PREFACE. 



Nine years ago we published "The Fisher- 

 men's Memorial and Record Book." It 

 at once met with popular favor, and the two 

 editions of 3500 copies have nearly all been 

 sold. Orders have been received from Nova 

 Scotia to California from those who once 

 pulled a line on board a Cape Ann fisherman, 

 ! — and from this class, especially, the work has 

 received a most flattering reception. 

 For the past two years we have been importuned by the fishermen to pub- 

 lish another similar work, which would prove a companion volume, carrying 

 the record of lost vessels and men to the date of publication, thus finishing 

 the list to date, and adding such matter in relation to the fisheries as we had 

 gathered in the interim. 



This volume is in answer to oft-repeated requests. We have endeavored 

 to make it reliable and of special interest to that class of men whom we have 

 known from childhood — the hardy fishermen, who man the fleet and earn 

 their livelihood amidst constant peril ; the men who have done so much 

 toward building up Gloucester ; the producers from old ocean's harvest fields, 

 who draw deposits from Banks which have never yet refused to honor their 

 drafts, who go forth at all seasons and brave the dangers of the sea in order 

 to obtain an honest livelihood for themselves and those dependent upon 

 them. 



Through the labors of the fishermen mainly, Gloucester has grown from 

 a population of 6350 and a valuation of one million dollars in 1840, to a 

 present population of 19,288 and a valuation exceeding nine millions, show- 

 ing an increase in the brief period of 41 years of upwards of 200 per cent. 

 in population and over 800 per cent, in valuation. Through his skilled 

 operations and the advantages taken of his labors, the fishing business of 

 Gloucester has grown from an enterprise of secondary importance to rank 

 among the valuable producing interests of the country. In 1847, thirty-five 

 years ago, the total valuation of the fishing product from this port was 

 ^^589, 35 4, and now, in round numbers, it exceeds $4,000,000 yearly. 



To this class Gloucester owes much, and they arc entitled to the kindly 

 consideration of every good citizen. Around them should be thrown every 



