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A guide to the Captain Charles Scammon records, 1865-1946
HDC0340 (SAFR 17257)  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
Captain Charles Scammon records (SAFR 17257, HDC 340) contain Scammon's private journal (a typescript and a carbon copy) written between 1865 and 1866 while leading an expedition to Alaska and Siberia on behalf of the Treasury Department and Western Union Telegraph Company. The expedition's mission was to conduct soundings in the Bering Sea to ascertain the possibility of laying a telegraph cable across the Bering Sea to reach Europe (in lieu of a trans-Atlantic cable). The flag ship on this expedition was the barkentine GOLDEN GATE. In addition, there are two folders of various records including correspondence, typed and handwritten. The collection is available for research use without restriction.
Background
In 1861, Captain Scammon abandoned whaling to become a lieutenant in the U.S. Revenue Service, now the Coast Guard. He became a captain in 1865 when he was assigned the command of a fleet of eight ships. Although sailing under the U.S. Revenue Service flag, this fleet was actually part of the Western Union Telegraph Expedition, under the general command of Colonel Charles S. Bulkely, Engineer in Chief for the Western Union Company.
Extent
2 items.
Restrictions
Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.
Availability
This collection is open for use unless otherwise noted.