Perhaps the only existing artifact of the first USS Albany lost at sea with all hands in 1854. This is the log book of Ensign William Dozier. En. Dozier joined the Albany on November 26, 1852. He sailed with her during 1853 and was detached from her on Nov 16, 1853. Albany left port on June 29, 1854. Albany was lost with all hands on 28 or 29 September 1854. Included among the 250 men lost were several sons and grandsons of politically prominent men. Ensign Dozier joined the USS Falmouth in Nov 1854 and went with her to search for the USS Albany. Albany has never been found. This log is in fair shape given it age. The binding is intact and all of the writing is legible. It details the day to day events of the Albany prior to her loss and may be the only item from that vessel in existence.
Unknown
Dear Bill,
Thank you for your help and patience
The presented object appears to be a logbook belonged to the midshipman Ensign William Dozier. The log entries include the famous ship USS Albany, dated Nov 26, 1852. Dozier was detached from the Albany on Nov 16, 1853. Ensign Dozier spent a few months on a survey vessel - mentioned in the log but no localized or log entries were made. He was then assigned to the USS Falmouth probably on Nov 20, 1854.
This piece is in good condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 1.500 to 3.000 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
Georg
Dear Bill,
Thank you for this important information. The introduction on picture three names this logbook belonging to the "sloop of war" USS Falmouth. The title on the cover names the USS Albany and the USS Falmouth. !s there any remake inside and in the text or logbook inside which names explicit this logbook belonging to the USS Albany? Thank you very much.
With kind regards,
Georg
The first part of the log is explicitly the USS Albany, dated Nov 26, 1852. You have a picture of the page where he was detached form the Albany on Nov 16, 1853. Ensign Dozier spent a few months on a survey vessel - mentioned in the log but no log entries were made. He was then assigned to the Falmouth. I believe the entry says Nov 20, 1854. The Falmouth was assigned to search for the lost Albany and Ensign Dozier was added to help the search.
The first entry is Nov 26, 1852. The last entry by Ensign Dozier is August 15, 1854. The Falmouth was in quarantine from Yellow Fever. The final entries were made by the commanding officer Captain T.D. Shaw over the nest few days. I have the journal back in a sealed case and cannot get the exact last dates without reopening it.. Hope this helps.