Crew lists for ship AFRICA. Official number: 65660. Part of the African Steamship Company. Port of Registry London. Captain E.Addison.

Official Log and crew lists for AFRICA

(1) 1874-10-02 - 1874-12-16: Official Log book.
Contains hand written note to the Superintendent from the ship's Master E.Addison regarding the deaths at sea: 'Sir, Having been called upon for an explanation why the entries of the deceased seamen were not properly signed and attested in the official log of SS AFRICA, I beg to state I was under the impression one entry would do for death and account of wages, but in future I will see the entries in order'.
The log book also contains the reasons for death of three sailors:
9th December 1874, 4am: John Thompson a coloured seaman shipped in Sierra Leone on the 27th November, died of bronchitis this morning. List of effects: Nil.
9th December 1874, 4.10am: John Jackson a coloured fummier was asleep in the engine room when a jar of carbolic acid fell upon him. He was taken into the hospital he was found to be badly burnt about the head and body, and it is presumed that a portion of acid must have found its way down his throat, as he died in a few minutes apparently in great agony. List of effects: 2 Jumpers, 1 shirt, 1 pair trousers,
12th December 1874, 3am: William Barned able seaman, was struck by a heavy sea and badly injured about the head and face, he was also injured internally. he received immediate attendance, and placed aft in the saloon.

The log also contains an entry regarding the rescue of sailors from a sinking ship SHELBOURNE. All ten crew members were saved but the lifeboat was then lost 'the sea running mountains high at the time'.

(2) The crew list which contains an original certificate of discharge for a crew member and three death notifications, two African sailors taken on as crew at Sierra Lione (John Jackson and John Thompson) and one possibly Irish sailor (William Barnes). On the official log it states that William Barnes was discharged on 16/12/74 on arrival at port but died a day later. John Thomspson 'died at sea' and John Jackson 'killed' at sea both on the 9th December.

2) 1875-10-15 - 1876-01-02: Contains an original certificate of discharge for a crew member.