| Scope and content |
George E. Tirrell papers consist of a photocopy of a letter Tirrell sent to his sister. The letter is divided into twelve sections that have corresponding sketches. Most of the sketches are of vessels encountered during the voyage, but others represent Pierce's Hut at Juan Fernandez, the bay at Juan Fernandez, the entrance to San Francisco Bay, and an adobe house at Nicholas on the Feather River in California. References are made to such extreme sea and weather conditions as gales and calms, as well as snow and sleet in the summer months off Cape Horn. Tirrell utilizes a narrative form in his descriptions of the mechanics of sailing the FLETCHER during various weather conditions. Also of interest are Tirrell's descriptions of experiences at Juan Fernandez, including a mountain climb, a meal of fried goat, and a sleepless night in Pierce's Hut. |
| Access restriction | No access restrictions. |
| Cite as |
George E. Tirrell Papers (#418), Special Collections Department, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. |
| Reproduction note | Photocopy. Greenville, N.C. : East Carolina University, 1983. |
| 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- Gift of Capt. David E. Perkins. |
| Biographical note | George E. Tirrell was one of a crew of approximately fifty who left Boston in March 1849 en route to San Francisco aboard the bark FLETCHER. An artist by nature, Tirrell had been hired by William Wright of Boston to work in the gold mines in the interest of Wright's company. During the voyage, Tirrell captured his experiences in several sketches, which he sent to his sister on July 14, 1851, along the route to California and the island of Juan Fernandez, Chile, where he went ashore. |
