Journal of a cruise of the United States schooner Dolphin, among the islands of the Pacific Ocean; and a visit to the Mulgrave Islands, in pursuit of the mutineers of the whaleship Globe

by Hiram Paulding

"Journal of a Cruise of the United States Schooner Dolphin, Among the Islands of the Pacific Ocean" by Lieut. Hiram Paulding is a historical account written in the early 19th century. The narrative follows the expedition of the USS Dolphin, which sets sail in search of a group of mutineers from the whale ship Globe that took refuge in the uncharted Mulgrave Islands. The journal aims to provide insights into the islands visited, their inhabitants, and the challenges faced during the voyage. At the start of the cruise, the author describes the dramatic mutiny aboard the Globe, where officers were murdered, and the ship was taken to the Mulgrave Islands. The ensuing narrative details the Dolphin's difficult journey along the coast of Peru, where the crew encounters various local populations, engages in trade, and contemplates the cultural differences between themselves and the indigenous people. The opening highlights the author’s keen observations and provides a vivid description of the landscapes, hardships, and significant interactions with the locals, setting the stage for an adventurous exploration of the Pacific Islands.