COURSE CHANGE: The Whaleship Stonington in the Mexican-American War

When the Stonington pulls into San Diego, California in September 1846 for food and supplies, the crew learns that war has broken out between the U.S. and Mexico. The captain allows the local inhabitants to take refuge aboard his ship. Thus begins the first steps in what would become the Stonington's months long tour of duty as a member of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Squadron. Illus.