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TWO LETTERS FROM A WHALING VESSEL'S MASTER

1)Autograph Letter Signed, "John W Leonard." Four pages, 7 3/4" x 12". Guam. March 3, 1856. Leonard writes, in part: " … I am very sorry to inform you that we have not taken any bbl since we left the Islands but it was not my fault … we have seen Sperm Whales three different times but have been very unsuccessful. I went on two Whales myself and had the fourth mate to strike the Whale but he missed … After I leave this post I shall go direct to the Whaling ground and in a short time I shall know whether I shall come home or not … Since we left S.I. we have been to several different Islands in the King Mills Groups and have got quite a collection of shells for you to put in the new house … " Some minor discoloration, folds and small tears. Else Fine. 2)Autograph Letter Signed, "John." Two pages, 8" x 9 7/8". On Board Ship Lydia December 18, 1857. Leonard writes, in part: " … we are bound toward the Port of Honolulu … No doubt you ere this you have heard of our hard luck. I have given up in despair. Now all my aim is to get the ship home as quick as possible …. We are all full of freight and are bound direct home all as poor as when we left after three Long years of hardships and vexations … I shall never go awhaling again … " A few small holes. Else Fine. The author of our letter, John Leonard, served as Master of The Lydia for the first and only time during a four year Pacific voyage that began in Fairhaven, Connecticut, on May 24, 1854, and ended in May of 1858. Upon returning home to his wife and newborn child, who was born while Leonard was at sea, he turned his back on sailing entirely and took his family to the Kansas.