Friendship of Salem

Friendship at dock on Derby Wharf.

NPS photo

Latest News of Friendship of Salem
Friendship of Salem left Derby Wharf for a scheduled “haul-out” on July 5, 2016. A haul-out is where a ship is removed from the water to perform inspections, repairs and routine maintenance that are only possible when the vessel is out of the water. Friendship of Salem will be repaired by Boothbay Harbor Shipyard and Gloucester Marine Railways Corporation on Rocky Neck in Gloucester, Massachusetts. When all inspections and repairs are complete she will return. The purpose of this contract is to perform a variety of maintenance, inspection and repair work including:

• Cleaning, inspection, repairs, and painting of the hull below the waterline;

• Painting of portions of the hull and attachments above the waterline;

• Inspection, cleaning and maintenance on propellers, shafts, rudder and other running gear components; and,

• Repair of a deteriorated hull section on starboard side near the base of the foremast.

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The Salem East Indiaman Friendship was launched in 1797. She made 15 voyages during her career to Batavia, India, China, South America, the Caribbean, England, Germany, the Mediterranean, and Russia. Built for the Salem mercantile firm Waite and Peirce in the South River shipyard of Enos Briggs, she ended her activities as an American merchant vessel when she was captured as a prize of war by the British Sloop of War HMS Rosamond in September 1812.

The replica of Friendship was built by the National Park Service using modern materials and construction methods while retaining the appearance of the original ship.

 

Sea chests were used by both officers and sailors as secure places to store their personal belongings.

NPS photo

The Crew of an East Indiaman
The captain, or master, of a vessel had absolute power of command aboard ship. He was legally accountable for every aspect of the operation of the ship, the activities of her crew and the safe delivery of all cargo entrusted to his care. The great cabin, located at the stern of the ship, was the captain's private space, office and dining room.

 

The forecastle (or fo'c'sle) was the sailor's quarters.

NPS photo

Aboard merchant and whaling ships, bunks were provided for the crew in the living area called the forecastle in the bow of the ship. Although damp, poorly ventilated and sometimes stifling or freezing, the arrangement was more comfortable than the hammocks and overcrowded conditions aboard naval vessels.