The Prison Ship 'Euphemia' - Revision history

Ccarlsson: removed incorrect photo and caption as per Nick Wright's correction sent by email Feb 1 2019

2019-02-02T22:46:14Z

removed incorrect photo and caption as per Nick Wright's correction sent by email Feb 1 2019

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:46, 2 February 2019
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	By February 1, 1850, the ''Euphemia'' was receiving prisoners. In addition to any criminals apprehended the new prison ship also held any suspicious, insane or forlorn persons found strolling about the city at night the ''Euphemia'' thus became California's first formal insane asylum. That first year twelve persons adjudged to be insane were locked in her hold. In later years the San Francisco Alta California recalled that the ''Euphemia'' had housed over and furnished quarters to many of the poor unfortunates ...		By February 1, 1850, the ''Euphemia'' was receiving prisoners. In addition to any criminals apprehended the new prison ship also held any suspicious, insane or forlorn persons found strolling about the city at night the ''Euphemia'' thus became California's first formal insane asylum. That first year twelve persons adjudged to be insane were locked in her hold. In later years the San Francisco Alta California recalled that the ''Euphemia'' had housed over and furnished quarters to many of the poor unfortunates ...

	~~[[Image:Euphemia-at-Black-Point-1855.jpg]]~~

	'''Black Point in middle distance, with hills of Marin County in distance, at right. The beached ship ''Euphemia'' is visible on the shore of Black Point, where it served as an insane asylum. This 1855 photo provides evidence that it probably wasn't the ''Euphemia'' that was discovered under the Financial District in 1921 as this 1978 article indicates.'''

	~~''Photo: Bancroft Library via the [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/ark:/28722/bk0000x947f/?brand=oac4 Online Archive of California]''~~

	The prisoners on board the ''Euphemia'' earned their keep by toiling at public works while on a chain-gang. During the day they would labor on shore and return at night to the ship. Conditions on board were undoubtedly less than desirable. While there is no account of life on board the ''Euphemia'', a comparison may be fairly drawn from a description of life on board the ''Waban'', a prison ship used by the State of California on San Francisco Bay in 1853:		The prisoners on board the ''Euphemia'' earned their keep by toiling at public works while on a chain-gang. During the day they would labor on shore and return at night to the ship. Conditions on board were undoubtedly less than desirable. While there is no account of life on board the ''Euphemia'', a comparison may be fairly drawn from a description of life on board the ''Waban'', a prison ship used by the State of California on San Francisco Bay in 1853:

Ccarlsson: added photo of Euphemia at Black Point, added blockquotes

2016-05-11T05:41:53Z

added photo of Euphemia at Black Point, added blockquotes

Ccarlsson: added Satty collage

2011-12-20T08:16:31Z

added Satty collage

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:16, 20 December 2011
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	The prisoners on board the ''Euphemia'' earned their keep by toiling at public works while on a chain-gang. During the day they would labor on shore and return at night to the ship. Conditions on board were undoubtedly less than desirable. While there is no account of life on board the ''Euphemia'', a comparison may be fairly drawn from a description of life on board the ''Waban'', a prison ship used by the State of California on San Francisco Bay in 1853:		The prisoners on board the ''Euphemia'' earned their keep by toiling at public works while on a chain-gang. During the day they would labor on shore and return at night to the ship. Conditions on board were undoubtedly less than desirable. While there is no account of life on board the ''Euphemia'', a comparison may be fairly drawn from a description of life on board the ''Waban'', a prison ship used by the State of California on San Francisco Bay in 1853:

	At night they were locked below, four or five men to each eight foot square compartment. During the warm summer days they stewed in their own juices, while in the rainy winter they stayed below day after dreary day. In the mornings the effluvia of feces and sweat and general decay was so strong the guards refused to go below until the lower decks had been aired out ...		''At night they were locked below, four or five men to each eight foot square compartment. During the warm summer days they stewed in their own juices, while in the rainy winter they stayed below day after dreary day. In the mornings the effluvia of feces and sweat and general decay was so strong the guards refused to go below until the lower decks had been aired out ... ''

			[[Image:Satty-p-92-Apollo-saloon-and-Euphemia.jpg]]

			''Collage depicting Apollo Saloon and ''Euphemia'' by [[Satty and the "North Beach U-Boat"\|Satty]], from "Visions of Frisco" edited by Walter Medeiros, Regent Press 2007''

	Conditions on board the ''Euphemia'' worsened throughout 1850 as more prisoners were locked in her hold. As early as August 4, 1850, the ''Alta California'' noted that:		Conditions on board the ''Euphemia'' worsened throughout 1850 as more prisoners were locked in her hold. As early as August 4, 1850, the ''Alta California'' noted that:

Lisaruth: removed category - ships

2009-01-21T09:16:43Z

removed category - ships

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:16, 21 January 2009
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	[[Social Life in 1851: A Frenchman's View\|Prev. Document]] [[EXPLORATION OF BAY (1772-76)\|Next Document]]		[[Social Life in 1851: A Frenchman's View\|Prev. Document]] [[EXPLORATION OF BAY (1772-76)\|Next Document]]

	[[category:Early SF]] [[category:1850s]] [[category:downtown]] [[category:buildings~~]] [[category:ships~~]]		[[category:Early SF]] [[category:1850s]] [[category:downtown]] [[category:buildings]]

Ccarlsson: Protected "The Prison Ship 'Euphemia'": excerpted essay [edit=sysop:move=sysop]

2009-01-02T07:17:10Z

Protected "The Prison Ship 'Euphemia'": excerpted essay [edit=sysop:move=sysop]

← Older revision	Revision as of 00:17, 2 January 2009
(No difference)

Ccarlsson: PC and protected

2009-01-02T07:16:58Z

PC and protected

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:16, 2 January 2009
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	'''<font face = Papyrus> <font color = maroon> <font size = 4>Historical Essay</font></font> </font>'''		'''<font face = Papyrus> <font color = maroon> <font size = 4>Historical Essay</font></font> </font>'''

			''based on an article by James P. Delgado''

	[[Image:Euphemia.jpg]]		[[Image:Euphemia.jpg]]

Lisaruth: added links in text, some editing, added page content type

2008-12-09T07:53:40Z

added links in text, some editing, added page content type

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:53, 9 December 2008
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			'''<font face = Papyrus> <font color = maroon> <font size = 4>Historical Essay</font></font> </font>'''

	[[Image:Euphemia.jpg]]		[[Image:Euphemia.jpg]]

			'''The ''Euphemia'''''

	''Image: The Annals of San Francisco, 1855''		''Image: The Annals of San Francisco, 1855''
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	[[Image:Apollo and niantic.jpg]]		[[Image:Apollo and niantic.jpg]]

	'''The Apollo (left) and Niantic on San Francisco's 1850 waterfront.'''		'''The ''Apollo'' (left) and ''Niantic'' on San Francisco's 1850 waterfront.'''

	At the October 8, 1849 meeting of the Town Council of San Francisco, the special committee reported the purchase of the brig Euphemia for the purpose of a prison ship. The former owner of the Euphemia, incidentally, was Town Council member William Heath Davis. The purchase price: three thousand, five hundred dollars.		At the October 8, 1849 meeting of the Town Council of San Francisco, the special committee reported the purchase of the brig ''Euphemia'' for the purpose of a prison ship. The former owner of the ''Euphemia'', incidentally, was Town Council member William Heath Davis. The purchase price: three thousand, five hundred dollars.

	The ''Euphemia'' was berthed next to the Central Wharf and work was begun to convert her into a prison ship. Most probably the area below the decks was converted into a cell block, while the cabin above deck must have served as the guardhouse. On December 10, 1849, at the Town Council meeting Messrs. Brannan, Davis and Post reported the satisfactory conversion of the ship into a prison. The work had required some $1,033.75 worth of lumber. The balls and chains arrived in late January of 1850 at the cost of $523.80. Not counting labor costs, the new jail had cost San Francisco $5,357.55 not bad considering a simple one-story house of clapboard and shingles cost approximately $15,000 to build at that time.		The ''Euphemia'' was berthed next to the Central Wharf and work was begun to convert her into a prison ship. Most probably the area below the decks was converted into a cell block, while the cabin above deck must have served as the guardhouse. On December 10, 1849, at the Town Council meeting Messrs. Brannan, Davis and Post reported the satisfactory conversion of the ship into a prison. The work had required some $1,033.75 worth of lumber. The balls and chains arrived in late January of 1850 at the cost of $523.80. Not counting labor costs, the new jail had cost San Francisco $5,357.55 not bad considering a simple one-story house of clapboard and shingles cost approximately $15,000 to build at that time.

	At her berth on Central Wharf, the ''Euphemia'' was in the heart of the rapidly expanding city. New construction constantly pushed the city limits out into San Francisco Bay, finally overrunning the Euphemia and her storeship neighbors, the ''Niantic'' and the ''Apollo''. With the nearby streets and buildings raised on piles above the shallow waters of the bay, and hemmed in by the construction around her, the Euphemia lay quietly in the stagnant waters of the San Francisco waterfront, never to go to sea again. It was the end of a long career that had probably begun sometime around 1800 in the British Isles. Built as a brig, or a small two-masted vessel, the Euphemia was about ninety feet long and was registered at 137 tons.		At her berth on Central Wharf, the ''Euphemia'' was in the heart of the rapidly expanding city. New construction constantly pushed the city limits out into San Francisco Bay, finally overrunning the ''Euphemia'' and her storeship neighbors, the ''Niantic'' and the ''Apollo''. With the nearby streets and buildings raised on piles above the shallow waters of the bay, and hemmed in by the construction around her, the ''Euphemia'' lay quietly in the stagnant waters of the San Francisco waterfront, never to go to sea again. It was the end of a long career that had probably begun sometime around 1800 in the British Isles. Built as a brig, or a small two-masted vessel, the ''Euphemia'' was about ninety feet long and was registered at 137 tons.

	By February 1, 1850, the ''Euphemia'' was receiving prisoners. In addition to any criminals apprehended the new prison ship also held any suspicious, insane or forlorn persons found strolling about the city at night ~~The~~ Euphemia thus became California's first formal insane asylum. That first year twelve persons adjudged to be insane were locked in her hold. In later years the San Francisco Alta California recalled that the Euphemia had housed over and furnished quarters to many of the poor unfortunates ...		By February 1, 1850, the ''Euphemia'' was receiving prisoners. In addition to any criminals apprehended the new prison ship also held any suspicious, insane or forlorn persons found strolling about the city at night the ''Euphemia'' thus became California's first formal insane asylum. That first year twelve persons adjudged to be insane were locked in her hold. In later years the San Francisco Alta California recalled that the ''Euphemia'' had housed over and furnished quarters to many of the poor unfortunates ...

	The prisoners on board the ''Euphemia'' earned their keep by toiling at public works while on a chain-gang. During the day they would labor on shore and return at night to the ship. Conditions on board were undoubtedly less than desirable. While there is no account of life on board the ''Euphemia'', a comparison may be fairly drawn from a description of life on board the ''Waban'', a prison ship used by the State of California on San Francisco Bay in 1853:		The prisoners on board the ''Euphemia'' earned their keep by toiling at public works while on a chain-gang. During the day they would labor on shore and return at night to the ship. Conditions on board were undoubtedly less than desirable. While there is no account of life on board the ''Euphemia'', a comparison may be fairly drawn from a description of life on board the ''Waban'', a prison ship used by the State of California on San Francisco Bay in 1853:
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	The city of San Francisco eventually began construction of a larger prison, which was completed in mid-1851.		The city of San Francisco eventually began construction of a larger prison, which was completed in mid-1851.

	The eventual fate of the Euphemia is unknown. Local legend insists that she was seized by a creditor of the city in payment of a debt. There is no record, however, to substantiate this claim. Most probably as the city grew, and the location at which she was anchored became thoroughly boxed in by streets and buildings, the ''Euphemia'' was scuttled where she lay in order to make way for land fill and a building on the site.		The eventual fate of the ''Euphemia'' is unknown. Local legend insists that she was seized by a creditor of the city in payment of a debt. There is no record, however, to substantiate this claim. Most probably as the city grew, and the location at which she was anchored became thoroughly boxed in by streets and buildings, the ''Euphemia'' was scuttled where she lay in order to make way for land fill and a building on the site.

	Most probably, the ''Euphemia'' was stripped of her upper works and all usable fittings by one of San Francisco's many marine salvage firms of Gold Rush days. Then her bare bones would have allowed to slowly settle into the shallow water and mud, to be covered with debris and sand as the city filled over the old waterfront. The remains of the ''Euphemia'' then lay forgotten and buried as San Francisco grew and expanded over the years. Several buildings marked the site of the old ship, the last being razed in 1920 to make way for the construction of the new headquarters building of the federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.		Most probably, the ''Euphemia'' was stripped of her upper works and all usable fittings by one of San Francisco's many marine salvage firms of Gold Rush days. Then her bare bones would have allowed to slowly settle into the shallow water and mud, to be covered with debris and sand as the city filled over the old waterfront. The remains of the ''Euphemia'' then lay forgotten and buried as San Francisco grew and expanded over the years. Several buildings marked the site of the old ship, the last being razed in 1920 to make way for the construction of the new headquarters building of the federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
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	The January 15, 1921, edition of the ''San Francisco Chronicle'' announced the re-discovery of the ''Euphemia'' with the headline EXCAVATION BARES CITY'S EARLY-DAY PRISON SHIP: HISTORIC BRIG UNCOVERED AT DOWNTOWN CORNER. The newspaper reported:		The January 15, 1921, edition of the ''San Francisco Chronicle'' announced the re-discovery of the ''Euphemia'' with the headline EXCAVATION BARES CITY'S EARLY-DAY PRISON SHIP: HISTORIC BRIG UNCOVERED AT DOWNTOWN CORNER. The newspaper reported:

	''Under the mud and silt dug out by steam shovels at the corner of Battery and Sacramento streets, the remains of San Francisco's first jail are being brought to light ... the Euphemia was buried under the creeping silt until the excavation ... disclosed her lying some thirty feet below street level.''		''Under the mud and silt dug out by steam shovels at the corner of Battery and Sacramento streets, the remains of San Francisco's first jail are being brought to light ... the ''Euphemia'' was buried under the creeping silt until the excavation ... disclosed her lying some thirty feet below street level.''

	In later years, former ''San Francisco Chronicle'' reporter William Martin Camp recalled the discovery of the ship:		In later years, former ''San Francisco Chronicle'' reporter William Martin Camp recalled the discovery of the ship:
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	''... the new bank building needed an especially deep foundation, and the steam shovel had worked its way to a considerable depth when it struck a snag. Workmen tried every means of removing the obstacle before they discovered they were digging into the stem piece of a ship. They went to work with pick and shovel and finally uncovered the entire keel and a considerable part of the planking and flooring of the ship.''		''... the new bank building needed an especially deep foundation, and the steam shovel had worked its way to a considerable depth when it struck a snag. Workmen tried every means of removing the obstacle before they discovered they were digging into the stem piece of a ship. They went to work with pick and shovel and finally uncovered the entire keel and a considerable part of the planking and flooring of the ship.''

	This story came from Walter MacArthur, a Glasgow sailor who for many years was the United States Shipping Commissioner of San Francisco. Captain MacArthur, an authority on ships, examined the hull and identified it as the remains of the brig Euphemia, built in England, a pioneer vessel which ended her days as a prison ship anchored in the cove. The discovery sent a thrill through the scores of idle watchers who stood around the protective railing surrounding the excavation ...		This story came from Walter MacArthur, a Glasgow sailor who for many years was the United States Shipping Commissioner of San Francisco. Captain MacArthur, an authority on ships, examined the hull and identified it as the remains of the brig ''Euphemia'', built in England, a pioneer vessel which ended her days as a prison ship anchored in the cove. The discovery sent a thrill through the scores of idle watchers who stood around the protective railing surrounding the excavation ...
	Despite MacArthur's identification of the remains, some have thought that the ship uncovered was the storeship Apollo, which had been located to the west of the Euphemia. However, in 1925, work at the northwest corner of Battery and Sacramento streets, in the rear of the new Federal Reserve Bank, discovered the stern of the Apollo. Only about eight feet of the Apollo was uncovered in that excavation and no more.
			Despite MacArthur's identification of the remains, some have thought that the ship uncovered was the storeship ''Apollo'', which had been located to the west of the ''Euphemia''. However, in 1925, work at the northwest corner of Battery and Sacramento streets, in the rear of the new Federal Reserve Bank, discovered the stern of the ''Apollo''. Only about eight feet of the ''Apollo'' was uncovered in that excavation and no more.

	The discovery of the ''Euphemia'' and of her neighbor, the ''Apollo'', thrilled San Francisco much in the same way the discovery of the old ''Niantic'' in April of 1978 captivated the imagination of the city, and constituted a powerful reminder of history's importance in the process of urban decay and regeneration.		The discovery of the ''Euphemia'' and of her neighbor, the ''Apollo'', thrilled San Francisco much in the same way the discovery of the old [[Right to Testify\|''Niantic'']] in April of 1978 captivated the imagination of the city, and constituted a powerful reminder of history's importance in the process of urban decay and regeneration.

	''-- based on an article by James P. Delgado, '''California History''' magazine, Fall 1978''		''-- based on an article by James P. Delgado, ''California History'' magazine, Fall 1978''

	'''A ship dug up in 2005 at Spear and Folsom was discovered to be the Chandler, an 1830s sailing ship that had found its last anchorage under the growing city. Here are some photos of its excavation:'''

	~~''Photos: Chris Carlsson''~~

	~~[[Image:Chandler-w-arrow1053.jpg]]~~

	~~[[Image:Chandler 1048.jpg]]~~

Ccarlsson at 03:00, 5 October 2008

2008-10-05T03:00:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:00, 4 October 2008
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	[[~~SOCIAL LIFE IN~~ 1851: A ~~FRENCHMAN~~'~~S VIEW~~\|Prev. Document]] [[EXPLORATION OF BAY (1772-76)\|Next Document]]		[[Social Life in 1851: A Frenchman's View\|Prev. Document]] [[EXPLORATION OF BAY (1772-76)\|Next Document]]

	[[category:Early SF]] [[category:1850s]] [[category:downtown]] [[category:buildings]] [[category:ships]]		[[category:Early SF]] [[category:1850s]] [[category:downtown]] [[category:buildings]] [[category:ships]]

Ccarlsson at 00:13, 5 October 2008

2008-10-05T00:13:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:13, 4 October 2008
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	[[SOCIAL LIFE IN 1851: A FRENCHMAN'S VIEW\|Prev. Document]] [[EXPLORATION OF BAY (1772-76)\|Next Document]]		[[SOCIAL LIFE IN 1851: A FRENCHMAN'S VIEW\|Prev. Document]] [[EXPLORATION OF BAY (1772-76)\|Next Document]]

	[[category:1850s]] [[category:downtown]] [[category:buildings]]		[[category:Early SF]] [[category:1850s]] [[category:downtown]] [[category:buildings]] [[category:ships]]

Ccarlsson at 03:23, 4 August 2008

2008-08-04T03:23:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:23, 3 August 2008
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	''-- based on an article by James P. Delgado, '''California History''' magazine, Fall 1978''		''-- based on an article by James P. Delgado, '''California History''' magazine, Fall 1978''

			'''A ship dug up in 2005 at Spear and Folsom was discovered to be the Chandler, an 1830s sailing ship that had found its last anchorage under the growing city. Here are some photos of its excavation:'''

			''Photos: Chris Carlsson''

			[[Image:Chandler-w-arrow1053.jpg]]

			[[Image:Chandler 1048.jpg]]


	[[SOCIAL LIFE IN 1851: A FRENCHMAN'S VIEW\|Prev. Document]] [[EXPLORATION OF BAY (1772-76)\|Next Document]]		[[SOCIAL LIFE IN 1851: A FRENCHMAN'S VIEW\|Prev. Document]] [[EXPLORATION OF BAY (1772-76)\|Next Document]]

	[[category:1850s]] [[category:downtown]] [[category:buildings]]		[[category:1850s]] [[category:downtown]] [[category:buildings]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:41, 10 May 2016
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	San Francisco's first jail was an outdated and flimsy log structure built around 1846 at Clay and Stockton Streets. Early San Francisco resident John Henry Brown recalled in later days, just how flimsy the jail, or calaboose, was:		San Francisco's first jail was an outdated and flimsy log structure built around 1846 at Clay and Stockton Streets. Early San Francisco resident John Henry Brown recalled in later days, just how flimsy the jail, or calaboose, was:

	''One night a man, by name of Pete, from Oregon, was put in the Calaboose, for having cut the hair off the tails of five horses and shaved the stumps. As Leavensworth (the Alcalde) did not send him his breakfast, he called on Leavensworth at his office, with the door of the Calaboose on his back, and told him if his breakfast was not sent up in half an hour we would take French leave. Leavensworth sent his breakfast ....''		<blockquote>''One night a man, by name of Pete, from Oregon, was put in the Calaboose, for having cut the hair off the tails of five horses and shaved the stumps. As Leavensworth (the Alcalde) did not send him his breakfast, he called on Leavensworth at his office, with the door of the Calaboose on his back, and told him if his breakfast was not sent up in half an hour we would take French leave. Leavensworth sent his breakfast ....''</blockquote>

	The Town Council of San Francisco realized how insecure their jail was, and following the Hounds incident they began to search for a new jail. A special committee was appointed to either purchase or lease a new building for the jail. A particular dilemma faced the committee; the inflated gold prices of San Francisco had driven up the costs of building, hence rents were also high. A possible solution, and a thrifty one, was the use of an abandoned ship for a building. Gold fever had also stricken the crews of the vessels that had brought the argonauts to California, and hundreds of ships lay empty along the waterfront. The solution for the special committees dilemma was at hand; they purchased a ship for use as San Francisco's new jail.		The Town Council of San Francisco realized how insecure their jail was, and following the Hounds incident they began to search for a new jail. A special committee was appointed to either purchase or lease a new building for the jail. A particular dilemma faced the committee; the inflated gold prices of San Francisco had driven up the costs of building, hence rents were also high. A possible solution, and a thrifty one, was the use of an abandoned ship for a building. Gold fever had also stricken the crews of the vessels that had brought the argonauts to California, and hundreds of ships lay empty along the waterfront. The solution for the special committees dilemma was at hand; they purchased a ship for use as San Francisco's new jail.
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	By February 1, 1850, the ''Euphemia'' was receiving prisoners. In addition to any criminals apprehended the new prison ship also held any suspicious, insane or forlorn persons found strolling about the city at night the ''Euphemia'' thus became California's first formal insane asylum. That first year twelve persons adjudged to be insane were locked in her hold. In later years the San Francisco Alta California recalled that the ''Euphemia'' had housed over and furnished quarters to many of the poor unfortunates ...		By February 1, 1850, the ''Euphemia'' was receiving prisoners. In addition to any criminals apprehended the new prison ship also held any suspicious, insane or forlorn persons found strolling about the city at night the ''Euphemia'' thus became California's first formal insane asylum. That first year twelve persons adjudged to be insane were locked in her hold. In later years the San Francisco Alta California recalled that the ''Euphemia'' had housed over and furnished quarters to many of the poor unfortunates ...

			[[Image:Euphemia-at-Black-Point-1855.jpg]]

			'''Black Point in middle distance, with hills of Marin County in distance, at right. The beached ship ''Euphemia'' is visible on the shore of Black Point, where it served as an insane asylum. This 1855 photo provides evidence that it probably wasn't the ''Euphemia'' that was discovered under the Financial District in 1921 as this 1978 article indicates.'''

			''Photo: Bancroft Library via the [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/ark:/28722/bk0000x947f/?brand=oac4 Online Archive of California]''

	The prisoners on board the ''Euphemia'' earned their keep by toiling at public works while on a chain-gang. During the day they would labor on shore and return at night to the ship. Conditions on board were undoubtedly less than desirable. While there is no account of life on board the ''Euphemia'', a comparison may be fairly drawn from a description of life on board the ''Waban'', a prison ship used by the State of California on San Francisco Bay in 1853:		The prisoners on board the ''Euphemia'' earned their keep by toiling at public works while on a chain-gang. During the day they would labor on shore and return at night to the ship. Conditions on board were undoubtedly less than desirable. While there is no account of life on board the ''Euphemia'', a comparison may be fairly drawn from a description of life on board the ''Waban'', a prison ship used by the State of California on San Francisco Bay in 1853:

	''At night they were locked below, four or five men to each eight foot square compartment. During the warm summer days they stewed in their own juices, while in the rainy winter they stayed below day after dreary day. In the mornings the effluvia of feces and sweat and general decay was so strong the guards refused to go below until the lower decks had been aired out ... ''		<blockquote>''At night they were locked below, four or five men to each eight foot square compartment. During the warm summer days they stewed in their own juices, while in the rainy winter they stayed below day after dreary day. In the mornings the effluvia of feces and sweat and general decay was so strong the guards refused to go below until the lower decks had been aired out ... ''</blockquote>

	[[Image:Satty-p-92-Apollo-saloon-and-Euphemia.jpg]]		[[Image:Satty-p-92-Apollo-saloon-and-Euphemia.jpg]]
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	Conditions on board the ''Euphemia'' worsened throughout 1850 as more prisoners were locked in her hold. As early as August 4, 1850, the ''Alta California'' noted that:		Conditions on board the ''Euphemia'' worsened throughout 1850 as more prisoners were locked in her hold. As early as August 4, 1850, the ''Alta California'' noted that:

	''Our attention has been recently called to the condition of prison discipline in this city. The brig and the stationhouses are literally filled with prisoners, and we recently heard one of our city functionaries express the opinion that if any more were incarcerated these places would rival the famous black-hole of Calcutta. As it is, six or eight men are crowded into a single cell, scarcely large enough for one man's accommodation. It has been recommended that another brig be purchased to relieve the crowded state of our prison houses ... and it is hoped that the city council will take the matter in hand immediately.''		<blockquote>''Our attention has been recently called to the condition of prison discipline in this city. The brig and the stationhouses are literally filled with prisoners, and we recently heard one of our city functionaries express the opinion that if any more were incarcerated these places would rival the famous black-hole of Calcutta. As it is, six or eight men are crowded into a single cell, scarcely large enough for one man's accommodation. It has been recommended that another brig be purchased to relieve the crowded state of our prison houses ... and it is hoped that the city council will take the matter in hand immediately.''</blockquote>

	The city of San Francisco eventually began construction of a larger prison, which was completed in mid-1851.		The city of San Francisco eventually began construction of a larger prison, which was completed in mid-1851.
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	The January 15, 1921, edition of the ''San Francisco Chronicle'' announced the re-discovery of the ''Euphemia'' with the headline EXCAVATION BARES CITY'S EARLY-DAY PRISON SHIP: HISTORIC BRIG UNCOVERED AT DOWNTOWN CORNER. The newspaper reported:		The January 15, 1921, edition of the ''San Francisco Chronicle'' announced the re-discovery of the ''Euphemia'' with the headline EXCAVATION BARES CITY'S EARLY-DAY PRISON SHIP: HISTORIC BRIG UNCOVERED AT DOWNTOWN CORNER. The newspaper reported:

	''Under the mud and silt dug out by steam shovels at the corner of Battery and Sacramento streets, the remains of San Francisco's first jail are being brought to light ... the ''Euphemia'' was buried under the creeping silt until the excavation ... disclosed her lying some thirty feet below street level.''		<blockquote>''Under the mud and silt dug out by steam shovels at the corner of Battery and Sacramento streets, the remains of San Francisco's first jail are being brought to light ... the ''Euphemia'' was buried under the creeping silt until the excavation ... disclosed her lying some thirty feet below street level.''</blockquote>

	In later years, former ''San Francisco Chronicle'' reporter William Martin Camp recalled the discovery of the ship:		In later years, former ''San Francisco Chronicle'' reporter William Martin Camp recalled the discovery of the ship:

	''... the new bank building needed an especially deep foundation, and the steam shovel had worked its way to a considerable depth when it struck a snag. Workmen tried every means of removing the obstacle before they discovered they were digging into the stem piece of a ship. They went to work with pick and shovel and finally uncovered the entire keel and a considerable part of the planking and flooring of the ship.''		<blockquote>''... the new bank building needed an especially deep foundation, and the steam shovel had worked its way to a considerable depth when it struck a snag. Workmen tried every means of removing the obstacle before they discovered they were digging into the stem piece of a ship. They went to work with pick and shovel and finally uncovered the entire keel and a considerable part of the planking and flooring of the ship.''</blockquote>

	This story came from Walter MacArthur, a Glasgow sailor who for many years was the United States Shipping Commissioner of San Francisco. Captain MacArthur, an authority on ships, examined the hull and identified it as the remains of the brig ''Euphemia'', built in England, a pioneer vessel which ended her days as a prison ship anchored in the cove. The discovery sent a thrill through the scores of idle watchers who stood around the protective railing surrounding the excavation ...		This story came from Walter MacArthur, a Glasgow sailor who for many years was the United States Shipping Commissioner of San Francisco. Captain MacArthur, an authority on ships, examined the hull and identified it as the remains of the brig ''Euphemia'', built in England, a pioneer vessel which ended her days as a prison ship anchored in the cove. The discovery sent a thrill through the scores of idle watchers who stood around the protective railing surrounding the excavation ...
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