Title: Eustis Bacon diary,
Authors: Bacon, Eustis.
Year: 1844
Subjects: Gambia (Brig); Trepang Fiji.; Seafaring life United States.; Massachusetts Commerce Fiji.; Fiji Commerce Massachusetts.; Philippines Commerce Massachusetts.; Massachusetts Commerce Philippines.
Abstract: Diary kept by Eustis Bacon, of Salem, Massachusetts, on the Brig Gambia (1844-1846) and the Ship Vancouver (1847-1848). Bacon served as second officer under Captain Joseph Hartwell on the Brig Gambia. The first six pages of the journal are a narrative summary of the Gambia's voyage (1844-1846) from Salem to Fiji via New Zealand and the return trip to Salem from Manila. Muskets, hardware and trinkets were brought from Salem, along with whales teeth purchased in New Zealand, for trade in Fiji. After about one year in Fiji, Bacon was able to obtain a sufficient quantity of bêche de mer (or trepang), turtle shells, and sandalwood to sell in Manila. Sugar, indigo, hemp, rattans, sappan wood, etc., were acquired for the return voyage to Salem. Bacon's entries during this voyage mainly include descriptions of seafaring life, but also include references to family and acquaintances and the social and political customs of island life.