Written by Hudson as Acting Master on the USS "Shepherd Knapp." Signed at least five times by Hudson, including once on the cover. A note on the inside cover says he lived on Franklin Avenue at East Brooklyn, New York (the second house on the right above Van Buren Street -- he later moved up Franklin Avenue above Myrtle Street). Several doodle drawings, presumably by Hudson, are also on the first few pages of the book. Before the journal begins he provides a list of nine prizes which appear to have been taken by his squadron. Hudson reported for duty on the "Shepherd Knapp" at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on 3 May 1862. Provides a day-by-day account of what occurred while the ship was on blockade duty -- mostly off the South Carolina coast. Provides weather conditions for each day and references the ships he comes across. From December 1862-early February 1863, he is New York while the ship gets repairs. After those are complete, the "Shepherd Knapp" took a cruise off St. Thomas. The USS "Shepherd Knapp" was captained by Henry L. Eytinge. The "Knapp" was grounded off Cape Haitien, West Indies, on May 18, 1863, a total loss. The officers and crew were transferred.