Arrive San Francisco
April 29, 1850Barque Daniel Webster
Captain Joseph C. Higgins
From Boston, Massachusetts on September 23, 1849
Passage
Passenger J. L. Akerman, J. L. wrote a journal of his travels between September 23, 1849-April 29, 1850, of his voyage from Boston to San Francisco, California in the Daniel Webster. It is housed at the Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, California ( # 77/156 c).The Journal was continued after arriving until early 1854. Includes a list of names of other 54 passengers, including four women and two children. Gives the place of residences for the passengers. Also list of names of the crew. Most of the passengers were from Boston area, but a few were from New Hampshire and New York state.
One passenger and his wife were identified only as Germans.' The age is given only for R. Saunders, who was 76 years old, and it was noted that he returned home one week after arriving. Two of the women--Mrs. Fowler and Mrs. Sypp--were wives of other passengers, while the other two, Mrs. C. Hall and Mrs. C. Abbott, seemingly were not accompanied by husbands. There is also reference to a Miss Hall, who was possibly one of the children.
Large gaps exist between entries in the early part of the journal. Only five entries exist for the leg between Boston and Rio de Janeiro. Between Rio, which they left on December 4, 1849 and the arrival at Valparaiso on April 29, 1850, the entries are much more regular. Between Valparaiso and San Francisco the entries are once again scattered and quite short. Akerman assumed the position of steward when they left Valparaiso. He shared the duties with his friend Dan, who is mentioned quite frequently and is probably D. Richard, who was from Ipswich as was Akerman. Has an extensive description of Rio de Janeiro. Latter part of the journal deals with experiences in mining and other activities in California.
Cargo
Not listed.Passengers
Mrs. FowlerMrs. Sypp
Mrs. C. Hlal
Mrs. C. Abbott
D. Richard