Life On Deck

Feb. 14, 1869

It is very pleasant. Prescott is on deck. Prescott is looking at pictures. We have 4 chickens on board. We have six pigs on board. Papa is up to the masthead. Mr. Dougherty is hanging out his clothes. Good bye for To Day.

 


The deck of the Roman was the most active place on the ship. Housing livestock, processing whales, hanging out laundry, doing school work and playing games, ship repairs and more all happened on deck.

When the Roman left New Bedford various livestock were on board. These animals were eventually slaughtered, cooked and fed to the Jernegans and the crew. Chickens were valued for their eggs as well as their meat. Little went to waste on the voyage. Pigs and chickens were fed the food that was no longer fit for humans.

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image of day_cabin

Mystic Seaport