Columbia Rediviva collection

Collection

Identifier: Mss957

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of correspondence, journals, ship logs, administrative records, and ink sketches relating to the ship Columbia Rediviva. A mix of original materials and reproductions are present. Among the originals are: the journal of John Hoskins, written during the Columbia's journey around the world in 1791-1792; the journal of George Barrell, 1806, written on board the brig Venus from Boston to Malaga, and on the schooner Louisiana from Malaga to New York; Barrell's account of stores on board the Columbia, 1792-1793; letters of Joseph Barrell to Samuel Webb, 1785-1801, and to John Hoskins, 1790; letters from Colburn Barrell and Robert Haswell, 1801; owner's accounts, 1787-1793; accounts of the Columbia and Lady Washington, 1787-1790; receipts; and four ink sketches by George Davidson depicting incidents in the voyages of the Columbia.

The reproductions held in this collection include the journals of Robert Haswell and Owen Smith, 1787-1789; and a file of receipts and other papers concerning outfitting of the Columbia, 1790 (on microfilm). Also included are publications of Robert Gray’s wife Martha's petition to congress for a pension and memorial, 1848-1852.

Dates

1785-1852

Creator

Barrell, Joseph, 1739-1804 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.

Historical Note

The Columbia, also known as the Columbia Rediviva, was a three-masted sailing ship of 212 tons owned by Joesph Barrell of Boston, Massachusetts. It was built in 1773 by James Briggs. In its first voyage to the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia, captained by John Kendrick, was accompanied by the sloop Lady Washington, captained by Robert Gray. The Columbia left Boston on September 30, 1787, reaching Nootka Sound in the summer of 1788. After wintering in the area, Captain Gray took the Columbia to China via the Hawaiian Islands in the summer of 1789, continuing on to circumnavigate the globe and returning to Boston on August 9, 1790. In September of that year, Gray took the Columbia on its second voyage, reaching the Pacific Northwest in 1792. He was credited with discovering the entrance to the Columbia River, which bore the name of his ship, and he also gave his name to Grays Harbor. He continued to Canton and around the world again, reaching Boston on July 20, 1793.

Extent

1.1 Cubic Feet (1 document case; 1 oversized flat box (17 x 21); 1 microfilm reel)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Collection of documents, originals and copies, relating to the ship Columbia (also known as the Columbia Rediviva) and its journeys to the Pacific Northwest in the late 18th century. The ship was owned by Joseph Barrell out of Boston and most famously captained by Robert Gray. Materials include logs, journals, letters, financial records, cargo lists, and drawings of the ship.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

A portion of the collection was purchased in April 1966 with the Margaret Bates Memorial Fund (Acc. 10234).

Existence and Location of Originals

Originals of Robert Haswell journal, the Ship Columbia Log, and the records of the outfitting of the Columbia Rediviva are held at the Massachusetts Historical Society.