to signal times for assemblies and meals.

However, maintaining peace within the group became increasingly difficult as tensions escalated. Captain Cheap, known for his extensive arsenal, turned his dwelling into a fortress that radiated strength and hinted at the potential for conflict. Skepticism and resistance grew when Bulkeley amassed additional armaments, establishing an alternate power base.

The fragile peace of the community was shattered as groups formed, setting up armed divisions on the outskirts of Cheap's stronghold. Bulkeley's preparations for an expedition to South America, which included organizing supplies and developing defensive strategies, led to the splintering of the team into rival factions. What followed was a series of thefts, complaints, and whispers of coups, resulting in punishments ranging from floggings to banishment.

The situation was further complicated by the departure of the Kawésqar people, who possessed essential survival skills. Their absence significantly impeded the progress of the English survivors left behind. The island's limited resources and unforgiving conditions only exacerbated the existing animosities, fears of attacks, and concerns about leadership.

Escape Attempts

Despite the internal conflicts, some of the castaways were determined to escape the island. They set about constructing an improvised craft using the remains of the Wager. Cummins, the ship's carpenter, skillfully directed the overhaul and improvement of the longboat to withstand the harsh conditions at sea - a task that required the unwavering commitment of all crew members. The construction of these vessels was a perilous undertaking, with risks ranging from starvation to execution for insubordination.

Once completed, the Speedwell - a vessel whose name promised swift passage - was loaded with supplies and set sail. However, controlling this overcrowded and barely seaworthy craft proved to be a significant challenge. The journey quickly became perilous, weighed down by a heavy load and faced with severe weather conditions.

Braving the Open Sea

The voyage began with the Speedwell and its companion vessels setting sail, facing the capricious sea where harsh weather and unpredictable currents threatened their fragile crafts. To prevent capsizing, they were forced to jettison their provisions, huddling together on the cold, unyielding rock, constantly battered by the elements and chilled to the bone. Despite some initial success in navigating with the winds and covering considerable distance, the relentless force of the sea's currents forced them to reevaluate their journey. Ironically, this led them back to the very island they had sought to escape.

Bulkeley's team faced the perilous seas and strong winds typical of the passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They encountered severe difficulties, often with limited food and water, as they worked together towards their shared goal of reaching the port of Rio Grande. Throughout their voyage, they were constantly at risk of food shortages and the ever-present danger of their ship capsizing in the merciless sea. Yet, despite these challenges, their unwavering resolve propelled them through the vast and hazardous ocean.

Conflicting Narratives

The aftermath of the Wager affair produced a complex tapestry of narratives from those involved. The surviving documents - diaries blending fact and fantasy, fading letters, and obscure ship logs - showcase the diverse perspectives of the participants. Some stories recount instances where sailors not only stole clothing from their superiors but also showed a blatant disregard for authority, openly mocking their leaders. This demonstrated a breakdown in the established chain of command on the high seas.

Amidst the chaos, certain crew members, like the boatswain, paraded in luxurious silks pilfered from the vessel's stores. Meanwhile, different groups held secret meetings to devise survival plans, deliberately excluding the captain from their discussions. John Bulkeley's personal logbook proved crucial in providing a variety of narratives. It captured the daily events on the island and presented a detailed account of personal behavior and the tough decisions faced by the survivors.

Personal stories and diary entries shed light on the growing tensions and conspiracies, including an incident where Captain Cheap discharged his firearm at Mr. Henry Cozens. Those concerned about their involvement attempted to downplay or influence these reports, underscoring the importance of controlling the narrative for those in maritime leadership positions.

Manipulating the Historical Record

The survivors of the naval disaster faced considerable challenges in managing the narrative of their experience. Some, fearing potential repercussions, tried to influence the emerging accounts through threats or by withholding details. Those with a vested interest in the documented events viewed Bulkeley's journal as an essential historical document. Their concerns extended beyond merely surviving the harsh environment; they also encompassed fears that certain stories might provoke punitive actions from those in power.

Bulkeley meticulously crafted a narrative intended to shape the perspectives of maritime authorities and the broader public. This document, rich in narrative detail that went beyond ordinary diary records, was exchanged for a significant sum of money and subsequently published. It influenced public opinion so profoundly that it laid the groundwork for the historical narrative. These efforts to influence or alter the historical record underscore the power that storytelling holds in defining the legacy of events like the Wager incident.

The Military Tribunal

The military tribunal was convened to scrutinize the varying testimonies and ascertain the facts. The Admiralty faced the difficult task of sifting through a mix of contradictory, concealed, and occasionally false stories to ensure that justice was served. The judicial process brought to light various accusations, including meetings with insurrectionist undertones, contempt towards those in command, and graver offenses such as murder - all of which could result in the death penalty under the Articles of War.

During the trial, the captain and former crew members faced accusations of killing an unarmed Cozens, theft, and acts of cowardice. The defendants were intent on clearing their names, with several choosing to omit crucial incidents. The impending court case threatened to expose flaws in the naval discipline and command hierarchy of the British Empire.

The outcomes of these events were varied. Captain David Cheap continued his naval career with support from influential figures such as Admiral Anson, while his peers faced disciplinary measures or other consequences. The inconsistencies in accounts that surfaced before and after the court proceedings, coupled with the attempts by authorities to suppress certain statements, reflect the complex and sensitive circumstances tied to the goals and structure of the British Empire's naval hierarchy.

Broader Imperial Issues

The military tribunal's examination of the Wager incident not only concluded a catastrophic maritime occurrence but also revealed underlying tensions within the British Empire's command and organizational structure. The incident highlighted the fragile nature of leadership in crisis situations, particularly in relation to the strained relationships between officers and enlisted sailors in the imperial fleet's hierarchy.

The empire's reluctance to confront and resolve its own disciplinary issues was evident in the naval command's deliberate exclusion of certain reports and their tolerant stance towards actions that appeared insubordinate. This reluctance to address internal problems head-on would have far-reaching implications for the future of the British Navy and the empire as a whole.

The Wager's Historical Context

The Wager incident unfolded against the backdrop of Britain's expanding maritime empire. In January 1740, as Britain prepared for an impending conflict with Spain, the country's covert operations included the secret mission of the Wager. During this period, Britain was eager to showcase its dominance, using narratives like Anson's to underscore its ambitions for imperial trade and renown. Admiral George Anson was appointed to lead a squadron against the Spanish, highlighting Britain's military and imperial initiative.

The Wager's mission began under a subtle designation during a time of political and economic instability, shaped by numerous disputes and monetary incentives. Britain's objective was to diminish Spain's control in Latin America, with the intention of expanding its own imperial influence. The intense competition among European countries for control over commerce and resources, which included the asiento's role in the slave trade and unauthorized trade within Spanish dominions, contributed to the outbreak of the War of Jenkins' Ear. The conflict intensified when Spanish forces seized British vessels, and the involvement of merchants further exacerbated the situation.

Naval Challenges

This era was characterized by substantial challenges related to naval combat logistics. Warships served not only as powerful instruments of combat but also as accommodations for sailors, requiring substantial resources for their creation and maintenance. Inaccuracies in determining longitude on the high seas could result in catastrophic outcomes.

The wider range of conflict posed challenges similar to those faced by maritime forces. For example, the British naval forces encountered significant obstacles during their attack on Cartagena, a situation exacerbated by inadequate leadership. These challenges highlighted the need for improvements in naval strategy, technology, and leadership.

The Wager's Legacy

The Wager incident had a profound impact on the British Navy, leading to significant changes in its structure and operations. Admiral George Anson, drawing from his experiences, played a pivotal role in reshaping Britain's naval dominance. He's often acknowledged as the progenitor instrumental in shaping the modern British Navy, which included establishing a structured naval service and founding a lasting sea force.

The understanding that vessels with improved crew welfare and elevated morale often operate with greater efficiency might have prompted many of these changes. The disastrous results linked to the Wager incident, along with the practice of deploying inexperienced marines during that period, underscored the critical need for transformation and exposed the shortcomings in the naval approach to staffing and operations.

Impact on Maritime Literature and Culture

The Wager incident left an indelible mark on maritime literature and culture. Its events influenced multiple facets of cultural expression, as evidenced by Lord Byron's references to his grandfather's Narrative in his literary creations. Works such as Anson's Voyage Round the World captivated a global readership and influenced the perspectives of prominent figures, including Rousseau.

The prevailing cultural norms influenced perspectives on maritime power and governance, as literary contributions altered perceptions and reinforced positions, impacting the broader narrative of the British Empire. The tales, especially the narrative about The Wager, were instrumental in shaping the historical account of the British Empire, hinting at potential impacts on the tactics and methods employed by the British Navy.

The complexity of these narratives, which mirror the tangible transformations in maritime forces and the subtle effects on cultural norms and tales, demonstrates a sophisticated entanglement of the Royal Navy's legacy with the aims and outcomes of British colonial pursuits. The Wager's story, with all its drama, tragedy, and controversy, continues to fascinate and inform our understanding of naval history and the human capacity for survival against overwhelming odds.