Log: May 19, 1886

May 19, 1886: CHARLES W. MORGAN was sailing on her 12th voyage in the Southern and Central waters of the Atlantic on her way home to New Bedford from New Zealand.  About a month away from reaching New Bedford it is noted in the log, “Today has been very fine with the wind at N N E. most of the time but very light. Saw the N. Star for the first time  Lat  3..21 N  Lon 39..01 W.”

A Jack Tar engraving from 19th-century CT currency. MS accession number 1953.3643.1

The North Star obviously proved an invaluable reference for sailors in determining their sailing course.