Edwin Augustus Porcher HMS Sparrowhawk diary and watercolor drawings, 1865-1868

Holograph diary kept by Porcher while commander of the HMS Sparrowhawk during its voyage from England to British Columbia by way of South America, through the Straits of Magellan, from Callao to the Hawaiian Islands, and from Honolulu to Esquimalt Harbor, Vancouver Island, and while stationed at Esquimalt from March 9, 1865 to October 14, 1868. The 287-page volume contains details of the scenery, wildlife, buildings, industry, customs, natural resources, and everyday life of the places visited during his initial voyage and during short voyages along the Northwest Coast from San Francisco to Sitka, Alaska

Porcher describes meeting, working, and socializing with local dignitaries and clergymen including Governor and Mrs. [Frederick] Seymour, other navy men and their families, miners, lumbermen, fur traders, Indians, and others. He notes assisting other ships in need of help due to accidents; visiting coal mines, gold mines and saw mills; and settling magistrate cases. Pages 260-307 contain statistical information about the ship, and its location and conditions during the voyage. Three letters of thanks to Porcher for his service during the voyage, and Porcher's certificate of appointment to captain are included with the material. Accompanied by notes of a former owner and a typed transcript of the diary

Fifty-three watercolors by Porcher, the majority of which are of British Columbia, including scenic views, native and non-native settlements, ships, and buildings. Additional works illustrate views of Madeira, Rio de Janeiro, the Falkland Islands, the Straits of Magellan, Valparaiso, Lima, and Honolulu. Three drawings were made on his return to England via Panama and St. Thomas. The watercolors are individually mounted, numbered, captioned, and dated, and are arranged by date (1865 Apr 11-1868 Sep 28).