U.S.S. Congress logbook

1845-1849

This logbook (3 vols.) of the frigate U.S.S. Congress contains entries made from September 16, 1845 through January 29, 1849. It appears to be a contemporary manuscript copy. The Congress was the flagship of Commodore Robert Field Stockton and covers his operations from the time of his departure from Norfolk, Virginia on September 16, 1845; the voyage around Cape Horn to the Sandwich Islands; the conquest of California; controversy with General Stephen W. Kearny; the occupation of Monterey; the organization of a military force and civil government in California; appointment of Colonel John C. Fremont as governor; departure from the ship at San Francisco on June 30, 1847; leaving Lieutenant John W. Livingston in command until July 20, 1847, when Captain Elie A. F. Lavallette assumed command and continued operations along the Mexican coast until the return to Norfolk, Virginia on January 29, 1849. There is a hiatus in the record from July 21, 1846 until January 8, 1847