Papers of George Raper, [manuscript] 1787-1794.

Papers of George Raper, [manuscript] 1787-1794

Creator

Raper, George, 1769-1796

Call Number

MS 9433

Created/Published

1787-1794

Extent

1.5 m. (1 solander box + 1 folio box)

Items

4

Scope and Content

The papers consist of: 1. 'Observations by Lieut. George Raper, R.N. 1787-1794'. Manuscript (15 pp) giving nautical observations, kept on HMS Sirius, May 1787-Jan 1788 and Oct 1788-April 1789. Includes documentation of efforts to improve determination of longitude through experimentation with chronometers and brief entries on Speedy (1793) and Commerce de Versailles (1794). 1a. Two CDs of images of the manuscript. 2. Five folios containing twelve pen, ink and watercolour drawings, 1787-90, of Tenerife, Cape Verde Islands, Rio de Janeiro, Van Diemen's Land, Botany Bay, Port Jackson and wreck of HMS Sirius at Norfolk Island (items 2/1-5). 3. Nine manuscript maps and plans, 1787-91, depicting track of HMS Sirius in Atlantic Ocean, Rio de Janeiro, Island of St Jago, Botany Bay, Port Jackson and Norfolk Island (items 3/3i-3ix).

Background

Seaman and artist. Joined HMS Sirius as able bodied seaman Dec 1786 and promoted to midshipman Sept 1787 on voyage to New South Wales. Sailed on Sirius on voyage to Cape of Good Hope 1788-89 and was at Norfolk Island in 1790-91. Returned to England in April 1792.