Journal, 1815 Dec. 17 - 1816 Sep. 20

  • Life at Sea
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Title
Journal, 1815 Dec. 17 - 1816 Sep. 20
Reference
Log 995
Collection
  • Mystic Seaport Museum: Logbooks
Document Type
  • Diaries, Journals and Logbooks
Date
17 Dec 1815 - 20 Sep 1816
Description
Journal kept on board the brig GYPSY by first mate John Williams, John Harris shipmaster. Williams records the details of the trading voyage from Boston to Leghorn, Italy, along the Mediterranean coast, Marseille, France and back to Boston. Several mentions are made of the crew. The cook becomes repeatedly drunk and is often flogged. Abel Tagnatt, listed on the crew list is often mentioned and spends several days in the Marseille hospital. Other crew members are also problematic; in Leghorn they sell their clothes using the proceeds for drink, in Marseille a few are imprisoned, and Williams complains that the others are often drunk and refusing duty. Williams, himself, does a great deal of sight seeing and socializing while in port, attending the opera and theater as well as sharing drink and "segars" with the first mates and captains of American vessels. He also records the toasts drunk during various holidays including the Fourth of July. The GYPSY exports various dry goods which were traded in the Mediterranean for oil for subsequent trade in Marseille. Journal ends with social details of Williams visit home to Taunton, Mass.
Theme
  • Trade
  • Leisure