GOLD RUSH – HOXIE, James D. (1814-1887). Manuscript log. Aboard the bark Chase of New Bedford, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, 17 April 1849-6 April 1850.

GOLD RUSH – HOXIE, James D. (1814-1887). Manuscript log. Aboard the bark Chase of New Bedford, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, 17 April 1849-6 April 1850.

The log of one of the first ships out of New Bedford to sail for the California Gold Rush, recorded by Mayflower descendant James Hoxie. Extreme demand after the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 created a shortage of ships equipped to make the voyage to California, leading to whalers being retrofitted for the journey around Cape Horn. The Chase, captained by H. Ricketson, spent several months whaling before starting for California. They reached San Francisco harbor on 6 April 1850: “Steered for the harbor of San Francisco, so ends this day with much joy to all on board after a long and tedious voyage of two hundred and sixty-four days from New Bedford.” Hoxie notes the weather and coordinates daily, as well as sightings of whales and seals and meetings with other ships. See Octavius Thorndike Howe, Argonauts of '49: History and Adventures of the Emigrant Companies from Massachusetts, 1849-1850 (1923).

Folio notebook (345 x 203mm). 115 leaves, many blank. Small stamps and drawings of whales indicating sightings and catches; pressed flowers. Contemporary half calf over boards (joints splitting, wear to boards and spine with surface losses).