In 1904 he was commissioned by Harper 's Monthly Magazine to write and illustrate a two - part article on whaling .
Ashley had both a knowledge of and interest in sperm whaling due to his upbringing in New Bedford .
In 1904 Ashley was commissioned by Harper 's Monthly Magazine to write and illustrate a two - part article on whaling .
Ashley had both a knowledge of and interest in sperm whaling due to his upbringing in New Bedford .