GERRY, Elbridge T.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

The Cruise of the Norma, A detailed manuscript account by the Norma's "Historian", who records the adventures he shared with Messrs. Sorchan, De Ruyter, Wood, and Graham as they cruised up and down Long Island Sound. It seems probable that each participant would have received a copy as handsomely presented as this, with the recipient's name gilt on the front cover.Gerry described the Norma, as "a keel schooner yacht of twenty-seven tons and about fifteen years old … she can make about nine knots an hour when sailing before the wind … she rides the seas like a duck". In the final pages Gerry gives a close description of the yacht, her skipper, a lengthy list of supplies, and a humorous terminal note narrating an attack of a swarm of flies, "centred on the head of the Captain of the Cabin, which … was shiny with certain oils and perfumed cosmetiques". The text is interpolated with some verse concerning the cruise, and as befit the times, they ate and drank well, did plenty of socializing, and even had a celebrity sighting: "at three reached New London passing on her way the two American Frigates and the Yacht America used as practice ships by the Naval Cadets". The account is entirely in manuscript, except for the engraved map, and written on rectos only, most likely by a professional scribe. The fact that Gerry was "ranked" as Norma's "Historian", gives a clear indication of the comradely tone of the group. He was a New York lawyer and philanthropist, founder of the New York S

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