| Scope and content |
The ship's log of the US Brig Porpoise, dated 19 February 1845 to 16 June 1846, was kept during a cruise from New York to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. It details navigational statistics, weather reports, sightings and hailing of other ships, and punishments of crew infractions. The author was probably Midshipman Benjamin Lee Henderson and the log was signed in fifteen places by Lt. Commander William E. Hunt. |
| Access restriction | No access restrictions. |
| Cite as |
US Brig Porpoise Ship's Log (#1163), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. |
| Terms of use | Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law. |
| Acquisitions source |
Joyner- Purchased from Carmen D. Valentino, Philadelphia, Pa.. |
| Biographical note | The second USS Porpoise was launched 31 May 1836; in 1838 she stood out of Hampton Roads with the United States Exploring Expedition; from Feb. 1845-July 1847 she participated in naval operations during the Mexican War; during 1848-1851 she hunted slavers along the west coast of Africa; recommissioned May 1853 and assigned to the North Pacific Exploring and Surveying Expedition under Commander Cadwalader Ringgold; parted company with other vessels on 21 September 1854 between Formosa and China, and was never heard from again. It is supposed she foundered in a heavy typhoon which occurred a few days after her separation from the squadron. |
