Otis Swett served on numerous whaling voyages in the 1830's and 1840's. He signed his seamen's protection certificate in New Bedford, Massachusetts on April 28, 1838 at Age 18. He is recorded serving aboard the whaling ships "Logan," the Brig "Juno" and a final voyage as fourth mate aboard the "Minerva" of New Bedford, June 25, 1845 to April 5, 1848. The owner of the "Minerva," Captain Christopher Andrews, his wife Ruth, and four children were painted by William Matthew Prior in 1852. All four portraits were sold in these rooms June 2, 1990, lot 146.