Robert Taylor diaries

1824-1847

Robert Taylor kept these diaries (3 vols.) from December 11, 1824-July 1, 1825; September 24-28, 1844; and February 5, 1846-August 1, 1847 Taylor kept the 1824-1825 diary during a voyage on board the "Gypsy," owned by Josiah Williams & Co., from Saybrook, Connecticut to Pointe à Pitre, Guadeloupe and back, taking out livestock and vegetables and returning with molasses. Entries describe incidents on board and ashore, a storm at sea, hay and steers cast overboard, customs of natives they encountered, holiday ceremonies, coopering hogsheads, loading molasses, and other matters Taylor kept the 1844 diary during a trip from New York City to Montreal, traveling by steamboat to Albany, canal boat to Whitehall, steamboat to St. Johns, and rail to Montreal. Entries describe sleeping accomodations on the boats, public buildings (prison, etc.) at Albany, meeting with Governor William C. Bouck and A.C. Flagg en route to Plattsburg, recollections of Commodore MacDonough, scenery, and other matters The 1846-1847 diary is also partially an autobiography. This volume related to Taylor's trade as a cooper; holding political offices in New York city, including Captain of the Watch, Mayor's Clerk, Judge of the Court of Sessions, candidate for Mayor and State Senator and Constitutional Convention; owner of a type foundry; and Secretary to the Commissioners of Emigration