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E.D. MANDELL, H.W. EMERSON : 1887 ARCHIVE OF THREE [3] MANUSCRIPT LETTERS DETAILING THE WHALING BUSINESS OF CAPTAIN GEORGE FOX BRIGHTMAN BETWEEN NEW ZEALAND AND NEW BEDFORD AND INTELLIGENCE REGARDING HIS COMPETITORS

4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. On offer is a modest group of three [3] manuscript letters, one [1] cover, dated 1887 Bay of Islands, Russell, New Zealand to New Bedford, Massachusetts, Capt. George Fox Brightman [1844-1914] of the whaling ship "CALIFORNIA" handwritten by "E.D. Mandell, Jr. to Capt. Brightman dated "July 18, 1887", by "E.D. MANDELL & CO." to Brightman in New Zealand dated Aug. 17, 1887. A third letter written by "H.W. EMERSON"(?) to Capt. Brightman dated "Aug. 15, 1887". From the tone of the correspondence one can safely assume these are manager/agents for the Captain. The letters contain super content concerning Capt. Geo. F. Brightman, his crew and wife and first hand New Bedford whaling ship history. The one postal cover with front stamp section torn off goes with the Aug. 17, 1887 Letter and is addressed to "Capt. George F. Brightman, Ship California, Bay of Islands, Russell, New Zealand" with 5 Postal Cancels on rear of cover. The "CALIFORNIA" (367 Tons) was built in New Bedford in 1842 and had whaling voyages until 1906. Records indicates that the CALIFORNIA completed at least 18 voyages up to the year 1889, when she was reconfigured into a smaller Bark, and made 13 more voyages before being broken up in 1906. Content of the letters include: references to a crew desertion; partial recovery; dismissal of a troublesome first mate with Capt. Brightman's wife having to take over the Steward's duties on ship as a result; the sending of requested brand bombs for whaling guns; information of sperm and whale oil amounts including other ships and much, much more. Here are some snippets: "New Bedford, Aug.17, 1887...We are much pleased that you sold the bone at such good advantage, and also approve of the disposition you made of the money. We are sorry to hear that your men ran away for we know that it must be a source of great trouble to you, but we are glad that you succeeded in getting all back again but two. We have made note on our books that you have discharged the steward and paid him off, and think you are lucky to get rid of such a man if he is as mean and poor as you write for he is not fit to be in any ship. We have also stopped his draw bill. It is too bad for Mrs. Brightman to be obliged to do the steward's work and we hope you will be able to get a man before long that will be satisfactory to you, for it is very discouraging to have poor meals. At any rate we shall consider the matter here and wait to hear from you again...The Bark Petrel has arrived at Panama with 1140 Sperm & 160 Whale on board. 1600 barrels all told. Mrs. Mandell is daily improving. With best regards to yourself and wife we remain Yours Truly, E.D. Mandell & Co., P" "New Bedford, July 18, 1887...Yours at June 15th came to hand July 16 and we were glad to hear from you. I am very sorry your mate turned out so bad, but I must say it is just what I expected and you know I told you he was good for nothing. Though I think with such a good man as Mr. Mingo for mate you will come out alright for I know you will never come home till you get a voyage. I suppose you have got a boatheader as you telegraphed for me not to get one. I think myself you have had a pretty hard time, but I trust it will not discourage you, for perhaps the next year you may have better luck which I hope you will. You may be able to ship some good men from other ships which are coming home. We could not have got John L. Saysi(?) for he is not at home and Antone D. Cruse(?) went first mate with George L. Howland in the Canton. Mr. Eben Pierce(sp?) is going to send you some new bombs and has received you letter. We shall send the Brand Bombs as you requested. The John P. West has been sold to San Frisco partner and is going North. Your friend William McKim thinks you will get a good voyage. I don't think you will want Prince when you come home. You see he's wellalong in years and won't be as good a horse as he was when you had him though; (talks about what he would like him to do about his horse in his absence)...E.D. Mandell, Jr." "New Bedford, Aug.15, 1887...I am sorry you are in such a state. I should call it Blue if it was myself and I don't think much of such feelings, doubtless you are of the same opinion. If you continue to get air you will be at home before long. If you see Mrs. Chapman, my regards to her and I hope her matters are improving. He has been having a good time with the Peru(?) Railway as they have consolidated and it is now called the -?- Street Railway Co. and they are trying to get it started, but it is like pulling up hill...S.C. Hart is president- Capt. Dane Gifford sails to day in Katherlin - takes his wife & son- Capt. Allen & family are as well as usual- Mr. Mandell's wife is quite feeble I understand...Yours Truly, H.W. Emerson(sp?). (postscript) Mr. Bourne says you done well in selling Oil and Bone & wishes you good will" The first two letters are written in handsome readable handwriting. The writing in the third letter is faded a bit in parts and a bit more difficult to read. Overall VG.. Book Condition: Good

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