January 28, 1820 – “The sea wrought and was tempestious” during the night, and the wind and current continued strong from the West during the day. Too, the last 24 hours we have made nearly 2 degrees Easting, and 40 or 50 miles Southing. The former is considered as a lose. Our hearts were somewhat tried to be driven away from our course, and as it were from our object. just at the moment when we seemed to be turning the goal to bend our way toward the Northwest. But though we had an almost sleepless night, and though the commotion of the elements continuous, we are not denied the comfort of a good degree of calm resignation, and unshaken confidence. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 28th. 9 o’clock, A. M. The dark cloud, which the sailors termed a whirl-wind as they saw it approach, was not permitted to distress us. It passed over, leaving us a bright sun, but not till we were driven back near to those tumultuous waves. The wind changed so as to prevent our pursuing a direct course, and with the sails furled, we have, through the night, drifted side-wise towards the S. East over mountainous waves. The appearance is more flattering, this mornings the wind fast abating, while shifting a little in our favor.
But I think even now, if our friends on land could stand on deck a little while, they would wonder what must become of us. We wonder what would have become of us, if GOD had commissioned the winds a few hours sooner while wee were in Le Maire. How conspicuous, in all things, are his tender mercies towards us
4 o’clock. We are near the 57 deg. S. Lat.—have passed by the Cape, as you perceive—the wind not allowing us to turn west. The sea remains rough, tho so much d more calm that they have unfurled some of the sails. It is very cold. I sit clad in flannels, with my great red cloak on, quite chilled. From Cape Horn I had hoped to have written Uncle Kent a letter of thanks for this comfortable cloak, as well, as for a multitude of past kindnesses. Perhaps I shall, but my sisters will recollect to remember me affectionately to him, with all the dear, much-loved family. I have not seen a fire since the morning I left Boston. Cannot you conceive it would be pleasant for me to change my apparel and take a seat with you in your rocking-chair, upon your nice carpets, by a comfortable fire, your little table spread, inviting me to partake with you in your cheerful fare? Methinks, many a time, when surrounded with these things, you think, you speak of Sybil on the stormy deep. Now, dear sisters, if a tear drop at this, wipe it away, and rejoice that GOD comforts her with the blessed hope that the day shall come when she shall be arrayed in robes washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb, seated with her beloved Christian sisters and all the redeemed of the Lord, in that glorious palace, where the blessed company “shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, where the sun need not light on them or any heat; for the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water, and GOD shall wipe away all tears from the eyes.”O, may we be found faithful to sit down together there! (Sybil Bingham)

28th. Lain to all day by reason of head winds. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

28. – That gale which commenced yesterday continued 24 hours. The wind has now fallen, & we hope for a favorable time. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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January 29, 1820 – Soon after the last evening sacrifice, and at the very hour of prayer among our friends in our native land, the arm of the Lord was stretched forth for our help, and the winds began to blow favorably. This morning we find with no small satisfaction, our loss speedily and entirely regained. The unexpected appearance of the Cape cheers every heart and calls forth our praise and gratitude to him “whom winds and seas obey.” (Thaddeus Journal)

(12 o’clock) While looking out for the Island south of C. Horn, a sail heaves in sight, tossing like ourselves upon a rough sea, but on a different course, sometimes full in view, and sometimes entirely below the waves. We trust she is American and most gladly would we send communications to our friends if possible. (3 o’clock P.M.) The sail discovered passed rapidly a few miles to the Southeast of us, and is out of sight, on her way doubtless to our native shores, where our friends and helpers dwell, and we hasten our march upon the mountain wave towards a foreign land. The Brig sails nobly in these seas. It was remarked by one of the mates, that no vessel was ever in better trim for passing the cape. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 29th. “At 6 a.m. saw Cape Horn bearing W. by S. ½ S. 12 leagues distance.” (James Hunnewell)

Saturday morn., Jan. 29th. The countenance of our good Capt. is lighted up, and I may say the same of all the others. Cape Horn is again in view, and we approaching it with great rapidity. A light breeze sprung up, last night, ten o’clock—not strong till this morning, but we have already gained all the easting we had drifted, which was between forty, and fifty miles. Thus Are we favored of Him whom winds and waves obey. May we not be high-minded, but fear—fear lest while GOD careth for us, we care not sufficiently for the things of his kingdom. (Sybil Bingham)

29th. A fair wind which carries us towards Cape H. again. (Samuel & Nancy Ruggles)

Jan. 29.-By a strong wind we have been driven fifty or sixty miles east. Sails were taken down and we were carried before the wind. The incessant and violent rocking of the vessel keeps me here laid prostrate upon my couch. Oh, the luxury in feeble health of reclining on a bed with tranquility and ease! But I must not, I will not repine. Even now, though tears bedew my cheeks, I wish not for an alteration in my present situation or future prospects. When I look forward to that land of darkness, whither I am bound, and reflect on the degradation and misery of its inhabitants, follow them into the eternal world, and forward to the great day of retribution, all my petty sufferings dwindle to a point, and I exclaim, what have I to say of trials, I, who can press to my bosom the word of God, and feel interested in those precious promises which it contains. (Lucy Goodale Thurston)

Jan. 29. On the night of the 27th, we were met by a gale of wind from the south west, which lasted near 24 hours. It was so violent we could Kerry no sale. We were driven about forty or fifty miles in an easterly direction last evening the wind changed and we have regained while we lost. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

29. – This morning we discovered Cape Horn. We are now taking our leave of the Atlantic ocean & entering one which at present looks more raging than pacific. At noon we were directly south of the cape. It is a huge bluff of rocks without one verdant spot. The landmark of nations, its sides are lashed with an everlasting swell of waters& seem to bid defiance to contending elements. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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January 30, 1820 – Lord’s Day. – This region of terror we find to be the place of our rejoicing. No Sabbath, perhaps, since our embarkation has been more interesting or happy than this, or deserves a more grateful rememberance. This day we double Cape Horn. and write upon it “Ebenezar.” We enjoyed our meeting in the morning as usual. At 4 P.M. as it was too cold and rough to meet on deck, we assembled in the cabin and attended a public lecture by Br. B. from I Sam. 7:12, in which after giving an exposition of the passage he endeavored to show the prevalence of the ancient practice of wording special favors, and perpetuating their memory by significant names, grateful songs or monuments of praise. &ly. The utility of the practice as it tends to promote gratitude; – to waken a sence of obligation when inclined to murmur; – to give comfort in adversity; – to promote confidence in God; – to increase the knowledge and the praise of God; – 3 ly That it is suitable and important that we should this day record the distinguishing goodness of our God to us and here erect our monument of praise. The service was closed by singing the following original Hymn designed as our monument and entitled,

Jan. 30. Cape Horn. 1820. 1 Sam. 7.12. (Thaddeus Journal)

1. With joyful hearts and grateful praise,
   our Helper, God, thy name we hail,
   Our Ebenezer here we raise,
   While round thy stormy Cape we sail.
2. Conducted by thy sovereign hand,
   Mysterious, mighty, wise and good,
   We left our friends and native land,
   To toss upon the raging flood.
3. Then adverse winds our course delayed
   And dangerous currents rolled below,
   Thy voice the roaring tempest stayed,
   And made the breeze propitious blow.
4. From want, from pestilence, and death,
   Defended by they gracious care,
   To thee we raise our tuneful breath
   Our Rock of Help forbids our fear.
5. This waymark in the trackless seas,
   Fixt by his hand who rules above,
   The tempests of six thousand years
   Have ne’er been able to remove.
6. So shall our grateful record stand,
   That, “Hither by thine aid we come”
   No will we trust thy constant hand
   To bring our souls in safety home.

Having thus publicly erected here our Ebenezer, of praise, as we hope, to the God of our Salvation, we desire forever hereafter to remember his signal and undeserved goodness. We desire that the name of our divine Helper may be glorified by future navigators when they double this cape; by our Patrons and benefactors when employed in the same work; by our Patrons and benefactors when they see that their prayers are thus far answered, by the rising and future generations both in heathen and christian lands, when they look on the map of the world and remember that the first Christian Mission to the Sandwich Isles passed the dangerous region of Cape Horn, singing the praises of the God of Zion, for his smiles upon the enterprise and for his gracious assistance thus far. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 30th. Sabbath. An interesting day to us—a day in which we “double Cape Horn”, long the object of hope and fear. While we find some part of the way around it rough, we are, indeed, greatly smiled upon, and allowed to set up our Ebenezer, saying, “thus far hath the Lord helped us.” Permitted to do it unitedly and publicly, as we have been, will our gracious Lord accept us in it, through his beloved Son. We assembled in the cabin for worship, (the weather being too inclement to be on deck) when Mr. B— addressed us extemporaneously, from 1st Sam. 7. 12. “Then Samuel took a stone and set it between,” etc. After a full exposition of the passage, showed 1st. It was customary in ancient days for those who received special favors from the hand of GOD, to regard his goodness by setting up same monument of his praise. 2nd. The practice of recording and perpetuating the memory of divine favors, is suitable and important, as it tends to promote gratitude—to awaken a sense of obligation when inclined to murmur—to give comfort in adversity—to promote confidence in GOD—to encrease the knowledge and praise of GOD. 3rd. If the practice be suitable and important, if it tend to these things, then sould we, this day, record his distinguishing goodness to us, and here erect our monument of praise.
0, that indeed we did! Methinks, my heart, cold as it is would aspire to praise, exalting in the thought, that the tempest and whirlwinds lie in the future path, all shall not prevent the erecting a monument at this spot, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” How do these mercies which we experience, witness for God, that He heareth prayer ! If He continue a spirit of prayer in Zion for this Mission, it; shall prosper, tho wicked men, and the powers of darkness conspire against it. 0, to be ashamed of past ingratitude—past distrust; and while we erect our Ebenezer, devote ourselves anew to our divine Master’s work I My beloved sisters, GOD strengthening me, I will. Renew the fervour of your petitions for me, praying that I may ’make his service my delight, assured. He’ll make my wants, his care.’ We sung, at the close of the lecture, the following occasional hymn entitled, “Ebenezer”. (Sybil Bingham)

January 30th. 1820.-Lat. about 57-20 Long. from Cape Horn. Sabbath preaching in the cabin by Mr. B. from 1st Sam. 7, 12 v. ‘Here we set up our Ebenezer, &c – for hitherto the Lord helped us.’ (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

30th. Passed west of the cape which we have so long dreaded. What shall we render to the Lord for all his benefits to us. It becomes us to devote our lives anew to his service, and live more than ever to his glory. We know not what is yet to befal us ere we reach the fields of our labours, but we know that hitherto the Lord has helped us; and now not all the storms and tempests and dangers which may await us, shall hinder our erecting here in this cold and dismal region, around this memorable way. – Mark our EBENEZER of raise to him who has thus far been our preserver & Deliverer. Brother B. has written the following lines for the occasion which was sung at the close of our public worship. – Brig Thaddeus off Cape Horn Jan. 30th 1820
Cape Horn appears to be an island of rocks piled one above another; the horn or point is a huge black rock of “terrible appearance and seems to bid defiaance to contending elements. – (Samuel Ruggles)
111 days out. Lat 40. Long 63.
Two weeks to-day since we doubled the cape and bade farewell to the Atlantic. During the last eighteen we have made 25 degrees Lat. and 15 Lon. We have been detained only two days since we came in sight of Terra del Fuego a day becalmed in the strait of Le Maire and a day we lay to in a storm off the Cape. We have had rough seas a considerable part of the time but the wind, has been almost constantly in our favor. We anticipated that our passage round the Cape would be the most tedious part of our voyage, but favor has been shown us far beyond our expectations. We have not only had some as smooth sailing as at any time since we embarked, but in some respects it has been the pleasantest part. Perhaps no vessel ever passed this cold region with more uninterrupted prosperity. We now consider ourselves out of the reach of the C. storms, and the weather is warm enough for us to sit comfortably on deck. We hope to reach the field of our labours in about 40 days. O how pleasant the thought that I am so soon to set my feet on land; and on that land where I have so long desired to be placed. I believe I shall enjoy health if I live to reach the shore — We have never been able to catch any fish until we entered the Pacific, since then we have caught several Porpoises, which have furnished us with some rare meals. (Samuel Ruggles.)

Jan. 30. Lat. 58 S. This morning (Sabbath) we passed the Cape. At the close of public worship (the hymn Ebenezer was sung). We suffer some with the cold, as we have no fire below; though the weather is more mild than I expected. This morning I was so chilled as to be unable to sit without shaking. I sometimes think it would be very pleasant to sit down by a good fire (a comfort which my dear friends probably enjoy) but I feel contented without one Though the natural sun denies us his cheering and enlivening beams, I trust we in some measure enjoy the rays of the Sun of Righteousness, and our souls are thereby strengthened and invigorated. I have been enabled this day to look forward with humble hope to that state of future blessedness, where there will be no need of the light or heat of the sun, but where “the glory of God will enlighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

30. – We are now safely past the cape. This is what sailors call one chance to a thousand, but missionaries look upon it as a signal blessing of God. Here we set up our Ebeneser for thus far the Lord has helped us. The events of this day, the kindness experienced & the good dealings of providence shall ever stand on my record to excite gratitude. And when I remember this my vow, may the Lord help me to raise this ejaculatory prayer. O God stand by the Heralds of Salvation who shall hereafter pass this cape, & preserve them as thou hast preserved us. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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January 31, 1820 – This day is also a season of rejoicing. The voice of health contentment and praise, gives the cheerful response to the breeze of prosperity. Peace without and peace within, while we are rapidly borne westward into the waters of the Pacific. Lat. S 58° Lon. W. 68°. The days are long, having about 17 hours sun, and the twilight continues through the short night, keeping along the Southern horizon. At sunsetting the mercury stands at 46 Fahrenheit. Though it is but little past midsummer here, it requires a winter dress to make us comfortably warm. (Thaddeus Journal)

Jan. 31st. This morning finds our family well— the winds taking us fast into the Pacific. Peace without—peace within. Evening. It is some minutes past nine o’clock, but day-light is not so far gone but I write this with so much of it as comes in at the little round glass at the top of the room. Sophia will remember that is all the window I have. It is very pleasant, now so far away, to recollect one dear sister has trod upon the floor which I tread from hour to hour. I love to look up at the names over the door— then think of the hymn to be sung when we came into mind, “Begone unbelief—” (Sybil Bingham)

Jan. 31. We are daily called upon by the providence of god law for the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Notwithstanding we are in this cold and dreary region and at this point which is thought to be the most dangerous sailing on the globe, we can sit down with cheerful hearts to our ordinary, though frugal meals; and arise with gratitude, to the Giver of our mercies. The weather continues cold and unpleasant. But though cold and comforts be the way in which a kind providence shall lead us, I hope we shall cheerfully acquiesce in all His dealings. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

3[1]. – Owing to westerly winds we are driven farther south than our Capt. wished to go. The weather is so cold that I can hardly keep warm by walking fast with my cloak on. Thermometer stands at 46°. We are on the same meridian of longitude as our friends at home; but our situation is somewhat different. They are pinched with northern blasts we would southern. They are surrounded with comforts of home, we would mercies abroad. And though the waves of the Pacific rage about us we feel that the arm on which we lean is omnipotent. Few families in New England we believe have more real enjoyment than this little band of brethren. Blessed with health & far more of the comforts of life than we ever expected at sea; with high hopes of soon setting our feet on heathen shores & performing the work of our heavenly Father, we are happy. (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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