SA-HISTORY-L Archives

From: ivytrott <>
Subject: Jorgensen/Jurgensen/Johnson
Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2001 09:29:58 +0200

Below is a quote from a recently received em. Can anybody throw any enlightenment on the subject of this man, who went on to be a real folk character in Australia, dubbed The King of Iceland?

"According to the book, some time around 1800-1803,
Jurgensen arrived in a south seas whaler, arriving at Cape of Good Hope. He
left
this vessel and went on board the vessel "Harbinger", which was carrying
stores
to Algoa Bay "to defend the settlers from the attacks of the Kaffirs". While
at
Algoa Bay, the Harbinger engaged a French 44 gunner. Assisted by a British
sloop, the ship was driven away.


"The book makes the comment that the next mention of
Jurgensen was also at the Cape, where he was shipped on the Lady Nelson. The
book makes the comment that the aurthorities may have placed him on board to
get
rid of him, which appears to be in character for Jurgensen."

The book mentioned was a 1931 Australian publication.

The Lady Nelson did indeed have a giant Dane on board, who worked so well on the voyage that Lt. Grant was moved to have him pardoned when they reached New South Wales, which indicates that he was a prisoner. There is doubt, however, as to whether this Dane, whom Grant took on board was the same man as The King of Iceland.

Any information would be gratefully received on behalf of the crew of the present-day replica of the Lady Nelson in Hobart.

Go well. Ivy Trott.

This thread:

• Jorgensen/Jurgensen/Johnson by ivytrott <>