Letter from D. E. [Darwin E.] Graves to Ebenezer Graves, circa 1850

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Date

circa 1850, undated

GUSN

GUSN-371854

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Description

Undated (circa 1850) letter from Darwin E. Graves to his cousin Ebenezer Graves. Darwin writes assuring Ebenezer that he is alive and well. He apologizes for not being able to return home yet, explaining that he's under contract with a ship and can't leave without completing the voyage. Darwins plans to sign on for one more voyage, after which he will return home (Ashfield, Mass.). He reassures Ebenezer not to worry about his safety, noting his experience at sea and confidence in finding work on land afterward. Darwin shares his long-held desire to go west and outlines his plan to be discharged in the Sandwich Islands (Hawai'i) in eleven months, then head to the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest and make his way home. He mentions keeping a journal detailing his journey and sends love to his extended family, signing off as "the boy that ran away so long ago."

Details

Descriptive Terms

correspondence
seamen
journeys
correspondence

Physical Descrption

1 letter, 1 page; 8 1/8 x 10 5/8 inches

Collection Code

MS029

Collection Name

Miscellaneous manuscript collection

Reference Code

MS029.002.047.03

Record Details

Originator

Graves, Darwin E., 1833-

Material Type

correspondence

Other People

Graves, Darwin E., 1833-
Graves, Ebenezer, III, 1830-1906

Description Level

Item

Historical/Biographical Note

Historical/Biographical Note

Darwin E. Graves (1833-) was born to Addison and Sarah Maria (Yeomans) Graves in Ashfield, Mass. He attended school with his older cousin Ebenezer Graves in nearby Conway, Mass. in 1849. Around November 1850, Darwin "ran away" to work on a ship. He worked on an unknown number of voyages before signing on to a whaling voyage in spring 1852. In a June 12, 1853 entry in his cousin's peddling journal (MS029.002.047.03), Ebenezer mentions that Darwin's parents had recieved a letter from their son from Honolulu, Hawai'i, dated March 1853. No further records mention Darwin and his fate after March 1853 is unknown.

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