This photograph shows the crew of the Ship Agnes Sutherland in San Francisco in 1878. While the crews of many small coastal vessels were often local men, this was not the case in the large ocean-going vessels. The master, who was often part owner, was often from the home port. The rest of the crew were from many different countries and ranged in age from 18 to 50. Often they were very, rough men and fights, semi-mutinies and desertions were common. The mate stands third from the right.
The Agnes Sutherland, a ship of 1133 tons, was built at Saint Martins by William H. Rourke and launched 3 July, 1875. The owner was Amasa Durkee, a merchant of Liverpool, England. The vessel was sold and registered at London, England in 1885.
Courtesy: Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, N.S.; copy supplied by Thomas Lackey, Halifax, N.S.
