JOURNAL
OF VOYAGE OF THE USS KEARSARGE
1865-1866
by
Mate Samuel Davis
Journal of a Voyage
of the
USS Kearsarge
1865-1866
April 7th
I reported to Admiral Paulding commander of the navy yard
Brooklyn and received orders to report onboard of the USS
Kearsarge lying in the Boston Harbor.
8th
In the forenoon went to see my cousin Alfred Overton in
Catherine St. He wished me to come to his house in the
evening as I wished to see his wife; But I did not have a
chance as I left for Boston in the evening train. Took a
sleeping car, arrived in Boston at daylight next morning.
9th
At 9.A.M. reported onboard for duty. The Capt. not being
onboard handed my orders to the Lieut.
10th
On hearing of the surrender of Genl Lee to Grant. Salutes
were fired from the batteries in the harbor. We joined in
the salute by dressing the ship with colors.
11th
It is rumored that Johnson has surrendered to Sherman. It
is the whole talk onboard today. Making preparations to
go to sea.
15th
At 5:20 A.M. pilot came onboard weighed anchor and
proceeded to sea. Weather fine
16th
This day cominced with fog and drizle, but in the evening
cleared away.
17th
The weather is clear and cool. Wind NW
18th
clear & cool - wind nw. The vessel roles very bad as
she is running in the trough of the sea. A sail in sight
standing to the westward.
25th
This day wind North East fogoy. After meredian made the
land Azores island and put into Fayal for the purpose of
coaling ship.
26th
Coaled ship. A number of officers have been on shore but
as I have no money but greenbacks, I have excepted the
choice of staying onboard.
27th
12:30 P.M. weighed anchor and proceeded to sea.
29th
Signalized an English merchantman. steaming w (West)
May 1st
Arrived at Lisbon Portugal. Was informed that the
Stonewall had left a month previous followed by the
Niagara & Sacramento.
2nd
It has been very fine weather today. The British ship of
war
"Black Marion" has gone to sea. The Captains of
the English fleet have been onboard and visited the ship.
3rd
The King of Portugal has been visiting the English
squardron. The fleet recd. him by firing salutes &
maning yards.
4th
Fine weather. The English fleet and Portugese bateries
have been firing salutes all day. I cannot learn who they
are honoring.
5th
Stormy weather. By order of the Captain the officers are
to wear crape on left arm for a period of 6 months.
6th
At 9 O'clock AM Frigate Niagara came in the harbor and
anchored, fired a salute to the Portugese flag of 21
guns. Which was returned gun for gun from a battery.
The British fleet sailed leaving the Frigate Edgar to
convey the Russian fleet to sea that is expected here
soon.
7th
fine weather
8th
Stormy weather.
At 9A.M. draped the ship with colors and fired salutes of
minute guns for President Lincoln. Also the English and
Portugese fleet.
(A minute gun is a salute fired once a minute as a means
of mourning.)
9th
This day wet and fogy. coaling ship
10th
At 9 A.M. the Russian fleet entered the harbor.
their names
Alexander Nevesay flag ship
Oleg Frigate
Alinas gunboat
11th
The Russian fleet has the Princes corpse on board. All
vessels draped in mourning.
12th
The Russian Minister visited the fleet. Salutes were
fired. ship in mourning.
13th
At 1P.M. got underweigh with the Russian fleet and
accompanayed them to sea. Also the British Frigate Edgar
and a Portugeseman of war unknown to me. After we got
outside of the harbor we steamed around the whole fleet
and was steaming back into the harbor when the Almas
turned about and chalanged us for a race which we
excepted. We rounded her again and returned into the
harbor to anchorage. The Niagara & Edgar went with
the fleet.
14th
Religious services on quarter deck. Surgeon read some
prayers from an Episcopal book.
15th
general quarters-fine weather
16th
8:30 A.M. got underweigh and steamed to sea. While
weighing anchor, deck tackle parted and hurt four men
quite bad.
17th
12A.M. Came to anchor at Cadiz.
18th
Weather fine
19th
Do---- (means the same)
20th
21st
Went onshore and took a look at the place.
22nd
general quarters
28th
Norwegean Frigate came in and fired a salute to the
Spanish flag.
29th
Capt. has gone to Madrid.
June 1st
The Norwegian consul visited the ship and a salute was
fired.
2nd
Officers of the Frigate visited this vessel.
3rd
Returned visit to the N.
4th
I went ashore to a bull fight saw 28 horses and bulls
killed.
8th
Lieut gone to Madrid. Wrote to father, sent the letter by
the Barque Maryland. Capt. Clark, Mr Travers gone home.
22nd
Was sailing to central Maria with 2nd Lieut.
25th
Bullfight. Spanish Frigate gone to sea. Fired a salute on
leaving the harbor.
28th
At 8 A.M. weighed anchor and left for Gibraltor arriving
at 4 A.M.
29th
Coaled Ship.
July 3rd
Weighed anchor an steamed to sea- took up my acts from
the date of my orders to this vessel.
4th
12A.M. off Cape Vincent- fired a national salute of 21
guns noon & sundown.
9th
Recd from Stephen J.W. Tabor a letter conserning my
accounts.
10th
Weighed anchor and proceeded to sea.
15th
Arrived at Feral Spain and fired a salute to the Spanish
Ensign.
16th
4:30 A.M. steamed to sea
18th
Arrived at Brest France, fired a salute of 21 guns to the
French Ensign and 7 for the American counsel.
22nd
Recd a dispatch from Adml Goldsborough ordering us to
join him at Flushing Holland.
23rd
Got underweigh and made our weigh up the English Chanel.
26th
Arrived at Flushing. The Colrado & Niagara are lying
in the harbor. The Adml is to Antewerpe in his tender the
Frolic.
29th
The Adml has returned from Antewerpe.
6th
Weighed anchor at 9A.M. and proceeded to sea for a cruise
of 30 days in the St. Georges chanel.
7th
The engine has not been working today. Have managed the
ship under sail. All hands called as to muster at 4:00
P.M. and the sentence of the court martial of Charles
Villala (seaman) was read to all hands. The sentence,
confinement in double irons for fifteen days on bread and
water with loss of two months pay. Also to be confined to
the ship for six months without permission to go onshore.
28th
I have not written anything in my journal in sometime as
I have had nothing to write about but the weather which
is not worth the time that it would take writing in.
At 12 A.M. arrived at Brest. The French steamer Lafayette
from NY came in this afternoon,sent a boat onboard to get
some papers.
30th
Coaled Ship.
Sept 24th
The Admirals tender the Frolic came in at 12A.M. &
asked permission to anchor inside of us. She was followed
by the Colrado which arrived about an hour afterwards. A
salute of 21 guns was fired by us to the French, which
was answered from the fort. The French Flagship then
saluted the Admiral with 13 guns which was returned gun
for gun. The Russian Frigate ran up at the fore the
American Ensign and saluted the Admiral which was
returned by the Colrado.
25th
The Admiral visited the French & Russian Frigates.
Was received with a salute of 18 guns from both vessels.
26th
Adml, Fleet Captain, and Flag Lieut. came onboard to
inspect the ship. The officers assembled on the quarter
deck to receive him. A salute of 13 guns was fired. As
the Admiral left the vessel he said he was pleased to see
the ship in so good order.
28th
Signaled from the Flag Ship, away all boats armed and
equiped. Admiral found a considerable fault with the arms
etc.
Oct 2nd
Signalised from the Colrado away all boats armed and
equiped. Admiral better satisfied.
8th
Sunday. Weather stormy,no boats left the ship today for
the shore till 2 P.M.
9th
At 10 A.M. the Admiral transferred his flag to the
Frolic. He is going to visit the different places on the
coast of France. At 11A.M. got underweigh and proceeded
to sea on our weigh for Lisbon. Weather fine, Left Brest
France 9th.
10th
At sea. Today the weather has been very rough. There has
been considerable sea sickness onboard during the day.
The vessel roles very heavy. Have averaged about 6 knotts
per hour since we left Brest.
11th
At sea. Weather very rough have averaged during the day 5
knotts per hour. Fore & Aft sails set.
12th
At sea. It has been very pleasant today. Have averaged 9
knotts per hour. 5 P.M. passed cape Finistry fore &
aft sails set. If the weather proves reasonable we shall
arrive to Lisbon tomorrow.
13th
The weather has been very warm today. All hands have been
airing beding. 6 P.M. spoke an English steamer. She
informed us the colea was at Lisbon. If this proves true
we shall go fuel. We shall be off Lisbon at 10 P.M.
14th
Arrived at Portugal. Arrived at Lisbon 9 A.M., cleared up
decks. We saluted the Portugese flag and Admiral which
was returned gun for gun. The storeship National Guard is
here. No other American vessel in the harbor. The consul
came onboard, saluted him with 7 guns. A British Man of
War left for sea at 11 A.M. A number of our officers are
on shore, purpose having good times.
15th
Mr Shander & Andrews onshore. I am doing the duty
today. I shall go tomorrow. The Captain has read an
invitation to dress the ship in honor of the anniversary
of the birthday of the Queen of Portugal. I saw one of
the mates of the National Guard. He one of them that was
on the (USS) Hunchback on the James river last season. 12
A.M. a salute of 21 guns was fired.
16th
Queen of Portugal birthday. At 10 A.M/ I went onshore and
took a cruise in the country. In the evening went to the
circus. A number of English songs were sung. Stayed on
shore all night as I could get no boat to get me onboard.
A number of Petty Officers on liberty. Some of them
returned happy.
17th
7 A.M. returned onboard ship. Mr Shanders day off
today.-Coaled ship. Weather Stormy
18th
Mr Andrews day off duty. Cleaned ship & scrubbed
hammocks. A number of letters came onboard today none to
me.
19th
Portugese Admiral visited the ship today, a salute of 16
guns was fired. The Portugese Frigate in answering the
salute a gun went off accidently and killed two men. I
have been onshore in the evening went to the circus. 8:30
men on liberty today each one have a house and having gay
times.
20th
7 am came onboard. About two thirds of the men have
returned aboard. Mr Shanders day off duty, here for part
of the day. Stormy. After pleasant 30 more men gone on
liberty.
21st
Mr Andrews day off duty. Weather stormy. Sea James
Griffin jumped out of the boat while at the wharf for the
sundown boat.
22nd
Sunday: My day off duty. Stormy. No inspections at
quarters
23rd
Colrado arrives. General quarters Frigate Colrado came in
the harbor and fired a salute. Admiral not on board.
24th
Weather fine. Mail came on board and no letters for me.
25th
Quarters at 10 Am. 3 P.M. went onshore. Came off at 10.
26th
Lieut went onboard Frigate Colrado and took dinner.
Weather fine.
27th
Mr Andrews day off duty. Weather fine
28th
1 P.M. went onshore stayed all night at streets hotel.
29th
Mr Shander went onboard the guard to see the mates of
that vessel. Recd an invitation to dress ship today in
honor of the Kings fathers birthday. Hoisted Portugese
Ensign at the main. At 8- at 12 fired a salute of 21
guns. Also the Colrado shiped bugles fifes & drum.
30th
Mr Andrews day off duty. Weather fine. general quarters
at 10 AM.
31st
Paid off today. My day off duty. Read letter from Miss
Petty.
Nov 1st
Mr Shander went on shore. Weather fine
2nd
Went onshore after the mail no letters.
3rd
Went onshore with mate from the guard. Came onboard at 10
A.M.
4th
Mr Shander off duty. 8 keggs of beer on board of Mr
Hoapsis invitation of the officers of the Colrado &
guard. About 11 officers in all came onboard gay time
till 11 P.M.
6th
23 years as of today. Mr Shanders, Cornwitherse an
Andrews onshore
6th
My day off duty. Went ashore with Mr Platt & King.
Came onboard at 10 PM.
7th
Nothing of importance.
8th
Mr Andrews & myself doing the duty today. Andrews
went to see the Italian opera and wore my beaver hat.
9th
My day off duty. Weather stormy did not go onshore. No
boats left the ship. The Admiral is expected here every
day.
10th
Portugese officer came onboard and wished us to join with
the Portugese squadron in celebrating the anaversary of
the death of Don Pedro the 5th tomorrow. Recd a letter
from Stephen Tabor 4th auditor concerning my accounts in
charge of paymaster Carpenter.
11th
Colors at half mast. Portugese Ensign at the fore. Minute
guns were fired from the different Portugese vessels in
the harbor. Guns are fired from the flagship & fleet
every half hour.
12th
My day off. Weather stormy. Received news of the
Shenendoa giving herself up to the English authorities at
liverpool.
( The Shenendoah was a Confederate ship that did not
learn of the wars end for four months. On the 6th of
November 1866 the ship was taken to Liverpool and
surrendered to British authorties. The British
authorities then turned her over to the United States. )
13th
There is much uneasiness about the Admiral, as he was
expected here a week ago. A transport has arrived at
Cadiz, I have not learned her name.
14th
Admiral Goldsborough has arrived in the Frolic. He
immediately transferred his flag to the Colrado. A salute
of 13 guns was fired by the Portugese and several by the
Colrado.
15th
The Kings father visited the Colrado. A salute was fired.
I have been onshore.
16th
Nothing of importance today.
17th
Have recd orders to get ready for sea as soon as possible
and go to genoa Italy. The guard is to stop at gibraltar
and get 2 guns for us, used to belong to the privateer
Sumpter. Mr Wilson the gunner & myself with 10 men
have been to get 2000 lbs powder for saluting purposes at
a magazine about 6 miles up the river. 1 of the quarter
gunners got so drunk that he was unable to pull an oar.
He jumped overboard & came very near going for it.
The country is very fine, a great many olive trees along
the banks.
I hear today that Mr Hall the American agent at gibraltar
died with the chorea. The desease has been raging strong
here and in Spain
18th
I have been onshore today for the last time in this place
as we sail tomorrow morning for Genoa Italy.
19th
8 A.M. got up steam 12 A.M. Weighed anchor, and put to
sea. Weather fine
20th
At 6 A.M. off Cape Vincent
21st
At 9 A.M. passed the rock of gibraltar on our way up the
Mediteranean. Making 11 k
22nd
A number of vessels in sight. Making our way at the rate
of 9 k
23rd
Weather fine. At 8 A.M. off the island of Iorca 500 miles
yet to Genoa. If the weather here proves favorable shall
arrive at our destination by Saturday night. We have
averaged about 9 knotts per hour. The wind is not so
strong as it has been for the last two or three days but
continues to blow from the sw. The officers talk a great
deal about going to ancient Pallestine before we leave
the Mediterianian. I hope it may be so as it would be my
choice to see in prefference to any place in the world.
24th
The weather has been very fine today - averaging 9 k per
hour. We shall likely arrive at Genoa tomorrow afternoon.
25th
The wind has halled ahead NE by E. Arrived in the harbor
of Genoa 7 P.M. shall moor the vessel tomorrow. The pilot
tells us that there are a number of American vessels
here. 6 & 6 days & hours from Lisbon.
26th
A 8 A.M. hoisted colors & fired a national salute of
21 guns. Also saluted the Italian Admiral with 19 guns.
The salutes were returned gun for gun. no officers can go
onshore until the vessel is moored. I understand that we
are the only American "Man of War" there. The
statue of Christopher Columbus can be seen from our
anchorage. At 10 A.M. asked permission of the Italian
Admiral to moor inside of the breakwater. Which he
informed us we could not by sending an officer to inform
us. Capt Harell did not like it very well and made up his
mind to leave the harbor. He sent word to the Admiral
that he regretted his inconvenience to accomodate us and
that we should leave tomorrow. The officer soon returned
and apologised & said that he was mistaken in the
Admirals order and
that they would make a berth for us immediately - hauled
into our berth & moored, an Italian boat gave us
assistance.
27th
Mr Shander is onshore today. The only officer from the
steerage. I understand that this is a very good place for
amusement. Shall go onshore tomorrow and see for myself.
The ship is very clean. Holy stone decks & ladders
this morning. ( Holy stones were used as part of the
morning cleaning ritual on wooden decked ships. The
stones were cut in the shape of a block, with a rope tied
to both ends. A sailor on either ends would run back and
forth across the deck sanding it smooth.)
28th
At 10 A.M. Mr Wright & myself went onshore.
Dec 1st
This month opens very stormy. Wrote to P Carpenter
2nd
A number of visitors onboard today.
3rd
Mr Shander off duty. Wrote to Fanny
4th
At 12 A.M. muscians came onboard and played during meal
hours.
5th
Recd a letter from granma W dated 30th of October.
6th
Mr Shander onshore. Portugese Frigate came in and
anchored along side of us. The Colrado is expected here
every day.
7th
In the forenoon all hands to muster on quarter deck and
an order read by Lieut Dewey from Admiral Goldsborough
that the President had ordered that this day be set apart
as a day of thanksgiving and prayer. Dr. Vreeland read
from his book of the Episcopal faith & then piped
down. The colors of all nations were hoisted in the
manner of dressing ship. The Italian Ensign at the
mizzens a representation of our being at peace with all
nations. A great many visitors have been onboard today in
the afternoon. Went onshore, saw the Capt of the genl
Mcellean ship, had a good time. (Lieutentant Dewey would
later become famous for his defeat of the Spanish fleet
at Manila during the Spanish American war. He would later
reach the rank of Admiral.)
8th
The consul & his wife have been onboard. Took dinner
in the ward room. I have been busy showing visitors
around the ship during the day. Mr Andrews onshore.
9th
It has been very cold today obliged to put on overcoats
to keep warm. A number of gentlemen visitors.
10th
A number of visitors came onboard today to see the ship.
Some of them belong to philadelphia. Placed a letter from
Elihue also one from cousin Charry & Alice.
11th
The weather is very cool today. Recd a letter from Alice
Miller from Williamsburg.
12th
A great many visitors onboard today a number of them
American travelers some good looking girls among them.
13th
My day off duty. Wrote two letters and sent them to E and
Charry. Weather cool
14th
Very cool today. The first time that I have been obliged
to wear an overcoat to be comfortable.
15th
Mr Paine & myself visited the grato in La Bella de
Palla Vicini. It is a very splendid garden. Laid out by
Palla Vicini a number of years ago from which it derives
its name. We got our pass to visit it in the city of
Genoa at a government office. On entering the garden the
pass is taken & a guide provided for to show you
everything that is to be seen. The walks are laid with
gravel & on both sides are rosebushes. The first
building we entered was a large house built of marble. In
the rooms were China tea setts also setts from Pompei.
Hung up on the walls were shields spears & armor used
in ancient warfare. The walls of the house were very
handsomely painted. I noticed one picture representating
the Samaritan woman with Jesus at the well. We then made
our way to the top of a hill to a castle. The top of it
was much torn to pieces. The inside is very handsome, the
floor is a mosaic laid. We then visited a grato or cave
which is very large. Congealed water is continuely
forming in conical shapes inside while in the cave we
took a boat to the palace of Floras where there is a
number of statues. Here we registered our names. This
palace is surrounded by flowerbeds. There are a great
many kinds of trees among them are the tobacco, cork,
India rubber, Fin, Olive, camphor, pepper. Floras is said
to be one of the family of Palla Vicini & being fond
of flowers. I have written to cousin Alice.
16th
A number of visitors came onboard to see the ship.
Weather cool.
17th
The weather is very cool, wind blowing strong. A number
of visitors and invitations came for the principal
officers of the ship to visit an Italian ironclad to be
launched. A dispatch from England to Admiral Goldsborough
to send a commanding officer and two others to take the
Shenendoa to America.
18th
My day off duty. Went onshore played a game of billards
& tore the table with cue.
19th
A number of visitors came onboard. Among them was one Mr
Stevens of NY and lady.
20th
Coaled ship - Ship is very dirty. Mr Shander onshore.
21st
Weather fine. my day off duty. Have not been onshore.
Have had toothache all day. Dr Steward tryed to pull it,
but did not succeed.
22nd
Visitors during the day. Nothing of importance.
23rd
Weather fine. Everybody preparing for Christmas.
24th
I have been onshore had a good time with Capt Stetmey and
Mayo Cunningham American merchant. The streets are
decorated with everything that is green. Christmas trees
are numerous. the men are preparing to have a great time.
Tomorrow an Englishmen is going to furnish the dinner for
$1.50 per man.
25th
This day opens very pleasant. The men decorated the
foward part of the ship with the ships colors. The 11
inch gun being covered with the American Ensign gave
everything a fine appearance. A musical band came from
the shore to supply the music. Tables were set with
everything that anyone need wish. All of the officers
were invited by the men to dine with them. on one end of
the table was placed a chair covered with the national
flag for the First Lieut Mr Dewey. On the other end, one
simulary decorated for the 2nd Lieut. Mr Wooden. The rest
of the officers being among the men. A number of American
Captains were onboard, among them was Capt Stettmey, Mayo
Cunningham.Mr Dewey after finishing his dinner made a
short speach complimenting the men for their good
behavior. Toasts were given by many of officers and men
such as this. May the time be not far distant when the
American Eagle shall pick out the crown of England. A
great many American visitors have been onboard. It truly
has been a Merry Christmas.
26th
Went to high Mass at midnight. Today the weather has been
very pleasant. Comensed painting ship.
27th
My day off duty. Went onshore with Mr King & took a
walk in the city.
28th
The paymaster has been to Rome a week returned 4 Oclock
P.M. american visitors have been onboard by the name of
Russell.
29th
The officers have been excused from watch duty. Coxswains
go in charge of the boats. The Capt has been sick at
Hotel Smith, is very near well now expect him onboard
tomorrow. It is rumored onboard that we have orders from
the Admiral to leave here & go to Spizia where the
store ships are & then go on a morning cruising.
30th
I have been onshore, came onboard in the sundown boat.
31st
The weather has been very pleasant today.
1866
Jan 1st
It has been very stormy today. no officers have been
onshore. Have written a letter to grandmother Woodhull
and directed her to answer me at Genoa.
2nd
We have orders to sail from Marseilles but as the
paymaster cannot get his money, shall wait a few days. Mr
Woodrd been to Milan.
3rd Paymaster has paid off the officers. I signed
quarterly accounts had $144.89 due. Recd in cash $58.08
4th
Ship under sailing orders. Took our anchors went out into
the Rhodes, wind blowing strong. Went onshore and
purchased some pictures. Sent letters to 4 auditors
conserning accounts.
5th
9:00 A.M. pilot came onboard. American consul is onboard
going to Marsilles with us. 9:45 weighed anchor and tryed
to steam out of the harbor. But not having drawn enough
to turn around and was obliged to let the anchor go
again. Came very near going ashore spining jib boom by
running into the breakwater we were about 15 minutes
taking our anchor and then steamed out of the harbor.
During the day have averaged 8 k per hour. Weather is
very fine. Mr Edwards has made himself busy today playing
pieces of music that he has learned in Genoa.
6th
At 10 arrived in the harbor of Marseilles. Fired a salute
21 guns moored the vessel. Consul came onboard in full
dress uniform.
7th
I have been onshore it is the most splendid place we have
visited. Weather stormy
8th
Mr Andrews & Shander onshore. In the evening all of
the officers were away from the ship but I. In the fore
part of the night about 30 men took French leave. 1/2 of
them came back before morning. I was called at 12 O'clock
to look out for the men.
9th
I have been off duty. Went ashore in the sundown boat.
The vessel has halled out into the Rhodes. Hale storm
10th
The wind is blowing so strong I shall not be able to go
onboard today. Mr King & Kefer,Hoops and the pay is
also onshore. I have made this aquaintance with an
American by the name of Dodge.
11th
The wind is still very high. The pay got a steam boat and
took us off to vessel as it was impossible to go off in a
small boat. Took off 15 deserters from this vessel and
the Colrado. The steamer has returned to us with a number
of the officers. Name of steamer Morey we have been
informed.
15th
I have been on duty today, busy showing visitors around
the ship. The weather is very fine.
16th
A number of visitors to see the vessel - Weather fine
17th
I have been onshore today. I do not think much of this
place. Solgiers are moving about the city looking for
rebbs.
18th
Have been onshore with Mr Shander. At 9 P.M. the Frolic
arrived with dispatches from the Admiral. Have not
learned what this is about.
19th
10 A.M. the Frolic left the harbor. Weather fine
20th
At 9 AM all the officers were informed the vessel would
go to sea tomorrow at 7 AM & that the officers must
all be onboard at that time. At 11 AM recd a dispatch
from the Consul at Marseilles stating that they had 6
more men deserters. So we shall likely stay here till we
get them. I have been onshore today on duty conserning
the bill of health. Weather fine
21st
Have been onshore with mr King. Took a walk in the
country. Went to see a girl spotted like a tiger.
Returned onboard in the evening.
22nd
My day off duty. Have not been onshore. General quarters.
Mr. King fell down scuttle on spa deck & hurt himself
so that he will not be able for duty in some time. A
number of visitors have been onboard today . Some of them
hail from the Southern States.
23rd
Today is a holliday with the Spaniards. I understand it
is the birthday of one of the Queens children - the forts
have been firing salutes.
24th
Two men have returned onboard from Marsielles deserters.
Shall go to sea tomorrow morning at 8: AM. Shipped
boatswain mate.
25th
At 8AM took our anchor and proceeded to sea. Kane B. mate
and Charles Anderson sea ran away last night. No reward
offered for them. My day off duty. Studying French today.
26th
I have been off duty today. Came on watch 12 O'clock
tonight. Have averaged during the day 9k running before
the wind.
27th
From 12 to 4 AM made 12k. Arrived in the harbor of
Malagas at 12AM and moored ship. Boat sent onshore for
the Consul at 1 PM. Mr Shander & Paine went onshore
in the 8 O'clock boat. Cast the broadside guns loose to
fire a salute in entering the harbor but there was too
much sea & was obliged to secure them again. no
salute fired.
28th
A number of visitors has been onboard today. Some of them
rank secessionists. Weighed anchor & left the harbor
for lisbon 12 AM. Weather fine.
2nd
Weather fine. Steaming about 10k. 10PM arrived off the
harbor of Lisbon. As we could get no pilot laid off
untill morning.
3rd
9 AM arrived in the harbor Canadagua & Ives are here.
Recd a letter from father, also recd my accounts from
S.J.W. Tabor 4th auditor crediting me with $98.11 dollars
and ordering the paymaster to take me up on his books
from the 1st of march. The paymaster has not given us any
money as yet.
4th
Have recd orders from the Admiral to get ready to go to
the coast of Africa. Shall sail in about a week if
nothing happens. General muster today. Religious services
onboard. Have written to father. Mr. Paine on shore.
5th
Have taken onboard stores from the (Ives?) I was onboard
of the storeship this morning thet have 4 mates onboard
an appear to be very fine fellows. The Minister has
visited the Colrado & our vessel this afternoon. A
number of letters came on board but none for me.
6th
Have been onshore. Came aboard in sundown boat. Sent
letter to father directed to write in three months time.
7th
Have been onshore. It has been rumored that the Lieut of
the Canandagua is going to be sent home & our Lieut.
Mr. Dewey is to be ordered to take his place. Lieut
coming here from the Colrado.
8th
Mr. Shander has been onshore today. Portugese Admiral
visited the Colrado. Salutes of 15 guns were exchanged.
An invitation was handed.
13th
Today is the last day of carnival. The ward room officers
except those on duty are onshore to mask ball. Mr. Dewey
has been detached from this vessel to the canandagua
& a new Lieut by the name of Ames ordered here from
the Colrado. He seems like a fine man.
14th
I have been onshore today. Everything is very quiet.
onshore carnival is over. Orders for all of the officers
to be onboard at sundown. Ship under sailing orders.
Returned onboard at sundown.
15th
10 AM the whole fleet weighed anchor & steamed out of
the harbor. The Colrado leading the rest of the fleet
following according to rank. The weather is very fine.
16th
I have been off duty today. Have busyied myself reading
some of my old letters to pass away my monotonous
moments. Have been steaming 7k during the day.
24th
The Lieut wishes the mate of the morning watch to take
sights & work them and send them to him for
inspection. I took the sight Meridian. Found the ship to
be in lat 21,81
by D reckoning 21,80
Long by D reckoning 22,00 SNo Long sight
25th
Lat in 19, 44 Long 23
Weather fine sailing 6 k per hour
26th
Got up steam at 5 AM. Steamed along 9k at 8:30 came to
anchor to the island St. Vincent a number of wailers in
the harbor.
27th
Comenced coaling ship, took in 100 tons.
28th
Finished coaling ship a number of officers onshore.
29th
I have been onshore. There is not more than 20 or 30
white people in the place. The young Mokies go naked.
Went to see the American graveyard. There was a
midshipman buried there by the name of Jessie Smith who
died onboard the USS Pueblo Dec. 18, 1844. gravestone
erected by his messmates.
March 1st
Have gave the ship a thorough cleaning. Holystoned the
decks, I ended paintwork etc. At 4:30 PM steamed out of
the harbor. A downeast merchantman diped her flag we
answered.
2nd
At 8PM came to anchor in Port Psayter Island St. Jago.
Fired a salute of 21 guns to the portugese Ensign. This
is another niger town. The mess has elected me caterer of
the mess. I have laid in a number of stores, 500 oranges,
8 barrels of banannas comprise the fruit. Brig Marshall
is here from Boston in a trading voyage. Recd from
paymaster 4 lbs. Weather fine 19 36
3rd
I have been onshore, have seen mokies enough. 12 Am
orders for all hands to be onboard. 3 P.M. weighed anchor
and steamed out of the harbor bound to Serre leone. 6 PM
signalised a French Barque painted white. Weather fine,
all sails set. Going along 9k.
4th
At sea weather fine
5th
At sea
6th
At sea weather fine
7th
Arrived in the harbor of Syri Leone. Saluted the English
flag. The fort answered in halling down the English flag
& hoisting the American during the salute which was
very uncommon. C ship
8th
have been onshore. There is nothing to see but naked
mokies. I have purchased two baskets. Coaling ship.
9th
Visited a Barque took dinner onboard. Coaling ship.
Thermoter 90.
10th
The men got drunk and fought very hard. All hands called
to quarters to supress mutiny. 15 men in irons.
11th
Coaling ship
12th
Do. Weather fine. M Woodward takin with fever.
13th
Finished coaling. Cleaned ship
14th
3 P.M. left the harbor for Monrovia Liberia. Weather
fine. Barometer 90 in the shade.
15th
Court marchalled 4 men for drunkeness & disorderly
conduct.
16th
At 12 A.M. came to anchor off Monrovia. Saluted the flag
with 21 guns. Answered at 4:00 by a battery.
( This is the last entry in the Davis diary. On March
21st 1866 Mate Samuel Davis died of Yellow Fever. )
Diary from the
collection of
Mr. Sherman W. Davis