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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.
Archive of the Month part 2
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.