INTRODUCTION
The Kathleen was about 195 tons and with outfits was valued at $20,000, being partially insured by her several owners. She also had on board at the time of the accident a small quantity of oil taken since leaving port.
The Kathleen had always been called a "lucky ship" and had made many good voyages.
She was built for the merchant service at Philadelphia in 1844, and after a year in the trade, was purchased by Captain James Slocum and fitted as a whaler. Her first master in the whaling industry was Captain William Allen, and she had in her day made many a good voyage. Among her masters have been Captain Charles Childs, Captain Daniel W. Gifford and Captain Samuel R. Howland. She had been almost entirely built over only a few years ago, and just before being fitted for a cruise to St. Helena in 1899, where she loaded oil, was thoroughly overhauled.
Last year, it will be remembered, the Kathleen arrived in port in a disabled condition. This was on Sept. 28th, 1901, when she was commanded by Captain Fred H. Smith. For three days that month on the 6th, 7th and 8th, while southeast of Barbados, she was on her beam ends and at the mercy of the sea. The crew lived on the quarter deck at the time, not daring to go below. In fitting her up for the last cruise she was newly sparred.
BARK KATHLEEN AT DOCK
Story of the Loss of
Bark Kathleen
Told by the Captain,