The Maritime Heritage Project

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Questions and Answers

Editor’s Note: In going through older eMails, I came across this inquiry and found additional information Captain Mallagh, which is now listed here: Captain David Patrick Mallagh

Other resources for such inquiries are noted on the following page: Maritime Heritage Resources.

My ggg-grandfather was an Irish shipping captain named David Patrick Mallagh, who, according to the records of the Society of California Pioneers, immigrated to California 26 July 1849. He was born 26 Sep 1825, Ireland, and died 26 Sep 1880 while working as a prison guard at San Quentin Prison (died on birthday according to obit). He spent most of his adult life living near San Luis Obispo, CA, married to Juana de Jesus Carrillo.

I know from the 1852 California Census that his previous place of residence was the “East Indies”. Furthermore, from two newspaper records from December 1849, I know that he was the captain of a schooner named Honolulu that ran trade routes back and forth between San Pedro, CA and San Francisco. Additionally, a short biography published in 1891 by Ida Storke on a man who knew Mallagh, J.B. Shaw, states the following about the latter’s trip to southern California:

Shaw “took passage on the fast-sailing schooner Honolulu, commanded by Captain Mallagh, who had come with him on the same sailing vessel from China, and whom he had often attended professionally on his frequent trips from Bombay to Hong Kong, where the Doctor was stationed.”

From elsewhere in the passage we know that Shaw was residing continuously in Hong Kong from 1844 until 1849, “when he embarked on a Swedish vessel and arrived in San Francisco July 3, 1849.”

My questions surround the maritime history of my ggg-grandfather. Given that DP Mallagh was captain of his own ship in Dec 1849, it seems possible that it was as captain of that ship that he came from Hong Kong to CA. However, the previous passage states that Shaw came with Mallagh to San Francisco, which suggests that Mallagh was at that time not in command of his own ship but on the aforementioned Swedish ship. That is at odds with Mallagh conducting trade between Bombay and Hong Kong, however. Plus, their dates of arrival do not line up.

I am not sure where you acquire your shipping records from, but I am curious if there exist any records of a schooner by the name of Honolulu arriving in July 1849 (or any time in 1849 for that matter). I would be curious to see if DP Mallagh is listed as captain. For that matter, I would be interested to know if any Swedish ships arrived around the same time, one supposedly carrying J.B. Shaw (and Mallagh?).

I realize these requests are far-reaching, but I am mainly interested in any further direction you might give me in searching for the history of DP Mallagh as a captain. Some day I would love to track his movements throughout Asia, if that is even possible given the port/shipping records that may exist in Bombay and Hong Kong from that period.

Thanks so much for your time.

I really appreciated the information that you provided on the steamer, Alex Duncan. I now have a picture and a unique piece of her history as well as a copy or her enrollment. I will provide this information to you if you have any interest.

I am now searching for information on the Florence. That is proving difficult since there seems to be two barks by that name that sank off the Oregon coast: one in 1873 and one in 1875, The first was described as a “French vessel.” The second was built in Bath, Maine in 1845 +/-.

I have a picture of the later ship together with its enrollment. I am working on a project for the history of Florence, Oregon. One tradition is that it got its name from a ship name board (Florence) that was found washed up on the beach. There are other traditions some with no documentation.

I would like to find documentation that will establish the real or best documented story. I will greatly appreciate your help and will pay reasonable costs or make a contribution to your organization.

I am the present owner of The Sailing Schooner El Primero, 1893 first steam yacht on the west coast and built by the heirs of Mark Hopkins at Union Iron Works San Francisco.

I was wondering if there is any interest (and possible support) For my bringing her back to the San Franciso Water front for Museum interest?
Please contact me at: Linductor@aol.com and or 206-714-9549

I do not have resources for such a venture. I’ll post this. Perhaps you will get a response. In the meantime, you might want to contact The National Historical Maritime Historical Park in San Francisco. That link will also take you to a page of other maritime groups that may have resources that may benefit you.

Sacramento Daily Union, August 31, 1874

BY STATE TELEGRAPH

The Fire — Advices from Sydney — Arrival of the Steamer Mikado

San Francisco, August 30.

. . . News from Sydney by the steamer Mikado, which arrived this morning, is of little interest. H. H. Hall, agent of the line, came on the steamer with his family, and will remain here till all the financial matters of the company are arranged. The steamer made a quick passage, and brought quite a full cargo.

Daily Alta California, November 10, 1874

The Australian Line

Telegrams were received yesterday, announcing that the Government of New South Wales had chartered the steamers Mikado and Macgregor to ply between Sydney and this port, and giving the management of the line to the Australasian Steam Navigation Company. The English mails arrived last night, and the Cyphrenes sails today at noon.

Daily Alta California, April 1875

Sacramento Daily Union, May 22, 1874

Arrival of the Mikado— Japan News—The Cypherus Overdue.

San Francisco, May 21st.

The Mikado to-day brings Honolulu dates to May 9th.

The Legislature was opened on the 13th of April in presence of about 1,000 people. The King delivered an address. He said the resources of the country had been largely depleted by an extraordinary expenditure necessary for the removal of lepers to Molokai, the burial of two sovereigns and the election of their successors. He favors a commercial treaty with the United States, but deprecates any cession of terrritory to us. He favors the furnishing of facilities for steam navigation with San Francisco and Australia, and recommends a commission of learned men to codify the laws.

The Legislature defeated the proposed amendment to the Constitution separating the houses. This measure was advanced by Lunalilo, who hoped to thereby restore the Constitution of 1852.

The Cyphernes, from Australia, was overdue at Honolulu, and is overdue here, aud the belief is general that she has met with some accident. Sbe is about twelve days overdue here.

(SECOND DISPATCH.)

The Escape of Henri de Rochefort (1831-1915) Parisian Victor Henri Rochefort-Luçay, better known by the name of Henri Rochefort, was a journalist, playwright and politician. In the pages of La Lanterne, La Marseillaise, and Intransigeant, he defended contrasting policy options favorable to the Commune which earned him the nickname of “the man the twenty duels and thirty trials”, and sentences, including prison at Noumea. He escaped in 1874. Edouard Manet

Bochefort at San Francisco— Greenbacks— Stocks.

San Francisco, May 21st.

The French exile, Henri Rochefort, was a passenger on the steamer Mikado, and is in the city at the present time but secluded.

Daily Alta California, April 30, 1875

The Australian Steamer

The steamer Mikado is advertised to sail on Saturday, at 10 a.m., if the London mails for Australia are received by that time. It is believed the baggage of the intending passengers will not arrive in time, on account of the difficulty in transferring at Green River, in which case it is reasonable to suppose there will be a further delay. Still, the agents say Saturday, and shippers and passengers will act wisely in being prepared.

Daily Alta California, August 3, 1875

HAWAII.

By the arrival of the Mikado ; we have flies of Honolulu papers to July list. There is not much of importance in the files before us.

Captain Moore, 30 days from Sydney via Honolulu 9 days; pass and mdse to J. C. Merrill & Co.

CONSIGNEES

Per Mikado — Welch & Co; C. A. Low & Co.; J. C. Merrill & Co; G. Clements; T O’Connor; Emerson Corville & Co; B. F. Wellington; F. Christie; McKeller & Co; H. Campbell; Balfour, Guthrie & Co; J. Corley; W. J. Fisher; H. Livermore; M. Phillips; Jones & Co; H. N. Hyman; N. Dabovich; Mason & Co; A. Georgiani; L. G. Sresovich & Co.; A. P. Everett; J. Ivancovich & Co; Chinese Merchants; Order.

The Order of Kalakaua is to be inaugurated, the the Order of Kamehameha being too limited to reward all who deserve distinction.

Heavy rains have prevailed on Maui.

Campbell & Turton, of Lahaina, took off a crop of 1952 tons of sugar in 176 worklug days.

Typhus fever is becoming a regular visitor to the islands in the Summer. The monthly United States steamer Tuscarora is on her way to San Francisco.

Daily Alta California, November 25, 1875

Norfolk Island Pine Trees

These trees, by their peculiar foliage, are much cultivated in the gardens of both city and country. They are an evergreen, and grow luxuriously on on this peninsula. Mr. Z. W. Moore, stall No. 37, 38 adn 39 California Market, sent to Australia for a supply, and received by the Mikado an invoice of two hundred fine young trees in pots. They are a year old and well rooted. This is the season of the year to plant them.

Daily Alta California, December 10, 1875

Movements of Ocean Steamers

To Depart: Mikado; Destination Sydney; December 10

MERCHANDISE MARKET

Thursday Evening, December 9, 1875

QUICKSILVER — The Mikado took 65 flasks for Australia and 55 do for New Zealand. Quotable at 70c 1/2 lb.

HOPS — The Mikado took 200 bls for Australia, 25 do for New Zealand and 1 do for Honolulu. Quotable, for export parcels, at 12-1/2 cents 1/2 lb.

PRODUCE MARKET

BARLEY — The Mikado cleared today with 8,750 ctls Chevalier for Australia.

Sacramento Daily Union, December 10, 1875

BY STATE TELEGRAPH

(Special by Telegraph to the Daily Record-Union)

From San Francisco— The Steamer Los Angeles —The Salvador— The Mikado and City of San Francisco — The Suit of Captain Lilndell.

San Francisco, December 9th.

The prevailing interest in this city for several days past seems to be confined to nautical matters. The probable fate of the Los Angeles is discussed in all its bearings, with the verdict generally leaning towards the theory of her loss. A man who was employed on her is reported to have said before her sailing that she was by no means prepared to encounter heavy weather, and that he considered the trip a dangerous one. Many others among seafaring men express similar opinions. Her owners, however, profess to believe that she was thoroughly seaworthy, and still advance the opinion that she will be found working up the coast with disabled machinery. Her progress in that case would be quite slow enough to account tor her delay, as she was heavily loaded and has very little spread of canvas.

Goodall, Nelson & Perkins have telegraphed to have the steamer Gypsy, now on her way up from southern ports, to join with the revenue cutters in the search. Considerable feeling exists to the effect that the Salvador should have been carefully inspected before sailing to-morrow for Victoria. She was roughly handled in her last trip down the coast, and many, including officers, crew and passengers, asserted at the time that she was unfit for such service. She was built several years ago for the southern service, and is not considered stanch enough for the northern route, especially at this season of the year. She is an iron vessel, but the upper part of her hull is of wood, with large side ports, through which the water is reported to have forced its way in great quantities during her recent passage. Such an arrangement is not permissible under the rules of the British Lloyd’s.

The Mikado, of the Australasian Steam Navigation Company’s line, will leave this evening on her last trip from this port. The new City of San Francisco will take her place on the Pacitic Mail Company’s Australian line, sailing to-morrow morning.

The trial before the United States Circuit Court of Captain Lindell for willfully wrecking the Bark Union still continues. Additional evidence is being obtained from members of the crew, showing that the wreck was premeditated.

[SECOND DISPATCH.]

The Mikado Sails— The City of San Francisco Sails To-Day— Body identitied.

San Francisco, December 9th.

The steamer Mikado sailed this evening for Sydney, via Honolulu. This departure closes the service of the Australian Steam Navigation Company. The Pacific Mail steamer City of San Francisco sails to-tomorrow on the same route. Considerable interest is felt and some bets are made as to which ship will make the best time. The Mikado carried a large freight and passenger list, being favored by travelers and shippers on account of a feeling against the Pacific Mail for its action in thecase of Captain Waddell . . . No news from the missing steamer Los Angeles.

Daily Alta California, February 14, 1876

AUSTRALIA AND THE CENTENNIAL.

In an article on the Pacific Mail service, the Sydney Herald of a late date says that the relations between the Australian colonies and the United States will naturally be strengthened by the establishment and maintenance of an efficient mail service between them. Influences tending in the same direction may also be brought into operation by the representation of our resources at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. New South Wales will, it it believed, make a creditable appearance there with the goods from this colony shipped by the Mikado.

Waterfront Scene, San Francisco, California c. 1800s

Question: I was wondering where the information about become a member of the crew is.

Not sure what you are asking. If you are asking about becoming a crew member today, you would have to contact one of the Maritime academies or one of the private cruise companies.

If you’re speaking about during the days of sailing (1500s, 1600s, 1700s, etc.), stories are throughout the Maritime Heritage Project site, including the following:

Captain Bully Waterman
Captain Brenham

and there are a few books here regarding being shanghaied (clubbed in a waterfront bar, thrown aboard a ship about to depart, wake up at sea): Shanghaied

One of the best writers about how men got on board ships during the late 1700s, 1800s is Patrick O’Brien . . . a list of his books is on the following page and to the right: Patrick O’Brien

Of course some very young men signed on to escape home or just for the adventure. My own g-g-g-grandfather Captain James H. Blethen, went to sea at age 9 or so, which was not uncommon during the 1700s and 1800s.

For anyone thinking about writing stories about life at sea (fiction or non-fiction), you could do well to read any or all of O’Brien’s books — his own Naval career laidi the foundation for superb writing and detail. His language is exceptional.

Hope that helps.

Protect Our Shipyards! Voice Your Concern

If implemented, the US Navy directed cancellation of ship repair and maintenance due to lack of an approved Defense budget and sequestration will have a drastic impact on the commercial ship repair industry across the nation.

The more than 150,000 expert ship repair professionals that have been cultivated across the nation cannot be easily replaced by a new workforce. In addition, many of our yards nationwide do both defense and commercial work. The Navy cancellations would severely undermine their ability to continue operating in a high quality, efficient manner. VSRA represents approximately 230 member companies whose combined businesses have an economic impact in the Hampton Roads area on more than 33,000 jobs, $5 billion in annual sales and $1.8 million in employee earnings.

The Virginia Ship Repair Association urges you to learn more and voice your concern. We have provided templates for mailing letters to your members of Congress, as well as contact lists to make phone calls. Please join us in this effort to preserve our maritime interests, protect our shipyards and secure the future of our workforce.

Phone calls to your Representatives and Senators is also strongly encouraged.

Additional information and contact information

With my utmost respect,
Bill
William W. “Bill” Crow, President, VSRA

Portsmouth, Virginia: Jewel of the Elizabeth, a narrated DVD by Mildred Holladay, Dean Burgess, Eric Price.

Course Dates: Saturdays, February 9, 16, 23 and through March 2, 11 a.m.
with a conclusing session on Tuesday, March 5, Black American Day in Californi aschools at 3:30 p.m.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Cetner

SAN FRANCISCO — Come to the Water: Teaching San Francisco Black Heritage continues for the third year on Saturdays through March 2 in the theater of the Visitor Center of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. The seven week course instills a cultural competency with the multi-national and multi-lingual history of African-Americans in the Bay Area since the 1700s.

The fine audio-visual environment of the S.F. Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center helps show how to turn San Francisco into a living classroom with wonders abounding for students.

Leading the course is historian John William Templeton, author/editor of Our Roots Run Deep: the Black Experience in California, Vols 1-4
and Cakewalk, an historical novel about the unsung creators of jazz. He also contributed “African-Americans in the West” to the Encyclopedia of African American History, 1619-1895: From the Colonial Period to the Age of Frederick Douglass. Three-volume set (Encyclopedia of African American Culture and History) by Paul Finkelman, published by Oxford University Press.

Editor’s Note: A reader asked about the steamship Titana, formerly the Uncle Sam. The following ships may not all be the same Titana. Additional research is needed.

The Brisbane Courier, Saturday, April 6, 1867

SYDNEY

The steamer Titana, lately belonging to the Spanish fleet, has arrived with a cargo of produce from Tahiti.

British Lion, June 19, 1867

The steamer Titana, formerly the American steamer Uncle Sam, arrived here on the 5th from Tahiti, where she was sold by the Spanish Fleet for a small sum. The Titana will remain here for some months, as new boilers are required.

Kingston Gleaner, June 10, 1867

and

Daily Alta California, June 26, 1867

By the Montana, from Panama, we have New Zealand dates to May 7th, and from Sydney and Melbourne to May 1st:

The steamer Titana, formerly the American steamer Uncle Sam, arrived here on the 5th from Tahiti where she was sold by the Spanish fleet for a small sum. The Titana will remain for some months, as new boilers are required.

Daily Southern Cross, 25 Paengawhawha 1867

The French Protectorate steamer Titana arrived early yesterday from Tahiti. She sailed on March 8, and has had light winds throughout. She has come up here for repairs to the boilers, etc., and was stopped for six days through their leaking. The Titana is a New York built vessel, of 1,300 tons burden, and when in proper steams fifteen knots. She has been employed for some time on the west coast of America, between Panama and San Francisco. She formed one of the Spanish war fleet in the blockade of the Chilean coast and bombardment of Valparaiso. She is a wooden boat of great capacity, and carries 1,000 tons of coal, with accommodations for 600 or 700 troops. In addition to extensive saloon cabins, she has water tanks capable of holding 25,000 gallons. Her engines are on the American deck beam principle, and in appearance she very much resembles the well-known steamers Golden Age and Governor-General that visited this port some years ago. She has three decks, exclusive of her hurricane deck. She is twenty-six days from Tahiti, using but one boiler, with a pressure of two to four inches steam only, her chief fuel being green firewood, which was consumed with much difficulty. She is consigned to Messrs. Beilby and Scott, and we believe it is intended to sell her at this port, if a market can be found. She reports the department of H.I.M. ships Clio and Mutine for Valparaiso — Sydney Morning Herald, April 6

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 4 Paengawhawha 1868

RETURN OF CHINESE DIGGERS. — The Melbourne Argus says: “Those Chinamen who have done well on the diggings of this colony are returning to their native country in large numbers. The steamer Titana, which sails on the 17th inst. for Japan via Sydney and Hong Kong, will take away some 400 of them, who are bound for Hong Kong, and an equal if not larger number will join the vessel at Sydney. The ambition of Chinamen in money matters is not high, and a sum which to a European would seem of little importance to start in life with is regarded by a Celestial as a fortune wherewith to settle peaceably on his native soil.”

Tyron Daily Herald, September 4, 1899

and

Harrisonburg Rockingham Register, September 8, 1899

CHARLESTON, S. C., Sept. 2.—A terrible tale of the sea, the story of survivors drawing lots to die and be hacked up for food, was told today by two of the men of the wrecked Norwegian bark, Drot. They had sucked the blood from their companion’s body to keep alive. One of the saved men is a raving, ranting, shrieking maniac. His name is Maurice Anderson. The other one’s name is Goodmund Thomasen. He is sane but wasted away. They were picked up on Thursday by the British steamer, Woodruff, Captain Milburn, two hundred and fifty miles south of Charleston. But one of the crew was saved. He was landed at Philadelphia on August 22 by the German steamer, Titana.

Los Angeles Herald, September 3, 1902

Coast Shipping

San Diego, Sept. 2 – The collier Titana, six days from Nanaimo, coal laden, arrived at noon today.

Boston Daily Globe, August 24, 1904

T WHARF ARRIVALS.

The schooner M. S. Ayers brought in this morning a seine boat which was found adrift in the South channel, bottom up, last Monday. The boat has on the small deck aft the number ‘”38″ over the number “1582″.” The name has been painted over several times, but as well as it could be made out, it read “Titana, Gloucester.” The Titana is a seiner, and was fishing in the vicinity of the Rips last week. She belongs in Gloucester. The Ayers spoke to her late last week, when the captain of the Titana said he had a large lot of mackerel in the hold, and a deckload as well . . .

The Advertiser, Adelaide, Tuesday, October 16, 1917

Brisbane, October 15: The A.U.S.N. Company’s small cargo steamer Titana arrived from Rockhampton at daylight yesterday morning. This morning she was berthed at the A.U.S.N. Company’s Eagle-street wharf, where she is taking in cargo for Maryborough, Bundaberg, and Rockhampton.

Shipping Arrivals in Australia 1788-1828

The work lists in ship name order, the various names located in musters, census, family histories and some shipping indents, whether, soldier, crew, transported convict or immigrant passenger. The ships are mentioned in alphabetical order together with each of the names of the people located who are listed in alphabetical order under each ship’s heading. Some people are listed with multiple names where these were found and linked. The surnames of married women are mentioned even though most arrived under their maiden names if they were found. The names were not verified with all the shipping indents.

Wanganella and the Australian Trans-Tasman Liners, Peter Plowman

This is the historical story of the ship liners that had operated across the Tasman region, beginning in 1879. There was fierce competition between the shipping companies, which included fare wars that caused one company to withdraw. The aftermath of World War I saw just one Huddart Packer liner crossing the Tasman, until the advent of the Wanganella in 1933. Other ships, including the Monowai and the stunning Awatea, also plied the Tasman trade. During World War II, these ships were co-opted to serve in various capacities. After the war, the Wanganella eventually returned to trans-Tasman crossing, but the advent of frequent air travel meant her days were also numbered. She finished her career as a workers’ hostel in New Zealand. Illustrated throughout, this cataloguing of ships is presented by one of Australia’s leading maritime historians – author Peter Plowman – who tells the story of these ship liners with his customary flair and attention to detail.

The Vicar of Bray was built by Robert Hardy at Whitehaven and was launched on the 22nd April 1841. The Vicar of Bray was his penultimate large vessel, being followed only by the brig Hyperion, in 1844.

The barque had a high classification at Lloyd’s, 12 years A1, indicating good quality materials and workmanship. Her survey report stated that she was “as good as can be made,” and that she had been built of English oak and West African hardwoods.

On the 16th June 1841 the Vicar of Bray entered Liverpool for loading, and a month later she departed the Mersey, under the command of Capt. Seymour and bound for Rio de Janeiro and Lima. The round trip took a year, and the vessel entered inwards at the London Custom House on the 1st July 1842.

Newspaper reports show the Vicar of Bray arriving at Cowes, Isle of Wight, on the 8th February 1849, from Huanchaco, then departing Gravesend on the 27th March, for Valparaiso. In November/December she arrived at San Francisco from Valparaiso, under the command of Capt. Duggan. Her crew apparently deserted her upon arrival, and it took some time before Capt. Duggan could find replacements.

On the 1st October 1850 the barque was reported sailing from Callao, bound for Liverpool. Oddly, in March 1850 the Times carried an advertisement for the Vicar of Bray, C. Duggan commander, to sail from London on the 10th October, as one of several vessels offering a regular packet service to San Francisco. The vessels were advertised as having excellent accommodation for passengers, and were said to be “favourably known in the Pacific”.

Daily Alta California, Advertisements:

February 18, 1850, February 21, February 26, February 27, 1850

FOR VALPARAISO. Will sail in a few days, the fine fast sailing Brits-built bark Vicar of Bray, A 1 for 12 years, C. B. Duggan master.

For particulars of freight or passage, having superior accommodations, apply to PROBST, SMITH & CO., California street. 15f

Daily Alta California, February 27, 1850

• March 11, 1850, Daily Alta California: The English bark Vicar of Bray, Duggan, cleared Valparaiso.

An advert appeared in July 1852, for the “well-known clipper barque Vicar of Bray“, Robert Harrison commander, lying at St. Katherine’s Dock and seeking cargo and passengers for Valparaiso. Her agent was George Seymour, of Cornhill.

In March 1870 the barque, Capt. Lewis, arrived at Bristol from Mauritius with a cargo of 6737 bags of sugar. She then went to Cardiff to load a cargo of 29 tons of machinery and 436 tons of coal, and cleared for Valparaiso on the 25th May. The Vicar of Bray, along with several other vessels, was damaged in a storm, with loss of sails and boats, and damage to the bulwarks and stanchions, and was forced to put into Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands to discharge her cargo and undergo repairs. The barque was bought by the Falkland Islands Company in 1873, and seems to have been refitted for trading between London and the Falklands.

Her career came to an end when she arrived at Stanley from London on the 23rd September 1880. Her entry in Lloyd’s Register that year was appended with the note “Now a Hulk.” Her hull was used as a jetty at Goose Green, and today, partly submerged, still survives there.

~ ~ ~ ~

Hayward Daily Review, April 23, 1972

Redlands Daily Facts, May 25, 1972

By JAMES O. CLIFFORD SAN FRANCISCO from UPI

San Francisco may be about to add another vessel to its fleet of historic ships, which is probably the finest in the nation. The flotilla is berthed in the Fisherman’s Wharf area and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The vessels include the Balclutha, a typical Cape Horner of the 1880′s, the threemasted lumber schooner C. A. Thayer, the steam schooner Wapama, the scow schooner Alma, and the ferryboat Eureka.

There’s lots more and Karl Kortum, director of the San Francisco Maritime Museum, says there’s more to come. Also available for the nautical fan in San Francisco is the paddle tug Eppleton Hall, an English vessel of early 1900s vintage that steamed from England to San Francisco in 1969-1970. In the Museum’s building, housing models and other maritime displays, is the tiny Mermaid in which Kenichi Horie made his famous singlehanded voyage from Japan to San Francisco in 1962.

Kortum thinks he has one of the greatest finds ever in the Vicar of Bray, the only surviving Gold Rush sailing ship.

Kortum discovered the Gold Rush ship in 1966 on a visit to the Falkland Islands. Now used as a mooring facility and decimated in many quarters, Kortum says that from the waterline up the hull is amazingly intact. “The find is equivalent to locating Drake’s Plate of Brasse or the Golden Spike,” Kortum said. “We will indeed find a place for her in San Francisco and bring her home in sections as deck cargo, if need be.”

Museum president Norman Scott would like to see a building constructed “for her care in the same manner that Sweden houses the Vasa.” The Vasa, a 350-year-old Swedish man-of-war, has become the major tourist attraction in Sweden.

Desertions from the Gold Rush ships in San Francisco, which resulted in a “ghost fleet” left idle in the bay, are legendary. The sailors joined the army of miners and headed for the gold fields. The Vicar of Bray alone survives from the thousands of ships that sailed forth to the gold fields.

Even the Vicar of Bray’s crew was not entirely immune to the lure of gold.

“Amazingly, the original articles for the Vicar of Bray’s voyage to San Francisco still survive,” Kortum said. “We have obtained a photostat of these from the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen” in Wales.

The records show that three days after arriving here five men jumped ship.

~ ~ ~ ~

Editor’s Note:

“Vicar of Bray” is a most interesting name for a vessel. The term comes from a spoof on vicars dating back to the time of Henry VIII; it has been reenacted as a play through the years.

The following lyric is a version of the song recorded by Richard Dyer-Bennet in 1955:

In good King Charles’ golden time, when loyalty no harm meant,
A zealous high churchman was I, and so I gained preferment.
To teach my flock, I never missed: Kings are by God appointed
And damned are those who dare resist or touch the Lord’s annointed.
(Chorus)

And this be law, that I’ll maintain until my dying day, sir
That whatsoever king may reign, Still I’ll be the Vicar of Bray, sir.
When royal James possessed the crown, and popery came in fashion,
The penal laws I hooted down, and read the Declaration.
The Church of Rome, I found, did fit full well my constitution
And I had been a Jesuit, but for the Revolution.

When William was our King declared, to ease the nation’s grievance,
With this new wind about I steered, and swore to him allegiance.
Old principles I did revoke; Set conscience at a distance,
Passive obedience was a joke, a jest was non-resistance.

When Royal Anne became our queen, the Church of England’s glory,
Another face of things was seen, and I became a Tory.
Occasional conformists base; I blamed their moderation;
And thought the Church in danger was from such prevarication.
When George in pudding time came o’er, and moderate men looked big, sir
My principles I changed once more, and I became a Whig, sir.
And thus preferment I procured From our new Faith’s Defender,
And almost every day abjured the Pope and the Pretender.

The illustrious house of Hanover and Protestant succession
To these I do allegiance swear – while they can hold possession.
For in my faith and loyalty I never more will falter,
And George my lawful king shall be – until the times do alter.

Vicar of Bray 1734

Reprints of the following views of San Francisco during the 1800s are available by clicking on images.

They come in varying sizes from 8×10 prints to quality glicee prints to posters. They are by unknown and well known artists.

Prints can be ordered framed or unframed. If you don’t see a particular image you would like below, follow one of the links to find many more. (Note: The distribution center for the prints is located in California.)

Vista of San Francisco Deroy

Birds Eye of the Village of San Francisco M & N Hanhart Chromo Lithograph Co

San Francisco, July 1849 from the present site of the San Francisco Stock Exchange H.S. Crocker & Co

The City of San Francisco. Birds Eye View Currier & Ives

Birds Eye View of San Francisco Robinson & Snow

San Francisco in 1849 Ibbotson

View of the Town and Harbor of San Francisco Boosey

City of San Francisco. Birds Eye View