Robert Pearson
It was not uncommon for passengers to write complimentary letters to Captains expressing their gratitude of a safe journey. The following was sent to Captain Pearson and printed in the Daily Alta California on January 21, 1851:
Steamship Oregon: The passengers of the steamer Oregon, on her recent trip from Panama, have sent us the following letter, expressive of their approbation of the ability of Capt. Pearson, and of the management of the ship under his command:
Steamship Oregon, January 19, 1851
The passengers of the Oregon, during her present trip from Panama to San Francisco, desiring to express to you their thanks for the kindness you have extended to them, have deputed us to make known to you their wishes in that respect. They consider themselves fortunate in having secured so comfortable a ship as the Oregon, and equally fortunate, that she is commanded by one who has shown himself eminently competent to all the duties of his position, and whose conduct as a gentleman is in every respect to be commended. In their names, and for ourselves also, we congratulate you upon the remarkably quick passage we have made, which is in a great measure owing, we are pleased to testify, to the energy and watchfulness which you and those under you in command (to each and all of whom we feel under many obligations) have evinced throughout. In conclusion, we beg you to accept our best wishes for your continued health and prosperity, and express the hope that there is still a long life of usefulness and honorable distinction before you. (Signed by the passengers).
To Robert H. Pearson, Esq., Commander of the Steamship Oregon.
Daily Alta California, August 1, 1851 PRESENTATION.--
Captain Pearson, of the steamer Oregon has been presented with a massive gold ring of California metal and workmanship, by Gov. McDougal, as a token of esteem and acknowledgment of kindness and attention paid to the family of the latter on their way to California. The ceremony took place on Wednesday evening.
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Gold Rush Port: The Maritime Archaeology of San Francisco's Waterfront
James P. Delgado
Described as a "forest of masts," San Francisco's Gold Rush waterfront was a floating economy of ships and wharves, where a dazzling array of global goods was traded and transported. Drawing on excavations in buried ships and collapsed buildings from this period, James P. Delgado re-creates San Francisco's unique maritime landscape, shedding new light on the city's remarkable rise from a small village to a boomtown of thousands in the three short years from 1848 to 1851. Gleaning history from artifacts--preserves and liquors in bottles, leather boots and jackets, hulls of ships, even crocks of butter lying alongside discarded guns--Gold Rush Port paints a fascinating picture of how ships and global connections created the port and the city of San Francisco.
"Master Under God"
Captains exercised absolute authority at sea and so were dubbed "Master Under God" by early insurance writs, agreements with ship owners and passengers and the Board of Trade.
The captain is responsible for its safe and efficient operation, including cargo operations, navigation, crew management and ensuring that the vessel complies with local and international laws, as well as company and flag state policies.
All persons on board, including officers and crew, other shipboard staff members, passengers, guests and pilots, are under the captain's authority and are his ultimate responsibility.
On international voyages, the captain is responsible for satisfying requirements of the local immigration and customs officials. Immigration issues can include situations such as embarking and disembarking passengers, handling crewmembers who desert the ship, making crew-changes in port, and making accommodations for foreign crewmembers.
Customs requirements can include the master providing a cargo declaration, a ship's stores declaration, a declaration of crewmembers' personal effects, crew lists and passenger lists.
