Next message: d walden: "Re: Simple celestial navigation in 1897"
Regarding the navigation of the Charles W. Morgan in 1896-97, George H wrote:
"So I wonder whether that statement is based on a biased sample of
navigationally backward or ultra-conservative mariners; such as, perhaps,
American
whaling vessels. "
I forgot to mention a bit of trivia. John Layton, master of the vessel and
navigator, too, was a British citizen --a New Zealander. American whaling
crews in this era were drawn from every corner of the globe, especially islands.
Only 5 out or more than 50 crewmembers could list the US as their birthplace.
First or second mate on several voyages in this period was George Christian,
a native of Norfolk Island in the Pacific. His great grandfather was one of
the first settlers on Pitcairn Island and a bit of a rabble-rouser <g>.
-FER
42.0N 87.7W, or 41.4N 72.1W.
www.HistoricalAtlas.com/lunars
