Temporary record

Wickham, a lieutenant in the British Royal Navy, recorded his experiences and observations during service on Martinique in 1795. He gives thoughtful, articulate descriptions and opinions of the climate, plant and animal life, habits and customs of the native population, and some of the places he visits. He also writes and comments on many incidents, including problems with 'riot and debauchery' among the sailors, activities of privateers, a trip to the theatre, a death from yellow fever, the harsh life of slaves made to labor as fishermen, and an account of magical powers exercised by a local woman. A pervasive theme of his journal is the 'vile climate' and the sickness and mortality it causes (including, presumably, his own, for Wickham died on Martinique in 1796).

M-2904.1

Subjects

Botany--Martinique
Diaries--Martinique
Diseases--Martinique
Indigenous peoples--Martinique
Martinique--Climate
Martinique--Description and travel
Slavery--Martinique
Yellow fever--Martinique
Zoology--Martinique

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