Edwin Augustus Porcher HMS Sparrowhawk diary and watercolor drawings, 1865-1868.

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Edwin Augustus Porcher HMS Sparrowhawk diary and watercolor drawings, 1865-1868.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/81194925

Holograph diary kept by Porcher while commander of the HMS Sparrowhawk during its voyage from England to British Columbia by way of South America, through the Straits of Magellan, from Callao to the Hawaiian Islands, and from Honolulu to Esquimalt Harbor, Vancouver Island, and while stationed at Esquimalt from March 9, 1865 to October 14, 1868. The 287-page volume contains details of the scenery, wildlife, buildings, industry, customs, natural resources, and everyday life of the places visited during his initial voyage and during short voyages along the Northwest Coast from San Francisco to Sitka, Alaska. Porcher describes meeting, working, and socializing with local dignitaries and clergymen including Governor and Mrs. [Frederick] Seymour, other navy men and their families, miners, lumbermen, fur traders, Indians, and others. He notes assisting other ships in need of help due to accidents; visiting coal mines, gold mines and saw mills; and settling magistrate cases. Pages 260-307 contain statistical information about the ship, and its location and conditions during the voyage. Three letters of thanks to Porcher for his service during the voyage, and Porcher's certificate of appointment to captain are included with the material. Accompanied by notes of a former owner and a typed transcript of the diary. Fifty-three watercolors by Porcher, the majority of which are of British Columbia, including scenic views, native and non-native settlements, ships, and buildings. Additional works illustrate views of Madeira, Rio de Janeiro, the Falkland Islands, the Straits of Magellan, Valparaiso, Lima, and Honolulu. Three drawings were made on his return to England via Panama and St. Thomas. The watercolors are individually mounted, numbered, captioned, and dated, and are arranged by date (1865 Apr 11-1868 Sep 28).

5.87 linear ft. (5 boxes)

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

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SNAC Resource ID: 8259030

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Related Entities

There are 4 Entities related to this resource.

Great Britain

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6wj3fx1 (corporateBody)

This historic document, considered by many to be the cornerstone of English liberty, was the result of demands made by the English barons at the beginning of the 13th century for rights and guarantees against the exactions of the m̀onarchy' in the person of King John. It consists of a preamble and 63 clauses. Also includes facsimile of Magna Carta from Salisbury Cathedral (acquired 1964). From the description of Magna Carta [manuscript]. 1215. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record i...

Seymour, Frederick, 1820-1869

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w60w0f1m (person)

Sparrowhawk (Ship)

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Porcher, Edwin Augustus, 1824-1878

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6x65nbh (person)

Edwin Porcher joined the H.M.S. Fly in 1842, for a four-year voyage to Australia and the adjoining islands. In 1846 he served aboard the steam frigate Sidon, then on the Cleopatra in 1849. After several other tours he joined the Hibernia in 1857, on a special assignment in the Middle East for the British Government. He later published a history of the discoveries made at Cyrene during this expedition. In 1865 he was in command of the H.M.S. Sparrowhawk, stationed in British Columbia, where he re...