1859-60 MANUSCRIPT SHIPS LOG MOBILE, SAVANNAH TO RUSSIA COTTON TRADE HALL FAMILY

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Rare and interesting, original, 1859-1860 Manuscript Ship's Logbook for the American Barque "Sarah L. Bryant", traveling down the Eastern Coast of the United States from Boston, Massachusetts to Mobile, Alabama, from Mobile across the Atlantic to Cronstadt, Russia, back to Boston, and then up and down the East Coast between Boston, New Orleans, and Savannah, Georgia. Included is a record of the voyages of the Sarah L. Bryant from February 5, 1859 to April 28, 1860. Also included in this Logbook are 5 pages of Hall Family Geneology (from 1638 - 1834) and 2 pages of provisions broached on the Barque's voyages.This wonderful, fully Manuscript Log measures approximately 8" x 13" and consists of 192 pages of which 160 are fully covered with daily entries by Edward. J. Jones, Master. Eight different voyages are detailed in the log, with days at sea ranging from as few as 8 to as many as 84.This log details the daily activities of a working ship. Seas, winds, distances, longitudes and latitudes, courses, and sails used are all recorded. The Daily Remarks are frequently lengthy and contain notations of activities while lying in port as well as while the ship is at sea. Names of ships sighted are mentioned, frequently including the time of the sighting, and the direction the ship is traveling in.The Sarah L. Bryant is employed in the transportation of Bales of Cotton to it's various ports of call. The first 15 day trip detailed in the log is a voyage from Boston to Mobile, Alabama. Upon arrival at the Dog River Bar we are told that men are employed in the tasks of discharging ballast, and taking in cotton. A schooner with a load of cotton and six workmen arrives, and one man deserts. Once in Mobile Bay the Master "...found the Barque fast in the mud" and must go to lengths to free her. Steamers and schooners bring men and cotton back and forth, and the crew stows water, molasses, beef, pork and potatoes for the next journey.On Mach 10, 1859, the Sarah L. Bryant leaves Mobile bound for Cronstadt, Russia. Daily Remarks tell us that " took Steamer Natchez and towed one mile outside Sand Island", "spoke the ship Dublin", and "sailing in company with three vessels". Also: "4 a.m. sharp lightning from westward" and "baffling winds with bad weather". On April 7, 1859, 29 days from Mobile: "...at 4 a.m. wind shifted instantly into NW blowing a perfect Hurricane for about two hours blowing away both close reefed topsails the moment it struck and hove the Barque down decks to the water there being a heavy sea running at the time. Completely flooded us washing everything adrift except the cotton which was lashed with hawsers to mainmast + spars...".On her 68th day out, Monday, May 16, the ship reaches the Sister Lighthouses and the Naze of Norway, and on June 2, 1859: "at 9 a.m. hauled in, made the Barque fast, took pilot, officers came on board, sealed hatches & then furled sails, then preparation for discharging cargo. So ends this passage after 84 days &hours from Mobile". While lying in Cronstadt : "searchers came on board, gave permission to commence discharging cargo". On June 12, 1859 the ship is underway again from Cronstadt to Boston. After 59 days at sea, Highland Light and Race Point come into view and finally "at 10 p.m. made Boston Light". On August 12th: "at 3 a.m. took pilot for Boston; at 11 a.m. hauled into dock, furled sails, cleaned decks...and discharged the crew".The Sarah L. Bryant is next employed on another round trip voyage from Boston to Cronstadt and back to Boston. On November 13th, 1859: ..."blowing a perfect Hurricane...stove Poop Rail in both sides and stove the starboard boat on the gallows...". After her return to Boston the ship travels from Boston to New Orleans and then back to Boston, and on April 19, 1860 she once again leaves Boston bound for Savannah, Georgia where she arrives on April 28, 1860.This rare and fascinating Barque's Log is in very good condition - bound in its original 1/2 leather and marble boards which are tight, intact and sound but exhibit some wear as can be s... read more

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