Gulbrand Gulbrandsen Vinger told a reporter that he had emigrated in 1850 on "Briggen Besta" with Captain Skroder from Christiana to America. This Brig does not appear to be in the 1850 ship list on this site. None of the names listed seem to sound like "Besta". Obviously in the 72 years between emigration and the interview with the Norwegian speaking reporter for Skandinavn, he could have forgotten part of the name. The port probably would have been Kristiana or Drammen as he was from Hadeland. Gulbrand said there were about 100 passengers and the voyage required 10 weeks. He also said they landed in New York. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?
The right name of the ship should be the Vesta mastered by Capt. Schrøeter. We have the passenger list transcribed on site. Guldbrand Gulbrandsen seams to be passenger no. 21 on the list. Do you know any further details about the voyage?
Tusen Takk, I evidently got careless near the end of the list. Gulbrand was quoted to say, even 72 years later, "I don't wonder that more of those that came at the same time over the Atlantic in a small sailship, with terror say, when asked if they don't have a desire to take a trip to Norway, 'No, God save me from being on the Atlantic Ocean again.'" He did talk about the horrible conditions in the canal boats on the Erie Canal at some length, but nothing about the trip on the Vesta.
Briggen Besta, 1850
Posted - 08/01/2003 : 17:51:47
