The verse letters of John Monk’s aunt, Mary Ryder, include the following touching prayer for the safety of her brothers Stephen and John, who captained privateers and merchant ships, often sailing together from Liverpool to London and further afield.
Mary Ryder was the daughter of Mary Matthews (1726-1772) and Stephen Ryder (1722-1755), from another of Parkgate’s many seafaring families. Mary Matthews and Stephen had three sons and the letter-writing daughter, Mary, who moved away in 1777 upon marrying.
On the ship Dublin, James Ryder Master.
Launched at Chester, August 21st, 1777
Almighty Power thou sovereign of the sea,
Whose wise commands all nature must obey,
Stretch thy protecting arm to safely guide
The Dublin o’er the ocean’s [boream’s] tide.
When storms arise and tempests show thy power,
Conduct my Dearest Brother in that hour;
Teach his fond heart to look to thee for Aid
Nor need he then of tempest be afraid.
On land and sea how small our power to save
Unless our great Creator’s Aid we crave;
With grateful heart thy mercies let him see
And may I join in gratitude to thee.
