Log of the Lydia and the Roscius, 1856-1861

Log of the Lydia and the Roscius, 1856-1861

Whaling--North Pacific Ocean.

Whaling--Gulf of Alaska.

Whaling--Indian Ocean.

A boatsteerer named Joseph Tucker kept this journal on two voyages: aboard the ship Lydia (1854-58) to the North Pacific and the Gulf of Alaska, and the bark Roscius (1858-61) to the Indian Ocean. The boatsteerer was one of the most responsible positions on the crew of a whaler—he pulled the forward oar of a whaleboat until it was within striking distance of the animal, and would then cast or shoot a harpoon while a boat handler guided the vessel. Both voyages were fairly successful and eventful trips, and the journal records ships encountered, whale sightings and captures, and personal observations and musings by Tucker.

Tucker, Joseph

1856-1861

Bound manuscript

English

Text

Wh L983 1854j

Nicholson Whaling Collection, Providence Public Library