Hector von Bayer Diary
Collection
Identifier: MSS-794-SC
Scope and Content
The journal/diary describes a U.S. surveying expedition to the Pacific Ocean, with entries recording observations (illustrated with pencil sketches) about the seas, weather, marine life, birds, vegetation, natives, living conditions, etc. The volume begins on Dec. 20, 1872 aboard the U.S.S. Portsmouth with a description of the ship and a trip log from New York to Honolulu, and then various exploring cruises to islands in the Pacific. Bayer mentions the death of King Lunalilo and describes unrest during the process of naming his successor. Bayer's journal continues with description of his 10 day sail from Honolulu to San Francisco, beginning on March 23, 1874, with a description of San Francisco upon arrival. On May 13, Bayer embarked on the schooner, "General Ord" from San Francisco to La Paz, then, from La Paz back to San Francisco on the steamer "Montana." After taking a couple of trial trips aboard the U.S.S. Narragansett, a surveying cruise down the coast of California and the Gulf of Mexico began on Dec. 1, 1874. Journal entries give brief descriptions of places on the Baja, including Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, and mention rumblings of revolution in Mexico. By February 5, 1875, the U.S.S. Narragansett was bound for the Colorado River, surveying along the way. Stops included Tiburon Island, Yaqui River, Guaymas, Topolobampo, Mazatlan, San Blas, Tres Marias. The U.S.S. Narragansett returned to San Francisco in early July 1875, at which time Bayer was discharged from service. Bayer returned safely to New York, and this is where his travel log ends.
Toward the middle of the bound volume there is a section in which Bayer lists and describes principle varieties of birds among the Coral Islands, as well as describing the origin of the Coral Islands. In the back of the volume, Bayer has charted latitude, longitude, temperature, distance, and remarks each day at sea.
Loose pages of another travel diary describe Bayer's trip via steamer, leaving from NYC on September 5, 1879 and arriving in Para, Brazil on Sept. 18, 1879. Bayer describes his physical surroundings in Para, including the weather, people, insects, accommodations. He also provides an interesting description of the Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Nazareth which was occurring while he was in Para. Other loose pages include a watercolor of Cape Virgins, Patagonia, and a pencil sketch of a trunk fish
Toward the middle of the bound volume there is a section in which Bayer lists and describes principle varieties of birds among the Coral Islands, as well as describing the origin of the Coral Islands. In the back of the volume, Bayer has charted latitude, longitude, temperature, distance, and remarks each day at sea.
Loose pages of another travel diary describe Bayer's trip via steamer, leaving from NYC on September 5, 1879 and arriving in Para, Brazil on Sept. 18, 1879. Bayer describes his physical surroundings in Para, including the weather, people, insects, accommodations. He also provides an interesting description of the Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Nazareth which was occurring while he was in Para. Other loose pages include a watercolor of Cape Virgins, Patagonia, and a pencil sketch of a trunk fish
Dates
- 1872-1879
- Majority of material found within 1872-1875
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Biographical Information
Hector von Bayer was a civil engineer who worked for the United States Navy, Hydrographic Office in Washington D.C. in the 1870s.
Extent
1 Folder
Abstract
The journal/diary describes a U.S. surveying expedition to the Pacific Ocean, with entries recording observations about the seas, weather, marine life, birds, vegetation, natives, living conditions, etc., 1872-1875. Loose pages of another travel diary record Bayer's observations on a trip via steamer, leaving from NYC on September 5, 1879 and arriving in Pará, Brazil on Sept. 18, 1879.
- Title
- Finding Aid of the Hector von Bayer Diary, 1872-1879
- Status
- Edited Full Draft
- Author
- B. Silbergleit
- Date
- © 2007
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451