July 28 - 31, 1862

Journal of the Bark Solon’s Voyage to the Atlantic

Monday July 28th 1862

Commences and ends with light wind from NE. Chased Black fish all day. The Starboard Boat got one. St 7 pm. spoke1 the Bark Union of New Bedford2 Capt Dexter3 3 mos out 100 Bbls of sperm. I went on board and saw Mr. Smith of Sandwich4 and told him what news I had to tell. at 9 o’clock returned on board.

Lat 36 19 N Long 41 30 W

Tuesday July 29th

Had light airs and calms. the Union and a Brig in sight. saw Grampusses. Boiled the Black Blubber out. at 7 pm we lowered for Black fish and got one Cow fish. I killed him with the boat knife.

Lat 36 32 N Long. 40 57 W

Wednesday July 30th

Had light airs and calms. when we had any wind it was from the E. Three sails in sight. Put the Brace Pend wts and Foot Ropes of the topsail yards after we got through washing off them off, Jeff Davis overboard but he swam along side and climbed aboard again.

Lat 36 23 N Long 42 28 W

Thursday July 31st

Had light airs and calms. in fact we have had a severe calm for three or four days duration. Lowered for Blackfish. the Starboard Boat got one again. took him alongside and cut him in. I have been at work upon the Boat sail to day. I threw Jeff Davis over board to day but I could not drown him.

Lat 36” 22 N Long 42 43 W

1 To “speak” another ship is an old nautical term, meaning to commence communication, usually at a distance, e.g. with flags or lights.

2 Bark Union (New Bedford) sailed 1934 - 1865

3 Captain David Dexter

4 Henry G Smith of Sandwich, MA on crew list as First Mate