Nathaniel Pearce facts for kids
Nathaniel Pearce (born 14 February 1779 – died 12 August 1820) was an adventurous explorer. He spent many years in Abyssinia (which is now Ethiopia) and wrote a detailed journal about his exciting experiences there.
Contents
Nathaniel Pearce's Early Life
Pearce was born in East Acton, a place near London, England. He went to private schools, but he was a very wild and independent young man. Because of this, he started an apprenticeship to learn how to be a carpenter. However, he soon ran away to sea, starting his life of adventure.
When he returned, he tried another apprenticeship, this time with a leather-seller. But he quickly left that job too, choosing instead to join the navy. He served on a warship called HMS Alert. In May 1794, he was captured by the French. After many tries, he managed to escape and went back to serving in the navy.
Adventures in Abyssinia
Many exciting adventures followed for Nathaniel Pearce. In July 1804, he left his ship, HMS Antelope. He then traveled to Mocha, Yemen, a port city.
On 31 December 1804, Pearce managed to join a ship that was taking a special mission led by Viscount Valentia to Abyssinia. After arriving at Massawa on the Red Sea coast, he joined Henry Salt in the summer of the next year. Pearce worked as an English servant for Salt's mission to the court of Ras Wolde Selassie in Tigray. A Ras was a powerful leader, similar to a duke or prince.
Life at the Ras's Court
When Henry Salt left in November, Pearce decided to stay behind. He worked for the Ras Wolde Selassie. Sometimes, other people at the court were jealous of Pearce. They tried to make him leave, but he always managed to make his position secure by the autumn of 1807.
In 1808, Nathaniel Pearce married a local woman. Her father was Sidee Paulus, who was Greek. This showed how much Pearce had become a part of the Abyssinian community.
Pearce's Return Journey
In 1810, Pearce met Henry Salt's second expedition when it arrived. He helped escort them from the coast to the court and back again. Pearce continued to live in Abyssinia until 1818.
Finally, in 1818, he decided to travel to Cairo, Egypt, to visit Henry Salt. He reached Cairo in 1819. After a journey up the Nile River, he returned to Cairo. Sadly, Nathaniel Pearce died in Alexandria, Egypt, on 12 August 1820. His death was caused by the difficult conditions he faced during his travels.
Pearce's Published Journals
Nathaniel Pearce's journals were full of his many adventures. They also contained very detailed information about the daily lives and customs of the Abyssinian people. These journals were later put together and edited by John James Halls. They were published in London in 1831 under the title The Life and Adventures of Nathaniel Pearce.
