Description
Theodore Julius Robinette's ship's log (1860) describes his voyage from
Philadelphia to San Francisco on the Morning Light captained by B.A. Johnson.
Robinette's log provides mileage figures, course, wind direction and other
remarks, chiefly concerning the weather. Civil War era letters (1860-1868) from
Henry Clay Robinette to his brother indicate a close relationship. Brother
Henry advises Theodore to stay away from the war. The Dougherty family is also
represented in the collection by correspondence and a scrapbook containing many
invitations to social engagements.
Background
Theodore Julius Robinette (1837 -ca. 1908) was a San Francisco ship's
cook and nurse who made many extended voyages. In 1860 he sailed from
Philadelphia to San Francisco and from there to Hong Kong. His brother, Henry
Clay Robinette, attended the Delaware Military Academy (1857-1860) and joined
the Union Army at the outset of the Civil War. H.C. Robinette fought at the
battles of Corinth and Vicksburg (1862) and was later on the General Grant's
staff (1864-1865). After the war he was court-martialed for cursing an officer
in a barroom brawl (1867)but his father petitioned President Andrew Johnson on
his behalf with the result that his sentence was commuted and he was promoted
to brevet major for "gallant and meritorious services at the Battle of Corinth
and the siege of Vicksburg." Theodore married in San Francisco but his wife
died in childbirth soon afterward leaving him with twins to raise on his own.
His daughter Louise married Fred Dougherty of Woodbridge(Calif.).
Availability
Collection is open for research.