Ship's Log Book - Sulivan. A manuscript logbook for the Sulivan, 5th Voyage, 1794, approximately 100 pages (and a number of blank leaves), mostly ruled in red, written in several neat copperplate hands, giving details of trademen's bills, including mention of: Taylor & Bail[e]y of Little Tower Street, London; work carrried out in Greenland Dock for Robert Williams Esqr & Owners of the Ship by Joseph Haycraft & Co. of Deptford; John & James Mangles, Ship-Chandlers, Oil-men & Manufacturers of Painters Colours, near Wappin New Stairs, London, who Sell Guns, Gunpowder & Shots; J. Cadley & Co. Leathermen; Curtis & Clarke Bakers; Joynes, Becket & Co. Brewers; Richard Joseph Peuterer; Richard Hill & Son Wax Lights; Richard Knight Grocer; Martin Brander Gun Maker; Pigou & Andrews Gunpowder; Ben Wood & Co Irish Provisions; Thomas Bird Distiller; Henry Slaney Pilot; Huffam & Son Riggers; Ann Oram Plumber; John Rixon Cooper; Robert Todd & Co Mastmakers; P. & J. Dolland Opticians; Ben Steinmetz Tallow Chandler; Batten & Glover Carvers; John Burr Boatbuilder; Hadley & Son Engine Makers; J. Pouncy Druggist, plus lists of wages paid for Commander, Midshipmen, Carpenters, Armourers, Butchers, Poulterer, Cooper, Boatswain, etc., occasional toning, sheet size 38 x 24cm, marbled endpapers, red sprinkled edges, contemporary blind-panelled vellum, some light soiling and marks, gilt lettered red morocco label on spine, with manuscript date 1794 above, folio A fascinating ledger, listing materials for work carried out (Boltrings, Cold Chisels, Iron Cheeks for head, Deck Nails, Port Shackle, Black Oakum, etc.) and repairs made (Repairing the Large Ship Bell Claper, 2 new speaking Trumpets, Taking to Pieces the Large Ship Jack, Turning 10 Pillars, Tarring the Tops and Tar, etc.). The Sulivan (or Sullivan) was launched in 1782 as an East Indiaman. She made five voyages for the British East India Company, and on two occasions provided transport for military expeditions. In 1794 her commander, Captain Pouncy, died, and Captain Sampson Hall was appointed Commander of the ship. War with France had broken out in 1793 and the preparations to the ship documented in this log were presumably in reponse to government orders to join 38 other Indiamen as transports for an attack on Mauritius. In the event this did not come about, and Captain Hall sailed from Portsmouth on 2nd May 1794, bound for China, arriving at Whampoa on 13th October. (1)
