Charles Henry Gilbert (1859-1928), Naturalist-in-Charge, and Chauncey Thomas, Jr. (1850-1919), Commanding: Conflict Aboard the U. S. Fish Commission Steamer Albatross in 1902

J. RICHARD DUNN

Introduction Palo Alto, California, Gilbert was cho­ An example of Gilbert's dedication sen by Jordan to head the Zoology De­ to his profession, as well as his intense The name Charles Henry Gilbert partment. During his tenure at Stanford personality, is his scientific leadership (1859-1928) is an important one in the (1891-1925), Gilbert was a diligent stu­ of the 1902 cruise of the Albatross, in annals of ichthyology and fisheries bi­ dent of fishes of western North America. waters around Hawaii. During this ex­ ology of the American West. A student As a temporary employee of the U.S. pedition, Gilbert and the captain of the of David Starr Jordan l at Indiana Uni­ Commission of Fish and Fisheries (here­ vessel, Lt. Commander Chauncey Tho­ versity during the 1880's, Gilbert (Fig. after referred to as the Fish Commission) mas, Jr. (1850-1919), U.S.N. (Fig. 2), 1) received his doctorate in zoology in at various times, he participated in sev­ engaged in an acrimonious feud over 1883, the first such degree ever awarded eral expeditions aboard the Commission's what Gilbert perceived to be a lack of at that institution. When Jordan was Steamer Albatross (Hedgpeth, 1945; dedication by the captain. 3 selected in 1891 to be the founding Dunn, In press; Gilbert2). president of the newly established Gilbert was compulsively dedicated 3Thomas was graduated third in his class from Leland Stanford Junior University in the U.S. Naval Academy in 1871. He commanded to his work (Dunn, In press; Pietsch and many naval vessels and served at various stations Dunn, In press). He also possessed a during his naval career, rising to Commander­ J. Richard Dunn, 521 Summit Avenue East, No. strong, demanding personality. As in-Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet in 1911. He retired 202, Seattle, WA 98102, is a retired fishery bi­ in 1912, holding the rank of Rear Admiral ologist and a member of the Affiliate Faculty of Walter Kenrick Fisher (1940), a former (Hamersly, 1902; Anonymous, 1943). the School of Fisheries, University of Washing­ student of Gilbert, wrote: ton, Box 355100, Seattle, WA 98195-5100. "Professor Gilbert was a scientist of ABSTRACT-Charles Henry Gilbert very unusual talents, with a controlled (1859-1928) was a pioneering ichthyolo­ gist who made major contributions to the and keen, logical mind. He exercised no study of fishes of the American West. As patience with loose thinking or any chairman of the Department ofZoology at work short of the best which a student Leland Stanford Junior University in Palo could produce. His seminars afforded Alto, Calif., during 1891-1925, Gilbert was extremely devoted to his work and showed adequate outlet for his uncanny powers little patience with those ofa different mind­ of searching analysis and relevant criti­ set. While serving as Naturalist-in-Charge cism. His students more than once have ofthe U.S. Fish Commission Steamer Alba­ heard him relentlessly demolish a the­ tross during her exploratory expedition to sis of one of the Elect ...." the Hawaiian Islands in 1902, Gilbert en­ gaged in an acrimoniousfeud with the ship's captain, Chauncey Thomas, Jr. (1850­ 1919), U.S.N., over what Gilbert perceived to be an inadequate effort by the captain. JJordan (185 1-1931) was the preeminent ichthy­ This essay focuses on the conflict between ologist of North America during the late 19th and two strongfigures. each operatingfrom dif­ early 20th centuries (Myers, 195 I; Hubbs, 1964). ferent world views. and each vying for au­ President of Indiana University from 1885 to 1891 and founding President of Leland Stanford thority. Despite the difficulties these two Junior University in 1891, his autobiography men faced, the voyage of the Albatross in (Jordan, 1922) contains a wealth of information 1902 must be considered a success. as re­ about ichthyology and fisheries biology as well flected by the extensive biological samples as personalities of the era. collected, the many new species ofanimals 2Correspondence of Gilbert. National Archives Figure I.-Charles Henry Gilbert (ca. discovered, and the resulting publication of (NA), Record Group (RG) 22, Entry (E) 63, 1903), courtesy of Linda Long and the important scientific papers. Records of the Albatross, Stanford University Archives.

58( 1-2), 1996 3 ate charge of the scientific work. The investigation was to embrace dredging and collecting in channels and on the banks about the islands, and a thorough examination of the surroundings of Kauai, the oldest of the group, of out­ lying reefs about the islands northwest of Kauai, and of the different fishing­ banks. It is believed information of both commercial and scientific importance will be gained ...."

The Hawaiian Islands had been an­ nexed by the United States in 1898 and were made a colonial territory in 1900 (Abell et aI., 1955). Hence the Government's interest in the fishery re­ sources of this newly acquired region. Primary source material for this nar­ rative are Gilbert's letters to Jordan5 and to Thomas,6 as well as the progress re­ ports submitted by Thomas to the Fish Commission.7 Dredging and other records of the Albatross for 1902 are listed in Figure 2.-LCDR Chauncey Thomas, Jr., front row, right, aboard the U.S.S. Baltimore in Report of the U.S. Commissoner of Fish 1899 (NH 54428). Courtesy of the U.S. Naval Historical Center, Washington, D.C. and Fisheries (USFC, 1904). The Albatross Expedition of 1902 to the Hawaiian Islands The two antagonists were each oper­ Islands in 1902 (Anonymous, 1902a) ating from different world viewpoints. was directed toward assessing fishery The Steamer Albatross (Fig. 3), com­ Gilbert, the scientist, academician, and resources, and it followed an on-shore missioned in 1882, was a iron-hulled, authority on fishes, was not accustomed survey of fishes in 190 I conducted by twin-screw vessel of 234 feet (70 m) in to having his viewpoints challenged Jordan and Barton Warren Evermann4 length, displacing 1,074 tons, with a (Dunn, In press). Commander Thomas, (Jordan and Evermann, 1902; 1903a, b) total sail area of 7,521 square feet. She a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and and sponsored by the Fish Commission was reputedly the first vessel in the career officer, likewise was comfortable (Smith, 1904). world built especially for marine fish­ with authority, and did not suffer lightly According to the Fish Commission eries and oceanographic research and questions of his command. This paper (Bowers, 1904), the purpose of the Al­ was operated by the U.S. Navy for the describes the 1902 Hawaiian expedition batross expedition to Hawaii in 1902 Fish Commission, later (1903) named of the Albatross, which, despite the was as follows: the Bureau of Fisheries (Hedgpeth, problems of the two antagonists, was a 1945; Mooney, 1991). The Albatross remarkably successful voyage, result­ "In continuation of the investigation had a distinguished career serving na­ ing in the discovery of many species of the Hawaiian fisheries, begun in 1901 tional and international fisheries inter­ new to science as well as many scientific by direction ofCongress, it was decided ests for nearly 40 years (Townsend, publications of relevance even today. to send the Albatross to those islands to 1924; Hedgpeth, 1945; Peterson, 1988). Much of the U.S. Fish Commission's study the conditions in the surrounding Her service and contribution to Pacific marine research at the tum of the cen­ waters. An arrangement was made with fisheries was especially notable tury was exploratory in nature, with Dr. David Starr Jordan to have general (Dunbar and Friday, 1994). goals of determining what resources supervision of the expedition, and Dr. Gilbert was appointed "Naturalist-in­ were located where. For example, from Charles H. Gilbert was put in immedi­ Charge" of the vessel, a temporary po­ 1887 to 1902, the Albatross conducted 4Evermann (1853-1932), also a student of Jor­ surveys off South America, off the 5Charles Henry Gilbert Papers (CHGP), Stanford North American West Coast from dan, was Assistant-in-Charge, Division of Sta­ tistics and Methods of the Fisheries of the U.S. University Archives (SUA), Stanford, CA, SC 58. Mexico to Canada and in Alaskan wa­ Fish' Commission (USFC, 1905). He was with 6Correspondence of Gilbert. NA, RG 22, E 63. ters, in the South Seas, and off Japan, the Fish Commission from 1888-1914, and was See footnote 2. later Director of the California Academy of Sci­ 7Reports for the Steamer Albatross for 24 March­ among other excursions (Hedgpeth, ences, in San Francisco (Palmer, 1933; Hanna 3 August 1902; NA, RG 22, Folder Albatross, 1945). The expedition to the Hawaiian and Peers, 1944). Box 6, 15011119/4.

4 Marine Fisheries Review t

Figure 3.-U.S. Fish Commission Steamer Albatross (no. 2824-1). Courtesy of Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society and Museum of His­ tory and Industry, Seattle, Wash. sition which he occupied while on leave the permanent staff of the vessel (USFC, nication, in which it is stated that Dr. from Stanford University.s He was as­ 1905).13 Gilbert will have sole charge of the sci­ sisted by Charles Cleveland Nutting,9 Beam trawls and dredges were the entific work of the expedition, and the of the University of Iowa, John vessel's principal sampling gears, but movements of the vessel will be sub­ Otterbein Snyder, \0 of Stanford Univer­ dip nets, gill nets, surface tow nets, and ject to his direction [SiC]."14 sity, and Walter Kenrick Fisher, II then mid-water nets were also used. Shore a graduate student of Gilbert at and reef collecting was conducted at Thomas protested this provision, ar­ Stanford. 12 Fishery expert Alvin Burton various points. Collections of both ver­ guing that the captain "always held the Alexander and resident naturalist tebrates and invertebrates were pre­ final decision of all questions arising on Frederic Morton Chamberlain were on served for later study. Hydrographic and a cruise," and he argued that the cap­ meteorological observations were re­ tain's authority must be restored. Tho­ 8Aboard the Albatross, chief naturalists or "Natu­ corded (USFC, 1904). mas, with prescient foresight, argued: ralists-in-Charge," were temporary appointments Captain Thomas had reservations created for visiting scientists and researchers. about the extent of his authority even "I have no desire to quibble or to They were contrasted to "resident naturalist" which was a permanent Fish Commission posi­ before the Albatross sailed from San cause any ill feeling and I shall at all tion for the ship. This practice apparently dates Francisco. He wrote the Commissioner times consult Dr. Gilbert as to his from the first Commissioner of the U.S. Com­ mission of Fish and Fisheries, Spencer Fullerton of Fisheries on 10 March 1902, prior to wishes and conform to them in all ways Baird (1823-1887), who frequently relied on the ship's departure from San Francisco, practicable, but there may easily arise academic scientists for research (Mark R. as follows: differences of opinion as to the scope Jennings, Natl. BioI. Surv., Davis, Calif., personal commun., 2 June 1996). For more on the early of the authority of the head of the sci­ history of the Fish Commission, see Cart, 1968; "An incident occurred recently which entific expedition and the commanding Allard, 1978; and Hobart, 1995. caused me to critically re-examine the officer and in that case I have only the 9Nutting (1858-1927) was a Professor of Zool­ ogy at the State University of Iowa and was a Commission's instructions of October concluding portion of the same para­ specialist in invertebrate zoology (Cattell and 29th, 1901, concerning the cruise in graph to support the authority of the Brimhall,I92I). Hawaiian waters about to begin, and I Commission, and that really refers sim­ IOS nyder (1867-1943) was a Professor of Zool­ wish to invite your attention to the ply to the supply of boats and men."14 ogy at Stanford University, whose specialty was fishes (Hubbs, 1943). wording of paragraph 3 of that commu­ IIFisher (1878-1953), a Professor of Zoology at Stanford University from 1905 to 1943, special­ ized in invertebrate zoology (Davis, 1958). 13Alexander had served on the Albatross since 14Thomas to Commissioner of Fisheries, dated 12Anonymous (1902a). This article succinctly de­ 1888 (Hedgpeth, 1945). For more on Chamber­ San Francisco 10 March 1902. NA, RG 22, E scribed the expedition plans and participants. lain (1867-1921), see Jennings (1987). 63, See footnote 2.

58(1-2), /996 5 Thomas closed his letter with a plea Attempts to trawl on Erben Bank ible stalks half an inch long. Fisher and to modify the sailing orders "as to leave enroute to Hawaii were made on 15 and Snyder began to draw and study it, and final decisions in the hands of the com­ 16 March, but they were a failure and, began to insist that it was a vertebrate. manding officer after consultation with according to the captain, "the beam It is undoubtedly a bony fish, tho' pos­ Dr. Gilbert.,,14 trawl, a boat trawl with tangles, the sibly a larval form. The tail is hetero­ Thomas's letter was answered by the tangles and tangle bars, utilized at dif­ cercal, the dorsal and anal developed, Commissioner on 17 March 1902, al­ ferent time being all lost and the strains and the pectoralis peculiar broad flaps though it was not received by the cap­ put on the dredging cable are said never without very definite rays. If it is a lar­ tain until he arrived in Honolulu. Com­ to have been exceeded in the ship's his­ val form, I have no faintest idea what missioner George Montague Bowers!5 tory."18 the adult will tum out to be."!9, zo wrote that "through inadvertence the A total of 18 stations were sampled, direction of the movements of the 'Al­ using surface and intermediate-water Gilbert continued his letter, describ­ batross' on the present cruise is virtu­ nets, enroute to and in the vicinity of ing other interesting specimens they had ally taken out of the hands of the com­ the Islands before the vessel arrived in collected, and he was, in particular, manding officer." Commissioner Bow­ Honolulu on 24 March (Table 1; Fig. 4, most fascinated with the larvae and ers therefore changed the orders to read, 5). The ship remained in port for coal­ young of fishes they were encounter­ in part: ing and maintenance until 27 March. 18 ing. He wrote: Gilbert wrote Jordan a progress re­ ".... You will so arrange the move­ port on 23 March, while the vessel was "If the young of local fishes can be ments of the vessel as to accomplish to within a day's sail of Honolulu. He de­ taken almost anywhere in the open sea, the best advantage the objects desired, scribed the dredging attempts made on it might be possible to map out zones and to this end it is expected that you the way to Hawaiian waters: of influence belonging to definite fau­ will confer with Dr. Gilbert. But as com­ nas, and to determine also the causes manding officer and the immediate rep­ "At about 9 o'clock each morning, which limited their occurrence in cer­ resentative of this Commission, and in and at 8 0'clock at night, we have hauled tain waters."Z! view of your responsibility thereto and one net at the surface, and have sent to the Navy Department, it is expected another one down to a depth of 50 to Gilbert proposed to Jordan that upon that your decision in an emergency will 150 fathoms. An astonishing amount completion of the Hawaiian Island ex­ be final.,,16 and variety of life has been shown to pedition, such an attempt to inventory exist. We have Protozoa, Coelenterates, larval and juvenile fishes be conducted. The Albatross departed San Fran­ Mollusks, Crustacea, Insects, and He suggested that a line be run due east cisco on 11 March 1902 for the Hawai­ fishes-not to mention diatoms among from Hawaii to the California coast to ian Islands. The trip to Honolulu was the plants. The work has been done sys­ sample these forms systematically.22 not without difficulties and presented an tematically, and the material carefully At this early stage in the expedition, ominous beginning of the expedition. sorted and preserved. The field seems Gilbert had nothing but praise for the Heavy weather was encountered on the to be inexhaustible, as many new forms conduct of the ship. He wrote Jordan: first day's outing, and on 12 March the appear with each haul. The most re­ ship's quartermaster was thrown off the markable animal came up from 100 "Our organization seems to be excel­ vessel and lost at sea. 17 fathoms. It is an elongate to worm-like lent. Captain Thomas is excellently dis­ creature, which we pronounced on ca­ posed, with very genuine appreciation 15Bowers was Commissioner of Fisheries from sual inspection to be a Crustacean, and of the work we are trying to do.',zz 1898 to 1913 (Cart, 1968). then later a worm. Its eyes are on flex­ 16Bowers to Thomas, dated Washington, D.C., During the first part of the cruise, the 17 March 1902. NA, RG 22, E 63, No. 6447. See Albatross was trawling during the day footnote 2. 17 (continued) a return to the spot with accuracy but 17Thomas reported to the Commissioner: "The the ship was put about and remained near the and anchoring at night. This schedule Albatross sailed from San Francisco, as reported scene of the accident till after daylight with the was due, in part, to the shortage of a by telegraph, at 2:05 p.m. of the 11 th instant. hope of recovering the body but no signs of it crew member because of the loss of the Outside the heads she encountered heavy weather were seen. A brother of the deceased is serving with a long swell from NW, wind fresh from the on board this ship and his wishes were taken re­ same direction. It was necessary to run the ship garding the effects of the drowned man. The re­ off four point from her course in order to avoid quirements of the U.S. Navy Regulations in such cases have been carried out." Letter No. 83, Tho­ 19Gilbert to Jordan, dated Albatross 23 March damage to the upper works from seas coming on 1902. CHOP, SUA, SC 58. board. At 2 a.m., of the 12th, in latitude 36 25' mas to the Commissioner, dated Honolulu 24 N., longitude 12344' w., while taking the read­ March 1902, NA, RG 22, Reports for the Steamer 20The larval fish with the elongate, stalked eyes, ing of the patent log and on duty as quartermas­ Albatross for 24 March-3 August 1902; Folder may have been a species of ldiacanthus (see ter of the watch, Bert Amkil, Quartermaster, 3rd Albatross, Box 6,150/1/19/4. Kawaguchi and Moser, 1984). class, U.S. Navy, fell overboard or was flung over 18Thomas to the Commissioner, letter No. 83, 21Gilbert to Jordan dated, Albatross 23 March the rail by a violent lurch of the ship in the rough dated Honolulu 24 March 1902, NA, RG 22, 1902. CHOP, SUA, SC 58. sea prevailing. Every effort was made to recover Reports for the Steamer Albatross for 24 March­ 22Gilbert to Jordan, dated Albatross 23 March the unfortunate man but without avail. The lack 3 August 1902; Folder Albatross, Box 6,150/1/ 1902. CHOP, SUA, SC 58. The proposed larval of self lighting life buoys would have prevented 19/4. fish survey was not conducted.

6 Marine Fisheries Review North America

Q. 200 N tt------+--'p ----+------+-----i :.. Hawaiian .. <::.: :..:....:.... Islands

Equator

Figure 4.-Approximate route of the Albatross to the Hawaiian Islands, March 1902.

Table 1.-Route of the Steamer Atbatross and number of stations sampled in the Hawaiian Archipelago, March-August 1902 (USFC,1904).

No. of No. of stations stations Date Route occupied Date Route occupied

11-16 Mar. San Francisco to Kauai Channel, Hawaiian Islands 5' 23 July North coast of Maui Island 22 17-23 Mar. Kaiwi Channel, Hawaiian Islands 132 23 July Between Maui and Molokai Islands 5 27-31 Mar. South coast of Oahu. 103 24 July Between Molokai and Oahu Islands 9 31 Mar.-9 Apr. South coast of Molokai. 374 25 July Northwest coast of Oahu Island 8" 9-11 Apr. Between Molokai and Maui Islands 14' 26 July Southwest coast of Oahu Island 3" 11-14 Apr. Between Maui and Lanai Islands 8" 31 July Between Oahu and Kauai Islands 27 14-15 Apr. South of Lanai Island. 37 31 Jul.-2 Aug. Vicinity of Kauai Island 18'" 16-17 Apr. Between Maui and Molokai Islands 6 4 Aug. Between Kauai Island and Bird lsiand 1 17-18 Apr. North coast of Moloka; 62 5-8 Aug. Vicinity of Bird Island 28 17 11-12 Aug. 19 Apr. Between Molokai and Oahu Islands 2" Vicinity of Nihau Island 7' " 28 Apr. South of Molokai Island 17 13 Aug. Vicinity of Kauai Island 72 29 Apr. Between Maui and Lanai Islands 1 23-27 Aug. Between Honolulu and San Francisco 3 29 Apr. Between Maui and Molokai Islands 5 30 Apr.-1 May North coast of Molokai Island 5' Lost two dredges and one tangle net. 5-7 May South coast of Oahu Island 19'0 Net damaged during one haul. 10-15 May Honolulu to Laysan Island 6 Net damaged on one haul; complete Tanner net lost on anofher haul. 16-23 May Vicinity Laysan Island 36" Net damaged on five hauls; complete Tanner net lost on one haul. 29 May French Frigate Shoal 712 Damage to gear on three occasions; dredge lost on one haul. 31 May Necker Island Shoal to Bird Island 2 Lost tangle gear at one station. 2-3 June Vicinity of Bird Island 3 Lost Blake frame and net at one station. 9 June Between Honolulu and Kauai Islands 1 " Gear damage at two stations. 10-17 June Vicinity of Kauai Island 25 '3 , Lost complete Tanner net at one station. 17 June Between Honolulu and Kaua; Islands 3'3 10 Lost complete trawl on three occasions; extensive net damage on another haul. 17-18 June Between Kauai and Oahu Islands 3 11 Lost complete trawl on four occasions; net damage at six stations. 14 20-24 June Vicinity of Kauai Island 19 12 Damage to gear on three stations. 9 July South coast of Oahu Island 5 13 Extensive damage to gear at ten stations: trawl lost at one station. 15 10-14 July West coast of Hawaii Island 17 14 Gear damage at six stations; gear lost on one haul. 16-18 July Northeast coast of Hawaii Island 12" 15 Trawi damage at three stations; trawl lost at two stations. 2 18 July Between Hawaii and Maui Islands 2 16 Net damage at six stations; gear lost on two stations. 19-21 July North coast of Mau; Island 20" 17 Gear damage at seven stations; trawl lost at one station. 21-22 July Between Maui and Molokai Islands 11" '" Net damage at one station; gear lost at another.

58(1-2), 1996 7 .o:17f2'~===17FO'===I~68='===lj66='===I~64='===1~62='===I60t'===1~58=' r-...2..!17F8':::i.W--..!.17f6::..'--..!.17f4::'"__ ===15f6'==1:::54f1'W 30'N KUREJ 4F~AYo 28'N r---'IQ~_NO_R_TH_I_SLIAND +__'f--__---+ +-__---l --l- f---+---t---11 28'

"" 4l=> o b 26'­ <{) ---;-;~~;:;:-_+- ~L -j---I-L-IS-IAN-S=---KJfiD1i':.o;. ~,~~--+_-__+_--'f_-+-____t-I24' '\) ~ NlHOA NECKER ~¢ 22' 1-'-----.. f! KAUAI -T---t----f-----+---+-----l__-JL__-l-_~NllI!!:A~~ e&,~0-ccAHUd-----j----,22' o ~ MOLOKAI Honolulu lJl;::;;1~ LANA1 _",_.~_ 20' -r---i--_f + +-__-+ --+ t t- I-----t--- "-' 20'N HAWAOY

18'NIC78l::'W=~-17..L6-'---..L -,---17J.2':----::17l::0'--:--168l::':----:-:16~6'-----:1-;-64::-'------:-16;;:2::-'--~I60~';------:1:;:58;;'----;;15;;-6'W;;;-----' 174 Figure 5.-Hawaiian Archipelago.

ship's quartermaster.23 According to the missioner about the extensive gear Gilbert described to Jordan the prob­ captain's orders of 27 March: "When loss.25 lems they were having with lost and the ship is within reasonable distance The ship returned to Honolulu on 19 damaged gear. Despite these conditions, of suitable ports she will be anchored April for repairs and maintenance. By the hauls were most interesting and re­ therein and liberty granted the crew on this time, Gilbert was becoming dissat­ warding scientifically. Jordan re­ Saturday afternoons and Sundays as isfied with the pace of work. He wrote sponded to Gilbert by letter in late May. required by U.S. Navy Regulations...."24 Jordan on 27 April 1902: He wrote: ..... From 27 March to 19 April, the Al­ batross dredged off the coasts of Oahu, "We have been resting on our oars "I am very sorry indeed to hear that Molokai, Maui, and Lanai islands for the last week, "making necessary matters are not satisfactory. Your captain (Table 1). Loss or damage to sampling repairs to the boilers and engines." I has the opportunity ofhis life, but he does gear was a significant problem during have been deeply disappointed with the not seem to realize the existence of the this period. Damage to nets was re­ amount of work we are able to get out great world outside naval affairs. I will corded on 14 hauls, and the gear was of the ship. Sixteen days is the record write the Commissioner in regard to the lost on five occasions (Table 1). Such during April, not excessive activity, matter and see what can be done."27 extensive loss or damage to sampling surely. I have gently prodded and plead, gear caused considerable apprehension but to no effect, except to exasperate. In late April and early May, the ves­ to the captain. Materials for repairing Unless your worthy Captain can divorce sel dredged off the north coast of nets were ordered from San Francisco himself further from mail stations, and Molokai Island (Table 1). The ship then and a report was written to the Com­ can strike a better pace, we shall fall far returned to the vicinity of Oahu Island short of the completion of our task."26 for further work, before returning to Honolulu. Again, gear loss and damage 23Thomas to the Commissioner, letter no. 83, continued. As Thomas recorded: dated Honolulu 24 March 1902, NA, RG 22, Reports for the Steamer Albatross for 24 March­ 3 August 1902; Folder Albatross, Box 6, 150/1/ 25Thomas to the Commissioner, letter no. 98, "During the dredging operations of 19/4. dated Honolulu 19 April 1902, NA, RG 22, Re­ these three days [5-7 May], two I I foot 240rder from Chauncey Thomas, Commanding, ports for the Steamer Albatross for 24 March-3 dated 27 March 1902. NA, RG 22, Reports for August 1902; Folder Alba/ross, Box 6, 150/1/19/4. the Steamer Albatross for 24 March-3 August 26Gilbert to Jordan, dated Honolulu 27 April 27Jordan to Gilbert, dated Stanford 24 May 1902. 1902; Folder Albatross, Box 6,150/1/19/4. 1902. CHGP, SUA, SC 58. CHGP, SUA, SC 58.

8 Marine Fisheries Review Tanner and an 8 foot Blake trawl frames, dan listing unfinished work. Included Commissioner's Office, dated 2 July, one dredging sinker, 80 fathoms of was work planned, but not yet com­ Thomas wrote: cable, and a complete tangle with 8 pleted, near all the major islands of the swabs, as well as tail weights, floats, Hawaiian Archipelago, as well as Bird "I am between the devil and the deep etc., have been lost by encountering Island. Gilbert gave a copy of the letter blue sea, i.e., Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Jor­ coral or lava rock bottom. The catch, to Thomas.32 dan. The latter formulated certain work however, exceeded expectations and Dr. Thomas replied to Gilbert by memo­ while here, a full report of which was Gilbert described Tuesday's work as the randum on 30 June. In it, he reviewed embodied in an official report to the most satisfactory of the cruise."28 his discussions with Jordan. Thomas con­ Commission recently. Now comes Dr. cluded his message to Gilbert by writing: Gilbert and largely increases Dr. The Albatross on 10 May then pro­ Jordan's requirements in a communica­ ceeded west to Laysan Island and vi­ "A copy of my communication (let­ tion to that gentleman, a copy of which cinity. This leg of the cruise lasted until ter #117) to the Commission embody­ has been furnished me. By working 5 June (Table 1). In addition to dredg­ ing my understanding of the wishes of nights and Sundays I can just about ing, shore excursions for scientific sam­ Dr. Jordan is transmitted herewith for complete Dr. Jordan's desires by the pling were made on Laysan, Necker, your information. I desire to complete date of his return, August 18th, but to and Bird islands.29 the work in hand by the arrival of Dr. accomplish Dr. Gilbert's additions will After a hiatus in Honolulu from 5 to Jordan returning from Samoa and do not consume, the good Lord knows how 9 June, the ship proceeded to the vicin­ wish to undertake any additions to his much longer. I am sending a copy of ity of Kauai Island for further sampling expressed desires that will delay the the latter communication for the infor­ (Table 1). Again, damage to gear was completion of the same at that time.'>33 mation of the Commission and a com­ extensive. The Albatross returned to parison will show the additions. Honolulu on 18 June and Gilbert and Thomas then wrote the Commis­ "Dr. Jordan told me that if on his re­ Thomas met with Jordan for a review sioner on 30 June concerning Gilbert's turn Dr. Gilbert was satisfied, he would of the progress of the expedition.3D Jor­ list of unfinished work. He explained: also be satisfied. Now I defy the Angel dan had arrived from Stanford and was Gabriel to satisfy Dr. Gilbert in the enroute to Pago Pago, Samoa.3! An ad­ "Comparing my understanding of Dr. matter of dredging and I see no pros­ ditional period of sampling near Kauai Jordan's ideas with those advanced by pect of the ship's being relieved from Island followed from 20 to 24 June, be­ Dr. Gilbert, the large additional work service in this tropical clime till snow fore the ship returned to Honolulu for desired by the latter will be at once ap­ blows over the Washington Monument. maintenance and repairs. parent. I was under the impression that I want to do my whole duty and I want By then, the relationship between the trying work incident to the cruise in to do it cheerfully but I feel that we are Thomas and Gilbert had steadily dete­ these tropical waters could be com­ being imposed upon by these Stanford riorated. On 25 June, Gilbert wrote Jor­ pleted by hard work at the time of the people who do not care for anything return of Dr. Jordan on August 18th, but connected with the Fish Commission 28Thomas to the Commissioner, letter no. 105, if the ideas advanced in this later com­ but are all for their institution and re­ dated Honolulu 8 May 1902, NA, RG 22, Reports munication are to prevail, no limit can be ally we have worked harder than the for the Steamer Albatross for 24 March-3 August 1902; Folder Albatross, Box 6.15011/19/4. set to detention that will result ... ."34 records show of similar work for any 29Thomas to the Commissioner, letter no. 109, period of her service. dated Honolulu 5 June 1902, NA, RG 22, Re­ Thomas concluded this message with "I am bound hand and foot to Dr. ports for the Steamer Albatross for 24 March-3 August 1902; Folder Albatross, Box 6, 1501111 9/4. a plea that the Commission set a termi­ Jordan's desires, expressed by Dr. 30Jordan to Hugh M. Smith, dated Stanford 5 June nation date for the expedition. Further, Gilbert's wishes. I can get along with 1902. NA, RG 22, Reports for the Steamer Al­ that no additions to the schedule be the former but the latter needs a strong batross for 24 March-3 August 1902; Folder Al­ allowed. hand to manage him. So I am going to batross, Box 6, 15011119/4. Jordan wrote to Smith, who was Acting Commissioner of Fish In a long, plaintive, and angry letter appeal once more for some show of re­ and Fisheries, that "The work about the Hawai­ to Irving Hall Dunlap, chief clerk of the lief from this climate before the same ian Islands has gone on more slowly than I an­ ticipated...." Jordan requested that the vessel re­ kills us all off. I have sent the Commis­ turn by the way of the Revillagigedo Islands and sion officially a full statement of this described the reasons for this proposed work. 32Gilbert to Jordan, dated Honolulu 25 June 1902. NA, RG 22, Reports for the Steamer Albatross matter and I should be glad of a favor­ 31Jordan sailed to Hawaii from San Francisco in able decision. Burrage35 has had a long June 1902 on a combination business and plea­ for 24 March-3 August 1902; Folder Albatross. Box 6, 15011119/4. sure trip. His wife was in ill health and was in talk with him on the subject of future Honolulu recuperating. Jordan came to visit her, 33Thomas to Gilbert, dated Honolulu 30 June work in the light of his memorandum arriving in Honolulu on 18 June, and then con­ 1902. NA, RG 22, Reports for the Steamer Alba­ tinued to Samoa to collect fishes. This latter ex­ tross for 24 March-3 August 1902; Folder Al­ for Dr. Jordan and my letter #117, a pedition was also supported by the Fish Com­ batross, Box 6,15011/19/4. mission (Anonymous, 1902b). Jordan met with 34Thomas to the Commissioner, dated Honolulu 35Guy Hamilton Burrage was the ship's engineer­ both Gilbert and Thomas while in Honolulu. Jor­ 30 June 1902. NA, RG 22, Reports for the ing officer on this cruise. He subsequently served dan to Gilbert, dated 12 May, 24 May, and II Steamer Albatross for 24 March-3 August 1902; as captain of the Albatross from 1910-1912 June 1902. CHGP, SUA, SC 58. Folder Albatross, Box 6, 150/1119/4. (Hedgpeth, 1945).

58(1-2), 1996 9 copy of which I have given him. He of Dr. Gilbert in the close communion one-third the entire number made dur­ became so offensive in his remarks that we now enjoy! [sic]."36 ing the Hawaiian cruise thus far; a com­ Burrage had to tell him that he was for­ ment on previous work! If we continue getting himself. He will not tolerate any Gilbert reported to Jordan in late July, working at the same rate, we shall be superior authority to himself and his discussed his problems with Thomas, awaiting you on the 18th [ofAugust] with desires and even the plainly expressed and described the progress of the cruise. our task measurably done. We leave to­ desires of Dr. Jordan have no effect on He wrote: night for Kauai and Bird Island."38 him in the way of subordination. He said that he doubted if he could complete the "Your letter3? to Captain Thomas was According to Gilbert, trawling was work assigned by Dr. Jordan prior to his well calculated to straighten matters out, difficult around the island of Hawaii as return and then warned us that unless even had it found him in the same mood the bottom was rough or barren. In most he, Gilbert, was satisfied Dr. Jordan as before. During our cruise to Hawaii, locations, the available dredging area would not be. Now the Angel Gabriel however, he received from some quar­ was confined to within the 400 fathom could not satisfy Dr. Gilbert. He is in­ ter a sudden illumination. We began to line. He indicated that their work would satiable. Dr. Jordan pointed out the work days, nights, and Sundays, in be completed by 18 August.38, 39 places in which he desired dredging to wholly unprecedented fashion, with the Thomas again wrote Dunlap from be done but that cuts no ice with Gil­ sounding properly subordinated to Honolulu in mid-August. This long let­ bert. He plainly asked if he could not dredging, the amount of work in any ter was a combination of progress re­ dredge where he wanted and when told locality being left in my hands. They port and bitter complaint about Thomas' that Dr. Jordan's wishes would be solely suddenly awakened to the fact that I relationship with Gilbert. This letter also followed, flew into a rage. I shall draw would have a word to say concerning highlighted the perceived differences in the line closely to what Dr. Jordan told the date of departure for San Francisco. view point of the two antagonists: me and I wish to have the Commission No other motive appeals to them, so I back me up in the matter and support can congratulate you and all of us that "Many thanks for your condolences me in resisting Dr. Gilbert's insubordi­ you were able to apply it so effectively. and your action in the case of Gilbert nation and defiance of all authority. The result has been that in 17 days were vs. Thomas. Since Dr. Jordan was here "My personal relations with him are made nearly 100 dredge hauls, almost Dr. Gilbert has completely changed his those required by the situation. I have tactics and has been as affable, polite lost all respect for him but must treat and considerate as anyone could ask. him with courtesy as he is in my cabin 37Jordan to Thomas, dated Apia, Samoa, 18 July Just what caused this complete reversal and my mess. I stood his personal con­ 1902. This letter was not received by Thomas I am at a loss to understand, but it must until at least 25 July when the Albatross returned ferences until he became so insulting to Honolulu. In this letter, Jordan indicated to have been something that Dr. Jordan in his language that I was obliged to tum Thomas that he had received Gilbert's memoran­ said to him without my knowledge. But such matters over to Burrage with dum of 25 June 1902 listing "unfinished work." no man takes me in twice by similar Jordan essentially supported Gilbert in all re­ whom I can talk without becoming out­ spects and reiterated that Gilbert was in charge actions and the decent treatment of the raged. The first arrival here was a sig­ of all decisions concerning when and where to past month or so cannot wipe out the sample. Thomas immediately replied to Jordan, nal for an insult so pronounced that writing that "As between objects laid down by decidedly reverse previously ..... I Burrage who was present told me later you and by the Commission and objects pointed truly was never treated in a like manner that he failed to see how I kept my tem­ out by Dr. Gilbert, I have no hesitation in arriv­ in my life and I shall never permit any­ ing at the conclusion to adhere to the former and per and refrained from knocking him disregard the latter." Thomas defended his work thing of the kind to occur again even at down."36 and claimed the best record of any during the the risk of doing myself injustice with Albatross fisheries history (Thomas to Jordan, the powers that be. Since I discovered dated Honolulu 29 July 1902). Thomas forwarded The captain's letter continued with to the Commissioner a copy of both Jordan's that night work would help amazingly example after example of supposed letter and Thomas's reply, as well as further com­ in the way of "satisfying" the two Doc­ ment. Thomas argued that the work desired by problems caused by Gilbert. Thomas Jordan would be entirely completed by the time tors, night work has been the portion of closed his letter by writing: of Jordan's arrival in Honolulu on 18 August the scientists congregated on board the and therefore the letter was of little consequence. Albatross and they did not appreciate it Thomas, however, again protested the implica­ "Pardon my tale of woe. I assure you tion that he, Thomas, was under orders from ei­ to its fullest extent. But it has entirely com­ it is forced out of me for I fully intended ther Jordan or Gilbert, writing "I am entirely pleted the work laid down by both scien­ to keep silence till the completion of the willing to accept and have done so constantly on this cruise, suggestions but to have an officer of 8 cruise, but I simply must exhaust all my age, rank and experience placed under the 3 Gilbert to Jordan, dated Honolulu 30 July 1902. chances to rid myself of the presence orders of an irresponsible college professor such CHGP, SUA, SC 58 as Dr. Gilbert, is repugnant to my views and I 39According to Thomas, extensive night work cannot bring myself to believe that the Commis­ satisfied Gilbert, and the desired work would be sion has any sympathy with such a state of af­ completed by 18 August. Thomas to the Com­ 36Thomas to the Commissioner, dated Honolulu fairs" (Thomas to Commissioner, dated Hono­ missioner, dated Honolulu 26July 1902. NA, RG 2 July 1902. NA, RG 22, Reports for the Steamer lulu 30 July 1902). All NA, RG 22, Reports for 22, Reports for the Steamer Albatross for 24 Albatross for 24 March-3 August 1902; Folder the Steamer Albatross for 24 March-3 August March-3 August 1902; Folder Albatross, Box 6, Albatross, Box 6, 150/1/19/4. 1902; Folder Albatross, Box 6,150/1/19/4. 150/1/19/4.

10 Marine Fisheries Review tific heads and we are now awaiting the The captain continued his summary and place them in the collection to be arrival of the Sonoma with Dr. Jordan to by comparing the accomplishments of made on the cruise, with which they consult with him and receive his final 'de­ the Albatross with that of the Chal­ would be shipped to Stanford Univer­ part in peace, bless you my children.' "40 lenger. However, his anger and bitter­ sity, remarking at the same time that the ness continued to surface: empty jars could be filled up with 'com­ Thomas continued his letter to mon stuff.' At this time I again asked Dunlap by describing the difficulties a "I resent the idea that seems to pre­ him to please make a note of whatever Naval officer underwent in serving ci­ vail on the Pacific coast that the Alba­ he took out. Somewhat later I again vilians at sea. He wrote: "I am afraid tross is a mere annex to Stanford Uni­ asked Dr. Gilbert to hand me a list of you do not quite appreciate the feelings versity. She belongs to the Fish Com­ the specimens he had removed, and was of a naval officer placed under the com­ mission - an idea that I seek to keep met by the statement that 'as they were mand of one office when he feels that to the fore at all times and in all future not on charge' it would be unnecessary he is being placed under several other expeditions. I trust an assistant who will to furnish a list. I do not know how peoples orders ...." have the same broad notion will be sent many nor what specimens were re­ Thomas cited the relevant Naval to have entire charge of her scientific moved but am informed by the sailors regulations and drew examples of his work."40 in charge of the laboratories that about recent experiences aboard the Albatross: eight jars were emptied."41 According to Thomas's letter, Jordan "You will observe that nothing is was due in Honolulu on August 18. The Thomas forwarded Chamberlain's clearer than that but two persons may Albatross was due to leave for San Fran­ report to the Commissioner on 12 Sep­ be look to for orders or be regarded as cisco shortly thereafter. tember, requesting that he order Gilbert higher authority in the Commission's After arriving in San Francisco to return the specimens. In his letter, service and nothing is said regarding a (Anonymous, 1902b), however, the feud Thomas argued: shifting of such authority to others in any between Thomas and Gilbert continued walk of life ..... And here was the rock unabated. Frederic Chamberlain, the "The collection of specimens belong­ upon which Dr. Gilbert split. He could not Fish Commission biologist assigned to ing to the ship is of the greatest interest be made to comprehend where his func­ the ship, reported to Thomas that Gil­ to scientific people and others visiting tions began and mine ceased or the con­ bert had removed some fishes which on board and should be kept intact. That trary-he was 'the whole thing.",40 were contained in the ship's permanent they are not 'on charge' cannot excuse collection. According to Chamberlain, any attempt to acquire them for Stanford Captain Thomas indicated he would the fishes in this collection "... have University or for the private collection be leaving the ship and would not con­ been obtained from time to time since of any person under the temporary em­ tinue his assignment. He recommended, the Albatross has been in commission, ploy of the Commission and as such in "You gentlemen should never permit being selected on account of their odd­ full charge of the scientific department him [Gilbert] to appear in a similar ca­ ity, peculiar appearance, or some such of the ship."42 pacity on board the Albatross, whoever point as will make them of most inter­ commands her, for while he is a fine est to visitors as illustrations of the sci­ The issues raised in this letter subse­ scientist in his line and otherwise, he is entific work of the vessel."41 In his re­ quently reached Jordan. Although, not fit to deal with responsible questions port, Chamberlain added: Jordan's letter to Gilbert has not been or people." Thomas was proud of his found, Gilbert's response has. On 26 accomplishments during the cruise, not­ "During the interval between the de­ September 1902, he wrote Jordan ex­ ing that they had parture of the 'Albatross' from San plaining: Francisco and her arrival in Honolulu, "... generally done an amount of Dr. Gilbert and Mr. Snyder examined a ".... While engaged in labeling the work that I never would have believed number of these specimens. At my re­ exhibition series, I came across six or could be accomplished at first. But in quest Dr. Gilbert labeled those that he eight small fishes which I was unable doing all this, some 1400 soundings, we identified. In course of conversation he to identify with the literature at hand. have made 397 dredging stations, all but remarked that he was unable to iden­ These were taken out of the exhibition 43 being bottom work, the 43 surface tify a few of the specimens and that he jars and placed in the study series, net work; we have filled up every jar, believed them to be undescribed spe­ where they now are. As soon as their bottle and crock that we brought along cies. He further said that as such they scientific status is determined it is the with specimens and bought a lot more, should not remain on the vessel but that intention to report the matter to the have used 10 bbls of alcohol and then he would take them from the exhibit jars Commissioner, and ask instructions as began on formaline ... ."40

41Chamberlain to Thomas, dated San Francisco 42Thomas to the Commissioner, dated San Fran­ 4O'fhomas to Dunlap, dated Honolulu 15 August 1 September 1902. NA, RG 22, E 63, Records of cisco 12 September 1902. NA, RG 22, E 63, 1902. NA, RG 22, E 63, Records of the Albatross. the Albatross. Records of the Albatross.

58(1-2), 1996 11 to the final disposition to be made of which came into your possession under procedure that would be adopted by any the specimens."43 the circumstances and in the way you mess in the naval service. I prefer to described. Will you not, therefore, return remit the full amount and bear any ex­ Gilbert further explained that the it to me at your earliest convenience.,,44 cess out of my own pocket to having specimens were transferred on or about anything further to do with you in any 15 March and that no criticism or com­ Thomas's direct reply to Gilbert has way and I enclose a check for the same, ment was made until now, 6 months not been found. Gilbert, however, re­ which I thank you to acknowledge. I shall later. He concluded: plied to Thomas on 11 September: forward copies of your letters to the Fish Commission for its information."46 'The charge which he [Thomas] now "We are neither of us deceived by makes, that I attempted to acquire these your letter of the 10th inst. You cannot Thomas sent copies of this letter to specimens for Stanford University or for explain your offer to return me the the Fish Commission with a detailed a private collection, is a malicious false­ money in Honolulu on any such plea as defense of his handling of the "mess hood and constitutes behaviour unbe­ that set up in your letter. But perhaps account" and his dealings with Gilbert. coming an officer or a gentleman. It you will deny the fact. The question of He concluded his defense by writing: certainly appears that scientific men in excess board over that allowed by the the temporary employ of the Commis­ Commission has nothing to do with this "Ithas remained for Dr. Gilbert alone sion should be protected against gratu­ twenty-five dollars. I have certainly not of all the people with whom I have been itous attacks of this nature.,,43 asked you to pay for the pleasure of fur­ associated to question my personal hon­ nishing me with meals, nor had I any esty and I resent such imputation but I At the same time that Thomas was intention of doing so. One prefers how­ have no recourse but to fully inform the concerned over the removal of fishes ever to have the satisfaction of paying Commission as to his action to the end from the special exhibit aboard the Al­ his bills after they are presented, instead that no future commanding officer of batross, he and Gilbert were feuding by of having property that is undeniably his this ship should be subjected to such letter over the "ship's mess." Accord­ 'held up' by a prospective creditor. treatment from him, for I trust the Com­ ing to Gilbert, he loaned $25 to Tho­ There is a humorous side of course to mission will see that he is not a fit per­ mas to help pay for the groceries pur­ such an episode. I rather enjoy the rec­ son to be placed in contact with gentle­ chased for the officer's mess. Gilbert ollection that I originally furnished this men under any circumstances."47 argued in a letter to Thomas dated 8 money out of excess of good nature and September: a desire to be accommodating. I trust Thomas continued his broadside you may also enjoy the thought. I can against Gilbert, describing in detail "You will recall that the twenty-five certainly afford the situation, if you what he considered Gilbert's interfer­ dollars of mine which you now hold was can.,,45 ence with the internal operations of the voluntarily advanced by me as a loan, vessel. He accused Gilbert of interview­ in view of the fact that you were tem­ Thomas replied to Gilbert on 12 Sep­ ing crew members of the vessel while porarily embarrassed financially, and tember, continuing the debate. He argued: in Honolulu in April to determine if were under the necessity of making engine repairs were indeed required, as purchases of fresh provisions for our "I acknowledge the receipt of your Thomas had reported, and, if so, the mess. That such was your own under­ communication of the 11 th instant and length of time such repairs should re­ standing of the case is evidenced by the in reply beg leave to say that the expla­ quire.48 Thomas wrote: "As I say, I can further fact that you, of your own mo­ nation of my offer to return the $25 in afford to treat with silent contempt his tion, offered to return to me the money question shortly after our arrival at Ho­ personal insults but on learning of this in Honolulu, on or about the next pay­ nolulu was due to the fact that the indi­ day. Knowing from your conversation cations at that time were that the amount 46Thomas to Gilbert, dated San Francisco 12 that you were still somewhat short of allowed by the Commission would September 1902. NA, RG 22, E 63, Records of funds, I invited you to retain the sum cover your mess bill but I ascertained the Albatross. until the end of the cruise. I was suffi­ later that it would not do so. As you 47Thomas to the Commissioner, dated San Fran­ cisco 14 September 1902. NA, RG 22, E 63, ciently astonished when at the end of declined receiving it I thought no more Records of the Albatross. the cruise you announced your inten­ about it till I told you I would remit the 48Hepburn to Thomas, dated Honolulu 19 April tion to retain possession of that sum amount due you after obtaining the 1902. NA, RG 22, Reports for the Steamer Alba­ tross for 24 March-3 August 1902; Folder Alba­ until you should run over your mess settlement with the grocers, which is the tross, Box 6, 15011119/4. Lieutenant junior grade accounts. Whatever those accounts may Arthur Japy Hepburn (1877-1964), U.S.N., was show, you must agree, I think, that you an officer aboard the Albatross in 1902 and also 44Gilbert to Thomas, dated Stanford University in 1906 (Dunn, I996b). A graduate of the U.S. can have no claim upon a sum of money 8 September 1902. NA, RG 22, E 63, Records of Naval Academy in 1897, Hepburn reached the the Albatross. rank of Admiral in 1936. Record of Officers, 45Gilbert to Thomas, dated Stanford University U. S. Navy, Arthur Hepburn, Military Service 43Gilbert to Jordan, dated Stanford University 26 II September 1902. NA, RG 22, E 63, Records Records, M 1328, Vol. 30, p. 89. NA; Anonymous, September 1902. CHGP, SUA, SC 58. of the Albatross. 1968).

12 Marine Fisheries Review transaction I was simply furious and it ceived as a regular member of the mess coveries in a virgin field. Why should was only with the greatest effort that I to which I belonged, and have at the end the Commission bear their personal ex­ succeeded in stifling my natural desires ofeach month paid my pro rata amount penses in giving them a summer's out­ to free the ship from the insult of Dr. of the expenses of that month, it being ing to do what they most desire? The Gilbert's presence by remembering that also understood that the accounts of the ship could have been loaded down with he had been placed in his position by mess were open to inspection. On the naturalists anxious to pay their own way the Commission to effect certain work cruise just finished, a different method and give their services gratuitously."s2 and I should not allow my personal feel­ was adopted, inasmuch as all the spe­ ings to interfere with the accomplish­ cial officers of the Commission, in the The final scenario in this tale arose ment of that duty."49 Cabin and in the Wardroom, were over an article published in the San charged the maximum sum allowed by Francisco Examiner on 12 October Thomas closed this communication the Commission for their maintenance, 1902 (Anonymous, 1902c; Lewis, with comments about Gilbert's "atti­ with out reference to the monthly ex­ 1902). The article, about Gilbert and the tude" after meeting in Honolulu with penses of the mess. This procedure was Albatross expedition to Hawaii, concen­ Jordan. Thomas wrote: never officially brought to my attention, trated on the collection of unusual fishes and so long as the messes in question during the cruise, including a descrip­ "It is only fair to Dr. Gilbert to state were securing a slight but welcome sur­ tion of a "curious eel, whose eyes have that after his consultation with Dr. Jor­ plus over the actual cost of the service disappeared and have been substituted dan, on June 18th, he changed his whole rendered, it was a matter in which I had by two patches of phosphorescence." course of action and was, of course, met no concern. But when, in my case, a The article caused an outburst from more than half way in efforts to preserve deficit is declared instead of a surplus, Thomas who, on 13 October, wrote the a peaceful relation with the officers of and I am asked to settle the balance, I Commission, complaining: the ship. What Dr. Jordan said to him I am certainly within my rights when I do not know, but if he said anything it demand that you should present me first "This article was evidently inspired was based entirely on Dr. Gilbert's own a formal bill, with an opportunity to in­ by Dr. Gilbert and the dishonesty of his reports for I never alluded in any way spect the mess accounts should I desire methods is well illustrated by the de­ to any differences on board the ship in to avail myself of that privilege. It is to scription of the 'Curious Eel....' This eel the expedition. It was my aim always be hoped that this 'is the course that is one of the specimens which Dr. Gil­ to treat Dr. Gilbert and his party with would be adopted by any mess in the bert removed from the exhibition jars all courtesy both official and private and naval service."'so belonging to the ship and had no earthly it was only when his course forced me connection with the Hawaiian collection in order to retain my own self respect This letter prompted a further re­ and it will be observed in the text de­ to deal with him through the executive sponse by Thomas on 17 September: "I scribing the same in this article, that it officer or in writing, that any severance acknowledge the receipt of your com­ is not expressly stated that it came from in outwardly friendly intercourse could munication of the 15th instant and as this cruise but the inference is un­ have been detected.,,49 previously intimated do not desire any doubted. It should also be noted that further correspondence with you in any where there has been a single specimen The debate over the "mess bill" con­ way. Should you have anything to say captured it will be reserved for future tinued in force. On 15 September, Gil­ concerning our recent official connec­ students of Stanford."s3 bert acknowledged receipt ofThomas's tion you may do it through the Com­ letter of 12 September, as well as the mission of Fish and Fisheries."sl Three days later, Thomas mailed a check for $25. Gilbert renewed his of­ Thomas forwarded the above two let­ "Mea Culpa" to the Commissioner, fer "to settle with you for any deficiency ters to the Commissioner, with a de­ writing as follows: in the appropriations made by the Fish tailed defense of his method of handling Commission to cover my mess account, the ship's mess accounts. Thomas' ac­ "1. I beg leave to confirm my night if you will present a bill therefore in counting found the wardroom mess to be message of this date, as follows: "Refer­ proper form."so Gilbert defended his po­ about $20 per person short of covering ring my letter number one sixty-six dated sition, arguing: expenses. His parting shot at Gilbert was: October 'thirteenth, request no action be taken until receipt letter written to-day.' "On previous cruises which I have "Here was a cruise on which the sci­ 2. At the time my letter #166 was made on the Albatross, I have been re­ entists temporarily engaged went to do written it was my belief that the 'curi­ what pleases them most: to gain name 49Thomas to the Commissioner, dated San Fran­ and fame in the scientific world for dis­ 52Thomas to the Commissioner, dated San Fran­ cisco 14 September 1902. NA, RG 22, Records cisco 17 September 1902. NA, RG 22, E 63, of the Albatross. Records of the Albatross. 50Gilbert to Thomas, dated Stanford University 51Thomas to Gilbert, dated San Francisco 17 53Thomas to the Commissioner, dated San Fran­ 15 September 1902. NA, RG 22, E 63, Records September 1902. NA, RG 22, E 63, Records of cisco 13 October 1902. NA, RG 22, E 63, of the Albatross. the Albatross. Records of the Albatross.

58(1-2), 1996 13 ous eel' under discussion had been re­ from this cruise provided no evidence the National Museum of Natural His­ moved, with other specimens, from the of any conflict between Gilbert and the tory for scientific study. This was fol­ laboratory by Dr. Gilbert. To-day, in captain of the vessel, LeRoy Mason lowed in January 1903 by another ship­ making his inventory, Mr. Chamberlain Garrett. ment of two boxes of crustaceans and was astounded to discover the eel, in its By 1910 Gilbert had turned his at­ one box of corals. 56 usual museum jar, but in a different tention to the study of Pacific salmon, About 27 scientific papers were pub­ place. My remarks, relating to the eel Oncorhynchus spp., and had become the lished based on collections or observa­ only, as expressed in my letter #166 are leading authority in North America on tions made on this expedition, result­ retracted."54 these economically important fishes ing in significant contributions to (Dunn, 1996a). Gilbert retired from knowledge (Table 2). The papers by Synopsis Stanford University in 1925, continued Gilbert (1905) and Snyder (1904) de­ The two antagonists finally parted his salmon research in 1926 and 1927, scribed a total of 17 new genera and 119 ways. Thomas requested a transfer from and died in 1928 (Dunn, In press). In new species of fishes. Gilbert's contri­ the Albatross55 and was appointed cap­ memory of Gilbert, a new Bureau of bution, on the deep-sea fishes collected, tain of the U.S.N. Bennington in late Commercial Fisheries research vessel, described a remarkable 15 new genera 1902. He continued his Naval career, stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, was and 94 new species of fishes in a single rising to Rear Admiral, which culmi­ named the Charles Henry Gilbert paper. Nineteen publications concem­ nated in his appointment as Com­ (Strasburg and Yuen, 1960; Dunn, In mander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet in press). Additionally, a new biology 1911. Thomas retired from active duty building at Stanford University was re­ in 1912, having served the Navy for cently christened the "Charles H. Gil­ 561n a letter to the Director, U.S. National Mu­ over 40 years. He died in 1919 (Anony­ bert Biological Sciences Building" seum, Gilbert wrote: "... I am forwarding to the Museum such of the collections of the Albatross mous,1943). (Anonymous, 1991). Hawaiian Expedition of 1902, as will be reported Gilbert continued his research at Despite the personal antagonism and upon by members of the Museum staff." Listed Stanford University, including addi­ conflict between these two strong per­ were two boxes of Crustacea, two boxes of cor­ als, and one box of Mollusca. Gilbert to the Di­ tional stints on the Albatross in 1903, sonalities, the voyage of the Albatross rector, U.S. National Museum, dated Stanford 16 1904, and 1906 (Hedgpeth, 1945). He to Hawaii in 1902 must be considered December 1902. Smithsonian Institution Ar­ chives (SIA), Record Unit (RU) 213, Division of served as Naturalist-in-Charge of the highly successful, based on the collec­ Fishes (DF), 1865-1941, Records, Box 7, Folder Albatross in 1906 during a cruise in the tions made, scientific papers published, 9, and SIA, RU 305, Registrar, 1834-1958, Ac­ Bering Sea and in waters off Kamchatka and the discovery and description of cession Records, File No. 40409. In January 1903, Gilbert sent the Museum a box of corals and Japan (Dunn, 1996b), and records specimens new to science. The fishes and two more boxes of Crustacea. He asked that collected were taken to Stanford Uni­ the Crustacea be directed to Miss Mary J. versity for study, whereas the inverte­ Rathbun and the corals to Dr. J. Wayland Vaughn of the Museum (SIA, RU 305, File 40520). In 54Thomas to the Commissioner, dated San Fran­ brate taxa, and vertebrates other than April 1903, Gilbert sent a porpoise (Pseudorca cisco 16 October 1902. NA, RG 22, E 63, fishes, were shipped to the Smithsonian crassideus) skeleton to the museum. See also Records of the Albatross. True (1903) for information on other mammal 55Thomas to Dunlap, dated Honolulu 15 August Institution. In December of 1902, Gil­ specimens collected during the Albatross expe­ 1902. NA, RG 22, E 63, Records of the Albatross. bert sent five boxes of invertebrates to dition to Hawaii.

Table 2.-Selected pUblications resulting from the 1902 expedition of the U.S. Fish Commission Steamer Atbatross in Hawaiian waters.

Author SUbject Comments

On fishes Gilbert (1905) Deep sea fishes of the Hawaiian Islands 15 new genera and 94 new species Snyder (1904) Shorelishes of the Hawaiian Islands Two new genera and 25 new species

Other than fishes Berry (1909: 1913: 1914) Cephalopods of the Hawaiian Islands One new genus and 33 new species Clark (1912) Echinoderms of the Hawaiian Islands Distribution and diagnosis Clark and Agassiz (1907a. b: 1908: 1909) Echinoderms of the Hawaiian Islands Four new genera and 12 new species Coe (1906) Nemertean worms collected by the Albatross Two new species Fisher (1903a) Birds of the Hawaiian Islands Distribution and checklist Fisher (1903b) Birds of Laysan Island Behavior Fisher (1903c) A new sea-bird from the Leward Islands One new species Fisher (1904) Laysan albatross Behavior Fisher (1906) Review of starfishes of the Hawaiian Islands One new family, eight new genera, and 52 new species Fisher (1907) Review of sea cucumbers of the Hawaiian Islands One new genus and 19 new species Fisher (1911) A new starfish from Hawaiian waters One new genus and one new species Mayer (1906) Medusae collected from Hawaiian waters Two new species Nulting (1905) Hydroids and schizopods of the Hawaiian Islands Two new families, two new genera, and 29 new species Ortmann (1905) Crustacean larvae of the Hawaiian Islands Distribution and diagnosis Pilsbry (1907) Barnacles of Hawaii Eight new species Rathbun (1906) Brachyuran and macuran crabs of the Hawaiian Islands Two new genera, 80 new species, and three new sub-species Richardson (1903; 1910) Descriptions of isopods collected Three new genera and three new species Treadwell (1906) Polychaet annelids of the Hawaiian Islands Twenty-seven new species True (1903) Notes on porpoises

14 Marine Fisheries Review ing various invertebrate groups resulted Anonymous. 1902a. Goes to Hawaii. Dr. Gilbert Dunbar, K., and C. Friday. 1994. Salmon, seals, leaves the latter part of this week to take and science: The Albatross and conservation in the description of three new families, charge of scientific expedition. Daily Palo in Alaska, 1888-1914. J. West 33(4):6-13. 22 new genera, and 259 new species. Alto, Feb. 24, 1902,20(36):3, col. I. [School Dunn, J. R. 1996a. Charles Henry Gilbert (1859­ newspaper, Stanford Univ., Palo Alto, Calif.l 1928): an early fishery biologist and his con­ Additionally, a definitive review of the . 1902b. Absent on leave. Professor tributions to knowledge of Pacific salmon shorefishes of the Hawaiian Archi­ -C::;;-ha-s-.H. Gilbert, Zoology, {returns] from (Oncorhynchus spp.). Rev. Fish. Sci. pelago was later published by Jordan cruise of U.S. Fish Commission steamer "Al­ 4(2): 133-184. batross" in Hawaiian waters. Daily Palo Alto, -=:;c;;-:-' I996b. Charles Henry Gilbert (1859­ and Evermann (1905), as part of the Sept. 3, 1902,21(1), p. I, col. 4. [School news­ 1928), naturalist-in-charge: the 1906 North overall investigation of the fishes of the paper, Stanford Univ., Palo Alto, Calif.] Pacific expedition of the steamer Albatross. Hawaiian Archipelago. _-,--_ . 1902c. A resume' of the work of the Mar. Fish. Rev. 58(1-2): 17-28. deep-sea dredgers: from a statement by Dr. _____ . In press. Charles Henry Gilbert C. H. Gilbert Am. Mag. Suppl. to San Franc. (1859-1928): Pioneer ichthyologist of the Acknowledgments Examiner, Oct. 12, 1902, p. 6-7, col. 4. American West. In T. W. Pietsch and W. D. __---,. 1943. Chauncey Thomas, Jr. Who­ Anderson, Jr. (Editors), Collection building I thank the Department of Special was-who in America, vol. I, 1897-1942. A. in ichthyology and herpetology. Am. Soc. N. Marquis Co., Chicago, p. 1225. Ichthyol. Herpetol., Spec. Publ. 3. Collections, Stanford University, ____.. 1968 Arthur Japy Hepburn. Who­ Fisher, W. K. 1903a. Birds of Laysan and the Stanford, Calif., and in particular Linda was-who in America, vol. 4, 1961-1968. Leeward Islands, Hawaiian group. Bull. U.S. J. Long for access to, and assistance Marquis-Who's Who, Inc., Chicago, p. 431. Fish Comm. 23(3):767-807. _-;;---;:-_ . 1991. New quarters for biologists. ---c;--- . 1903b. Notes on birds peculiar to with, the Gilbert and Jordan papers in Stanford Univ. Campus Rep, Sept. I I, 23(40): Laysan Island, Hawaiian group. Auk 20: its custody. Access to material in the I, col. 1. 384-397. National Archives, College Park, Md., Berry, S. S. 1909. Diagnoses of new cephalo­ ---c;--_. 1903c. A new procelstema from the pods from the Hawaiian Islands. Proc. U. S. Leeward Islands, Hawaiian group. ProC. U.S. is much appreciated. In particular, I Natl. Mus. 37:407-419. Natl. Mus. 26:559-563. thank Joseph Schwarz of the National __,...... ". 1913. Some new Hawaiian cephalo­ _----,-,---_ . 1904. On the habits of the Laysan Archives for his considerable help. I pods. Proc. U.S. Natl. Mus. 45:563-566. Albatross. Auk 21 :8-20. . 1914. The cephalopods of the Ha­ ---c;-:-----,--. 1906. The starfishes of the Hawaiian thank William Cox, Smithsonian Insti­ -w----;ai-;-ia-n Islands. Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish. 32:255­ Islands. Bull. U.S. Fish Comm. 23(3):982­ tution Archives, Washington, D.C., for 362. 1130. Bowers, G. M. 1904. Report of the Commis­ . 1907. The holothurians of the Ha­ furnishing copies of the Gilbert corre­ sioner. In Report of the Commissioner of Fish -w---Cai"'-ia-n Islands. Proc. U.S. Natl. Mus. spondence in the Archives. I thank the and Fisheries for the year ending June 30. 32(1555):637-744. Puget Sound Maritime Historical Soci­ 1902, pt. 28:16-17. __---,,--,-. 1911. Hyalinothrix, a new genus of Cart, T. W. 1968. The Federal fisheries service, starfishes from the Hawaiian Islands. Proc. U. ety and the Museum of History and In­ 1871-1940. Unpubl. M.S. thesis, Univ. of S. Natl. Mus. 39:659-664. dustry, Seattle, for permission to repro­ N.C., Chapel Hill, 128 p. ____ . 1940. When Joseph Grinnell and I Cattell, J. M., and D. R. Brimhall (Editors). 1921. were young. Condor 42:35-38. duce photographs of the Albatross. American men of science. 3rd ed. Sci. Press, Gilbert, C. H. 1905. The deep-sea fishes of the I very much appreciate the continu­ N. Y, 808 p. Hawaiian Islands. In D. S. Jordan and B. W. ing support of Theodore W. Pietsch, Clark, H. L. 1912. Hawaiian and other Pacific Evermann (Editors), The aquatic resources of echini: the Pedinidae, Physomatidae, the Hawaiian Islands, p. 577-713. Bull. U.S. School of Fisheries, University of Stomopneustidae, Echinidae, Temnopleur­ Fish Comm. 23(2). Washington, Seattle. Mark R. Jennings, idae, Strongylocentrotidae, and Echino­ Hamersly, L. R. 1902. The records of living of­ Research Associate, Department of Her­ metridae. Mem. Mus. Compo Zool. 34(4):209­ ficers of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. L. 383. R. Hamersly Co., N.Y, 7th ed., p. 217. petology, California Academy of Sci­ ____ and A. Agassiz. 1907a. Preliminary Hanna, G. D., and S. M. Peers. 1944. Barton ences, San Francisco, frequently provided report on the echini collected, in 1902, among Warren Evermann. Dic. Amer. Biogr. 21 me with information and other help. the Hawaiian Islands by the U.S. Fish Com­ (Suppl. I) to Dec. 31, 1935. Chas. Scribner's mission steamer "Albatross" in charge of Sons, N.Y, p. 291. Mr. and Mrs. William W. Gilbert, Commander Chauncey Thomas, U.S.N., com­ Hedgpeth, J. W. 1945. The United States Fish Sante Fe, N.M., kindly allowed me ac­ manding. Bull. Mus. Compo Zool. 50:231-259. Commission steamer Albatross. Am. Neptune cess to their holdings of material con­ _----,-_-= and . 1907b. Hawaiian and 5(1):5-26. other Pacific echini: based upon collections Hobart, W. L. (Editor). 1995. Baird's legacy: the cerning Charles Henry Gilbert and were made by the U.S. Fish Commission steamer history and accomplishments of NOAA's Na­ most supportive of my research on "Albatross" in 1902, Commander Chauncey tional Marine Fisheries Service, 1871-1996. Thomas, U.S.N. commanding. The Cidaridae. William's grandfather. They further U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. Mem. Mus. Compo Zool. 34:1-42. NMFS-F/SPO-18, 46 p. supported my research financially for _--,-:_'" and . 1908. Hawaiian and Hubbs, C. L. 1943. John O. Snyder. Copeia which I am most appreciative. other Pacific echini: based upon collections 1943(4):265-266. made by the U.S. Fish Commission steamer _.,...,....,---,. 1964. David Starr Jordan. Syst. Zool. Drafts of this manuscript were read "Albatross" in 1902, Commander Chauncey 13(4):195-200. by Theodore W. Pietsch and by James Thomas, U.S.N. commanding. The Salenidae. Jennings, M. R. 1987. Frederic Morton Cham­ W. Orr, National Marine Fisheries Ser­ Mem. Mus. Compo Zool. 34:47-132. berlain (1867-1921): pioneer fishery biolo­ _--.-----;: and . 1909. Hawaiian and gist of the American West. Fisheries 12(6): vice, Seattle. other Pacific echini: based upon collections 22-29. made by the U.S. Fish Commission steamer Jordan, D. S. 1922. The days of a man: being Literature Cited "Albatross" in 1902, Commander Chauncey memories of a naturalist, teacher and minor Thomas, U.S.N. commanding. The prophet of democracy. World Book Co., Yon­ Abell, A. I., B. J. Fleming, A. P. Levack, T. T. Echinothuridae. Mem. Mus. Compo Zool. kers-on-Hudson, N.Y, 2 vols., 710, 906 p. McAvoy, and L. J. Mannion. 1955. A history 34: 133-204. ___ and B. W. Evermann. 1902. Preliminary of the United States of America. Fordham Coe, W. R. 1906. Nemerteans of the Hawaiian report on the investigation of the fishes and Univ. Press, N. Y, 700 p. Islands collected by the steamer Albatross in fisheries of theHawaiian Islands. Rep. Comm. Allard, D. c., Jr. 1978. Spencer Fullerton Baird 1902. Bull. U.S. Fish Comm. 23(3):975-986. Fish Fish. 1901,27;355-380. and the U.S. Fish Commission. Arno Press, Davis, J. 1958. In memorium: Walter Kenrick ____ and . 1903a. Description of N. Y, 424 p. Fisher. Auk 75:131-134. a new genus and two new species of fishes

58(1-2). 1996 15 from the Hawaiian Islands. Bull. U.S. Fish. Nutting, C. C. 1905. Hydroids of the Hawaiian Smith. H. M. 1904. Report on the inquiry respect­ Comm.22:209-21O. Islands collected by the steamer Albatross in ing food-fishes and the fishing-grounds. Pt. _--;:-__ and . 1903b. Descriptions 1902. Bull. U.S. Fish Comm. 23(3):931-959. 28. In Rep. Comm. Fish Fish. 1902: III. of new genera and species from the Hawaiian Ortmann, A. E. 1905. Schizopods of the Hawaiian Snyder, J. O. 1904. A catalogue of the shore fishes Islands. Bull. U.S. Fish Comm. 22:161-208. Islands collected by the steamer Albatross in collected by the steamer Albatross about the ____ and .1905. The aquatic re­ 1902. Bull. U.S. Fish Comm. 23(3):961-973. Hawaiian Islands in 1902. Bull. U.S. Fish sources of the Hawaiian Islands. Part I. The Palmer, T. S. 1933. Obituary: Barton Warren Comm. 22:513-538. shore fishes of the Hawaiian Islands, with a Evermann. Auk 50:465. Strasburg, D. W., and H. S. H. Yuen. 1960. general account of the fish fauna. Bull. U.S. Peterson, S. 1988. America's first full-time deep­ Progress in observing tuna underwater at sea. Fish Comm. 23(pt. 1),574 p. water research vessel. Log Mystic Seaport J. Cons. Int. Explor. Mer 26:80-93. Kawaguchi, K., and H. G. Moser. 1984. 39(4): 147-155. Townsend, C. H. 1924. The passing of the "Al­ Stomiatoidea: development. In H. G. Moser, Pietsch, T. W., and J. R. Dunn. In press. Early batross." Nat. Hist. 24:619-620. W. J. Richards, D. M. Cohen, M. P. Fahay, A. collection building in Puget Sound and adja­ Treadwell, A. L. 1906. Polychaetous annelids of W. Kendall, and S. L. Richardson (Editors), cent waters: the 1880 expedition of David Starr the Hawaiian Island collected by the steamer Ontogeny and systematics offishes, p. 181-184. Jordan and Charles Henry Gilbert. In T. W. Albatross in 1902. Bull. U.S. Fish Comm. Am. Soc. Ichthyol. Herpetol., Spec. Publ. I. Pietsch and W. D. Anderson, Jr. (Editors), Col­ 23(3):1145-1181. Lewis, A. 1902. Rarest of rare fish brought here lection building in ichthyology and herpetology. True, F. W. 1903. Notes on a porpoise of the ge­ by the Albatross, dredged from a depth of two Am. Soc. Ichthyol. Herpetol., Spec. Publ. 3. nus Prodelphinus from the Hawaiian Islands. miles under the sea. Am. Mag. Suppl. to San Pilsbry, H. A. 1907. Hawaiian cirripedia. Bull. Bull. U.S. Fish Comm. 23(3):809-815. Franc. Examiner, 12 Oct. 1902, p. 6-7, col. I. Bur. Fish. 26: 179-190. USFC. 1904. Records of the dredging and other Mayer, A. G. 1906. Medusae of the Hawaiian Rathbun, M. J. 1906. The brachyura and macura collecting stations of the U.S. Fish Commis­ Islands collected by the steam~r Albatross in of the Hawaiian Islands. Bull. U.S. Fish sion steamer Albatross in 190I and 1902. In 1902. Bull. U.S. Fish Comm. 23(3):1131­ Comm. 23(3):827-930. Rep. Comm. Fish Fish. 1902, Pt. 38:397-431. 1143. Richardson, H. 1903. Isopods collected at the __..,.-;;:- . 1905. Aquatic resources of Hawaii Myers, G. S. 1951. David Starr Jordan, ichthy­ Hawaiian Islands by the U.S. Fish Commis­ and Samoa. In Rep. Comm. Fish Fish. 1903, ologist. Stanford Ichthyol. Bull. 4(1 ):2-6. sion steamer Albatross. Bull. U.S. Fish Comm. p.88-89. Mooney, J. L. (Editor). 1991. Dictionary of 23(3):817-826. American naval fighting ships. Naval Hist. ___ . 1910. Description of a new parasitic Cent. Dep. Navy, Wash., D.C., Vol. I, pt. A, p. isopod from the Hawaiian Islands. Proc. U.S. 135-138. Natl. Mus. 38:645-647.

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