Catalogue reference: ADM 55/95 folio 71

Captain Bligh

Providence logbook from Bligh´s second breadfruit trip. Pen sketch of image of boat as kept by Lieutenant G Tobin. 23 December 1791 - 2 August 1793. Paper, ink and watercolour

Voyages of exploration in the eighteenth century were invariably given a range of linked missions and tasks, from observing the transit of Venus to collecting breadfruit. All were expected to contribute to improved navigation, by measuring the variation in magnetic activity, as noted on this page of the Providence log for 18 July 1792. The ship anchored, and the men had been served fresh pork. Throughout this logbook Lieutenant Tobin sketched the various designs of canoe and rig with a seaman´s eye.