Eight diary volumes, 1894-1902, of William Kirkwood, merchant mariner.

Kirkwood was born in Greenock in 1876, third son of William Kirkwood, a builder. The first diary begins with 17-year old Kirkwood, apprenticed to the `Hiddekel`, setting sail from New York bound for Hong Kong. Kirkwood describes life onboard for a young 2nd mate, including observations on his shipmates, diet and discipline, the weather, marine life, and sightings of land. He expresses frustration that, having been apprenticed to be taught seamanship, he is mostly occupied with cleaning out the hold. As the diaries progress, his observations become more detailed, and describe people he encounters as the various ships on which he serves stop off in port.

The diaries apparently cover Kirkwood`s entire maritime career, and end in 1902. In November of that year, he was washed overboard and drowned when his ship `Firth of Stronsa` was caught in a storm in the English Chanel. A note from a press cutting describing the incident has been included by the donor.