University of Arizona

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Diary of David Dodge Jr.

This collection includes a photocopy of a 35-page holographic diary by mariner, David Dodge Jr. The diary recounts his adventures aboard the whaling ship Russell, which began in New Bedford and spanned the years 1831 to 1834. Dodge describes the Pacific voyage including South American ports, whale hunting methods, and the environmental importance of the Galapagos Islands. Also present is a typed transcription of the diary by John Dunklee and Alan Newton of the Geography Department at the University of Arizona. The transcript contains an introduction with background information, annotations, and a map of the voyage. A photocopy of the original diary is located in the Whaling Museum, New Bedford, MA.