United States schooner FLYING FISH Tender to the Exploring Expedition

Lithographer Endicott Lithographer (1828 - 1852)

Date1842

Object number00005552

NameLithograph

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 717 × 893 mm, 0.1 kg
Mount / Matt size (G Fini Mount): 900 × 1249 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThe FLYING FISH was one of six vessels which took part in the United States Exploring Expedition of 1838 - 1842.HistoryThe 96 tonne USS FLYING FISH, a former New York Pilot boat, accompanied the US Exploring Expedition to the Southern Oceans from 1838 to 1841. Commanded by Lieutenant William M. Walker, the FLYING FISH accompanied the exploring squadron to Australia, and spent December 1839 in Sydney, where five of its seven crew absconded and were not seen again. The schooner sailed to the Antarctic but was driven back because the crew was weakened by sickness and the boat was breaking up. FLYING FISH was eventually sold in Honolulu in February 1841. The US Exploring Expedition was the first government funded scientific hydrographic survey undertaken by the United States. It marked an important attempt by America to enter the international scientific community as a major promoter of exploration.SignificanceThe US Exploring Expedition called into Sydney in November 1839 prior to setting off to Antarctica. It was the first visit by ships of the US Navy and was a popular occasion with the colonists.