Log: June 8, 1886

The CHARLES W. MORGAN was less than 2 weeks away from returning home to New Bedford from her 12th voyage.  The log entry for this day states, “At 10 A M Saw the Islands of Bermudas. At 1 was abrest of them, wind light , passed to the Eastward of the Islands At ¼ to 4 P.M. Saw a school of Sperm Whales to windward  lowered three Boats chased until six, could not get to them. Called the Boats aboard at sun set.  land bore S.W. took sight for longitude at 3 ½ P.M. giving 63..00 which Shows that the Chronometer is too far the Eastward. Lat 32..19 N.”

Recording accurate measurements using nautical instruments while at sea was crucial to properly navigating the open ocean.  If any instrument or coordinate was inaccurate, a vessel could easily miss its intended destination.

Image from log of the CLARA BELL. Log 164, G.W. Blunt White Library, Mystic Seaport.