Scope and Contents 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...