July 25 - 27 1862

Pg. 15 of 39

Michelle Commeyras

— 2 min read

Atlantic Ocean D. D. Baxter Mast

Friday July 25th 1862

Commences with brisk wind and rain from W by S heading NW by N by the wind and steering E by S during the day. Employed getting the Main Brace Pendant. I made a Boat Mast and cut out a sail as far as I could for cloth. When that failed I had to cave in also. We saw some more phantons today. I have missed my poor dog Dixie very much indeed during the day.

Lat. 35 30 N Long. 42 25 W

Saturday July 26th

Commences with brisk wind from N.W. steering N.NE During the time I have not been at the Mast Head I have been sewing on my sail. This forenoon we lowered for Killers but did see them after the Boats were covered. This afternoon we had a light shower of rain and it has cleared the air beautifully. Saturday Eve is the time for Sailors to think of their SweetHearts and wives. I wonder if they are thinking of us to night. I believe mine is.

Lat. 35 33 N Long. No Obs

Sunday July 27th

Had brisk wind from E.SE. heading S and NE. We have had a heave swell from NE all day. At sunset shortened sail. I have been employed working ship’s time and looking at a certain Ambrotype1 I have in my chest. I wish I could see the original to night. I’ll bet she2 is thinking of me.

Lat 36 10 N Long. 41 18 W

1 Ambrotypes are unique, early photographs made on glass, popular from the 1850s to 1860s, created by backing an underexposed glass negative with black material (like velvet or lacquer) to form a positive image, offering a cheaper, more direct alternative to daguerreotypes. These detailed, fragile images were often hand-colored and housed in protective cases with cover glass, showcasing the advent of accessible photographic portraiture before paper prints took over

2 Who is “she”? John T Duntlin’s wife Ann P Southack died Dec. 26, 1861. What transpired between her death and his departure on the Bark Solon June 12, 1862? Did he have a sweetheart? He married for the second time in on Dec. 5, 1863 to Lucy Ann Benson. Perhaps he knew Lucy before he sailed on the Bark Solon.

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