1846
Monday, January 5th AD 1846
With a - Strong N-E trade wind - and under all · Sail - Steering West ·· At · half · past - 2 o-clock P.M. Saw the Island of Guam bearing N-W. distant 25 miles · took in Studing sails and - hauled · up N-N-W – At · Night headed to the S + - E · In Lat 13° N20', Long. 146° 24 E.
Tuesday, Jan 6th
At - Sun Rise hove the Island bearing W N-W · pased to the Eastward of It · and Saw an · other to - the Northward distant about 20 miles - Steered along the N +- W Side to the South + · W · . At one o clock PM come abreast of the harbour · and got a pilot at · 2 o clock · and - passed within the reef - and · anchored - At about 4 o clock · in a large - Bay – called Apra.
Wednsday, 7th
To-day Capt D- went on Shore to go to the City, 7 miles back. - Imployed Breakeing out the cargo + coopering. Weather rainey –
Thursday 8th
All hands · Imployed coopering the Cargo - Weather fine. – At - Noon the Capt returnd · on · board. - In the afternoon he informd me - that he would - give me my discharge · here.
[Note: there is a gap in the journal of several weeks.]
Tuesday, Jan - 27th
At - 9 O Clock - A-M Left - Apra Bay – for Umata – to water the Ship - With a moderate breeze. Anchored · at Umata - at - 12 - at noon - within a cables length of the Shore. - Here is No town as I can See. there is three or four Houses - - upon the beech - and - a fort upon the Hill clost to - the Sea Shore - over looking the buildings below –
Saturday Jan 31 1846
Yesterday finished getting water at 2 o clock PM we have taken on board over 300 bbls since tuesday - At 3 PM have up our Anchor - - made sail & stood to the Northwest At 8 o clock PM – we were off Apra Bay This morning stood in for Apra and the capt of the Port – came off – at 9 o clock and capt Destin went in with his Boat to the ship Jefferson – At Umata are a plenty of oranges and – good & cheap - water – handy and easy to get – and good and plenty – some – Pigs etc etc
The ships Empire of Nantucket and Jefferson of – N London are yet- laying in Apra Bay At – 11 o clock the capt returned on board – and we steered to the Northward At sun set the Island of Guam distant S-E 25 miles - breeze strong from E-N-E - Thurs. we are at Sea again and bound now direct for the Whale ground off Kamshatka The cold Chills began to come over me at the thought -- The island of Guam is not High Not more so than the southern part of the State of Connecticut I should think 60 mile Long from NE to SW & 20 broad – The soil very fertile producing oranges Bananas Limes Lemons Yams Sweet potatoes etc The Yams are very fine but the sweet potatoes are not - good – There are about 8000 Inhabitants on the Island – Mostly very poor being governed by the Spanish Tyranny – and Priest riden by the Church These Isleand were discovered by the Spaniards about two hundred years ago and were first subdued by Jesuits who Established missions upon them and reduced the natives to slavery - There are several of these islands in the group - - and are called the Marianas – under a Spanish goverer at Guam the principle
Sunday February 1st 1846
This day have strong NE trades steered to the N- weather clear- double reefed top sails This day at 11 AM Capt. Destin requested to know of me whether I wished him to put some body in my place as he was now going on to the whaleing ground—I replied the he could do as he saw fit and proper. about that I had done my duty as 3 mate of the which he could not deny—and I felt competent to do it—But as to being imposed upon as I had been I should not indure it—After much talk and recapitulation—I agreed to go to duty—and to be in the Starboard Watch---- At 12 o clock at Noon – returned to duty after being off since December the 30th 1845 one week before we arrived at Apra Guam
Monday, Feb. 2nd
continues steady breeze from EN-E steered by the wind to the Northward. under double reefed top.sails +coursers. Main top Sail unbent for repairs—weather fine—
Tuesday Feb 3
This day fine weather with light breeze at EN-E steered N. under all Sail—I painted the Bow Boat this day-
Sunday Feb 8th
The weather has been fine with light winds and calms Since Tuesday the 3.. to day have a light air from W-N-W steering N. Yester-day + to day see a quantity of pommice Stone and have picked up over a barrel of it We have been imployed the past week in repairing Sails and fitting cutting pendants and getting them aloft-- etc Lat by obs 22° - 18’ N Long. 140° -48’ E
Sunday Feb. 15th, 1846
The weather has been light and pleasant but chilly at night. Saturday had a moderate gale from E.N.E Lay too under clost. Sail—This morning at-day light made all sail. With a light breeze at N heading W.N.W. at 7 A-M shifts to N-W- and blows-strong in flows Wore and steered NNE—At Noon under double-reefed. Top Sails—the sky clear— At 3-P.M. kept off to N.E. with the wind two points free. Lat at Noon 27° - 54’ N Long at 2 ½ P.M. 138° East
Sunday Feb. 22nd
This day moderately strong breeze – from NNW steering NE under double reefed top sails + gib + courses—The weather quite cold and the sky cloudy—Since Monday the 16th we have had strong squally weather and rain and Hail. And three days Strong Gale from the West and N + W – Thursday the 19th passed near a small Island. quite high—Saw numbers of Birds Mallamalot and Albatross – the next day weather moderate – made all sail at sun set saw an other small peak. To the westward + -At Sun Set this evening. - Shortened Sail. With quite moderate weather and wore Ship heading W-N-W wind light at N. So End. The 22
Monday. Feb – 23 –
All hands at day light to make Sail. Moderate breeze at N. in squalls heading NW by W. this day quite pleasant – and ends – fine and nearly – a calm.. Imployed over hauling the windlass + repairing Sails – makeing Spunyarn – Send down the fore top gal[lant] yard and running rigging etc etc. At Sun Set Shortened Sail. – Capt. D. and Hen Holt - have a - quarrel. Capt. D. called him and Mr. Lyons – damned Liars etc etc So Ends
Tuesday Feb 24th [AD] 1846
The forenoon fine light weather—made all sail at 6 o clock AM with a light breeze at West heading N-N-W. Afternoon light squalls of rain—The officers Comcd Standing mastheads..At 6 P.M. shortened sail nearly a calm. Steered-N- Night moderate with rain
Wednesday 25th
All hands at day light made sail with a light breeze at S. W. steered N. breeze increased to a gale with heavy rain by Noon. took in all Sail + hove too heading S.S.E Afternoon wore and headed W-N-W- with a heavy sea. Very near loading our Boats. Night continues blowing towards morning moderates
Thursday 26th
All hand at day light to make sail with moderate weather and breeze at W-S-W Steered N increases and at Noon blows a Gale Shortened sail and hove too. Afternoon shift suddenly to N with a tremendous bad sea. Ship heading E-N-E. Large flock of Birds Albatross about the Ship. Night continues a strong Gale—with flights of rain snow + Hail
Friday Feb. 28th
The.Gale abates and .We have quite fine weather. But a heavy swell—Imployed repairing sails and rigging—and various other jobs and bent the cotton foresail— We made sail at 10 AM—and Shortened sail at 6 PM. breeze light at N.W—and—clear weather. Put-up our Stoves to day forward +aft—Night remains moderate with some rain. Wind from the Southward + light
Sunday March 1st [AD] 1846
This day light breeze from the N. and clouddy and some rain—made Sail at 7 AM. Shortened Sail at half-past five P-M-
Monday March - 2nd AD - 1846
During the night commenced - a Gale from North - and - rain and - Cold - – Blows all day Strong at - 6 A-M furled the main Top Sail and lay under the fore + main Spencers - Afternoon moderates a little at 4 P-M Set the main top Sail double reefed heading E-N-E At Night Strong Squalls of wind with rain some Hail - + - Snow - from N-W –
Tuesday March 3d
This day moderate at 8 o clock A M - made Sail – Wind light with Strong Squalls and Some rain from N-W - Ship heading N-N-E under - double reefed top Sails + - Courses – At - 6 P-M Shortened Sail – At - Night light airs and calm
Wednsday March - 4th
In the forenoon calm and - rain - Afternoon fresh breeze from N-N-E Steered N-W – at - 6 - AM - made Sail - at - 4 P-M reefed top Sails - At 6 - P-M took in all Sail but clost reefed main top Sail + fore Spencer The Night remains good pleasant weather and but a light breeze - -
Thursday March 5th
At - 6 o clock - A-M - all hands to make Sail weather light and - Sea Smooth - At 8 o clock Saw two Wright Whales - lowered the boats and chased - two miles - going quick to the N-+ - E - could not get near them – the weather remains - light and good through the day. At 6 P-M Shortened Sail - – Breeze light from the N + - E Steered to the N - + W –
Friday, March 6th
At 3 o clock A-M - commenced a Strong breeze from - N–E - At 6 o'clock A-M furled the fore Sail and and clost reefed the main top Sail. Lat at Noon 35° 20 N Long. 141 - 10 E
Saturday March 7th 1846
All hands - at - 6 A–M and made all - Sail with light weather - through the day light winds calms and Squalls - At - the Northward - and westward – Steering to the northward - At 6 P-M Shortened sail - and wore Ship - and headed W-S-W - Night - continues very light weather –
Sunday March - 8th
Made all Sail at - Sun rise with a light breeze at N - At - 9 - o clock - AM commenced - pumping Ship and found much - oil - Broke out - the hold - and found Several casks empty and - partly empty - At 6 P-M Shortened Sail - with light pleasant weather - and - three hundred bbls of - oil on Deck - In Breaking out the cask - It was found that they were not properly Stowed and Badly coopered – weather at Night good
Monday March 9th
Called - all hands at - 5 1/2 A-M and - made all - Sail with a light breeze at S-E and fine pleasant weather Kept off - and Steered N-W - Saw two Wright Whales going fast to the S + E - Commenced - Stowing down the Oil - Saw Several fin Backs At 4 o clock blows - a Gale from E-S-E took in all - Sail - heading S - with rain - Stowed down 120 bbls of Oil – Strong gale through the Night –
Tuesday, March 10th
This day in the Morning Blows Strong from S - with a heavy cross Sea - and much rain at - 10 A-M the wind lulls and - Shifts to N-W - with a very bad Sea – Made Sail and - Steered to the N + E - last night at - 4 o clock - AM - James Thompson got - hurd with the wheel –
Wednsday March 11th
All hands · at - half past five AM and made all· Sail - . with good· weather and a light breeze from N-E - . Imployed to day Stowing down Oil ·and finished at 5 o clock P-M. Saw - some . fin Backs - to day. Steered N-N-W with a light breeze - from _W. - Last - 10 - bbls· out · of - 250 · in leakage. At night carrying all Sail – At - night pleasant weather — — —
Thursday - March - 12th
At- Sun rise · Strong breeze at S-W Steered S-W · double reefed top sails – Afternoon Blows a Gale - at - 2 o clock clost reefed - main top Sail · and - hove too Ship Very wet - –
Friday March 13th
This day continues a heavy Gale from West - and - cold - with squalls of rain Hail and - Snow – -Boats stoven on the cranes – weather very Bad – At night the weather continues much the same. -
Saturday March 14th
This day · Blows · Strong - and · dry · weather with the wind at · N-W. Afternoon quite moderate – Lat at noon by obs. 36°-14’N During the night moderates and · we · make Sail.
Sunday March 15
At · Sun rise moderately good weather with a good whole sail breeze · at - South made all · Sail and · steered W N-W · Afternoon strong breeze · and much · rain - At Sun Set clost-reefed the top sails - and - furled the jib and · main Sail - Steering N-W by · W – Through · the night quite moderate — the wind Shifts to W-N W - + - N-W no rain after 9 o clock – P-M –
Monday, March 16th 1846
This day commences with fine weather and a light breeze from N.W. heading N-N-S. Made all sail at 6 A M. At noon had a squall from about W the wind has gone intirely around the compass to day. At 4 PM took in all sail with a strong breeze from N-W. Ships heading N. Imployed this day repairing main and mizen top sails - and - Boats. At night blows strong in frequent squalls and dry weather.
Tuesday, March 17th
The morning moderate made sail double reefed top sails & courses. Ship by the wind heading N-N-E wind N-W. Afternoon blows heavy in squalls with hail rain & snow at - one PM shortened sail. At Sun set - took in the fore sail - weather very Cold. At 11 oclock at night had several very heavy squalls. Carried away a main top sail sheet – called all hand to furl it and turn up the starboard boat.
Wednesday, March 18th
Blows a heavy gale. At 8 o clock A M. the ship cut water and head was found to be off – cleared away and took it on Deck - Towards night the weather moderates and we set the main top sail clost reefed – Through the night moderate.
Thursday, March 19th
All hands and made sail at 6 o clock A M. with strong breeze and increasing with rain from SE. At 8 o clock blows strong and much rain took in all sail and hove too – the remainder of the day lay too wind all around -
Friday, March 20 – 1846
This day we are laying too under main Spencer in a Strong Gale from NW with heavy squalls of Hail and snow – Last night at 12 o clock main top sail sheet parted – and all hands were called to furl it.
Saturday March 21st
The Gale continues – with light squalls of snow – fore and main Spencers are all the sails we have set. Weather very cold. Ship heading N.N-E Lat-38 N by obs
Sunday [Monday crossed out] March 22nd
The weather moderate made sail at 6 o clock A-M heading N-N-E under double reefed top sails. Squalls of snow through the day. In the afternoon saw 2 whales Imployed repairing sails. Weather cold. Lat. at Noon by obs. – 39°–16'N
Monday. March 23
We have good weather with a very light breeze from N-N-W heading N-E. The fore top sail on deck repairing shortened sail at sun set Fine weather through the Night with a light breeze at W & S-W
Tuesday March 24th
This day we have very fine weather with a light breeze from West. Steered N-N-W. Afternoon bent the fore top sail & unbent the main at 5 PM – bent it again – also- imployed repairing the rudder – which was found to be lame at sun set shortened sail-
Wednesday March 25th
Saw four large whales and chased them and ran over them with the ship. Fine weather Lat-39° 05' N
Thursday March 26th 1846
The past night we had a strong breeze at S.S.E. and clear weather. made sail at 8 oclock A M & Steered NW With a Strong breeze at S- and thick and rainey in the afternoon. Shortened sail at half past five PM. & hove too. under clost reefed Main top sail heading SW – At 8 o clock the wind shifts to NW – and in course of the night to N
Friday March 27th
Made sail at 7 A M and steered W N-W with a strong breeze from the N and cold. Afternoon calm. Shortened sail at 5 P M
Saturday March 28th
Made all sail at 6 o clock A-M and steered W-N-W with a light breeze from S-E & rain. Afternoon – shifts suddenly to N-W and blows strong – shortened sail at 1-o-clock – at 6 P-M- wind at -N ship heading W-N-W During the Night the wind hauls to about W and blows strong
Sunday March 29th
This day we have a strong breeze from W and clear and cold – made no sail Ship heading S S-W – clost reefed main top sail and fore spencer – continues blowing through the Night with Snow & Hail
Monday March 30th
The weather continues cloudy with squalls of Hail and Snow- otherwise clear and moderately cold -. The Ship is laying too under clost-reefed main top sail and fore Spencer – All hands Imployed at Idleness. Blows Strong through the Night
Tuesday March 31st
Moderates. Made sail at 2 P-M [missing]
Wednesday April 1st AD 1846
Made all sail at half past five and steered WN-W. with a light breeze at south Afternoon Strong wholesale breeze at S-E steered NW Shortened sail at half past six PM and Run under a clost reefed main top sail Steering NW- This day good weather but No whales- but fin backs Lat 35° 20’ North Blows a gale untill 12 at night Lat. 35° 20' N Long. 148°37’ E
Thursday April 2 AD 1846
Made all sail at half past five AM. with a very light wind and heavy swell and thick Fogg. The wind shifts to N at 9 o clock and a moderate breeze. Shortened sail at 1-oclock continues foggy until 4- o clock. PM clears up to night we are in very dark coulered water at sun set. Good. clear. Weather moderate breeze at - N Ship heading W-N-W under clost? reefed main topsail + foresail + spencers + fore top stay sail- Pleasant through the Night and very cold - - -
Friday April 3 AD 1846
Made all sail at 15½ o clock AM with a light breeze at N and cold and a plenty of frost Sea smooth- Remained fine weather through the day. Saw and chased Whales three times Very shy. Got nothing. At sun set clear + calm Ship under double reefed top sails and courses heading N-N-W Lat at Noon by (obs) 39° 55' N Night continues calm Long- by distance at 2 PM 145° 27'
Saturday April 4th
Made all sail at 5 ½ o clock. AM with calm weather through the day a very light air from the Southward. Saw one Whale in the forenoon and chased him 4 hours. + gave him up. In the Afternoon saw several more chased them 3 hours. Could not get hold of them. At sun set whales a plenty in all directions and some near the ship. Shortened sail with light air
Sunday April 5th AD 1846
Made all sail at day light ─ with a light breeze to the SSW at sun rise. Wore ship and steered E by S at half past 8 o clock Am saw Whales. At 10 o clock lowered our boats and struck two. Bow boat got stoved and capsized ─ Saved one Whale and cut him in by 1 am Lat by obsv ─ 39°59’ N Long by Chron 46° 52’ [note in left margin: Fr Olney Hurt to day]
Monday April 6th
This day blows strong from N-E with thick fogg and rain. Could not boil. Ships hove too heading to the N & E.
Tuesday April 7th
This day foggy and a moderate breeze at the S & W Ships heading to the West. Commenced to boil this morning gray but little rain today. When my boat got turned over by the Whale on Sunday I got hurt in my neck & head. I am better.
Wednesday April 8th
Today we have light air and variable with thick fogg and calm etc. etc. Continued Boiling. Steering to the Westward ─ I am nearly recovered from my Hurt. At night clears off with a light breeze at N. Steered W-NW.
Thursday April 9th
This day we have fine weather with light breeze at N─ Steering to the N & W and N & E. Saw two whales at 9 o clock AM and chased them.. Imployed stowing down oil ─ Afternoon saw as many as 20 Whales and struck one. Three Boats and all got loose and the Whale got away from them. At sun set weather fine ─ Whales a plenty heading N-E. Lat at noon 39° 43' Long.
Friday April 10th AD 1846
Made all sail at 5 ½ o clock A-M With a light breeze at N-N-W steered N-E Saw some fin Backs in the forenoon – Afternoon saw Wright Whales going quick – gave chase but could not get with them. Calm. Stowed down 100 bbls of oil. Shortened Sail at sun set. Cruised to the N & E Repaired the Bow Boat – clear and pleasant through the Night – Sow has nine Pigs –
Saturday April 11th
At day light fine weather Made all sail with a light breeze at S S W + to the Westward Whales in Sight going to the S & E quick chased them one rising cruised to the W Saw a Whale at 10 o clock chased him one rising– Cruised to the N & E with a strong breeze + Afternoon at 3 o clock took in all. Sail heading W Blows Strong – Killed the last hog - Hen Holt sick off duty- Lat at noon 39° 44' N I am not able to do - duty lowered my boat to day. My shoulder & neck is yet-Lame –
Sunday April 12th
Made No-sail this day. have fogg and rain with a moderate breeze to the southward. Shifts toward evening to N. Shifts heading to the North and to the eastward. Hen Holt sick off duty moderate to good weather in the Night –
Monday April 13th
Made all Sail at Sun Rise with good weather and a light breeze at N – E Steered to the ESE Saw two Whales wore ship at 1 o clock & steer NNW at 4 PM Saw two Whales at 5 lowered - got a dart at them twice missed Bow – Boat Sun Set come on board Shortened Sail – breeze light at N E several Whales in sight to windward Lat at Noon 39° 24' N Hen Holt on duty.
Tuesday April 14th AD 1846
Made all sail at – day light with a light breeze at N-E. Cruised to the S-E Saw two Whales going quick to the N + E cruise tacked Ship + steered to the N & W wind shifts to E. Steered NNE & NE. Afternoon light air and calm. -Sent up the fore top gallant yard-- + Sail Shortened sail at sun set Night light weather
Wednesday April 15th
Morning thick fogg. Made sail at 7½ o clock A-M and steered E-N-E with a light breeze at S-W At Noon light up for an hour. then foggy. through the day. At Sun Set Shortened Sail. Saw no Whales. this day Hen. Holt Sick and Below all day continues light weather through the Night heared Whales. blowing several times in the Night
Thursday April 16th
In the morning light breeze with a little rain Made all sail at sun rise -- heading NNE wind E – Saw a Whale. lowered. three Boats chased one hour + gave him up Come on board + got – Breakfast. Saw another Whale and chased 3 hours. Waist Boat - got – on – and-mised the Whale. At Noon – blows strong whole sail breeze—and rains hard. At 2 PM saw another Whale—lowered—and struck the Waist Boat – held on one hour and a half and cut the sea length come on Board and shortened sail – breeze – moderate and some rain. In the Night wind shifts to N. and blows strong
Friday April 17th
Strong breeze – at N. Made Sail at 10 A. M. and headed to the Eastward at 2 P.M. saw and chased a Whale. Going quick to the N Imployed cleaning Bone. Hen Holt on duty to day Shortened Sail at Sun Set Lat. 40°19’N at noon Long. 146° 06' at 2 PM
Saturday April 18 AD 1846
Made all sail at day light with fine light weather and smooth sea. with a light breeze. At E-N-E steered S-E at 9 A-M Saw a Whale going quickly to windward. Did not lower for him. at 10 o clock wore and steered –N—Afternoon wind hauls to E headed NN-E saw a spout—at Sun Set – Shortened Sail. Lat at Noon. 40° 02' Long. 146° 40’ E Night good weather wind shifts to S-E—
Sunday April 19th
Made sail at day light. With a moderate breeze at S-E steered E-N-E Kept of[f] at 7 o clock to N-E at 9 o-clock to N- breeze increased to a moderate gale – with rain – at 2 o clock P-M shortened sail and hove too heading E water green. Continued Stormy all night
Monday April 20
Weather moderate with the wind at N – sea rough At 9 AM saw a Whale and lowered no sucsess. At Noon lowered for two more “gallied” them – At half past- 4 PM lowered for two more. Struck one—Line parted—weather fine and calm – shortened sail at Sun Set – Lat – 41° 49’ Long 147° 49' S
Tuesday April 21st
Made all sail at day light – AM – with a light breeze at E-S-E heading N-N-E saw one whale going quick to the S & E – did not lower for him. At noon - blows strong and rains- at 2 P. M. Shortened Sail – at Sun Set calm and Foggy. At 8 o clock – wind out at W-N-W strong ship headwind NNE –
Wednesday April 22nd
Made sail at 5 o clock AM wind light at N – W and sea smooth – steered E-N-E at 7 A.M. set in thick fogg. Noon wind at S-W fresh breeze – At 4 PM took in sail. Thick fogg. Wind at S – Ship heading E-S-E. Night blows strong
Thursday April 23 A 1846
At day light quite good weather – made all sail steered ENE with a moderate breeze at SW. At 6 a.m. saw whales – lowered two boats – wind increasing - called the boats a long side and took in sail at 7 o’clock. At 8 o’clock saw a ship to the N & E – Blows a moderate gale all day. Lat at Noon 42° 40' s Long 149°. At night moderated down to fine weather.
Friday April 24th
Made all sail at day light with fine light weather. A ship in sight to the S & E. Cruised NW – NE and S-E. Saw several whales. Chased one at 9 AM to 11 AM. Going fast to the N and E. Afternoon ran over one with the ship. At 5 o’clock struck a whale. Held on until sunset. Iron drawed – come on board and took in sail. Breeze light at S-W. Sea smooth – continues through the night. Good weather.
Saturday April 25th
Made all sail at day light with good weather breeze light at SW – Whales in sight – Lowered two boats at sunrise – could not come up to the whale. Steered E-N-E one hour then N-N-W chased another whale one hour. Could not get up with him –steered N-N-W – Saw several whales going N-E. Lowered and chased two hours. Lost sight of them – strong breeze and rugged and hazey. Steered E-N-E at one o’clock - Saw a ship – 4 miles of N-N-E at half past 1 hauled a back for to speak her. She passed under our lee out of hail – when we made out to be the Barque Prudence of Stonington – The wind increasing to a gale – at 2 PM took in sail and lay too heading W. Saw another whale clost to the ship going N-E. The Prudence was under clost sail heading S-E. During the night moderates.
Sunday April 26th 1846
In the morning light wind and thick fogg heavy swell from S-W. Afternoon wind shifts to E with rain. Made No Sail today at Noon woremship – and lay] too heading N-N-E. Saw no Whales this day – at Night have the wind from S-E and strong and heavy rain with a cross Sea.
Monday April 27th
Wind Shifts from S-E to N-W with thick fogg in the forenoon. Afternoon clears up a little – Heavy ugly sea Lay too all day Saw no whales. At sun set wore ship. Headed N-N-E wind moderate at N-W and Cold and remains so through the night.
Tuesday April 28th
At day light in the morning weather moderate breeze light at N – Made Sail heading to eastward – wind shifts to N-E and increases to a Strong Gale. At Noon commences to snow – took in sail at 8 o clock A M. At Sun Set we have a heavy snow storm gale moderate from N-E. Snowing the fore part of the night – latter part moderates.
Wednesday April 29th
The storm has abated with strong breeze from N at 10 o clock A M. Made Sail – our rigging heavily coated with Ice. At Noon Saw Whales Afternoon – chased twice – no sucsess. At Sun Set calm. Whales still in sight. Lat – 43°-54' N a heavy old swell from N-E. Long 150°-44 E Continues moderate through the night wind shifts to South.
Thursday April 30th and Last
At day light have the wind light at South and snow. Made Sail in thick Snow Storm – steered W-S-W and SW at 7 A M ceases to Snow and wind more increases – Shortened Sail & lay too heading E wind S-S-E. Afternoon some rain & thick fogg. At Sun Set nearly calm Ship heading S-S-E.
Friday May 1st 1846
In the morning at day light we have quite good weather with a light breeze. At – W – made all sail and cruised to the N- & NE- and-S-E at half past 8 saw Whales – chased – three hours – At – Noon kept off N-E. At 2 PM saw several Whales. Lowered and – struck one – and Drawed – one hour after Struck another and soon Drawed - again wind Strong – took in sail – plenty of Whales in sight Blows strong through the night Lat at Noon –44°-17' N Long- - 151° – 24' E
Saturday May 2nd
Moderates in the forenoon made sail at 8- o clock A-M Saw a ship to the S-E- cruised to the E N-E – at Noon saw Whales – chased until night got nothing - spoke ship seen in the morning – France of Havre – Heared of the loss of the ship Columbia – France nothing this season – Shortened sail at sun set - heading N-E – breeze – light at – N-N-W & cloudy moderate -&- calm through the Lat-at Noon-44°-07' Night
Sunday May 3rd
At – day break commenced snowing with a light breeze at N-E- Made sail heading E-N-E – saw one Whale At 8 o-clock blows-strong and a thick Snow storm took in sail – Saw the Ship France one mile to the windward at sun rise Saw – a Whale in the afternoon. Blows a gale all. Day. - The gale continues and very cold – all Night
Monday May 4th
In the morning we have a strong N-W wind With snow and very cold . And rugged – sea At Noon. Kept off and made sail – steering South – for better weather- At sun set , shortened Sail and lay too heading S-W wind W-N-W and – moderating Lat at Noon 44°16'N - Long 152°-06' during the Night quite moderate
Tuesday May 5th A.D. 1846
Made all sail at day light with fine weather) ... and a moderate breeze from SW at 7 AM tack ship. and. Steered to the N & W and W.N.W through the day. Saw but one Whale at sun set. Shortened sail - with a strong breeze at south wore ship. And lay too heading ESE Blows strong through the night from the South Lat at noon 43° 45' Long 151°
Wednesday May 6th
Today as we expected - we have a gale of wind and rain from South. Lay too heading ESE - set the foresail at 8 o clock AM and took it in at noon The gale continues with heavy rain until midnight Ship heading WSW after 6 o clock PM
Thursday May 7th
Morning moderate after the blow-made all. sail at sun rise and Cruised to the Eastward with a light breeze from the west amd NW At 1 PM lowered our boats for two whales. Could not get near them - saw another at 4 PM going quick to the Northward-took in sail the ship rolling very heavy. Breeze light at south - Night pleasant and calm Lat at Noon 44° N Long at 2 Pm 152° 05 E
Friday May 8th
At Sun rise clear and a light breeze but increasing. Made sail - in about one hour shut in a heavy thick fogg ... took in sail - with a strong breeze at SSW - afternoon clear off made sail at 1 o clock and steered NE at half past 2 PM -Saw a ship to the east at 4 spoke the Ship Addison N-B 7 months out - 160 bbls Sperm had not seen any Wright Whales - got some papers as late as Oct 1845 shut in a thick fogg and we shortened sail as soon as capt Destin returned on board weather light but foggy through the night
Saturday, May 9th 1846
Morning thick fogg -wind light at ESE. At 10 o’clock clears up – Made all sail and steered N-E one hour – Tacked and steered S by W until night – weather thick with light rain after 1 o’clock P.M. Shortened sail at half past 6 o’clock. At night – foggy –
Sunday, May 10th
At day light thick fogg – At 6 oclock clears off – one ship in sight – light breeze at W-S-W. headed N-W – saw Whales – chased & gallied [frightened] them – calm until 3 P-M. At 8 A-M, 3 Ships in sight. Cruised Eastward – At 6 P-M saw Whales – moderate breeze at S-S-W at 7 – took in sail – heading W – Night – at 12 o’clock wore ship & headed south
Monday, May 11th
At day light Thick fogg and moderate breeze at S-W - at 6 o’clock made sail with the fogg breaking away – at 7 saw a Ship which proved to be the Stephania of N.B. no whale this season – saw Whales three times and chased them – saw two Ships in the Afternoon – one was the Louvre of New London as heard by the Stephania. No oil this season. Ran off towards night E-by-N. This day has been very good weather – at Sun Set took in sail lay too heading N-N-W Lat 44° 47' Long 153° 31'
Tuesday, May 12th
This day light breeze in the forenoon at W S-W – saw and chased one Whale – At 11 o’clock came up thick fogg – afternoon calm & foggy – at Sun Set light air at N-E & rain and snow – Saw one Ship today – Cruised to the Eastward took in sail at 5 o’clock P.M. Blows a moderate breeze through the Night.
Wednesday, May 13th
Made sail at day light with a strong breeze at N-W and very cold. Steered East. Had several squalls of snow. Lat at noon 45° 03' Long 155° 47' E.
Thursday May 14th 1846
At day light strong breeze at NW and very cold. made sail and steered East. at 8 oclock hauled up south. Breeze moderate made all sail at 10 o’clock. Steering S SW. at 2 pm saw whales. At 4 struck one. Killed him and he sank. At sun set took in sail. Quite good weather and continues through the night Lat 44° 4' S Long 156°45'
Friday May 15th
At day light calm – at 6 oclock a light breeze at ENE with a light flight of snow. Saw whales 6 miles off to the N + W at 8 oclock close to them. Lowered for them and gallied them - chased three times to day. Afternoon strong breeze at ESE + rain + cold + thick at 2 PM took in sail heading to the southerd. Strong gale through the night.
Saturday May 16th
At 5 oclock AM took in the fore sail and close reefed the mail top sail. With a strong gale at SE + continues through the day. Afternoon shifts to SW with fog. Blows a strong gale at night.
Sunday May 17th
At day light good weather. Breeze light at SW. At 3 oclock am a ship passed within a half mile of us heading to the westward under short sail. Made all sail + steered N – most of the day calm. After 2 PM a light breeze at E – Steered NNW. At sun set took in sail – with every appearance of a storm tomorrow. Lat at noon 44°23' S Long 151° 18' E
Monday May 18th
Made sail at day light with a moderate breeze at East and steered N by E. at 6 oclock saw a whale. Lowered the boats but came in thick and lost sight of him – steered S by W until 10 am then foggy. Took in sail at half past 2 PM made sail + steered N-W at 4 took in sail thick fogg.
Tuesday May 19th 1846
Morning [unclear] foggy and a light breeze at East. At 10 AM shifts to West and clears up. Saw a ship to the Westward. Made sail – and steered S-S-W at noon. Spoke the ship Lewis. No whale this season. Steering to the Eastward – Saw one whale at 2 PM. Blowing strong, took in sail at 4-o clock + headed N-N-W – At sun set set wind dies away. Night good. Clear weather.
Wednsday May 20th
Made sail at daylight with a moderate breeze at W-S-W. Cruised to the Eastward. Saw several whales but could not get hold of any. breeze strong and sea rough. Shortened sail at sun set. Lat at noon 44°-30’ Long at 2 PM 157°-32’ Mild weather throughout the night
Thursday May 21st
Made all sail at day light with a light breeze at W-S-W. Steered N-W from 8 to 10 oclock calm. At noon a light breeze at S-S-W with snow. Steered N-N-E at 3 ½ PM – clear weather – Saw a -whale and chased him 3 hours. but no sucsess. breeze light at E-S-E. Steered N.E. untill 7-oclock - Comcd snowing. took in sail – mild + pleasant weather through the night
Friday May 22nd
At day light quite moderate + good whaleing weather – made all sail with a light breeze at N-W. Cruised to the S+W. At 7 AM cruised to the N+E with a strong breeze in squalls with snow. Afternoon clear + very cold. kept on to the N+S. Saw a great many fin backs but No W-Whales. At 6 PM saw a ship to the Eastward. Breeze light at N-W - took in sail at sun set heading W-S-W. Lat at noon by obsv 45° 00' N Long by cron at 2 PM 158° 04' E
Saturday May 23 1846
Made sail at day light with a strong breeze at N - E. Cruised to the N & W - + steered West At Noon. Saw. two Whales . chased them all of the afternoon - At Sun Set breeze light at N took in Sail & lay with the Ship's head W – N – W At – Night fine weather + but little wind
Sunday May 24th
At day light pleasant made all. Sail - At Noon. Blows a moderate Gale. from S – W Took in Sail heading. W – N – W . At sun Set Blows – Strong . and . hazey. With appearances of- Rain - - This day . had. a roast pig for dinner one raised on board of the ship Seven weeks old. from. a sow got – at Guam - continues Blowing through the night
Monday May 25th
At day light moderate with snow + some fogg Made sail at 6 AM with clear weather and a moderate breeze. - Saw two whales going quick to the windward. Wind N – W Steered W – S – W untill 9 A M then to the N – E at 10 A – M saw Whales . Lowered & chased untill 1 P M come on board . Lowered at 3 oclock PM Struck – a – Whale - held - 20 – minutes + drew come on board Lowered at 4 PM + chased a Whale 5 miles to windward . – come on board at – 6 – o clock - took in sail at 7 ½ o clock – most - calm fine weather through the night
Tuesday May . 26th
At Sun rise 4 ½ – o clock . Good weather but a Light air at S – W Made all Sail headed S – E . one hour then N – W At - 8 – o clock. breezes - up at 10 – A – M Strong breeze . At noon. Lowered and . chased a Whale two hours . Lost sight of . him the Boats come on board. At 2 P – M Steered N – W – With a strong breeze . Saw . Some Hump Backed.. - took in sail at Sun Set . quite moderate Lat 45° 44' - Long 157° 23'
Wednesday, May 27th 1846
All this day thick fogg and a light breeze at S-W. made no sail today. night about the same.
Thursday May 28th
At day light foggy with breeze light at WSW. At 9 A.M. lights up a little. Made sail heading S. Saw several hump + fin Backs at 7 PM. Saw three Whales going quick to the Northward lowered and tryeed them but could not come up with them – fresh breeze + squalls of fogg all night. at Sun Set took in Sail Lat. 46º 00º Long. 156º 35º
Friday May 29th
At day light foggy. clears off at 5 o clock. made sail with a strong breeze at N-W. Steered WSW + S-W. Saw nothing to day but fin Backs. the day ends with fine weather and a steady light breeze at N – Lat at noon 44º-53' Long 155º-30' At Sun Set took in Sail. The night quite pleasant.
Saturday May 30th
Made all-sail at day light. with a light air at N-N-W. Steered W. Saw a Whale at 9 A.M. Lowered all the Boats in 20 minutes the Laarboard Boat struck. The capt. got his boat stove + soon filled. the crew got into the bow Boat. the other two boats had killed the whale by this time – and he soon turned up. got him along side at noon. comcd cutting at 1 P.M. With fine light weather – finished cutting at 7 P.M. Saw other Whales this after noon + chased them. comcd boilling at 9 P.M. continues mild weather through the night. Lat 44º 30' Long 154º-38' at noon
Sunday May 31st
Made sail at day light heading N. wind moderate at ENE headed S-E at 6 A.M. come onto blow. took in sail at 9 A.M. saw Whales going N-E Saw-a-ship
Monday June 1st AD 1846
Blows a strong breeze at N-E Lay too under the fore sail & Double reefed main top sail -- Afternoon moderates. Saw a Ship to the South At night quite moderate but cloudy -- continued Boiling 100 bbls. turned up.
Tuesday June 2nd
At 4-1/2 AM Spoke Ship Ajax of Havre France – two Whales – fine weather made All sail – Saw several whales & Lowered For one at 8 AM – got gallied [confused] in the smoke Boiling – 150 bbls. turned up - cruised S-E & N – Finished boiling at 5 PM have turned up 190 Bbls.
Wednesday June 3rd
At day light made all sail with but a light air - most of the day calm had a snow squall – Broke out the After Hold and stowed down 140 bbls of oil – chased Whales twice night calm.
Thursday June 4th
Made all sail at day light at sun rise Lowered and struck a Whale Killed & sank him. At 6-o-clock came on board & finished stowing down the oil 200 bbls. Afternoon chased Whales. Six miles from the Ship. Gallied them – come on board at 5 PM – Whales clost to the ship went Off & struck one with the Bow Boat – held On to him one hour after dark & cut Whale spouting thin blood – breeze light at E-N-E two ships in sight to day. – night Calm
Friday June 5th
At sun rise a gentle breeze at N-E. saw A whale – lowered two Boats and chased One hour. At noon Blows a strong breeze From N-E With rain & thick Weather chased A whale in the afternoon – too shy to get Hold off – half past two blows & rains – took In sail. Saw one ship to day. Cruised N-N-W & E-S-E. Wind N-E. Employed stowing down (…page cut off unable to read more)
Saturday June 6th 1846
Thick foggy weather with a strong breeze at N-E. Chased one whale at 5 AM at 6 AM spoke The French ship Ajax and "gamed" all day. At sun set took in sail heading E-S-E Wind light at N-E and thick weather. quite good weather through the night. Wind light.
Sunday June 7th
At day light made all sail with a light air from N-W steered N-N-E - Saw a Whale and chased him in company with the Ajax Calm most of the day- At sun set have a light air from W. The Ajax 15 miles astern took in sail at sun set heading N-N-W.
Monday June 8th
This day light wind and foggy could only see two miles. Saw 4 whales. Struck two Drawed from one - separated from the other at sun set spoke the Bremen Ship Honseat two whales steered N-N-E. Capt-Destin went on board of H- took in sail. Night fine weather --
Tuesday June 9th
Fine weather & a steady light breeze at E. Cruised to the N-E- Saw the Barque spoken last evening to the Westward - saw but one whale this day Lowered for him - going too quick - steered to the W-S-W after 5 AM. At sun set took in sail Moderate breeze through the night
Wednesday June 10th
This day have a strong breeze at S-S-E. Cruised N-E + N-W and West. Saw 5 Whales and lowered three times and gallied the whales. In the morning saw a ship to the Southward steering S-W and boilling. At 4 PM took in sail blowing strong and comcd to rain Lat - at noon - 43º 36' N Long at -10 AM 153º 48' E
Thursday June 11th AD 1846
Foggy untill 2-o clock P-M- lights up -- made all sail & steered S-E. Saw 4 whales and lowered Got clost to one. Gallied - come in thick fogg. at half past 6-o clock boats come on board. breeze strong – at half past 7 - took in sail.- have a heavy swell from the S-S-E. Capt D and Holt had a growl this morning again - about my Humble self. Foggy through the night
Friday June 12th
Thick fogg all day with a light breeze at S-S-W-. light up a little at 3 P-M and we made sail - Steered N-W -- wind W S-W took in sail at sun set - with clear weather and headed S. Saw no whales -
Saturday June 13th
At day light clear. Made all sail. Saw a whale clost by. lowered two boats – and gallied him—Foggy for two hours. At ten o clock saw more whales and chased the remainder of the day -- breeze very light towards night calm. saw as many as 12 whales but could not get near them. very shy. - at dark, two within a half mile of the Ship. calm & clear. took in sail. Lat - at noon – 44◦ 28’ Long. 154◦ 57’
Sunday June 14th
This day we have a thick fogg. At 5 A-M saw two whales near the Ship. At 7 made sail. At 2 P-M took in sail – at 4 – made sail again - at 7 P-M took in sail -- breeze light at E-N-E. cruised S-E and N – to day have a roast Pig for dinner.
Monday, June 15th
Made sail at 6 A-M. Fogg most of the day. Saw No Whales. Steered S-W in the afternoon. Lat at noon-44º 28' Long - - 155º 23'
Tuesday June 16th AD 1846
At 12 o-clock last night in a thick fogg came nigh running afoul of the Ship Addison of N-Bedford. hailed one Whale - to day thick fogg. At 10 AM made all sail and steered N-& N-NE until sun set - took in top gal[lant]] sails and main sail - steering N-N-E with a light steady breeze at SE Later part of the night clear weather Steered N-E by N
Wednsday June 17th
made all sail at 4 AM with fine clear weather. saw a whale at sun rise - 4 1/2 o clock Lowered but did not get him Lowered again at 8 A-M Did not get a Whale - Lowered again at noon but got nothing - cruised to the N-&E. Saw other Whales - breeze. light - Afternoon - Thick fogg - At sun set Shortened sail - wind E East - Lat 45º 28' Long 155º 05'
Thursday June 18th
Have fine light pleasant weather and a little fogg before 9 AM - breeze light at S-E saw a ship to the Northward - No Whales seen to day. Lat at noon 46º - 20' Long 155º 54' E carried all sail through the night steering ENE with a light air from S-E and fine weather-
Friday June 19th
Light air and calms steering E-N-E - saw two Ships one to the Northward 15 miles and the other to the Eastward 12 - miles Saw no Whales. Shot some Ducks Lat by obsv 46°-49’ night fine light weather. Long by cron 156º - 43' E
Saturday June 20 th
Fine weather with a light breeze at S-S-E at 7 AM Lowered and Struck two Whales. and parted from one and drawed from the other saw & chased two more in the afternoon Spoke Ship Montazuma 6 Whales Lat at noon 47º - 09'
Sunday June 21st 1846
Had a fresh breeze through the night – from S-S-E & steered E in company with the Montezuma Come in thick at 3-A.M. and lost sight of her. Thick all this day - At noon, wore ship and steered S-S-W. At 1 P.M. saw the Montazuma to Leeward 3 miles. Ran off and Capt. Baker come on board – and stayed until 8 P.M. Capt. B. is sick with the Rheumatism. has been for six weeks. This is the first of his being out. Heared from the India with 7 whales 6 weeks ago. At 8 P.M. parted company. The Montazuma going to the E-N-E and we to the South. Wind light at E-S-E and a thick fogg. Remains thick most of the night. At sun set Shortened sail and lay too under foresail & double reef main topsail.
Monday June 22nd
Have a strong breeze from E-N-E with rain at noon. Saw several Whales. At 6 P.M exchanged coulers with a French Barque heading N-N-W. Blows Strong with rain through the night -
Tuesday June 23d
Have a strong breeze from N-E. With rain in the fore-noon. heading N-W made some sail. Continues to moderate. Saw fin backs in plenty but no Wright Whales. At sun set took in sail. Heading W-N-W weather light through the night breeze light at N with fogg.
Wednesday June 24th
Made sail at 4 A-M with a light breeze at N. Steered E-N-E. Saw plenty of fin backs at noon. Saw two ships . Afternoon steered south. Saw 1 Whale. Lowered three Boats. Capt Destin struck & got stove Bad. Killed the Whale & it sunk - . At sun set took in sail. Weather foggy. Wind light. 4 ships in sight. Lat at noon 47º- 28 Long 159º 59-
Thursday, June 25th AD 1845 [sic]
Calm & foggy untill 10 A.M. Light breeze made sail headed N.W. + South At 2 PM– saw –4 Ships . At sun set spoke Ship Sally Anne N-B. 2 Whales- &- Barque Prudent . Stonington 7 Whale . Calm – Capt D on Board of – the S – A - &. capt - Brewster – Saw no Whales – this day – Night fogg . and . calm -
Friday June 26th
Fine weather in the morning made all sail at day light & steered to the N&.W. The Sally Anne & Barque in . sight . to the – N. Afternoon “gamed" with the Sally Anne. Some fogg . . wind light at – W - & - S - & S–E . at night fogg – saw nothing but fin Backs to day.
Saturday, June 27th
At day light made. all . Sail and headed to the Northward – with a good breeze at E saw. the Sally Anne headed . to the Southward At 7 ½ A-M shut in thick fogg . Steered W N – W. At ten A-M took in – sail – and lay too untill 3 ½ P-M clears off – Made all Sail and – Steered N-W. At – 7 ½ P M passed a ship two miles off – Boilling off- exchanged coulers . At sun set - reefed. top sails and headed. N-E-by-N. with the other ship on our weather beam 3 – miles off – saw. nothing this day but Fin Backs - - steered to the At night . under – double reefed . top sails & foresail with the other ship to windward. –
Sunday, June 28th
At 3 ½ o’clock . A . M made all . sail. Steering N – with a good breeze at E-N-E & . clear weather with the Ship seen last evening off – our . lee bow 3 miles off – a boilling yet – saw – several – fin back had - some fogg. - At – 1 - P M saw 8 or ten Whales at – 2 – P – M the wist Boat struck one. – Killed him and . got him along side at 3 ½ clock commenced. cutting – got - the throat & 1 lip – Fin - chain parted & we knocked of[f] + took in sail with thick fogg.
Monday June. 29th
Fine weather. with a light breeze at E N.E. -- did not . begin to cut the Whale untill 10 AM – and. finished at . 6 P- M. and lowered -for-another Whale. At night calm – carried sail heading to the Eastward - had Whales. Around. us –
Tuesday . June 30th
All. the forenoon. calm – with several Whales clost. to the Ship. Could. not lower for them on account of. Fogg – At. Noon. clears off-- a little –Whales. Out. Of- sight. Stowed down in the run – the Whales. were scared. away by the noise – made in coopering on board of the Ship -commenced boilling at 7 o clock yesterday Morning – strong breeze- at- night + thick fogg . From. W-S-W.
Wednesday July [overwritten on June] 1.st-- 1846
At . 5 A-M. clears. off - +. we have a fine day with a good Whole sail. breeze. from West – cruised North and – South. and. saw- any quantity of Whales - – but few Wright Whales Lowered two times - + - the Larboard quarter Boat gallied the Whales. both times - by careless ness - - finished boilling at 12 PM - or night + turned about- 160- bbls -
Thursday. July. 2nd --
Have a fine day. With a light breeze . N – N -W cruised to the S & W+ N & E Saw several Whales. Lowered. four times + struck 3 Whales and saved one - Stowed down. 60 bbls - in the after hatch - Yesterday finished stowing the run 50 bbls. – At night foggy + Wind light - Whale along side. – Lat 48º 37' Long 157º 38' E
Friday July 3d
Comcd cutting at Six AM - + finished at – 11- A-M comcd strong breeze - S S-W + clears. off – At - noon saw 4 Whales + chased them. Comcd boilling – cruised W Saw - 2 whales + chased them at 5 PM- Night Blows a – gale. --
Saturday, July 4th, 1846
Blows a moderate Gale most of the day and thick hazy weather from SSW and some rain--lay too --all day boilling - saw - some whales At night quite moderate but a little wind at 11-PM. Wind hauled WSW Ship headed S.
Sunday July 5th
The forenoon light breeze at west cruised to the - N - + to the S- + E Some Fogg -- Afternoon -- cruised S-W. At sun set saw 3 whales 6 miles to the windward finished boilling at 6 PM -- turned up 75 bbls. At night carry double reefed topsails wind light at N-W -- Saw a ship to the Eastward
Monday July 6th
At 5-A-M Lowered away for a whale Struck at 6 -- Killed--and got it along side at 8 o clock--Have fine weather and calm--most of the day finished cutting at 4 PM and comcd boilling--And stowed down 50 bbls of oil in the fore hold--night light weather--headed to the N + E - light air E-S-E -- Lat at noon 48º-07' Long-157º-26'
Tuesday July 7th
Light weather and a light breeze at S-E Saw a whale at 3 ½ A-M and lowered for him--no sucsess--Cruised to the Northwest--Lowered again at 10-A-M- galled [gallied] the whale--saw a ship to the Eastward--the whale cut yesterday is very fat
Wednsday July 8th
At 5 A-M saw 3 whales + chased them could not strike them. At noon pass the Ship Friends Boats with two dead whales Capt Howard came along side--afternoon chased whales 3 times. Light airs and calms all day At night finished boilling at -12 oclock turned up 160 bbls
Thursday July 9th
Light breeze chase whales 2 times--Saw the Ship Friends cutting--Stowed down 250 bbls fore hold
Friday July 10th AD 1846
Forenoon calm. Lowered three boats for whale 6 miles from the ship. Afternoon headed to the Northward with a good breeze at 1 P M saw 2 Whales near the ship. Lowered four boats and gallied them At 3 PM- Lowered for two others At 4 Capt D struck the Whale run very bad At 8 turned him up and got him along Side and fluked at half past 8- took in sail
Saturday July 11th
Comcd a stormy breeze at day light. Comcd cutting At 6 o-clock And finished at 11 AM with a Moderate gale. From SW But found the Whale a very poor one a dry thin don’t expect to get ten bbls out of it blubber Enough for 120 Lay too at night under clost reefed main top sail heading SSE In the night the wind shifts to WNW and blows a strong gale
Sunday July 12th
Blows a gale until 10 o-clock AM then lulls a little and we made sail and steered N at 4 P M- saw some Whales and Lowered 3 boats the whales going to the windward quick and the sea very Rough- Boats come on board took in Sail at 7 o-clock. To day threw over Board the Whales toungue and expect to throw the blubber to morrow- moderate At sun 2 ct and through the night-
Monday July 13th
Made all sail at 4 AM- with a gentle breeze At West and plyed to windward all day Saw no Whales but fin + hump Backs Lowered once to day imployed cleaning Bone and setting up pipes have the blubber yet in the blubber room- Fine weather At night carry sail to set to windward Wind light at WNW and shift to the SE & E Lat-
Tuesday July 14th AD 1846
In the morning have - a- light whole sail breeze at E S E and increasing with rain at 6 A-M saw a whale and chased him going quick to windward. At 7 chased two more going quick to windward – breeze increased with much rain steered W N W until 8 AM . At 9 AM took in sails – At 4 PM have the wind N-E & moderate Saw 1 whale this afternoon. Ship heading N-N-W. Night clear & pleasant and but a light breeze at N-W-
Wednsday July 15th
commences a strong breeze at 3 AM at 8 blows a gale comcd boilling the blubber cut in on Saturday last - boilled 4 hours and gained nothing & at 11 comcd throwing of it overboard & finished at 2 PM. Made sail at 6 AM and took it in at 8 AM moderates again at 2 PM made sail steering NNE at 5 PM Lowered for two Whales gallied them & came on board at 6 PM got supper an down again capt Destin struck at half past 6 at 9 had him fluked along side of the Ship very Large took in sail weather quite mild Lat at noon 48º - 08' Long 156º 36'
Thursday July 16th
comed cutting at 5 AM with good pleasant weather did not finish until 3 PM Whale very large and not fat saw Whale at noon and Lowered for them going fast to windward At sun set steering North saw five Whales clost to the Ship Night fine light weather at 12 o clock head SSW
Friday July 17th
Have fine weather and a light breeze at SSW & --W saw plenty of Whales & struck one & cut from him Capt Destin
Saturday July 18th AD 1846
At Sun Set Last night our Black-Hearted Skipper come on board after chaseind [chasing] two whales - and - comcd a bitter tirade of his abuse on me again - cursing and damning me all up in heaps--threatening to break my head etc Luckey for him that he kept his hands - off - Have fine weather and a gentle breeze - at - S. saw a ship to the westward forenoon had some fogg Afternoon saw whales and chased them - no sucsess Lowered twice At night quite moderate
Sunday July 19th
At 4 AM whale clost by the ship been in the try smoke Lowered + chase - no sucsess - Saw a great many whales through the day Lowered 8 times - the Starboard Boat Struck one and drawed At 6 PM I struck one in the Bow Boat + got the head of my boat stove - gave my line to the waist boat She held on a few minutes and drawed In hoisting my Boat up broke her head all off -- good weather with a moderate breeze at SSW Cruised west + S-E - whale very wild and hard to get hold off At 8 PM shortened sail and finished boilling - turned up 125 bbls Night quite moderate
Monday July 20th
At day light called all hands and got in the Bow + larboard qr [quarter] Boats + but out two others weather thick got ready to stow down - Saw - whales at 6 A-M The weather quite good + clear after 6 - made sail - Afternoon some squalls of fogg I saw several whales + Lowered three times this day but all shy + going quick to the westward -- Employed stowing down chocked of[f] the after hatch - + comcd in the fore -- good breeze at S-S-W cruised to the South East after 9 AM
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Tuesday. July 21st AD 1846
Made sail at . 4A-M with a moderate breeze at S-S-W—breeze. Increases .. with thick fogg and Rain. Saw. Two whales. and. Lowered for them No sucsess. Employed stowing down – choced Off – the fore hatch & comcd in the fore peak – Afternoon. blows. Strong – finished stowing at 5 o clock – P-M – 125 bbls – At-6 oclock. Took in sail Cruised S-E - & W – moderate at – night with fogg
Wednesday. July 22nd
Have. Good. Weather. With a light breeze. At W S-W- & W – saw-several. Whales. and. Chased. Two After noon foggy – cruised to the S&W – at sun set clear..&. calm. Quite light through the night With fogg—wind shifts to South – Employed Repairing. The boats
Thursday July 24th
Made. Sail at- 6-A-M- fogg. Clears- off- saw. Several, Whales. going quick to the S.& E. chased Two – once. Afternoon thick fogg. And. Some rain With a whole sail breeze. At- S-E-&-S- steered off to the N&-W- At 4P-M took in sail Employed. repairing the boats - &- setting up pipes
Friday. July. 24th
This day. Calms - +. Foggs . Some rain – finished Repairing. The bow boat. Heared whales blow Not far. off-
Saturday July 25th
The. Forenoon. Have. Rain & - fogg. & calm. -Heared Whales. blowing = afternoon came up - a strong Breeze – at N- saw whales in plenty – Lowered & - chased – [twice crossed out] 3 times – very rough – sea – wind shifts To -N-W steeres N-N-E – strong breeze – took in Sail at sun set. Night blows. strong. Ship heading WS-W- -
Sunday. July 26th
Blows. too strong to make sail Lay too all day Wind at N.W – saw some Whales. – Afternoon Clear. & dry. Painted the bow boat.
Saturday, August 1st 1846
This day Made sail at day, light AM-at-6-o clock saw a large Ship under double reefed top Sails S-S-E. passed to leward of us. 8 miles- At-7-A-M we kept off to N-E with a moderate breeze- at S-W. –And- have fogg + heavy Rain all the day. At 1 ½ P-M took in sail- Hen Holt on duty again - and has left the capt Table in the after cabbin – and eats with the Boat Steerers in the forward – cabin= at sun set heavy Rain + light wind at S-S-W- wore ship + headed S-E at-10-P M- Stops Raining . n. foggy through the night
Sunday, Aug 2nd
Light wind – calms + fogg - Saw - a Ship to The N+-W- Lowered once for a hump Back And Twice for Right Whales. Cruised to the N+-S. At sun set took in sail- Capt Destin and Mr Lyons only . lowers these Three days past- Night have light in And fogg with Thunder + Lightning-
Monday Aug 3rd
Made sail at day light with a light breez At S-S-E + thick + Rainey continues to rain heavy until 8 o clock. Then clears off - Saw a Ship to the N + W. Saw two Whales + Lowered all four Boats Shut in thick Untill 11 o clock. Saw two more whales- Shut in again – at 1 P m Saw Whales again – chased them + “ gallied" them- At 3 P-M thick fogg - Steered N+W “ untill sun set + took in sail Lat- at noon- 49º-14' N - Long
Tuesday aug 4th
Foggy 4 hours in the morning – 9 am saw The Land to N=W- at 10 saw a ship - at noon spoke Ship Globe of N- Bedford 5 Whales steered NW with a strong breeze at N-S – at sun set the Land. 25 miles – off bearing from – S-W to N –E Saw plenty of Hump Backs no Right Whales Carry-all-sail-at night
Wednesday August 5th 1846
This day have fine light pleasant weather run in within ten miles of the Land. which we suppose to be Isleand near the coast of Komshatka and the straits going in to the Sea of Okotsk – breeze, light from N-E to S-E steered along to the N & - E Saw many hump backs. This Land is not very high but is almost covered with snow. wind light and thick fogg through the night steered E-N-E Lat at morn 50º – 14' N
Thursday Aug 6th
Have a moderate breeze at South & S-W with a thick fogg. Steered E-N-E and N-E. At 2 PM took in sail & headed to the S & E at 2 AM headed W-N-W continues foggy through the night
Friday Aug 7th
Have thick fogg untill 8 o clock AM. clears off made sail & steered N-W with a strong breeze at S-W. At 10 o clock saw the Land ahead. At half past ten Lowered the Boats and the mates boat got fast to a whale after an hour the whale took his Line. Afternoon ran in to within ten miles of the Land - at 7 PM headed off Shore. breeze very light have the Land to the Eastward bearing N-N-E and to the westward bearing W-S-W, Mountains high & much Snow. Lat at morn 50°- 50'N
Saturday aug 8th
In the morning off Shore 30 miles and have a Strong breeze at S-W. Stood in for the Land.. at 8-o clock two Boats started for the Shore. distant 10 miles – breeze light wore & stood off at noon stood in and the Boats come off – got nothing but wood. the weather fine and pleasant steered N-E along the Land. Lat at noon 51° – 20'
Lat 52°- 09'- Sunday Aug 9th Ran along ten miles from the Land to the N & E breeze
[rest of page is unclear]
Monday August 10th AD 1846
At 4 A-M off Awatska Bay 25 mile with a moderate breeze at W-S-W Run in near the Land and got becalmed - and - had to down Boats and tow off Shore - Saw two Ships Standing in Saw a merchant Ship come out of Paulovski At sun set the Ship Sally Anne - N B wanting one Whale going in to cooper - Saw the French Ship John Cockerill bound in light air off - Shore. Double reefed & headed off Shore - Light air & calms through the night
Tuesday aug 11th
Have light airs & calms. Afternoon had a light breeze from the Southward & towed in to the Bay about 25 miles and anchored at the Port at sun set - Found one Ship at the Port - The Olive Branch of N - Bedford 9 months out - 300 bbls Passed in the mouth of the Bay - The Ship Newburyport 2700 bbls - & Ship Casander of Providence & three French Ships
Wednsday aug 12th
Employed getting water - got off 140 bbls Have fine warm pleasant weather - got 16 pipes of water stowed below
Thursday, aug 13th
Got of 6 casks more of Water – And have one watch on Liberty on Shore - I was on Shore part of the day - Saw a prosession of the church - I cannot discribe it - Weather fine and pleasant
Friday aug 14th
Have fine weather - one watch on Liberty and myself & boats crew after clams with much trouble got about one bbl . . . I also write a letter to My Wife to send by the Sally Anne Via N-Bedford
Saturday, Aug 15th D 1846
In the morning have a light breeze at N.W. Weighed anchor and went about 3 miles down the bay & got becalmed and anchored again and went 4 miles down the bay and got 3 boat loads of wood at night have some rain.
Sunday aug 16th
At sun rise have a fine breeze from NW weighed our anchor and ran down to the mouth of the Bay ten miles and anchored employed all day getting of wood. Got off about 8 cords at 5 PM the Olive Branch Back to sea and one ship in the offing came to anchor out side of us and was boilling.
Monday aug 17th
At day light have a strong breeze at NW- got under weigh and put to sea at 6 AM at 10 o clock saw one whale & lowered two boats got gallied by the boats of a French ship. Steered E. &. N.E. Saw several ships at 3 PM spoke the ship Plymouth of Sag Harbour with a dead whale. At 7 PM spoke ship Mercury NB and ship India 4400 bbls of New London cutting and G + Mary 2100 bbls boilling took in sail and spoke At night a strong breeze and shifts to N-E-
Tuesday aug 18th
Blows strong until 10 AM then moderates- made sail at noon and steered to the Eastward Saw 8 sail of ships at 3 PM lowered for a whale at 4½ the Larboard qr Boat got fast I lowered and killed & got him along side at sun set calm- & light weather through the night
Wednesday aug 19th
At day light have fine weather and a light breeze at SW comcd cutting at 5 ½ AM spoke a ship belonging to Sag Harbour 1250 bbls finished cutting at noon made all sail and headed to the Eastward saw several hump Backs & 5 or 6 ships.
Thursday aug 20th AD 1846
This day fine weather and a light breeze. saw several whales + lowered our Boats – (always excepting the Bow Boat) eight times but struck nothing Several Ships in sight saw one Ship cutting at night. Calm off Kings Head in the morning. At night 40 miles to the S + W calm all night – continued boilling
Friday aug 21st
Have a light breeze + some fogg from SW Six or seven Ships – some boilling Steered N-E At Inn let spoke the ship Charles Henry of N London 1300 bbls 13 months out – saw but one Whale to day – Steered E-N-E untill 12 o clock at night then -N- with a 6 not breeze.
Saturday aug 22nd
Have a light breeze at S steered N – saw one Whale at sun set Lowered for him gallied calm all night – with light rain – course N-E finished boilling at 8 A-M turned up 135 bbls
Sunday aug 23rd
Calm all through the day – saw one Ship to the Westward Steering to the N + E Employed setting up pipes shooks. Night calm ---- distant from the Land 25 miles and off abreast of Mount Kronosksi and Shepunskanos which are very High not less than 3 miles – with their summits covered with snow –
Monday aug 24th
Have fine light weather with light airs + calms Employed – stowing down betwixt decks for the first time. stowed 22 pipes of 6 bbls each Afternoon – have a light breeze at W steered E-S-E. Ship in sight to the S-W. at night calm.
Tuesday aug 25th
Calm through the day. at night have a fine breeze at W steered N-E 6 hours. at 1-A.M. falls calm. a large Ship 4 miles to the westward. Steering N-E
Wednesday August 26th AD 1846
Calm. from 1 A M untill – 2-P M A light breeze at S-W steered N-E- Hove off the South Head of the Bay. at sun set chased three whales and gallied them – two ships in sight steering N-E- latter part of the night Calm 25 miles from the Land-
Thursday aug. 27th
Light airs and calms Lowered – in the morning for whales 5 miles from the Ship – which turned out to be fin Back Whales – repaired the Miz top sail – and cleaned a Head of bone. At 4 o clock Lowered for a Whale – Capt. D. struck - & we turned him up 3 miles from the Ship. – towed him to the Ship & got him fast at 10 o clock - & Headed off Shore – saw 3 Sail today – Latter part of the night have a good breeze from the N – E
Friday aug 28th
At 4-A M all hands to get the whale in – got him along side – chain – parted – got him along side again and comcd cutting at 8 A – M – breeze from N – E and a heavy swell. run before the wind and cut Whale is a very large one finished cutting at 7 P – M and comcd boilling heading E - N – E Wind N - & light- Saw two Ships to the S & W of us. Moderate breeze through the night-
Saturday aug 29th
Strong breeze at N-&-N-NE- stood in towards the Land until noon - near the south head – of the Great Bay = our Whale is very fat – and makes oil fast – Employed boilling and setting up casks – saw two - Whales – too rough to lower for them – took in sail at 5 PM
Sunday aug 30th
Blows a Moderate Gale – with a heavy sea from N – Headed E N-E under clost reefed Main top sail & foresail – Employed boilling and setting up Casks. Have 23 – pipes filled --
Monday August 31st AD 1846 Moderates in the forenoon - saw the land distant. N-W-80 miles two mountains in the great bay. Afternoon headed in shore W-N-W quite good weather at sun set one ship in sight to the S and W. Have 35 pipes turned up and shall finish tonight.
Tuesday September 1st, 1846
Have a strong breeze in the middle of the day. struck a whale at 10 a.m. and lost in a line by the waist boat - Afternoon stood in to the land and saw several whales within 10 miles of the shore. Welcome the Hamburg Ship Elbe 13 months -1700 bbls - saw two other ships- at night breeze light at S -W steered to the N and E. employed in taking down The steerage and shifting the bone and putting up births [berths] in the forward cabin.
Wednesday September 2nd
The weather fine and breeze light at S-W employed stowing down between decks, stowed 20 pipes of oil 120 bbls cruised along the land. to the N-S saw a French ship- and the ship Helespont of Mystic Capt Manwaring. Came on board of us 13 months out. 1400 bbls all well Saw but one. Whale today at sun set in the mouth of the bay "gamed" with the ship Helespont until one o clock at night.
Thursday September 3rd
Have a light breeze until 9 o’clock a.m. - then calm until 2 p.m Saw The Hellesponts boats fast to a whale but did not get it - chased two whales at 2 p.m. - light breeze at S.W. steered N-N-W another ship. To the westward at night carried whole top sails and headed off shore - light air through the night.
Friday September 4th
Have a fine breeze at south and steered N.W. until 10 a.m. then N.E. but saw but two whales and chased one going quick S.W.
Saturday, Sept. 5th AD 1846
At 5 A-M have a strong breeze at south hauled the ship up. W-S-W by W at 9 lowered for a whale- blows. Strong and very rugged the ship under double reefed. Top sails - - - at 2 P-M near the land. Wore ship and headed SS-E today. We are where we got our whale on the 19th and 20th of Sept. last- have only seen one to day. At 6 P-M took in sail blows strong through the night.
Sunday Sept. 6th
Blows strong from S laying too. Heading W-S-W . Afternoon made sail. At sun set quite moderate. Took in sail and headed off shore. E by N through the night.
Monday Sept. 7th
Light air and calm from S-S-E and S-E steered S-W saw nothing but fin backs- 80 miles from the land. At night breeze light at S steered W-S-W and carried sail.
Tuesday Sept. 8th
Light airs and calms from S steered W and W-S-W distant from the land 50 miles- S-E saw some fin backs. Stowed down 4 pipes of oil between the deck at night carrying all sail heading S-W air light from N-N-W. After 1-oclock A.M. have a fine breeze from N-W.
Wednesday Sept. 9
Have a steady breeze from N. After 9-oclock have a strong breeze at N-W until 8 P-M cruised across the bay and out to the southward saw 3 ships and several fin backs but no right whale at night calm and light air from the N headed to the S and W.
Thursday Sept. 10th
Calms and light breeze in the afternoon from south saw fin backs and three right whales at sunset and lowered for them. Ship Washington of Sag Harbour and Chas-Henry of N London. Saw one ship boilling and 3 others to the S and W.
Friday September 11th AD 1846
Light air and calm. Saw two whales and lowered twice. No sucsess. This day at dinner time the chief mate and steward got in a quarrel and Capt. Destin commanded the mate to stop and he replied that he would be damned if he did – the Capt. then collared him and ordered him out of the cabin and told me to pass out his things from the cabin which I done. Capt D─ ordered him forward or he might live on deck. Holt swore he would go in the cabin ─ Capt D. also gave all hands orders not to obey him as an officer. At 5 PM Holt made acknowledgement to Capt Destin and he came into the cabin again and eats at the Captains table after being from it for 40 days ─ thus ends this "flare up". I saw 4 ship today to the N&E & we cruised to the S&W at night shortened sail – nearly calm. The Ship Chas Henry to the Eastward of us 5 miles off – Calm through the night.
Saturday Sept 12th
Have a light breeze. Cruised to the westward. Saw two Right Whales & chased them – going to the Northward quickly – Lowered. twice today – Chas Henry in sight. At sun set shorten sail – distant from the land - 60 miles and calm . Holt is on duty again and all quiet – calm through the night.
Sunday Sept 13th
Light Breeze until noon – distant from the land 30 and 40 miles North of Kings Head saw a great many Hump Backs – but no Right Whales. Cruised to the Southward. Afternoon have a good breeze from SSW. The ship Chas Henry 20 miles to the S. of us – and saw another ship to the Southward Employed repairing old sails. Weather fine & pleasant –
[Note: the dates recorded on page 111 are repeated on page 115.]
Monday, September 14 1846
Have. a - strong breeze. from. South a. thick weather with Rain - cruised W-S-W, and. E-S-E Saw one. Ship in the morning - Saw no Land – nor - Whales – but Fin & - Hump Backs from. 7 P-M - to 2.- A-M Blows a strong gale. from South S- East. with Rain at 7. oclock - took in the fore sail – and – clost–Reefed. the main top sail - At - 1 - A-M lost. the waist Boat – At - 3 A M – moderates - -
Tuesday Sept. 15
Made all. sail at – 6-A-M - with a light breeze from – N – and. a heavy sea from South – steered S-S-W. at - ten wind shifts to - W – and. have a strong breeze. - saw Kings Head. at – noon bearing NW distant 50 miles - At 2-P-M headed in shore. N-N-W took in top Galt [gallant] sails At sun set – headed off – S-S-W & Reefed - the top Sails - - and. carried away our. Spanker Gaft [gallant]– saw - no – Right Whales to day. and. I think we carry sail to night to leave the Coast – have - a strong breeze - and a Rough sea -
Wednsday Sept 16th
Moderates in the forenoon - and – we have fine weather – with breeze. light at W-N-W saw - one Ship in the night heading to the N-&-W - saw – one. this morning to the Eastward heading to the Southward – from 6 - aM. to 9-aM. headed. to the N - - then to the S &-W again – continues light weather through the night carriying all. sail bound. to the westward Lat – 51° – 36' N Long – 160°
Thursday Sept - 17th
This day – have fine weather with a – gentle breeze – at N-W - steered W-S-W - saw a great many fin Backs – To-day put up – a – new - mizen gaft – Afternoon Killed the last of – our - Pigs – Raised on board. It is a fine one and – fat – good - weather with a – light breeze. at W-S-W steered N-W-- Lat 50° 42' N
Friday Sept 18th A -1846
Steered N-W- with a - good- wholesail breeze at- W-S-W- - Saw-nothing but- Hump + Fin Backs Saw the Land- at- 1-P-M bearing N-W + W At 5 P-M reefed. top sails–wind increasing From S-W. Wore-Ship + headed S-S-E- Lat at noon. of by obsv 51°21’ Long by chrom'ter 160-° 17’
Saturday Sept 19th
Have. a. Strong Gale. from. South. Clost reefed the top sails. at. 10 A-M steering W-S-W- At noon gale increases. with rain. wore +- headed E-S-E +- took in sail +- hove - too –At- 2 m set- moderates - and- the wind shifts to- N W + clears off- at 2 A-M made - sail heading WSW
Sunday – Sept -20th
At- sun rise- comcd [commenced] a strong breeze. and blows all - day - so that we can only carry clost reefed. top sails - - Saw a Ship. to windward- 15 miles also- Steering to the S + W wind- W-N-W Lat-50°-40'
Monday. Sept 21st
At - 4 - A-M moderates made - sail - At -7- A-M- made all - sail - with fine light weather - steering S-W- with a – Ship off – our – larboard bow- - At – 3 – PM. spoke - her Ship - Cathelot - of Havre France with 1800 – bbls - - the capt - down - with a broken leg - - by the fin Chain in cutting in a Whale about - two months since - – At Night light air and - calm - Lat 49° 14’ - long. 168° 30'
Tuesday Sept 22nd
We. have. calm. + a - very light air - in the afternoon from . East. Steered WSW . – the French – Ship 5 miles off - - saw some fin Backs. Weather clear + - warm - At - night fine breeze - at SE – Steered WSW Lat at noon. 48° - 40'
Wednsday, Sept 23 AD 1846
Steered W-S-W with a good breeze at SE Increased to a gale wih rain. At 4 P M hove too heading SSW. At 6 PM took in the waist and bow boats + wore ship + headed - E
Ship Gen'l Williams
Bought of Capt Forsyth in June 1852
- one Box of tobacco 16 lbs - price not known
- do (ditto) one Box of segars 900 - price not known
Sold Watson one hat----------------$2-00
two pounds of tobacco 50¢/lb 1-00
do (ditto) do do-------------------1-00
John Billings Dr [debit] April 1st 1845 By balance in trade $1-12 1/2
1845 Fr. Olney to the Ship Merrimac --- [unclear] - has two JE of light Shoel--April 20th
Royal J. Kimball April 1845 Dr For oweyhee [Hawaii] moss for bed Paid $3-00 [Entry has X through it]
May 1st 1845 One blanket of the ship
G N Williams Dr April 1845 For moss for a Bed $1-25
October 24th 1845 One Bedford Shirt of the ship for the Steward $2.25
Royal J. Kimball Dr May the 4th by one Jr? of Boats - $4-50 paid [Entry has X through it]
Nov 2nd 1845 Recd of Capt Destin at Lahaina - $ - $2
July 8th 1845 Jack the Ship Keeper to 5 1/2 yds of heavy Duck at ----$2.25 Recd Payment 2.25 [Entry has X through it]
Recd Nov 11 Honolulu cash of Capt Destin $2
February 15th 1846 one pair of stocking from the Slop chest $00.--50 cts
Dec 18th 1845 Walter Sackett by 5 yards of Duck 30 cts $1-50
Dec 18th 1845 John Harris by 3 yds of duck 90 cts
Jan 14th 1846 Bought of Charles Watrous one Pistol Balls and mold and one canister of Powder $4-00
Jan 14th 1846 Isaac Allen Dr by two pair of Sattinett pants and two flanell Shirts $13--15
Oct 5 1846 Sold William the Steward one pistol and fixings
Jan 14 1846 Charles Watrous Dr By 7 yards of Duck 30 cts--$2--10
Returned $4-00 cash of Capt Destin at Sidney NSW £2 10s
[Note: the dates recorded on this page are a repeat of the dates recorded on page 111.]
Monday Sep 14th. A 1846
Strong breeze from S and. thick weather with rain cruised W-S-W & E-S-E. one ship in sight to the N. I saw no - Whales - but Fin & Hump Backs & from 7 P.M. to 2 A.M. Blows a strong gale from S-S-E with rain-at 7-o clock took in the foresail and clost reefed the main top sail – At 1-o clock A-M lost the Waist Boat – at 3 A.M. moderates
Tuesday Sept 15th
At 6-o clock A-M made all sail – with a light breeze from N. – and a heavy sea from S. Steered S-S-W – At ten wind shifts to west and blows a strong breeze – Saw Kings Head at noon N-W 50 miles – At 2-o clock P-M headed in Shore NNW At sun set took in top galt sails – an[d] headed off shore. SS-W and reefed the top sails – Our our spanker gaft broke. At Sun set carry sail to night and I stand a watch – Saw no Whales to day. And we are bound to the S&W the sea very rough - & breeze strong.
Wednsday Sep 16th
Moderates in the forenoon and we have fine weather – light breeze at W-N-W – passed a ship in the night heading to the N & W – saw another ship morning to the E heading to the S & W – from – 6-AM to 9-A-M headed to the N—after to the S&W continued light weather through the night – carried all-sail-Lat 51°- 36’ Long 160-E
Thursday Sept 17th
Fine weather – with a gentle breeze. At N-W steered WS-W saw plenty of fin Backs - - Got a new gaft up killed our last Pig one raised on board and weighed dresed 70 lbs – wind shifted to W-S-W headed N-W. Lat 50°-42’N
[Note: page 116 of the Journal is a repeat of the days recorded on page 112.]
Friday Sept 18th 1846
Steering N-W with a good wholesail breeze at [W W]- Saw nothing but fin & Hump Backs – Saw the Land in the Afternoon bearing N-W & N. At 5 PM reefed top sails & headed SSE wind increasing Lat at noon by obvs 51°-21' – Long by cronometer at 2 PM- 160°-17'
Saturday Sept – 19th
Blows a strong gale from S clost reefed top sails - at 10 A-M heading heading W-S-W At noon – Increases - with rain- headed-E-S-E and lay too under storm sails At sun set moderates and wind shifts to NW & clears off At 2 o’clock A-M made sail heading WSW
Sunday Sept – 20th
At sun rise comcd [commenced] a strong breeze – could only carry clost reefed top sails – saw a ship to the W heading to the S&W – Lat 50°-40'
Monday Sept 21st
At 4 o clock AM moderates – made all sail head-ing S-W – with fine light weather – with the ship seen yesterday off our lee bow 10 miles off At 3 o clock PM come up with her & spoke Cachalot of Havre France 1800 bbls 9 whales this season. Her Capt had his Leg broke by the fin chains breaking in cutting a whale Capt Destin went on board – He has been down with it 2 months – Light airs & calm through the night Lat 49°-14' – Long 158°-30'-
Tuesday Sept 22nd
Afternoon springs up a light breeze at E - At sun set the Chohalot [Cachalot] 15 miles astern saw a few fin Backs – Strong wholesail breeze at night - Steered WSW – breeze S-E at 12 – o clock - Lat at noon 48°-40'
Wednsday Sept.23 AD 1846
Steered WSW north a good breeze at SE - increases to a gale with rain. At 4 PM headed SSW under short sail blowing heavy At 6 PM took in the waist and Bow Boats. At 7 quite moderate wind shifts to S Wore- ship & headed SE at 7 1/2 o'clock had a heavy shock of an Earth Quake the Ship trembled like a leaf- wind light through the night at SW & clear
Thursday Sept 24th
Headed in NW North a strong breeze - at SW and Saw the Land at 2PM and within 15 miles one of the Northern Jappon Isels Headed of Shore- and- steered SE with a strong breeze until 12 at night Lat 48° 01' N Long 154° 10' E
Friday Sept 25th
Breeze light- course SE- sent up the mizen top galt sail- which has been down since April 1845 Lat at - noon 46° 40'- Long 15° 56'
Saturday Sept. 26th
Light wind from the westward- untill after noon- Steered SE Sent out Flying gib & and boom. At night have a fine breeze. from W-
Sunday Sept. 27th
Light breeze- from the N-W. Steering S-E-got- out studding sails to day. Weather Warm- & pleasant- -At 8PM wind shifts to ESE steered S- at 44° -28' Long 159° -29'
Monday Sept 28th
At 3 AM -with the wind SE and -rain heading ENE- pass near a Ship- heading to the S - forenoon- wind shifts to NE- Steered SE- Capt Lowered- for Black Fish- Lat at noon 43° -40'- Long 160° -42' at night wind shifts to ES-E headed S
Tuesday, September 29th AD 1846
At 4 A.M. commenced - a strong breeze at E-S-E + rain At 6 under double reefed top sails at 10-am Moderate with light breeze at -S-W-steered S-E At 2 PM fresh breeze -- under whole top sails 9 P-M. all sail + breeze, light at S-W course S-E by E
Wednsday Sept 30th
At 7 A-M-comcd [commenced] a strong breeze at- West course S-E by E continues all day. Employed repairing try works + building a Smiths forge. Lat at noon by obsv- 40° – 35'N Long. by cron'ter [chronometer] 163° -29'
Thursday October 1st AD 1846
Wind light at -N-E-since 2-AM. Steered SE- by E under all sail. At noon Some rain- At Sun Set nearly a calm—very light through the night. at E-S-E with some. Rain--headed N-E
Friday October 2nd
Have a fine whole sail breeze at N-E+ N with some rain. Steered S-E by E and E-S-E after 2 o’clock PM--The weather being cloudy we have not gotten an observation these two days past - fine breezes through the night
Saturday Oct 3rd
Light breeze all day at N + N-N-W and fine clear weather and warm- At 4 P-M. breezes-in squalls. At 5 A-M strong squalls + rain at 6 double reefed top sails up to midnight
Sunday Oct 4th
At 4 A-M have all sail on the Ship with fine weather and a light breeze at N-N-W course E S E + S-E by E through the day-the same- Lat by obsv 36° —22' Long. by cron 169⁰ 49'--
Monday October 5th AD 1846
The forenoon.. breeze light at East Ship heading S S E Afternoon.. Sudden shifts of wind with rain and squalls.. At sun set..clear - and wind light at S-W + continues a good breeze. course E S-E. under all sail – one man down with the scurvy
Tuesday Oct 6th
Wind strong untill 8 o clock AM + light the remainder of the day from S-W + N-W + N + some rain – course E-S-E.. Strong breeze At night + rain - -- Lat by obsv 33° 50’ Long. 172°– 55’ E com'cd wetting the hold.
Wednesday Oct [6th crossed out] 7th
Weather very changeable - - + wind unsteady at N-E + N N-E – + East at sun set fore part of the night nearly calm – headed to the S + – E Lat at noon- 32° 14' – Long. 174°-33'-
Thursday Oct 8th
with fine pleasant weather and - a light breeze At S-W – steered E-S-E
Friday Oct 9th
Pleasant light weather and a light breeze At S-S-W- steered E-S-E – Lat at noon 30° – 08’ N Long at 2.PM – 178° 38’ E
Saturday Oct 10th
Light pleasant weather with a light breeze From S-W- steering S-E by -E. Employed fitting our Rigging – Put a new miz n stay + sent down the cutting geer – aloft (Length 12 ½ foot) Lat noon 28°- 48' Passed the Maridian. E- Long at 2 PM 180° - 31 E Or otherwise 179° - 24' W
Sunday Oct 11th Being in West
Longitude is Monday [crossed out] in time – Fine high Weather + a steady breeze at W + - WSW
Sunday October 11th AD1846
The weather fine and pleasant with a good breeze at SW and W. At 8 AM in a squall. The wind shifts suddenly to N with rain Course at SE by E. Being in West longitude again I change the time and call today Sunday again Lat 25° 13' N Long by observed Dist of the sun & moon at 9½ AM ─ 174°-05' West. By Crom'ter at 2 PM 174°-37' West.
Monday Oct 12th
The weather thick & rainey with a fine breeze at N steering SE by E under all sail at night squally ─ No observation this day.
Tuesday Oct 13th
Good weather & a fresh breeze at NNE carried topsail studding sail at night wind varied to the Eastward. Lat by obvs at noon 21° 09' Long by Crom at 2 PM 170° 05' West ─
Wednesday Oct 14th
This day breeze unsteady from NNE to E with squalls of rain swept by the wind to the E & S. Night much the same.
Thursday Oct 15th
In the morning strong squalls of wind & heavy rain with thunder & lightning ─ The afternoon clear and pleasant with a light breeze at East Ship heading SSE Bent a new foretop gallant Lat at noon 18⁰ 47' Long by Cromtr 169° 34'
Friday Oct 16th
Weather good and breeze moderate and steady at ENE & E steered at SE and SSE
Saturday October 17th AD1846
Good weather and a steady moderate breeze variable from NE to E steering SE & SSE
Sunday Oct 18th
Fine light weather with a light breeze at ENE variable to ESE Lat 13° 34'.
Monday Oct 19th
Pleasant weather and a light breeze at E Course made South. Lat 11⁰ 58' Long 168° 34'. Employed at repairing sails and rigging & the Smith has his forge at work- the Cooper is also at his business and the Carpenter has a job & the Capt is a scrimshawing showing that all branches of business flourish at this time.
Tuesday Oct 20th
The weather squally with much rain with the wind variable from ENE to SE at night breeze steady at E. Lat at noon 9 18 N Long 168 02
Wednesday Oct 21st
Fine weather and a steady breeze at ESE Ship under all sail heading SE Lat 9° 20' N Long 168° 02' W
Thursday Oct 22nd
Weather – Squalls with rain Wind variable from NE to SE at 6 AM headed to the ENE with the wind at SE – from 8 to ll AM strong squalls of wind and rain – doubled reefed the top sails – at 12- headed Southd.
Friday Oct 23rd
Squally most of the day with heavy rain from ESE at 2 PM headed S by E. At night clear weather and breeze steady at East.
Fine clear weather with a fresh breeze at E by S– steering by the wind S by E Lat at noon by obvs - 06°35’ N Long. at 2 PM by cromtr 166° 02’ W
Sunday Oct 25th
Fine weather with a steady breeze at ESE Steered S - Lat at 2 PM 4° 40' Long 166° 05' Employed repairing Sails etc etc –
Monday Oct 26th
Fine weather - with a Steady breeze at ESE Steered South. Lat at noon 02° 54' N Employed at Sundry jobs
Tuesday Oct 27th
Light pleasant weather + a light breeze at E. Steered SSE - At 5 PM had a row with Hen. Holt and the capt Interposed his authority And they had some words and Holt has gone off duty with his own accord - - The cause of the row with me was his attempting to take work out of my hands.-
Wednsday Oct 28th
Light weather + light breeze at ENE Steering SE - Employed coopering the oil between decks – Lat at noon – 00° 03' N – Long. 168° 12' W
Thursday Oct 29th
Fine light weather with a light breeze at N-E Steering ESE – Employed coopering oil Lat at noon by obvs 00° 55’ S
Friday Oct 30th
Fine weather with a 6 not breeze at E by N Saw a ship to windward steering to the N + W finished coopering at noon Lat 02° 15' S
Saturday Oct-31st 1846
The weather fine & clear & dry – light air at 8 Steering SSE. Lat. at noon 3° – 40’
Sunday November 1st 1846
Fine pleasant weather with a 5 not breeze at N-N-E at 9 AM. Set the studding sails course E-S-E -- Employed Repairing Sails & Boat etc etc—We have two men off duty with the Scurvey and most of the crew Have a touch of it H—Holt = Lays below yet with the sulks Lat. at noon 4°-40’ Long at 2PM – 166°– 33’ E
Monday Nov. 2nd
Have a fresh whole Sail breeze. At N W + N Steering E S-E -- at 7PM Spoke with Ship Java N-B 600 bbls - Capt. Sick – our Capt & Doctor – go on board - & Return at 8 PM With some potatoes and pumkins – The Dr Remains for a few days & we keep in company & Steer for the Navigator Isleands S by E
Tuesday Nov 3rd
Breeze moderate & light variable from N To S E & light squalls of rain Steered S + S S W in company with the Java.
Wednsday Nov 4th
Have a gentle breeze at NE Steered S in company with the Ship Java Lat 10° 10’ Long 164° 43’
Thursday Nov 5th
Have a fine gentle breeze at E Steered S S W After 2 PM Java yet in company Lat at noon 12° 12’
Friday Nov 6th
With a light breeze at E Steering SW 1/2 S Saw The Eastern of the Navigator Isles at Noon Bearing SW by W
Saturday Nov 7th AD 1846
Breeze light at ESE Sailing along to the Southward of the Land – At - 10 - AM Saw the Isleand of Totuoillah distant 25 miles – Saw two Ships to the N - At Sun Set Shortened Sail + luffed too headings SSE – The land distant 12 miles – bareing W + WSW – The Ship Java within Hail of us. Holt of [off] Duty yet –
Sunday Nov 8th
Weather fine and light – breeze Strong from S-E at day light 10 miles N-E from the N-E point of Tootooillah Kept off – at 7 AM took a Pilot – at 9 Entered the Harbour in Pongpugo Bay and anchored – The Java come in clost after us and let her anchor go near - our - Stern - and - run afoul of us and - Stove our Starboard Boat and otherwise injured us. - It is ten years and two months - since I was in this Harbour in the Barque North America Capt. Richards – Then all was Lewdness + Heathenism - now things are different – The women are chaste + virtuous — and the men are Honest + Friendly – The missionaries have done wonders – In so Short a time — Mr + Mrs Murry are Scotch - and are Prisbyterians – the [they] arrived here in May 1836 – and have Laboured here ever since - that time - the Natives were then - Savages – – Now they are Christians and can rejoice in the Same – After anchoring we cleared the Ship – and made ready to cooper - our Oil again – at night have rain.
Monday, Nov 9th
At 7 AM - turned up the Crew to Break out the cargo to cooper – And they refused to do it before haveing Liberty – during the day much rain - one watch - go on Shore – got of Some jams + Bread fruit + Tarrow etc –
Tuesday Nov 10th AD 1846
Continues heavy rain – + bad - weather – one watch on Shore – Have but a Small pittance of refreshments - except - what each one purchases himself – Salt Beef + Pork - Bread + warm water
Wednsday Nov 11th
Continues rainey the Watch one [on] - Shore and myself - Afternoon weather fine + dry –
Thursday Nov 12th
The weather dry + clear - Starboard watch on Shore - got of [off] one Load of wood -
Friday Nov 13th
The weather dry + fine Employed in getting of wood - got of 5 boat Loads - The Capt bought 2 Small Pigs + lost them at night—
Saturday Nov. 14th or Sunday Nov. 15th
This is Sunday here - have a fine day exceptting two or three - light Showers At noon I go on Shore to meeting + - Mr Murry the Missionary preached to us We were about 20 from the 3 Ships Includeing 4 belonging on Shore — After meeting I go over the Mountain to Fungasar + had a tedious walk about 3 miles each way — return at Sun Set —
Monday Nov 16th
At day light get our Anchor + drop down the Harbour + get two more boat loads of wood – At noon get under weigh + put to Sea with a light breeze At Sun Set - Steered S by E – The Barqe Bayard - Sailed this morning. The Java remains at Anchor —
[Note: there is a gap in the journal of about a week.]
Sunday November 22nd 1846
Since Monday the 16th we have had a steady strong breeze from the S-E & SS-E. Steering S lay too one night for land – Saw none. – At Sun Rise this day saw the Isleand of Eoua - & - Tongatabooa. Run down to the west side of it – and – capt Destin went on shore – But could not get any thing because it is Sunday – they – are – better observers of the Holy day than we are – capt D returned at 5 o-clock – after two hours absence - & kept- off S-W by W – We Left the Navigators with two Pigs and about one bushel – of - tarroo & some. 4 or 5 bunches – of – bannanas – This is our - recruit – to day we have eat the last Pig – and – we go on to the old diet salt meat and hard Bread day after day morning noon and night with warm water sweetened with molasses. We are bound direct to Sidney – New South Wales. I believe - Holt is yet off – duty.
Lat – of - Eoua. 21°-24' S Long 174°- 45' West.
We have had strong breezes - since Sunday the 22nd and have made a good run – The wind has been about S-E – and good weather – course from S by W – to S W by W – Saturday passed to the west & in sight of Norfolk Isleand in Lat 29° -02' and Long 168° 10' E To day we have the wind light at ES-E course S by W & SS-W – employed through the week. Repairing a Boat & Sails & rattleing rigging also – broke out the bone room - intending to bunch the bone.. Holt off duty up to this day
Tuesday
[Note: there is a gap of several days between this page and the next entry in the manuscript.]
Sunday December 6th AD1846
Since Sunday last we have had moderate weather & most of the week fine weather & light breeze from the Eastward & Northward – Employed in rattling the lower rigging & bunching our bone. Saw a large shoal of Sperm whales on Thursday the 3rd & struck one & drawed the iron Friday. Have a strong breeze at N-N-W - Saturday morning have heavy rain from 4 AM to 9 AM with variable wind at night - breeze steady at S-E & we are a a going on finely – on Tuesday we took 2 large black fish & boiled the blubber yesterday & got 4 bbls today – we have fine clear weather & a light 4 not breeze - steering W – Lat at noon by obsv 34° 05’ S Long at 2 ½ PM by cron'ter [chronometer] 155° 30’ E Distant from Sidney N S-W 205 miles & course W Holt is off Duty yet – saw a sail yesterday – steering to the Eastward – finished bunching bone at 2 PM & stowed away 127 bunches estimated at 15000 pounds – At 4 PM this day we are in green water.
Tuesday Dec -8th 1846
At 4 P-M The light house at the enterence of the Harbour of Sidney – Port Jackson in sight from the mast head – right ahead distant 20 miles – breeze light at East – steered ing West – At 12 o clock hauled aback in about 4 miles of the heads. At Sun Rise got a Pilot & stood in – with a light air of wind on –
Wednesday Dec 9th
We come to Anchor in Sidney cove & found several American Whalers and English Merchant Ships – Laying – This is a large harbour & secure any quantity of Shipping may lay here and a fine large city doing a great business.
Thursday Dec 10th AD 1846
Employed in cleaning the outside of the Ship.
Friday Dec 11th
Employed Painting Ship—and we have a plenty of fine Beef + Mutton + vegetables The Ship Splendid of Cold Spring is a laying here with 2500 bbls of oil 31 months out-
Saturday Dec-12th
Employed – Painting- and one watch on Liberty – the weather is fine and dry Holt is yet off duty and has gone on shore to night
Sunday Dec 13th
This day I am on shore-for-the first time on Liberty—I attended devine Service at The Scotch Prysbyterian Church in the morning and in the afternoon at the Catholic where I made but a Short Stay—I spent some time in walking through the city—The day was windy and the dust flew enough to blind me—So far as I have seen of this city of Sidney I do not like It as well as I expected I should—from what I heared of It—I Think I See that old monster foe of ours even here among the English Prejudice will Against couler—where ever you find the White man—
Monday Dec 14th
One watch on shore - the other Employed getting water—Afternoon squally—got in 14 pipes of water
Tuesday Dec 15 1846 AD
Employed drying + cleaning Bone – one watch on-shore—
Wednesday Dec. 16th
Employed with the Bone – afternoon heavy squall of White rain + wind – Larboard watch on Shore on Liberty –
Saturday Dec. 17th
Shiped three tuns of Bone – sold to Mess Campell + co [Campbell and Company]– at £ 130 per tun—we ship 6830 pounds in 72 bundles—At 6 P.M.have a heavy squall of rain + wind from the South
Sunday Dec. 18th
The day clear + pleasant + cold – at evening –one watch on Shore. to day on Liberty –came in a Large Ship yesterday from New Zealand with 900 Souldiers Likewise several Merchantmen Some from England + Some from the coast
Monday. Dec. 19th
got on board 18 tierces of beef and 3000 bbls of bread + cabin stores
Tuesday Dec. 20th
Employed clearing hause + making ready to haul out five men missing – Since Last night –
Wednesday Dec 21st
At 5 A.M. took our anchors and hauled out into the stream – come on board three prisioners to be carried to the U. S – for-trial for setting fire to the Ship Canton Packet – Deserted this day James Thompson. Thomas Burch and Moses Burchell…the two first takeing one of the Ships Boats. Afternoon strong SE + some rain --
Thursday December 24th 1846
Got one Anchor At 6 AM - Afternoon got under weigh and beat down to Watsons Bay. Wind light + the Ebb tide done can not get to sea to night - Anchored at 5 PM -
Friday Dec 25 th Christmas
In the morning calm and pleasant Afternoon have a breeze at NE But we cannot get a Pilot all gone to Keep Christmas day
Saturday Dec 26th
Morning calm. Afternoon have a fine breeze at North –At 2 o clock PM weighed Anchor and beat out to sea in about two hours passed clear of the Heads + left our Pilot at 4 O clock. At 11 o clock have a shift of wind to S W + squally – shortened sail
Sunday Dec 27th
Have a strong breeze at S S W – capt Destin has set the three Prisoners at Liberty and they have agreed to go to work the same as the crew – at six oclock – have the deck all clear + Anchors + chains stowed away half past 6 choose watches anew and likewise Boats crews – This was ment for Saturday Afternoon or Sunday Sea account. This Sunday send down The Royal Yards + mast At 1 PM – head to the S-W breeze moderates