The Translation of the Adjustment of the Average of the Clipper Ship Messenger, W. Hill. Master, on the Average from Bakers Island to Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany, 1872. General wear. Minor separation at folds. Minor stain on top of page on front.. This document is the English translation of a German document which was the "Adjustment of the Average" for the ship 'The Messenger' which was under Captain Waldo Hill (1814-1888) control and traveled from Bakers Island, MA, to Hamburg, Germany. The trip started on October 12, 1871, with the ship loaded with a cargo of 1241 tons of guano. This was not to be an easy journey, and the Messenger encountered several storms, torn sails and a constant leak in the hull on there journey across the Atlantic Ocean. This leak caused the crew to almost constantly pump excess water out of the ship in order to prevent both damage to the cargo and the ship itself. At one point in order to lessen the load approximately 40 tons of guano was dumped overboard. Eventually the ship made it to its destination, Hamburg, on March 6, 1872, and this document is the official statement of Capt. Hill on the journey over and the calculations of the sale of the cargo , the amount throw over, and repairs need on the ship. This record and calculations were done by George Hambrock, the Official Average Adjuster of the Port of Hamburg in German. The English version of the record was translated and recorded by Edward Robinson, the U. S. Consul to Hamburg from 1869 to 1876. Both his signature and seal are at the end of the document certifying that the English translations matches the original German document. This translation of the statement is written on the letterhead for a United States Consul. It features a rendition of the Great Seal of the United States: the Bald Eagle in the center, with a ribbon in his mouth emblazoned with the text "E Pluribus Unum" (One of many/ One from many), a shield across his breast holding a olive branch and a group of arrows in his claws. This is set on a background of thirteen stars peaking out of clouds in the night sky. As for the dating of this document, it starts with "the protest made on March 12, 1872", however the document was signed by the original adjustor, George Hambrock, on April 19, 1872, and signed by the Consul, Edward Robinson, verifying the translation on April 29th, 1872. Single fold, double sided. Measures 14" x 9" (unfolded), 18" x 14" (unfolded). Captain Waldo Hill was born on August 1, 1814 to James Plaisted Hill II (1773-1816) and Sarah "Sally" Perkins (1768-1856). He had six siblings: Sally Hill (1800-?), Abigail Hill (1802-?), James Plaisted Hill III (1804-1886), Annah Hill (1806-?), Olive Hill (1808-1826), Jotham Hill (1811-?). He married Lorana Hill (1814-1891) in March of 1839 and had five children: Charles Hill (1843-?), Anna M Hill Goodwin Riley (1848-?), Waldo Hill Jr. (1853-1880), Frederic Hill (1856-1900) and Florence L. Hill Roberts (1860-1891). Waldo and his family lived in Biddeford, ME. Waldo was a Sea Captain and Master Mariner, and at least his eldest son, Charles followed in his footsteps, as one the 1870 census his occupation is listed as sailor. Waldo's youngest daughter married Hon. Frank W. Roberts the U.S. Consul to Coaticooke, Canada. He died on at the age of 73 on March 12, 1888.