Ship’s Papers of the Robert Morrison (Bark) of New Bedford

The Bark Robert Morrison, built in Falmouth in 1847, made six whaling voyages from New Bedford from 1851 to 1871. Starbuck's History of the American Whale Fishery notes she was sold to Edgartown in 1871. Samuel Osborn, Jr., her new owner, registered her at New Bedford in 1871, and again in 1879. The 1879 registration record indicates she was previously enrolled at New York in 1877. Bills and receipts indicate Osborn had her in New Bedford for repairs prior to outfitting her for whaling. She made one whaling voyage from Edgartown.

This collection includes bills and receipts related to the Robert Morrison’s voyage from New Bedford between 1868 to 1871 before being purchased in Edgartown, where she was also registered in 1880. It also consists of extensive correspondence from the captain, Andrew J. Mosher, to Osborn, including preliminary exchange about the Robert Morrison’s first and only whaling voyage from Edgartown, covering preparations and outfitting for the ship. Mosher also communicated his thoughts about the crew members who should be engaged for the voyage. During the voyage, Mosher complains about the quality of the men and the poor condition of the ship, which was over 35 years old at the time. The voyage ended at Sydney, where the vessel was found to be in unseaworthy condition, and therefore was condemned and sold. Osborn contested the report and the sale; copies of his correspondence to the Consul at Sydney concerning sale of the vessel are also preserved.