TWHP


Robert Waterman, 1808-1884   

Perhaps the most daring clipper ship captain of the era, Robert "Bully" Waterman established himself early as a hard driver, setting and breaking his own record with the Sea Witch on the run between Canton, China and New York, completing the 15,000-mile trip in 77 and 74 days, respectively. After buying California land near where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers approach the San Francisco Bay, he continued his career as a shipping star, crowned by the opportunity to take the finest, newest clipper in the country on her maiden voyage, from New York City to San Francisco in 1851. But the Gold Rush claimed all available labor in America by then, and he embarked on the Challenge with a crew of neophytes, ne'er-do-wells and thugs. Pursuing a $10,000 bonus payable should he make a fast run, he demanded more than the crew proved willing to give. Incompetence, recalcitrance and threatened mutiny led to harsh measures, with several seaman dying on the passage. On arrival in San Francisco he turned over several mutineers, but the rest of the crew beat the captain into the City, telling tall tales of cruel treatment. A lynch mob awaited by the time Waterman moored his ship, and he escaped the noose only because his shipping agents spirited him away. Subsequently, he faced trial, achieved exoneration of a sort, and found himself with a new nickname: "Bully." He retired from the sea to his land, where he developed the town of Fairfield--named in honor of the community in Connecticut where he was raised--while ranching and farming. Nearby Cordelia was named after his wife. He continued his maritime pursuits by shipping grain around the world and dabbling in various other ventures, passing away, finally, as a most esteemed member of the community.


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