American sea elephanting in the 19th Century

An item reported that sea elephant oil or a mix of sea elephantseal oil furnished a large part of the oil traded on the American markest during the past 80 years. Since 1820 was it a typical New London industry with ships fitted out at New London, Stonington and Mystic. Of the voyages was 94% made by ships from these three harbors and 80% by ships fitted out at New London. The fleet was largest in 1858=1859 when she numbered in 1858 18 ships/4,527 tons totally in 1850 20 ships/4,461 tons totally. In 1904 wrote the commissioner that sea elephant oil especially was used for dressing morocco leather.

Source

George M. Bowers. U.S. Commision of fish and fisheries. Part XXVIII. Report of the commissioner for the year ending June 30, 1902. Washington, 1904.