Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

The George Barrell journal is a bound account entitled "Journal of a Voyage from Boston to Malaga in the Brig Venus and Return in the Schooner Louisiana by George Barrell." Along with Barrell's prose descriptions of life at sea and detailed depictions of Gibraltar and Malaga, the author drew 32 colored illustrations, primarily of landscapes and people he encountered on his journey.

The George Barrell journal is a bound account entitled "Journal of a Voyage from Boston to Malaga in the Brig Venus and Return in the Schooner Louisiana by George Barrell." Along with Barrell's prose descriptions of life at sea and detailed depictions of Gibraltar and Malaga, the author drew 32 colored illustrations, primarily of landscapes and people he encountered on his journey. The account, which commenced on July 13, 1806, first chronicled the travels of the Venus to Gibraltar, Spain, via the Azores. Barrell made daily notations about the weather and often mentioned interesting occurrences; Spanish privateers, whom he detested, boarded the ship on several occasions, though the Venus also encountered friendlier British ships. By mid-August, they had arrived at Gibraltar, which Barrell described in detail on several pages, recording observations about the city and its people, including the weather, the Jewish population, local British officers, and local buildings. Following a quarantine period at Gibraltar, the Venus sailed to Malaga, about which Barrell also noted his observations. On September 28, 1806, he left on the Louisiana for New York City, but rough seas lengthened their journey to several months.

The journal also contains 32 color illustrations created by Barrell during the course of his travels. He often drew ships, landscapes, and various military officers seen along the Spanish shore.

This collection is made up of letters by Maryland father and son merchants Alexander and Henry Mactier respecting transatlantic trade and family matters during the War of 1812.

This collection is made up of 26 letters by Maryland father and son merchants Alexander and Henry Mactier respecting transatlantic trade and family matters. Henry Mactier wrote 24 letters to his mother Frances and father Alexander from Port-au-Prince, Haiti; London, England; and Havana, Cuba. Alexander Mactier wrote one letter to his wife Frances "Fanny" Mactier from London, November 23, 1813.

Henry Mactier discussed coffee shipments onboard the ship Vigilant (July 14 and July 26, 1813) and his regular disappointment at the lack of letters from his friends and family. Henry Mactier commented on the impact the War of 1812 had on his business prospects and ability to travel internationally. He noted his displeasure "at the continuance of the War with the United States" (January 24, 1814) and expressed anxiety about British attacks on Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland (October 12 and 31, 1814). He closely followed negotations at Ghent (August 29 and September 3, 1814), and was glad to receive news of the ratification of the Treaty of Ghent (March 8 and 18, 1815). Henry also discussed travel plans for voyages between London and Haiti and from London to Havana. Before traveling to London from Port-au-Prince on the ship Hebe [Captain W. A. Brigham?], he informed his mother of the state of his business affairs in London and Liverpool, in case an accident should occur during his voyage (March 21 and April 20, 1814).

Alexander Mactier wrote one letter from London, pertaining to the recovery of proceeds from the sale of the cargo of the ship America, which had been captured by privateers in July 1812 (November 23, 1813). Henry Mactier refers to his father's news about the anticipated proceeds in his letter of February 20, 1814.

The collection includes one photograph of Alexander Mactier (1797-1886).