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Journal of Arthur William Crichton
This is a beautifully presented account of a
gentleman's travels in the USA and Canada in 1861. It is also a
detailed record of a voyage on a Victorian warship.
Crichton made the passage to North America in June and July aboard HMS Rinaldo, and the opening pages of the journal contain a meticulous transcript of the captain's daily log. This is followed by Crichton's evocative prose, which describes the varied experiences en route very colourfully. The activities of the ship's company, from exercising the boys in shortening sails to cutlass drill for the watch, are recorded in great detail. Any loss of equipment overboard, including ramrods for the ship's guns and hammocks, is noted and the culprit named in each case.
A sense of wider technological developments and historical events is ever present. The voyage takes place in an age of transition from sail to steam. The Rinaldo was a hybrid vessel, and there are numerous references to the furling of sails in exchange for propeller drive. An encounter with an American brigantine is also reported. The courteous exchange of colours belies a growing tension in Anglo American relations that would, within a few months, nearly lead to war.
Crichton's arrival at Halifax in Canada is described in triumphant tones. For some weeks he enjoys the life of a well to do colonialist. Mixing with the social and military elite, he always takes the opportunity to introduce impressive contacts, such as Prince Alfred, to his narrative.
The author's weakness for name-dropping is forgivable, given the varied account of frontier life he proceeds to give us. His departure for the Canadian wilds is described with a condescending flourish: 'Puff! Goes that most ugly of deformities an American locomotive, and I am off'.
Crichton's ensuing adventures are reminiscent of The Last of the Mohicans, with Salmon fishing, a moose hunt and a daredevil descent of some foaming rapids. He has numerous encounters with Native Americans and paints a vivid picture of one individual named Francis, who is his expert guide.
The journal is a wonderfully evocative document; all the more surprising perhaps to be found, as it is, among the archives of a land locked county.
Archives are fascinating - not only as a resource for research, but also a connection between the people of the past and the people of today.
Record Office News
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Archive of the Month
Journal of Arthur William Crichton
HRO ref. W7/1
This is a beautifully presented account of a
gentleman's travels in the USA and Canada in 1861. It is also a
detailed record of a voyage on a Victorian warship. Crichton made the passage to North America in June and July aboard HMS Rinaldo, and the opening pages of the journal contain a meticulous transcript of the captain's daily log. This is followed by Crichton's evocative prose, which describes the varied experiences en route very colourfully. The activities of the ship's company, from exercising the boys in shortening sails to cutlass drill for the watch, are recorded in great detail. Any loss of equipment overboard, including ramrods for the ship's guns and hammocks, is noted and the culprit named in each case.
A sense of wider technological developments and historical events is ever present. The voyage takes place in an age of transition from sail to steam. The Rinaldo was a hybrid vessel, and there are numerous references to the furling of sails in exchange for propeller drive. An encounter with an American brigantine is also reported. The courteous exchange of colours belies a growing tension in Anglo American relations that would, within a few months, nearly lead to war.
Crichton's arrival at Halifax in Canada is described in triumphant tones. For some weeks he enjoys the life of a well to do colonialist. Mixing with the social and military elite, he always takes the opportunity to introduce impressive contacts, such as Prince Alfred, to his narrative.
The author's weakness for name-dropping is forgivable, given the varied account of frontier life he proceeds to give us. His departure for the Canadian wilds is described with a condescending flourish: 'Puff! Goes that most ugly of deformities an American locomotive, and I am off'.
Crichton's ensuing adventures are reminiscent of The Last of the Mohicans, with Salmon fishing, a moose hunt and a daredevil descent of some foaming rapids. He has numerous encounters with Native Americans and paints a vivid picture of one individual named Francis, who is his expert guide.
The journal is a wonderfully evocative document; all the more surprising perhaps to be found, as it is, among the archives of a land locked county.
Archives
Archives are fascinating - not only as a resource for research, but also a connection between the people of the past and the people of today.
If you would like to find out more about Herefordshire Archive Service and the archives we hold, why not arrange a talk or a visit to the record office. See left for further details.
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