Pribilof Island Logbook, St. George Island
11/1/1876 - 11/14/1876
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Logbook contains information concerning sealing activities on the Pribilof Islands, the weather, activities of the Alaska Native (Aleut) population, and deliveries of supplies by U.S. government vessels.
Transcript
[page 1]68
Wednesday November 1st 1876.
Ther. 39 Wind west, very fresh, fair weather all day. The people went for sea lion about 7 P.M. returned about 9 P.M. without any. It seems they all went into the water as the men got near them.
Thursday Nov. 2nd
Ther. 390 Wind west, mild fair morning, good day Put on double windows. Mary washed the outside of the permanent ones, (except two.) Two men fired at a walrus, and two at a sea lion –close to the end of the Salt house. Plenty of Seals slipping about in the water right there they took no notice of the shots at all. Mr. Morgan and I both stood and noticed it and spoke of it.
Friday Nov. 3rd
Ther. 39. Wind east. light, some rain squalls, but may be called a fair day here.
Saturday Nov. 4th
Ther.32. Wind east, fresh, a drive of sea lion made last night from east rookery. Many of them young—some very large, a few of the large females were allowed to go again, as they were with young. 98 were killed –large and small.
Sunday Nov. 5th
Ther. 30. Wind north east. quite fresh, a cold blustering day. A dance was given to the natives at the gov’t house in the evening, large attendance All went well.
[page2]
69
Monday Nov. 6th 1876.
Ther. 29 Wind north east. very fresh. Uncomfortable day to be out. fair weather. First drive of Seal Pups for food from the north or west rookery. 520 killed and distributed. The Pups seem much smaller than usual.
Tuesday Nov. 7th Election day.
Ther. 33 Wind west. a comparative/fair day. This is the day for the election of President and Vice President throughout the United States. and general election in many of them for members of Congress &c. I hope and trust that the end of misrule and dishonesty has been reached. and that here after truth and honesty will be recognized and respected instead of turning them out of Office for those heavenly traits, as was done with Bristow, Jewell and a host of others. Hear! Hear!!
Wednesday Nov. 8th
Ther. 32. Wind southerly light, a “real nice” day and star light evening. Had coal bin pretty well filled today. (Mr Falconer told me that it held one ton)
Thursday Nov. 9th
Ther. 33. Wind west, light, 2nd drive of Seal Pups for winter food, from north rookery, 550 taken Skinned and divided in good season. The women do most of the luging home from the sealing ground, 21 holus Jack skins taken from this drive, all good, taken by Co. and salted.
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Friday November 10th 1876.
Ther. 39 Wind South west, very light, sea as calm as a loving maiden^M. Four men went out fishing in two bidarkies, rather poor luck, as they got only two or three small cod fish. Two men at work on the new native house now going up. others taking care of their meat and skins.
Saturday Nov. 11th
Ther. 38 Wind north west. calm, some little snow squalls, but will pass for a good day.
Sunday Nov.12th
Ther. 30 Wind north east, generally fair, growing colder since morning.
Monday Nov.13th
Ther. 30. Wind north east, somewhat fresh. Dr. Kelly and Mr. Morgan out skating for the first time this season. fair day and evening. The 3rd and last drive of Seal Pups for winter food, from north rookery, they got in too late to skin them tonight, 430 making the 1500 for this winter supply. 26 holus Jacks-- all good and taken in this lot.
Tuesday Nov. 14th
Ther. 31. Wind north east. fresh. The men were out early skinning and taking care of their young Seals. [bracket] I noticed the men took hold and helped the women and boys and girls cary the meat to their houses. It really looked business like.[end bracket]!
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
National Archives Identifier: 297026
Full Citation: Pribilof Island Logbook, St. George Island; 11/1/1876 - 11/14/1876; Pribilof Island Logbooks, 1870–1961; Records of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Record Group 22; National Archives at Seattle, Seattle, WA. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/1-pribilof-island-logbook-st-george-island, March 27, 2025]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
