American Historical Ephemera and Photography

10 x 7 1/2 in. log book with paper boards, 80pp (toning, light soil, wear to spine but pages still intact). Identified on verso of front board "Schooner Tioga Log Book / New York." October 1844 - March 1845. Documents roundtrip voyages from New York City to Wilmington, NC, and New York City to Appalachiola, West Florida under the command of Master Benjamin S. Hallock.

Log book records expected data including reports of wind, weather, and ship direction, as well as noting arrival at ports, loading of various types of cargo, work on the ship, etc. Sample entry: (from the port of Wilmington) "Monday January 13th 1845 / Begins with fresh breeses from the South West and clear plesant weather took in 45 barrels of turpentine and hauled to Hall & Armstrong wharfe and took in spirits Latter part breese and plesant so ends this day."

The Evening Post of New York City contains multiple references to the Schooner Tioga during this period, with advertisements similar to this from 24 September 1844: "For Wilmington, N.C. - Old Line - Positively first vessel, and only regular packet - To sail on Saturday next, 28th inst. - The superior fast sailing schooner TIOGA, Hallock, master, having the most of her cargo engaged, will sail as above. For remainder of freight or passage, having handsome accommodations, apply on board...." Captain Benjamin S. Hallock (1813-1870) was born in New York, and died in Brooklyn, New York. He appears to have remained a captain throughout his life, as the 1870 US Census identifies him as a "mariner."