Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Object ID |
2013.106.822 |
Title |
Letter from Andrew Leonard to his parents |
Object Name |
Letter |
Dates of Creation |
July 5, 1860 |
Scope & Content |
Handwritten letter dated July 5, 1860 from Andrew Leonard Emerson in Callao Bay to his parents Charles O. Emerson and Harriet (Phillips) Emerson in York. Letter includes an envelope. In the letter he writes that his voyage to the Chincha Islands from San Francisco is almost over and they will be arriving tomorrow. He talks about how he would like to reform things on the ship as the 1st mate but Capt. King won't let him. He also writes about how the ship was decorated with bunting for the 4th of July and that the U.S.S. Wyoming (Wyoming I, Sloop of War) fired a salute that was replied by he forts and other man of war ships that were in port. Transcription: Dear Parents, I have only time to write a few lines. We have now been here a week and expect to sail for the Chincha's tomorrow, we made the passage down from San Francisco in 55 days, better than average. We were becalmed [leave (a sailing vessel) unable to move through lack of wind] three days in sight of port, could see the shipping every day. I have been very busy overhauling the rigging & spars, some of which is very bad, had to "stopper" topmast basckstays &c [etc.] coming down. I was very agreeably disappointed on arriving here to find a letter from home. I thot you would delay writing as you usually do. I also rec'vd another letter by the last steamer, hope you will continue to write by every steamer. You can count on me being here three months from the date of this letter as there are 125 ships loading at the islands. It will take about a week to "beat" up to the Chinchas. Direct my letters to the same as before to Callao, they will be forwarded to me. Much obliged to you all for your congratulations I get along first rate, but I should like to revolutionize things a little, but can't make a thorough reformation as Capt. King don't believe in it. Yesterday all the American ships in port were decorated with "Bunting" in grand style, the Zephyr among the rest, and I had the satisfaction of knowing she was the best looking ships here. At noon the U.S. 'man of war" steamer "Wyoming" fired a heavy salute and it was replied to from the forts and castle ashore and by the rest of "men of war" in port. I can tell you it made some noise. One of the Frenchman is a first class "Line of Battle ship" of 110 guns of the largest size. I have not been ashore yet and do not expect to until I get to a civilized country. When you write Ed please give my congratulations and tell him to write, also remember me to Frank. I shan't direct to Kittery depot for it don't seem natural. Give my love to Abby & Aunt M. I will write them from the Chincha's in haste. Your affec son, Leonard, P.S. Did you take much interest in the fight bteween Herman & Sagers[?]? I suppose not though. |
Collection |
Emerson Family Collection |
People |
Emerson Family Emerson, Andrew Leonard, Capt., 1837-1909 Emerson, Charles Octavius, 1799-1863 Emerson, Harriet Jane (née Philips), 1808-1890 |
Search Terms |
19th century Chincha Islands, Peru San Francisco, CA York U.S.S. Wyoming (sloop-of-war) |
Subjects |
Family letters Fourth of July Maritime history Ports Sailors Shipping Ships Travel |