Letter sent by the ps Great Western from New York to London, 1845
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Object number2012.02052
TitleLetter sent by the ps Great Western from New York to London, 1845
Creator G. Hemings (author)
DescriptionManuscript letter written from New York to London, with integral address panel bearing the annotation ‘Per Gt Western’. Describing G. Hemings' experiences of crossing the Atlantic on board the vessel Mediator – which took 40 days. He describes the rough crossing which led to extensive sea sickness, they encounter icebergs whales porpoises sharks etc see meteors ‘and further nautical phenomena’. They then encounter a ‘water logged wreck – one mast gone & the other hanging over her side- her deck swept of everything...’ He then describes the conditions on board saying that he didn’t take enough bread with him for his own use and comments on the food which is available for passengers. A particularly interesting portion of the letter states : ‘...we were much punished for want of exercise room the part of the deck being occupied by lions leopards zebras apes &c belonging to Van Hamburgh’s Company – we were only allowed three quarts of water a day...’ He then gives detail on New York its people its working practices and describes visiting the Central Tabernacle. The reference to the animals is particularly interesting as it refers to Van Ambergh’s circus – one of the greatest of all American circuses which toured England at this time. Addressed to Miss Anne Hemmings.
The writer sent the letter back to London via the ps Great Western, to which he refers to.
Transcript available.
Production placeNew York
Production date 1845-09-10 - 1845-09-10
Object nameletter
Object categorycorrespondence
Materialpaper
Techniquehand-written
Dimensions
- height: 226 mm
width: 365 mm
Credit lineCourtesy of the SS Great Britain Trust.