Diary kept on the HIRAM EMERY by Oliver E Hurd on a voyage from Boston to Sydney
Author
Oliver E Hurd
Date1884-1885
Object number00015115
NameManuscript
MediumPaper
DimensionsOverall: 203 x 129 mm
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionDraft of manuscript diary "Journal kept on the Boston barque, HIRAM EMERY, on her voyage from Boston to Sydney, Australia, Newcastle, Hong Kong and return 1884 & 1885, by Oliver E Hurd, (extra) ordinary seaman, with Captain F W Gorham'.
HistoryThe HIRAM EMERY was a merchant vessel built in in the shipyard of Captain Nathaniel Lord Thompson at Kennebunk Lower Village, Maine, in 1877.
The HIRAM EMERY sailed from Boston on May 11, 1884 and in August was approaching Australia. In the diary Hurd writes on 7 August "Sydney is a great place., I understand, for fights on shipboard resulting from men trying to run away and today I was set to work cleaning handcuffs and making them ready in case of an emergency."
On the 18th August HIRAM EMERY arrived in Sydney. Hurd makes some mention on the beauty of the port and notes that two men tried to jump ship, he also notes that he regrets not having kept up his journal while in Sydney.
On 22 September HIRAM EMERY cleared Newcastle, New South Wales, for China, arriving in Hong Kong on 8 November. From here they went to Manila and then home to Boston.
SignificanceThe details in this journal by O.E. Hurd are unusual and insightful. They range from striking the mate with a piece of wood (he was provoked) to his falling overboard while painting (he caught the end of the spanker sheet and was hauled back on board). Hurd notes not only the shipboard duties, but leisure activities as well, noting at one point that the carpenter cut the spine out of a shark for a cane.
Parent (child)/Child (parent)