Manuscripts
Diary that Davidson kept from June 1840 to the end February 1840, most of which Davidson spent serving onboard the Dale on her maiden voyage to South America. As he sailed from Norfolk to Brazil and around Cape Horn, Davidson meticulously recorded every detail of his duties -- setting sails; logging distance, coordinates, and winds; supervising the crew, etc. The richly detailed diary reveals a young, enthusiastic sailor, endowed with a keen eye, natural curiosity, and a certain literary talent. (His younger sister Virginia Emeline Davidson later became a well known writer.) The diary provides an intimate look at the life of midshipmen ("Middies") and their often complicated relationship with the officers and crew. Davidson described in great detail numerous encounters with British, Danish, French, Peruvian, and American whalers and naval vessels. The latter included the famed frigates Constellation and Constitution. Throughout the voyage, Davidson used every opportunity to go ashore, recording his impressions, paying particular attention to local population, especially the ladies. While in Guayaquil, the Dale was paid a visit by Andres de Santa Cruz y Calahumana, the exiled Marshall of Peru-Bolivian Confederacy. Davidson reported the visit in great detail.
mssHM 69950
