can't find Whall, but since he gave a lead I googled California historical information and got this:

While the term "hog-eye" in relation to barges has a strong association with the California Gold Rush era, the historical record and interpretations surrounding its origins are somewhat debated and multifaceted

Here's a breakdown of the "hog-eye" barge history in California:

1. The Hog-Eye Barge:

During the California Gold Rush (roughly 1848-1855), a type of flat-bottomed barge known as a "hog-eye" was used on the shallow waters of the San Francisco Bay and inland rivers.

These barges were crucial for transporting goods and people to and from the gold fields and burgeoning settlements     


2. Origin of the Term:
Derogatory nickname: One theory suggests "hog-eye" originated from the dismissive term "ditch-hog," used by deep-water sailors to refer to rivermen or those who worked on these shallower vessels.
D-Rings: Another, less substantiated claim, suggests the term comes from the large D-rings (called "hogeyes") on the sides of these barges used for towing. However, this theory remains unverified.
Double Entendre: The term "hog-eye" also carries a separate, and potentially related, meaning as a euphemism for female genitalia, particularly in the context of some sea shanties. This double meaning adds to the complexity of the term's history.


3. Hog-Eye Men:

The men who worked on these barges were sometimes referred to as "hog-eye sailors" or "hog-eye men".

Depending on the context and the user, the term could carry connotations of being a riverman, a worker on these specific barges, or even a "womanizer", due to the double entendre mentioned earlier                                                                      
                                                                                                            
4. Hog-Eye Shanty:
"The Hog-Eye Man" is a well-known sea shanty that features this term, according to traditionalshanties.com. The shanty's origins are debated, but it's thought to have emerged in the mid-19th century and possibly tied to the California Gold Rush.

The shanty's lyrics are often suggestive, playing on the double meaning of "hog-eye", adding to the term's historical complexity and intrigue.


In Summary:

The "hog-eye" barges were part of the California Gold Rush transportation system. The name's origin is likely a derogatory nickname for rivermen, possibly with a link to the term's double meaning as a euphemism. The term is further complicated by its use in the popular sea shanty "The Hog-Eye Man," which adds layers of interpretation and historical context

feel free to agree or disagree