This log book (106 pages) chronicles the actions of the United States Navy sloop Marion between June 29, 1861, and January 24, 1862. During this time, the Marion was stationed at Key West, Florida; "Ships Island"; and Dog Island, Florida, as part of the Gulf Blockading Squadron. The emph page is signed by Edward A. Pendexter of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and the first few pages of entries are signed by officers including John W. Brown, G. F. Philbrick, W. H. Swaine (or Swain), G. F. Pendleton, and J. W. Philips. The Marion served under the command of William H. Ball (June 29, 1861-September 13, 1861), N[athan] C. Bryant (September 14, 1861-November 7, 1861), and George W. Doty (November 7, 1861-January 24, 1862). The log notes Ball's burial at sea on September 13, 1861.
The Marion's log entries pertain to aspects of daily life onboard the ship, such as the use of sails, crew exercises, and ship and gun maintenance. Some refer to punishments for disrespect, intoxication, and attempted desertion; the affected sailors were often bound in irons. During the Marion's time at sea, the log provides information about the ship's course, winds, the temperature, and barometer readings, reported every few hours. The Marion sometimes encountered other ships, most often Union vessels, and its crew sometimes heard distant gunfire. The log includes at least one mention of a court martial (January 10, 1862). A small piece of paper with brief log entries dated July 27 and August 1 (no year given) is laid into the volume.
The United States Navy sloop Marion was launched on April 24, 1839, and sailed to Brazil, where it sank at Rio de Janeiro in 1842. The ship was raised and it saw further service in the Caribbean Sea, along the African coast, and in the Mediterranean Sea. From 1861-1862, the Marion served with the Gulf Blockading Squadron under captains William H. Ball, Nathan C. Bryant, and George W. Doty. In July 1862 it became a midshipmen's practice vessel at Annapolis, Maryland. The Marion was rebuilt as a screw steamer in the early 1870s, after which it served in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, in the Bering Sea, and again as a training ship. The navy sold the ship in 1907.
Edward A. Pendexter (ca. 1843-November 18, 1870) was the son of George W. and Martha H. Pendexter of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. From 1861-1862, he served as master's mate on the sloop Marion. He received a promotion to acting ensign in December 1862 and an honorable discharge from the navy in October 1865.