Revenue Cutter James K. Polk
Seeking information on the Revenue Cutter James K. Polk which served on the West Coast and in the San Francisco area from 1850 to 1854. Particularly interested in any images or drawings of the ship. Also interested in the shipping Daniel Gibbs Company which purchased the Polk in 1854.
Editor’s Note: Articles re the U.S. Revenue Cutter Polk follow. Photos might be available from one of the Research Sites, most particularly the National Historical Maritime Park/Museum or the National Archives:
Daily Alta California, April 5, 1851
THE JAPANESE.– These shipwrecked foreigners, who were brought to this port by the Auckland, are now on baord the U.S. Revneue Cutter Polk, where they ahve been for some days. Capt. Hunter has already written to the United States Government at home, representing their case, and there is no doubt but that they will be restored to their native land in some national vessel.
While speaking of thes unfortunates we would state that parties who were on board the Auckland to see them, carried away pieces of coin and their chart, ad well as other curious matters. It is their desire to repossess their chart, and we hope whoever has it in their possession will return it on board the Polk. We received some days since a communications from an anonymous correspondent propounding some enquiries relative the Japanese, to which it is unnecessary to reply.
Daily Alta California, July 30, 1851
SHIP ON FIRE.–Fire was discovered issuing from the cabin of the ship Leonora, of Boston, lying near Clark’s Point, about 10 o’clock yesterday morning. The alarm was immediately given, and the signal of distress displayed from the Telegraph. Liout. McGowan of the revenue cutter Polk, with a boat’s crew, and boats from various merchantmen and the shore, pulled to her assistance and rendered most efficient service in extinguishing the fire, although it continued to burn for a long time.
A steam tug was made fast, and as soon as her anchors could be weighed, she was towed out into the stream. We were informed by one of the captains of police, who was on board during the day, that Williams, the man who was so near being lynched sometime since, worked most industriously during the whole day. The vessel wat loaded with Sydney coal, and had the fire got into that, the vessel must have been destroyed.
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The Coast Guard Under Sail:
The U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, 1789-1865
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