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Three times around the world, or life and adventures of Alonzo D. Sampson

Date1867

Object number00008396

NameBook

MediumCloth bound boards, gilt, Ink on paper

DimensionsOverall: 220 x 140 x 15 mm

ClassificationsBooks and journals

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThe book 'Three times around the world, or life and adventures of Alonzo D. Sampson' was written by Alonzo D. Sampson and printed in 1867. Signing onto a whaling vessel in 1849 at the age of 17, Alonzo D. Sampson sailed the Pacific and Southern Oceans pursuing the whale for 12 years.HistoryIn the 19th century American whalers sailed south to the rich Pacific whaling grounds in search of sperm whales. During the 1840s several hundred ships pursued whales off the coast of Australia. Many called into Australian ports for repairs or supplies after a voyage half-way around the world. Meeting a whaler was the first contact many colonists had with an American. The hunt for the whale met different needs at different times. Whale oil was an important fuel for lighting during the 18th and 19th centuries. With the increasing mechanisation of industry and transport it became a valuable machinery lubricant. The oil was also used in the manufacture of hundreds of commodities, most notably soap and margarine. During his 12 years on whaling vessels, Alonzo D. Sampson became a sailor on the whaleship JUNIOR. JUNIOR departed New Bedford for the Sea of Okhotsk on July 21, 1857. Owing to poor leadership, rotten food and the failure to capture any whales, five sailors mutinied on 25 December 1857 off the south east coast of Australia. Sampson was forced by mutineers to row to the coast at Cape Howe, Victoria.SignificanceThis book is an important record of life onboard a whaling ship during the 19th century.