John Creamer's Journal at Sea

The journal used to detail the Brig Canada's journey from Batavia to Manilla is a volume that was published in June, 1827 and sold by Edmund & George W. Blunt at 154 Water Street, New York. The inside of the first page contains a list of nautical books and charts offered by the seller. The remainder of the volume contains two printed charts per page with space to fill in the data taken each day of the sea voyage. On Monday December 2, 1833, Creamer writes, "Monday commences with high winds from the westwards and clear weather. We succeeded in getting a large shark on board and after using him in a manner that becomes him, we set him adrift. Current 1 1/2 knots per hour sitting to the Eastward." The same entry notes that at 8 pm, their course was North and the wind was from the West.

The back of the journal contains four paintings, three of which are scenes at sea. The fourth painting apperas to be the profile of a French king or Emperor, perhaps Napoleon Bonaparte.