She is notable for taking command of a fever-ridden ship in 1870 and safely navigating it through storms from Florida to Liverpool, England.

This newer house still stands as a bed and breakfast, named "The Seafaring Maiden" in honor of Captain Hall's famous daughter.

In 1870, Bessie Hall and her father arrived in New Orleans from Liverpool aboard the 1444-ton ship Rothesay to load a cargo of cotton.

The cargo was delayed for two months due to financial problems with the shipper, causing a considerable number of the crew to desert and sign on to other vessels.

Hall also came down with smallpox, just as the ship rounded the tip of Florida and encountered mounting squalls as it entered the Gulf Stream.

Bessie considered the options of turning back or changing course for Saint John, New Brunswick but decided to press on for Liverpool.

On April 18, the skies briefly cleared and Bessie took sun sights with the sextant finding their position to be near the tip of the Grand Banks.

Adjusting course for Liverpool, Bessie had to contend with light and contrary winds with a crew too small to add much canvas.

[4] The ship Rothesay had been given up for lost and grateful insurers planned a large public banquet in Bessie's honour.

Bessie never forgot the sea and on her 80th birthday, she amazed a visiting Royal Navy officer with her detailed knowledge of the lighthouses, headlands and shoals of the English Channel.