HANDWRITTEN LETTER (ALS) FROM THIS WHALING CAPTAIN [to N & WW Billings, New London, Connecticut] DATELINED AT CAPE VERDE ISL., JUNE 19th, 1833 by McLean, Capt. Albert - 1833

1833. Original manuscript. Very Good. One page, quarto, about 20 lines in sepia ink, by a readable hand. Minor break at one fold, no text loss. In part: "Sir, I now embrace the second opportunity to inform you that we are all well at present & I cruised at the Western Islands. ...about the 25th May I stood into St. Michael's Bay saw two larger whales fastened to one drawed lost him.... I have looked the ground well over between the Islands. I have not seen the spout of a whale. I shall now make the best of my way to the Tristan Isl. in hopes of taking some sperm.... There was considerable sperm taking in that vicinity last season. I stop[p]ed at St. Nicholas for hogs but got none. The people are in a wretched state hardly living enough to bury the dead.... I am pleased with my ship officers and crew. Your obedient Humble Servant / Albert McLean." Docketed on verso. 10.25" x 8" McLean was at this date Master of the Ship Flora out of New London, Connecticut, owned by N & WW Billings. "Billings was established in 1823 and ceased operations in 1851. During this period the company managed at least twelve whaling vessels which, by the end of business, had made it one of the most successful whaling agencies in New London....In addition, the company operated a soap and candle making business that used oil and spermaceti, etc. taken by their whale ships" [from Mystic Seaport records].