November 15, 1819 – no entry (Thaddeus Journal)
15th, strong gales. (James Hunnewell)
“Saturday Morning, 15th day after sailing: My Dear Brothers: We weighed anchor soon after you left us. A gentle gale wafted us about 10 miles that day, when we had a calm which detained us till the next morning. A kind providence seemed to order it for the best however, for, in the course of the evening, it was ascertained that our soft bread and crackers and all the ardent spirits were left behind. Consequently, a boat was sent off for Boston that night, which did not return until the next day towards night. A fine breeze blew up which took us off at the rate of 8 miles an hour. Our seasickness came on, and before morning every passenger, except the 4 native youths were broadside. I need not attempt to describe the horrors of seasickness, for I believe it is well understood by most of you. However, to make the best of us, we were a pitiable company. I think here was an exception to the saying that misery loves company, for I believe the miseries of one was no consolation to those of another.
Could the transactions of the first week have been penned, I am sure, while they would have called forth sensations of pity from your heart, would at the same time afford merriment. Sorrow and despondency were depicted on every countenance, while scarcely a look of love or complacency was discernable one towards the other.
To multiply our sorrows we were visited with unfavorable winds. high seas, and heavy gales, the three first weeks of our voyage. It will be 4 weeks tomorrow since we embarked, and we are now in Lat. 33, 20. Eleven days calm.” (Lucia Ruggles Holman)
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