Joseph D. Philbrick (1816-1882)
Sea Journal - 1833-1837
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Joseph D. Philbrick was a mariner during his late teens and early 20's. During that time he kept a fascinating sea journal chronicling his ocean adventures between 1833 and 1837. In his journal, Joseph writes about being shipwrecked, visiting ports in South America, prison time for taking unauthorized shore leave and a list of payments he received for his various work aboard a variety of ships.
Joseph D. Philbrick's lineage is still being investigated. Letters from Betsy Philbrick-Remick* to Joseph D. Philbrick refer to him as her son and she his "mother." We do not know who Joseph D.'s father is or even if Philbrick is his true surname. Betsy, also known as Elizabeth Brown Philbrick, is the daughter of Jonathan6 Philbrick & Sarah Marden.
*ELIZABETH BROWN7 PHILBRICK (JONATHAN6, JOSEPH5, JOSES4, JOSEPH3, JAMES2, THOMAS1)
Below is a transcription of his journal along with photographs of the actual pages:
PAGE 1 - Click on image for larger view
The following transcription has been, in some cases, grammatically corrected for clarity. For the original text, please click on the image above.
1833
Dec. 26th. Left Portsmouth NH in the Brig Francis. Captain Low. For Gonaives St. Domingo
from thence to New York where we arrived March 21st 1834.
1834
Settled April 3d at 12 doll(ars) per Month. $38.80
3 months Hospit money 20 cents per M(onth) $ .60
(Total) $38.20
1834
April 10th
Went on board the ship Eagle. Capt. Lyons bound to Liverpool with a rough Captain and ugly Mate and a hard ship in the bargain. Commenced quarreling & fighting the first day out and continued so
through the voyage which lasted three months and ten days.
July 27th
Settled at 13 dolls per mo(nth) $39.30
3 months 10 days Hospt money $ .67
(Total) $38.63
FOOTNOTES
1. Gonaives and St. Domingo are located on the island of Haiti.
2. The word "Hospit" or "Hospt" is found through out Joseph's journal. In Latin, the word is used to describe lodging or guest room. Since the cost for "Hospt" is deducted from his pay, it would seem to indicate that it was a charge for living aboard a ship during the voyages.
Documents & Photograph courtesy of
William L. Philbrick; Valley Center, Kansas
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