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Auction: 313 - Numismatic Collector's Series - Ft. Worth, TX
Lot: 1483

Nautical: Ship´s Log Fascinating Manuscript Ship´s Log for the ship Martha sailing from Guangzhou (Canton), China to Boston, January-May 1834, 4to, 111 pages, half calf. Presumably written by famed Captain Philip Dumaresq, who helmed the Martha during this period. It begins: "Wednesday Jan´y 15th 1834. At 8 AM weighed anchor at Whampoa [Huangpu District] - Made all sail down the [Pearl] River to a moderate Brise from the Eastward..." He hopes to reach Boston by May 1, matching a previous record. The book contains the usual course headings, barometer readings, and mileage, and also accounts of numerous gale winds that harry the boat on its journey, including off of Cape St Francis on the southern African coast. A crewman named Francis Haslet causes difficulties and is given "two dozen with a piece of 6 thread rattling for insolence to the Chief Officer...After breakfast Francis Haslit refused to work. Put him in irons..." A day later, Francis is released after promising to work. A few days later, Dumaresq reports that "Samuel Miller fell from the Fore Top & broke his arm above the Elbow & otherwised bruised himself. Bled him set the arm & took him into the Cabin." Less than ten days later, Samuel is out of bandages, raising questions about the captain´s diagnosis. Seventy days out, they sight a ship and "loaded all the Guns, got the boarding Pikes in readiness & prepare to battle...should it turn out a Pirate or any one that should be desired to give us trouble." After the captain orders a very showy call to the crew to come on deck, the mystery ship "immediately pulled away, hoisted his flying jibs & quietly sneaked off, just before we got within hail..." The ship reaches Boston on May 7, losing just five days off its best time as a result of the storms and excitement. Several pages torn out at back of book. Rubbed, with well rubbed boards and spine, some leather loss at spine ends, shaken, about VG. With fine quarter morocco slipcase.

Estimate
$1,500 to $2,000