Roscoe C. Bulmer Journal, 1894-1896: Finding Aid

Biography of Roscoe Carlyle Bulmer

Roscoe Carlyle Bulmer was born on November 4, 1874 in Virginia City, Nevada to Richard A. and Jane Anderson Bulmer. Admitted to the United States Naval Academy from Nevada on September 26, 1890 as a member of the Class of 1894, he was commissioned an Ensign on July 1, 1896 following his two years of mandatory sea service aboard U.S.S. San Francisco (Protected cruiser: C-5). During the Spanish-American War, Bulmer was attached to U.S.S. Bennington (Gunboat: PG-4). Promoted to Lieutenant on February 9, 1902, Bulmer later served as Naval Aide to President Theodore Roosevelt.

Following America's entry into World War I, Bulmer assumed command of U.S.S. Black Hawk (Destroyer tender: AD-9) on December 18, 1917, while that ship was fitting out to serve as a Mine Squadron tender. On July 1, 1918, Bulmer was temporarily promoted to Captain, and on October 31 of that year, was appointed U.S. Representative to the British Admiralty conference on mine clearing. After the War, Bulmer continued his mine sweeping duties in the waters of the North Sea. While serving in this capacity aboard U.S.S. Auk (Minesweeper: AM-38), Bulmer was credited with saving U.S.S. Pelican (Minesweeper: AM-27) after that ship was damaged by six successive mine detonations on July 9, 1919. One month later, Bulmer was involved in an automobile accident in the Orkney Islands and died on August 5, 1919 from his injuries.

Description of Contents

The Roscoe C. Bulmer Journal, comprising 0.15 linear feet of documentation in a single volume of 95 leaves, spans from 1895 to 1896 and was kept while on a cruise aboard U.S.S. San Francisco (Protected cruiser: C-5). The journal includes detailed descriptions of the various European ports and warships encountered along the cruise.

The journal, which bears the cover title "Journal - 1894-1896. vol III Roscoe C. Bulmer. U.S. Navy," was kept by Bulmer during his two years mandatory sea service as a Passed Midshipman while on a cruise aboard the cruiser U.S.S. San Francisco. The journal, which spans from May 26, 1895 to April 16, 1896, includes detailed descriptions of the various European ports and warships encountered along the cruise. Ports and cities described by Bulmer include Southampton, the North Baltic Sea Canal, Kiel, Kronstadt (Russia), Stockholm, Christiana (Norway), Gravesend, Le Havre, Lisbon, and the shipyards of Glasgow and Clyde. The journal also includes dimensions and specifications for warships of England, France, Spain, Russia, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Sweden, Germany, as well as an in depth description of U.S.S. Indiana (Battleship: BB-1) and her various shipboard procedures. The volume is illustrated by numerous photographs, mechanical drawings of ships and equipment, and maps (both printed and hand drawn).

Arrangement

The Roscoe C. Bulmer Journal comprises a single volume.

Access and Use

Access

Patron use restricted to microfilm and digital copies.

Copyright and Permission

The Roscoe C. Bulmer Journal is the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.

Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Gift of Mrs. A. H. Westall by way of Midshipman Charles Priest, Jr. on June 1, 1944. Accession No. 103611.

Related Materials

Location of Copies or Alternate Formats

The Roscoe C. Bulmer Journal has been digitized in its entirety and can be accessed through the Nimitz Library Digital Collections at: https://usna.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01USNA_INST/ik5eus/alma991003410769706751.

This collection also available in microfilm.

Related Archival Material

Additional material pertaining to Roscoe Bulmer in this repository includes Bulmer's Midshipman Personnel Jacket and Alumni Jacket. A portrait of Bulmer is also available in Photo Album 36.

Material pertaining to the career of Roscoe Bulmer can also be found in the Bulmer Family Papers, 1889-1947 at the Nevada Historical Society.

Materials Cataloged Separately

No materials have been removed from this collection and cataloged separately.

Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

Roscoe C. Bulmer Journal, MS 95

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Selected Bibliography

The following sources were consulted during preparation of the biographical note:

Watts, John W., Jr. "Bulmer (DD-222)." Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Washington: Naval History and Heritage Command, 2016, https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/b/bulmer-dd-222.html.

Bulmer, Roscoe Carlyle Alumni Jacket, RG 405, Special Collections & Archives, Nimitz Library.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Mary R. Catalfamo. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in March 2020.

Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

• Austria. Kriegsmarine
• Bulmer, Roscoe Carlyle, 1874-1919
• Christiana (Norway)
• France. Marine
• Germany. Kriegsmarine
• Great Britain. Royal Navy
• Indiana (Battleship : BB-1)
• Italy. Regia Marina
• Kiel (Germany)
• Kiel Canal (Germany)
• Kronshtadt (Russia)
• Le Havre (France)
• Lisbon (Portugal)
• Russia. Voennyĭ flot
• San Francisco (Cruiser : C-5)
• Seamanship
• Southampton (England)
• Spain. Armada
• Stockholm (Sweden)
• Sweden. Flottan
• United States. Navy -- History -- 19th century -- Sources
• United States. Navy. European Station
• Voyages and travels

Genre Terms

• Drawings (visual works)
• Journals (accounts)
• Manuscripts
• Maps (documents)
• Photographs