Naval Journal of H.M.S. "Virtue" and H.M.S. "Scout", 1845-1848

Over 100pp (double-sided), measuring 8" x 12.5", dating from June 10, 1845 to October 5, 1848. An original ships log, recorded by Captain John McDougall of the British Royal Navy. Featuring beautifully handwritten penmanship and calligraphy throughout. The journal is completely full, with the majority of the log written on the travels of the "Vulture", from June 10, 1845 to May 28, 1847. At the beginning of each new trip, McDougall titled the page with the trip's name in calligraphy, making it very easy to track his journey.

The first page of the book is titled, "From England to Rio de Janiero, St Helena to the Cape, The Mauritius, Trincomalee, Singapore, Chochin China (possibly Vietnam)". McDougall also provides calculations on the force of the wind and descriptions of the weather. (0=calm, 1=light air, 2-light breeze, etc./ B=blue skies, C=cloudy, etc.) Captain McDougall transferred from the "Vulture" to the "Scout" on May 28, 1947 while in Hong Kong. From there he travelled in between there and Amoy and Foo Chow.

McDougall was constant in his records, detailing when the crew was mustered, what position the sails were at, when they reached certain points, etc. Highlights from the journal read in part: "sent a party on shore to cut timber, Dyer was killed by a tree falling on him."; "Admiral came on board…something about hospital"; "Picking oakum, firing cannons, mustered divisions". The penmanship of the journal is legible, but of the period and may take some time to read through. The volume has a worn cover, with rubbing, scratched, and bumped edges and corners. Edge toning and light areas of soiling throughout internal pages. Overall very fine.

The Paddle Frigate Vulture was part of an experiment by the British Royal Navy to build steam-powered warships, executed from 1815 to 1850, and Captain McDougall was the senior naval officer of the project. After this journey, the "Vulture" served in the Crimean War and in the Mediterranean before being sold and broken up in 1866.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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