British Naval Journal, 19th century

Anonymous journal compiled aboard H.M.S. Salsette, a frigate patrolling the eastern Mediterranean as part of the British naval blockade of Continental Europe.

9 September 1811-8 November 1812

119 ff., some blank 1 vol., 185 × 120 mm., Full calf binding, repaired, with original brass clasp on vellum hinge.

Purchased from Blackwell's Rare Books, 1992.

The unidentified author is likely to have been a medical man (he attends a consultation of physicians f.43), possibly ship's surgeon Robert Allan, whom the Navy List (1814) notes as posted to 'Salsette' in 1810. References to medical topics within the text are uncommon, however. The writer preferred to log the official duties of the ship and its captain, Henry Hope (1787-1863), and to describe local topography, antiquities and customs. He records the presence in the region of Francis Beaufort (1774-1857), Lady Hester Stanhope (1776-1839) and William Gell (1777-1836).

Described in typescript supplements, by Christopher Hilton and Richard Aspin, to the Library's published finding aids.

Transcript available.

Typed label on inner front board 'Ketchley, Rectory, Biddeston, Chippenham'. Henry Ernest Ketchley was rector of Biddeston in 1917.