06 Mar 2009
Ditto weather a large swell from the NW. PM found the main top mast sprung in the wake of the upper part of the capp made a signal for the Falmouth got down top gallant yard and mast and hand'd the main top sail. Lower'd the main yard struck, main top mast, found it sprung in another place 5 foot above the capp, got him down, got up another topmast and rigged. Set up the main shrouds and sway'd the main yard up and set the mainsail.
The entry in the Centurion's log for 6 March 1738 demonstrates some of the problems inherent in taking a wooden ship to sea. A sprung mast could, if not dealt with swiftly, become a lost mast. The resulting loss of speed and the time required to make repairs would have a serious effect on the length of a voyage and demonstrates why Captain Anson was so keen to remedy the problem at an early stage.
It seems unlikely that a sprung or lost mast will affect the latest journey made by the log but nevertheless we are all working towards ensuring a smooth trip to its new location. ADM/L/C/299 as the log is officially numbered has now been packed ready for transporting.
The photograph above shows a member of the specialist removal team lifting the box which contains the log from its shelf. It was then placed in a padded crate ready for loading onto the delivery van. Having thus ensured that the log is safe to travel, I'll be posting in the coming days with news of the voyage.
Richard (Assistant Archivist)