Copied entries from the South Head Signal Master's log book relating to the wreck of the DUNBAR in 1857
Author
James Graham
Date1857
Object number00016512
NameManuscript
MediumPaper, ink
DimensionsOverall: 33.5 × 2 mm, 0.05 kg, 209 mm
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from E Hanley
DescriptionA seven page manuscript copied from the South Head signal master's log book on the shipwreck of the DUNBAR. The manuscript is titled 'The ship Dunbar Southhead signal station 21st August 1857'. In the margin is the inscription 'Copy of entry in log at signal station Southhead, Watson's Bay by James Graham signal master'.HistoryThe wreck of the DUNBAR was Sydney's biggest maritime disaster. It shook the colony's confidence to the core and prompted calls for the construction of a lighthouse which was achieved the following year with the erection of the Hornby Lighthouse on South Head.
This manuscript features a full account of the wreck and also the funeral procession that followed after.
(Pages 1 - 4 is a letter (21 August 1857) by James Graham to Captain R. Pockley reporting the shipwreck. Also on page 4 is a letter by James Graham (22 August 1857) to Captain R. Pockely reporting the coil of rope given by Mayor George Thornton. Page 5 reports the rescue of James Johnson able-bodied seaman aboard the DUNBAR and his statement of the events. Page 6 is a report of the passengers. Page 7 is a report of the funeral procession through the streets of Sydney to the Camperdown cemetery).SignificanceThis manuscript is an important record of the loss of the clipper ship DUNBAR, the worst peace-time merchant shipping tragedy in New South Wales history. The wreck had a substantial impact on the people of Sydney and featured in many newspapers, lithographs and magazines of the time.
Hydrographic Department of Ministry of Defence.
1987
