January 9, 1820 – We have been gratified today by the exhbition of some of the works of God in the mighty deep, particularly the appearance of several whales, the first we have seen, a shark, and a multitude of porpuses. But the manifestation of divine favor to sinners, the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ is still more interesting. This is a favored Sabbath. The comfort and aid of the Spirit seem to have been enjoyed by the covenant people of God, in good measure. The broad and benevolent design of Christ’s kingdom: the certainty of its universal prevalence, and the duty of promoting its interests were set forth in a sermon from John 10, 16 by Brother Thurston. After a tossing boistrous week the Lord of the Sabbath speaks peace to the winds and waves and peace to our souls.
Lat. S. 40. Lon. W. 50 (Thaddeus Journal)

January 9, Sabbath. A calm pleasant day. Divine service on deck- subject chosen from John’s Gospel – 10 Chap., 16 V. A most excellent Missionary sermon by Brother Thurston. (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

Jan. 9. During the gale a great number of sea-fowls were constantly flying about the vessel: of these are several kinds; the most remarkable is the Albatross resembling a goose tho’ much larger: we see great numbers of them every day. I endeavored to catch one the other morning but he broke the line and went off with the hook in his mouth.
I tried a second time and drew one almost into the boat when he tore himself away and left us. broth. 0. has just shot one & the sea being calm we were able to get it. It measures 10 feet from tip to tip. I am now writing with one of its quils which is 18 inches in length. I intend to send one to A. if possible. We see whales every day. they are often close along side and afford, us much diversion with their jumping and spouting. A very large one was seen yesterday half as long as the Thaddeus his head was covered with shell fish. – (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

Jan. 9. After experiencing trials and dangers (the week past) we enjoy a pleasant Sabbath. Truly our covenant God is ever mindful of us. His omnipotent arm is outstretched for our deliverance and comfort. From day to day he preserves and sustains us; blesses us with health of body and peace of mind; while we enjoyed the dear delights of friendship, and feel all those tender ties of love and affection, which unite the hearts of brother and sisters. The Lord hath done great things for us, and blessed be his name. Having called us to separate from friends and home, He has comforted us with the promise “Lo I am with you.” Enjoying his presence we shall be happy, though separated from the dearest friend on earth. We are but pilgrims and strangers, who were traveling through this world. Ere long we shall reach that end of our journey and rest in peace. But we need strong faith and confidence in God to carry us in safety on our way, – and in able us to overcome and conquer all our spiritual foes. Trusting in the Lord we will cheerfully proceed, and if permitted, engage in the great work to which he has called us. And at last, may we be so happy as to hear the welcome sentence, “Well done good and faithful servants, enter ye into the joy of your lord.” (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

9. – This has been a good Sabbath to me. Felt some enlargement in prayer at our social meeting this morning. Brother T. preached this evening from the words ‘others sheep have I’ etc. I hope here-after to live a more holy life. Ardent piety in a missionary is indispensable. Several large whales came along side to day. They are hideous looking creatures, some are said to be as long as our ship. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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January 10, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

10th. As Mr. Ruggles has mentioned the particulars of our trials during the long and tempestuous gale, which we have recently experienced,’ I shall only add my desire to unite with him in requesting our American friends to bless the Lord in our behalf for his perserving mercy. I did not venture on deck myself until the storm abated, but when I did, it seemed indeed as if the foundations of the great deep were broken up; while peace and serenity prevaded every countenance. –
“The storm is laid the winds retire Obedient to thy will;
The sea that roars at thy command,
At thy command is still.” (Nancy Ruggles)

10th. Three large ships seen yesterday and one this morning supposed, to be the S. sea whalers. We hope to be in sight of the Falkland in 3 or 4 days. We long to get into the Pacific ocean. Capt. B. says we cannot expect, rougher weather in doubling the cape than we have already had. (Samuel Ruggles)

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While the missionaries and the crew of the Thaddeus did not know it at the time, this marks the midway point of the voyage of the Thaddeus (in time).

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January 11, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 11th. What can I say to my sisters, this morning? I can tell them, could the eye glance across the great waters and catch the little bark, ascending and descending the mountainous waves, which contains their dear sister, their hands would be involuntarily extended for her relief, and their cry would be save her! The sea runs very high, while the wind roars through the naked riggings as you may have heard it, in a November’s day, through the leafless trees of a majestic forest. The dashing of the waves on deck, the frequent fall of something below, the violent motion of the vessel, going up and then down, would seem to conspire to terrify and distress; yet I feel my mind calm as if by a winter’s fire in my own happy land. Is it not of the mercy of GOD? I feel it is. But, 0, the poor returns I make! We are approaching Cape Horn. What terrific scenes await us there, we know not. Sufficient for us, our Pilot is divinely wise, divinely good. Sabbath was a peaceful day. me angry ocean, these many days enraged, seemed to regard its sacred hours. I think it was a day of more than usual enjoyment in my own mind. Brother T— preached from these words, “Other sheep have I which are not, etc.” We have no appearance of a revival at Sea. How does the Holy Spirit dispense his favors as he will, but, 0, to stand in a waiting posture! (Sybil Bingham)

Jan. 11. – We are now experiencing another gale equal in violence to the one on the 7th. Surely there is a meaning in all this. I fear we are not prepared for the work of evangelizing the heathen. Stay thine hand O God we beseech thee: say unto the elements it is enough. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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January 12, 1820 – no entry. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 12th. We were called on deck to look at something new to us among the numberless works of the great Creator. A whale had made its appearance, lying along side of the vessel. It sported about in the water, one side and the other, presenting, at short intervals, its huge back upon the surface, for a considerable time. We were as much amused as children, while it spoke that entreating hand, By whom supported still, we stand.” The commotion of the sea is a little subsided, tho’ yet very rough, and the wind piercing. (Sybil Bingham)

“Cold, stormy day, off the coast of Patagonia, opposite Cape St. Joseph’s Lat. 42°-40”. Begin to feel the effects of C. Horn.
Cold. blustering winds and high seas which seem as if they would throw poor Thaddeus on her “beam-ends” as the sailors say. Not unfrequently a sea takes her broadside, and breaking, overflows the whole deck, sweeping all before it – and one time came well-nigh taking our Captain overboard. It might be called a hairbreadth escape. The report is “like the thundering cannon of the day of judgment.”
I sometimes feel a little afraid because there is danger of our masts being taken away- but generally feel composed, and as safe as on Terra-Firma. He “who holds the seas in his fist and taketh up the Islands as a very small thing,” can, and will surely protect all such as put their trust in him.
My health is better to-day than it has been in a month past. I am consequently very happy – I have learned 6 sentences in Owhyhee, read 2 pages in the “Materia-Medica,” written 3 pages in my journal, drank a toast with Capt. Blanchard, besides spending a half hour in idle chit-chat with Mr. Loomis about our want of room and convenient accommodations, as our neighbors have, our station being in the cabin where all the commotion and news of the day is passing. I have accomplished all this since breakfast and is the greatest day’s work done since I came on board. Dined on baked pork and beans – nothing wanting but a good appetite and a thankful heart.” (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

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