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Important Unpublished Manuscript Logbook for Hawaii and the South Pacific

The Journal of the U.S. Sloop of War Peacock in 1826-27, Commanded by Thomas Ap Catesby Jones - a Model for Melville's "Commodore"

The Voyage that Achieved the First Treaty Between the U.S. and the Kingdom of Hawaii

Two Original Drawings of Native Pacific Islander Boatmen

A remarkable unpublished manuscript sea journal of the voyage of the U.S. Sloop of War Peacock, under Capt. Thomas Ap Catesby Jones, kept by the 18-year-old midshipman Thomas Tingey Craven. The journal records the Peacock's South Pacific adventure (only the 2nd U.S. Naval vessel in Honolulu), opening with an entry dated May 30, 1826, from the coast of Peru near Lima, through Oct. 14, 1827, while en route back to New York. Far more than a standard logbook of routine sailing observations, Craven's journal features richly descriptive daily entries on the people (Hawaiians, Tahitians and other native Pacific islanders) and the exotic places observed.

A highlight of the volume is Craven's outstanding record of the Peacock's 87-day stay in Honolulu between Oct. 12, 1826, and Jan. 7, 1827, comprising 24 full pages of the journal. In contrast to the disastrous visit of the U.S. Ship Dolphin under Capt. John "Mad Jack" Percival earlier the same year, the Peacock's Hawaiian stint was marked by Capt. Jones's successful tackling of several problems involving American interests in the Hawaiian Islands. These ranged from crew desertions then plaguing the American whaling industry to improving relations between American missionaries and merchants to negotiating the first quasi treaty between the United States and the Hawaiians. Jones's self-styled "Articles of Arrangement" marked the first formal agreement between the U.S. and the Hawaiians, advancing American influence in the Pacific at a pivotal early stage in American western expansion.

One historian has styled the agreement "an almost unique example of a legally binding American international accord negotiated without Senate approval - indeed, without State Department direction or approval" (Stauffer). Jones's treaty-like agreement dealt with pressing issues, primarily of a commercial nature: deserters from whale ships and debts owed by the Hawaiians to American traders stemming from the Sandalwood trade - an important export item from the Hawaiian Islands at the time. It covered the receiving of ships; protection extended to visiting ships; shipwrecks in Hawaiian waters and the recovery of any cargoes, and salvage rights; protection of “Citizens of the United States… engaged in commerce or trading to the Sandwich Islands,” to assist in the apprehension of deserters and rewards for such; and regulating tonnage dues. But the lasting value of this unprecedented single-handed diplomatic act was in setting a solid footing for American influence in the Hawaiian Islands for years to come.

The present journal fills a significant gap in our knowledge of this underappreciated early U.S. Navy Pacific voyage, complementing the tiny number of primary sources currently available to historians. By providing a ship-side view of daily events, the articulate young midshipmen (Craven was educated at Phillips Exeter Academy), opens a fresh window on the activities onboard as well as Jones's actions. The journal documents scores of encounters with native leaders, foreign ship captains and American missionaries. John Coffin Jones, Jr. (no relation to the captain of the Peacock), U.S. consular agent in Honolulu and late of the Boston merchant firm of Marshall and Wildes, who was often at odds with the missionaries, is mentioned by Craven. In Tahiti, Capt. Jones dined with missionary William Henry, which is duly noted. The entries relating to the Society Islands, such as Raiatea and Huahine, reveal the influence of missionaries and local rulers.

Craven’s detailed descriptions of native customs, tattooing, and dress provide ethnographic insights. There are even two original drawings of native Pacific Island boatmen (one at Arica near the present border of Chile and Peru, the other a Society Islander on his canoe). A notable entry records the Peacock's interactions with a Russian naval vessel commanded by Ferdinand Petrovich von Wrangel during the latter's stay in Honolulu. Wrangel, author of a classic Arctic expedition account, later became governor of the Russian American Company. 

Another series of entries covers the mutiny aboard the English whaler Daniel the Fourth, including investigations following the murder of Benjamin Mansfield. The aftermath is extensively detailed by Craven, including activities of rebellious English sailors, punishment of same by order of Capt. Jones. The incident involved sailors from American and English whale ships. The criminal case and investigation were largely handled by Capt. Jones.

The journal also sheds light - albeit somewhat between the lines - on Jones's enigmatic but seemingly effective leadership style, equal parts aloof disciplinarian and sociable southern gentleman - the antithesis of the Dolphin's gruff New Englander commander "Mad Jack" Percival. The last 11 pages of Craven's journal contain the text of Jones's "Internal Rules and Regulations on board the U.S. Ship Peacock." These regulations comprise 56 expansive articles which reflect Jones's carefully honed attention to detail with respect to conduct aboard U.S. Naval vessels. The rules present a veritable vade-mecum for running a tight ship.  Excerpts from the regulations here follow: 

• Article 1st. A strict obedience to, and a profound respect for the Laws of our country, being indispensible to a well regulated military or naval service, it is required of every officer, petty officer, seaman, and marine, to make himself perfectly acquainted with the act of Congress for the better government of the Navy of the U.States passed April 23rd 1800, as well as the printed regulations, subsequently issued by the President of the U. States, as no violation thereof can be overlooked for a want of knowledge of the same.
• Article 5th. The health and comfort of the crew being objects of the first consideration, and never to be lost sight of for a single moment, it is strictly enjoined on every officer of this ship at all times to avoid unnecessary exposure of the men, and by no means to deprive them of their due proportions of sleep & rest.
• Article 6th. No Petty Officer is to be put in Irons or in any manner punished but by order of the Commanding Officer for the time being, nor shall such commanding officer punish any Petty Officer otherwise than by suspension under charge of a centinel except in extreme cases of insubordination...
• Article 7th. Cursing and swearing is strictly forbidden, the practice too common in the Navy is not only unlawful but is quite derogatory to the character of a gentleman in any situation, opprobius epithets bestowed upon the humble private by a superior is not only unofficerlike but is also unlawful and I have never yet seen any good produced by unkind or derogatory language.
• Article 13th. Dinner is always to be served precisely at Meridian, Breakfast at 8 AM and supper at 4 PM, unless otherwise (on some extraordinary accasion) directed by the Commanding Officer. One hour is allowed for breakfast and dinner, and half an hour for supper. Grog to be served at dinner, and 4 o'clock PM...
• Article 16th. The deck is never to be left without a sea Lieut. and a watch of Midshipmen, a Boatswain's Mate, Quarter Master, Quarter Gunman, and Messenger Boy. And when at anchor Sentinels, The Officer in charge of the Watch ought as far as practicable, to confine himself to that part of the Deck contained between the gangway and Mizen Mast, the Midshipmen to such parts of the Ship as the Office of the deck may direct. No two being together...
• Article 55. The Master's Mate of the Berth Deck is always to be selected from among the most sober, steady, intelligent, and discreet, Midshipmen, and is to be the last officer sent out of the ship on boat duty, and he is especially responsible for the good adm. and discipline of the Berth Deck. He is authorized to order moderate punishment to be inflicted by the Master at Arms, for disorderly behavior not otherwise provided against, by the regulations of the ship.
• (Signed Thos. Ap C. Jones / Capt. U.S. Ship Peacock)

Capt. Jones, Flogging and Herman Melville

Craven's methodical cataloging of every instance of shipboard punishment is another reflection of Jones's disciplinarian tendencies. These entries record the full name of each man being punished, the number of lashes administered, and whether the cat o' nine tails were used in the flogging. The practice of corporal punishment of sailors, while standard for the time, became a controversial issue as the 19th-century progressed.

Herman Melville witnessed Jones's proclivities first-hand and the 1826 treaty with the Hawaiians would have a direct influence on Melville. As a young seaman he deserted the whale ship Acushnet at Nuku Hiva in 1843. Melville was apprehended in Hawaii as a deserter and forcibly mustered aboard Jones's flagship, the United States. The writer would later incorporate Jones into two of his books as a stern "commodore" character in Moby Dick and White-Jacket.

Copies of White-Jacket (1850) were reportedly distributed to members of Congress in an ultimately successful effort to ban flogging on U.S. Navy vessels.

Commodore Jones would later be brought up on a court-martial in 1850. He was found guilty on three counts related to oppression of junior officers. Temporarily relieved of his Pacific Squadron command, he was reinstated two and half years later by President Millard Fillmore.

Thomas Ap Catesby Jones: Maritime Exponent of Manifest Destiny

The Peacock's voyage occurred during a critical period of U.S. expansion. The Monroe Doctrine of 1823 had asserted American dominance in the Western Hemisphere, which encompassed Pacific trade, including whaling, which became vital to U.S. economic growth. The Pacific Squadron, established to protect American interests, initially consisted of the frigate United States and the schooners Dolphin and Peacock.

Seen in the light of U.S. western expansionism, Jones's actions in the South Pacific (especially his 1826 treaty-arrangement with the Hawaiians) clearly played a significant, if underappreciated, role in shaping early U.S. diplomatic and commercial relations in the Pacific in the first half of the 19th-century. Jones's assertive yet measured interactions with foreign representatives fully speak to his staunch patriotism.  If Jones's aggressive view of U.S. expansionism may have become overzealous by the 1840s, in the late 1820s his perspective almost perfectly dovetailed with the direction of the country, as American economic ambitions propelled a nascent maritime version of Manifest Destiny.

Jones saw his job as asserting U.S. power in the Pacific, and in that he was successful.  Although later events, particularly his impetuous and controversial seizure of Monterey, California in 1842 (when Mexico and the United States were at peace), overshadowed his early achievement, his leadership aboard the Peacock remains a testament to the formative years of U.S. maritime expansion in the Pacific.

Detailed Context:

The nexus of American commercial influence and political interest in the Pacific reached a critical point in the 1820s. The first American whaler entered Honolulu harbor in November 1820 (the Nantucket whaler Maro, Capt. Joseph Allen).  As Nantucket and New Bedford whaling interests expanded to dominate the lucrative industry, the concerns of American whalers and traders took center stage in American diplomatic relations in the Pacific. In response to several petitions by Nantucket whalers and other interested traders, the United States created and dispatched the Pacific Squadron, with a home port at Callao, Peru. At this time the Pacific Squadron of the U.S. Navy consisted of a single frigate, United States, and the schooners Dolphin and Peacock.

One of these petitions called for specific intervention at Hawaii, using the following words to appeal to American national pride:

It has been stated to your petitioners that these [Hawaiian] natives have imbibed a belief that the Americans are destitute of maritime force. "The English," they say, "have men-of-war, but the Americans have only whalers and trading-vessels"... The occasional presence of a national armed force... can be the only safe ground of reliance for the security of American property.... [we request that] one or more armed vessels to proceed to the Sandwich and Society islands, with instructions to render such protection, and afford such aid, to American shipping distributed at those places. 

Secretary of the Navy Samuel L. Southard soon ordered Commodore Isaac Hull to set out from Peru to Hawaii to essentially do exactly what the shipowners requested.  One additional aspect appended to the orders from Southard by Hull once he deputized Jones to carry them out was to address "claims for property belonging to citizens of the United States, on persons now residing in the Sandwich Islands."

The assertive Jones, given wide leeway by his superior, achieved something beyond what was expected: a treaty. Called "a most peculiar document" by historian Robert H. Stauffer, the 1826 Hawaii - United States Treaty (properly, "Articles of Arrangement") was largely the work of Thomas Ap Catesby Jones. According to Jones's biographer Gene Smith:

The "Articles Arrangement" was the first treaty signed by the Hawaiians. It gave the United States most favored nation status, protected American commerce, required Hawaiian officials to suppress desertion, and compelled the islanders to assist in the salvaging of the shipwrecked American vessels. The agreement gave much to the United States and offered little to the Hawaiians in return.... All subsequent agreements between the two parties would be based on Jones's 1826 "Articles of Arrangements" - Thomas ap Catesby Jones: Commodore of Manifest Destiny, page 66. 

The latter part of the journal covering early 1827 reflects a moment of vital action by the U.S. Navy Squadron on the Pacific coast of South America. At this time tensions were escalating between Peru and Gran Colombia, primarily due to territorial disputes and other political disagreements. A significant revolt broke out in Lima on January 26, 1827. The Colombian military contingent stationed there, led by Colonel Bustamante, rebelled against Simón Bolívar's authority, expressing their refusal to accept a dictator or an unfamiliar constitution. This uprising contributed to the growing strain between the two nations, eventually leading to the Gran Colombia - Peru War in 1828. In response to these developments, the United States, aiming to protect its interests and citizens in the region, increased its naval presence along the Pacific coast of South America. Commodore Isaac Hull, commanding the U.S. Pacific Squadron aboard the frigate USS United States, was active in the area during this period. Given the volatile situation, the Peacock received a communication from John Poinsett (U.S. Minister to Mexico) on March 7 that she should go immediately to Callao, likely to safeguard American interests amid the regional instability.

While at San Blas rumors swirled of a war between the Great Britain and the United States over the Maine-New Brunswick Border, causing the Peacock to be detained at San Blas.

First U.S. Navy Ships in Hawaii

In 1826, the U.S. Navy vessels Dolphin and Peacock became the first American warships to visit the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii). Their contrasting missions and commanders each left a lasting impact, particularly the latter ship.  First to arrive in Honolulu was the controversial "Mad" Jack Percival on the Dolphin, who clashed with American missionaries by undermining their influence over local authorities, particularly in reversing a ban on native women visiting foreign ships—a move that strained relations and led to complaints against him in Washington. Thomas Ap Catesby Jones, who arrived a short time later aboard the Peacock, was Percival's antithesis: a diplomatic and methodical leader who focused on establishing American dominance in the Pacific. His professionalism and strategic foresight contrasted sharply with Percival's brashness, and Jones's efforts laid the groundwork for expanding U.S. influence in Hawaii. The contrasting legacies of these commanders highlight the complexities of early American naval engagement in the Pacific.

Melville's White Jacket

Thomas Ap Catesby Jones served as the model for Melville's Commodore in the novel White-Jacket. Certain passages from Melville's work describing the Commodore derive directly from Jones's strict management of the crew. In addition, Chapter 45 of Moby Dick contains a passing reference to a "Commodore J-----" commander of sloop of war, who is obviously based on Jones. 

Perhaps more significant here, given Midshipman Craven's rank, is Melville's humorous description in White-Jacket setting forth the role and behavior of the U.S. Navy midshipmen:

In this part of the category now come the 'reefers,' otherwise 'middies,' or midshipmen. These boys are sent to sea for the purpose of making commodores and in order to become commodores many of them deem it indispensable forthwith to commence chewing tobacco, drinking brandy and water, and swearing at the sailors. As they are only placed on board a sea-going ship to go to school and learn the duty of a lieutenant, and until qualified to act as such have few or no special functions to attend to they are little more, while midshipmen, than supernumeraries on board. Hence, in a crowded frigate, they are so everlastingly crossing the path of both men and officers, that in the Navy it has become a proverb that a useless fellow is 'as much in the way as a reefer.' In a gale of wind, when all hands are called, and the deck swarms with men, the little 'middies' running about distracted, and having nothing particular to do, make it up in vociferous swearing, exploding all about under foot like torpedoes. Some of them are terrible little boys, cocking their caps at alarming angles, and looking fierce as young roosters. They are generally great consumers of Macassar Oil and the Balm of Columbia; they thirst and rage after whiskers; and sometimes, applying their ointments, lay themselves out in the sun to promote the fertility of their chins.... The middies live by themselves in the steerage, where, nowadays, they dine off a table spread with a cloth. They have a castor at dinner, they have some other little boys (selected from the ship's company) to wait upon them, they sometimes drink coffee out of china....

After reading Craven's journal it may be hard to imagine him behaving like one of Melville's middies, but the White-Jacket passage provides a useful counterpoint for Craven's matter-of-fact descriptions of the common seamen, especially the numerous instances of flogging for "disobedience" and other infractions. Underpinning Craven's words one detects an undercurrent of disdain for the unfortunate seamen, "the people" of Melville's White-Jacket.

2 Original Drawings

• "An Indian Balza at Arica, Peru, &c. Made of seal skins." Watercolor sketch.
  • An indigenous balsa boat constructed using inflated seal skins, a traditional technique employed by indigenous communities in the region to create buoyant and durable watercraft for fishing and transportation. The scene shows a figure paddling the boat, adorned in modest attire, sitting on a pink-colored cushion. The craftsmanship of the boat is evident in the rendering of its seal skin structure and its elegant, canoe-like shape. The drawing captures a fascinating glimpse into the maritime practices and daily life of coastal Peru in the early 19th century.
• "An Indian of the Society Islands in his Canoe." Pen & ink drawing.
  • Depicts a native individual from the Society Islands, shown paddling a traditional canoe. The drawing emphasizes the slender and functional design of the canoe, featuring lashings and a distinct curvature that reflects Polynesian craftsmanship. The figure, seated in a forward-facing position, is rendered with a confident posture, suggesting skill and familiarity with this watercraft. The individual's hair style is characteristic of the cultural traditions of the Society Islands at the time. A rather insightful glimpse into the maritime culture of the Polynesian people, observed from life.

Conclusion

An outstanding and historically important logbook, which sheds light on United States maritime expansionism in the 1820s. Notable for its firsthand account of U.S. diplomatic actions in the Pacific in 1826-27 - as seen and recorded by an alert and articulate young midshipman. Craven's record of the Peacock's stay in Honolulu gives us an untapped primary source on this important moment in U.S. - Hawaiian relations. The journal provides the reader with a front-row seat before the ongoing drama of early 19th-century Pacific trade and diplomacy, including the role of native Pacific Islanders, all during a transformative period in American history.

A fascinating and rich primary source for the earliest serious assertion of power by the United States in the Hawaiian Islands, and the South Pacific in general.

Extensive excerpts from the journal entries here follow:

• May 30, 1826: Rec'd from the Frigate U. States, 200 galls. whiskey and a small anchor... At 5 filled away and stood out to Sea. At 6 the West Point of San Lorenzo bore from compass South dist 7 miles, Callao Castle ESE dist 12 miles. At 9 called all hands to witness punishment and punished Henry R. Poole with 12 lashes for drunkeness and disrespect to officers...
• June 5: Spoke the English schooner Britannia bound to Huacho
• June 6: Spoke the American barque Peru - she had been standing off and on for 3 weeks... at 10.50... sent Mr. Boyle in the 2nd cutter to Lambaque. Surveyed condemned and threw overboard 292 lbs of Bread...
• June 8: Payta Point in sight... The Sarah George, arrived and anchored in shore of us
• June 10: James Bewanow, a native of the Sandwich Islands joined this ship in the place of Ed Wells who went on board of the Nile. Rec'd of Gov. [Clinton?] 15 lbs of pork... Two female natives of the Sandwich Islands came on board as passengers to Wuahu. At 6.35, called all hands and got underweigh and stood out to Sea...
• June 12: At 10 PM discovered the Island of Muuto
• June 14, Guyaquil: ...Passed the town of Puna 6.30 the flood tide set in breeze very light...working ship up the river of Guyaquil... At 1 discovered lights in the town of Guyaquil.... At 10 the American consul Mr. Wheelright visited the ship, light airs and very warm weather...
• June 15: At 1 PM fired a salute of 21 guns which was returned by an equal number from the shore. 
• June 17: At 1.30 AM the ship Gov. Clinton anchored astern of us. At 10 called all hands to witness punishment and gave David Knapp 29 lashes and Cornelius Kelly 5 for leaving their boats while ashore last night.
• June 20: At 6.40 the American Brig Phoenix arrived from Callao.
• June 28: At 1.25 came to and abreast the town of Puna in 6 1/2 fathoms of water... Yesterday evening discharged the following men at their own request Samuel Davis, Edward Bevins, and Robert Taylor. Seaman, being part of those who refused to [reenter/reinstate/reenlist?]
• July 5: At 9 dispatched Mid Howisson in the 1st cutter to the west side of the Island to find Tortoises. The 2nd cutter came along side with a large quantity of fine fish caught with the hook and line...
• July 16: Jenny the monkey having been in decline for some time past and the day finding her in a very weak state & there being no prospect or hope of her recovery. We from feelings of compassion concluded to have her thrown overboard. But the great difficulty was to find a person willing to undertake the unpleasant task. Finally Stephen the Senadore volunteered his services & after having fastened a rope with a small weight attached to it about the neck committed her to the deep. Thus had we to part with a noisy altho amusing shipmate.
• July 21:  Crew variously employed. Varnished the poop deck. Caulking launch &c. &c. Flying fish are very abundant in number of which have flown onboard.
• July 24, Marquesas: Discovered the island of Rooapooah [i.e. Ua Pou] and when leaving presented the most singular appearance of anything that I ever beheld displaying five very distinct and lofty cones or pyramids and resembling very much the steeples of churches. Standing along the Island of Nocaheeva [Nuku Hiva] at 5 PM made the Bay Nocaheeva but the Capt. concluded not to go in to night.
• July 25: Several of the natives came on board. And never in my life did I see so singular a sight as they presented. They were very handsomely tattooed all over and in some places so thickly as to destroy their original colour. They were entirely naked excepting a small piece of cloth, which they make with the bark of trees and call Tappa, which they wrap around their loins and pass up between their legs, this with a few leaves comprises the whole of their dress. They appeared to be a good natured people and showed every disposition to be friendly... During the morning we were honoured by a visit of Ootooah [Havattoo], the King of Novaheeva and several of his chiefs. I observed no difference in his dress from that of his subjects except that he wore a string of Sea Lions teeth around his neck as a mark of Royalty. He is a very fine looking man, about 5 feet, 11 in. or 6 feet in height and I supposed him to be about 40 years in age. I do not know the extent of his power but I imagine it is rather limited as there is too great a familiarity existing between him and his people for his power to be very despotick. Ends very pleasantly. Trading old Iron hoops for any thing that we wanted.
• July 27: The King is very constant in his visits and we today fired two guns for his amusement. Any number of the men were allowed to come on board during the day but to leave the ship every evening by 3 o'clock.
• July 28: To day the Capt presented the King with a suit of clothes which he immediately put on. This present entirely spoiled our trade for after this no curiosities would be obtained except for an old coat and as I was unfortunately without that article I of course got but few curiosities. Coconuts, breadfruit &c we purchased for pieces of old Iron hoops, nails &c.
• July 29: Great numbers of the natives came on board every day and express great astonishment at every thing we do. I have no doubt but our visit here will have a good effect and be of much benefit to our trade.
• July 30: The crew at quarters after which Lt. Smoot and several of the officers and myself with the marine corps and small armed men when on shore to exercise, the whole body formed on the Beach, and when the Captain landed we marched about 2 miles to a delightful Cocoa Nut grove and after firing two or 3 rounds of blank cartridges dismissed the men to refresh themselves on the cocoa nuts after which formed again performed several evolutions and returned to the beach where we fired one round of Balled cartridges and then reembarked and returned to the ship.
• July 31: Called all hands to witness punishment and gave Thos. Waters (sea) 36 lashes with the cat for disobedience of orders.
• Aug. 1: Shipped George Parker and Thos. Hoaaheevah, Natives of the Island.
• Aug 4: Discovered the Island of ____ on the Larboard beam dist 20 miles... discovered Palliser Islands three in number. At 8 AM discovered Elizabeth Island... At 10,20 discovered an Island not marked in our charts... discovered a white flag near some huts on the beach which induces the captain to beat up for the Island.
• Aug. 5: Stood within 5 miles of the Island lowered the 2nd cutter. Armed her crew and sent Lieut. [Beverly] Kennon and myself in her to communicate with the natives but with orders not to land. When we near the beach one of the natives swam off and from the circumstance of his speaking a few words of English we concluded that the Island had been visited by some English or American vessel. We saw several natives on the beach who appeared very friendly and expressed a wish for the ship to anchor. The fellow that swam off, offered a handfull of Pearls for a shirt. Mr. Kennon gave him a small piece of linnen for a very handsome line about 40 fathoms long (made of feemales hair) and two pearl fish hooks. At 2,30 we returned with the Boat, and when she was hoisted up... discovered the Island of Oonaburg hauled up for it.
• Aug. 6, Tahiti: Discovered the Island of Otaheite ahead at 6 PM...
• Aug. 7: Mr. Wilson, an English missionary and three chiefs visited the ship.
• Aug. 7: A number of natives alongside, with fruit &c. Sent the 1st cutter to Papiata Bay on duty.
• Aug. 9: The Queen and Princess of Otaheiti visited the ship. Saluted them with 13 guns. The queen has surrendered her power and dignity to her oldest sister who exercises the Power under the title of Regent. This woman is acting during the minority of the king who is now a boy of about 6 years of age, at present under the charge of a Mr. Orsmond a missionary on the Island of Emeo. Oranges, lemons, pine apples, cocoa nuts, guavas, plantains &c &c are very abundant here. The missionaries have some fine bullocks and goats. Hogs and fowls are very abundant all over the Island.
• Aug. 10 - 31, inclusive: The whale ship Fortune arrived at Papiata seven months from the U. States, via New Zealand, John Wiley (O.S.) deserted from the ship, but was taken again and brought on board...  On the 14th got underway and left the Bay for the one to the leeward which is said to be more safe during a North Western wind, and in about 2 hours came to anchor in Papiata Bay and moored ship, there is a small island at the mouth of the Bay which deemed very convenient for our Carpenters, Sailmakers, Amourers &c to work on, accordingly the Captain obtained the Regent's permission to use it, therefore after having secured the ship, unbent the sails, sent all of the mechanics with their work shore... On the night of the 17th inst. we were hailed by Capt. Swain (commanding the whale ship) and informed that his crew were in a mutinous state. Lieut. [Joseph] Smoot went on board and shortly afterwards returned with six mutineers. One of which was an Englishman. The ringleader, was put in double irons and gagged, they were all a little intoxicated, but from some expressions which they made left no doubt but it had been contemplated for some time. On the 19th Lieuts. Smoot & Kennon and Sailing master Upshur were directed by Capt. Jones to enquire into the causes of the mutiny on board of the Fortune and decide as to the innocence or guilt of the offenders. 21st. Punished 4 of the mutineers and pardoned the other two. The English Brig Dout sailed for Valparaiso. On the 22nd the Captain Mr. Upshur, Mr. Ratcliffe and myself left the ship in the launch the gig in tow for the Island of Eimeo [Mo'orea] after a pleasant sail of 5 hours arrived at the residence of Mr. Henry a missionary residing on the north eastern side of the Island. We were warmly rec'd and never in my life was I so hospitably entertained as we were during our stay on the Island. In the afternoon we took a walk to see the improvements &c. There are several good roads and the walking is generally good. There is a cotton factory established here under the superindendance of a Mr. Armitage, a very fine old gentleman and a man of some mechanical genius. The mill is propelled by water, the weaving and spinning is done by little girls and boys from 6 to 12 years of age. Cotton grows spontaneously all over this group of Islands.... We were received by a Mr. Osborn with the same hospitality as at Mr. Henry's. This gentleman has established a school for the children of the missionaries also one for the natives. It has about 30 white schollars and about 60 natives which he instructs in a different house. This Island abounds in many delightful and romantic scenes high perpendicular hills rising several thousands of feet above the level of the sea covered every where with verdue.... On the 28th sent Lt. Kennon to Eimeo in the 3d cutter for Mr. Osborn and the young King Pomare the III who promised to visit the ship the next day. Mr. Kennon returned accompanied by Mr. Osborn and the King at 11. Manned the yards and fired a sallute of 17 guns in compliment to the King.
• Sept 7: John Peters a Sandwich Islander came on board as a supernumerary... At 9 AM discovered a sail on the Lee Bow she proved to be the American whale ship Fortune Capt. Swain came on board delivered to him two men who deserted from him in Papiaty Bay... To day made a subscription among the officers and men for the missionaries on the Island of Otaheiti.
• Sept. 9, Society Islands: During the morning discovered the Islands of Raiatea, Huahine, Tahaa and Borabora. At 11 20 AM a whale boat came on board, sent Mr. Upshur in her to sound the entrance of the harbour. Capt. Dibbs of the Brigg Haweis came on board and kindly offered his services to Pilot us in. 
• Sept. 14: At 9 AM Mr. Upshur Mid. Watson & Ratcliffe and a Capt. Sidwell went in the 1st cutter to visit Tahaa where they remained all night... Punished Thomas Westcotte and Henry Droyer the former with 12 and the latter 9 lashes for misbehaviour.
• Sept. 15: Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Pitman (missionaries) and the King of Raiatea dined, with the Captain. Saluted the King with 13 guns, the King is a very stout man indeed not less than six feet and six inches in heighth, and I suppose he is about 50 years of age. He is the grandfather of Pomare III by the mothers side. 
• Sept. 18: Master Samuel Wilson and Capt. Dibbs on board of the Brigg [Haweis] Young Wilson is going to New South Wales for the advantage of an education.... Shipped a native boy of the Island and named him John Paul Jones. End pleasant.
• Oct. 9, At 4,10 discovered the south point of the Island of Ohyhee...
• Oct. 10, At 6 the North Eastern Point of Mowee bore per compass W by N... At 8 the land in sight bearing from SE by E to SW 1/2 S Woahoo ahead... At 11 the South point of the Island of Woahoo bearing per compass W by S distance 15 miles... standing for the Island of Woahoo.
• Oct. 11: As we passed by the Island of Woahoo the wind moderated considerably.... And spoke the American whale ship Foster from the coast of Japan & 8 hours from Woahoo.
• Oct. 12: Sent a kedge out astern and furled sails when we anchored the Battery on shore hoisted their colours and fired 5 guns. The American and English consuls came on board. An American whale ship came to anchor outside. At 6 PM sent a boat on board of the American whale ship President to quell a mutiny. 6:30 she returned with three of the rioters.... At 11 exchanged salutes of 21 guns with the fort.... We find here 12 or 14 vessels nearly all American Whalers.
• Oct. 13: From our anchorage the following compass bearings were taken. Fisherman's Point. SE 3/4 E, Diamond head SE by E 1/2 E. Centre of Hanauma NE W 1 1/2 S Entrance of the Harbour S by W. Discharged Cha. Stanton boy claimed by the Captain of an English ship as a deserter. Returned the 3 rioters to the President.... 2.20 the American Brig Tamahamaah got underway and stood out to sea... The two Sandwich Island women passengers from Paita left the ship.
• Oct. 14: Sent the 1st cutter for a load of water. At 11:30 the Captain accompanied by a number of the officers went on shore to visit the King.
• Oct. 15: Two English and one American whale ship went to sea. At 8 AM rec'd 387 lbs of Fresh Beef and a quantity of vegetables for the crew... At 10 called all hands to muster. When the Capt. informed the crew that they were to be allowed liberty here probably the last they would have before they are discharged. That they must not only conduct themselves well on shore, to establish a good character for themselves, and their ship, but had likewise to do away the bad impressions on the minds of the natives respecting our nation created by the misconduct of the Dolphin's crew. At noon the American consul came on board.
• Oct. 16: Discharged James Bowanow and Jnd. Peters Oupunamans, natives of the Islands... At 7 AM the Marcus came to anchor in the inner harbour. Rec'd 6 goats for the crew...
• Oct. 18: The King of the Islands came on board. Manned the yards, and fired a salute with 21 guns. We beat to quarters and went through the general exercise. At 3 PM his majesty took leave under a salute of 21 guns.
• Oct. 20: A Brig anchored outside during the night & at daylight hoisted the American Jack.... At 8 came to anchor inside, she proved to be the Brig Convoy from the Northwest Coast of America.
• Oct. 21: Boarded the American Whaler Russell last from Japan... Boarded the American Missionary Packet of Boston, last from Valparaiso. At 9 an American Brig anchored outside, she proved to be the Nile, last from Guyaquil.
• Oct 23: At daylight discovered a ship in the offing standing in. A boat from the strange sail came along side to inform us that she would proceed hence direct to the U-States. She proved to be the Barclay bound to Nantucket.
• Oct. 28: The strange ships proved to be the Lyra, Comm. Perry and Persia from the coast of Japan.
• Oct. 30: Whaler in distress hauled down his colours... She proved to be the Golden Farmer from Japan. 
• Nov. 1: At 1 lifted the Captain on deck. 2.45 the English consul came on board, fired a salute of 11 guns with the English ensign flying at the fore. At 3.20 the Capt. accompanied with the American Consul and several other Gentlemen came on board fired a salute of 11 guns... Rec'd on board an insubordinate man from teh ship Ann, placed him under charge of a sentinel.
• Nov. 4: The American whale ship John Adams anchored in the inner harbour, the English whale ship Eagle got underway and went to sea.
• Nov. 5: The American brig Owhyhee got underway and stood out to sea.... At 10.30 called all hands to muster when the Captain read the articles of war.
• Nov. 6: Rec'd in charge 2 deserters from the English ship Eagle. retained them a few hours on board...
• Nov. 8: At 7:30 AM the American whale ship Peru, and North America came to anchor inside.
• Nov. 10: The American ship Sultan got underway from the outer harbour, and went to sea. Rec'd on board 3 mutineers from the American ship Comm. Perry for safe keeping.
• Nov. 13: At daylight the English whale ship Recovery got underway and stood out to sea. Stillman P. Newcomb came on board from the American ship North America. He delivered himself up as a deserter from the U. States brig Spark. The American brig Chinchilla got underway and went to sea.
• Nov. 14: Five Americans lately residents on shore, at the instance of Capt. Jones were taken up by the King's guard and sent onboard... Five more Americans came on board this morning.
• Nov. 19: Capt. Jones, Mr. Jones [John Coffin Jones, Jr.] (the Consul), and Lieut. Smoot examined the conduct of the 3 mutineers from the Com. Perry and sentenced them to wear a 32 lbs ball and chain each while on board of the Peacock.... At daylight discovered the American Brig Convoy at anchor outside sent a boat out and towed her in, shipped a native boy of Waohoo, and called him Benjamin Franklin. 10,30 mustered the crew, and called all hands to witness punishment. Punished Robert McGlaughlin (Marine), with 12 lashes, for swimming ashore last night.
• Nov. 20: Allowed a number of men to go ashore on liberty. They all returned at sunset... As usual slaughtered hogs for the crew... Delivered to the American whale ship Peru Thos. Green of her crew, brought on board this ship for safe keeping.
• Nov. 22: A sent the launch to weigh a steam anchor for the English whaler, Daniel the 4th...
• Nov. 23: The Missionary Packet went to sea. Sent the 1st cutter to board her with orders to take out any Americans or Englishmen found on board of her.. At 3,30 the boat returned with Jacob [Quale?], an American found concealed on board of her...At 1,30 AM the cry of murder was heard in shore of us. At daylight an American brig anchored outside, proved to be the Tally Ho, 10 sent Lieut. Page, and Kennon on shore to form part of a jury of inquest held over the body of a man found dead in the water this morning. After an investigation of 3 hours gave in their verdict that the deceased (Benjamin Mansfield lately belonging to the English whale ship Daniel the 4th) came by his death by being forced overboard between the hours of 1 & 2 o'clock this morning by an assault on his boat by one belonging to the American brig Owhyhee, in which were, Chas. Stevens, (resident of the Island), Mr. Pickins (chief mate of the Owhyhee) and Mr. Joiner (2nd mate of the same brig). These gentlemen on board of our ship for safe keeping. 
• Nov. 24: In consequence of the rencontre which took place last night and other disturbances which have been very common in this Harbour, Capt. Jones, issued the following notice, and had it Posted in the most conspicuous parts of the town:
  • "Notice All Seamen or other Persons, belonging to Merchant or Whale Ships in this Port, who shall be found in Boats or swimming about the Harbour, after gun fire at 8 P.M. unaccompanied by one of their officers, or a written from their Captain, or Commanding Officer, will be taken up and punished as deserters and disturbers of the Peace. (signed) Thos. Ap. Catesby Jones, Capt. U.S. Ship Peacock, Woahoo, Nov. 23rd 1826" 
• ​​​​​Kept a guard boat rowing around to intercept any one acting in contravention of the Foregoing notice. ​​At daylight sent Mr. Upshur to search for the body of a missing man from the Daniels Boat, who was said to be on the Flats. At 8 Mr. Upshur returned without finding the Body.
• Nov. 26: A Ship anchored outside under the American colours. Discovered a Barque to leeward, beating up. The first proved to be the American Whale Ship John, from the coast of Japan. The other a Russian vessel of Discovery from Archangel, on the northwest coast of America. The Captain sent Thos. Richard & Thos. Tierny on board: witness to the late rencontre which resulted in the death of Benjamin Mansfield. As usual kept the guard boat rowing but took no prizes. 10,30 A.M. Called all hands to muster when the Captain read the Articles of War... The Commander of the Russian Barque visited the ship. Ends with fresh breezes and pleasant weather.
• Nov. 27: The Russian commander left the ship. The Brig outside proved to be the American Brig Roscoe 32 days from Guyaquil. Took from the Brig Roscoe's boat Chas. Abbey a black man who left here in the Dolphin and brought him onboard for safe keeping. At 7 PM brought 2 men on board from the Peru and confirmed them for Riotous conduct. All of the Liberty men returned on board. Took from the ship James Adams. Ebenezer Woodbury, suspected to be the person missing from the Daniel's boat. Had him confined apart from every body. 9 AM sent the launch to water the Russian Barque outside. 10.30 The English and U. States Consuls together with the transient residents, ship masters, &c of Woahoo assembled on board to witness an investigation into the circumstances of the affair, which resulted so seriously on the night of the 23rd. The witnesses were summonded, and the enquiry conducted by Capt. Jones.
• Nov. 28: Last night heard an uproar on board of the English ship Daniel the 4th. Sent me on board with the 1st cutter to apertain the cause, found all hands drunk, and insolent, returned on board for advice what to do. Concluded to let them cut their own throats.
• Nov. 29: 2 PM Three men belonging to the Daniel swam under our stern and made use of some abusive language, sent a boat and brought them aboard. The Court adjourned. Called all hands to witness punishment, and gave the Daniel men a dozen each well laid on with the cat and sent them on board again. Several American Whale Ships having lost some of their crew, twas suspected that they were secreted on board the Daniel. We accordingly sent a boat to search her, and during the afternoon found concealed in different parts of the ship one man belonging to the ship Persia, one belonging to the Com. Rodgers, and 3 from the Lyra. Returned them to their respective Captains....
• Dec. 1: Finished watering the Russian Barque... The Captain and some of the officers when on board the Russian to dine. 4.30 the Barque fired a salute of 21 guns. 4,30 [sic] she fired a second salute of 21 guns, and at 5 the 3rd salute of 21 guns. And at __ another salute of 7 guns. At 6 P.M. we illuminated ship burnt 2 blue light and 4 Rockets.
• Dec. 2: Capt,of the Russian Barque accompanied by a number of his officers came on board to dine with the Capt. Hoisted the Russian Flag at the fore, and fired a salute of 13 guns, two small schooners arrived and anchored in the Bay... 9 AM The Russian Barque and Brig Roscoe went to Sea.
• Dec. 3: Lieut. Edward [Mcdonald?], onboard the American Whale Ship Jonathan Adams, a man when we found on board the Daniel the 4th. Thos Tierney, Ebenezer Woodbury and Thos. Richards, are ordered by the Capt. to be retained on board. They are witnesses in the case lately under consideration, and it seems that the Capt. is determined to carry all the Persons accessary to that accident to the United States for trial. The ship Jno. Adams went to sea, the Missionary Packet arrived from Owhyhee, having the governor of that Island, and the Queen of the whole group on board as passengers.
• Dec. 4: Allowed 35 men to go ashore on liberty to return at sunset...
• Dec. 7: At 9 AM a native schooner got underway and stood out to Sea, sent a boat to board her. At 10,00 the Daniel the 4th fired a gun and stood out the harbour.
• Dec. 10: At 10 punished at the gangway Jonathan Chase & Jno Phillips for drunkeness & Jno. Jackson belonging to the Convoy for leaving his vessel without permission. 10.30 the missionaries came on board with several chiefs of the Island. At. 11 the Revd. Bingham performed Divine Service.
• Dec. 11: At 2 P.M. the Captain and missionaries left the ship. Gave a number of men liberty to go ashore. Rec'd 208 lbs of fresh pork and a quantity of vegetables for the crew.
• Dec. 12: At daylight discovered the American Whaler Golden Farmer had dragged her anchor and was on shore sent a boat to her assistance... Rec'd for the Pursers Depmt. 100 tin pots, 4 pieces of cotton, and 2 dozen pa. of socks. 
• Dec. 13: 3 P.M. the wind having partially subsided our boat succeeded in getting the Golden Farmer out to her old Birth without her having sustained any damage. Allowed 12 men liberty to go ashore for the night. 7:30 AM the Liberty men returned on board.
• Dec. 14: At 2.30 a small schooner got under way and stood out to sea. Searched her for English or Americans but found none.
• Dec. 15: Discovered a Brig to windward standing. At 1.20 boarded the American Brig Active 145 days from Boston. Who informed us of the Deaths of Ex. Presidents Jefferson and Adams.
• Dec. 17: Rec'd on board 10 lbs of flour, 50 pr of coarse shoes, 25 pr of fine shoes, and 23 tin pots... The American ship Persia went to sea. 11 the Rev.d Mr. Bingham came on board and performed divine service.
• Dec. 18: Sent 17 men on shore on liberty. At 6 PM the liberty men returned on board.
• Dec. 21: Sent several officers with 30 men ashore to erect a tent. Discovered a ship standing in, boarded her. She proved to be the American ship Natchez of New York last from Callao. She anchored outside... Discharged Wm. Goulding, Wm. Bennett & Hugh McCurdy, sent them on board the Active.
• Dec. 22, Day of the official signing of the treaty between the Hawaiian Islands and the United States: At 1,20 a number of officers accompanied by the small armed men went on shore. 2.30 commenced firing minute guns, 3 ceased firing when the American ship Parthian commenced, and fired until 3.30, when the American Brig Tamahamaha commenced. At 4 the Tamahamaha ceased and the American ship Sultan commenced, and fired until 4.30 when we again commenced and fired until 5. At 5.30 the small armed men returned on board.... Discharged Henry Adair and Gerrard Kelly, sent on board the Sultan. Let 34 go ashore on liberty. Rec'd a quantity of Pea Jackets and Blankets on board for pursers depmt.
• Dec. 25: 1 P.M. a small schooner arrived from Atoori. Sent 22 Liberty Men on shore, sunset the Liberty Men returned.
• Dec. 26: At daylight sent the Launch down to Pearle River for stock. At 7:30 the Brig Active got underway and stood out to sea. 9 AM the Liberty Men returned on board. Discharged Thom. Waterman (O.S.) sent him on board of the American Ship Maria.
• Dec. 28: At 2 P.M. the Launch returned with 18 pigs and 14 fowls. Rec'd 138 lbs of fresh Pork.... 8 A.M. Rec'd 284 lbs of fresh Beef...
• Dec. 29: At 3 PM the Captain came on board accompanied by the King and Queen and the Governor of the Island. Manned the yards hoisted the Native Flag at the Fore and fired a salute of 21 guns. At 7 P.M. the Captain with the King, Queen and Company, left the ship illuminated the yards and burnt 3 blue lights - sent the music ashore to the Captains...
• Jan. 6, 1827: At 11 the Captain attended by his Majesty the King, and the Queen, with the English and American Consuls, and a number of chiefs came on board. 
• Jan. 7: At 4 P.M. the King, Queen, and company left the ship, under a salute of 21 guns. The King went ashore in our gig which had been presented to him some weeks ago by the Captain. Sent Thos. Gill (one of the supernumeraries) ashore... Filled away and made all sail to the westward, bound to San Blas in Mexico. 6.30 AM discovered the Island of Atoori...
• Jan. 29, off of Baja California: At 2.30 discovered land from aloft to the East at 4 Cape Lazarus on the coast of California in sight bearing per compass E. by S. distant 30 miles... At meridian the most northd. Land of California in sight...
• Jan. 30: At 2.40 PM... Land in sight all along to the East. 5.30 Cape St. Lucas bore per compass E b N dist. 25 miles... At meridian fine fresh breezes and pleasant weather. The sea here bears the colour of Deep Green.
• Jan 31: Keeping a bright lookout for the Tres Marias (Island).
• Feb. 1: At daylight discovered the Coast of Mexico...  Pedro de Mer bearing per compass N by E 1/2 E dist. 9 miles. This rock is placed by Arrowsmith's Chart 14 miles South of its true position, proved by its bearings at our meridian observation. Lat. Obs. 21 degrees 28' North.
• Feb. 2: 2 PM discovered the shipping in the Harbour of San Blas... Hoisted out the 1st cutter and launch and took a kedge out on the Larbd. Beam... At 10 AM fired a salute of 21 guns which was returned from the Fort ashore. At 10.30 the Captain left the ship to call on the governor.
• Feb. 3: We find a few vessels here under varioius flags. One American Brig the Lancaster, one English, one Breman, one Genovese, and several Provincial Flags, also a Mexican Brig of War something larger than our Launch. The country here looks verdant and beautiful, the woods are said to abound with every species of game... The governor visited the ship... A number of the officers ashore shooting.
• Feb. 4: Ship supplied dayly with fresh Beef which is tolerably good. 10 A Number of our officers left the ship on a visit to the City of Tepic, captial of the province of San Blas
• Feb. 5: At 9 AM called all hands to witness punishment and gave David Knapp 18 lashes with the Cat for insolence. Peter Samuelson 9 and Cornelius 10 for Drunkenness.
• Feb. 13: 2.45 PM the Ship Dorothea of Philadelphia, came in and anchored ahead of us, 31 days from Callao, no news.
• Feb. 14: Another party of our officers left the ship on a visit to Tepic.
• Feb. 15: 15' PM [i.e. 12:15] mid Howison returned from Tepic... Bought of Ship Dorothea the following articles. 30 pieces of sheeting, 150 lbs. of beeswax & 10 boxes of tea. Rec'd from shore a bag of bread as a sample. 10 PM the Dorothea went to sea. 
• Feb. 19: A small Mexican schooner arrived... Sent carpenters, sawyers, & wood cutters ashore to work.
• Feb. 20: Boarded a Mexican Brig 27 days from Acapulco, and a Mexican sloop of war from Guaymas, they both anchored in shore of us. 
• Feb. 21: The Columbian Brig General Leman went to Sea. Thos. Jefferson (O. Sea) deserted from the 1st cutter.
• Feb. 22, Washington's Birthday: Heavy rain, thunder & lightning during the evening and the night, clear and sultry in the morning, the officers returned from Tepic. At meridian fired a salute of 21 guns in honour of the day.
• [excised leaf, covering Feb. 24 - March 6, 1827]
• March 7: We last night rec'd advice from Mr. Poinsett our Minister at Mexico which determines us to sail, immediately for Callao, the President's last message to Congress accompanied the minister's letters.
• March 8:  11.45 The Governor of the District of San Blas, accompanied by a number of Ladies and Gentlemen, from the cities of San Blas & Tepic visited the ship, fired a salut of 17 guns... Our visitors entertained by waltzing on the Quarter Deck.
• March 17: At 6,50 PM Chas. Mitchell an old veteran Seaman departed this life, after an illness of only 4 hours, he was sensible of his approaching desolution & remained sensible to the last, cause of his death unknown. Called all hands to bury the Dead. Committed old Mitchell to the Deep with the usual Funeral ceremony.
• March 19: At 5,25 appearances wild, and very threatening.
• March 22: 3,40 run afoul of a large whale, stern on, which opened the ship very much about the stern, discovered on sounding the pump that the ship made 16 inches of water per hour.
• March 25: Mechanics and crew variously employed, ship leaking from 12 to 15 inches per hour.
• March 26: Number of whale playing round the ship. One passed within about 50 feet of us while laying afloat on the water.... At 4 Binglows Island bearing per compass (centre) S.W... An island seen by Capt. Downes in the Essex Junr in 1813... At 5,30 AM discovered Binglow's & Abbington Island...
• April 7: At 9 last night we were on the Equator...
• April 9: At 9 called all hands to witness punishments gave Wm. Brown 12 and Saml. Brown 9 lashes for fighting
• April 13: Brig Monte Christie bound to Guanchaco... hoisted our colours, answered by the stranger with Peruvian...8 AM discovered another ship under the lee. At 10 the brig hoisted her colours, ran down and hove to under her lee, when she lowered her boat, and an officer came on board, she proved to be the Peruvian Brig Congresso 7 days from Monte Christie. bound into Paita.
• April 14: Endeavoured to obtain some bread and ship's stores from the Heroine, but she could furnish us with nothing but 5 lbs of flour at 20 dollars each, 2 boxes of candles, and 2 kegs of white lead, at 3,40... Passed through several singular appearances in the water indicating variable currents, and sometimes colouring the water red as if it were shoal, but we got no soundings with the hand leads even after the breakers were seen on the beach.
• April 15: Reduced the allowance of bread to 4 ounces having only sufficient on board to last at that rate 4 days... Ship coming up to S.E. by E as we advanced... Lowered down the 2nd cutter, and boarded the American Whale Ship John Adams, Seth Catheart, 6 months from the U. States, left Paita last night. She had on board a considerable quantity of bread, probably more than she should want, but the captain had orders neither to sell or give it away, we therefore took a part of it (400 lbs) without his consent. He voluntarily furnished us with some tobacco and a few hampers of sweet potatoes... Paid him $15 per C wt for his bread and gave him a certificate of the transaction.
• April 19: Sent 3 bls of flour on board of the whale ship Pindus and exchanged it for 588 lbs of bread. Also bought from her 3950 galls of water for 75 cts per barrel.
• April 20: Purchased from shore 841 lbs of very bad bread, for $8.50 per C wt. and 718 lbs of rice. Rec'd on board 200 hampers of sweet potatoes, 1000 onions and 24 very large pumpkins for a sea stock.
• April 21: Received a barrel of Rum from the Dutch Brig. ... Land in sight. Leaking 9 1/2 inches per hour. Water on board. 3900 gallons.
• May 2: Rec'd by a launch 120 gallons of Rum, 1 live Bullock, 2 bags of vegetables, 1 keg of Black Paint, and some fruit. Rec'd also from the Dutch Brig 1 keg of Lamp Black.
• May 11: 7.35 AM called all hands to witness punishment. Mr. Cornwall (OS) Jno. Bennett (Sea), Jas Thompson (Sea), Wm Coxe and Robert McGlaughlin (Marines) each rec'd 12 lashes on the bare back with the cat for drunkenness.
• May 12: At 9.10 AM called all hands to witness punishment, and inflicted one dozen lashes each on George Tudor, Wm. Dougherty, and David Knapp. The Peruvian Brig Sacramento arrived 2 days from Callao.
• May 13: At 4 Rec'd 36 gallons of Pisco. 
• May 14: Discovered the Island of San Lorenzo.
• May 15: 2 ships and a Brig in sight... At 4.20 hoisted our Ensign, Pendant, & Number which was answered by the Frigate Brandywine... At 5 being under the Commodore's stern we took in the courses, Royals, flying jib... and fired a salute of 13 guns, which was answered by the Brandywine with 7 guns...
• May 16: At 11.45 called all hands, to muster, when the Captain made an address to the crew. 
• May 19: 9.20 a number of Marines came on board, from the Brandywine
• May 20: At 4.30 the Commodore came on board with Lieut. Smoot to examine the ship. 
• May 23: At 1.30 gave a number of men permission to visit Lima, engaged in caulking the ship under the bows... Two French ships went out to sea. The Chilian Brig of War Achilles fired a salute of 15 guns. Sent the Frigate's Caulkers on board of her. 
• May 25: Sent a number of men to Lima on liberty. Finished caulking, and this day finished stopping the leak, commenced restoring the Hold, and as our crew were nearly all on shore, kept 40 of the Bandywine's crew employed on board for several days. The remainder of our men were allowed to go on shore and from all only 2 desertions (viz.) Peter Samuelson and John Greenfield (Two good for nothing fellows.) Called all hands to muster, and found that only 17 men had remanded and received their discharge. The remainder (whose times were out) volunteered to carry the ship home. We also shipped a great many men, Americans, who with the addition of some invalids and supernumunaries made up the number of 205 souls. June 24 the U.S. Sloop of War Vincennes arrived from Valparaiso, when I had the pleasure of shaking hands with my old friend and school mate Larkin, June 16th we got underway and had a fair race with the Vincennes, but as the breeze was light and our bottom very foul she outsailed us a little.
• June 25: At 3.30 PM got underway and passing under the Commodore's stern saluted him with 13 guns and cheered ship, he returned the salute with 7 guns and answered our cheer. The Vincennes also cheered us as we passed which was duly answered.... Sick: 38 persons; water on board: 9572 gallons; Lat. Obsed 12 degrees 16' South.
• July 13: 3.30 PM gale increasing called all hands, furled the main sail & foretopsail...
• July 22: At 2 allowed the messmates of J. Bastian, deceased, to commit his body to the Sea. At the request of the crew, many of whom attributed our late disasters to the circumstance of having a corpse on board.
• Aug. 3: 15' PM [i.e. 12:15] discovered a ship on the lee bow, kept away for her, 12.40 came up with, and spoke the English Whale Ship Sir James Cockburn from London... Ship surrounded by an immense school of Black Fish.
• Aug. 11: At noon called all hands to witness punishment & gave to Robert Boyd, Wm. Farewell and Wm. Smith, one dozen lashes each the two former for drunkenness, the latter for neglect of duty, not having taken the scupper plugs out off the cape as he had been ordered.
• Aug.12, Brazil: At 1 turned the reefs our of the Topsails, made the sugar loaf hill on the lee bow. Breeze dying away as we drew in with the land - several vessels in sight. At 3.30 showed our Ensign and Pendant...Dist 2 miles E. by SE of Sugar Loaf Hill, and 3 miles SSW of Fort Santa Cruz.... A large Brazilian Convoy (of 50 odd sails) went to sea, 9 AM hoisted out the 1st cutter, and boarded the American Ship Pactolus, bound to Monte Video
• Aug.13: At daylight discovered a Portuguese Frigate and some small vessels at anchor in the offing. An American Schooner went to sea, bound to Valparaiso, sent a market boat ashore. At 10 AM the American consul visited. At 11 fired a salute of 20 guns which was answered by 17 from the Fort. Sent an officer ashore to ascertain why our salute was not returned with an equal number of guns when the Fort immediately fired 4 more guns. At Meridian pleasant weather.
• Aug. 14: At 9 AM got the sheet anchor off of the Birth Dock and stowed it on the Larboard gunwale. Boarded the American Brig Duplicate from San Salvador. No news. Rec'd on board 6 serapes, 24 feet Pine Plank, 25 sheets of copper, fifty lbs of copper nails, two claw hammers, and a hand pump.
• Aug 16: The American Brig Shylock arrived 14 days from Monte Video, left the Boston shore... At daylight an American Brig and a Norwegian Ship got underway and stood out... Crew employed scraping ship, carpenters at work on the copper and painters preparing to paint the White Streak. At 11 AM the French Admiral visited the ship and left again immediately.
• Aug. 17: Rec'd 4000 sticks of wood from shore, also 25 sheets of copper and 94 skeins of Marline....Commenced painting ship outside. A Brazilian Brig and several smaller vessels went to Sea.
• Aug. 18: 3.20 the Fort fired 38 guns, the American Brig Constitution arrived 16 days from Monte Video. Rec'd a load of water by the launch. While she was ashore German Tarbox and Wm. Farewell, deserted from her... At 10 Captain King of the English Discovery Ship Adventure, visited the ship....
• Aug. 19: Send 3 officers ashore in search of the Deserters. At 4 a Portuguese Brig arrived. 3.40 PM Lieut. Wm. Ramsey, acting sailing master, Jno. S. Hamilton, and Tom Jones (boy) left the ship to take passage in the American ship Corinthian bound to Baltimore. At daylight the Corinthian sailed. Also an English Packet, and 2 Hamburg ships.
• Aug. 20: At daylight a number of vessels went to sea. Among them a large French store ship bound to Valparaiso, by which I wrote to J.W.L. Rec'd on board fresh beef as usual, and filled up the spirit room with Whiskey.
• Aug. 22: A Black Man named Nathaniel Jackson joined the ship.
• Aug. 23: Sent the launch to Rio Grande for a load of sand. At 1.30 American consul and some other gentleman came on board to dine... At 5.30 PM Thos. J. Bradner was brought on board having been shot through the Body in a Duel with Mid Thos. E. Bisham... 11.30 sent on board HBM Ship Adventure for her Surgeon who immediately came on board and pronounced Mr. Bradner's wound mortal. 1.30 he left the ship... At daylight squally wind SW. Boarded the American Brig Fidelity, 47 days from Baltimore. At 11.45 Thos. J. Bradner departed this life... Señor ____, the late envoy extraordinary from the government to the U.S. returned in the Fidelity.
• Aug. 25: The American Ship Dumphries and Brig Caspian arrived. Also a French Barque and Brig of War made every preparation for sea. At daylight weighed the anchor and stood out to sea....
• Aug. 29: 10' PM [i.e. 12:10] showed our colours to the stranger, when he hoisted Buenos Ayrea, and stood for us....sent the 2nd cutter, on board of her, she proved to be the prize Brig Manselo, to a Buenos Ayrean Privateer, was captured off Rio Grande 16 days, and was now bound for St. Bartholomus, we corrected her Longitude.
• Aug. 31: At 3.30 PM Henry Van Voorhis, sail maker, departed this life, after a long and tedious illness of consumption...
• Sept. 4, Salvador, Brazil: The stranger in chase of us fired her guns with Blank cartridges. At 9 we showed our colours. When the Brig fired two more guns but without shot 9.20 took in all steering sails & foresail, the Brig in chase shortened sail, brought by the wind and showed Brazilian colours.... At 1 PM came to with the starboard anchor in the Harbour, of San Salvador, moored ship.
• Sept. 5: A number of boats alongside from the shore, we find the English line of Battle Ship Ganges here, besides a Brazilian frigate, sloop of war, & a gun Brig, with a number of American and other Merchantmen.
• Sept. 8: At 1 fired a salute of 17 guns. At 3.30 took a single reef in the topsails and furled the sails. The American Schooner Joseph Mead, Capt. Austin, arrived and anchored, had seen the U.S. Frigate Macedonian, off Pernambuco 10 days ago... At 2.30 an English Ship arrived. At 5.30 AM Thos. Westcot, departed this life. HBM Sloop of War Heron arrived last night from Pernambuco. Blacked the bends. At 11 the Flag Captain of English Squadron & Captain [Samuel Hood] Inglefield of the Ganges visited the Ship.
• Sept. 10: An American Ship went to sea bound to New York. The Dutch Brig Louis arrived 89 days from Antwerp. Rec'd our Kedge anchor from the American Brig Midas...
• Sept. 11: The American schooner Joseph Mead went to sea, James Burns, an American Seaman, joined the Ship... 10.40 PM Jno. Norton (Seaman) fell overboard and sunk immediately, sent a boat to look for him but she returned unsuccessful... San Salvador contains many handsome houses & is very pleasantly situated on the side of a hill. The harbour is spacious, it is tolerably well fortified but might easily be rendered impregnable, the east side being almost inaccessible and the rest is well fortified both by nature and by art. They have a line of Battle Ship and sloop of war on the stocks here, the latter they have nearly finished...
• Sept. 17: Laid by under easy sail till 2,50 the stranger came up with us, proving to be the American Brig Caledonian, from Rio 14 days bound to Baltimore. Discovered another Brig under American colours, in shore of us, filled away and made sail for her. 3.30 shortened sail, and spoke the Brig Gazelle of Boston, one day from Pernambuco bound to Bahia... 7 AM discovered the town of Pernambuco... At 8.30 showed our colours, hoisted a black ball (consul's signal) at the fore, and fired a gun. .... hoisted out the 1st cutter and sent Lieut. Kennon ashore on duty.
• Sept. 27: 11,30 PM Chas. Parsons (Supernumary from the Brandywine) departed this life. 9,20 PM committed his remains to the deep, after having performed the usual funeral ceremonies... Large schools of fish playing round the ship - and some tropic birds.
• Sept. 30: At 10,30 mustered the crew - reduced 4 forecastlemen to ordinary seamen for reefing a foretopmast studdg. sail in an unseamanlike manner.
• Oct. 5: 4.30 were alongside of the stranger lowered the 2nd cutter & boarded her. She proved to be the American Brig Ceres, 106 days from Sumatra, loaded with Pepper, bound to Salem, Mass. 
• Oct. 8: At 9.50 AM she came up with us and spoke is, she proved to be the American Ship Prudence from Pernambuco, bound to New York.
• Oct 11: Large quantities of gulf weed floating about us. Sandy Hook bears N. 47 degrees W distance 1288 miles.
• Oct. 14, final entry: Fine breezes from N by W to NE, running from 6 to 7 1/1 knots on the starboard tack...

At the end of the volume Craven has carefully transcribed the text of Capt. Jones's special internal ship's rules and regulations under the caption title:

A Copy of the Internal Rules and Regulations on board the U.S. Ship Peacock. Master Commander Thomas Ap C. Jones

These unusually detailed and all-encompassing regulations, which completely fill eleven pages, provide evidence of Jones's disciplined leadership style. Jones had a penchant for creating special shipboard regulations and occasionally ordered the midshipmen to copy the text of such orders verbatim into their journals or logbooks. 

Rarity

Original unpublished journals of U.S. Navy voyages in the Pacific during the 1820s are extremely rare in the market.  Craven's journal is completely unknown to historians. Gene A. Smith's Thomas Ap Catesby Jones: Commodore of Manifest Destiny (2000), the most recent scholarly biography, makes no reference to Thomas Craven or his journal. Smith relies extensively on another Peacock logbook, which kept by Midshipman Thomas J. Harris, held by the Library of Congress, and laments that "there exists no single sizable collection of personal papers that detail [Jones's] life or provide insight into his character." Several historians cite Jones's own "Report of the Peacock's Cruise to the Sandwich, Society, and Other Islands" in the Navy records of the National Archives.